Patents by Inventor Stephen P. Stroupe

Stephen P. Stroupe 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).

  • Apparatus and method for precision testing of fiber length using electrostatic collection and control of fibers
    Patent number: 6882423
    Abstract: A system for precision testing of fiber length and the like using electrostatic collection and control of fibers. The system comprises two spaced-apart and longitudinal extending electrode plates wherein one electrode plate has a positive charge and the other electrode plate is grounded or has a negative charge. An endless rotating belt extends between and parallel to the electrode plates, and the rotating belt is positioned next adjacent and in contact with or in close proximity to one of the two spaced-apart electrode plates such that the distance between the belt and the other electrode plate is greater than the length of fibers to be tested. A fiber introduction system is provided to introduce a plurality of individual fibers above the two electrode plates such that the fibers will adhere to the belt and the other ends of the fibers are attracted to the other electrode plate and thereby straightened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: North Carolina State University
    Inventors: Jon P. Rust, Stephen P. Stroupe, Thesley A. Byrd, Joseph A. Brenzovich
  • Apparatus and method for precision testing of fiber length using electrostatic collection and control of fibers
    Publication number: 20040141188
    Abstract: A system for precision testing of fiber length and the like using electrostatic collection and control of fibers. The system comprises two spaced-apart and longitudinal extending electrode plates wherein one electrode plate has a positive charge and the other electrode plate is grounded or has a negative charge. An endless rotating belt extends between and parallel to the electrode plates, and the rotating belt is positioned next adjacent and in contact with or in close proximity to one of the two spaced-apart electrode plates such that the distance between the belt and the other electrode plate is greater than the length of fibers to be tested. A fiber introduction system is provided to introduce a plurality of individual fibers above the two electrode plates such that the fibers will adhere to the belt and the other ends of the fibers are attracted to the other electrode plate and thereby straightened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Applicant: North Carolina State University
    Inventors: Jon P. Rust, Stephen P. Stroupe, Thesley A. Byrd, Joseph A. Brenzovich