Patents by Inventor Michael Flather

Michael Flather 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: 20170000201
    Abstract: An article having a textured surface and a method for manufacturing such an article is provided. The article comprises a polymeric layer coated on at least a portion of the article, a plurality of cavities formed in the polymeric layer, wherein each cavity in the plurality of cavities have a size between about 50 microns to about 2000 microns, and wherein a majority of the plurality of cavities have encircling perimeter ridges, and a plurality of channels formed in the polymeric layer between the encircling perimeter ridges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Publication date: January 5, 2017
    Inventors: Michael Flather, Paul Saunders
  • Publication number: 20160360808
    Abstract: An article having a textured surface and a method for manufacturing such an article is provided. The article comprises a polymeric layer coated on at least a portion of the article, a plurality of cavities formed in the polymeric layer, wherein each cavity in the plurality of cavities have a size between about 50 microns to about 2000 microns, and wherein a majority of the plurality of cavities have encircling perimeter ridges, and a plurality of channels formed in the polymeric layer between the encircling perimeter ridges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Inventors: Michael Flather, Paul Saunders
  • Patent number: 8656518
    Abstract: A cut resistant chemical handling glove that is flexible and lightweight comprises a cured, liquid-impervious polymeric latex shell. A tacky acrylic adhesive with low shear strength can be used. A cut resistant liner is slipped on the tacky adhesive coating and is infiltrated with a polymeric latex coating and cured to integrally attach the cut resistant liner with the cured polymeric coating. When the latex glove is worn on a hand and a cutting edge, such as a knife edge, contacts the glove, a crease is formed due to slip at the tacky adhesive-cut resistant liner interface creating a geometry that reduces cut stress intensity at the knife-edge thereby increasing the cut resistance of the glove. Processes for making and using these gloves are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Ansell Healthcare Products LLC
    Inventors: Paul Saunders, Michael Flather, Dave Narasimhan
  • Patent number: 8367168
    Abstract: An article comprising at least one cured, liquid-impervious polymeric shell substantially free from defects, at least one liner, and a non-tacky, thermoplastic adhesive layer between the shell and the liner, wherein the adhesive layer is melted and solidified to create a non-tacky bond between the shell and the liner, which can be moisture-absorbing or cut-resistant, whereby the liner supports and limits stretch ability of the shell, thereby preventing adhesive delamination between the adhesive layer and either of the shell and/or the liner; a method for the manufacture of an article comprising a supported, polymeric shell, such as a glove, a gauntlet, an apron, or a boot, comprising providing a cured, liquid-impervious, polymeric shell, providing a knitted/woven liner, incorporating a non-tacky, thermoplastic adhesive layer between the shell and the liner, such as by hot-melt spraying, dry-powder spraying or fiber-coating, creating intimate contact between the shell, the adhesive layer, and the liner, subjec
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Ansell Healthcare Products LLC
    Inventors: Michael Flather, Paul Saunders, Dave Narasimhan
  • Publication number: 20110203027
    Abstract: An article comprising at least one cured, liquid-impervious polymeric shell substantially free from defects, at least one liner, and a non-tacky, thermoplastic adhesive layer between the shell and the liner, wherein the adhesive layer is melted and solidified to create a non-tacky bond between the shell and the liner, which can be moisture-absorbing or cut-resistant, whereby the liner supports and limits stretch ability of the shell, thereby preventing adhesive delamination between the adhesive layer and either of the shell and/or the liner; a method for the manufacture of an article comprising a supported, polymeric shell, such as a glove, a gauntlet, an apron, or a boot, comprising providing a cured, liquid-impervious, polymeric shell, providing a knitted/woven liner, incorporating a non-tacky, thermoplastic adhesive layer between the shell and the liner, such as by hot-melt spraying, dry-powder spraying or fiber-coating, creating intimate contact between the shell, the adhesive layer, and the liner, subjec
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: ANSELL HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS LLC
    Inventors: Michael Flather, Paul Saunders, Dave Narasimhan
  • Patent number: 7971275
    Abstract: A damage tolerant cut resistant chemical handling glove that is flexible and lightweight comprises a cured, liquid-impervious polymeric latex shell, a knitted cut resistant liner comprising a cotton yarn and at least one cut resistant yarn, the liner being infiltrated with a soft nitrile or polyurethane layer such that the liner bonds to the shell. The soft nitrile or polyurethane layer seals interstices of the cut resistant liner and replicates its rough texture on the external surface of the glove, providing enhanced grip properties. A thin nitrile latex layer applied to and cured together with the polyurethane layer to protect the polyurethane layer from oil or chemical degradation. The intimate seal thus created between the shell and the liner prevents accumulation of liquid there between, which prevents formation of a liquid boundary layer and interference with grip properties of the glove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Ansell Healthcare Products LLC
    Inventors: Paul Saunders, Michael Flather, Dave Narasimhan, William Bennett
  • Patent number: 7959758
    Abstract: An article comprising at least one cured, liquid-impervious polymeric shell substantially free from defects, at least one liner, and a non-tacky, thermoplastic adhesive layer between the shell and the liner, wherein the adhesive layer is melted and solidified to create a non-tacky bond between the shell and the liner, which can be moisture-absorbing or cut-resistant, whereby the liner supports and limits stretch ability of the shell, thereby preventing adhesive delamination between the adhesive layer and either of the shell and/or the liner; a method for the manufacture of an article comprising a supported, polymeric shell, such as a glove, a gauntlet, an apron, or a boot, comprising providing a cured, liquid-impervious, polymeric shell, providing a knitted/woven liner, incorporating a non-tacky, thermoplastic adhesive layer between the shell and the liner, such as by hot-melt spraying, dry-powder spraying or fiber-coating, creating intimate contact between the shell, the adhesive layer, and the liner, subjec
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Ansell Healthcare Products LLC
    Inventors: Michael Flather, Paul Saunders, Dave Narasimhan
  • Publication number: 20110003158
    Abstract: An article comprising at least one cured, liquid-impervious polymeric shell substantially free from defects, at least one liner, and a non-tacky, thermoplastic adhesive layer between the shell and the liner, wherein the adhesive layer is melted and solidified to create a non-tacky bond between the shell and the liner, which can be moisture-absorbing or cut-resistant, whereby the liner supports and limits stretch ability of the shell, thereby preventing adhesive delamination between the adhesive layer and either of the shell and/or the liner; a method for the manufacture of an article comprising a supported, polymeric shell, such as a glove, a gauntlet, an apron, or a boot, comprising providing a cured, liquid-impervious, polymeric shell, providing a knitted/woven liner, incorporating a non-tacky, thermoplastic adhesive layer between the shell and the liner, such as by hot-melt spraying, dry-powder spraying or fiber-coating, creating intimate contact between the shell, the adhesive layer, and the liner, subjec
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: Ansell Healthcare Products LLC
    Inventors: Michael Flather, Paul Saunders, Dave Narasimhan
  • Patent number: 7803438
    Abstract: An article comprising at least one cured, liquid-impervious polymeric shell substantially free from defects, at least one liner, and a non-tacky, thermoplastic adhesive layer between the shell and the liner, wherein the adhesive layer is melted and solidified to create a non-tacky bond between the shell and the liner, which can be moisture-absorbing or cut-resistant, whereby the liner supports and limits stretch ability of the shell, thereby preventing adhesive delamination between the adhesive layer and either of the shell and/or the liner; a method for the manufacture of an article comprising a supported, polymeric shell, such as a glove, a gauntlet, an apron, or a boot, comprising providing a cured, liquid-impervious, polymeric shell, providing a knitted/woven liner, incorporating a non-tacky, thermoplastic adhesive layer between the shell and the liner, such as by hot-melt spraying, dry-powder spraying or fiber-coating, creating intimate contact between the shell, the adhesive layer, and the liner, subjec
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Ansell Healthcare Products LLC
    Inventors: Michael Flather, Paul Saunders, Dave Narasimhan
  • Patent number: 7771644
    Abstract: There is provided, in accordance with the principles of the present invention, a glove having a textured surface or textured foam coating produced by embedding a layer of discrete particles, such as a salt, into a previously formed liquid layer, gelling or curing the layer and dissolving the discrete particles to leave a textured or textured foamed surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Ansell Healthcare Products LLC
    Inventors: Michael Flather, Paul Saunders
  • Publication number: 20100037364
    Abstract: A damage tolerant cut resistant chemical handling glove that is flexible and lightweight comprises a cured, liquid-impervious polymeric latex shell, a knitted cut resistant liner comprising a cotton yarn and at least one cut resistant yarn, the liner being infiltrated with a soft nitrile or polyurethane layer such that the liner bonds to the shell. The soft nitrile or polyurethane layer seals interstices of the cut resistant liner and replicates its rough texture on the external surface of the glove, providing enhanced grip properties. A thin nitrile latex layer applied to and cured together with the polyurethane layer to protect the polyurethane layer from oil or chemical degradation. The intimate seal thus created between the shell and the liner prevents accumulation of liquid there between, which prevents formation of a liquid boundary layer and interference with grip properties of the glove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: Ansell Healthcare Products LLC
    Inventors: Paul Saunders, Michael Flather, Dave Narasimhan, William Bennett
  • Publication number: 20090207316
    Abstract: Methods of summarizing and auditing the content of digital video are disclosed. A method may include detecting scene changes within frames of a digital video by way of a scene change detection process. Thereafter, a thumbnail explosion may be provided of the scene changes within the digital video. In one embodiment, a system user may implement a scene change detection system in an audit mode, wherein the user may view a thumbnail explosion of scene changes and either accept or reject the media depending on whether inappropriate content is found. In another embodiment, a system user may implement a scene change detection system in a summary mode, wherein the user may view a thumbnail explosion in order to obtain a summary of the content of a digital video. In either embodiment, the system user may select a thumbnail from the thumbnail explosion to show an enlarged view of the thumbnail or may view the video beginning at the location of the selected thumbnail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: SORENSON MEDIA, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew D. Cupal, Michael Flathers, Ajay Sreekanth
  • Publication number: 20090077713
    Abstract: A cut resistant chemical handling glove that is flexible and lightweight comprises a cured, liquid-impervious polymeric latex shell. A tacky acrylic adhesive with low shear strength can be used. A cut resistant liner is slipped on the tacky adhesive coating and is infiltrated with a polymeric latex coating and cured to integrally attach the cut resistant liner with the cured polymeric coating. When the latex glove is worn on a hand and a cutting edge, such as a knife edge, contacts the glove, a crease is formed due to slip at the tacky adhesive-cut resistant liner interface creating a geometry that reduces cut stress intensity at the knife-edge thereby increasing the cut resistance of the glove. Processes for making and using these gloves are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: Ansell Healthcare Products LLC
    Inventors: Paul Saunders, Michael Flather, Dave Narasimhan
  • Publication number: 20070192929
    Abstract: There is provided, in accordance with the principles of the present invention, a glove having a textured surface or textured foam coating produced by embedding a layer of discrete particles, such as a salt, into a previously formed liquid layer, gelling or curing the layer and dissolving the discrete particles to leave a textured or textured foamed surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Applicant: Ansell Healthcare Products LLC
    Inventors: Michael Flather, Paul Saunders
  • Publication number: 20070118967
    Abstract: There is provided, in accordance with the principles of the present invention, a glove having a textured surface or textured foam coating produced by embedding a layer of discrete particles, such as a salt, into a previously formed liquid layer, gelling or curing the layer and dissolving the discrete particles to leave a textured or textured foamed surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Publication date: May 31, 2007
    Applicant: Ansell Healthcare Products LLC
    Inventors: Michael Flather, Paul Saunders
  • Publication number: 20070064888
    Abstract: A method and system for call initiation and the establishment of a communication session in a video relay service are described. A called party number of a voice phone is entered into a video phone and a first segment of a communication session is established between the video phone and a Video Relay Service (VRS) system according to a network address of the VRS system stored within the video phone. The called party number is forwarded to the VRS system over the first segment of the communication session. A second segment of the communication session is established between the VRS system and the voice phone without any additional interaction by a user of the video phone using the called party number of the voice phone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Publication date: March 22, 2007
    Inventors: Pat Nola, Jon Hodson, Michael Flathers, Glenn Clapp, Edward Armstrong, Scot Brooksby, Theresa Armstrong
  • Publication number: 20070064894
    Abstract: A method, system and device for relay call transfer services in hearing-impaired communications is described. A voice phone number of a relay service is entered into a voice phone and a first segment of a communication session is established between a hearing-capable user on a voice phone and a relay service. The hearing-capable caller provides the relay service with a contact number of a hearing-impaired user. The relay service accesses the user profile of the hearing-impaired user and determines the user's preferred communication devices listed from most preferred to least preferred. An interpreter or communications assistant attempts to establish a connection to the hearing-impaired user's most preferred communication device. If the relay service fails to establish a connection with the most preferred communication device, the relay service can then transfer the call to a subsequent call service system that corresponds to the hearing-impaired user's next most preferred communication device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Publication date: March 22, 2007
    Inventors: Edward Armstrong, Michael Flathers, Theresa Armstrong
  • Publication number: 20060068140
    Abstract: An article comprising at least one cured, liquid-impervious polymeric shell substantially free from defects, at least one liner, and a non-tacky, thermoplastic adhesive layer between the shell and the liner, wherein the adhesive layer is melted and solidified to create a non-tacky bond between the shell and the liner, which can be moisture-absorbing or cut-resistant, whereby the liner supports and limits stretch ability of the shell, thereby preventing adhesive delamination between the adhesive layer and either of the shell and/or the liner; a method for the manufacture of an article comprising a supported, polymeric shell, such as a glove, a gauntlet, an apron, or a boot, comprising providing a cured, liquid-impervious, polymeric shell, providing a knitted/woven liner, incorporating a non-tacky, thermoplastic adhesive layer between the shell and the liner, such as by hot-melt spraying, dry-powder spraying or fiber-coating, creating intimate contact between the shell, the adhesive layer, and the liner, subjec
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Publication date: March 30, 2006
    Applicant: ANSELL HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS LLC
    Inventors: Michael Flather, Paul Saunders, Dave Narasimhan
  • Publication number: 20050237379
    Abstract: A method and system for distributing video calls includes receiving a plurality of incoming video calls originating from a corresponding plurality of calling endpoints over a data network. A corresponding plurality of first connections is formed with each of the plurality calling endpoints. Data is streamed over the plurality of first connections while the plurality of calling endpoints awaits availability of one answering endpoint. A second connection is then formed between one of the plurality of calling endpoints and the one answering endpoint to replace one of the plurality of first connections when the one answering endpoint is available.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Publication date: October 27, 2005
    Inventors: Scot Brooksby, Michael Flathers, Edward Armstrong, Eugene Christensen, Glenn Clapp
  • Publication number: 20050238143
    Abstract: A system and method for electronic communication with the hearing impaired is disclosed, which includes a video relay service having a video relay service application configured to receive the called party number over the first connection and request interpretive services. The video relay service application, initiates when interpretive services are available. The video relay service times a duration of concurrent connection of the first and second connections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Publication date: October 27, 2005
    Inventors: Glenn Clapp, Michael Flathers, Carlo Bos, Edward Armstrong, Scot Brooksby