To Remove Gas From Between Assembled Laminae Patents (Class 156/286)
  • Patent number: 11962270
    Abstract: A solar panel assembly includes a substrate and a solar array coupled to the substrate. The solar array includes a plurality of photovoltaic cells. An optical layer is disposed over the solar array. The optical layer, the solar array, and the substrate together form a solar assembly. A frame surrounds the solar assembly and includes a plurality of frame members. Each frame member of the plurality of frame members includes an arcuate member that forms an aerodynamic outer edge of the frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: ZampTech Sub LLC
    Inventors: Conor Miller, Brian Butcher
  • Patent number: 11920905
    Abstract: Laminates and their process of manufacture, with the laminates made with anti-ballistic materials, such as woven and unwoven fabrics. The laminates are provided with different structures, materials, bondings, and other features, and example methods of manufacturing those laminates efficiently and in mass quantities. The method of production is a process of laminating individual flexible sheets including anti-ballistic material (which may be of woven or unwoven cloth or thin solid sheets or foils comprised of one or more light-weight anti-ballistic materials) into a flexible laminate for use to protect people or spaces from ballistic objects such as bullets and shrapnel from weapons and other moderate to high-kinetic energy objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Disruptive Resources, LLC
    Inventors: John B. Adrain, Robert F. Bodi
  • Patent number: 11919277
    Abstract: A method for repairing window laminates in which two plies have become separated to create a void, and wherein moisture may have entered through an edge of the window laminate and into the void. The method includes the steps of: placing the window laminate in a vacuum bag and inserting the vacuum bag containing the window laminate into an oven or autoclave for a minimum of ten minutes at a minimum temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit to remove the moisture between the plies; removing the vacuum bag and window laminate from the oven, and removing the window from the vacuum bag; forcing a needle on a syringe through the edge of the window laminate in the area of the void; and injecting an adhesive in the syringe into the void to fill the void with the adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Inventor: Rangel Fernandez
  • Patent number: 11904557
    Abstract: A method of forming a composite product is described. An example of the method comprises providing a layer (34) comprising a sheet-form moulding material and providing a substrate (36). The layer of sheet-form material is applied onto a surface of the substrate (36); and pressed to the substrate in a mould (30). In some examples, the substrate (36) is an open celled foam and gas and/or vapour can be displaced from the pressing region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: ACELL INDUSTRIES LIMITED
    Inventors: Aldino Albertelli, Michael Frieh
  • Patent number: 11833800
    Abstract: A method for forming a three-dimensional curved surface on a laminated substrate is provided. In the method, the laminated substrate is brought into close contact with an elastic sheet. Here, the laminated substrate comprises a support substrate and a conductive layer on the support substrate, and the support substrate comprises a resin substrate comprising a thermoplastic resin. The elastic sheet is deformed while the laminated substrate is in close contact with the elastic sheet. The laminated substrate is brought into close contact with a temperature-controlled mold to soften the resin substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Tohru Yashiro, Kohji Takeuchi, Yasuhiro Takahashi, Sukchan Kim
  • Patent number: 11827821
    Abstract: A method for curing a patch. The method includes generating the patch according to a negative of a scan of a scarf in a composite material. The method also includes pre-curing the patch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Justin H. Register, Remmelt Andrew Staal
  • Patent number: 11817814
    Abstract: A solar panel assembly having at least one solar panel array pivotally connected to a plurality of legs using a support beam. Cross members are connected to the support beam and extend transversely in relation to the support beam. The cross members are also positioned in parallel spaced relation along a length of the support beam. A plurality of rail members having a top wall with a plurality of slots that extend along a length of the top wall in a first and a second row are connected to the cross members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Inventor: James E. Straeter
  • Patent number: 11787148
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing a honeycomb core sandwich panel includes placing a thermoset facesheet in contact with a thermoplastic honeycomb core without using a separate adhesive and attaching the thermoset facesheet to the thermoplastic honeycomb core by using a curing profile comprising a temperature that is lower than a gel point temperature of the thermoset facesheet and higher than a softening point temperature of the thermoplastic honeycomb core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: BELL TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Suvankar Mishra, Robert Mark Chris, Michael D. Ishmael, Ronald J. Turner
  • Patent number: 11780178
    Abstract: A controlled shear vacuum forming method that includes forming a three-dimensional (3D) structure from a preform material on a molding tool using restraints during vacuuming to prevent wrinkling. The restraints are withdrawn during vacuuming to allowing the preform material to come into contact with the sidewalls of the molding tool in a gradual manner. Such forming method is particularly suitable for forming wing spars with bent sections and/or curved contours.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: CYTEC INDUSTRIES INC.
    Inventor: Robert Parkinson
  • Patent number: 11754933
    Abstract: A mounting fixture of an apparatus for clamping a film includes a platform, a barricade, and fixing members. A surface of the platform includes a first fixing portion, and second and third fixing portions which are opposite to the first fixing portion. The second fixing portion is adjacent to the third fixing portion and located between the first and third fixing portions. The barricade is disposed on the surface between the second and third fixing portions and has channels. The fixing members are disposed on the surface. First, second, and third bars of the apparatus are disposed on the first, second, and third fixing portions, the barricade is located between the second and third bars, and the channels receive elastic elements of the apparatus. Each elastic element has two ends disposed on the second and third bars. The fixing members can fix the first and third bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: HIMAX TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED
    Inventor: Fang-Wan Lu
  • Patent number: 11724469
    Abstract: The present invention provides a tool 1 for curing a composite component, the tool comprising a lay-up surface 8 for laying-up layers of an uncured composite component, a cover assembly 9 for moving in relation to the lay-up surface to cover a layed-up uncured composite component on the lay-up surface, the cover assembly comprising a sealable cover for sealing around the uncured composite component on the lay-up surface to form a sealed zone, and a vacuum port 25 for providing a vacuum to the sealed zone, wherein the tool further comprises at least one heating element 15, 53 within the sealed zone for heating the uncured composite component. The invention also provides a method of manufacturing a composite component and a composite component. The composite component may form at least part of a piece of aircraft furniture, such as an aircraft seat shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Safran Seats GB Limited
    Inventors: Nicholas Potts, Bhaskar Biswas
  • Patent number: 11703620
    Abstract: A lens for protective gear has first and second polymer layers with a glass layer therebetween. The glass layer is fused to the first and second polymer layers and encapsulated by the first and second polymer layers with the glass layer in compression. The lens may have a coating that provides the lens with (i) less than about 5 percent transmittance for light having wavelengths of less than 400 nm and greater than about 700 nm for an entire horizontal field of view of the lens, (ii) greater than 75 percent transmittance of light having wavelengths of between about 400 nm and about 700 nm for the entire horizontal field of view of the lens with less than about 5 percent transmittance of light having wavelength between about 530 nm and about 580 nm for a horizontal field of view of the lens of not greater than 60 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: RAYOTEK SCIENTIFIC, INC.
    Inventor: William Raggio
  • Patent number: 11701815
    Abstract: The invention includes a method of providing an intermediary layer in a laminated structure, between two adjacent layers, where the intermediary layer contains a fiber having an extrusion coating. The intermediary layer may form a textile constructed from the fibers, the intermediary layer, when the lamination method proceeds, provides the adhesion between the adjacent layers, as well as reinforcement for the laminated structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Phifer Incorporated
    Inventor: Dale Barnes
  • Patent number: 11691406
    Abstract: An adhesive application valve comprising an applicator, a Z-axis actuator operably connected to the applicator, wherein the Z-axis actuator and the rotation device are each capable of moving independently of each other to position the applicator in a position to apply an amount of adhesive to a top substrate prior to bonding with a bottom substrate is provided. Furthermore, a machine comprising an end effector, and an adhesive application valve configured to apply an amount of adhesive onto the top substrate, the end effector configured to place the top substrate into a position of engagement with the adhesive application valve, and place the top substrate onto the bottom substrate to facilitate initial contact between the adhesive applied to the top substrate and a fill material applied to the bottom substrate is also provided. A method of optical bonding is further provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: PRECISION VALVE & AUTOMATION, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew John Nally, Jonathan Neal Urquhart, Jeffrey James VanNorden, William Edward Berkheiser, III
  • Patent number: 11626580
    Abstract: A manufacturing method of a display apparatus includes forming a display layer on a substrate; forming an opening by irradiating laser onto the display layer; and sealing the display layer formed on the substrate. The laser is irradiated according to a spiral movement path, and the opening is formed by irradiating the laser at least twice at the same location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seungwan Kim, Jinkuk Wee, Woojin Lee, Kyunguk Choi
  • Patent number: 11623418
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for curing a composite part. The method includes the steps of: disposing a heat blanket at a composite material; applying, with a controller, power to heaters distributed across multiple cells of a heat blanket to heat the composite material at the heat blanket; monitoring, with the controller, a temperature of the composite material at each of the multiple cells via thermocouples distributed across the multiple cells; and individually adjusting, with the controller, an amount of power applied to the heaters, for each of the multiple cells, in response to the monitored temperature and a target temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: The Aurora Flight Sciences Corporation
    Inventors: Chathuranga Kuruppuarachchige, Edward Albert Wen, Josiah Hughes, Michelle Mahon
  • Patent number: 11623436
    Abstract: A lamination device for laminating a photovoltaic stack on a profiled metallic panel, the lamination device including a lid covered on its underside with an upper flexible pressure membrane so as to form an airtight upper chamber that may be ventilated or evacuated and/or including an upper heating device whose bottom side has a crenellated profile, the device also including a chassis covered on its top with a lower flexible pressure membrane so as to form an airtight lower chamber that may be ventilated or evacuated and/or including a lower heating device whose upper side has a cross-section which differs from the crenellated profile of the bottom side of the upper heating device, wherein the lid is capable of sealably laying on the chassis so that the cavity thus formed is airtight and may be ventilated or evacuated. A corresponding process is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: ArcelorMittal
    Inventors: Renaud Vignal, Paul Wouters, Lionel Fourdrinier
  • Patent number: 11604385
    Abstract: Provided are a laminated glass which has a reduced occurrence of voids and accumulation of liquid crystal, and a production method for the laminated glass. Also provided is a laminated glass which can prevent deterioration of a sealing material. This laminated glass 1 comprises a first glass plate 33A, a first intermediate film 31A, a liquid crystal film 10, a second intermediate film 31B, and a second glass plate, which are layered and disposed in this order, wherein the first glass plate 33A and the second glass plate 33B have a larger outer shape than that of the liquid crystal film 10, and a spacer 32 is provided in at least a portion of a region which is interposed between the first glass plate 33A and the second glass plate 33B and in which the liquid crystal film 10 is not disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: DAI NIPPON PRINTING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Norio Ishii, Keisuke Miura, Yusuke Hagiwara
  • Patent number: 11567373
    Abstract: Provided are a laminated glass which has a reduced occurrence of voids and accumulation of liquid crystal, and a production method for the laminated glass. Also provided is a laminated glass which can prevent deterioration of a sealing material. This laminated glass 1 comprises a first glass plate 33A, a first intermediate film 31A, a liquid crystal film 10, a second intermediate film 31B, and a second glass plate, which are layered and disposed in this order, wherein the first glass plate 33A and the second glass plate 33B have a larger outer shape than that of the liquid crystal film 10, and a spacer 32 is provided in at least a portion of a region which is interposed between the first glass plate 33A and the second glass plate 33B and in which the liquid crystal film 10 is not disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: DAI NIPPON PRINTING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Norio Ishii, Keisuke Miura, Yusuke Hagiwara
  • Patent number: 11546999
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for transferring a pattern of a composition containing particles of an electrically conductive material and a thermally activated adhesive from a surface of a flexible web to a surface of a substrate. The apparatus comprises: respective drive mechanisms for advancing the web and the substrate to a nip through which the web and the substrate pass at the same time and where a pressure roller acts to press the surfaces of the web and the substrate against one another, a heating station for heating at least one of the web and the substrate prior to, or during, passage through the nip, to a temperature at which the adhesive in the composition is activated, a cooling station for cooling the web after passage through the nip, and a separating device for peeling the web away from the substrate after passage through the cooling station, to leave the pattern of composition adhered to the surface of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: Lumet Technologies LTD.
    Inventors: Benzion Landa, Haim Touitou, Stanislav Thygelbaum, Naomi Elfassy
  • Patent number: 11519661
    Abstract: An outer wrapper that defines a top wall, a bottom wall, a rear wall, and first and second side walls and includes an inner liner. A trim breaker seals the outer wrapper to the inner liner to define an insulation space. A single vacuum port is disposed on each of the top wall, the bottom wall, and the first and second side walls. A plurality of vacuum ports is disposed on the rear wall. An insulative material is disposed between the outer wrapper and the inner liner. A filter media is disposed proximate each vacuum port such that air can be drawn from the insulation space past the filter media and through each vacuum port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Abhay Naik, Subrata Shannigrahi, Gustavo Frattini
  • Patent number: 11364692
    Abstract: An apparatus for picking, placing, and forming a composite charge over a complex geometry tool comprises a first frame, a second frame, and a plurality of dynamic mechanisms. The first frame is formed from rigid material and includes a first frame member that forms at least a rectangular perimeter. The second frame is formed from flexible material and includes a second frame member that forms at least a rectangular perimeter. Each dynamic mechanism is connected to the first frame and the second frame and located along the perimeters of the first frame and the second frame. Each dynamic mechanism includes a length-variable component positioned between the first frame and the second frame, with at least a portion of the dynamic mechanisms configured to vary a length of the length-variable component for the second frame member to conform to the shape of the complex geometry tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: SPIRIT AEROSYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher James Padovano, Blaise Francis Bergmann, Christopher John Morrow, Allison Lynne Horner, Benjamin Wayne Ferrell
  • Patent number: 11358307
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method of manufacturing a composite component comprising a main body and an integral flange, the method comprising applying fibre-reinforcement material on a tool having a main body portion and a flange-forming portion to provide a pre-form comprising a body region and a longitudinally adjacent flange region. The pre-form extends generally longitudinally between two longitudinal ends; and a trailing ply of the pre-form extends generally longitudinally between the longitudinal end closest to the flange region and an inner ply end located in the flange region or partway into the body region. Relative movement between the flange-forming portion and the main body portion causes sliding movement between the trailing ply and the flange-forming portion during a flange forming operation, thereby causing a tension force in at least the flange region of the pre-form of during forming of the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: Giovanni Antonio Marengo
  • Patent number: 11351765
    Abstract: A system for laminating and/or de-bubbling mobile electronic device screens, comprises a machine unit comprising a metal vacuum pressure chamber with lid, safety sensors and o-ring; an internal or external vacuum pump; a piston chamber, piston and piston plate; a central air distribution block with solenoid valves and pressure sensor; a control PCB (printed circuit board) with processor and operating software system for controlling the machine unit; actuators; an on/off power switch; a power inlet; an operations button; an air inlet port and an external air compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Mobile Advanced Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Georgios Christodouloy Hajipetrou, Hans Claussen, Charalampos Kalyvas
  • Patent number: 11332941
    Abstract: A device for making a molded stair tread is described. The device can have: a base; a pivoting assembly; a molding template connected to the pivoting assembly; a holding device connected to the molding template, the holding device having a clamp jaw and a pivot configured to rotate the holding device relative to the molding template; and a locking mechanism configured to hold the molding template and the holding device in an open configuration such that the holding device can accept a first part of the plastic sheet and configured to release the molding template and the holding device such that the holding device is in a securing configuration that secures, via the clamp jaw, the first part of the plastic sheet to the first side of the molding template at the first longitudinal edge of the molding template. Methods for making the stair tread are described as well as the molded stair tread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: MANNINGTON MILLS, INC.
    Inventors: Keith Bodendorf, Dennis H. Bradway, Joseph F. Finlaw
  • Patent number: 11155046
    Abstract: A hot drape-forming method for shaping fibrous preforms and prepreg plies into complex geometries. For shaping fibrous preforms, the hot drape-forming method includes: a) dividing the total number of preforms into a plurality of sub-preforms (S1, S2, S3); and b) consecutively shaping each sub-preform (S1, S2, S3) by applying vacuum pressure and heat, wherein the shaping of all sub-preforms (S1, S2, S3) are carried out in the same tool housing (10) over the same molding surface. The resulting shaped preform (S1, S2, S3) is ready for resin infusion. The same method can also be used to shape resin-impregnated prepreg plies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Cytec Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Sam Newton, Samuel J. Hill
  • Patent number: 11150755
    Abstract: A touch and display sensing integrated circuit and a touch display device using the same are provided. The touch display device includes a display and touch sensing integrated circuit and a glass substrate. The glass substrate includes touch/display common voltage electrodes, pixels, pads and conductive lines. Each pixel includes Q sub-pixels. The pads are electrically connected to the touch and display sensing integrated circuit. The Pth and (P+Q+1)th pads are electrically connected to the touch/display common voltage electrode through the corresponding conductive lines, respectively. The (P+1)th to (P+Q)th pads are electrically connected to 1st to Qth sub-pixels of a pixel through the corresponding conductive lines, respectively. The pads are arranged in a first direction, and the conductive lines, which are electrically connected to the pads in a second direction, are non-interlaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: FOCALTECH ELECTRONICS, LTD.
    Inventors: Ho-Nien Yang, Pi-Chun Yeh, Pei-Hung Hsiao
  • Patent number: 11028244
    Abstract: A permeable laminate body containing at least one partially impregnated prepreg which includes at least component (A) containing a matrix of reinforcing fiber, component (B) containing a thermosetting resin, and, optionally, component (C) containing a particle or a fiber of a thermoplastic resin exhibits long out time processability with good storage stability, achieving when molded and cured a fiber reinforced composite having a low void ratio and providing excellent mechanical performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: TORAY INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Alfred P. Haro, Nobuyuki Arai
  • Patent number: 10960620
    Abstract: A method is provided for working on a composite body. This method includes: disposing material within an aperture in the composite body, the material comprising fiber reinforcement and uncured resin, and the aperture extending into the composite body from a non-planar surface; forming a first chamber between the composite body and a first bag member, the material within the first chamber; disposing a support structure on the first bag member, the support structure overlapping the material; forming a second chamber between the first bag member and a second bag member, the support structure within the second chamber; drawing a vacuum of a first amount in the first chamber; and drawing a vacuum of a second amount in the second chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Rohr, Inc.
    Inventors: Quyen Nguyen, Gary L. Jones
  • Patent number: 10889073
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for multi-celled pressurizable air bladders. One embodiment is an apparatus that includes a bladder. The bladder includes a casing that encloses an internal volume of the bladder, walls within the bladder that subdivide the internal volume into cells that are airtight with respect to each other, and ducting that couples each of the cells with a source of pressurized gas via a distinct pathway. The apparatus also includes a controller that progressively pressurizes individual cells within the bladder from a first portion of a laminate to a second portion of the laminate by controlling application of gas from the source via the ducting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jason G. Destories, Curtis R. Estevo
  • Patent number: 10800129
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing a honeycomb core sandwich panel includes placing a thermoset facesheet in contact with a thermoplastic honeycomb core without using a separate adhesive and attaching the thermoset facesheet to the thermoplastic honeycomb core by using a curing profile comprising a temperature that is lower than a gel point temperature of the thermoset facesheet and higher than a softening point temperature of the thermoplastic honeycomb core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Bell Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Suvankar Mishra, Robert Mark Chris, Michael D. Ishmael, Ronald J. Turner
  • Patent number: 10723089
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite laminate structure of a wind turbine blade part is performed by resin transfer moulding. The fibre-reinforcement material is impregnated with liquid resin in a mould cavity which includes a rigid mould part having a mould surface defining a surface of the wind turbine blade part. The method includes alternately stacking on the rigid mould part: i) a number of fibre-reinforcement layers including electrically conductive fibres and ii) a flow strip layer in form of a layer of flow strips having a strip width and which are arranged so as to form voids having a void width between two juxtaposed strips. The method includes sealing a second mould part against the rigid mould part in order to form the mould cavity, optionally evacuating the mould cavity, supplying a resin to the mould cavity, and curing the resin to form the composite laminate structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: LM WP PATENT HOLDINGS A/S
    Inventors: Lars Nielsen, Klavs Jespersen
  • Patent number: 10703873
    Abstract: An intermediate material of a thermoplastic prepreg for a fuel cell separation plate comprises a hydrophobic thermoplastic resin film and a fiber base. The hydrophobic thermoplastic resin film has a degree of crystallization of 1 to 20%, a thickness of 3 to 50 ?m, and (iii) a content of an electroconductive material of 1 to 20 wt. %. The film is laminated on at least one surface of the fiber base. The thermoplastic prepreg for a fuel cell separation plate is manufactured by pressurizing the thermoplastic prepreg intermediate material at a temperature higher than the melting point of the hydrophobic thermoplastic resin film. A fuel cell separation membrane manufactured using the thermoplastic prepreg intermediate material and thermoplastic prepreg is thin and light-weight, and have a good durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: KOLON INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Jee Sung Yi, Hyun Chul Lee, Joon Young Yoon, Eun Jeong Cho, Chung Seock Kang
  • Patent number: 10682821
    Abstract: A system and method is provided for manufacturing a composite structure. In an exemplary aspect, the system includes multiple flexible tooling plates that are interlocked to each other to form a tooling surface for forming a composite structure to be manufactured. Moreover, the system includes an actuator array connected to the flexible plates and that can move the flexible plates relative to each other to adjust a contour of the tooling surface to correspond to a design contour of the composite structure to be manufactured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: DIVERGENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Samuel Bowden, Jr., Jon Paul Gunner, Antonio Bernerd Martinez, Ian Hawthorn Ashdown
  • Patent number: 10551954
    Abstract: A touch and display sensing integrated circuit and a touch display device using the same are provided. The touch display device includes a display and touch sensing integrated circuit and a glass substrate. The glass substrate includes touch/display common voltage electrodes, pixels, pads and conductive lines. Each pixel includes Q sub-pixels. The pads are electrically connected to the touch and display sensing integrated circuit. The Pth and (P+Q+1)th pads are electrically connected to the touch/display common voltage electrode through the corresponding conductive lines, respectively. The (P+1)th to (P+Q)th pads are electrically connected to 1st to Qth sub-pixels of a pixel through the corresponding conductive lines, respectively. The pads are arranged in a first direction, and the conductive lines, which are electrically connected to the pads in a second direction, are non-interlaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: FOCALTECH ELECTRONICS, LTD.
    Inventors: Ho-Nien Yang, Pi-Chun Yeh, Pei-Hung Hsiao
  • Patent number: 10534353
    Abstract: A system for reducing processing defects during processing of a semiconductor wafer prior to back-grinding the wafer includes a table having one or more holes formed therein, wherein the table comprises at least one of a chuck table or a support table, wherein the holes are perpendicular to the surface upon which a pre-back-grinding (PBG) process occurs. The system further includes one or more sensors disposed in said holes for monitoring a parameter during the PBG process. The system further includes a computer-implemented process control tool coupled with the one or more sensors and configured to determine whether the PBG process will continue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chen-Fa Lu, Cheng-Ting Chen, James Hu, Chung-Shi Liu
  • Patent number: 10406764
    Abstract: A method for repairing damage to a composite part includes creating an aperture through the composite part and preparing the surfaces surrounding the aperture on both sides of the part; inserting a plurality of resin impregnated fibers through the aperture and spreading the end portions of the plurality of fibers radially against the prepared surfaces on both sides of the part; and maintaining contact of the plurality of fibers with the prepared surfaces while the resin cures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Denver Ray Whitworth, Vance Newton Cribb
  • Patent number: 10322529
    Abstract: An assembled mandrel for forming a hollow structure having a shape similar to that of the assembled mandrel, by layering a prepreg on the surface of the longitudinally oriented assembled mandrel, covering the same with a vacuum bag, heating while creating a vacuum inside the vacuum bag, and heat-curing the prepreg while pressing the same into the assembled mandrel, the assembled mandrel being characterized by being equipped with: two outer mandrel members (first mandrel members) extending in the longitudinal direction; a center mandrel member (second mandrel member) sandwiched between the two outer mandrel members, and capable of being withdrawn in the lengthwise direction from between the two outer mandrel members after the hollow structure has been formed; and a tape (detachable member) formed from a low-friction material and adhered to one or more of the contact surfaces between the two outer mandrel members and the center mandrel member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Naoaki Fujiwara, Tadashi Yazaki, Makoto Nonaka, Tooru Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 10272597
    Abstract: A device for absorbing heat generated by curing of a curable matrix material, particularly heat generated by curing of a curable matrix material embedding a textile structure including a number of reinforcing fibers is provided. The device includes at least one envelope element defining at least one inner volume, and at least one thermally conductive heat absorbing element disposed within the at least one inner volume of the at least one envelope element. In a further embodiment, the at least one envelope element may be built of or include at least one non-adhering material which does not adhere to the curable or cured matrix material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Martin Jensen, Bendt Olesen
  • Patent number: 10005234
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for compacting a charge of composite material across an edge are disclosed herein. The devices include a vacuum compaction device including a compaction force transfer structure, a sealing structure, and a vacuum distribution manifold. The compaction force transfer structure includes a first barrier structure, a second barrier structure, and a junction support that extends at least partially between the first barrier structure and the second barrier structure. The junction support is configured to maintain the first barrier structure and the second barrier structure at an angle with respect to one another and to permit limited angular motion of the first barrier structure and the second barrier structure relative to one another. The systems include composite structure fabrication systems that include the vacuum compaction device. The methods include methods of operating the vacuum compaction device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Daniel M. Rotter, Richard V. Phillips, Benjamin J. Stephenson, Stephen Lee Metschan, Scott K. Frankenbery
  • Patent number: 9994008
    Abstract: System and method for compacting a composite ply layup comprising a forming tool comprising a top surface and a composite ply layup laid up along the top surface of the forming tool. A single release film comprising a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface of the single release film comprises a first non-planar bottom surface. The first non-planar bottom surface placed over a top surface of the composite ply layup. A venting port operatively coupled directly to the top surface of the single release film. A vacuum source operatively coupled to the venting port and configured to generate a vacuum to the single release film, such that the first non-planar bottom surface of the single release film defines a breather path for the vacuum generated by the vacuum source to distribute over the top surface of the composite ply layup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Brad Coxon, Kurtis Willden
  • Patent number: 9944026
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of repairing a damaged portion of a panel formed of composite material. The method includes preparing the damaged portion for repair and applying a pressure responsive adhesive layer to substantially cover the damaged portion. The method also includes disposing a vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding repair patch assembly to substantially cover the damaged portion and substantially covering the repair patch assembly with a vacuum bag assembly. Resin is introduced into and impregnates the repair patch assembly. The repair patch assembly is cured after being impregnated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: PURDUE RESEARCH FOUNDATION
    Inventors: R. Byron Pipes, Ian Cameron Coker, Douglas Edward Adams, Ronald Sterkenburg, Jeffrey P. Youngblood
  • Patent number: 9947637
    Abstract: A system and method for clamping wafers together in alignment using pressure. The system and method involves holding a first wafer and a second wafer together in alignment using a wafer clamp within an ambient environment maintained at a first pressure and creating a second pressure at least partially around and between the first wafer and the second wafer held together by the wafer clamp, wherein the first pressure is greater than the second pressure. The first wafer and the second wafer are clamped together in alignment using a pneumatic force created by a pressure differential between the first pressure and the second pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Alton H. Phillips, Fardad A. Hashemi
  • Patent number: 9873500
    Abstract: Methods of and systems for assembling stiffened composite structures are disclosed. Some methods include forming a stiffener assembly by compacting it within a trough formed in a trunnion. A single trunnion may accommodate two or more different types of stiffeners, thereby avoiding the need for multiple sets of tooling. In some methods, a plurality of stiffener segments may be spliced together, thereby avoiding the need to transport and handle an entire stiffener. A vacuum chuck may be utilized in some examples to transfer the stiffener assembly from the trunnion to a transfer tool. The same vacuum chuck may be transferred along with the stiffener assembly on the transfer tool and loaded onto an inner mold line layup mandrel, where the vacuum chuck may be used to compact the stiffener assembly to the inner mold line layup mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Paul Chace Wilcoxson, Samuel Ray Stewart, Kurtis Shuldberg Willden
  • Patent number: 9860984
    Abstract: A circuit board structure includes an inner circuit structure and a first build-up circuit structure. The inner circuit structure includes a core layer having an upper surface and a lower surface, a first patterned circuit layer disposed on the upper surface, a second patterned circuit layer disposed on the lower surface and a conductive through hole connecting the first and the second patterned circuit layers. The first build-up circuit structure at least has a cavity and an inner dielectric layer. The inner dielectric layer has an opening communicating the cavity and a pad of the first patterned circuit layer is located in the opening. A hole diameter of the opening is smaller than a hole diameter of cavity. An inner surface of the inner dielectric layer exposed by the cavity and a top surface of the pad are coplanar or have a height difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Unimicron Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Ming-Hao Wu, Shu-Sheng Chiang, Wei-Ming Cheng
  • Patent number: 9782960
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for compacting composite stringers. In one illustrative embodiment, an apparatus comprises a compacting structure, a compactor vacuum system, and a carrier vacuum system. The compacting structure has a shape configured to contact layers of uncured composite material for a composite stringer. The compactor vacuum system is associated with the compacting structure. The compactor vacuum system is configured to cause the compacting structure to apply a pressure to the layers of uncured composite material when a compactor vacuum is applied to the compactor vacuum system. The carrier vacuum system is associated with the compacting structure. The carrier vacuum system is configured to hold the layers of uncured composite material against the compacting structure when a carrier vacuum is applied to the carrier vacuum system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Brian G. Robins, Kurtis S. Willden, Daniel M. Rotter, Brad A. Coxon
  • Patent number: 9668393
    Abstract: A substrate fixing apparatus includes a back-up member which is located between a pair of conveying members arranged at a distance from each other in a plan view and is below a film-like substrate conveyed along the conveyance path and supported from below by the pair of conveying members. An elevation driver moves at least one of a back-up member and a substrate pressing member upward and downward. The elevation driver elevates the back-up member and/or lowers the substrate pressing member together with the pair of conveying members, thereby separating the substrate upward from the pair of conveying members while supporting the substrate from below by the back-up member and pressing the surface of the outer peripheral part of the substrate downward by the substrate pressing member to correct warpage of the outer peripheral part of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Youhei Kishimoto
  • Patent number: 9638944
    Abstract: A method for laminating substrates to form a laminated assembly includes positioning a first substrate and a second substrate within a lamination device having a first cavity and a second cavity; pressurizing the first cavity to a first pressure to move a flexible member into contact with one of the first and second substrate; depressurizing the first cavity to move the flexible member out of contact with the one of the first and second substrate; and pressurizing a second cavity to a second pressure higher than the first pressure to apply air pressure at the second pressure to the first and second substrate to form a laminated assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Cameron T. McCalley, James D. Sampica, Brian K. Smith
  • Patent number: 9609746
    Abstract: A circuit board structure includes an inner circuit structure and a first build-up circuit structure. The inner circuit structure includes a core layer having an upper surface and a lower surface, a first patterned circuit layer disposed on the upper surface, a second patterned circuit layer disposed on the lower surface and a conductive through hole connecting the first and the second patterned circuit layers. The first build-up circuit structure at least has a cavity and an inner dielectric layer. The inner dielectric layer has an opening connecting the cavity and exposing a portion of the first patterned circuit layer. A hole diameter of the opening is smaller than a hole diameter of cavity. A height difference is between an inner surface of the inner dielectric layer exposed by the cavity and a top surface of the first patterned circuit layer exposed by the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Unimicron Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Shu-Sheng Chiang, Ming-Hao Wu, Wei-Ming Cheng
  • Patent number: 9332665
    Abstract: A display apparatus includes a display panel including lower and upper substrates confronting each other, and a film member combined with the upper substrate; and a panel support member to support the display panel to expose the front and lateral sides of the display panel to the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hak Mo Hwang, In Jue Kim, Yong Joong Yoon, Sung Hwan Yoon, In-Han Ga