By Gas Forming Or Expanding Patents (Class 264/51)
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Patent number: 11945166Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for post-processing additively manufactured objects are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a method includes receiving a plurality of additively manufactured objects on a rotor, the plurality of additively manufactured objects having excess material thereon. The method can include removing the excess material from the plurality of additively manufactured objects by rotating the plurality of additively manufactured objects via the rotor. The method can further include applying energy to the plurality of additively manufactured objects to cure a portion of each additively manufactured object while the plurality of additively manufactured objects are on the rotor.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2022Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.Inventors: Viswanath Meenakshisundaram, Srinivas Kaza, Chunhua Li, Lance Robert Pickens, Shawn Stromenger, Jun Sato, Siobhan O'Leary, Peter Webber, Brett E. Kelly, Jennifer Chavez
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Patent number: 11946164Abstract: Expanded, nanofiber structures are provided as well as methods of use thereof and methods of making.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2022Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKAInventor: Jingwei Xie
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Patent number: 11820063Abstract: A method for producing a foam-molded product uses a producing apparatus including a plasticizing cylinder. The plasticizing cylinder has a plasticization zone, a starvation zone, and an introducing port which is formed in the plasticizing cylinder and via which a physical foaming agent is introduced into the starvation zone. The method includes: plasticizing and melting a thermoplastic resin into a molten resin in the plasticization zone; introducing a pressurized fluid containing the physical foaming agent having a fixed pressure into the starvation zone; allowing the molten resin to be in the starved state in the starvation zone; bringing the molten resin in the starved state into contact with the pressurized fluid having the fixed pressure in the starvation zone; and molding the molten resin into the foam-molded product. At least one pressure boosting part is provided in the starvation zone.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2022Date of Patent: November 21, 2023Assignee: MAXELL, LTD.Inventors: Atsushi Yusa, Satoshi Yamamoto, Hideto Goto
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Patent number: 11661491Abstract: The instant application discloses, among other things, ways to manufacture reduced density thermoplastics. A rapid foaming process which may create a polymer product by saturating thermoplastic sheet or preforms, heating, and then forming into final shape, is described. The polymer product may include an integral solid skin. This method may be utilized with any thermoplastic. The material handling, saturation methods, and end products are also described.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2019Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: Corumat, Inc.Inventor: Michael Waggoner
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Patent number: 11643519Abstract: The present invention relates to an expanded beads molded article containing a block copolymer of a polyethylene block and an ethylene-?-olefin copolymer block and having a density of 30 kg/m3 or more and less than 150 kg/m3 and a modulus of repulsion elasticity of 60% or more. The sole member of the present invention includes the expanded beads molded article of the present invention.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2017Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: JSP CorporationInventors: Shota Takagi, Masaharu Oikawa
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Patent number: 11624131Abstract: The present application discloses a method for preparing microporous PVA fiber comprising the following steps: Step 1: preparing spinning solution, calcium hydroxide solution, and sodium sulfate solution; Step 2: cooling the spinning solution to 40-60° C., and adding a foaming agent thereto to provide the PVA spinning stock solution; Step 3: spinning into the sodium sulfate solution so that the fiber containing the reaction product of the foaming agent and the mirabilite is dehydrated to provide a primary PVA fiber; Step 4: reacting the fiber with the calcium hydroxide solution to provide a secondary fiber; Step 5: foaming and pore forming; and Step 6: cleaning and drying to provide the final product of microporous PVA fiber.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2021Date of Patent: April 11, 2023Assignee: Zhejiang Hongyu Medical Commodity Co., Ltd.Inventor: Juhong Zeng
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Patent number: 11542382Abstract: The present invention provides a gel-like electrolyte having excellent electrolyte solution retention ability. The resin composition contains an electrolyte composition containing a solvent and an electrolyte and a vinylidene fluoride copolymer. The vinylidene fluoride copolymer is a copolymer of vinylidene fluoride and a comonomer represented by Formula (1) below, wherein R1 and R2 are each independently a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom, R3 is a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom, or an alkyl group having from 1 to 5 carbons, and R4 is a basic group that is capable of forming an intermolecular hydrogen bond.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2017Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Assignee: KUREHA CORPORATIONInventors: Yukitaro Sakakibara, Keisuke Watanabe, Shota Kobayashi
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Patent number: 11525631Abstract: A device for controlling the temperature of, and in particular for drying, objects, in particular vehicle bodies, having a housing which integrates a temperature-control chamber that includes at least one air outlet and at least one air inlet. The temperature-control chamber is assigned at least one heating unit in which it is possible to generate a hot primary gas flow and to which it is possible to supply, from the air outlet, air that is to be heated. The heating unit includes a heat exchanger device into which the hot primary gas can be guided and in which it is possible to heat air from the temperature-control chamber using hot primary gas, which air can be supplied, as heated recirculation air, in a circuit via the at least one air inlet back to the temperature-control chamber. The heating unit includes at least a first and a second flow outlet via which heated recirculation air leaves the heating unit.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2017Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Assignee: EISENMANN GMBHInventors: Mathias Moll, Harald Sonner
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Patent number: 11505668Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention encompass methods of forming a foamed polyolefin and articles and materials of the foamed polyolefin. The foamed materials and articles may be used in applications requiring thermal insulation.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2018Date of Patent: November 22, 2022Assignee: QATAR UNIVERSITYInventors: Igor Krupa, Mariam A. Almaadeed, Anton Popelka, Patrik Sobolciak, Miroslav Mrlik
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Patent number: 11420365Abstract: A method for producing a foamed particle molded article provided with a skin, includes: forming a hollow molded article; filling a hollow part of the hollow molded article with polypropylene-based resin foamed particles; and heating and fusing the particles to each other. A melt elongation at 190° C. of the polypropylene-based resin forming the hollow molded article is 100 m/min or more. A half-crystallization time at 100° C. of the polypropylene-based resin is between 25 to 80 seconds. In heat flux differential scanning calorimetry, a melting peak temperature of the polypropylene-based resin is between 130 to 155° C., a partial heat of fusion at 140° C. or more of the polypropylene-based resin is between 20 to 50 J/g, and a ratio of the partial heat of fusion of the polypropylene-based resin to the total (partial heat of fusion/total heat of fusion) is between 0.2 to 0.8.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2017Date of Patent: August 23, 2022Assignee: JSP CORPORATIONInventors: Hiroki Kawakami, Tomoo Tokiwa
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Patent number: 11401451Abstract: A flexible foam composition comprising a flexible foam structure comprising a plurality of struts, and a plurality of fibers, where a majority of the fibers are associated with the struts. The fibers may be thermally conductive fibers. The fibers include, but are not necessarily limited to, homopolymer and/or copolymer fibers having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of ?50° C. (?58° F.) or greater, carbon fibers, animal-based fibers, plant-based fibers, metal fibers, and combinations thereof. The presence of fibers can impart to the flexible foam composition greater indentation force deflection (IFD), greater static thermal conductivity, improved compression set, improved height retention or durability, and/or a combination of these improvements.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2018Date of Patent: August 2, 2022Assignee: L&P Property Management CompanyInventors: Bruce W. Peterson, Mark L. Crawford, Matthew McKnight
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Patent number: 11377061Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is an airbag flap system for triggering an airbag of a vehicle dashboard in a fragment-free manner at sub-zero temperatures, having: a lid assembly which points towards a vehicle interior and which comprises a polymer, wherein the lid assembly has a frame body having at least one flap segment which has peripheral depressions; wherein the peripheral depressions generate at least one rectangular basic structure; and a deployment chute assembly which is connected to the lid assembly and comprises a polymer, wherein the deployment chute assembly has a main body and at least one flap body; wherein the main body is configured so as to cover the frame body, and wherein the at least one flap body is configured so as to cover the at least one flap segment; wherein the peripheral depressions of the rectangular basic structures of the lid assembly have at least two different material thicknesses.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2020Date of Patent: July 5, 2022Assignee: StreetScooter GmbHInventors: Klaus Schorn, Waltraud Renn, Dennis Shallar, Cosmin Florian Radulescu
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Patent number: 11305464Abstract: A vehicle interior board which has less deterioration and peeling near an end portion of a metal plate, has high quality, is thin, lightweight, and has high strength and excellent productivity. The vehicle interior board includes a pair of metal plates and a foamed polyurethane layer formed between the pair of metal plates. At the peripheral edge portion of the vehicle interior board, the foamed polyurethane layer covers peripheral end portions of the metal plates and is formed flush with outer surfaces of the metal plates. This makes it possible to suppress oxidation of the peripheral end portions which are cutting surfaces of the metal plates. Further, bonding is good between the metal plates and the foamed polyurethane layer. Further, it is possible to prevent peeling of the metal plates, chipping of the foamed polyurethane layer, and the like. Furthermore, it is easy to demold a vehicle interior board.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2016Date of Patent: April 19, 2022Assignee: MORIDEN Co., Ltd.Inventors: Junichi Ishii, Yoshitaka Maehara, Takumi Ono
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Patent number: 11174365Abstract: The present invention is concerned with expanded beads of a block copolymer of a polyethylene block and an ethylene/?-olefin copolymer block, wherein a xylene insoluble fraction (A) of the expanded beads by a hot xylene extraction method is 10 to 70% by weight, and a ratio (A/B) of the xylene insoluble fraction (A) to a xylene insoluble fraction (B) of the expanded beads by a hot xylene extraction method when divided into two equal parts and measured is 1.0 to 1.1, and is able to provide expanded beads with excellent in-mold moldability and an expanded beads molded article with excellent fusion bondability and restorability.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2017Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Assignee: JSP CorporationInventors: Shota Takagi, Masaharu Oikawa
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Patent number: 11111359Abstract: A method of forming a low-density three-dimensional article is provided. The method includes printing a low-density composition on a substrate to form at least one layer comprising the low-density composition. The low-density composition includes a (P) polymer component and (M) a microsphere component in a ratio by volume (P):(M). The method also includes selectively controlling a density of the low-density composition during printing to give the at least one layer on the substrate. Selectively controlling the density of the low-density composition includes varying the ratio (P):(M) during printing. The method further includes repeating the printing and selectively controlling the density of the low-density composition to form additional layer(s), thereby forming the low-density three-dimensional article. A low-density three-dimensional article prepared in accordance with the method is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2019Date of Patent: September 7, 2021Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLCInventors: Vlastimil Kunc, John M. Lindahl, Lonnie J. Love, Brian K. Post, Ahmed Hassen, Peng Liu, Thomas Zeke Sudbury
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Patent number: 11053368Abstract: Expandable thermoplastic polyurethane comprising blowing agent, wherein the Shore hardness of the thermoplastic polyurethane is from A 44 to A 84.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2020Date of Patent: July 6, 2021Assignee: BASF SEInventors: Frank Prissok, Frank Braun
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Patent number: 10988594Abstract: Expanded particles of a polycarbonate-based resin containing a polycarbonate-based resin containing a component derived from bisphenol A as abase resin, the expanded particles being expanded particles of a polycarbonate-based resin satisfying any one of the following conditions (a) to (c) in a GC/MS chart: (a) a peak derived from a molecular weight of from 145 to 230 and a peak derived from a molecular weight of from 320 to 350 are shown; (b) a peak derived from a molecular weight of from 210 to 230 is shown; and (c) a peak derived from a molecular weight of from 290 to 320 is shown.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2016Date of Patent: April 27, 2021Assignee: SEKISUI PLASTICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Yuichi Gondoh, Naoki Michihata
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Patent number: 10987645Abstract: An extruding nozzle is provided. The extruding nozzle includes a housing and a radiator. The radiator is at least partially disposed within the housing. The extruding nozzle also includes at least one material flow channel. The at least one material flow channel is at least partially disposed within the housing and extends through the radiator.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2018Date of Patent: April 27, 2021Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Jeffrey H. Olberg, Stephen L. Metschan, Richard V. Phillips, Daniel J. Perron
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Patent number: 10941325Abstract: A thermally conductive resin molded article having a resin and a thermally conductive filler is provided. The thermally conductive filler is oriented substantially in the thickness direction of the thermally conductive resin molded article. The volumetric filling factor of the thermally conductive filler in the thermally conductive resin molded article is 20-80% by volume. Weld lines in the resin are formed substantially in the thickness direction of the thermally conductive resin molded article. An oil component is included in the thermally conductive resin molded article.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2019Date of Patent: March 9, 2021Assignee: BANDO CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Hiroki Naito, Masaya Miyake, Fumihiro Mukai
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Patent number: 10793693Abstract: A method of making a foamed article, for example a foamed component for an article or footwear, comprises forming a structure of interconnected, unfoamed, thermoplastic polymeric members spaced to define openings between the thermoplastic polymeric members. The structure may be made by printing a thermoplastic polymeric material with a three-dimensional printer. The thermoplastic polymeric members are heated to a first temperature to soften the thermoplastic polymeric members and the softened thermoplastic polymeric members are infused with at least one inert gas at a first pressure greater than atmospheric pressure. The first pressure is sufficient to cause the at least one inert gas to permeate into the softened thermoplastic polymeric members. After being infused with the inert gas, the pressure is reduced to at least partially foam the thermoplastic polymeric members.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2018Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Bryan N. Farris, David Turner
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Patent number: 10766166Abstract: A method for producing a skin-covered molded article including filling polypropylene-based resin expanded beads in a hollow space of a thermoplastic resin skin and feeding steam into the hollow space to fusion-bond the expanded beads together, the expanded beads showing specific DSC characteristics involving a specific high temperature peak(s) with specific heat of fusion.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2015Date of Patent: September 8, 2020Assignee: JSP CORPORATIONInventor: Tomoo Tokiwa
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Patent number: 10744477Abstract: Devices and methods for de novo synthesis of large and highly accurate libraries of oligonucleic acids are provided herein. Devices include structures having a main channel and microchannels, where the microchannels have a high surface area to volume ratio. Devices disclosed herein provide for de novo synthesis of oligonucleic acids having a low error rate.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2018Date of Patent: August 18, 2020Assignee: TWIST BIOSCIENCE CORPORATIONInventors: William Banyai, Bill James Peck, Andres Fernandez, Siyuan Chen, Pierre Indermuhle, Eugene P. Marsh
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Porous polyurethane polishing pad and process for preparing a semiconductor device by using the same
Patent number: 10518383Abstract: The embodiments relate to a porous polyurethane polishing pad and a process for preparing a semiconductor device by using the same. The porous polyurethane polishing pad comprises a urethane-based prepolymer and a curing agent, and has a thickness of 1.5 to 2.5 mm, a number of pores whose average diameter is 10 to 60 ?m, a specific gravity of 0.7 to 0.9 g/cm3, a surface hardness at 25° C. of 45 to 65 Shore D, a tensile strength of 15 to 25 N/mm2, an elongation of 80 to 250%, an AFM (atomic force microscope) elastic modulus of 101 to 250 MPa measured from a polishing surface in direct contact with an object to be polished to a predetermined depth wherein the predetermined depth is 1 to 10 ?m.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2018Date of Patent: December 31, 2019Assignee: SKC CO., LTD.Inventors: Jaein Ahn, Jang Won Seo, Sunghoon Yun, Su Young Moon, Myung-Ok Kyun -
Porous polyurethane polishing pad and process for preparing a semiconductor device by using the same
Patent number: 10513007Abstract: The embodiments relate to a porous polyurethane polishing pad and a process for preparing a semiconductor device by using the same. The porous polyurethane polishing pad comprises a urethane-based prepolymer and a curing agent, and has a thickness of 1.5 to 2.5 mm, a number of pores whose average diameter is 10 to 60 ?m, a specific gravity of 0.7 to 0.9 g/cm3, a surface hardness at 25° C. of 45 to 65 Shore D, a tensile strength of 15 to 25 N/mm2, an elongation of 80 to 250%, an AFM (atomic force microscope) elastic modulus of 30 to 100 MPa measured from a polishing surface in direct contact with an object to be polished to a predetermined depth wherein the predetermined depth is 1 to 10 ?m.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2018Date of Patent: December 24, 2019Assignee: SKC CO., LTD.Inventors: Jaein Ahn, Jang Won Seo, Sunghoon Yun, Su Young Moon, Myung-Ok Kyun -
Patent number: 10513052Abstract: [Problem] The present invention relates to a manufacturing method for obtaining a molded article having an expanded layer in the molded article, wherein an expanding agent and device used to manufacture a resin having expansion properties, and a means for increasing expansion ratio are provided. [Solution] In the present invention, an expanding agent placed in a heating cylinder of a molding machine is configured as a liquid, the volume of the expanding agent is controlled, and the expanding agent is injected into a molten resin in the heating cylinder of the molding machine. The volume of the injected expanding agent can thereby be accurately measured each time. When a low-boiling liquid such as water, an alcohol, or an ether is used as the injected expanding agent, all of the liquid is vaporized by the temperature of the heating cylinder of the molding machine, and no residue thereof is therefore left in the molded article.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2015Date of Patent: December 24, 2019Inventor: Yasuhiro Suzuki
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Patent number: 10486341Abstract: Methods and combinations of a curing catalyst with a mold release mixture, which is then subsequently applied to the surface of a mold prior to the application of polyurethane reactants to said mold, where the curing catalyst component has the effect of catalyzing the reaction at the surface of the molded part. This catalysis results in greater reactivity at the surface between reacting portions and lower delamination of the surface of the foam, thereby leading to more attractive skins with a more consistent cell structure, and lower de-mold times due to skins whose nature makes them less likely to adhere to the surface of the mold. These foams will be less likely to tear upon opening of the mold, and production quality and output will be improved.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2018Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: L & P PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANYInventors: Kyle W. Peterson, Bruce W. Peterson, Mark L. Crawford
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Patent number: 10391687Abstract: The present invention is directed to a deep draw microcellularly foamed polymeric container comprising a polymeric sidewall integrally connected to a polymeric base along a bottom edge. The polymeric sidewall and base are contiguous with each other and define a shape of an open top container. The polymeric sidewall and base have a contiguous inner microcellular foam structure (having average cell diameters ranging from about 5 to about 100 microns) surrounded by a smooth outer skin layer integrally connected therewith. The polymeric sidewall defines a container height and a top opening, wherein the top opening defines a top opening width, and wherein the polymeric base defines a container base width, and wherein the area defined by the top opening is greater than the area defined by the polymeric base, and wherein the ratio of the container height (h) to the top opening width (w) is greater than about 1:1 (h:w).Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2017Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignee: Dart Container CorporationInventor: Gregory L. Branch
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Patent number: 10357904Abstract: A method of making a foamed article comprises (a) injection molding a molten thermoplastic elastomer to form a precursor; (b) crosslinking the thermoplastic elastomer; (c) heating the thermoplastic elastomer to a first temperature to soften the thermoplastic elastomer; (d) infusing the thermoplastic elastomer with at least one inert gas at a first pressure that is sufficient to cause the at least one inert gas to permeate into the softened thermoplastic elastomer; and (e) while the article is softened, reducing the pressure to a second pressure below the first pressure to at least partially foam the precursor into a foamed article, wherein the foamed article is substantially the same shape as the precursor.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2015Date of Patent: July 23, 2019Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Bryan N. Farris, David Turner
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Patent number: 10322561Abstract: Disclosed, among other things, are ways to manufacture reduced density thermoplastics using rapid solid-state foaming and machines useful for the saturation of plastic. In one embodiment, a foaming process may involve saturating a semi-crystalline polymer such as Polylactic Acid (PLA) with high levels of gas, and then heating, which may produce a reduced density plastic having high levels of crystallinity. In another embodiment, a foaming process may produce layered structures in reduced density plastics with or without integral skins. In another embodiment, a foaming process may produce deep draw structures in reduced density plastics with or without integral skins. In yet another embodiment, a foaming process may utilize additives, blends, or fillers, for example.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2015Date of Patent: June 18, 2019Assignee: Grow Plastics LLCInventor: Michael Waggoner
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Patent number: 10272611Abstract: A process and apparatus for manufacturing a mattress generally includes an automated foam layer placement apparatus for accurately securing one or more foam layers onto an innercore unit and bucket assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2016Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: DREAMWELL, LTD.Inventors: Vinit V. Subhedar, Gregory Fowler, Francis Jan
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Patent number: 10232534Abstract: A method for producing a skin-covered polyolefin-based resin foamed molded article, including blow-molding a polyolefin parison into a skin defining a hollow space; and placing multi-layered polyolefin expanded beads in the hollow space; and heating the expanded beads placed in the hollow space to fuse-bond the expanded beads together and to fuse-bond the expanded beads to the skin, wherein the expanded beads have specific apparent density, specific average diameter, specific endothermic peaks in their DSC curve and specific melting point characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2014Date of Patent: March 19, 2019Assignee: JSP CORPORATIONInventor: Tomoo Tokiwa
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Patent number: 10214624Abstract: An apparatus and a method for expanding a slurry of thermally expandable thermoplastic microsphere is disclosed. The apparatus and method expand the slurry of thermally expandable thermoplastic microsphere without any direct contact to a fluid heat transfer medium. The apparatus and method utilize a distribution pipe attached to an outlet pipe.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2015Date of Patent: February 26, 2019Assignees: AKZO NOBEL CHEMICALS INTERNATIONAL B.V., CONSTRUCTION RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY GMBHInventors: Jan Nordin, Lars-Olof Svedberg, Per Ajdén, Frank Shaode Ong
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Patent number: 10189737Abstract: Aspects of the embodiments are directed to systems and methods for forming an optical fiber in a low gravity environment, and an optical fiber formed in a low gravity environment. The system can include a preform holder configured to secure a preform; a heating element secured to a heating element stage and residing adjacent the preform holder; a heating element stage motor configured to move the heating element stage; a tension sensor; a spool; a spool tension motor coupled to the spool and configured to rotate the spool; and a control system communicably coupled to the heating element stage motor and the spool tension motor and configured to control the movement of the heating element stage based on a rotational speed of the spool. The optical fiber can include a fluoride composition, such ZrF4-BaF2-LaF3-AlF3-NaF (ZBLAN), and can be characterized by an insertion loss in a range from 13 dB/1000 km to 120 dB/1000 km.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2018Date of Patent: January 29, 2019Assignee: FOMS Inc.Inventors: Leo Volfson, Dmitry Starodubov
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Patent number: 10155855Abstract: A method of making a foamed article, for example a foamed component for an article or footwear, comprises forming a structure of interconnected, unfoamed, thermoplastic polymeric members spaced to define openings between the thermoplastic polymeric members. The structure may be made by printing a thermoplastic polymeric material with a three-dimensional printer. The thermoplastic polymeric members are heated to a first temperature to soften the thermoplastic polymeric members and the softened thermoplastic polymeric members are infused with at least one inert gas at a first pressure greater than atmospheric pressure. The first pressure is sufficient to cause the at least one inert gas to permeate into the softened thermoplastic polymeric members. After being infused with the inert gas, the pressure is reduced to at least partially foam the thermoplastic polymeric members.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2015Date of Patent: December 18, 2018Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Bryan N. Farris, David Turner
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Patent number: 10150261Abstract: A method of fabricating a formed structure with expandable polymeric shell microspheres. A first plurality of polymeric shell microspheres are heated from an unexpanded state to an expanded state to form a plurality of expanded microspheres. The plurality of expanded microspheres are mixed with an epoxy resin and a second plurality of unexpanded polymeric shell microspheres. The mixture is formed in a shape to create a preform. The preform is wrapped with fiber tape to create a wrapped preform. The wrapped preform is placed in a mold. The mold is heated and the second plurality of unexpanded microspheres expand from an unexpanded state to an expanded state. The mold is cooled and the formed structure is removed from the mold.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2016Date of Patent: December 11, 2018Assignee: Bauer Hockey, LLCInventors: Adam Gans, Jerome Le Corvec
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Patent number: 10081565Abstract: Submerged combustion systems and methods of use to produce foamed glass. One system includes a submerged combustion melter having an outlet, the melter configured to produce an initial foamy molten glass having a density and comprising bubbles filled primarily with combustion product gases. The initial foamy molten glass is deposited directly onto or into a transport apparatus that transports the initial foamy molten glass to a downstream processing apparatus. An intermediate stage may be included between the melter and the transport apparatus. One intermediate stage is a channel that includes gas injectors. Another intermediate stage is a channel that produces an upper flow of a less dense glass and a relatively more dense glass lower flow. The upper flow may be processed into foamed glass products, while the more dense flow may be processed into dense glass products.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2017Date of Patent: September 25, 2018Assignee: Johns ManvilleInventors: Jeffrey M Shock, Aaron Morgan Huber, Timothy G Swales
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Patent number: 10065368Abstract: A method of making a foamed article, for example a foamed component for an article or footwear, comprises depositing an unfoamed, thermoplastic polymer onto a support surface in a three-dimensional printing process to form an unfoamed article; heating the article to soften the article and infusing the softened article with at least one inert gas at a first pressure greater than atmospheric pressure that is sufficient to cause the at least one inert gas to permeate into the softened article; and reducing the pressure to second pressure below the first pressure while the article is softened to at least partially foam the article, wherein a surface of a partial mold limits foam expansion in at least one direction but less than all directions.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2015Date of Patent: September 4, 2018Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventors: Bryan N. Farris, David Turner
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Patent number: 10035722Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing foamed glass having a silo (1) for receiving a glass mixture containing a temperature-activated foaming agent, a sluice chamber (12) arranged to receive a volume of glass mixture from the silo, a feed chamber (22) arranged to receive a volume of glass mixture from the sluice chamber, an extruder chamber (26) arranged to receive a volume of glass mixture from the feed chamber where the glass is melted and the foaming agent is activated, one or more nozzles (32) arranged at an end of the extruder chamber, through which a viscous foamed glass material may exit under influence of a positive operating pressure and an expansion chamber (38) arranged to receive foamed glass mixture from the nozzles. The invention also includes a novel foamed glass product having a glassy, sealed outer surface and a unique internal cell structure.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2015Date of Patent: July 31, 2018Assignee: Glassolite LtdInventors: Gunnar Sveinsbo, Finn Erik Solvang
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Patent number: 10017619Abstract: Expanded polypropylene resin particles include a polypropylene resin as a base material resin, wherein the polypropylene resin has a flexural modulus of 750 MPa to 1100 MPa. The flexural modulus and a melting point of the expanded polypropylene resin particles satisfy Expression (1): [Flexural modulus (MPa)]<31.19×[Melting point (° C.)]?3500, wherein the melting point of the expanded polypropylene resin particles is a melting point of 141.5° C. to 150.0° C. in a second differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) curve of a second temperature increase, the second DSC curve being obtained when the expanded polypropylene resin particles are heated from 40° C. to 220° C. at a temperature increase rate of 10° C./min in a first temperature increase, then cooled from 220° C. to 40° C. at a temperature decrease rate of 10° C./min, and heated again from 40° C. to 220° C. at a temperature increase rate of 10° C./min in the second temperature increase.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2017Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: Kaneka CorporationInventors: Toru Yoshida, Shintaro Miura
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Patent number: 9897600Abstract: In one general aspect, a flow-through sensor can include a carbon nanotube structure including a parallel array of micro-channels, a catalyst coupled to an inner surface of at least one of the micro-channels, and a functionalizing material disposed within the micro-channels.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2015Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Assignee: Brigham Young UniverisityInventors: Brian D. Iverson, Kevin M. Marr
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Patent number: 9890236Abstract: The present invention provides trimerization catalyst compositions having a sterically hindered carboxylate salt and methods to produce a polyisocyanurate/polyurethane foam using such trimerization catalyst compositions.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2013Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: Evonik Degussa GmbHInventors: Juan Jesus Burdeniuc, Torsten Panitzsch, John Elton Dewhurst
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Patent number: 9884449Abstract: A method of manufacturing a three-dimensional object operates a platen configured to facilitate the release of objects produced by a three-dimensional object printer. The method includes moving a first plate and a second plate to form a platen, the first plate having a plurality of parallel members and the second plate having a plurality of parallel members, the first plate and the second plate being moved to interlock the plurality of parallel members of the first plate with the plurality of parallel members of the second plate to form the platen, at least one of the first plate and the second plate being independently movable. At least one of the first plate and second plate is moved to release a three-dimensional object formed by the printer from the platen.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2015Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Eliud Robles Flores, Robert B. Anderson, Jr., Timothy P. Foley
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Patent number: 9724857Abstract: Compression molded polymeric foam articles and methods are described herein. Equipment design and processing techniques may be controlled to form compression molded articles having desired characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2011Date of Patent: August 8, 2017Assignee: MuCell Extrusion, LLCInventors: Mark E. Lindenfelzer, Jere R. Anderson, Samuel E. Dix
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Patent number: 9656415Abstract: The invention relates to a device (01) having at least two tool parts (03, 53, 63) that are separable at a parting face, wherein the closed tool parts (03, 53, 63) form a mold cavity (02, 52), within which (02, 52) particulate plastic material can be foamed and/or expanded to produce foamed molded parts. According to the invention, in particular to reduce the energy consumption, the tool wall forming the mold cavity (02, 52) is formed at least in sections by a multilayer structure (06, 56, 65) having a thin inner layer that is mechanically supported by a support element.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2013Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Assignee: Kurtz GmbHInventors: Walter Kurtz, Martin Bauer, Norbert Reuber
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Patent number: 9630346Abstract: A method of fabricating an injection-molded component is provided. The method includes the step of introducing pellets into an injection barrel of an injection molding machine. The pellets include a first supercritical fluid. The pellets are plasticized in the injection barrel and a second supercritical fluid is injected into the plasticized pellets. The second supercritical fluid and the plasticized pellets are mixed to form a mixed material. The mixed material is injected into a mold.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2013Date of Patent: April 25, 2017Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research FoundationInventors: Lih-Sheng Turng, Xiaofei Sun
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Patent number: 9517361Abstract: The invention provides methods for encapsulating nanometric particles inside of micro-sized crystals. An exemplary embodiment involves crystallizing a solution including nanometric particles, a micelle-forming material, a nonpolar dispersant for the micelle-forming material and a crystal-forming material to form crystal-encapsulated nanometric particles. Also provided are compositions or materials which include or are formed using the crystal encapsulated nanoparticles, such compositions and materials can include propellants, cosmetics, composite structures, energetics, and pharmaceutical compositions/materials.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2012Date of Patent: December 13, 2016Assignee: Purdue Research FoundationInventors: David A. Reese, Steven F. Son, Allen Hoe Yan
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Patent number: 9187794Abstract: The invention relates to the hardening of the surface layer of parts of machines, plants and apparatuses and also tools. Objects for which the application is possible and advantageous are components which are subjected to severe fatigue or wear stresses and are composed of hardenable steels and have a complicated shape and whose surface has to be hardened selectively on the functional surfaces or whose functional surface has a multidimensional shape. The process for hardening the surface layer of components having a complicated shape is carried out by means of a plurality of energy input zones.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2007Date of Patent: November 17, 2015Assignee: FRAUNHOFER-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FOERDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG E.V.Inventors: Berndt Brenner, Steffen Bonss, Frank Tietz, Marko Seifert, Jan Hannweber, Stefan Kuehn, Udo Karsunke
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Patent number: 9078393Abstract: An activated-release, water-insoluble or slowly-soluble coating is utilized on fertilizers, pesticides, seeds, medicine, and other granules to precisely time the release of the active ingredient of the granules, for purposes such as fertilizer and pesticide release as well as to initiate seed germination. An external stimulus, or activating agent, including, but not limited to, microwaves, ultrasonic waves, X-rays, radio waves, electromagnetic waves, radar waves, sonar waves, magnetic induction, (or pulses of any of the foregoing), specific chemical, bacteria, or fungus organism (such as ionic or non ionic surfactants, organic solvents, specifically cultured bacteria, fungi or catalytic agents) is used to break the coating, thus allowing for the release or germination.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2013Date of Patent: July 14, 2015Assignee: Activation Technologies, LLCInventor: Kim R. Polizotto
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Publication number: 20150147806Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing a transferable membrane having a nanometer scale dimension in thickness and pore size by non-solvent vapor-induced phase separation process, comprising spin-casting a polymer solution in a closed humid chamber and controlling the relative humidity (RH) of the chamber using at least one supersaturated salts solution whereby the density of the pores are controlled. Also provided is a TNT membrane prepared by the present method and its use. The present membrane can be advantageously used as co-culture platform facilitating versatile and controllable cell co-culture assays and further allowing the quantitative analysis of paracrine communications between cells for example between cancer cells and different types of stromal cells by providing an in vivo-like environment, which can offer more in-vivo-like results to identify key signaling molecules for therapeutic targets of a disease.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2014Publication date: May 28, 2015Applicant: SNU R&DB FOUNDATIONInventors: Kookheon CHAR, Jwa-Min NAM, Yeongseon JANG, Hyojin LEE
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Patent number: 9034227Abstract: The present invention provides a method of making a flexible foaming member from recycled material. The present invention relates to a production method to recycling wastes containing rubber, plastic and metal materials and pulverize them into scraps under normal temperatures, then roughly separate the various materials contained in the waste scraps into different layers based on the difference of specific gravity, and further take out the scraps of rubber and plastic materials with lower specific gravity from the waste scraps, then conduct multiple heating and pulverizations under different temperatures to produce composite-material scraps, and then using some composite-material scraps to mix flexible materials and foaming agents, then pressing the mixture into a plate-like foaming material, and conduct vulcanization and foam forming for the plates of foam material to become a elastic foam.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2012Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: SHIUN JIUG INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.Inventor: Semi Kao