Patents by Inventor Matthew M. Close

Matthew M. Close 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).

  • Resilient article and method of manufacturing same using recycled material
    Patent number: 6616877
    Abstract: A resilient article and method of manufacturing the same using recycled materials are described. Predetermined amounts of thermoset material and thermoplastic binder are mixed and extruded into a die, from which the mixture emerges in the form of a sheet having the approximate thickness of the finished article. The mixture then enters a calibrator, which more precisely shapes the sheet to the desired thickness. The sheet is then cooled and cut to the desired dimensions to provide the finished article. The thermoset material used in the mixture is preferably ground vehicle tire rubber with the fabric and metal removed and the thermoplastic binder is preferably waste polyethylene. The apparatus and method according to the present invention is particularly well suited for manufacturing resilient articles for use as expansion joint material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventors: Matthew M. Close, Nicholas H. Danna, David R. Smith
  • Resilient article and method of manufacturing same using recycled material
    Publication number: 20010048177
    Abstract: A resilient article and method of manufacturing the same using recycled materials are described. Predetermined amounts of thermoset material and thermoplastic binder are mixed and extruded into a die, from which the mixture emerges in the form of a sheet having the approximate thickness of the finished article. The mixture then enters a calibrator, which more precisely shapes the sheet to the desired thickness. The sheet is then cooled and cut to the desired dimensions to provide the finished article. The thermoset material used in the mixture is preferably ground vehicle tire rubber with the fabric and metal removed and the thermoplastic binder is preferably waste polyethylene. The apparatus and method according to the present invention is particularly well suited for manufacturing resilient articles for use as expansion joint material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2000
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventors: Matthew M. Close, Nicholas H. Danna, David R. Smith