Patents by Inventor Probir K. Guha

Probir K. Guha 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: 10131098
    Abstract: An automated process is provided for debundling carbon fiber tow that includes feeding a carbon fiber tow into a chopper. The carbon fiber tow is cut to form lengths of chopped tow portions. The lengths of chopped tow portions are distributed on a moving conveyor. The lengths of chopped tow portions are exposed to a first plasma discharge from a first plasma source on the moving conveyor to create debundled carbon fibers. Alternatively, the carbon fiber tow is exposed to the first plasma discharge prior to being cut into lengths. A system for applying chopped fibers to a sheet of molding compound includes a chopper for cutting a carbon fiber tow into lengths of chopped tow portions. A conveyor belt receives the lengths of chopped tow portions. At least one plasma generating source is arrayed across of the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: CONTINENTAL STRUCTURAL PLASTICS, INC.
    Inventors: Frank Macher, Probir K. Guha, Michael J. Siwajek, Shane Skop, Rahul Rane, Adam Burley
  • Patent number: 9663608
    Abstract: A molding composition formulation includes a thermoset cross-linkable 12 to 45 micron polymeric resin. Hollow glass microspheroids are present from 2 to 12 total weight percent. An article formed from such a composition is further strengthened by the addition of a surface activating agent bonded to the surface of the glass microspheroids. Conventional particulate fillers when added to an inventive formulation provide enhanced performance when the filler particle has a size sufficiently small to insert within adjacent microspheroid interstitial voids. An unsaturated polyester resin so formed is particularly well suited for the formation of sheet molding compound formulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Continental Structural Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian A. Beach, Probir K. Guha, Brad Haskell, Michael J. Siwajek
  • Publication number: 20160288432
    Abstract: An automated process is provided for debundling carbon fiber tow that includes feeding a carbon fiber tow into a chopper. The carbon fiber tow is cut to form lengths of chopped tow portions. The lengths of chopped tow portions are distributed on a moving conveyor. The lengths of chopped tow portions are exposed to a first plasma discharge from a first plasma source on the moving conveyor to create debundled carbon fibers. Alternatively, the carbon fiber tow is exposed to the the first plasma discharge prior to being cut into lengths. A system for applying chopped fibers to a sheet of molding compound includes a chopper for cutting a carbon fiber tow into lengths of chopped tow portions. A conveyor belt receives the lengths of chopped tow portions. At least one plasma generating source is arrayed across of the conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Inventors: Frank Macher, Probir K. Guha, Michael J. Siwajek, Shane Skop, Rahul Rane, Adam Burley
  • Patent number: 9018280
    Abstract: A molding composition formulation includes a thermoset cross-linkable 12 to 45 micron polymeric resin. Hollow glass microspheroids are present from 2 to 12 total weight percent. An article formed from such a composition is further strengthened by the addition of a surface activating agent bonded to the surface of the glass microspheroids. Conventional particulate fillers when added to an inventive formulation provide enhanced performance when the filler particle has a size sufficiently small to insert within adjacent microspheroid interstitial voids. An unsaturated polyester resin so formed is particularly well suited for the formation of sheet molding compound formulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Continental Structural Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian A. Beach, Probir K. Guha, Brad Haskell, Michael J. Siwajek
  • Publication number: 20140275336
    Abstract: A molding composition formulation includes a thermoset cross-linkable 12 to 45 micron polymeric resin. Hollow glass microspheroids are present from 2 to 12 total weight percent. An article formed from such a composition is further strengthened by the addition of a surface activating agent bonded to the surface of the glass microspheroids. Conventional particulate fillers when added to an inventive formulation provide enhanced performance when the filler particle has a size sufficiently small to insert within adjacent microspheroid interstitial voids. An unsaturated polyester resin so formed is particularly well suited for the formation of sheet molding compound formulations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Continental Structural Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian A. Beach, Probir K. Guha, Brad Haskell, Michael J. Siwajek
  • Patent number: 7829637
    Abstract: A molding composition is provided that includes a thermoset cross-linkable polymeric resin, a fibrous filler and a thickener system. The thickener system includes an amine and an isocyanate that are reactive to form a polyurea. The polyurea is operative to thicken the molding composition formulation prior to polymeric resin thermoset with superior properties relative to conventional thickener systems. A molded article produced from a cross-linked thermoset polymeric resin containing fibrous filler and a polyurea present from 1 to 5 total weight percent of the article either forms an interpenetrating network between the resin and the polyurea or the resin and polyurea crosslink upon resin thermoset to further strengthen the resulting article. An alkali earth oxide or hydroxide simultaneously thickens through interaction with carboxylate functionality of the cross-linkable resin to provide a superior viscosity build and humidity tolerance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Continental Structural Plastics
    Inventors: Probir K. Guha, Michael J. Siwajek, Brian A. Beach
  • Publication number: 20100204360
    Abstract: A molding composition formulation includes a thermoset cross-linkable 12 to 45 micron polymeric resin. Hollow glass microspheroids are present from 2 to 12 total weight percent. An article formed from such a composition is further strengthened by the addition of a surface activating agent bonded to the surface of the glass microspheroids. Conventional particulate fillers when added to an inventive formulation provide enhanced performance when the filler particle has a size sufficiently small to insert within adjacent microspheroid interstitial voids. An unsaturated polyester resin so formed is particularly well suited for the formation of sheet molding compound formulations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventors: Brian A. Beach, Probir K. Guha, Brad Haskell, Michael J. Siwajek
  • Patent number: 7700670
    Abstract: A molding composition formulation includes a thermoset cross-linkable polymeric resin. Glass microspheroids are present such that upon cure of the resin the resulting article has a linear shrinkage of less than ±0.06% and a density of less than 1.65. An article formed from such a composition is further strengthened by the addition of a surface activating agent bonded to the surface of the glass microspheroids. Conventional particulate fillers when added to an inventive formulation provide enhanced performance when the filler particle has a size sufficiently small to insert within adjacent microspheroid interstitial voids. An unsaturated polyester resin so formed is particularly well suited for the formation of sheet molding compound formulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventors: Brian A. Beach, Probir K. Guha, Brad Haskell, Michael J. Siwajek
  • Publication number: 20100093911
    Abstract: A molding composition is provided that includes a thermoset cross-linkable polymeric resin, a fibrous filler and a thickener system. The thickener system includes an amine and an isocyanate that are reactive to form a polyurea. The polyurea is operative to thicken the molding composition formulation prior to polymeric resin thermoset with superior properties relative to conventional thickener systems. A molded article produced from a cross-linked thermoset polymeric resin containing fibrous filler and a polyurea present from 1 to 5 total weight percent of the article either forms an interpenetrating network between the resin and the polyurea or the resin and polyurea crosslink upon resin thermoset to further strengthen the resulting article. An alkali earth oxide or hydroxide simultaneously thickens through interaction with carboxylate functionality of the cross-linkable resin to provide a superior viscosity build and humidity tolerance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventors: Probir K. Guha, Michael J. Siwajek, Brian A. Beach
  • Patent number: 7655297
    Abstract: A molding compound formulation is provided that includes a unsaturated polyester, a low profile additive, and high surface area conductive carbon black particulate. The carbon black is dispersed in at least one of the unsaturated polyester and the low profile additive to produce a cured panel having a surface resistivity value of between 1×105-108?, and a Diffracto analysis D number of less than 100 when cured against a mold platen having a Diffracto analysis D number of 25. A process for producing such a molding compound panel is also provided that includes mixing through rotary mechanical stirring the high surface area conductive carbon black particulate into one side of the molding compound formulation under conditions that satisfy: ln(viscosity)??0.82{ln(RPM)}+12.734??(I) where viscosity is in Centipoise and RPM denotes revolutions per minute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Continental Structural Plastics
    Inventors: Probir K. Guha, Michael J. Siwajek
  • Patent number: 7524547
    Abstract: Sheet molding composition formulation includes a thermoset cross-linkable polymeric resin. A moisture reducing polymeric additive includes at least one of polystyrene; poly C1-C4 alykylmethacrylate; a copolymer of styrene with at least one of butadiene, acrylonitrile and vinyl chloride; or a combination of polystyrene, polyaklymethacrylate and or a styrene copolymer. Moisture reducing polymeric additive is present within the formulation from between 1 and 20 total weight percent. An article formed from such a sheet molding composition formulation defines an article shape and has a surface that sets the article shape with less than 0.5 total weight percent water after 96 hours exposure and 100° F. 100% humidity. The article shape is amendable to receiving a vapor barrier coating applied to the articles shape surface. A powder prime coating over lies the barrier coating and achieves surface finish results comparable to article shapes formed of steel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Continential Structural Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian A. Beach, Brad Haskell, Michael J. Siwajek, Probir K. Guha
  • Publication number: 20080096032
    Abstract: A molding compound formulation is provided that includes a unsaturated polyester, a low profile additive, and high surface area conductive carbon black particulate. The carbon black is dispersed in at least one of the unsaturated polyester and the low profile additive to produce a cured panel having a surface resistivity value of between 1×105-108?, and a Diffracto analysis D number of less than 100 when cured against a mold platen having a Diffracto analysis D number of 25. A process for producing such a molding compound panel is also provided that includes mixing through rotary mechanical stirring the high surface area conductive carbon black particulate into one side of the molding compound formulation under conditions that satisfy: ln(viscosity)??0.82{ln(RPM)}+12.734 ??(I) where viscosity is in Centipoise and RPM denotes revolutions per minute.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: Probir K. Guha, Michael J. Siwajek
  • Publication number: 20070197694
    Abstract: A molding composition formulation is provided that includes a thermoset cross-linkable polymeric resin and an ultraviolet light absorber. A shrinkage-reducing polymeric additive is present in the formulation from between 3 and 30 total weight percent, such that upon cure a linear shrinkage rate of within ±1.0% is obtained. Shrinkage-reducing polymeric additives include a condensation polyester of glycol and a polyacid or acid anhydride, polyvinyl acetate, polymethylmethacrylate, or polyether polyol. A vehicle body component formed through a sheet molding composition formulation is provided as recited above, and includes a fiberglass filler. A process for producing a vehicle body component exposed to ultraviolet light upon environmental exposure of a vehicle includes molding at an elevated temperature above 20° C. the vehicle component from the formulation as detailed above. The process is followed by trimming the molded vehicle component prior to assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Inventors: Probir K. Guha, Michael J. Siwajek, Brian A. Beach
  • Patent number: 6780923
    Abstract: A molding compound contains a reinforcing fiber, a non-fibrous filler, and an unsaturated polyester resin. The unsaturated polyester resin contains an unsaturated monomer as well as a polyester polymer. The polymer is a unsaturated polyester made from a hydroxyl component and a carboxylic component. The hydroxyl component contains both a monomeric diol or triol, and a polymeric polyol. The polymeric polyol is a hydroxyl-terminated polymer such as polyether or polyester diols or triols. The carboxylic component can be provided by an unsaturated carboxylic diacid, an unsaturated carboxylic anhydride, an unsaturated carboxylic diester or mixtures thereof. Molded articles are provided by compression or extrusion molding of a molding compound as described above. The articles are characterized by improved crack resistance, toughness, and surface appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Budd Company
    Inventors: Probir K. Guha, Michael J. Siwajek, Robert C. Yen
  • Publication number: 20030100651
    Abstract: A molding compound contains a reinforcing fiber, a non-fibrous filler, and an unsaturated polyester resin. The unsaturated polyester resin contains an unsaturated monomer as well as a polyester polymer. The polymer is a unsaturated polyester made from a hydroxyl component and a carboxylic component. The hydroxyl component contains both a monomeric diol or triol, and a polymeric polyol. The polymeric polyol is a hydroxyl-terminated polymer such as polyether or polyester diols or triols. The carboxylic component can be provided by an unsaturated carboxylic diacid, an unsaturated carboxylic anhydride, an unsaturated carboxylic diester or mixtures thereof. Molded articles are provided by compression or extrusion molding of a molding compound as described above. The articles are characterized by improved crack resistance, toughness, and surface appearance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2001
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventors: Probir K. Guha, Michael J. Siwajek, Robert C. Yen
  • Publication number: 20010031830
    Abstract: The present invention provides a blocked polyisocyanate low profile additive comprising an isocyanate terminated urethane prepolymer having an NCO to isocyanate reactive group equivalent ratio of greater than about 1.6/1, a blocking agent with one or more isocyanate reactive groups, and an ethylenically unsaturated monomer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 1999
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventors: PROBIR K. GUHA, ROBERT C. YEN
  • Patent number: 4622354
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery and development of a novel class of phase stabilization additives for thermoset polyester resins. The use of these materials imparts improved glass read out and superior homogeneity when compared to art-disclosed systems thus producing an overall improved Class A quality thermoset polyester resin surface finish for a variety of products.The phase-stabilizing agents or additives of the present invention comprise a select group of compounds from three classes: fatty acids, dimer acids, and polyester polyols. More specifically, the phase-stabilizing agents of the present invention comprises a compound selected from the group consisting of:(i) a saturated or unsaturated C.sub.5 to C.sub.28 fatty acid;(ii) a C.sub.20 to C.sub.54 dimer acid or trimer acid; or(iii) a polyester polyol having an average molecular weight of about 200 to about 6,500.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1986
    Assignee: The Budd Company
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Iseler, Probir K. Guha, Robert C. Yen
  • Patent number: 4587280
    Abstract: A tank tread pad and composition for making. A tank tread pad is formed from a polymeric material which is formed by an inter penetrating polymer network comprising a first urethane component and a second resinous component which cures under different conditions and is substantially unreactive with the urethane. A fiberous reinforcement is present in the cured resinous material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1986
    Assignee: Budd Company
    Inventors: Probir K. Guha, Kenneth A. Iseler, Robert C. Yen
  • Patent number: 4535110
    Abstract: An isocyanate terminated urethane prepolymer composition having an equivalent ratio of NCO to OH from about 1.2/1 to about 5/1. The isocyanate terminated urethane prepolymer acts as dual functional additive and is prepared by reacting one equivalent weight of a polyol having an average molecular weight of about 600 to about 4,000 and an average functionality of about 2 to about 6 and preferably 2 to 3 and most preferably 2 and 1.2 to 5 equivalents of polyisocyanate and preferably two equivalent weights of polyisocyanate, and preferably a diisocyanate, whereby the reactants combine in a one-step addition process to yield an isocyanate terminated urethane prepolymer of controlled molecular weight to impart improved low shrink, dynamic impact, molding characteristics as measured by viscosity index properties in thermoset polyester resin products, and particularly sheet molding compositions (SMC) by covalently bonding to the polyester resin matrix of the SMC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1985
    Assignee: The Budd Company
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Iseler, Probir K. Guha, Robert C. Yen
  • Patent number: 4334563
    Abstract: A swingable impact tool and a method of making it wherein the tool has a metal head fastened both chemically and mechanically to a handle made of a composite of materials including a pultrusion of fiberglass filaments in a matrix of polymerized thermosetting resin covered by elastomeric urethane form which protects the core member from impact loads and absorbs the transfer of shock loads to the hands of the user. Metal or plastic members are used to reinforce critical areas of the handle adjacent the head and the stem member disposed within the socket in the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1982
    Assignee: The Budd Company
    Inventors: Joseph N. Epel, Robert E. Wilkinson, Probir K. Guha, Albert S. Crandon, Jr.