Patents by Inventor Stephen W. Foss

Stephen W. Foss 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: 20240009957
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes a composition and method of making a nonwoven that creates a self-adhesive during lamination that is suitable for use as an impermeable or almost impermeable packaging medium and is 100% biodegradable. Unlike other films that have difficulty in bonding to a substrate that may cause air bubbles and fisheyes, the present method of making a film, and related film composition needs no adhesive to bond to a substrate. In one aspect, PLA mono-component fibers are utilized at a specific blend to achieve impermeability and transparency and/or semi-transparency properties. The manufacture of the same is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2023
    Publication date: January 11, 2024
    Applicant: Nonwoven Network LLC
    Inventor: Stephen W. Foss
  • Publication number: 20200277132
    Abstract: A tea and coffee bag wrapper and tag is shown with improved properties than current state of the art wrappers and tags. The novel tea bag and coffee bag tags and wrappers are non-GMO and fully compostable in about 30 days. Unlike other tags and wrappers that can remain in a compost for years, the present tags and wrappers completely biodegrade within 30 days. In one aspect, a PLA mono-component fiber is utilized at a specific blend ratio of L and D PLA structure. The manufacture of the same is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2020
    Publication date: September 3, 2020
    Applicant: Nonwoven Network LLC
    Inventor: Stephen W. Foss
  • Patent number: 10508188
    Abstract: High-melting antimicrobial polymer fibers and antimicrobial fabrics comprising such fibers are prepared by preparing a masterbatch of polymer pellets (e.g., PET), silver and copper salts, and a compounding agent which provides free flowing polymer pellets which can be prepared in advance, with a long shelf life. Polymer masterbatches prepared by the methods of the invention can produce limited color or off-white antimicrobial fibers and fabrics using conventional melt spinning manufacturing methods. Fabrics incorporating fibers of the present invention are potent inhibitors of Athlete's foot fungi, gram negative and gram positive bacteria, and drug resistant pathogens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: PurThread Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen W. Foss, Stanley Chamberlain, Lloyd Frick
  • Patent number: 10072366
    Abstract: Described are fibrous products for molding for use in Automotive products such as Underbody Aero-shields, wheel house liners, and Engine compartment applications with enhanced heat aging capability, abrasion resistance, and resistance to water, oils, and other fluids and is recyclable. The fibrous products also have acoustical benefits such as improved acoustical impedance or sound dampening properties over currently available acoustic insulation materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Nonwoven Network LLC
    Inventors: Stephen W. Foss, Jean-Marie Turra
  • Publication number: 20180186966
    Abstract: High-melting antimicrobial polymer fibers and antimicrobial fabrics comprising such fibers are prepared by preparing a masterbatch of polymer pellets (e.g., PET), silver and copper salts, and a compounding agent which provides free flowing polymer pellets which can be prepared in advance, with a long shelf life. Polymer masterbatches prepared by the methods of the invention can produce limited color or off-white antimicrobial fibers and fabrics using conventional melt spinning manufacturing methods. Fabrics incorporating fibers of the present invention are potent inhibitors of Athlete's foot fungi, gram negative and gram positive bacteria, and drug resistant pathogens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2018
    Publication date: July 5, 2018
    Inventors: Stephen W. FOSS, Stanley CHAMBERLAIN, Lloyd FRICK
  • Patent number: 9988205
    Abstract: A non-woven mono-component, mono-constituent poly lactic acid (PLA) web is disclosed. The web material is useful for production of infused and brewed beverage filtering media such as tea bags and other pouches and filters. The nonwoven network of PLA fibers in mono-component, mono-constituent configuration provides enhanced liquid infusion properties, superior wet strength and weight properties that surpass current beverage bags and pouches because of its unique composition and structure. The manufacture of Biodegradable Tea and Coffee filter fabrics utilizing PLA powders in place of low melt mono-component, mono-constituent fibers to improve fabric elongation and reduce cost. The addition of a Chlorine scavenger allows preserving the taste and essence of the beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Nonwoven Network LLC
    Inventors: Stephen W. Foss, Jean-Marie Turra
  • Patent number: 9938659
    Abstract: A nonwoven ceiling tile or wall panel with noise absorption properties utilizes unique acoustical absorbing fibers. During manufacturing, binder fibers melt between interstitial spaces to fill spaces and create impedance to air flow and sound flow through the fibers. Various shapes and/or sizes of fibers may also be utilized to further impedance of air and sound through the ceiling tile or panel. The ceiling tiles and panels are made from 100% organic fibers that are either virgin or recycled material. The material is structurally self-supporting eliminating need for structural additives or structural design features. Fire and smoke retardants are incorporated into the fibers. Antimicrobial and anti-stain additives may also be used in the fibers. The material is 100% polyester fibers (PET and PETG). The material is printable using sublistatic printing or transfer printing process. The ceiling tiles and panels are light weight and moldable in a wide range of designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Nonwoven Network LLC
    Inventors: Stephen W. Foss, Jean-Marie Turra
  • Patent number: 9908987
    Abstract: High-melting antimicrobial polymer fibers and antimicrobial fabrics comprising such fibers are prepared by preparing a masterbatch of polymer pellets (e.g., PET), silver and copper salts, and a compounding agent which provides free flowing polymer pellets which can be prepared in advance, with a long shelf life. Polymer masterbatches prepared by the methods of the invention can produce limited color or off-white antimicrobial fibers and fabrics using conventional melt spinning manufacturing methods. Fabrics incorporating fibers of the present invention are potent inhibitors of Athlete's foot fungi, gram negative and gram positive bacteria, and drug resistant pathogens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: PurThread Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen W. Foss, Stanley Chamberlain, Lloyd Frick
  • Patent number: 9533630
    Abstract: A moldable composite with high heat resistance and noise absorption properties utilizes nonwoven fabrics and a heat resistance additive. The composition that provides both superior acoustic performance and excellent flex modulus that may be utilized in automotive products and applications in interior and exterior structures. A blowing agent may be utilized to create micro porous cells in a polymer non-woven structure. The cells or voids make the material lighter and allow the material to have superior acoustic properties that are useful in automotive applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Nonwoven Network LLC
    Inventors: Stephen W. Foss, Jean-Marie Turra
  • Publication number: 20160376748
    Abstract: A nonwoven ceiling tile or wall panel with noise absorption properties utilizes unique acoustical absorbing fibers. During manufacturing, binder fibers melt between interstitial spaces to fill spaces and create impedance to air flow and sound flow through the fibers. Various shapes and/or sizes of fibers may also be utilized to further impedance of air and sound through the ceiling tile or panel. The ceiling tiles and panels are made from 100% organic fibers that are either virgin or recycled material. The material is structurally self-supporting eliminating need for structural additives or structural design features. Fire and smoke retardants are incorporated into the fibers. Antimicrobial and anti-stain additives may also be used in the fibers. The material is 100% polyester fibers (PET and PETG). The material is printable using sublistatic printing or transfer printing process. The ceiling tiles and panels are light weight and moldable in a wide range of designs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Inventors: Stephen W. Foss, Jean-Marie Turra
  • Publication number: 20160264346
    Abstract: A non-woven mono-component, mono-constituent poly lactic acid (PLA) web is disclosed. The web material is useful for production of infused and brewed beverage filtering media such as tea bags and other pouches and filters. The nonwoven network of PLA fibers in mono-component, mono-constituent configuration provides enhanced liquid infusion properties, superior wet strength and weight properties that surpass current beverage bags and pouches because of its unique composition and structure. The manufacture of Biodegradable Tea and Coffee filter fabrics utilizing PLA powders in place of low melt mono-component, mono-constituent fibers to improve fabric elongation and reduce cost. The addition of a Chlorine scavenger allows preserving the taste and essence of the beverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2016
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Stephen W. Foss, Jean-Marie Turra
  • Publication number: 20160122924
    Abstract: Described are fibrous products for molding for use in Automotive products such as Underbody Aero-shields, wheel house liners, and Engine compartment applications with enhanced heat aging capability, abrasion resistance, and resistance to water, oils, and other fluids and is recyclable. The fibrous products also have acoustical benefits such as improved acoustical impedance or sound dampening properties over currently available acoustic insulation materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Publication date: May 5, 2016
    Inventors: Stephen W. Foss, Jean-Marie Turra
  • Publication number: 20160121578
    Abstract: A method of making a Bi-Layer or Tri-layer moldable composite with nonwoven fabrics and a blown film layer is described. Also described is a composition that provides both superior acoustic performance and excellent flex modulus for among other things automotive products and applications for use in interior and exterior structures. A blowing agent is used to create micro porous cells in a polymer non-woven structure. The cells or voids make the material lighter and allow the material to have superior acoustic properties that are useful in automotive applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2015
    Publication date: May 5, 2016
    Inventors: Stephen W. Foss, Jean-Marie Turra
  • Publication number: 20160121814
    Abstract: A moldable composite with high heat resistance and noise absorption properties utilizes nonwoven fabrics and a heat resistance additive. The composition that provides both superior acoustic performance and excellent flex modulus that may be utilized in automotive products and applications in interior and exterior structures. A blowing agent may be utilized to create micro porous cells in a polymer non-woven structure. The cells or voids make the material lighter and allow the material to have superior acoustic properties that are useful in automotive applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Publication date: May 5, 2016
    Inventors: Stephen W. Foss, Jean-Marie Turra
  • Patent number: 9263170
    Abstract: Uniform heating with low voltage electrical power supply is provided by sheet form products as free standing films, coatings, or embedded in laminates, foams and the like and comprising a carbon black/graphite composite dispersed in a plastic carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Nonwoven Networks LLC
    Inventor: Stephen W. Foss
  • Publication number: 20150056389
    Abstract: Web material for production of tea bags and the like made of a nonwoven network of PLA fibers in mono-component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: Stephen W. Foss, Jean-Marie Turra
  • Publication number: 20150044449
    Abstract: High-melting antimicrobial polymer fibers and antimicrobial fabrics comprising such fibers are prepared by preparing a masterbatch of polymer pellets (e.g., PET), silver and copper salts, and a compounding agent which provides free flowing polymer pellets which can be prepared in advance, with a long shelf life. Polymer masterbatches prepared by the methods of the invention can produce limited color or off-white antimicrobial fibers and fabrics using conventional melt spinning manufacturing methods. Fabrics incorporating fibers of the present invention are potent inhibitors of Athlete's foot fungi, gram negative and gram positive bacteria, and drug resistant pathogens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Stephen W. Foss, Stanley Chamberlain, Lloyd Frick
  • Patent number: 8828895
    Abstract: Web material for production of tea bags and the like made of a nonwoven network of PLA fibers in mono-component and/or bi-component forms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Nonwoven Network LLC
    Inventors: Stephen W. Foss, Jean-Marie Turra
  • Publication number: 20140242309
    Abstract: A non-woven mono-component, mono-constituent poly lactic acid (PLA) web is disclosed. The web material is useful for production of tea bags and other infusion beverages. The nonwoven network of PLA fibers in mono-component, mono-constituent configuration provides infusion properties, strength and weight properties that surpass current beverage bags and pouches because of its unique composition and structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventors: Stephen W. Foss, Jean-Marie Turra
  • Publication number: 20120222826
    Abstract: An improved removable curtain is described. One embodiment includes a curtain comprising an upper section; and a lower section, wherein at least one of the upper section or the lower section has anti-microbial properties, and wherein the lower section is connected to the upper section with a quick change mechanism such as a zipper or snaps. The anti-microbial properties of the curtain may be from anti-microbial fibers incorporated into the curtain, from an anti-microbial coating, or from both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: PurThread Technologies, inc.
    Inventors: Stephen W. Foss, Richard S. Bodman