Patents by Inventor Kevin McCullough

Kevin McCullough 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).

  • Publication number: 20030038393
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a thermally conductive article having an integrated thermally conductive surface. The method involves molding a first thermally conductive composition to form a body of the article and then molding a second thermally conductive composition to form an integrated surface on the body of the article. The integrated thermally conductive surface can interface with a heat-generating device (e.g., an electronic part) to dissipate heat from the device. The invention also encompasses thermally conductive articles produced by this method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventors: Jeffrey Panek, Kevin A. McCullough
  • Publication number: 20030040563
    Abstract: This invention relates to a thermally conductive molding composition having a thermal conductivity greater than 3 W/m° K. The composition consists essentially of: a) 30% to 60% of a polymer matrix; b) 25% to 60% of boron nitride; and c) 25% to 60% of alumina. The boron nitride and alumina are dispersed throughout the polymer matrix. The composition can be molded or cast into a variety of articles such as packaging materials for semiconductor devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventors: E. Mikhail Sagal, Kevin A. McCullough, James Miller
  • Publication number: 20030019103
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of constructing a heat pipe that includes providing a heat pipe with phase change media therein and injection overmolding the heat pipe with a conductive composition. The thermally conductive composition absorbs or reflects electro magnetic interference waves and prevents their transmission into and through the heat pipe to the electronic components being cooled by the heat pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: E. Mikhail Sagal, Kevin A. McCullough, James D. Miller
  • Publication number: 20030011066
    Abstract: The present invention provides a novel visible light curable composition for forming a thermally conductive interface and a method of using the same. The composition is used to promote the transfer of heat from a source of heat such as an electronic device to a heat dissipation device such as a heat sink. The composition includes an elastomeric base matrix containing a light curable catalyst, loaded with a thermally conductive filler material such as boron nitride grains or ceramic filler. After the compound is prepared, it is screen or stencil printed onto the desired surface and cured by exposure to visible light. The present invention provides a thermal interface that is bonded to the surface of the desired surface and has sufficient compressibility to allow it to overcome the voids in the mating surface to which the assembly is mounted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Kevin A. McCullough
  • Patent number: 6503964
    Abstract: A thermally conductive and electromagnetic interference and radio frequency reflective polymer composition and a method for creating the same is disclosed. Thermally conductive filler material is coated with a thermally conductive and electromagnetic interference and radio frequency reflective coating material and mixed with a base polymer matrix. The mixture is molded into the desired shape. The electromagnetic interference and radio frequency reflective coating material prevents the absorption and transfer of EMI and RF waves through the filler material thus resulting in an EMI and RF reflective composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Cool Options, Inc.
    Inventors: Lyle James Smith, Mikhail Sagal, James D. Miller, Kevin A. McCullough
  • Publication number: 20020185270
    Abstract: A heat sink assembly for removing heat from an object having an outer surface includes a main body with an object receiving seat. A pair of flexible securing tabs are connected to the free edge of the open end of the main body which emanate into the open end of the main body. A heat dissipation members emanate from the outer surface of the main body to assist in dissipating the heat received by the main body from the heat generating object. The main body, the pair of flexible securing tabs and heat dissipating members are integrally formed with one another of a thermally conductive elastic or elastomeric material. An object to be cooled is inserted into the object receiving seat of the main body and retained in the seat and in communication with the inner surfaces of the main body by the pair of flexible securing tabs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventors: Kevin A. McCullough, E. Mikhail Sagal, James D. Miller
  • Patent number: 6487073
    Abstract: A case for dissipating heat from an electronic device is provided. The case includes an electronic circuit board with a heat generating electronic component installed thereon. A shield is positioned over the electronic component to protect it from electromagnetic interference. The shield includes an aperture through its top surface. A heat transfer conduit is molded into and through the aperture to contact the top surface of the heat generating electronic component. Outer housing, which is made of a thermally conductive material, is placed into contact with the top surface of the heat transfer conduit which extends outside the shield. As a result, heat is dissipated from the electronic component and through the housing of the electronic device via the heat transfer conduit while shielding the electronic component from electromagnetic interference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Cool Options, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin A. McCullough, E. Mikhail Sagal, James D. Miller
  • Patent number: 6478997
    Abstract: A polymer heat pipe with a carbon core and a method of forming such a heat pipe is disclosed. The heat pipe includes a substantially pure carbon fiber core and an outer jacket of substantially pure polymer material. The heat pipe is formed by extruding a mixture of a base of polymer material and a plurality of carbon fibers through an extrusion die. The extrusion die is heated into a range of approximately 250-400° F. to cause the carbon fiber to migrate to the center of the extrudate and the polymer to migrate outwardly. As a result, a jacket of polymer material is formed around a core of carbon fibers to form a highly thermally conductive heat pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Cool Options, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin A. McCullough
  • Publication number: 20020159235
    Abstract: The electronic connector (10) includes an improved heat dissipating housing for cooling heat generating devices located within the connector (10). The electronic connector (10) of the present invention enables the cost-effective cooling of electronic devices (22, 24) within the connector (10) while realizing superior thermal conductivity and improved electromagnetic shielding. A method of forming an electronic connector (10) that includes the steps of first providing a heat generating electronic component (22, 24) capable of electronically coupling two data devices together having a first port (16a) and a second port (16b). This component (22, 24) is typically mounted or installed into a circuit board (20). An outer housing (12) of moldable thermally conductive polymer material (102, 202, 302, 402) is overmolded around the heat generating electronic component (22, 24) leaving the first port (16a) and the second port (16b) of connector (10) exposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: James D. Miller, E. Mikhail Sagal, Kevin A. McCullough
  • Publication number: 20020107825
    Abstract: A system and method of using at least one computer to determine which requirements from a general requirements document apply to a specific situation. The invention includes providing a logic model for the general requirements document and receiving data relating to the specific situation. The collected data and the logic model are used to identify which requirements apply to the specific situation. Lastly, a listing of the identified requirements is output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventors: Paul Stephen Manicke, Mark Kevin McCullough, Bethany Bleil Kniffin, Leslie McLean Hellemann, Vincent I.A. Van Den Briel
  • Publication number: 20020092160
    Abstract: A structural frame (12) for dissipating heat from an electronic device (10) is provided. The structural frame (12), to which an electronic circuit board (14) containing a heat generating electronic component (16) is mounted, is injection molded from a thermally conductive, net-shape moldable polymer composition. The electronic component (16) that is within the device (10) is in thermal communication with the structural frame (12), so that the heat generated within the device (10) is transferred to the frame (14) and dissipated from the heat-generating device (10). An outer case (22) may be mounted to the frame (12) to finish the device (10) or the frame (12) may serve as all or a part of the outer device case (22) as well. In addition, the structural frame (12) has characteristics that may be engineered and used to shield the device (10) from electromagnetic interference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventor: Kevin A. McCullough
  • Patent number: 6407149
    Abstract: A method of molding an evenly colored, thermally conductive composition. Thermally conductive filler material is colored and mixed with a base polymer matrix. The mixture is molded into the desired shape. The step of for coloring the filler material is tailored to the type of thermally conductive filler used and could include, as required, anodizing, spraying or dying of the material before mixing with the base polymer matrix and prior to molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Cool Options, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin A. McCullough
  • Patent number: 6397941
    Abstract: A net-shape molded heat exchanger is provided which includes a thermally conductive main body and a number of thermally conductive arms connected to and extending from the main body. A number of thermally conductive fins are connected to the arms. The heat exchanger is formed by net-shape molding a main body, the arms which emanate from the main body and the fins from a thermally conductive composition, such as a polymer composition. The molded heat exchanger is freely convecting through the part which makes it more efficient and has an optimal thermal configuration. Optionally, heat pipes may be embedded within the arms of the heat exchanger to further enhance heat dissipation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Cool Options, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin A. McCullough
  • Publication number: 20020064618
    Abstract: A polymer heat pipe with a carbon core and a method of forming such a heat pipe is disclosed. The heat pipe includes a substantially pure carbon fiber core and an outer jacket of substantially pure polymer material. The heat pipe is formed by extruding a mixture of a base of polymer material and a plurality of carbon fibers through an extrusion die. The extrusion die is heated into a range of approximately 250-400° F. to cause the carbon fiber to migrate to the center of the extrudate and the polymer to migrate outwardly. As a result, a jacket of polymer material is formed around a core of carbon fibers to form a highly thermally conductive heat pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventor: Kevin A. McCullough
  • Publication number: 20020062949
    Abstract: A net-shape molded heat transfer component is provided which includes a thermally conductive core and a metallic coating for reflection of electromagnetic interference and radio frequency waves. The heat transfer component is formed by net-shape molding a core body from a thermally conductive composition, such as a polymer composition, and applying a metallic coating. The molded heat transfer part is freely convecting through the part, which makes it more efficient and has an optimal thermal configuration. Additionally, the part is shielded from electromagnetic interference and radio frequency waves, thus preventing the transfer of same into the circuitry housed by the part. In addition, the coating also seals the conductive polymer core against moisture infiltration, making the part well suited for telecommunications applications in potentially harsh environments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventors: Kevin A. McCullough, E. Mikhail Sagal, James D. Miller
  • Publication number: 20020064024
    Abstract: A case for dissipating heat from an electronic device is provided. The case includes an electronic circuit board with a heat generating electronic component installed thereon. A shield is positioned over the electronic component to protect it from electromagnetic interference. The shield includes an aperture through its top surface. A heat transfer conduit is molded into and through the aperture to contact the top surface of the heat generating electronic component. Outer housing, which is made of a thermally conductive material, is placed into contact with the top surface of the heat transfer conduit which extends outside the shield. As a result, heat is dissipated from the electronic component and through the housing of the electronic device via the heat transfer conduit while shielding the electronic component from electromagnetic interference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventors: Kevin A. McCullough, E. Mikhail Sagal, James D. Miller
  • Publication number: 20020065350
    Abstract: A method of molding an evenly colored, thermally conductive composition. Thermally conductive filler material is colored and mixed with a base polymer matrix. The mixture is molded into the desired shape. The step of for coloring the filler material is tailored to the type of thermally conductive filler used and could include, as required, anodizing, spraying or dying of the material before mixing with the base polymer matrix and prior to molding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventor: Kevin A. McCullough
  • Publication number: 20020062950
    Abstract: A net-shape molded heat transfer component is provided which includes a thermally conductive core and a metallic coating for reflection of electromagnetic interference and radio frequency waves. The heat transfer component is formed by net-shape molding a core body from a thermally conductive composition, such as a polymer composition, and applying a metallic coating. The molded heat transfer part is freely convecting through the part, which makes it more efficient and has an optimal thermal configuration. Additionally, the part is shielded from electromagnetic interference and radio frequency waves, thus preventing the transfer of same into the circuitry housed by the part. In addition, the coating also seals the conductive polymer core against moisture infiltration, making the part well suited for telecommunications applications in potentially harsh environments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventors: Kevin A. McCullough, E. Mikhail Sagal, James D. Miller
  • Patent number: 6385047
    Abstract: A net-shape moldable U-shaped heat sink assembly formed by injection molding of a thermally conductive polymer composite material is shown. The heat sink assembly includes a base member with a number of integrated fins members thereon. A right upstanding wall extends from a first side of the base member and a left upstanding wall extends from a second side of the base member to form a substantially U-shaped heat sink assembly. To enhance thermal conductivity, fins members may be integrally formed into the base member, right wall and/or left wall during the molding of the heat sink assembly. Also, a flexible metallic substrate or hinges may be embedded within the U-shaped heat sink assembly to permit positioning of the right wall and left wall relative to the base member for custom configuration of the heat sink assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Cool Shield, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin A. McCullough, E. Mikhail Sagal
  • Publication number: 20020041487
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a net-shape moldable U-shaped heat sink assembly includes injection molding a thermally conductive polymer composite material. The method includes forming a heat sink assembly base member with a number of integrated fins members thereon. A right upstanding wall extends from a first side of the base member and a left upstanding wall extends from a second side of the base member to form a substantially U-shaped heat sink assembly. To enhance thermal conductivity, fins members may be integrally formed into the base member, right wall and/or left wall during the molding of the heat sink assembly. Also, a flexible metallic substrate or hinges may be embedded within the U-shaped heat sink assembly to permit positioning of the right wall and left wall relative to the base member for custom configuration of the heat sink assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Publication date: April 11, 2002
    Inventors: Kevin A. McCullough, E. Mikhail Sagal