Patents by Inventor Steven W. Summers

Steven W. Summers 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).

  • Composite membranes
    Patent number: 5605628
    Abstract: A composite membrane comprises an inorganic support having interstices and porous inorganic films of sintered non-metallic particles carried by the support and bridging the interstices thereof. The support is preferably a woven metal mesh, with the films substantially coplanar with the support. The films may be formed by applying a suspension of refractory particles in a polymer solution to bridge the interstices of the support, and heating the films to partly sinter the particles. Since the films are in compression at ambient temperature, any cracks that may be formed by damage to the composite membrane tend not to propagate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Assignee: North West Water Group PLC
    Inventors: Alexander P. Davidson, Michael P. Thomas, Steven W. Summers, David R. Cowieson, Peter J. Williams
  • Composite membranes
    Patent number: 5376442
    Abstract: A composite membrane comprises an inorganic support having interstices and porous inorganic films of sintered non-metallic particles carried by the support and bridging the interstices thereof. The support is preferably a woven metal mesh, with the films substantially coplanar with the support. The films may be formed by applying a suspenion of refractory particles in a polymer solution to bridge the interstices of the support, and heating the films to partly sinter the particles. Since the films are in compression at ambient temperature, any cracks that may be formed by damage to the composite membrane tend not to propagate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: North West Water Group PLC
    Inventors: Alexander P. Davidson, Michael P. Thomas, Steven W. Summers