Patents by Inventor Norman E. Clough
Norman E. Clough 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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Patent number: 11785998Abstract: Waterproof, breathable garments and methods of making are provided. The garments may include a laminate of a seamless ePTFE membrane and at least one textile. The garment is conformable over a range of sizes, and may be shaped to fit numerous sizes and shapes of forming molds. The ePTFE membrane may shrink to fit, or, alternatively, be stretched to fit, a mold having a desired size to form a garment. Such a conformable ePTFE membrane may allow for forming multiple sizes of garments with various sizes and shapes of molds. In embodiments where the ePTFE membrane is seamless and continuous, the garment eliminates the need for a waterproof seam tape, which is conventionally used to make garments waterproof.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2021Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.Inventors: John E. Bacino, Norman E. Clough, Orlando Collazo, Jean Norvell, Franz Shelley
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Publication number: 20230263118Abstract: Some aspects of the disclosure relate to composite materials and cultivation systems with particular utility for use in aquaculture, for example cultivating various species of seaweed. The systems comprise at least one highly tortuous and often micro-fibrous material and at least one material having low tortuosity. These systems may be configured in a variety of shapes and associated with a number of different structures. Some of these composite materials and cultivation systems may be used in both direct and indirect seeding of macroalgae plants such as seaweed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2023Publication date: August 24, 2023Inventors: Norman E. Clough, Eric Dufford, Varendra N. Silva
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Publication number: 20230232761Abstract: Cultivation systems including a cultivation substrate configured to promote seaweed holdfast formation and seaweed attachment are disclosed. The cultivation systems may include one or more of a nutrient phase, an adhesive, a bioactive agent, a liquid containing phase. The cultivation substrates may be patterned. The cultivation systems may specifically retain and viably maintain specific seaweed species such as dulse, kelp and nori.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2021Publication date: July 27, 2023Inventor: Norman E. Clough
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Publication number: 20220259539Abstract: Biointerfaces configured to retain and viably maintain non-mammalian cells are disclosed. The biointerfaces may include one or more of a nutrient phase, an adhesive, a bioactive agent, a liquid containing phase. The biointerfaces may be patterned. The biointerfaces may specifically retain and viably retain specific non mammalian cell types such as spores of seaweed. The biointerfaces are used for growing seaweed such as dulse and kelp.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2020Publication date: August 18, 2022Inventor: Norman E. Clough
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Publication number: 20220256792Abstract: Cultivation systems including a cultivation substrate configured to retain and viably maintain spores and germinated spores are disclosed. The cultivation systems may include one or more of a nutrient phase, an adhesive, a bioactive agent, a liquid containing phase. The cultivation substrates may be patterned. The cultivation systems may specifically retain and viably retain specific spore types.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2020Publication date: August 18, 2022Inventor: Norman E. Clough
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Publication number: 20220030994Abstract: Waterproof, breathable garments and methods of making are provided. The garments may include a laminate of a seamless ePTFE membrane and at least one textile. The garment is conformable over a range of sizes, and may be shaped to fit numerous sizes and shapes of forming molds. The ePTFE membrane may shrink to fit, or, alternatively, be stretched to fit, a mold having a desired size to form a garment. Such a conformable ePTFE membrane may allow for forming multiple sizes of garments with various sizes and shapes of molds. In embodiments where the ePTFE membrane is seamless and continuous, the garment eliminates the need for a waterproof seam tape, which is conventionally used to make garments waterproof.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2021Publication date: February 3, 2022Inventors: John E. Bacino, Norman E. Clough, Orlando Collazo, Jean Norvell, Franz Shelley
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Patent number: 11154105Abstract: Waterproof, breathable garments and methods of making are provided. The garments may include a laminate of a seamless ePTFE membrane and at least one textile. The garment is conformable over a range of sizes, and may be shaped to fit numerous sizes and shapes of forming molds. The ePTFE membrane may shrink to fit, or, alternatively, be stretched to fit, a mold having a desired size to form a garment. Such a conformable ePTFE membrane may allow for forming multiple sizes of garments with various sizes and shapes of molds. In embodiments where the ePTFE membrane is seamless and continuous, the garment eliminates the need for a waterproof seam tape, which is conventionally used to make garments waterproof.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2019Date of Patent: October 26, 2021Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.Inventors: John E. Bacino, Norman E. Clough, Orlando Collazo, Jean Norvell, Franz Shelley
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Patent number: 11136697Abstract: Fabrics containing hydrophilic expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) fibers and at least one non-ePTFE fiber are provided. The fabric provides a combination of high breathability and controlled moisture management. In exemplary embodiments, the fabric may be a woven, knit, or fleece fabric. The fabrics contain at least 15% ePTFE fibers based on the final fabric. The hydrophilic ePTFE fibers in the fabrics may be used to control moisture such as water vapor, liquid water, or sweat within the fabric by storing the moisture within the hydrophilic ePTFE fiber network. Also, little to none of the moisture remains on the outside of the hydrophilic ePTFE fibers, making the fabric feel dry even where there is moisture therein. A polymer membrane and/or a textile may be laminated to the fabric to produce a laminated article.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2016Date of Patent: October 5, 2021Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.Inventors: David J. Minor, Norman E. Clough, Raymond B. Minor
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Publication number: 20190335848Abstract: Waterproof, breathable socks, booties, shoe inserts, and footwear assemblies containing the shoe inserts are provided. The booties and shoe inserts include a laminate of a seamless ePTFE membrane and at least one textile. The bootie is conformable over a range of sizes and shoe shapes, and may be shaped to fit numerous sizes and shapes of asymmetrical shoe lasts. The bootie may shrink to fit, or, alternatively, be stretched to fit, an asymmetrical last having a desired size to form a shoe insert. Such a conformable bootie eliminates the need to have multiple sizes of shoe inserts correlating to particular shoe sizes. In embodiments where the ePTFE is seamless and continuous, the shoe insert eliminates the need for a waterproof seam tape, which is conventionally used to make shoe inserts waterproof.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2019Publication date: November 7, 2019Inventors: John E. Bacino, Norman E. Clough, Orlando Collazo, Stane Nabernick, Franz J. Shelley, Heike Wolfrum, Alexander Zaggl
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Publication number: 20190274383Abstract: Waterproof, breathable garments and methods of making are provided. The garments may include a laminate of a seamless ePTFE membrane and at least one textile. The garment is conformable over a range of sizes, and may be shaped to fit numerous sizes and shapes of forming molds. The ePTFE membrane may shrink to fit, or, alternatively, be stretched to fit, a mold having a desired size to form a garment. Such a conformable ePTFE membrane may allow for forming multiple sizes of garments with various sizes and shapes of molds. In embodiments where the ePTFE membrane is seamless and continuous, the garment eliminates the need for a waterproof seam tape, which is conventionally used to make garments waterproof.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2019Publication date: September 12, 2019Inventors: John E. Bacino, Norman E. Clough, Orlando Collazo, Jean Norvell, Franz Shelley
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Publication number: 20190261731Abstract: Waterproof, breathable socks, booties, shoe inserts, and footwear assemblies containing the shoe inserts are provided. The booties and shoe inserts may include a laminate comprising a seamless extensible film, such as a polyurethane film, and at least one textile. The bootie is suitable for a range of sizes and shoe shapes. The bootie may shrink to fit, or, alternatively, be stretched to fit, an asymmetrical last having a desired size to form a shoe insert. A bootie having a seamless extensible film eliminates the need to have multiple sizes of shoe inserts correlating to particular shoe sizes. In embodiments where the polyurethane film is seamless and continuous, the shoe insert eliminates the need for a waterproof seam tape, which is conventionally used to make shoe inserts waterproof. Methods of forming the socks, booties, and shoe inserts are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2019Publication date: August 29, 2019Inventors: John E. Bacino, Norman E. Clough, Orlando Collazo, Stane Nabernik, Franz J. Shelley
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Patent number: 10314353Abstract: Waterproof, breathable garments and methods of making are provided. The garments may include a laminate of a seamless ePTFE membrane and at least one textile. The garment is conformable over a range of sizes, and may be shaped to fit numerous sizes and shapes of forming molds. The ePTFE membrane may shrink to fit, or, alternatively, be stretched to fit, a mold having a desired size to form a garment. Such a conformable ePTFE membrane may allow for forming multiple sizes of garments with various sizes and shapes of molds. In embodiments where the ePTFE membrane is seamless and continuous, the garment eliminates the need for a waterproof seam tape, which is conventionally used to make garments waterproof.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2016Date of Patent: June 11, 2019Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.Inventors: John E. Bacino, Norman E. Clough, Orlando Collazo, Jean Norvell, Franz Shelley
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Patent number: 10314362Abstract: Waterproof, breathable socks, booties, shoe inserts, and footwear assemblies containing the shoe inserts are provided. The booties and shoe inserts may include a laminate comprising a seamless extensible film, such as a polyurethane film, and at least one textile. The bootie is suitable for a range of sizes and shoe shapes. The bootie may shrink to fit, or, alternatively, be stretched to fit, an asymmetrical last having a desired size to form a shoe insert. A bootie having a seamless extensible film eliminates the need to have multiple sizes of shoe inserts correlating to particular shoe sizes. In embodiments where the polyurethane film is seamless and continuous, the shoe insert eliminates the need for a waterproof seam tape, which is conventionally used to make shoe inserts waterproof. Methods of forming the socks, booties, and shoe inserts are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2016Date of Patent: June 11, 2019Assignees: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., W. L. Gore & Associates GmbHInventors: John E. Bacino, Norman E. Clough, Orlando Collazo, Stane Nabernik, Franz J. Shelley
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Publication number: 20180098600Abstract: Waterproof, breathable socks, booties, shoe inserts, and footwear assemblies containing the shoe inserts are provided. The booties and shoe inserts include a laminate of a seamless ePTFE membrane and at least one textile. The bootie is conformable over a range of sizes and shoe shapes, and may be shaped to fit numerous sizes and shapes of asymmetrical shoe lasts. The bootie may shrink to fit, or, alternatively, be stretched to fit, an asymmetrical last having a desired size to form a shoe insert. Such a conformable bootie eliminates the need to have multiple sizes of shoe inserts correlating to particular shoe sizes. In embodiments where the ePTFE is seamless and continuous, the shoe insert eliminates the need for a waterproof seam tape, which is conventionally used to make shoe inserts waterproof. Methods of forming the socks, booties, and shoe inserts are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2017Publication date: April 12, 2018Inventors: John E. Bacino, Norman E. Clough, Orlando Collazo, Stane Nabernick, Franz J. Shelley, Heike Wolfrum, Alexander Zaggl
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Publication number: 20180042334Abstract: Waterproof, breathable socks, booties, shoe inserts, and footwear assemblies containing the shoe inserts are provided. The booties and shoe inserts include a laminate of a seamless ePTFE membrane and at least one textile. The bootie is conformable over a range of sizes and shoe shapes, and may be shaped to fit numerous sizes and shapes of asymmetrical shoe lasts. The bootie may shrink to fit, or, alternatively, be stretched to fit, an asymmetrical last having a desired size to form a shoe insert. Such a conformable bootie eliminates the need to have multiple sizes of shoe inserts correlating to particular shoe sizes. In embodiments where the ePTFE is seamless and continuous, the shoe insert eliminates the need for a waterproof seam tape, which is conventionally used to make shoe inserts waterproof. Methods of forming the socks, booties, and shoe inserts are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2017Publication date: February 15, 2018Inventors: John E. Bacino, Norman E. Clough, Orlando Collazo, Stane Nabernick, Franz J. Shelley, Heike Wolfrum, Alexander Zaggl
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Publication number: 20170049170Abstract: Waterproof, breathable garments and methods of making are provided. The garments may include a laminate of a seamless ePTFE membrane and at least one textile. The garment is conformable over a range of sizes, and may be shaped to fit numerous sizes and shapes of forming molds. The ePTFE membrane may shrink to fit, or, alternatively, be stretched to fit, a mold having a desired size to form a garment. Such a conformable ePTFE membrane may allow for forming multiple sizes of garments with various sizes and shapes of molds. In embodiments where the ePTFE membrane is seamless and continuous, the garment eliminates the need for a waterproof seam tape, which is conventionally used to make garments waterproof.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2016Publication date: February 23, 2017Inventors: John E. Bacino, Norman E. Clough, Orlando Collazo, Jean Norvell, Franz Shelley
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Publication number: 20170042280Abstract: Waterproof, breathable socks, booties, shoe inserts, and footwear assemblies containing the shoe inserts are provided. The booties and shoe inserts may include a laminate comprising a seamless extensible film, such as a polyurethane film, and at least one textile. The bootie is suitable for a range of sizes and shoe shapes. The bootie may shrink to fit, or, alternatively, be stretched to fit, an asymmetrical last having a desired size to form a shoe insert. A bootie having a seamless extensible film eliminates the need to have multiple sizes of shoe inserts correlating to particular shoe sizes. In embodiments where the polyurethane film is seamless and continuous, the shoe insert eliminates the need for a waterproof seam tape, which is conventionally used to make shoe inserts waterproof. Methods of forming the socks, booties, and shoe inserts are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2016Publication date: February 16, 2017Inventors: John E. Bacino, Norman E. Clough, Orlando Collazo, Stane Nabernik, Franz J. Shelley, Heike Wolfrum, Alexander Zaggl
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Publication number: 20160273134Abstract: Fabrics containing hydrophilic expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) fibers and at least one non-ePTFE fiber are provided. The fabric provides a combination of high breathability and controlled moisture management. In exemplary embodiments, the fabric may be a woven, knit, or fleece fabric. The fabrics contain at least 15% ePTFE fibers based on the final fabric. The hydrophilic ePTFE fibers in the fabrics may be used to control moisture such as water vapor, liquid water, or sweat within the fabric by storing the moisture within the hydrophilic ePTFE fiber network. Also, little to none of the moisture remains on the outside of the hydrophilic ePTFE fibers, making the fabric feel dry even where there is moisture therein. A polymer membrane and/or a textile may be laminated to the fabric to produce a laminated article.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2016Publication date: September 22, 2016Inventors: David J. Minor, Norman E. Clough, Raymond B. Minor
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Publication number: 20160113356Abstract: Waterproof, breathable socks, booties, shoe inserts, and footwear assemblies containing the shoe inserts are provided. The booties and shoe inserts include a laminate of a seamless ePTFE membrane and at least one textile. The bootie is conformable over a range of sizes and shoe shapes, and may be shaped to fit numerous sizes and shapes of asymmetrical shoe lasts. The bootie may shrink to fit, or, alternatively, be stretched to fit, an asymmetrical last having a desired size to form a shoe insert. Such a conformable bootie eliminates the need to have multiple sizes of shoe inserts correlating to particular shoe sizes. In embodiments where the ePTFE is seamless and continuous, the shoe insert eliminates the need for a waterproof seam tape, which is conventionally used to make shoe inserts waterproof. Methods of forming the socks, booties, and shoe inserts are also provided. Unique lasts and sock constructions are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2015Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventors: Norman E. Clough, Stane Nabernlk
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Publication number: 20150230550Abstract: Waterproof, breathable socks, booties, shoe inserts, and footwear assemblies containing the shoe inserts are provided. The booties and shoe inserts include a laminate of a seamless ePTFE membrane and at least one textile. The bootie is conformable over a range of sizes and shoe shapes, and may be shaped to fit numerous sizes and shapes of asymmetrical shoe lasts. The bootie may shrink to fit, or, alternatively, be stretched to fit, an asymmetrical last having a desired size to form a shoe insert. Such a conformable bootie eliminates the need to have multiple sizes of shoe inserts correlating to particular shoe sizes. In embodiments where the ePTFE is seamless and continuous, the shoe insert eliminates the need for a waterproof seam tape, which is conventionally used to make shoe inserts waterproof. Methods of forming the socks, booties, and shoe inserts are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2014Publication date: August 20, 2015Applicants: W. L. Gore & Associates, GmbH, W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.Inventors: John E. Bacino, Norman E. Clough, Orlando Collazo, Stane Nabernick, Franz J. Shelley, Heike Wolfrum, Alexander Zaggl