Forming, Or Cooperating To Form Cells Patents (Class 428/178)
  • Patent number: 6129973
    Abstract: The present invention is a microchannel mass exchanger having a first plurality of inner thin sheets and a second plurality of outer thin sheets. The inner thin sheets each have a solid margin around a circumference, the solid margin defining a slot through the inner thin sheet thickness. The outer thin sheets each have at least two header holes on opposite ends and when sandwiching an inner thin sheet. The outer thin sheets further have a mass exchange medium. The assembly forms a closed flow channel assembly wherein fluid enters through one of the header holes into the slot and exits through another of the header holes after contacting the mass exchange medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Peter M. Martin, Wendy D. Bennett, Dean W. Matson, Donald C. Stewart, Monte K. Drost, Robert S. Wegeng, Joseph M. Perez, Xiangdong Feng, Jun Liu
  • Patent number: 6127021
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a multi-layer automotive interior trim panel (10) comprises a decorative covering layer (12) and a supportive substrate layer (16). The substrate layer (16) is comprised of a rigid material formed into a predetermined shape for supporting the covering layer. The trim panel also includes an intermediate layer (18) disposed between the covering layer and the supportive substrate layer comprised of cushioning material. The intermediate layer includes a mat (20) of polymeric fibers, with the mat having a plurality of indentations (24) to provide a cushioning effect. A corresponding method for producing the interior trim panel having the three layers includes several steps. The first step is heating the cushion layer (18) to a predetermined temperature. The second step is melting a portion of the polymeric fibers in the cushion layer. The third step is stamping the cushion layer to form the plurality of indentations (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Textron Automotive Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Josh Kelman
  • Patent number: 6110567
    Abstract: A composite structural panel is formed of a single composite face sheet with a stiffener grid adhesively attached to one side of the face sheet. The stiffener grid if formed of an interlocked set of parallel first elongated grid channels extending in a first direction and parallel second elongated grid channels extending in a second direction. Each grid channel is a hollow channel section including two shear walls formed of a shear wall composite material having woven bidirectional shear wall fiber reinforcement cloth embedded in a shear wall matrix, and a cap extending between the top of each of the two shear walls. The cap is formed of a cap composite material of composite material having unidirectional cap fiber reinforcement embedded in a cap matrix, with the unidirectional cap fiber reinforcement extending parallel to the direction of elongation of the grid channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Scaled Composites, Inc.
    Inventor: Cory R. Bird
  • Patent number: 6106929
    Abstract: A paper toweling which provides a combination of strength, bulk and absorbency while presenting an attractive appearance. Included are a single ply paper towel having areas of light and heavy embossing perforations which form diamond shaped islands of heavy embossing perforations surrounded by intersecting bands of light bosses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Fort James Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Bredenick, Edward J. Giesler, Sr., Chester W. Gooding, Jr., Kambiz B. Makoui
  • Patent number: 6106928
    Abstract: A sheet of paper, in particular for a sanitary paper, consists of at least one ply of absorbent, creped paper of a specific surface weight between 12-35 g/m.sup.2 evincing first and second protrusions respectively (10, 2) respectively arrayed in a first and second pattern. The first pattern is composed of pattern elements each constituted by at least one of the first protrusions (10) and is comparatively well spaced apart mutually, while the second so-called background pattern comprises the second protrusions (2) arranged in more compact manner between the pattern elements. The sheet of paper is characterized in that the pattern elements form a graphic pattern while being arrayed at a rate of at most 0.5 element/cm.sup.2 and the first protrusions (10) constituting them evince at their top a line-shaped surface with a width between 0.1-2 mm, the second protrusions (2) being arrayed at the rate of at least 30, and preferably 40, protrusions/cm.sup.2 and ensuring the essential functional features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Fort James France
    Inventors: Pierre Laurent, Carol Lefebvre Du Grosriez, Gilles Roussel, Remy Ruppel
  • Patent number: 6099677
    Abstract: A platform is provided for the manufacture of microwave, multilayer integrated circuits and microwave, multifunction modules. The manufacturing process involves bonding fluoropolymer composite substrates into a multilayer structure using fusion bonding. The bonded multilayers, with embedded semiconductor devices, etched resistors and circuit patterns, and plated via holes form a self-contained surface mount module. Film bonding, or fusion bonding if possible, may be used to cover embedded semiconductor devices, including embedded active semiconductor devices, with one or more layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Merrimac Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Logothetis, Joseph McAndrew
  • Patent number: 6099940
    Abstract: The present invention provides a selectively-activatible sheet material for delivering a substance to a target surface. The sheet material comprises a three-dimensional sheet of material having a first side and a second side. The first side has a plurality of hollow protrusions extending outwardly therefrom and separated from one another by valleys, while the second side has a plurality of depressions corresponding with the hollow protrusions. A substance adheres to and partially fills a location protected from external contact comprising the valleys and/or depressions. The sheet material may be selectively activated by deforming the hollow protrusions to deliver the substance to a target surface. The three-dimensional structure includes hollow protrusions which are adapted to progressively activate in multiple discrete stages to effect multistage progressive delivery of the substance to the target surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Peter Worthington Hamilton, Kenneth Stephen McGuire
  • Patent number: 6096407
    Abstract: A built-in packing for the material exchange and/or heat exchange between gases and liquids is composed of a plurality of undulating lattice-like elements arranged next to each other and each mounting element has channels formed by the undulations extending at an angle relative to the vertical direction and extending parallel to each other, wherein the channels of always two adjacent mounting elements intersect each other. Continuous longitudinal struts are provided at the bottom of the channels, wherein the longitudinal struts have contact plates at the ends thereof, and wherein the contact plates are components of an upper and a lower horizontal closed edge strip. The longitudinal struts are connected through transverse struts in a framework-like manner, wherein the transverse struts extend in horizontal planes which extend parallel to the two edge strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: GEA Energietechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Vladimir Vodicka, Arno Katzmann
  • Patent number: 6086715
    Abstract: An embossed multiple ply paper product and process for producing such product displaying aesthetically pleasing decorative attributes and exhibiting functional characteristics of softness, absorbency, and drape. The decorative attributes comprise embossed patterns of indicia displaying a high quality cloth-like appearance for a softer, more quilted look. The plies are joined in a face-to-face arrangement by selective bonds which are limited to the indicia, in order to produce more permanent decorative figures that inhibit dissipation caused by compressive forces, humidity, absorption, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Kevin Benson McNeil
  • Patent number: 6066372
    Abstract: A solar heated windshield comprises two matching glass sheets with a hollow interlayer therebetween for inhibiting frost or ice formation on the outer glass sheet by collecting and retaining solar energy within the interlayer. The inner sheet includes a tinted film such that solar energy passing through the windshield is partially deflected into the interlayer to warm the air contained therein. Deflected solar energy may also impinge on or be deflected into a reservoir containing a heat retentive and conductive liquid such as propylene glycol. Air within the interlayer will be warmed repetitively by the heated glycol through the fluid motion of convection. Heat may be transferred by convection to air throughout the interlayer or only to specifically focused areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Inventor: Brent Miles
  • Patent number: 6060144
    Abstract: A hollow panel having a cover material bonded thereto includes a first wall having an inner surface and a substantially planar outer surface. A second wall opposes the first wall so as to define a hollow space therebetween and has at least one protrusion formed therein. Each protrusion has a tip which is integrally joined to the inner surface of the first wall to form a double-walled rib bridging the hollow space. The double-walled rib has integrally joined opposing walls such that an outer surface of the second wall is substantially planar. The cover material is bonded to the outer surface of the first wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Kyoraku Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Isao Kimura, Minoru Kimura
  • Patent number: 6045890
    Abstract: An expandable and contractible cellular panel 10 comprises a plurality of parallel, aligned, elongated tubular sections 12 secured together at the median region of their adjacent longitudinal margins to form the panel 10. The adjacent tubular sections 12 of the panel 10 are made of a pair of substantially identical separate strips of sheet material from those forming the other adjacent tubular sections 12. The various adjacent pairs of strips are laminated together along their confronting longitudinal margins. Each strip is made of at least two separate flexible substrate sheets 18,20 having completely different appearances, and are secured together by welding together their longitudinal margins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Newell Operating Company
    Inventors: Jace N. Green, Bryan K. Ruggles, Richard F. Chacon
  • Patent number: 6037033
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a unique thermal insulation panel. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a vacuum insulated panel formed of a highly impermeable evacuated envelope that is supported by a thermal barrier made of a macro-structural support structure having a cell or void size of 0.5 micron or greater. Preferably, the panel includes a getter material. Further, the present invention is directed to a thermal insulation barrier of a macro-structural structure. Preferably, the barrier is formed of elements having a geometric shape of a repetitive three dimensional design that permits stacking of one thermal insulation element with another thermal insulation element having a complimentary geometric shape, and which locks movement of adjacent thermal insulation elements in at least one of the directions 90.degree. to the stacking direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Inventor: Rick Cole Hunter
  • Patent number: 6022608
    Abstract: A three layer, non-slip fabric has an upper fabric layer which is bonded through an intermediate flat plastic layer to a lower plastic layer having cup-shaped elements distributed therelong. Each cup has sidewalls and an outwardly concave end wall with one or two holes in the wall to allow the cups to deform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Plantex S.p.A.
    Inventor: Silvano Dell 'Acqua
  • Patent number: 6018927
    Abstract: A structural, load bearing panel is fabricated with twin-sheets of thermoformed polymer material to provide-substantially equal bending strength about each of substantially normal polar moment axes. Parallel rows of generally rectangular depressions in the top sheet surface are fused with a corresponding row pattern of depressions in the bottom sheet surface oriented substantially 90.degree. to the top sheet rows. End walls of top sheet depressions are fused with side walls of bottom sheet depressions. Conversely, end walls of bottom sheet depressions are fused with side walls of top sheet depressions. An orthogonal matrix of interconnected gas flow channels vent substantially all void spaces between the top and bottom sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Formall, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel E. Major
  • Patent number: 6017597
    Abstract: The objectives of the invention is to obtain the complex cell structured material which has the advantages of toughness and of being light in weight. Also it is economical when utilized in the field of the general structural materials such as architecture, civil engineering, machinery structure field, automobiles, ships, cars, aircrafts, space crafts, space stations, submarines. The manufacturing of this invention also consists of simple procedures. A complex cell structure is comprised of a maintained spatial surface on which is the complex cell bodies are bonded. The complex cell bodies are distributed/bonded on the maintained spatial surface. The maintained spatial surface is rolled, annual ring shaped, whirlpooled, laminated, plate shaped or crossed. The liquid coagulant fills the empty space. The coagulant is coagulated to produce the complex cell structure. Also, the method to produce is as follows. Prepared complex cell bodies are composed of rigid sections and a light material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Minakami, Motoyuki Minakami
  • Patent number: 6007898
    Abstract: Three dimensional fiber networks which are semi-rigid and dimensionally stable are made from textile fabrics that have projections and optional depressions which are compressible and return to their original shape after being compressed. The fiber networks are made by the thermo-mechanical deformation of textile fabrics that are in turn made from thermoplastic fibers. The fiber networks have particular utility as cushioning and impact absorbing materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: HNA Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Dai W. Kim, Joseph Steven Wiley Haas, William Edward Bessey
  • Patent number: 6004652
    Abstract: A panel having one or more dimple layers connected together by one or more reinforcing layers engaging ends of dimples on the dimple layer to create a cavity between the layers. The connection of the dimple layer and reinforcing layers creates an integral structural panel that can be planar by having identical heights of the dimples on the dimple layer to create a planar panel (flat) or nonplanar (curved) by varying the heights of the dimples on the dimple layer or through planar spacing adjustment. The panel can be modified in various ways such as by choice of materials and/or geometries of the various layers and/or incorporation of additional structural features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventor: Brian Hall Clark
  • Patent number: 5997971
    Abstract: A wood preservative wrap includes a body divided by liquid impervious grid lines into a plurality of pockets filled with wood preservative. The body is trimmable along the grid lines without compromising the containment of the wood preservative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Genics Inc.
    Inventors: Wesley James Wall, Calvin Lee Michael Wall
  • Patent number: 5993941
    Abstract: A composite transverse wing rib shaped as a multi-layered flat panel comprises a cellular-ribbed structure of intersecting rectlinear ribs whose lengthwise directions are angled in opposite directions at oblique angles to a longitudinal dimension of the wing rib. The ribs have widthwise directions that extend between opposite side surfaces of the cellular-ribbed structure. The cellular-ribbed structure includes projections having flat faces arranged on an outer frame of the structure. The wing rib also includes other layers overlying opposite side surfaces of the cellular-ribbed structure and the projections. The outer layers comprise a net of intersecting small composite belts oriented along the oppositely angled directions of the rectilinear ribs and intersecting at the cross intersections of the rectlinear ribs. The cellular-ribbed structure and outer layers are formed of high-module yarns bound by a polymer binder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignees: Centr Perspektivnykh Razrabotok Khutkovo, McDonnell Douglas Corporation
    Inventors: Valery Vitalievich Vasiliev, Alexandr Fedorovich Razin, Vladimir Alexeevich Salov, Vladimir Alexandrovich Bunakov, Sergey Alexandrovich Soldatov, Leonid Pavlovich Zakharevich, Michael Voldman
  • Patent number: 5985412
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing microstructures in which a hollow cavity is formed in a first wafer, in particular, a silicon wafer, and the hollow cavity is, covered over by a second wafer, which is in particular, also a silicon wafer, by a wafer bonding process in vacuum for the formation of an enclosed hollow cavity, wherein the wafer bonding is carried out in an ultra-high vacuum in order to achieve the smallest possible internal pressure in the hollow cavity of less than 0.1 mbar. The surfaces of the wafers which are to be brought into contact with one another are treated by a surface cleaning process in order to produce at least substantially pure surfaces, i.e. surfaces which consist substantially only of the material of the respective wafer and which are at least substantially free of H.sub.2 O, H.sub.2 and O.sub.2. A microstructure is also claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Max-Planck-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der Wissenschaften e.V.
    Inventor: Ulrich Gosele
  • Patent number: 5981030
    Abstract: A roofing membrane has a quantity of water-retaining particles fixed in the upper surface of the membrane. A fleece web affixed to the membrane surface in a quilt-like manner may provide zones of selectable size for holding the particles in place. By varying the amount of the absorber particles, the water-retaining capacity of the roofing membrane may be varied to the particular intended use, such as on a flat roof or a sloped roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: FAMOS GmbH
    Inventors: Bertram W. Haupt, Siegfried Heinz, Wolfgang Rudolf
  • Patent number: 5976672
    Abstract: A cargo liner and cargo holder system includes a mat having a plurality of protrusions extending from a base. Locking members include a plurality of engagement members extending from a body and are adapted to engage with the protrusions of the mat. The mat includes a plurality of geometrically-shaped protrusions which can be octagonally shaped or cylindrically shaped. The locking members can be secured to boxes or other objects for securement to the mat. The mat also includes a lip extending around the perimeter of the mat for containment of any liquids therein. The mat also includes two layers, a polyethylene first layer and an olefin-friendly rubber layer. The locking members can be modified and secured to a bag-hanging device. Movable side members can be secured to the locking members for securement of boxes to the mat. Also disclosed is a method for making the mat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Loadhandler Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Graham L. Hodgetts
  • Patent number: 5972477
    Abstract: Laminated fiber network structures having high resilience, good cushioning properties, and excellent impact-resistance include at least one layer of a three-dimensional fiber network material and a second layer, which may be a planar material (e.g. a fabric, film, or sheet) or a second layer of a three-dimensional fiber network material. The surfaces of the two layers face each other and are bonded together at their points of contact. The three-dimensional fiber network material is a fabric made from thermoplastic filaments that are at least 0.1 mm in diameter, where the fabric has an array of projections and optional depressions pushed out of one or both sides of the fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Hoechst Celanese Corporation
    Inventors: Dai W. Kim, Gerald Peter Rumierz, Clinton Dale Felton
  • Patent number: 5972475
    Abstract: Improved extruded synthetic polymer resin sheet structures are disclosed having optimized combinations of rigidity, light transmission, thermal insulation and sheet weight per unit surface area. These improved structures have rib structures where the shear modulus equivalent value ("G") is optimized and is in the range of from about 0.5 to less than about 8. In one embodiment, an average of from one to nine rectangular cells per every ten cells contain a diagonal rib. In a preferred embodiment there are two crossing diagonals located in alternating rectangular cells. The reduction in the number of diagonal ribs reduces the weight of the sheet (per unit surface area) but surprisingly does not cause a proportional reduction in the sheet strength and rigidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventor: Arie W. Beekman
  • Patent number: 5965237
    Abstract: An improved microstructure for micro-scale fluid handling, processing and investigation comprises a support element and a microstructured element. The support element has a substantially even support face. The microstructured element has a microstructured face provided both with substantially even portions and with recessed portions. The even portions are substantially coplanar to a common even surface. The recessed portions are defined between the even portions adjacent thereto and recessed from the common even surface. The support face is located substantially adjacent to the microstructured face and cooperates with the recessed portions thereof to define a microchannel system. At least the microstructured element is made and formed of poly(dimethylsiloxane) polymer by applying a prepolymer or a precursor thereof onto a corresponding master element, and then curing the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventors: Gerardus Jacobus Maria Bruin, Carlo Stefan Effenhauser, Andreas Helg, Aran Paulus
  • Patent number: 5965238
    Abstract: Portions of a thermoplastic synthetic resin panel (B) formed by extrusion and integrally having a first sheet (2a), a second sheet (2b) parallel to the first sheet (2a), and a plurality of ribs (3) integrally joining the first and second sheets (2a, 2b) are welded together by ultrasonic welding by applying an ultrasonic welding head (6) and a work support block (7) of an ultrasonic welding machine to the first sheet (2a) and the second sheet (2b), respectively, and compressing the portions of the thermoplastic synthetic resin panel (B) between the ultrasonic welding head (6) and the work support block (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignees: Kishimoto Sangyo Co., Ltd., Unitek Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Saitoh, Kenjiro Hagiwara, Hisashi Sasaki
  • Patent number: 5958551
    Abstract: Structural element characterized by its rigidity and very light weight per unit but simpler and readily formed at every scale, which is constructed using a first piece or preform which comprises a plurality of projections and a second piece which can be a second preform, a sheet or a mesh, wherein both pieces are fixed by means of the plurality of tips of the plurality of projections fixing them by any fixing means appropriate to the materials used and to the application of the structural element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventor: Jorge-Isaac Garcia-Ochoa
  • Patent number: 5948520
    Abstract: A support device for a computer mouse (mouse pad) comprises, extending over the lower foil made of foam material, at least one thin, colored liquid layer which is enclosed between two foils welded together along the edge in a liquid-tight manner and is visible through the transparent foil or foils. The liquid occupies the available cavity only incompletely and it spreads out in puddle-like patterns to define void spaces which change continuously due to the actuation of the mouse, thereby providing the mouse pad with an optically interesting appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Hirsch & Partner GmbH
    Inventor: Karl Hirsch
  • Patent number: 5932315
    Abstract: A microfluidic structure assembly having a microchannel formed by bonding two plates together is disclosed. The microfluidic structure assembly includes a first plate and a second plate. At least one of these plates has one or more microgrooves. Microdepressions and microprojections are also present in the plates and they connect such that the microprojections of one plate fit into the microdepressions of the other plate. As a result, the two plates are proximate to each other to form an assembly in which the microgrooves to form microchannels. These microdepressions and microprojections securely lock the microchannels into desired positions. Preferably the plates are made by molding to form the microdepressions, microgrooves, and microchannels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: Paul Lum, Michael Greenstein
  • Patent number: 5925439
    Abstract: A liquid-absorbent sanitary cellulose product, in particular a diaper, sanitary napkin or the like, comprises a liquid-proof back layer (2) and an absorbent body (3). A storage layer (5) is arranged between the absorbent body (3) and the back layer (2), this storage layer (5) consisting of a layer of non-woven material (6) profiled in the direction of thickness (D) of the product by chamber-like impressions (7) being formed, into each of which are inserted super-absorbent hydrogel particles (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Klaus Karl Ferdinand Haubach
  • Patent number: 5925425
    Abstract: Improved plastic cladding and body molding parts are provided. These improved parts incorporate at least one and preferably a plurality of large gas channels within the plastic part having corresponding attachment surfaces to allow easy and efficient attachment of the improved parts to a substrate surface. The large gas channels are designed to provide sufficient attachment surfaces so that the monolithic, one-piece plastic part can be attached directly to the desired substrate surface using an adhesive system. Preferably, the adhesive system is an adhesive tape applied directly to the attachment surfaces. More preferably, the adhesive is an acrylic plastic tape applied directly to the attachment surfaces. The improved plastic cladding and body molding parts are especially adapted and suitable for use in automotive applications. A method of attaching the improved plastic cladding and body molding parts to the substrate surface is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Inventor: William A. Nelson
  • Patent number: 5922439
    Abstract: A paper toweling which provides a combination of strength, bulk and absorbency while presenting an attractive appearance. Included are a single ply paper towel having areas of light and heavy embossing perforations which form diamond shaped islands of heavy embossing perforations surrounded by intersecting bands of light bosses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Fort James Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Bredenick, Edward J. Giesler, Sr., Chester W. Gooding, Jr., Kambiz B. Makoui
  • Patent number: 5916664
    Abstract: A method for inflating cushioning devices which comprise at least first and second distinct chambers having an interconnecting passage providing fluid communication between the chambers. The method comprises either: (1) limiting the volume of at least one of the chambers, filling the chambers with a fluid at a single inflation pressure from a single inflation point and sealing the interconnecting passage, or (2) filling the chambers with a fluid at a single inflation pressure from a single inflation point compressing at least one of the distinct chambers, and sealing the interconnecting passage. The method is particularly suited to manufacture of a footwear cushion comprised of a body of elastomeric material having a plurality of sealed non-communicating cells having a single inflation point. At least two cells sharing a single sealed inflation passage are at different pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Robert C. Bogart
    Inventor: Marion Franklin Rudy
  • Patent number: 5914175
    Abstract: This invention provides for a composite panel (10) which may be mounted to a base surface (12) of a building structure (16) to allow for absorbing impact or other force loading considerations. The composite panel (10) includes a first core (20) which is made up of a number of first cell members (22) which are located next to each other and form through passageways (32) extending in a longitudinal direction (24). Mounted in adhesive contact with the first core (20) is a second core (26) formed of a number of second cell members (28) which are located next to each other and provide for second core through passageways (44) which extend in a transverse direction to produce a cross-pattern with respect to the first and second through passageways (32 and 44). The first core (20) and the second core (26) are adhesively mounted to each other to provide an overall laminated composite panel structure which blocks access to the window or door areas (14) of the building structure (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: Duraframe Window Shutter Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Nudo, James Fullwood
  • Patent number: 5906883
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sheet adhesive by pressure application including a substrate covered with an adhesive on a front surface, and non-adherent elements protruding with respect to the front surface and likely to yield by application of a pressure. The substrate includes a meshing of channels opening at least at one edge of the sheet, and the non-adherent elements are bands forming roofs above the channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Inventor: Dominique Blanc-Brude
  • Patent number: 5904972
    Abstract: Large composite structures are produced using a vacuum assisted resin transfer molding process. The structures incorporate cores, which may be hollow cells or foam blocks. A plurality of cores, each of which may be wrapped with a fiber material, is arranged in a layer on a mold with a fiber material arranged to form face skins. The assembly is sealed under a vacuum bag to a mold surface. One or more main feeder conduits are provided in communication with a resin distribution network of smaller channels which facilitates flow of uncured resin into and through the fiber material. The resin distribution network may comprise a network of grooves formed in the surfaces or the cores and/or rounded corners of the cores. The network of smaller channels may also be provided between the vacuum bag and the fiber material, either integrally in the vacuum bag or via a separate distribution medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: TPI Technology Inc.
    Inventors: George C. Tunis, III, Steven J. Winckler
  • Patent number: 5902660
    Abstract: Enhanced fit and comfort are imparted to a shoe vamp by a double buffered air cushion assembly having an inner air cushion and an outer air cushion wherein the inflation pressure of the inner air cushion is greater than that of the outer air cushion for providing different buffering and shock-absorbing functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Inventor: Ing Chung Huang
  • Patent number: 5894045
    Abstract: The cellular core structure building element is a three dimensional arrangement of pyramidal elements in a continuous rectangular pattern interconnected at their bases by a base plane panel. The pyramid elements are normally void internally to form a structurally strong, lightweight panel. The common pyramid structure is modified by truncating the top of the pyramid to form a top face and by flattening the side face edges to form edge faces thereby creating a pyramid with a top face, four side faces and four edge faces. For best strength as a construction or building material, two cellular core structure sheets are superimposed one on the other by inverting and offsetting one relative to the other such that when mated the pyramid elements of one sheet fit between the pyramid elements of the other such that mating faces may be attached. Continuous faces sheets may be added to the external faces of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Inventor: Bernard R. Desrondiers
  • Patent number: 5894046
    Abstract: A high strength double-ply corrugated paperboard including upper (102) and lower (106) liners and multiple-ply corrugated mediums (101, 104) disposed between the liners (102, 106), thereby capable of exhibiting a high compressive strength while having a small thickness to minimize the packaging size, and effectively absorbing outside shock applied to the package to keep the packaged goods more safe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: Daeyoung Packaging Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Do Wook Kim, Ki Jeong Kim
  • Patent number: 5885691
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing reinforced twin-sheet thermoformed articles comprising the steps of heating first and second sheets of thermoplastic material; forming the sheets in molds; heating a reinforcing insert of thermoplastic material; placing the heated insert on the first sheet in its mold at the location to be reinforced; pressing the second sheet into contact with the heated first sheet and the heated insert to form the insert between the sheets so that a fusion of the thermoplastic sheets and the insert takes place to produce a reinforced section of the article having a desired shape and thickness. Alternative processes are disclosed wherein a heated quantity of thermoplastic liquid material is extruded or injected between the first and second sheets within the first and second molds either by inserting the liquid material before the molds are closed or by injecting it through one of the molds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: TriEnda Corporation
    Inventors: Harlon W. Breezer, William F. Price
  • Patent number: 5882322
    Abstract: Cast padding materials and padding and lining materials for other orthopedic devices are made from three dimensional fiber networks which are semi-rigid and dimensionally stable. The fiber networks are made from textile fabrics that have projections and optional depressions which are compressible and return to their original shape after being compressed. The fiber networks are made by the thermo-mechanical deformation of textile fabrics that are in turn made from thermoplastic fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Hoechst Celanese Corporation
    Inventors: Dai W. Kim, William E. Bessey, John Nagel, Gregory M. Clark, Joseph S. W. Haas, Etheridge O. Oakley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5858513
    Abstract: Ceramic structure having porosity of 10-80% is characterized by a solid cmic matrix having therein elongated and parallel channels, the structure is made by a process that includes the steps of:(a) arranging tows of elongated fibers parallel to each other to form a fiber preform,(b) contacting the fiber preform with a matrix precursor whereby the matrix precursor deposits around the fibers,(c) removing the fiber preform from the matrix precursor,(d) drying the fiber preform,(e) calcining the fiber preform,(f) hot pressing the structure containing the fugitive fibers therein, and(g) removing at least some of the fibers to form channels in the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Tht United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Todd Jessen
  • Patent number: 5853856
    Abstract: A process for producing bubble-pack. Bulges are formed in a first sheet by a combination of mechanical pressure, vacuum and air pressure, without using the high temperatures associated with the prior art processes. A second sheet is sealed to the first sheet, opposite the bulges, by contacting the sheets and heating them only along the area of contact. The process of the present invention is suitable for forming bubble-pack from a wider variety of materials, notably HDPE, and bubble-pack with a lower weight per unit area, than are the prior art processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Tirod Industrial Packaging Ltd.
    Inventor: Boaz Kristal
  • Patent number: 5853857
    Abstract: The present invention provides a windshield frame utilizing composite technology. More particularly, the windshield frame preferably comprises a fiber reinforced plastic molded upper frame section bonded with a structural grade adhesive to a fiber reinforced plastic molded lower frame section. According to the invention, steel reinforcements and tapping plates are bonded on or molded into the frame sections to stabilize the structure and provide hardware attachment points. Continuous carbon fibers may also be molded in the frame sections in critical high stress areas. The strength of the bonding between the frame sections is enhanced by a tongue and groove geometry along the interface. In addition, dowel pins and bushings are used to mechanically tie the frame sections together near body side attachment points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignees: The Budd Company, Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Mohammed Mahmood, Michael M. Shinedling, Saad M. Abouzahr, Stuart A. Ehrhardt, Dennis G. Karolski
  • Patent number: 5851930
    Abstract: A rigid three-dimensionally shaped fiber network structure having improved post-yield dimensional recovery is composed of a deformed textile fabric network structure containing: (A) at least one oriented, semi-crystalline monofilament yarn containing a thermoplastic polymer and disposed in the deformed fabric so as to provide a plurality of monofilament cross-over points therein; and (B) a cured crosslinkable resin impregnating the deformed network structure so as to effect bonding of all or substantially all of the monofilament cross-over points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Hoechst Celanese Corp.
    Inventors: William E. Bessey, Gerald Peter Rumierz, Clinton Dale Felton
  • Patent number: 5851626
    Abstract: A vehicle acoustic system is attachable over a vehicle interior sheet metal component. The system includes a bubble pack which has a first film layer and a second film layer secured to the first film layer, wherein the first and second film layers cooperate to form a plurality of pockets therebetween. The pockets include a gas disposed therein, such that the pockets are at least partially compressible. The bubble pack is adapted to be positioned in direct contact with the sheet metal component. The gas disposed in the pockets could be air or any other lightweight gas. A plurality of kinetic energy dissipating granules may be disposed within the pockets for enhanced noise isolation. Alternatively, damping liquids or gels may be disposed in the pockets. Various embodiments are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1998
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Richard McCorry, Michael Dinsmore
  • Patent number: 5849393
    Abstract: A structural element comprising a first member and a second member interengaged with one another. Each member has an inner layer formed from a machinable material and having a substantially smooth outer surface, and an outer layer having a substantially smooth inner surface of a shape generally complementary to the shape of the outer surface of the inner layer. The inner and outer layers are joined together such that the outer surface of the inner layer and the inner surface of the outer layer are in substantially continuous, face-to-face engagement with each other. The inner layer of the first member has a first formation machined therein. The structural element further comprises an element for interconnecting the first formation of the first member with the second member thereby to form the structural element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin T. Slattery
  • Patent number: 5849394
    Abstract: A laminated bubble wrap packaging material is provided with has a tackifier, such as a polybutene, dispersed homogeneously throughout the packaging material. The packaging material is adherent to itself as well as and does not leave a residue. The tackifier is incorporated into the plastic material during extruding of the layers of plastic material into thin plastic films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: CPI Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Harry Bussey, III, Harry Bussey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5849377
    Abstract: Disclosed is an injection-molded hollow article having large hollow portions 1 which securely provide the strength required by the injection-molded hollow article without depending upon ribs as more solid remaining portions being unstable in position and size.A melted resin and pressurized fluid are injected under pressure into a metal mold cavity 4, a movable core 5 projected into the metal mold cavity 4 is moved and then a support portion 2 is formed at the position from which the movable core 5 is moved.The position and size of the support portion 2 can be determined by selecting the position and size of the movable core 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Asahi Kasei Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Maki Horikoshi, Yuji Tanaka, Keiji Nishiura