Patents by Inventor William M. Humphrey
William M. Humphrey 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).
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Patent number: 10683417Abstract: Methods for making compositions for making thermoplastic aliphatic urethane/urea elastomers, which are in turn used to make molding compositions used in forming molded articles, particularly, shells for automotive applications. The molding compositions comprise an aliphatic thermoplastic urethane/urea elastomer and a polyolefin-based modifier. These compositions may be used to form a powder, pellets, microspheres or minibeads which may then be cast to form air bag door and instrument panel cover skins which may meet automotive deployment and weathering requirements.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2017Date of Patent: June 16, 2020Assignee: Covestro LLCInventors: William M. Humphrey, Paul Drago, Terry L. Anderson
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Patent number: 9796807Abstract: Compositions for forming molded articles, particularly, shells for automotive applications are made up of melt blends of an aliphatic thermoplastic urethane elastomer and one or more polyolefin-based modifiers. These compositions may be blended to form a powder, pellets, microspheres or minibeads which may then be cast to form air bag door and instrument panel cover skins which may meet automotive deployment and weathering requirements.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2008Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Covestro LLCInventors: William M. Humphrey, Paul Drago, Terry L. Anderson, James R. Charron
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Publication number: 20170247540Abstract: Methods for making compositions for making thermoplastic aliphatic urethane/urea elastomers, which are in turn used to make molding compositions used in forming molded articles, particularly, shells for automotive applications. The molding compositions comprise an aliphatic thermoplastic urethane/urea elastomer and a polyolefin-based modifier. These compositions may be used to form a powder, pellets, microspheres or minibeads which may then be cast to form air bag door and instrument panel cover skins which may meet automotive deployment and weathering requirements.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2017Publication date: August 31, 2017Inventors: William M. Humphrey, Paul Drago, Terry L. Anderson
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Patent number: 9708438Abstract: Compositions for forming molded articles, particularly, shells for automotive applications are made up of melt blends of aliphatic thermoplastic urethane elastomer and an olefin-containing block copolymer crosslinked to a gel content of from 5 to 95%. These compositions may be blended to form a powder, pellets, microspheres or minibeads which may then be cast to form air bag door and instrument panel cover skins which may meet automotive deployment and weathering requirements.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2008Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: Covestro LLCInventors: William M. Humphrey, Paul Drago, Jeffrey S. Armour, Jim E. Ingram, James R. Charron
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Patent number: 8848942Abstract: A feedback-controlled microphone includes a microphone body and a membrane operatively connected to the body. The membrane is configured to be initially deflected by acoustic pressure such that the initial deflection is characterized by a frequency response. The microphone also includes a sensor configured to detect the frequency response of the initial deflection and generate an output voltage indicative thereof. The microphone additionally includes a compensator in electric communication with the sensor and configured to establish a regulated voltage in response to the output voltage. Furthermore, the microphone includes an actuator in electric communication with the compensator, wherein the actuator is configured to secondarily deflect the membrane in opposition to the initial deflection such that the frequency response is adjusted. An acoustic beam forming microphone array including a plurality of the above feedback-controlled microphones is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2011Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Eliott Radcliffe, Ahmed Naguib, William M. Humphreys, Jr.
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Publication number: 20130064391Abstract: A feedback-controlled microphone includes a microphone body and a membrane operatively connected to the body. The membrane is configured to be initially deflected by acoustic pressure such that the initial deflection is characterized by a frequency response. The microphone also includes a sensor configured to detect the frequency response of the initial deflection and generate an output voltage indicative thereof. The microphone additionally includes a compensator in electric communication with the sensor and configured to establish a regulated voltage in response to the output voltage. Furthermore, the microphone includes an actuator in electric communication with the compensator, wherein the actuator is configured to secondarily deflect the membrane in opposition to the initial deflection such that the frequency response is adjusted. An acoustic beam forming microphone array including a plurality of the above feedback-controlled microphones is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2011Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicants: Space AdministrationInventors: Eliott Radcliffe, Ahmed Naguib, William M. Humphreys, JR.
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Patent number: 8170234Abstract: Mapping coherent/incoherent acoustic sources as determined from a phased microphone array. A linear configuration of equations and unknowns are formed by accounting for a reciprocal influence of one or more cross-beamforming characteristics thereof at varying grid locations among the plurality of grid locations. An equation derived from the linear configuration of equations and unknowns can then be iteratively determined. The equation can be attained by the solution requirement of a constraint equivalent to the physical assumption that the coherent sources have only in phase coherence. The size of the problem may then be reduced using zoning methods.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2008Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: The United States of America by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdminstrationInventors: Thomas F. Brooks, William M. Humphreys, Jr.
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Publication number: 20110177344Abstract: Compositions for forming molded articles, particularly, shells for automotive applications are made up of melt blends of aliphatic thermoplastic urethane elastomer and an olefin-containing block copolymer crosslinked to a gel content of from 5 to 95%. These compositions may be blended to form a powder, pellets, microspheres or minibeads which may then be cast to form air bag door and instrument panel cover skins which may meet automotive deployment and weathering requirements.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2008Publication date: July 21, 2011Applicant: Bayer MaterialScience LLCInventors: William M. Humphrey, Paul Drago, Jeffrey S. Armour, Jim E. Ingram, James R. Charron
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Publication number: 20110105673Abstract: Compositions for forming molded articles, particularly, shells for automotive applications are made up of an aliphatic thermoplastic urethane/urea elastomer and, optionally, one or more copolymers, such as an olefin-containing or styrene containing copolymer. These compositions may be used to form a powder, pellets, microspheres or minibeads which may then be cast to form air bag door and instrument panel cover skins which may meet automotive deployment and weathering requirements.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2008Publication date: May 5, 2011Applicant: Bayer MaterialScience LLCInventors: William M. Humphrey, Paul Drago, Terry L. Anderson
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Publication number: 20110077346Abstract: Compositions for forming molded articles, particularly, shells for automotive applications are made up of melt blends of an aliphatic thermoplastic urethane elastomer and one or more polyolefin-based modifiers. These compositions may be blended to form a powder, pellets, microspheres or minibeads which may then be cast to form air bag door and instrument panel cover skins which may meet automotive deployment and weathering requirements.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2008Publication date: March 31, 2011Applicant: Bayer MaterialScience LLCInventors: William M. Humphrey, Paul Drago, Terry L. Anderson, James R. Charron
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Publication number: 20100310843Abstract: A two layer material, and method for its manufacture, are disclosed, including an inner and an outer layer, the inner layer formed from an aliphatic urethane elastomeric composition as the layer exposed to view and to the environment and an aromatic urethane elastomer as the inner or backing layer. The layered material may be used to form a skin layer in an automotive air bag door. The layer material may be double cast from microspheres. The inner layer may be formulated to have good heat stability and flexibility, yet not include additives such as UV stabilizer as it may be positioned behind the outer protective layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2007Publication date: December 9, 2010Inventors: William M. Humphrey, Paul Drago, Daniel Durand
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Patent number: 7783060Abstract: A method and system for mapping acoustic sources determined from a phased microphone array. A plurality of microphones are arranged in an optimized grid pattern including a plurality of grid locations thereof. A linear configuration of N equations and N unknowns can be formed by accounting for a reciprocal influence of one or more beamforming characteristics thereof at varying grid locations among the plurality of grid locations. A full-rank equation derived from the linear configuration of N equations and N unknowns can then be iteratively determined. A full-rank can be attained by the solution requirement of the positivity constraint equivalent to the physical assumption of statically independent noise sources at each N location.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2005Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Thomas F. Brooks, William M. Humphreys, Jr.
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Publication number: 20090052689Abstract: Mapping coherent/incoherent acoustic sources as determined from a phased microphone array. A linear configuration of equations and unknowns are formed by accounting for a reciprocal influence of one or more cross-beamforming characteristics thereof at varying grid locations among the plurality of grid locations. An equation derived from the linear configuration of equations and unknowns can then be iteratively determined. The equation can be attained by the solution requirement of a constraint equivalent to the physical assumption that the coherent sources have only in phase coherence. The size of the problem may then be reduced using zoning methods.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2008Publication date: February 26, 2009Applicant: U.S.A. as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Thomas F. Brooks, William M. Humphreys, Jr.
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Patent number: 7092539Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the specification and drawings include a combination responsive to an acoustic wave that can be utilized as a dynamic pressure sensor. In one embodiment of the present invention, the combination has a substrate having a first surface and an opposite second surface, a microphone positioned on the first surface of the substrate and having an input and a first output and a second output, wherein the input receives a biased voltage, and the microphone generates an output signal responsive to the acoustic wave between the first output and the second output. The combination further has an amplifier positioned on the first surface of the substrate and having a first input and a second input and an output, wherein the first input of the amplifier is electrically coupled to the first output of the microphone and the second input of the amplifier is electrically coupled to the second output of the microphone for receiving the output signal from the microphone.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2001Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.Inventors: Mark Sheplak, Toshikazu Nishida, William M. Humphreys, David P. Arnold
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Publication number: 20020149070Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the specification and drawings include a combination responsive to an acoustic wave that can be utilized as a dynamic pressure sensor. In one embodiment of the present invention, the combination has a substrate having a first surface and an opposite second surface, a microphone positioned on the first surface of the substrate and having an input and a first output and a second output, wherein the input receives a biased voltage, and the microphone generates an output signal responsive to the acoustic wave between the first output and the second output. The combination further has an amplifier positioned on the first surface of the substrate and having a first input and a second input and an output, wherein the first input of the amplifier is electrically coupled to the first output of the microphone and the second input of the amplifier is electrically coupled to the second output of the microphone for receiving the output signal from the microphone.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2001Publication date: October 17, 2002Inventors: Mark Sheplak, Toshikazu Nishida, William M. Humphreys, David P. Arnold
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Patent number: 6440541Abstract: Described is a metallized article, and a method for making the same, comprising a substrate having a polyurethane basecoat disposed thereon and with a layer of electrically discrete metallic islands of a corrosion prone metal disposed on the basecoat. A cross-linked polyurethane top coat, which is bound to an organosilane, preferably an epoxy silane, is disposed on and encapsulates the discrete metallic islands. The organsilane is also bound to the metallic islands.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2000Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: Textron Automotive Company Inc.Inventors: William M. Humphrey, Adam Murano
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Patent number: 6187859Abstract: An improved light stable polyether/polyol based aliphatic urethane thermoplastic elastomer prepared from reacting inter alia a polyol having low terminal end unsaturation and an organic diisocyanate. The elastomer is characterized by ultra violet stabilizer being present in a range of 0.25% to 2.0% at a total concentration of 1.0% to 2.0%, an antioxidant being present at a total concentration of 0.10% to 1.0%, and colorants/pigment being present in a total concentration in a range from 1.0% to 2.05% to produce an elastomer capable of withstanding Xenon arc artificial weathering with DE≦3.00 after 2450 kilojoules of exposure.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1998Date of Patent: February 13, 2001Assignee: Davidson Textron Inc.Inventors: William M. Humphrey, Victor E. Gerard
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Patent number: 5824738Abstract: An improved light stable polyether/polyol based aliphatic urethane thermoplastic elastomer prepared from reacting inter alia a polyol having low terminal end unsaturation and an organic diisocyanate. The elastomer is characterized by ultraviolet stabilizer being present in a range of 0.25% to 2.0% at a total concentration of 1.0% to 2.0%, an antioxidant being present at a total concentration of 0.10% to 1.0%, and colorants/pigment being present in a total concentration in a range from 1.0% to 2.05% to produce an elastomer capable of withstanding Xenon arc artificial weathering with DE.ltoreq.3.00 after 2450 kilojoules of exposure.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1994Date of Patent: October 20, 1998Assignee: Davidson Textron Inc.Inventors: William M. Humphrey, Victor E. Gerard
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Patent number: 5567375Abstract: Method and apparatus including a powder box and heatable shell tool are disclosed for forming a thermoplastic automotive air bag cover skin with a lesser strength thermoplastic tear seam strip insert wherein the latter is initially formed with a protruding rib on one side and a pointed ridge on an opposite side. A heat resistant elastomeric transfer socket attached to the powder box interior receives and holds the insert rib and thereby the insert in a prescribed tear seam configuration and then positions the tear seam strip insert against a heated skin defining mold surface on the shell tool when the powder box is joined with the latter. The skin is formed by casting thermoplastic powder from the powder box against the heated mold surface and about the tear seam insert.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1995Date of Patent: October 22, 1996Assignee: Davidson Textron Inc.Inventors: Scott M. Filion, John D. Gray, William M. Humphrey
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Patent number: 5562883Abstract: A solvent flush reaction injection molding mixhead has a mixing chamber with a solvent inlet port in one end and a chemical outlet port in an opposite end. A pair of hydraulically operated chemical injectors are connected to the mixing chamber between the solvent inlet port and chemical outlet port to inject liquid reaction molding chemicals at high pressure through injector ports into the mixing chamber. The mixed chemicals are delivered through the chemical outlet port to a spray wand on the mixhead for application to a mold surface or an object requiring a foam coating.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1995Date of Patent: October 8, 1996Assignee: Davidson Textron Inc.Inventors: Wayne C. Salisbury, James R. Pritchard, William M. Humphrey, Michael J. Provencher