Patents by Inventor Michael Putnam
Michael Putnam 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).
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Publication number: 20050202744Abstract: A nonwoven fabric comprises continuous polymer filaments of 0.5 to 3 denier that have been hydroentangled in a complex matrix for interconnecting filament loops, and that is otherwise substantially free of knotting, or of otherwise wrapping about one another. A process for making a nonwoven fabric comprises continuously extruding polymer filaments of 0.5 to 3 denier onto a moving support, pre-entangling the filaments with water jets, and entangling the filaments with a second set of water jets on a three-dimensional image transfer device. An apparatus for making a nonwoven fabric comprises means for continuously extruding substantially endless polymer filaments of 0.5 to 3 denier onto a moving support to form an unbonded web, a pre-entangling station for entangling the web with a plurality of water jets, and a plurality of water jets for final entanglement of the filament web on a three-dimensional image transfer device.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2005Publication date: September 15, 2005Applicant: Polymer Group, Inc,Inventors: Michael Putnam, Richard Ferencz, Marlene Storzer, Jian Weng
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Patent number: 6903034Abstract: A nonwoven fabric comprises continuous polymer filaments of 0.5 to 3 denier that have been hydroentangled in a complex matrix for interconnecting filament loops, and that is otherwise substantially free of knotting, or of otherwise wrapping about one another. A process for making a nonwoven fabric comprises continuously extruding polymer filaments of 0.5 to 3 denier onto a moving support, pre-entangling the filaments with water jets, and entangling the filaments with a second set of water jets on a three-dimensional image transfer device. An apparatus for making a nonwoven fabric comprises means for continuously extruding substantially endless polymer filaments of 0.5 to 3 denier onto a moving support to form an unbonded web, a pre-entangling station for entangling the web with a plurality of water jets, and a plurality of water jets for final entanglement of the filament web on a three-dimensional image transfer device.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1999Date of Patent: June 7, 2005Assignee: Polymer Group, Inc.Inventors: Michael Putnam, Richard Ferencz, Marlene Storzer, Jian Weng
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Publication number: 20050079325Abstract: A nonwoven fabric, and method of production, are disclosed, wherein the nonwoven fabric comprises textile length fibers with a portion being thermally fusible. The fabric exhibits sufficient durability to withstand commercial dyeing processes, with the resultant fabric finding widespread applicability by virtue of its durability and aesthetic appeal.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2003Publication date: April 14, 2005Inventors: Michael Putnam, Herbert Hartgrove, Robert Rabon
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Publication number: 20050000890Abstract: A filter media comprising hydroentangled predominant polyester staple length fibers having a basis weight of no more than about 12 oz/yd2, an air permeability of at least about 180 cfm, and machine-direction and cross-direction shrinkage of less than about 3%, exhibiting greater than about 85% capture efficiency with particle sizes in the range of about 30 to 40 microns, and exhibiting greater than about 60% capture efficiency with particle sizes I the range of 20 to 30 microns.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2004Publication date: January 6, 2005Inventors: Charles Pearce, Sergio deLeon, Michael Putnam, Cheryl Carlson, Ping Hao, Richard Faulkner
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Publication number: 20040248493Abstract: The present invention is directed to a nonwoven fabric comprising reconstituted or regenerated fibers (hereinafter referred to as reconstituted fiber or reconstituted fibers), said nonwoven fabric exhibiting improved aesthetic and physical performance, thus permitting use of the fabric in a wide variety of consumer applications. The nonwoven fabric exhibits a three-dimensional image that is durable to both converting and end-use application. In particular, the present invention contemplates that a fabric is formed from a precursor web comprising at least one reconstituted fiber, which when subjected to hydroentanglement on a moveable imaging surface of a three-dimensional image transfer device, an enhanced product is achieved.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2003Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventors: Michael Putnam, Cynthia McNaull, Russell Tindall, Nick Carter, Karyn Joy Nunn
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Publication number: 20040188888Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a thermoplastic film is advanced onto a foraminous surface and impinged with hydraulic energy so as to impart an image or pattern into the film. In an effort to retain the image or pattern within the film, the film is exposed to a frequency range during the drying process, such as that frequency range which is provided by microwaves. It has been found that utilizing a frequency range of electro-magnetic radiation, like that of microwaves during the drying process of the film does not flatten or distort the image or pattern within the film, whereas a drying process utilizing hot air tends to soften the film, which has a deleterious on the image within the film.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2004Publication date: September 30, 2004Inventors: Michael Putnam, Thomas Hill
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Patent number: 6750161Abstract: A stretchable laminate is formed by providing a hydroentangled nonwoven fabric exhibiting cross-direction extensibility and recovery, which fabric comprises a nonwoven web of staple length fibers of about 0.8 to 3.0 denier having a basis weight of about 1.0 to 4.0 ounces per square yard. A polymeric binder composition substantially uniformly applied to the nonwoven web imparts desired elasticity to the web, with the fabric exhibiting at least about 50% extensibility in a cross-direction thereof, and at least about 90% recovery in a cross-direction. The nonwoven web may comprise synthetic fibers, natural fibers, and blends thereof, as well as continuous filaments. An elastomeric composition comprising polyurethane or polyvinylchloride is applied to the extensible nonwoven fabric, which forms the stretchable laminate. The laminate provides a highly conformable and aesthetically pleasing leather-like product.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2002Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Assignee: Polymer Group, Inc.Inventors: Michael Putnam, Sergio Diaz de Leon, Herbert Hartgrove
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Patent number: 6735833Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of forming a nonwoven fabric, which exhibits a pronounced three-dimensional image that is durable to both converting and end-use application. In particular, the present invention contemplates that a fabric is formed from a precursor web comprising at least one support layer or scrim, which when subjected to hydroentanglement on a moveable imaging surface of a three-dimensional image transfer device, an enhanced product is achieved. By formation in this fashion, hydroentanglement of the precursor web results in a more pronounced three-dimensional image; an image that is durable to abrasion and distortion due to elongation.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2002Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Assignee: Polymer Group, Inc.Inventors: Michael Putnam, Ralph A. Moody, III, Keith Wilbourn, Kuo-Shu Edward Chang, Douglas Stowers
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Publication number: 20040000042Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of forming a nonwoven fabric, which exhibits a first three-dimensional image and a second three-dimensional image whereby the first and second three-dimensional images are dissimilar from one another. In particular, the present invention contemplates a fabric comprised of sequentially formed three-dimensional images that are formed from a pre-entangled precursor web entangled on a first three-dimensional transfer device so as to impart a first image therein, then subjected to hydroentanglement on a second three-dimensional image transfer device wherein a second three-dimensional image is imparted to the web that is different from the first three-dimensional image, the resulting nonwoven fabric presenting aesthetic and tactile qualities representative of both imparted images.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2003Publication date: January 1, 2004Applicant: Polymer Group, Inc.Inventors: Miguel Rivera, Ralph A. Moody, Benjamin Nolan, Michael Putnam
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Publication number: 20030211801Abstract: A three-dimensionally imaged nonwoven fabric, as formed in accordance with the principles of the present invention, contemplates a material formed by hydroentanglement of at least one lightly bonded continuous filament layer upon a device having a three-dimensional foraminous forming surface. The preferred continuous filament substrate is in the form of a precursor web comprising spunbond continuous polymeric filaments. A nonwoven fabric formed in accordance with the present invention may be formed to include substantially continuous filaments (from a relatively lightly bonded spunbond precursor web), with the resulting fabric having a machine direction tensile strength of at least about 1,472 grams per centimeter at 47% machine-direction elongation.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2003Publication date: November 13, 2003Inventors: Michael Putnam, Ralph A. Moody, Greg Day, Nick Carter
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Publication number: 20030135967Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of forming a nonwoven fabric, which exhibits a pronounced three-dimensional image that is durable to both converting and end-use application. In particular, the present invention contemplates that a fabric is formed from a precursor web comprising at least one support layer or scrim, which when subjected to hydroentanglement on a moveable imaging surface of a three-dimensional image transfer device, an enhanced product is achieved. By formation in this fashion, hydroentanglement of the precursor web results in a more pronounced three-dimensional image; an image that is durable to abrasion and distortion due to elongation.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2002Publication date: July 24, 2003Inventors: Michael Putnam, Ralph A. Moody, Keith Wilbourn, Kuo-Shu Edward Chang, Douglas Stowers
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Patent number: 6568049Abstract: The method for hydraulic seaming together of two layers of consolidated nonwoven fabric in one or two directions simultaneously provides soft, supple seam lines, along which formed seam lines, cuts can be made for producing bag like articles from the seamed layers, such as, for example, pillow cases, or industrial filters.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2000Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Assignee: Polymer Group, Inc.Inventor: Michael Putnam
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Publication number: 20020187703Abstract: A filter media formed in accordance with the present invention comprises hydroentangled, predominantly polyester staple length fibers having a basis weight of no more than about 12 oz/yd2. The filter media exhibits a Mullen burst strength of at least about 395 psi, and machine-direction and cross-direction shrinkage of less than about 3%, preferably less than about 2%. The filter media exhibits a machine-direction tensile strength of at least about 105 lb/in, and a cross-direction tensile strength of at least about 110 lb/in.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2002Publication date: December 12, 2002Inventors: Charles Eric Pearce, Sergio de Leon, Michael Putnam, Cheryl Carlson, Ping Hao
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Publication number: 20020160676Abstract: A stretchable laminate is formed by providing a hydroentangled nonwoven fabric exhibiting cross-direction extensibility and recovery, which fabric comprises a nonwoven web of staple length fibers of about 0.8 to 3.0 denier having a basis weight of about 1.0 to 4.0 ounces per square yard. A polymeric binder composition substantially uniformly applied to the nonwoven web imparts desired elasticity to the web, with the fabric exhibiting at least about 50% extensibility in a cross-direction thereof, and at least about 90% recovery in a cross-direction. The nonwoven web may comprise synthetic fibers, natural fibers, and blends thereof, as well as continuous filaments. An elastomeric composition comprising polyurethane or polyvinylchloride is applied to the extensible nonwoven fabric, which forms the stretchable laminate. The laminate provides a highly conformable and aesthetically pleasing leather-like product.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2002Publication date: October 31, 2002Applicant: Polymer Group, Inc.Inventors: Michael Putnam, Sergio Diaz de Leon, Herbert Hartgrove
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Patent number: 6430788Abstract: A process is disclosed for hydroentangling polymeric filament webs for production of low basis weight nonwoven fabrics. A three-dimensional image transfer device is employed for patterning a precursor web to form a fabric preferably having a rectilinear pattern. High-speed production of relatively low basis weight fabrics can be achieved, with the fabrics exhibiting desired softness, uniformity, and strength characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1999Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: Polymer Group, Inc.Inventors: Michael Putnam, Richard Ferencz, Marlene Storzer, Jian Weng
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Publication number: 20020025753Abstract: A process is disclosed for hydroentangling polymeric filament webs for production of low basis weight nonwoven fabrics. A hydroentangling device having a foraminous forming surface is employed for hydroentangling a precursor web to form a fabric. High-speed production of relatively low basis weight fabrics can be achieved, with the fabrics exhibiting desired softness, uniformity, and strength characteristics.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2001Publication date: February 28, 2002Applicant: Polymer Group, Inc.Inventors: Michael Putnam, Richard Ferencz, Marlene Storzer, Jian Weng
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Patent number: 6321425Abstract: A process is disclosed for hydroentangling polymeric filament webs for production of low basis weight nonwoven fabrics. A hydroentangling device having a foraminous forming surface is employed for hydroentangling a precursor web to form a fabric. High-speed production of relatively low basis weight fabrics can be achieved, with the fabrics exhibiting desired softness, uniformity, and strength characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1999Date of Patent: November 27, 2001Assignee: Polymer Group Inc.Inventors: Michael Putnam, Richard Ferencz, Marlene Storzer, Jian Weng
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Patent number: 5697302Abstract: A relatively thick shelf covering for use with wire-frame shelves. The material is sufficiently thick to prevent objects from falling through or tilting into the spaces between the gratings of a wire-frame shelf. The material is also flexible enough to be sold in rolls. The material is also impervious to water and most common household chemicals.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 1997Date of Patent: December 16, 1997Inventor: Michael A. Putnam
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Patent number: D465337Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2001Date of Patent: November 12, 2002Assignee: Polymer Group, Inc.Inventors: Keith Curtis, Michael Putnam