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).

  • Publication number: 20220258099
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2020
    Publication date: August 18, 2022
    Inventors: Stephen K. Stark, Vladimiros Nikolakis, Ryan C. Kenaley
  • Publication number: 20210379518
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of filter media and methods of making and using them are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2021
    Publication date: December 9, 2021
    Inventors: Wai Sing Poon, Stephen K. Stark
  • Patent number: 10493388
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen K. Stark, John P. Pasmore, Robert G. Eves
  • Publication number: 20180345190
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Stephen K. Stark, John P. Pasmore, Robert G. Eves
  • Patent number: 9737845
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen K. Stark, Wai Sing Poon, Richard E. Gebert, Jeffrey Alan Kolde
  • Publication number: 20160354721
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Publication date: December 8, 2016
    Inventors: Stephen K. Stark, Wai Sing Poon, Richard E. Gebert, Jeffrey Alan Kolde
  • Patent number: 9381459
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen K. Stark, Wai Sing Poon, Richard E. Gebert, Jeffrey Alan Kolde
  • Publication number: 20140260976
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen K. Stark, Wai Sing Poon, Richard E. Gebert
  • Patent number: 6517612
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Crouch, Steve Wright, Jeffrey Storm, Wai S. Poon, Stephen K. Stark, Daniel W. Thorpe, Glenn R. Voshell
  • Patent number: 6110243
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond M. Wnenchak, John E. Bacino, Stephen K. Stark, Erik H. Wildt, Karen Tronto
  • Patent number: 6008146
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen K. Stark
  • Patent number: 5928414
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond M. Wnenchak, John E. Bacino, Stephen K. Stark, Erik H. Wildt
  • Patent number: 5536290
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen K. Stark, Erik H. Wildt
  • Patent number: 5527569
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Alex R. Hobson, David E. Mooney, Stephen K. Stark
  • Patent number: 5478372
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen K. Stark