Patents by Inventor Stephen K. Stark
Stephen K. Stark 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: 20220258099Abstract: Devices and methods utilizing sorbent polymer composite materials in the form of at least one sheet. The at least one sheet can have a plurality of perforations that aids in the formation of an internal liquid network. In some embodiments, each perforation of the plurality of perforations has a size ranging from 0.1 mm to 6.5 mm and the at least one sheet has a perforation density ranging from 0.14% to 50% based on a total surface area of the at least one sheet.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2020Publication date: August 18, 2022Inventors: Stephen K. Stark, Vladimiros Nikolakis, Ryan C. Kenaley
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Publication number: 20210379518Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of filter media and methods of making and using them are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2021Publication date: December 9, 2021Inventors: Wai Sing Poon, Stephen K. Stark
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Patent number: 10493388Abstract: An improved catalytic filter material for use in removing target species found in a fluid stream is provided. The filter material includes water wettable, high temperature staple fibers in the form of porous substrates that are attached to a high temperature fluoropolymer woven scrim. The porous substrates have catalyst particles adhered (e.g., tethered) to the surfaces thereof by a polymer adhesive. Optionally, at least one microporous layer is positioned adjacent to or within the filter material.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2016Date of Patent: December 3, 2019Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.Inventors: Stephen K. Stark, John P. Pasmore, Robert G. Eves
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Publication number: 20180345190Abstract: An improved catalytic filter material for use in removing target species found in a fluid stream is provided. The filter material includes water wettable, high temperature staple fibers in the form of porous substrates that are attached to a high temperature fluoropolymer woven scrim. The porous substrates have catalyst particles adhered (e.g., tethered) to the surfaces thereof by a polymer adhesive. Optionally, at least one microporous layer is positioned adjacent to or within the filter material.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2016Publication date: December 6, 2018Inventors: Stephen K. Stark, John P. Pasmore, Robert G. Eves
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Patent number: 9737845Abstract: An integrated device for removal of both liquid-containing droplets and pollutants from a gas stream includes a plurality of passageways and a plurality of exposed surface portions, different ones of the surface portions disposed along different ones of the plurality of passageways. The plurality of passageways include an inlet and an outlet for the flow of a gas stream therethrough, wherein each passageway includes at least one segment configured to perturb the flow of at least a portion of the gas stream between the inlet and the outlet. Such gas perturbation enhances gas stream contact with the exposed surfaces. Portions of the exposed surfaces comprise a sorbent-polymer-composite material adapted for contact conversion of sulfur oxides to sulfuric acid droplets. The exposed surfaces are disposed to enhance the removal of liquid-containing droplets and contact conversion of sulfur oxides to sulfuric acid droplets.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2016Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.Inventors: Stephen K. Stark, Wai Sing Poon, Richard E. Gebert, Jeffrey Alan Kolde
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Publication number: 20160354721Abstract: An integrated device for removal of both liquid-containing droplets and pollutants from a gas stream includes a plurality of passageways and a plurality of exposed surface portions, different ones of the surface portions disposed along different ones of the plurality of passageways. The plurality of passageways include an inlet and an outlet for the flow of a gas stream therethrough, wherein each passageway includes at least one segment configured to perturb the flow of at least a portion of the gas stream between the inlet and the outlet. Such gas perturbation enhances gas stream contact with the exposed surfaces. Portions of the exposed surfaces comprise a sorbent-polymer-composite material adapted for contact conversion of sulfur oxides to sulfuric acid droplets. The exposed surfaces are disposed to enhance the removal of liquid-containing droplets and contact conversion of sulfur oxides to sulfuric acid droplets.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2016Publication date: December 8, 2016Inventors: Stephen K. Stark, Wai Sing Poon, Richard E. Gebert, Jeffrey Alan Kolde
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Patent number: 9381459Abstract: An integrated device for removal of both liquid-containing droplets and pollutants from a gas stream includes a plurality of passageways and a plurality of exposed surface portions, different ones of the surface portions disposed along different ones of the plurality of passageways. The plurality of passageways include an inlet and an outlet for the flow of a gas stream therethrough, wherein each passageway includes at least one segment configured to perturb the flow of at least a portion of the gas stream between the inlet and the outlet. Such gas perturbation enhances gas stream contact with the exposed surfaces. Portions of the exposed surfaces comprise a sorbent-polymer-composite material adapted for adsorption of elemental and oxidized mercury vapor. The exposed surfaces are disposed to enhance the removal of liquid-containing droplets and elemental and oxidized mercury vapor.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2014Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.Inventors: Stephen K. Stark, Wai Sing Poon, Richard E. Gebert, Jeffrey Alan Kolde
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Publication number: 20140260976Abstract: An integrated device for removal of both liquid-containing droplets and pollutants from a gas stream includes a plurality of passageways and a plurality of exposed surface portions, different ones of the surface portions disposed along different ones of the plurality of passageways. The plurality of passageways include an inlet and an outlet for the flow of a gas stream therethrough, wherein each passageway includes at least one segment configured to perturb the flow of at least a portion of the gas stream between the inlet and the outlet. Such gas perturbation enhances gas stream contact with the exposed surfaces. Portions of the exposed surfaces comprise a sorbent-polymer-composite material adapted for adsorption of elemental and oxidized mercury vapor. The exposed surfaces are disposed to enhance the removal of liquid-containing droplets and elemental and oxidized mercury vapor.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.Inventors: Stephen K. Stark, Wai Sing Poon, Richard E. Gebert
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Patent number: 6517612Abstract: This invention is directed to a continuously cleanable, high performance filtration apparatus and a method for using the apparatus. The apparatus is a radial inflow centrifugal filtration device, which includes a filter element located within a chamber and rotatably coupled to a filtered fluid outlet in a bulkhead that abuts the chamber. The filter element is generally tubular, its side-walls encircling and, thus, defining an interior plenum. The filter element side-walls incorporate a filter media, preferably a laminated microporous membrane filter media. The filter element is rotatably coupled at the filtered fluid outlet by a seal which can maintain a seal as filter element rotates. Additionally, the device can include a boundary layer momentum transfer device made up of a plurality of stacked annular disks having central openings, each disk separated from adjacent disks by a desired gap. The central openings define a cavity in which the filter element is mounted.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2001Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Assignee: Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Steven Crouch, Steve Wright, Jeffrey Storm, Wai S. Poon, Stephen K. Stark, Daniel W. Thorpe, Glenn R. Voshell
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Patent number: 6110243Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel filter bag assemblies comprising a support structure, such as a support cage of metal, plastic, or the like, and a filter media of expanded PTFE membrane(s) without a backing material or layer. In a preferred embodiment, the filter bag assembly further comprises a support cover, or cage cover, which fits over the exterior surface of the support, or cage, to prevent contact of the filter media with the cage.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 1998Date of Patent: August 29, 2000Assignee: Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Raymond M. Wnenchak, John E. Bacino, Stephen K. Stark, Erik H. Wildt, Karen Tronto
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Patent number: 6008146Abstract: An improved composite material of high temperature and chemical resistant material and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is provided. The composite material incorporates a coherent strand of commingled filaments of fiberglass and PTFE which is far more resistant to flex, abrasion, and chemical attack than conventional materials. Preferably filaments of expanded PTFE tow yarn and filaments of PTFE are combined through a process of air-jet texturing. Fabrics made from the composite fibers are combined with thermosetting phenolic or epoxy resins to produce pleated cartridge filter elements exhibiting superior performance in high temperature and corrosive environments.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 1997Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Assignee: Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc.Inventor: Stephen K. Stark
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Patent number: 5928414Abstract: A novel filter element is constructed from expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membrane possessing high strength which is sufficient to withstand filtration processing, as well as permitting the use of low energy to flex and clean the filter element. Further, the novel filter element of the present invention is non-linting and non-contaminating due to the ePTFE membrane structure of the filter, thereby providing excellent filtration performance for a variety of industries requiring high efficiency filtration.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 1996Date of Patent: July 27, 1999Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.Inventors: Raymond M. Wnenchak, John E. Bacino, Stephen K. Stark, Erik H. Wildt
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Patent number: 5536290Abstract: The present invention is an improved apparatus for capping the end of a pleated filter cartridge. The apparatus includes a two section assembly having a first end section with at least an inner flange and a flared second section that nests within the first end section and defines an annular space adapted to receive a pleated filter media. The pleated filter media is preferably potted within the annular space to form a tight seal that is not prone to leakage. The filter assembly of the present invention is a distinct improvement over previous filter end cap assemblies, having fewer parts and being easier to manufacture, install, and use.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 1995Date of Patent: July 16, 1996Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.Inventors: Stephen K. Stark, Erik H. Wildt
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Patent number: 5527569Abstract: The present invention is an improved electrically conductive filter media particularly suitable for use in applications where static electricity must be dissipated. The filter media of the present invention comprises a microporous filtration layer having electrically conductive particles embedded therein. When attached to support media, this structure provides exceptional filtration efficiency while assuring a consistent and evenly distributed electrical pathway to ground.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 1994Date of Patent: June 18, 1996Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.Inventors: Alex R. Hobson, David E. Mooney, Stephen K. Stark
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Patent number: 5478372Abstract: A self-supporting laminate formed from an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membrane material and a coated metal mesh material is described that is self-supporting and can be formed into a pleated filter member.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 1995Date of Patent: December 26, 1995Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.Inventor: Stephen K. Stark