Patents by Inventor Lawrence A. Ford

Lawrence A. Ford 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: 12036729
    Abstract: An additive manufacturing process is provided to produce integral 3-dimensional (3D) articles by laminating together a plurality of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membranes. The process includes repetitive cycles of ePTFE membrane lamination paired with laser cutting/bonding to produce a desired geometry based on a predefined pattern. The process may be practiced manually or may be configured to work with commercially available LOM machines/systems developed for use with other roll-to-roll processible materials, such as paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignees: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., W. L. Gore & Associates GmbH
    Inventors: Edward H. Cully, Lawrence A. Ford, Alexander Zaggl
  • Publication number: 20230347299
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a composite membrane. In some embodiments, the composite membrane comprises a first fluoropolymer membrane and a second fluoropolymer membrane. In some embodiments a difference between a second surface energy of the second fluoropolymer membrane and a first surface energy of the first fluoropolymer membrane is at least 10 mN/m at 20° C. In some embodiments, the composite membrane has a Z strength of at least 5 psi.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2021
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Inventors: Orlando Collazo, Anita Dutta, Lawrence A. Ford, Jason J. Strid
  • Publication number: 20220001602
    Abstract: An additive manufacturing process is provided to produce integral 3-dimensional (3D) articles by laminating together a plurality of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membranes. The process includes repetitive cycles of ePTFE membrane lamination paired with laser cutting/bonding to produce a desired geometry based on a predefined pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2021
    Publication date: January 6, 2022
    Inventors: Edward H. Cully, Lawrence A. Ford, Alexander Zaggl
  • Publication number: 20210095177
    Abstract: Disclosed are compositions comprising at least one iodocarbon compound and preferably at least one stabilization agent. These compositions are generally useful as refrigerants for heating and cooling, as blowing agents, as aerosol propellants, as solvent composition, and as fire extinguishing and suppressing agents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2020
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Inventors: Rajiv R. Singh, Haridasan K. Nair, Raymond H. Thomas, Lawrence A. Ford, David P. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20190055442
    Abstract: Disclosed are compositions comprising at least one iodocarbon compound and preferably at least one stabilization agent comprising a diene-based compound. These compositions are generally useful as refrigerants for heating and cooling, as blowing agents, as aerosol propellants, as solvent composition, and as fire extinguishing and suppressing agents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2018
    Publication date: February 21, 2019
    Inventors: Rajiv R. Singh, Haridasan K. Nair, Raymond H. Thomas, Lawrence A. Ford, David P. Wilson
  • Patent number: 9988506
    Abstract: A tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) copolymer film having a first endotherm between about 50° C. and about 300° C., a second endotherm between about 320° C. and about 350° C., and a third endotherm between about 350° C. and about 400° C. is provided. In exemplary embodiments, the third endotherm is approximately 380° C. In some embodiments, the second endotherm is between about 320° C. and about 330° C. or between about 330° C. and about 350° C. TFE copolymer films have a methane permeability less than about 20 ?g*micron/cm2/min. In addition, the dense articles have a void volume of less than about 20%. Methods for dense articles from core shell tetrafluoroethylene copolymers are also provided. The dense articles exhibit improved physical and mechanical properties such as adhesion and barrier properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignees: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., W. L. Gore & Associates GmbH
    Inventors: Lawrence A. Ford, Michael E. Kennedy, Shaofeng Ran, Todd S. Sayler, Gregory J. Shafer
  • Publication number: 20170210865
    Abstract: A tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) copolymer film having a first endotherm between about 50° C. and about 300° C., a second endotherm between about 320° C. and about 350° C., and a third endotherm between about 350° C. and about 400° C. is provided. In exemplary embodiments, the third endotherm is approximately 380° C. In some embodiments, the second endotherm is between about 320° C. and about 330° C. or between about 330° C. and about 350° C. TFE copolymer films have a methane permeability less than about 20 ?g*micron/cm2/min. In addition, the dense articles have a void volume of less than about 20%. Methods for dense articles from core shell tetrafluoroethylene copolymers are also provided. The dense articles exhibit improved physical and mechanical properties such as adhesion and barrier properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2017
    Publication date: July 27, 2017
    Inventors: Lawrence A. Ford, Michael E. Kennedy, Shaofeng Ran, Todd S. Sayler, Gregory J. Shafer
  • Patent number: 9650479
    Abstract: A tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) copolymer film having a first endotherm between about 50° C. and about 300° C., a second endotherm between about 320° C. and about 350° C., and a third endotherm between about 350° C. and about 400° C. is provided. In exemplary embodiments, the third endotherm is approximately 380° C. In some embodiments, the second endotherm is between about 320° C. and about 330° C. or between about 330° C. and about 350° C. TFE copolymer films have a methane permeability less than about 20 ?g*micron/cm2/min. In addition, the dense articles have a void volume of less than about 20%. Methods for dense articles from core shell tetrafluoroethylene copolymers are also provided. The dense articles exhibit improved physical and mechanical properties such as adhesion and barrier properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignees: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., W. L. Gore & Associates GmbH
    Inventors: Lawrence A. Ford, Michael E. Kennedy, Shaofeng Ran, Todd S. Sayler, Gregory J. Shafer
  • Patent number: 9644054
    Abstract: A dense article that includes a dense TFE copolymer film is provided. The dense TFE copolymer film includes a first endotherm between about 50° C. and about 300° C., a second endotherm between about 320° C. and about 350° C., and a third endotherm between about 350° C. and about 400° C. To form the dense article, a core shell TFE copolymer is formed into a pellet, ram extruded into a tape, dried into a dried preform, and then stretched into a dense TFE copolymer film that exhibits improved physical and mechanical properties. The dense TFE copolymer film is produced directly from the dried preform at a deformation temperature less than about 335° C. and without increasing the porosity of the dried preform, as would conventionally be done in expansion processes. The dense TFE copolymer films have a methane permeability less than about 20 ?g*micron/cm2/min. The dense articles have a void volume less than about 20%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignees: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., W. L. Gore & Associates GmbH
    Inventors: Lawrence A. Ford, Michael E. Kennedy, Shaofeng Ran, Todd S. Sayler, Gregory J. Shafer
  • Patent number: 9593223
    Abstract: A true tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) copolymer of the fine powder type is provided, wherein the copolymer contains polymerized comonomer units of at least one comonomer other than TFE in concentrations of at least or exceeding 1.0 weight percent, and which can exceed 5.0 weight percent, wherein the copolymer is expandable, that is, the copolymer may be expanded to produce strong, useful, expanded TFE copolymeric articles having a microstructure of nodes interconnected by fibrils. Articles made from the expandable copolymer may include tapes, membranes, films, fibers, and are suitable in a variety of end applications, including medical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence A. Ford
  • Publication number: 20160215191
    Abstract: Disclosed are compositions comprising at least one iodocarbon compound and preferably at least one stabilization agent. These compositions are generally useful as refrigerants for heating and cooling, as blowing agents, as aerosol propellants, as solvent composition, and as fire extinguishing and suppressing agents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2015
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventors: Rajiv R. Singh, Haridasan K. Nair, Raymond H. Thomas, Lawrence A. Ford, David P. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20160177001
    Abstract: A dense article that includes a dense TFE copolymer film is provided. The dense TFE copolymer film includes a first endotherm between about 50° C. and about 300° C., a second endotherm between about 320° C. and about 350° C., and a third endotherm between about 350° C. and about 400° C. To form the dense article, a core shell TFE copolymer is formed into a pellet, ram extruded into a tape, dried into a dried preform, and then stretched into a dense TFE copolymer film that exhibits improved physical and mechanical properties. The dense TFE copolymer film is produced directly from the dried preform at a deformation temperature less than about 335° C. and without increasing the porosity of the dried preform, as would conventionally be done in expansion processes. The dense TFE copolymer films have a methane permeability less than about 20 ?g*micron/cm2/min. The dense articles have a void volume less than about 20%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Inventors: Lawrence A. Ford, Michael E. Kennedy, Shaofeng Ran, Todd S. Sayler, Gregory J. Shafer
  • Publication number: 20160039989
    Abstract: A true tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) copolymer of the fine powder type is provided, wherein the copolymer contains polymerized comonomer units of at least one comonomer other than TFE in concentrations of at least or exceeding 1.0 weight percent, and which can exceed 5.0 weight percent, wherein the copolymer is expandable, that is, the copolymer may be expanded to produce strong, useful, expanded TFE copolymeric articles having a microstructure of nodes interconnected by fibrils. Articles made from the expandable copolymer may include tapes, membranes, films, fibers, and are suitable in a variety of end applications, including medical devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventor: Lawrence A. Ford
  • Patent number: 9193811
    Abstract: A true tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) copolymer of the fine powder type is provided, wherein the copolymer contains polymerized comonomer units of at least one comonomer other than TFE in concentrations of at least or exceeding 1.0 weight percent, and which can exceed 5.0 weight percent, wherein the copolymer is expandable, that is, the copolymer may be expanded to produce strong, useful, expanded TFE copolymeric articles having a microstructure of nodes interconnected by fibrils. Articles made from the expandable copolymer may include tapes, membranes, films, fibers, and are suitable in a variety of end applications, including medical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence A. Ford
  • Patent number: 9175201
    Abstract: Disclosed are compositions comprising at least one iodocarbon compound and preferably at least one stabilization agent. These compositions are generally useful as refrigerants for heating and cooling, as blowing agents, as aerosol propellants, as solvent composition, and as fire extinguishing and suppressing agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Rajiv R. Singh, Haridasan K. Nair, Raymond H. Thomas, Lawrence A. Ford, David P. Wilson
  • Patent number: 9040646
    Abstract: A true tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) copolymer of the fine powder type is provided, wherein the copolymer contains polymerized comonomer units of at least one comonomer other than TFE in concentrations of at least or exceeding 1.0 weight percent, and which can exceed 5.0 weight percent, wherein the copolymer is expandable, that is, the copolymer may be expanded to produce strong, useful, expanded TFE copolymeric articles having a microstructure of nodes interconnected by fibrils. Articles made from the expandable copolymer may include tapes, membranes, films, fibers, and are suitable in a variety of end applications, including medical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence A. Ford
  • Publication number: 20150111031
    Abstract: A tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) copolymer film having a first endotherm between about 50° C. and about 300° C., a second endotherm between about 320° C. and about 350° C., and a third endotherm between about 350° C. and about 400° C. is provided. In exemplary embodiments, the third endotherm is approximately 380° C. In some embodiments, the second endotherm is between about 320° C. and about 330° C. or between about 330° C. and about 350° C. TFE copolymer films have a methane permeability less than about 20 ?g*micron/cm2/min. In addition, the dense articles have a void volume of less than about 20%. Methods for dense articles from core shell tetrafluoroethylene copolymers are also provided. The dense articles exhibit improved physical and mechanical properties such as adhesion and barrier properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Lawrence A. Ford, Michael E. Kennedy, Shaofeng Ran, Todd S. Sayler, Gregory J. Shafer
  • Patent number: 8911844
    Abstract: A true tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) copolymer of the fine powder type is provided, wherein the copolymer contains polymerized comonomer units of at least one comonomer other than TFE in concentrations of at least or exceeding 1.0 weight percent, and which can exceed 5.0 weight percent, wherein the copolymer is expandable, that is, the copolymer may be expanded to produce strong, useful, expanded TFE copolymeric articles having a microstructure of nodes interconnected by fibrils. Articles made from the expandable copolymer may include tapes, membranes, films, fibers, and are suitable in a variety of end applications, including medical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence A. Ford
  • Publication number: 20140094557
    Abstract: A true tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) copolymer of the fine powder type is provided, wherein the copolymer contains polymerized comonomer units of at least one comonomer other than TFE in concentrations of at least or exceeding 1.0 weight percent, and which can exceed 5.0 weight percent, wherein the copolymer is expandable, that is, the copolymer may be expanded to produce strong, useful, expanded TFE copolymeric articles having a microstructure of nodes interconnected by fibrils. Articles made from the expandable copolymer may include tapes, membranes, films, fibers, and are suitable in a variety of end applications, including medical devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence A. Ford
  • Patent number: 8637144
    Abstract: A process for the polymerization of a true tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) copolymer of the fine powder type is provided, wherein the copolymer contains polymerized comonomer units of at least one comonomer other than TFE in concentrations of at least or exceeding 1.0 weight percent, and which can exceed 5.0 weight percent, wherein the copolymer is expandable, that is, the copolymer may be expanded to produce strong, useful, expanded TFE copolymeric articles having a microstructure of nodes interconnected by fibrils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence A. Ford