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).

  • Patent number: 11785998
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Bacino, Norman E. Clough, Orlando Collazo, Jean Norvell, Franz Shelley
  • Publication number: 20230263118
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2023
    Publication date: August 24, 2023
    Inventors: Norman E. Clough, Eric Dufford, Varendra N. Silva
  • Publication number: 20230232761
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2021
    Publication date: July 27, 2023
    Inventor: Norman E. Clough
  • Publication number: 20220259539
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Publication date: August 18, 2022
    Inventor: Norman E. Clough
  • Publication number: 20220256792
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Publication date: August 18, 2022
    Inventor: Norman E. Clough
  • Publication number: 20220030994
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2021
    Publication date: February 3, 2022
    Inventors: John E. Bacino, Norman E. Clough, Orlando Collazo, Jean Norvell, Franz Shelley
  • Patent number: 11154105
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Bacino, Norman E. Clough, Orlando Collazo, Jean Norvell, Franz Shelley
  • Patent number: 11136697
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Minor, Norman E. Clough, Raymond B. Minor
  • Publication number: 20190335848
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2019
    Publication date: November 7, 2019
    Inventors: John E. Bacino, Norman E. Clough, Orlando Collazo, Stane Nabernick, Franz J. Shelley, Heike Wolfrum, Alexander Zaggl
  • Publication number: 20190274383
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2019
    Publication date: September 12, 2019
    Inventors: John E. Bacino, Norman E. Clough, Orlando Collazo, Jean Norvell, Franz Shelley
  • Publication number: 20190261731
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2019
    Publication date: August 29, 2019
    Inventors: John E. Bacino, Norman E. Clough, Orlando Collazo, Stane Nabernik, Franz J. Shelley
  • Patent number: 10314353
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Bacino, Norman E. Clough, Orlando Collazo, Jean Norvell, Franz Shelley
  • Patent number: 10314362
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignees: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc., W. L. Gore & Associates GmbH
    Inventors: John E. Bacino, Norman E. Clough, Orlando Collazo, Stane Nabernik, Franz J. Shelley
  • Publication number: 20180098600
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Publication date: April 12, 2018
    Inventors: John E. Bacino, Norman E. Clough, Orlando Collazo, Stane Nabernick, Franz J. Shelley, Heike Wolfrum, Alexander Zaggl
  • Publication number: 20180042334
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventors: John E. Bacino, Norman E. Clough, Orlando Collazo, Stane Nabernick, Franz J. Shelley, Heike Wolfrum, Alexander Zaggl
  • Publication number: 20170049170
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventors: John E. Bacino, Norman E. Clough, Orlando Collazo, Jean Norvell, Franz Shelley
  • Publication number: 20170042280
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Publication date: February 16, 2017
    Inventors: John E. Bacino, Norman E. Clough, Orlando Collazo, Stane Nabernik, Franz J. Shelley, Heike Wolfrum, Alexander Zaggl
  • Publication number: 20160273134
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2016
    Publication date: September 22, 2016
    Inventors: David J. Minor, Norman E. Clough, Raymond B. Minor
  • Publication number: 20160113356
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventors: Norman E. Clough, Stane Nabernlk
  • Publication number: 20150230550
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Publication date: August 20, 2015
    Applicants: 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