Patents by Inventor Thomas A. Higbee

Thomas A. Higbee 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).

  • Patent number: 6651814
    Abstract: A carrier for coiled filaments comprises a longitudinal base having a first end including a reinforced edge, a second end, and a first ledge opposite a second ledge. There is a raised platform between the first ledge and the second ledge. The raised platform has a first row of projections extending above the raised platform adjacent to the first ledge of the base. A second row of projections extends above the platform adjacent to the second ledge of the base, in parallel relationship to the first row of projections. The raised platform accommodates a plurality of rectangular envelopes each sized to mount in overlapping relationship between the first row of projections and the second row of projections. Each envelope contains a filament so that the ends of the filament extend out of the envelope from openings in the corners of the envelope. A first rail of resilient material mounted on the first ledge includes a plurality of slits each to receive one end of a filament.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Thomas A. Higbee, Martin G. Afflerbaugh
  • Publication number: 20020153268
    Abstract: A carrier for coiled filaments comprises a longitudinal base having a first end including a reinforced edge, a second end, and a first ledge opposite a second ledge. There is a raised platform between the first ledge and the second ledge. The raised platform has a first row of projections extending above the raised platform adjacent to the first ledge of the base. A second row of projections extends above the platform adjacent to the second ledge of the base, in parallel relationship to the first row of projections. The raised platform accommodates a plurality of rectangular envelopes each sized to mount in overlapping relationship between the first row of projections and the second row of projections. Each envelope contains a filament so that the ends of the filament extend out of the envelope from openings in the corners of the envelope. A first rail of resilient material mounted on the first ledge includes a plurality of slits each to receive one end of a filament.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Thomas A. Higbee, Martin G. Afflerbaugh