Spacer Between Seals (e.g., Lantern Ring, Etc.) Patents (Class 277/516)
  • Patent number: 11913204
    Abstract: A handshower cradle assembly includes a waterway body, a handshower cradle, and an actuator. The handshower cradle is coupled to the waterway body. The actuator is configured to reduce a flow rate of water through the waterway body in response to a handshower being received within the handshower cradle. In some embodiments, the handshower cradle is configured to engage with the actuator under the weight of the handshower to adjust a position of the actuator with respect to the waterway body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: KOHLER CO.
    Inventor: Matthew J. Ball
  • Patent number: 11794154
    Abstract: A mixing apparatus (1) for mixing a fluid and/or solid. The mixing apparatus includes a mixing container (100) having an interior in which the fluid and/or solid can be arranged. A feed-through passage (10) extends through a container wall (101) of the mixing container. A drive shaft (50) is fed through the feed-through passage, to drive a stirring element (30) arranged at least partly in the interior of the mixing container. The stirring element is used to mix the fluid and/or solid arranged in the mixing container. A drive-side shaft end (51) of the drive shaft couples the drive shaft to a drive (120) arranged outside of the mixing container. An adjustable seal (70) seals off the feed-through passage. A setting apparatus (80) is provided to switch the adjustable seal into at least two sealing operation states having different sealing effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: SARTORIUS STEDIM BIOTECH GMBH
    Inventors: Stefan Zeuch, Markus Haeusser, Stefan Weisshaar, Jens Ludwig
  • Patent number: 11746908
    Abstract: An open cooling space or spiral cooling channel is formed between channel walls of a spool and an outer housing of a rotating shaft seal. The spool is sealed to the housing at the two ends thereof, does not intrude into the cooling inlet or outlet, and is axially removable and exchangeable without being distorted, thereby avoiding damage to the spool and/or contact between the spool and rotating seal elements. Due to the easy installation and removal of the spool, it can be installed as an upgrade after seal installation, and is easily cleaned and replaced. The cooling channel can be terminated by inlet and outlet rings, such that the spool does not require any rotational alignment within the seal assembly. The cooling channel can have a square or rectangular cross-section, thereby increasing thermal exchange between the cooling channel and the cooling channel spool rendering the cooling more efficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Flowserve Pte. Ltd.
    Inventor: Rodney Wayne Rynearson
  • Patent number: 11725758
    Abstract: A connector seal pack spacer and assembly are employed for use in a fluid line quick connector in an automotive application, for instance. The spacer is located beside an o-ring in installation in the fluid line quick connector. The spacer is designed and constructed with an angled surface that, upon insertion of a spigot in the fluid line quick connector, works to maintain an intended position of the o-ring in the fluid line quick connector. Unwanted mispositioning and dislodging of the o-ring is hence minimized and, in some cases, altogether precluded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Norma U.S. Holding LLC
    Inventors: Jorge Alberto Marquez Carrillo, Juan Antonio Garcia Lopez
  • Patent number: 11569624
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for quick, safe, and easy installation of electrical fixtures in the building construction field, including connecting the fixture to a mounting mechanism for structural support and electrical service. A coupling mechanism is attached to or incorporated into the fixture. The coupling mechanism has built-in electrical leads that are designed to connect with the electrical leads on a fixture-facing interface of the mounting mechanism. Electrical leads on the coupling mechanism are connected via wire or other electrically conductive material to the electrical components in the fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: MAGTOWN, LLC
    Inventors: Darren Glenn Austin, Mardee Coyle Austin, Corey Bernard Mack
  • Patent number: 11454321
    Abstract: A stuffing box assembly for a fluid end of a hydraulic fluid pump includes a first stuffing box member having a first plunger bore configured to receive a plunger of the hydraulic fluid pump and a plurality of seals. The first stuffing box member further comprises a first bore spaced apart from the plunger bore. A second stuffing box member has a threaded stuffing nut bore configured to receive a stuffing nut of the hydraulic fluid pump. The second stuffing box member further comprises a second bore spaced apart from the stuffing nut bore. A fastener is configured to extend through the first and second bores to secure the first stuffing box member to the second stuffing box member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: GD ENERGY PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventors: Chance Ray Mullins, Peter Ross Ehlers
  • Patent number: 10940516
    Abstract: A sealing device includes a flexible seal (10), a source of gas (15), a gas inlet (14) into the seal, and a gas outlet (17) from the seal 10, 17 whereby gas flows through the seal. A cryogenic source cools the seal and the gas from the cryogen helps seal the seal to the roll and to keep the seal flexible as the gas flows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Inventor: Michael Trevor Clark
  • Patent number: 10859203
    Abstract: The invention discloses a high-low pressure lubrication system for a high-horsepower plunger pump, including a high-pressure oil line and a low-pressure oil line, the high-pressure oil line is used for lubricating the connecting rod bearing bushes and the crosshead bearing bushes in the plunger pump, the low-pressure oil line is used for lubricating the crankshaft bearings, the crosshead sliding rails, the reduction gearbox bearing, and the reduction gearbox gear pair in the plunger pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: American Jereh International Corporation
    Inventors: Haiping Cui, Wenping Cui, Jixin Wang, Xiaosong Wei, Peng Li, Wenjie Deng
  • Patent number: 10697544
    Abstract: A bearing with an integral diverted lantern ring for installation into the seal cavity of a rotary mechanical device to provide a bearing surface and allow for flush fluid to engage the shaft closer to the motor end is provided. The bearing eliminates whip in a rotating shaft and is split to allow easy installation over an installed shaft. The bearing is substantially cylindrical with an inner bore closely approximating the outer diameter of the shaft. The diverted lantern ring includes an outer groove at the impeller end on the outer surface at a flush port and a groove on the inner surface at a location closer to the motor end. Flush fluid channels are provided between the outer groove and inner groove of the bearing. The purpose is to redirect the external flush from the impeller end on the OD to the motor end on the ID, thus repositioning the flush deposit on the sleeve, under the bearing. This allows the throttling characteristic of the close clearance bearing surface to increase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: SEAL-RYT CORP.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Getto, Michael F. Huard
  • Patent number: 10451137
    Abstract: A gas cylinder, in particular a high-pressure gas cylinder, includes a cylinder tube (1) having a piston rod (9) that is passed through a sealing arrangement (13) by which the gas pressure prevailing in the pressure chamber (23) of the cylinder tube (1) is sealed off against the ambient pressure. The sealing arrangement (13) has a compressed oil chamber (33) between a sealing element (31) adjacent to the pressure chamber (23) and another sealing element further away from the pressure chamber (23). Oil can be pressed in the oil chamber by a supply device (51) at a pressure that is equal to or higher than the respective gas pressure prevailing in the pressure chamber (23) of the cylinder tube (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: HYDAC TECHNOLOGY GMBH
    Inventors: Frank Bauer, Daniel Feld
  • Patent number: 10072758
    Abstract: A bearing with an integral diverted lantern ring for installation into the seal cavity of a rotary mechanical device to provide a bearing surface and allow for flush fluid to engage the shaft closer to the motor end is provided. The bearing eliminates whip in a rotating shaft and is split to allow easy installation over an installed shaft. The bearing is substantially cylindrical with an inner bore closely approximating the outer diameter of the shaft. The diverted lantern ring includes an outer groove at the impeller end on the outer surface at a flush port and a groove on the inner surface at a location closer to the motor end. Flush fluid channels are provided between the outer groove and inner groove of the bearing. The purpose is to redirect the external flush from the impeller end on the OD to the motor end on the ID, thus repositioning the flush deposit on the sleeve, under the bearing. This allows the throttling characteristic of the close clearance bearing surface to increase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: SEAL RYT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Andrew J. Getto, Michael F. Huard
  • Patent number: 9709013
    Abstract: A fuel system is provided for supplying pressurized fuel, in particular dimethyl ether (DME) or a blend thereof, to an internal combustion engine. The fuel system includes a fuel pump, which has a pumping mechanism arranged partly in a housing containing lube oil, a drain line connected to the housing and suitable for draining at least fuel vapor from an interior of the housing, a lube oil supply line connected to the housing, a lube oil supply valve installed in the lube oil supply line, a seal installed between the pumping mechanism and the housing for preventing at least lube oil leakage to the outside of the housing, and a drain valve installed in the drain line, wherein both the drain valve and lube oil supply valve are controlled to be closed during an engine non-running state for preventing fuel vapor leakage from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventor: Sergi Yudanov
  • Patent number: 9528631
    Abstract: A gas pressurized packing system for use in a control valve may include a first packing member, a second packing member and a pressurized gas supply. The first and second packing members may be arranged about, respectively, lower and upper portions of an operating member that extends through a bore in the control valve. The pressurized gas supply may be configured to pressurize a portion of the bore arranged between the first and second packing members. The gas pressurized packing system may be implemented in a low fugitive emission control valve and a low fugitive emission control valve system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventor: Michael Wildie McCarty
  • Patent number: 9073527
    Abstract: A sealing assembly and method of manufacturing a sealing assembly for a spring brake actuator having a dynamic center seal for sealing a first surface to a second surface. The sealing assembly has dynamic sealing elements that seal in a smooth hole or bore, where the sealing element or element stack is retained in the hole or bore on each end by a bearing for the center pushrod or center tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: HALDEX BRAKE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Aaron C. Bradford
  • Patent number: 8181970
    Abstract: A seal assembly is provided including a pair of end rings axially spaced from one another. A pair of annular seals are each engaged with a respective one of the pair of end rings. A locking ring is engaged with each of the pair of annular seals to connect the opposing end rings and annular seals in a unitized bi-directional seal assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Freudenberg Oil & Gas, LLC
    Inventor: Michael A. Smith
  • Patent number: 8136792
    Abstract: A stemmed control valve having a housing containing a first packing assembly that is compressively loaded externally of the housing, and a second packing assembly that is independently compressively loaded in a fixed manner internally of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Ralph E. King
  • Patent number: 8132785
    Abstract: A shaft seal packing exhibits high sealability at the time of initial assembly and also exhibits, even after the packing is retightened, excellent sealability by an increased seal surface pressure obtained through an effect of pressing and by self-sealability obtained through an effect of fluid pressure. A shaft seal structure for a valve includes a body for a valve, a valve shaft, a valve disc disposed within the body so as to be rotatable or capable of ascending and descending, a valve shaft seal chamber having the valve shaft axially attached thereto, a shaft seal packing that is attached to the shaft seal chamber and comprises annular packing bodies stacked and substantially V-shaped in cross section, with stacked layer faces on the inner-diameter side of the packing bodies brought into tight contact with one another and stacked layer faces on the outer-diameter side of the packing bodies formed with prescribed gaps between the adjacent stacked layer faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Kitz Corporation
    Inventors: Yasunori Sugita, Yoshihiro Yamashita
  • Patent number: 8074999
    Abstract: A dynamic sealing arrangement for preventing leakage of a fluid along a shaft includes multiple seals and pressurized barrier sealant is presented. According to one aspect, at least three seals are arranged along the shaft with pressurized barrier sealant between the first and second seals and a collection area is provided between the second and third seals to collect any leakage that might occur. Collected leakage, if any, is ported to an output port. According to another aspect, a unitary seal block member is provided that supports the dynamic sealing arrangement for the shaft and defines a piston chamber and a drilled passageway connecting the piston chamber and barrier sealant pressurization chamber between two seals. A substantial amount of plumbing is self contained in a single body minimizing the need for additional components or complexity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Woodward, Inc.
    Inventors: Wade A. Burdick, Gary M. Bowman
  • Publication number: 20090274570
    Abstract: A self-aligning dynamic clearance seal assembly is disclosed. The assembly comprises a stationary casing, a moving member, a housing member circumferentially disposed between the stationary casing and the moving member, a sealing member circumferentially disposed between the housing member and the moving member, and two elastomeric seals. The first elastomeric seal prevents the flow of a fluid into a gap between the sealing member and the stationary casing. The second elastomeric seal, when compressed, prevents the housing member from biasing against the sealing member. The sealing member and the moving member define a continuous and uniform gap having a size that allows the fluid to fill the gap but prevents the fluid from flowing through the gap from the first side to the second side of the opening under an operating pressure differential between the first and the second side. A pump utilizing the self-aligning seal assembly is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventor: Creigh THOMPSON
  • Publication number: 20090045589
    Abstract: A throat bushing (10, 54) for use in a seal chamber (8) or stuffing box (56) of rotary fluid equipment. The throat bushing defines a first face (13, 60) and a second face (21, 62), an outer surface (11) dimensioned to be received with a tight fit within a throat or bore of the seal chamber (8) or stuffing box (56), and a bore (25) therethrough dimensioned to receive a rotary shaft (3) with clearance to permit free rotation of the rotary shaft (3) therein. The throat bushing comprises at least one tangential channel (22) therethrough leading tangentially from the first face (13, 60) proximal to the outer surface (11), through to the second face (21, 62), proximal to an inner annular surface (12) of the throat bushing bore (25).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventors: Christopher S. Patton, David W. Valley, Arnold T. Lloyd
  • Patent number: 7118114
    Abstract: A dynamic sealing arrangement for preventing leakage of a fluid along a shaft includes multiple seals and pressurized barrier sealant. According to one aspect, at least three seals are arranged along the shaft with pressurized barrier sealant between the first and second seals and a collection area is provided between the second and third seals to collect any leakage that might occur. Collected leakage, if any, is ported to an output port. According to another aspect, a unitary seal block member is provided that supports the dynamic sealing arrangement for the shaft and defines a piston chamber and a drilled passageway connecting the piston chamber and barrier sealant pressurization chamber between two seals. A substantial amount of plumbing is self contained in a single body minimizing the need for additional components or complexity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Woodward Governor Company
    Inventors: Wade A. Burdick, Gary M. Bowman
  • Patent number: 7108058
    Abstract: A packing assembly for use with a rotary drilling swivel having a cylindrical wash pipe comprising a housing assembly including a packing gland forming a sealing assembly chamber around the wash pipe, the packing gland including an injection port in open communication with the chamber, a sealing assembly disposed in the chamber and including a first annular seal ring surrounding and in sealing engagement with the wash pipe, an annular containment member disposed in the chamber in surrounding relation to the wash pipe and axially spaced from the first seal ring and an injectable packing composition in sealing engagement with the wash pipe and disposed between the first seal ring and the containment member, one of the wash pipe and the packing assembly being rotatable relative to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Utex Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick B. Pippert
  • Patent number: 6834862
    Abstract: A sealing system to be inserted into the seal cavity of a rotary mechanical device to provide a seal and a bearing surface to eliminate whip in a rotating shaft. The sealing system includes a split bushing element to allow easy installation over the shaft. The bushing is substantially cylindrical with an inner bore closely approximating the outer diameter of the shaft and includes a groove at the motor end on the outer surface and a corresponding groove on the inner surface to provide a lantern ring. Seal water openings are provided between the outer groove and inner groove of the bushing. Generally, two or three packing rings are added on the motor side to complete the shaft sealing system for installation in the seal cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Inventor: Mark R. Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 6721381
    Abstract: A seal arrangement for providing a seal between a nuclear reactor in-core instrument housing and an instrument contained within the housing includes a lower seal assembly surrounding an outer portion of the in-core instrument housing, an upper seal assembly surrounding an outer portion of the in-core instrument, a seal housing enclosing the lower and upper seal assemblies, and lower and upper compression assemblies positioned on respective ends of the seal housing. The compression assemblies each include a drive nut and a compression collar. The compression collars engage and apply an axial load on the seal assemblies to maintain a reliable seal between the seal housing and the outer portion of the in-core instrument housing, and between the seal housing and the outer portion of the in-core instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Company LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Martin, James G. Tursi, Joseph M. Burger, Kurt R. Graeff
  • Patent number: 6522708
    Abstract: A seal arrangement for providing a seal between a nuclear reactor in-core instrument housing and an instrument contained within the housing includes a lower seal assembly surrounding an outer portion of the in-core instrument housing, an upper seal assembly surrounding an outer portion of the in-core instrument, a seal housing enclosing the lower and upper seal assemblies, and lower and upper compression assemblies positioned on respective ends of the seal housing. The compression assemblies each include a drive nut and a compression collar. The compression collars engage and apply an axial load on the seal assemblies to maintain a reliable seal between the seal housing and the outer portion of the in-core instrument housing, and between the seal housing and the outer portion of the in-core instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Company LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Martin, James G. Tursi, Joseph M. Burger, Kurt R. Graeff
  • Patent number: 6504888
    Abstract: A reactor pressure vessel (RPV) for a nuclear reactor that permits measurement of the flow through each reactor internal pump (RIP) is described. The reactor pressure vessel also includes at least one reactor internal pump that includes an impeller and a pump diffuser. At least two seal rings extend circumferentially around an outer surface of the diffuser housing outer wall and are located in circumferential grooves in the housing outer wall. At least one lateral bore extends through the housing outer wall into a diffuser housing longitudinal flow passage. Each lateral bore is located in an area between two adjacent seal rings, with each inter-seal ring area containing one lateral bore. At least one pressure tap bore extends from the outer surface of the RPV bottom head petal, through the pump deck to an inner surface of a pump deck opening. Each pressure tap bore is aligned with an area in the RIP containing a corresponding lateral bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Alex B. Fife, Hwang Choe, Jack T. Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 6382633
    Abstract: A shaft seal apparatus that exhibits a good and reliable sealing performance, even when a rotating shaft undergoes axial vibration, eccentric revolution, or the like. This shaft seal apparatus has gland packings (2) stuffed in a sealed space (10) formed between a rotating shaft (9) and a stuffing box (1), with gland packings (2) pressed between a first packing gland (3) on a sealed liquid region side (7) and a second packing gland (4) on an atmospheric region side (8). The first packing gland (3) is fixed to a rotary equipment body (6) and the second packing gland (4) is to the stuffing box (1). A screw bolt (15) extending in the axial direction of the rotating shaft (9) is anchored to the first packing gland (3). The stuffing box (1) is provided with a through hole (16) larger than the screw bolt (15) in the flange (1a). The screw bolt (15) running through the through hole (16) has a tightening nut (17) thereon at a place which is out of and backward of the hole (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Nippon Pillar Packing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideto Hashiguchi, Takahisa Ueda
  • Patent number: 6126171
    Abstract: An improved sealing cartridge for use in a reciprocating plunger pump which includes a low pressure seal, a vacuum seal, and an oil seal within a unitized cartridge assembly to facilitate servicing and/or replacing the various seals with minimal effort and which provides improved sealing characteristics to prevent the unwanted migration of oil, fluid, and air during both priming and normal operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Hypro Corporation
    Inventor: David G. Vensland
  • Patent number: 6062570
    Abstract: A stem seal having first and second wiping members circumjacent a stem is disposed within a bore. A lubricant-bearing ring is disposed about the stem within the bore between the wiping members, under compression therefrom. Projections from the wiping members intrude into the lubrication ring so as to depress the central surface areas thereof. Similar projections are used to center a coil spring against one of these seal members and against an additional seal member. By forming the lubricant ring of open-cell loam or mesh construction, superior lubricant bearing capacities may be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Barber-Colman
    Inventor: Irving C. Erickson
  • Patent number: 5979483
    Abstract: Disclosed is a valve assembly having a slidable valve stem that passes through a bushing enclosed in a bonnet. At least one circumferential stem seal seals the valve stem to the bushing. At least one passageway is provided through the bushing for injecting a fluid between the valve stem and the bushing to wash out deposits. A second optional passageway is also provided for injecting a lubricant around the valve stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Occidental Chemical Corporation
    Inventor: Ricky Zapalac
  • Patent number: 5921554
    Abstract: An anti-pack out seal for use between fluid containing cylinders and pistons which are axially slideable therein and which extend through an opening in the end of such pistons. This seal has an annular channel adjacent to a resilient elastomeric seal ring, through which channel, an air stream containing an oil mist is circulated to remove solid particles of material which may separate or pack out from the fluid in the cylinder and in addition to prevent curing of the solid particles between the cylinder, the elastomeric seal and the bearing surrounding the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: Gary A. Derian, Michael W. Fleming, Cuong C. Tran
  • Patent number: 5772218
    Abstract: A gland seal assembly for a slurry pump comprising a main body having a bore therethrough for receiving a rotatable shaft, a packing receiving zone within the bore, the packing including at least two packing rings and a packing sleeve surrounding the packing rings and arranged so that axial compression of the packing sleeve can be translated at least in part, to radial compression of the packing rings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Warman International Limited
    Inventor: Kevin Edward Burgess
  • Patent number: 5730446
    Abstract: A sealing strip (5) for a hem flange between two panels (for example, the inner and outer panels (1, 3) of a vehicle door) comprises an inner portion (9) of a tacky, sealing material with an outer part (10) of a non-tacky material, providing the strip with a rounded, shape-retaining, outer surface. To seal the hem flange, the strip (5) is pressed into place along the edge of the flange so that the inner surface (7) of the strip adheres to the panels and the rounded outer surface (10) extends from one panel to the other and covers the tacky material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Roger Taylor, Pierre Mader, Alain Lamon