Patents by Inventor Michael F. Soffa

Michael F. Soffa 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).

  • Method and apparatus for charging or neutralizing an object using a charged piece of conductive plastic
    Patent number: 8559156
    Abstract: A method of charging insulative material includes applying a high voltage to a conductive plastic having a uniform resistance throughout. Insulative material is placed in proximity to, or in contact with, the conductive plastic, thereby charging the insulative material. Further, a device for placing charge on an object proximate to the device includes a conductive plastic having a uniform resistance throughout. A high voltage power supply has an output coupled to the conductive plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Michael F. Soffa, Scott R. McClintock, Michael A. Jacobs
  • METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CHARGING OR NEUTRALIZING AN OBJECT USING A CHARGED PIECE OF CONDUCTIVE PLASTIC
    Publication number: 20090296305
    Abstract: A method of charging insulative material includes applying a high voltage to a conductive plastic having a uniform resistance throughout. Insulative material is placed in proximity to, or in contact with, the conductive plastic, thereby charging the insulative material. Further, a device for placing charge on an object proximate to the device includes a conductive plastic having a uniform resistance throughout. A high voltage power supply has an output coupled to the conductive plastic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Michael F. Soffa, Scott R. McClintock, Michael A. Jacobs
  • Static neutralizing roll follower
    Patent number: 6917507
    Abstract: A static neutralizing roll follower includes a static charge dissipating device on a carrier movably held by a support. Sensors follow the changing diameter of a roll, and a control unit processes signals from the sensor to operate a drive mechanism to move the carrier with respect to the changing roll diameter. Consistent spacing is maintained between the dissipating device and the roll surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Scott R. McClintock, Michael F. Soffa
  • Static neutralizing roll follower
    Publication number: 20040238906
    Abstract: A static neutralizing roll follower includes a static charge dissipating device on a carrier movably held by a support. Sensors follow the changing diameter of a roll, and a control unit processes signals from the sensor to operate a drive mechanism to move the carrier with respect to the changing roll diameter. Consistent spacing is maintained between the dissipating device and the roll surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Scott R. McClintock, Michael F. Soffa