Patents by Inventor Jeffrey H. Helms

Jeffrey H. Helms has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6129948
    Abstract: A high-velocity spray nozzle is used to physically embed conductive particles into the surface of a non-conductive substrate, thereby rendering it electrically conductive. In contrast to existing, chemically based alternatives, the method offers the use of a dry process with no chemical baths and associated environmental concerns; the ability to produce localized modifications, only in areas where actually required; the use of simple materials, such as air and powdered graphite; and a potential cost savings. Methods of modifying localized areas of the underlying substrate are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: National Center for Manufacturing Sciences
    Inventors: Howard K. Plummer, Robert C. McCune, Jeffrey H. Helms
  • Patent number: 5484838
    Abstract: The invention is a molded thermoplastic article having a modified electrical conductivity and hence being particularly adapted for electrostatic painting. The article is composed of a composition comprising a polymer blend of at least two polymers and electrically conductive carbon black. The polymer blend comprises a crystalline polymer and an amorphous or semi-crystalline polymer, the crystalline polymer comprising at least about 35 weight percent of the blend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey H. Helms, Edmund J. Blais, Mo-Fung Cheung
  • Patent number: 5337184
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a thermoplastic ionic conductor composition comprising a polymeric adduct having an acrylic backbone and polyether side chains, and an alkali metal salt. The polymeric adduct is made by reacting a particularly defined hydroxy-functional acrylic copolymer with polyether monoisocyanate. The composition is useful, e.g., in electrochromic devices as the electrolyte layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey H. Helms, Joseph W. Holubka, Edmund J. Blais
  • Patent number: 5186813
    Abstract: A uniform, topographically planar layer of an electroactive polymer is electrodeposited onto a conductive substrate by first electrodepositing onto the conductive substrate a thin initiating layer of a different electroactive polymer prepared from monomer having a lower oxidation potential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Jeffrey H. Helms
  • Patent number: 5128013
    Abstract: A uniform, topographically planar layer of an electroactive polymer is electrodeposited onto a conductive substrate by first electrodepositing onto the conductive substrate a thin initiating layer of a different electroactive polymer prepared from monomer having a lower oxidation potential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Jeffrey H. Helms
  • Patent number: 5100523
    Abstract: An interposed layer of amorphous carbon promotes the adhesion between conductive substrates and electrochemically deposited polymers. Such a carbon layer may be deposited directly onto the conductive substrate by conventional methods such as, for example, chemical vapor deposition. The subsequently applied electrochemically deposited polymer adheres more tenaciously to the amorphous carbon coating than if it had been electrodeposited directly onto the conductive substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey H. Helms, H. Kiel Plummer, Jr., Michael A. Tamor