Patents by Inventor Jose Merino Lopez

Jose Merino Lopez 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: 9604422
    Abstract: A layer of cellular material forms a running layer (14A) of a tread (14) in which tread pattern elements (20, 22, 26) are made. In order to form the cellular material, an uncured blank is provided with a mass of material comprising p,p?-oxybis(benzenesulphonyl hydrazide) that forms a pore-forming agent. The uncured blank is placed in a vulcanization mold (28) comprising molding elements (30, 32, 34). At least 95% of the molding elements (30, 32, 34) each satisfy the following two conditions: a) the molding element (30, 32, 34) is separated from at least one other molding element (30, 32, 34) by a distance, expressed in millimeters, of less than or equal to DM=6.85+0.0065T3, T, greater than or equal to 3 phr, being the amount of p,p?-oxybis(benzenesulphonyl hydrazide) in the mass of material intended to form the cellular material, b) the molding element (30, 32, 34) is intended to form a tread pattern element (20, 22, 26) having a depth at least equal to 80% of the thickness of the running layer (14A).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignees: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN, MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE S.A.
    Inventors: Jose Merino Lopez, Didier Vasseur, Olivia Cuscito, Sylvain Petit Jean
  • Patent number: 9592705
    Abstract: Provided is a pneumatic tire capable of yielding excellent water-draining performance, while reducing air column resonance. This pneumatic tire (1) has a tread (3) and at least one ply (2) arranged toward the interior of the tread in the radial direction. The tread has at least one main channel (4) and a flexible fence (5) formed inside the main channel. The main channel has a bottom (413) and opposing first and second wall surfaces (411, 412). The flexible fence extends along the width of the main channel so as to block at least 70% of a cross sectional area of the main channel, and is arranged at intervals so that at least one is present in the main channel in the tread footprint when the tire rolls. A plurality of recesses having an opening that opens in the main channel are formed on the bottom, first wall surface and/or second wall surface of the main channel, the flexible fence being connected to the recess and extending into the main channel via the opening of the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignees: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN, MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE S.A.
    Inventors: Gael Roty, Ludovic Greverie, Jose Merino Lopez, Jean-Pierre Queslel, Bernard Villeneuve
  • Patent number: 9593266
    Abstract: A self-sealing elastomer composition that includes a diene elastomer, a hydrocarbon resin with a given softening temperature, and a liquid plasticizing agent, is manufactured according to a process that includes successive stages. In one stage, the hydrocarbon resin is incorporated in the diene elastomer by kneading the resin and the elastomer in a mixer at or up to a temperature referred to as “hot compounding” temperature, which is greater than the softening temperature of the resin, in order to obtain a masterbatch. In another stage, the liquid plasticizing agent is incorporated in the masterbatch by kneading the agent and the masterbatch in the same mixer or in another mixer, in order to obtain the self-sealing composition. The self-sealing composition then is formed dimensionally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignees: Compagnie Generale Des Etablissements Michelin, Michelin Recherche Et Technique S.A.
    Inventors: José Merino Lopez, Frédéric Pialot, Damien Fombelle, Gérard Bor
  • Publication number: 20170028660
    Abstract: A method of retreading a tire casing includes the step of disposing a cured rubber tread on a carcass with a layer of hot-melt material interposed between the tread and the carcass. The method continues with the step of rollering the tread by means of at least one roller with a width (r) that is less than a width (b) of the tread.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Publication date: February 2, 2017
    Applicants: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN, MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE, S.A.
    Inventor: Jose MERINO LOPEZ
  • Patent number: 9556329
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing a self-sealing elastomer composition, said process comprising the following steps: a masterbatch, comprising at least one diene elastomer and more than 30 phr of a hydrocarbon resin, is firstly manufactured by compounding these various components in a mixer at a temperature or up to a temperature called the “hot compounding” temperature which is above the softening point of the hydrocarbon resin; and then at least one crosslinking system is incorporated into the masterbatch thus prepared, by compounding everything in the same mixer or in a different mixer, at a temperature or up to a temperature which is kept below 100° C., in order to obtain said self-sealing composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignees: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A., COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN
    Inventors: Frederic Pialot, Damien Fombelle, Bozena Voge, Jose Merino Lopez
  • Publication number: 20170008338
    Abstract: Vehicle rim for mounting of a tire, comprising: an axially central part (20) comprising a disc; two lateral parts (31, 32), at least one of the lateral parts being separate from the axially central part, each of the lateral parts having a rim seat to receive a bead of a tire, the axially central part and the two lateral parts being made from a rigid matrix; an intermediate part (41, 42) that forms the only mechanical link between the axially central part and each lateral part that is separate from the axially central part, this intermediate part being made of a flexible matrix, the Young's modulus of uniaxial extension of the flexible matrix being greater than and equal to 50 MPa and less than or equal to 400 MPa; wherein the Young's modulus of uniaxial extension of the rigid matrix is greater than or equal to 5 GPa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Applicants: COMPAGNIE CENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN, Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventor: José Merino Lopez
  • Publication number: 20170001470
    Abstract: Vehicle rim for the mounting of a tire, comprising: an axially central part (20) comprising a disc; two lateral parts (31, 32), at least one of the lateral parts being separate from the axially central part, each of the lateral parts having a rim seat receiving a bead of a tire, the axially central part and the two lateral parts being made from a rigid matrix reinforced by a plurality of reinforcement elements; an intermediate part (41, 42) linking the axially central part and each lateral part separate therefrom, this intermediate part being made of a flexible matrix reinforced by a reinforcement, wherein 1 MPa ?the Young's modulus of uniaxial extension of the flexible matrix ?100 MPa, the Young's modulus of uniaxial extension of the reinforcement elements is ?5 GPa; wherein the Young's modulus of uniaxial extension of the rigid matrix is ?5 GPa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Publication date: January 5, 2017
    Inventor: José Merino Lopez
  • Publication number: 20160339660
    Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a tire casing, at least one electrically conductive wire forms turns that are centered on a main axis of the casing. Additionally, a bonding layer is incorporated into the casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Applicants: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN, MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE, S.A.
    Inventors: Gregory MARCET, Henri HINC, Jose MERINO LOPEZ, Mathieu DELBOS
  • Publication number: 20160318273
    Abstract: A method for retreading a tire casing is disclosed herein. The method includes at least the following steps: an internal volume of a casing carcass is put under negative pressure, a vulcanized tread closed in the form of a ring is provided, and—the tread is laid on the carcass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Publication date: November 3, 2016
    Applicants: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN, MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE S.A.
    Inventors: Jose MERINO LOPEZ, Cedric ASTIER
  • Patent number: 9415639
    Abstract: A pneumatic tire includes an internal sealing layer, which partially delimits an internal volume of the pneumatic tire, and a self-sealing layer formed of a self-sealing product. The self-sealing layer is positioned radially on an inside region with respect to the internal sealing layer, and has a creep resistance indicator that decreases radially outwards, i.e., towards outside of the pneumatic tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignees: Compagnie Generale Des Etablissements Michelin, Michelin Recherche Et Technique S.A.
    Inventors: Bozena Voge, José Merino Lopez, Michel Ahouanto
  • Patent number: 9393837
    Abstract: An elastomer composition having a self-sealing property includes: a blend of at least two solid elastomers, in which “elastomer A” is a polybutadiene or butadiene copolymer elastomer, in which “elastomer B” is a natural rubber or synthetic polyisoprene elastomer, and in which an elastomer A:elastomer B weight ratio is within a range from 10:90 to 90:10; between 30 and 90 phr of a hydrocarbon resin, with phr meaning parts by weight per 100 parts of solid elastomer; and from 0 to less than 120 phr of filler, which includes from 0 to less than 30 phr of reinforcing filler. The composition may be used to form a puncture-resistant layer in an inflatable article, such as a tire. The puncture-resistant layer may be used in combination with an airtight layer to form an airtight and puncture-resistant laminate for the inflatable article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignees: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN, MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE S.A.
    Inventors: Bozena Voge, Jose Merino Lopez, Vincent Pelissier
  • Publication number: 20160032215
    Abstract: Elastomer composition having a self-sealing property which can be used in particular as puncture-resistant layer in an inflatable article, based on at least (phr meaning parts by weight per 100 parts of solid elastomer): a blend of at least two solid elastomers, a polybutadiene or butadiene copolymer elastomer, referred to as “elastomer A”, and a natural rubber or synthetic polyisoprene elastomer, referred to as “elastomer B”, the elastomer A: elastomer B ratio by weight being within a range from 10:90 to 90:10; between 30 and 90 phr of a hydrocarbon resin; from 0 to less than 30 phr of filler. Inflatable article, such as a tire, provided with a puncture-resistant layer comprising this elastomer composition; the puncture-resistant layer is advantageously used in combination with an airtight layer, for example based on butyl rubber or TPS elastomer, in order to form, in the inflatable article, an airtight and puncture-resistant laminate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: Bozena VOGE, Vincent PELISSIER, José Merino LOPEZ
  • Patent number: 9243133
    Abstract: Elastomer composition having a self-sealing property which can be used in particular as puncture-resistant layer in an inflatable article, based on at least (phr meaning parts by weight per 100 parts of solid elastomer): a blend of at least two solid elastomers, a polybutadiene or butadiene copolymer elastomer, referred to as “elastomer A”, and a natural rubber or synthetic polyisoprene elastomer, referred to as “elastomer B”, the elastomer A:elastomer B ratio by weight being within a range from 10:90 to 90:10; between 30 and 90 phr of a hydrocarbon resin; from 0 to less than 30 phr of filler. Inflatable article, such as a tire, provided with a puncture-resistant layer comprising a composition according to the invention; the puncture-resistant layer is advantageously used in combination with an airtight layer, for example based on butyl rubber or TPS elastomer, in order to form, in the inflatable article, an airtight and puncture-resistant laminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignees: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN, Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventors: Bozena Voge, Vincent Pelissier, Jose Merino Lopez
  • Patent number: 9211686
    Abstract: A method for protecting a tire against punctures includes: providing a self-sealing layer; providing an anti-tack layer that includes particles having a shape factor higher than 5; forming a tire such that the self-sealing layer is built into the tire during manufacture of the tire; and applying the anti-tack layer a radially internal surface of the self-sealing layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignees: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN, MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE S.A.
    Inventors: Jose Merino Lopez, Bozena Voge, Michel Ahouanto
  • Publication number: 20150307756
    Abstract: Process for the manufacture of a self-sealing elastomer composition comprising at least one diene elastomer, one hydrocarbon resin with a given softening temperature and one liquid plasticizing agent, characterized in that it comprises the following successive stages: (a) incorporating the hydrocarbon resin in the diene elastomer by kneading these components in a mixer at a temperature or up to a temperature referred to as “hot compounding” temperature greater than the softening temperature of the hydrocarbon resin, in order to obtain a masterbatch; (b) incorporating the liquid plasticizing agent in the masterbatch by kneading the combined mixture in the same mixer or in a different mixer, in order to obtain the self-sealing composition; and (c) forming the said self-sealing composition dimensionally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Applicants: MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE S.A., COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN
    Inventors: Jose MERINO LOPEZ, Frédéric PIALOT, Damien FOMBELLE, Gérard BOR
  • Publication number: 20150075691
    Abstract: A tyre has a form of a torus that is open radially on an inside portion. The tyre includes inner and outer walls, a crown, two sidewalls, two beads, a crown reinforcement, and a carcass reinforcement anchored in the beads and extending at least from the beads as far as the crown. The inner wall is covered at least in part with an airtight layer, and the airtight layer is covered at least in part with a layer of a self-sealing product. Each of the beads includes an annular reinforcing structure, with each annular reinforcing structure being formed of a plurality of windings of a single metal thread. The windings are arranged in a plurality of radially superposed layers, with each layer having a group of the windings arranged axially in a side by side manner, such that the superposed layers have a hexagonal cross section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicants: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ESTABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN, Michelin Recherche et Techniques S.A.
    Inventors: Jose Merino Lopez, Michel Ahouanto, Serge Lefebvre, Julien Flament
  • Patent number: 8957132
    Abstract: Process for the manufacture of an elastomer composition having a self-sealing property which is based on at least (phr meaning parts by weight per 100 parts of solid elastomer): a blend of at least two solid elastomers, a polybutadiene or butadiene copolymer elastomer, referred to as “elastomer A”, and a natural rubber or synthetic polyisoprene elastomer, referred to as “elastomer B”, the elastomer A:elastomer B ratio by weight being within a range from 10:90 to 90:10; between 30 and 90 phr of a hydrocarbon resin; from 0 to less than 30 phr of filler, in which, during a first stage or stage (a), a masterbatch comprising at least the elastomers A and B and between 30 and 90 phr of a hydrocarbon resin is prepared by mixing these various components in a mixer at a “hot compounding” temperature or up to a “hot compounding” temperature which is greater than the softening temperature of the hydrocarbon resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignees: Compagnie Generale des Establissements Michelin, Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventors: Bozena Voge, Vincent Pelissier, Jose Merino Lopez
  • Publication number: 20150007645
    Abstract: A method for testing a punctured tyre's resistance to a loss in pressure includes: creating a plurality of punctures in a wall of the tyre by inserting a plurality of puncturing objects through the wall; running the tyre with the puncturing objects in the wall thereof over a given distance with a regulated inflation pressure; stopping the running of the tyre; and determining, for each puncture, a pressure loss resistance index based on an estimate of a leak rate of the puncture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Jose Merino Lopez, Michel Ahouanto
  • Patent number: 8863799
    Abstract: A tire with a cellular layer is provided. The tire includes a tire structure formed of at least one crown extended by two sidewalls and two beads. A base of each of the two beads is configured to be mounted onto a rim seat. The tire also includes a carcass-type reinforcing structure anchored into the two beads, and a layer that includes a cellular material, also referred to as a cellular layer. The cellular layer is positioned on an inner wall of the tire structure, such that the cellular layer is bonded to the tire structure over at most over 20% of a surface of the cellular layer and is not bonded to the tire structure elsewhere on the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique
    Inventor: Jose Merino-Lopez
  • Patent number: 8833415
    Abstract: A pneumatic tire with a built-in self-sealing layer is described. The tire includes an outer rubbery tread, a carcass reinforcement, a gastight layer located at an inside position relative to the carcass reinforcement, a protective layer positioned innermost, and a self-sealing layer adjacent to the protective layer and located at an inside position relative to the gastight layer. The protective layer is a chlorinated thermoplastic polymer film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignees: Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin, Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventors: Marc Greiveldinger, Jose Merino Lopez, Michel Ahouanto, Frédéric Pialot