Void-containing Component Is Synthetic Resin Or Natural Rubbers Patents (Class 428/308.4)
  • Patent number: 6749929
    Abstract: A heat-insulating an soundproofing lining for an engine compartment is disclosed, and a method of manufacturing the same, are disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the lining includes a first covering layer facing the engine. A duroplastic foam layer contacts the covering layer. A soundproofing layer contacts the duroplastic foam layer. A second covering layer contacts the soundproofing layer. According to another embodiment, a method of manufacturing a heat-insulating and soundproofing lining for an engine compartment is disclosed. The method includes the steps of (1) providing a first covering layer; (2) providing a duroplastic foam layer on the first covering layer; (3) providing a soundproofing layer on the first covering layer; (4) providing a second covering layer; and (5) pressing the layers together at an increased temperature and an increased pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: HP-Chemie Pelzer Research and Development Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael Fred Enkler, Michael Bopp
  • Publication number: 20040105970
    Abstract: A process for producing low-density composite components as disclosed herein involves forming a compacted and curable pre-preg into a selected level of compaction whereby voids are capable of forming in the compacted curable pre-preg. The compacted curable pre-preg is then cured at a pressure sufficiently low to permit evolving gases to form voids in the pre-preg as the pre-preg cures into the composite article. The pre-preg is only partially debulked in the process. Rocket nozzle components may be produced with reduced densities while still exhibiting satisfactory erosion and other characteristics desired for products subject to the harsh erosive environment of a rocket motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Allan P. Thompson, John K. Shigley
  • Publication number: 20040096643
    Abstract: A cleaning sheet has a base sheet, a first polishing layer formed on the base sheet, a porous foamed layer having air bubbles inside formed on the base sheet, and a second polishing layer formed on the foamed layer. The surface of the foamed layer may be flat or preferably porous with the second polishing layer having openings corresponding to those on the porous surface of the foamed layer. For cleaning a probe by using such a cleaning sheet, the tip of the probe is caused to penetrate the surface of the second polishing layer, to pass through the foamed layer and to be pressed against the first polishing layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Applicant: Nihon Microcoating Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoru Sato, Akihiro Sakamoto
  • Publication number: 20040096644
    Abstract: A laminated product is provided which has no problems concerning hygienic safety or environment accompanying the use of solvent-based adhesives and which has been tenaciously bonded in a degree equal or superior to that attainable with conventional CR solvent-based adhesives. The laminated product is obtained by bonding a porous organic material and a cloth with an adhesive comprising, as major ingredients, a polychloroprene latex which is obtained by polymerizing 100 parts by mass of chloroprene with more than 0 part by mass and less than 2 parts by mass of an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid in the presence of from 0.5 to 4 parts by mass of a polyvinyl alcohol and then adding a pH adjustor and a radical scavenger and which has a gel content in the chloroprene polymer of from 10 to 60 mass % and a pH of from 6 to 10, a tackifier resin and a metal oxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Yashima, Kosuke Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6737158
    Abstract: Composites comprising porous polymeric membrane films meeting the following equation: 75 MPa<(longitudinal membrane tensile modulus+transverse membrane tensile modulus)/2, wherein at least a portion of the porosity of the membrane is imbibed with resin and methods for making the same. The composites have unusually high resistance to fracture and catastrophic failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Samuel A. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6737147
    Abstract: An extruded hook fastener strip is created on a roll having hook forming cavities in its surface by extruding plastic material into the interface between the forming roll and a second strip carried by a backing roll. The second strip is firmly bonded to the fastener strip on that side opposite the formed hooks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Velcro Industries B.V.
    Inventors: William J. Kennedy, George A. Provost, Gerald F. Rocha
  • Patent number: 6733869
    Abstract: A metallic foil and a transparent substrate film are laminated with an adhesive layer. The roughness of the adhesive-layer-side surface (lower surface) of the metallic foil is such that the maximum height Rmax is more than 0 and less than 4 &mgr;m. As long as the maximum height Rmax falls in the range, the adhesive layer never contains air bubbles in such sizes that reflectance is adversely affected. The roughness of the surface (upper surface) of the metallic foil, opposite the adhesive-layer-side surface, is preferably such that the arithmetic mean roughness Ra is between 0.02 &mgr;m and 1 &mgr;m. As long as the arithmetic mean roughness Ra is in this range, it is possible to efficiently conduct vacuuming to bring, into close contact, a photosensitive resin layer and a photomask in sheet form placed on the photosensitive resin layer, before effecting the pattern-wise exposure of the photosensitive resin layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fumihiro Arakawa, Yasuhiko Ishii, Daisuke Hashimoto, Eiji Ohishi, Yukihiro Kyoden
  • Publication number: 20040084304
    Abstract: Composites comprising porous polymeric membrane films meeting the following equation: 75 MPa<(longitudinal membrane tensile modulus+transverse membrane tensile modulus)/2, wherein at least a portion of the porosity of the membrane is imbibed with resin and methods for making the same. The composites have unusually high resistance to fracture and catastrophic failure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Samuel A. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6723967
    Abstract: A heating/warming textile article (11) with a fabric body (13) with electrical resistance heating/warming elements (15) also contains a phase change component (17) which releases and absorbs latent heat in a cycle corresponding to ON/OFF operation of a power source (23), e.g., a battery, thus to conserve and extend useful battery life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Malden Mills Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Moshe Rock, Vikram Sharma
  • Patent number: 6723670
    Abstract: A new foam coated nonwoven fibrous mat having properties particularly suited for a facer on gypsum wallboard, laminates made therefrom and the method of making the mat is disclosed. The mat preferably contains a major portion of glass fibers and a minor portion of a resinous binder. The foam coating is permeable and reduces fiber dust and abrasion experienced in the past with relatively coarse, relatively inexpensive glass fibers in the mat. Contrary to previous methods, the foam coated fibrous mat is made in-line on a wet mat forming production line by applying a wet foam binder onto a wet, fibrous web followed by drying and curing in-line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Johns Manville International, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Emil Kajander, Alan Michael Jaffee, Glenda B. Bennett
  • Patent number: 6716518
    Abstract: A method and system of reversibly absorbing liquid penetrations into electronic devices having a body and circuitry is described. The method and system comprises providing an absorbent sponge membrane structure in sheet-like form. The structure contains a hydrogel-forming core integrated into a blown polymer foam. The method and system includes placing the absorbent structure within the electronic device such that the hydrogel-forming core and blown polymer foam at least partly covers the electronic circuitry to be protected. A method and system in accordance with the present invention has the further advantage that due to the inclusion of the crystals into the open cells of the sponge, that structure is much easier to manufacture into various templates by punching or stamping holes where the keys and other mechanical obstructions such as bosses and supports must be accommodated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: James Lee Chao, Charles C. Sloop, III
  • Patent number: 6716519
    Abstract: An air bag cover having a surface sheet including a thermoplastic elastomer decorative layer on the surface side. The breaking elongation and break strength of the thermoplastic elastomer decorative layer is adjusted utilizing a filler powder. Thereby, the breaking rapidity at a tear line groove formation position is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigehiro Ueno, Akiyoshi Nagano, Akio Nakano, Kenichi Furuta, Hiroshi Suyama, Yukihiko Horiba, Yoshiaki Shichida, Toshikatsu Togawa
  • Patent number: 6709738
    Abstract: Provided is a treated substrate comprising a backing material coated with a resin derived from a curable precursor resin, which comprises an energy-curable component comprising a cyanate ester resin and a curing agent. Also provided is an abrasive article comprising a plurality of abrasive particles incorporated into a bond system, wherein the bond system comprises a make resin derived from a first curable precursor resin, which comprises a first curable component comprising a cyanate ester resin and a first curing agent, and wherein the bond system additionally comprises a size resin derived from a second curable precursor resin, which comprises a second curable component comprising a cyanate ester resin and a second curing agent. Also provided are methods of making a treated substrate and an abrasive article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Jingwen Ma, Robert J. DeVoe, Andrew M. Hine, Ernest L. Thurber, Don H. Kincaid
  • Patent number: 6706406
    Abstract: A composite structural laminate plate suitable for building maritime vessels or for building civil structures such as double hull oil tankers, bulk carriers, barges decks for roll-on roll-off ferries, orthotropic bridge decks or for building any structural application in which the traditional method of construction uses stiffened steel plates. The laminate has two facing metal layers that are structurally bonded to a polyurethane elastomer core which may have steel or rigid foam void sections embedded within. The laminate provides equivalent inplane and transverse stiffness and strength, reduces fatigue problems, minimizes stress concentrations, improves thermal and acoustical insulation, and provides vibration control. The laminate provides a structural system that acts as a crack arrest layer and that can join two dissimilar metals without welding or without setting up a galvanic cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Fern Investments Limited
    Inventor: Stephen J. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 6699916
    Abstract: Rigid polyurethane foams that can be produced at component volumes ratios of less than 4:1 are prepared from an isocyanate component that contains certain polyfunctional (meth)acrylate compounds. These isocyanate components are mixed with a polyol component to produce rigid foams. The foams are particularly suitable for foam-in-place applications, such as for reinforcing structural members of automobiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Huzeir Lekovic, Frank V. Billotto
  • Patent number: 6689857
    Abstract: A high density polyethylene (HDPE) film is provided having high-biaxial orieniation. The film includes HDPE having a density of at least about 0.940, and a melt index of from about 0.5 to about 10. The film is stretched in the machine (longitudinal) direction to a degree of from about 5:1 to about 8:1, preferably from about 6:1 to about 7:1. The film is also stretched in the transverse (lateral) direction to a degree of from about 6:1 to about 15:1, preferably from about 9:1 to about 13:1. Preferably, the film has an orientation imbalance, with a higher degree of transverse orientation than machine orientation. Skin layers such as heat seal layers can be provided. Preferably, the film contains one or more layers of a casting promoter material employed to promote casting of a high gauge HDPE sheet subsequently high biaxially oriented to provide the film. The film can also be cavitated, or otherwise modified (e.g., corona-treated, coated, metallized, etc.) to provide films suitable for special applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Larter, Robert V. Poirier
  • Publication number: 20040023017
    Abstract: A multilayer microporous membrane containing a thermoplastic resin, comprising a coarse structure layer with a higher open pore ratio and a fine structure layer with a lower open pore ratio, wherein said coarse structure layer is present at least in one membrane surface having a thickness of not less than 5.0 &mgr;m, a thickness of said fine structure layer is not less than 50% of the whole membrane thickness, and said coarse structure layer and said fine structure layer are formed in one-piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventors: Fujiharu Nagoya, Ichiro Koguma
  • Patent number: 6679965
    Abstract: A process for producing low-density composite components as disclosed herein involves forming a compacted and curable pre-preg into a selected level of compaction whereby voids are capable of forming in the compacted cuable pre-preg. The compacted curable pre-preg is then cured at a pressure sufficiently low to permit evolving gases to form voids in the pre-preg as the pre-preg cures into the composite article. The pre-preg is only partially debulked in the process. Rocket nozzle components can be produced with reduced densities while still exhibiting satisfactory erosion and other characteristics desired for products subject to the harsh erosive environment of a rocket motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Alliant Techsystems Inc.
    Inventors: Allan P. Thompson, John K. Shigley
  • Patent number: 6677033
    Abstract: The present invention relates to in situ polymerization of fluoropolymer into porous substrates, to improve resistance to wear, tear and creep, decay, and degradation by wetting, staining and warping, and to improve durability while maintaining the appearance of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Joy Sawyer Bloom, Kiu-Seung Lee, Robert Clayton Wheland
  • Patent number: 6677040
    Abstract: The invention relates to expanded polypropylene beads having a density of from 5 to 200 g/l and a bead diameter of from 1 to 10 mm which comprise from 0.002 to 20% by weight of graphite particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Frank Braun, Guiscard Glück, Klaus Hahn, Isidoor De Grave, Hermann Tatzel
  • Publication number: 20040005451
    Abstract: Diffuse reflective materials proximate to a structure formed by thermally induced phase separation of a thermoplastic polymer and a diluent providing enhanced flexibility and reflectivity especially in the visible wavelengths of 380-730 nanometers are described. Such materials find a wide variety of application among combinations with various light management films, including other reflective layers, turning films, brightness enhancement films, and polarizing films. The diffuse reflective articles are useful in backlight units of liquid crystal displays, lights, copy machines, projection system displays, facsimile apparatus, electronic blackboards, diffuse white standards, photographic lights and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Applicant: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing company
    Inventors: Wade D. Kretman, Scott R. Kaytor
  • Patent number: 6673179
    Abstract: A multi scrim non-slip pad has a first scrim which is coated with a first polyvinyl chloride product to encapsulate the first scrim therein to form a first coated scrim. The first coated scrim may then be partially cured in some embodiments. A second scrim is coated to form a second coated scrim. The first and second scrims are applied together and then cured to form a multi scrim non-slip pad having at least a first foam layer adjacent and external to the first scrim, a second foam layer between the first and second scrim, and a third foam layer external and adjacent to the second scrim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: American Non-Slip Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Mangum, Kevin Donovan
  • Patent number: 6670029
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a multi-layer, composite footwear upper having a three-dimensional geometry includes the steps of forming a substantially planar composite sheet from two or more layers, heating the composite sheet, and compression molding the composite sheet into the three-dimensional geometry of the footwear upper. The composite sheet is formed by laminating a first layer of thermoplastic foam to a second layer of thermoplastic urethane (TPU), preferably in the form of a TPU film. A third layer of mesh fabric can be interposed between the first and second layers. The composite sheet is compressed after heating in a mold cavity to achieve the desired three-dimensional geometry. The composite sheet can be compression molded into separate sections which are assembled after molding to form the footwear upper. Alternatively, the composite sheet can be compression molded into a seamless, unitary footwear upper that requires minimal, if any, assembly for completion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: ADC Composites, LLC
    Inventors: Edward J. Norton, Zenon O. Smotrycz
  • Publication number: 20030235684
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of forming a multi-layer pad of a non-woven fiber batt and a foam layer having conforming convoluted surfaces and to a multi-layer pad incorporating a non-woven fiber batt and foam layer. The process of forming a non-woven batt layer and a foam layer having conforming convoluted surfaces comprises transporting each layer along its longitudinal dimension while compressing each layer along its lateral dimension. Concomitantly with compression, each layer is cut tranversely along its lateral dimension to separate each layer into an upper segment and a lower segment and to provide conforming convoluted surfaces on the segments of each layer, the convoluted surfaces comprised of upstanding projections and depressions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventor: Steven Eugene Ogle
  • Publication number: 20030232184
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a porous membrane having a high strength and excellent water permeability and rejection properties. The porous membrane of the present invention has both a three-dimensional network structure and a spherical structure. The porous membrane of the present invention is suitably used for water treatment membranes, battery separators, charged membranes, fuel cells, blood purification membranes, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicant: Toray Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Hirofumi Morikawa, Shin-Ichi Minegishi, Shuji Furuno, Toshyuki Ishizaki, Masahiro Henmi
  • Publication number: 20030219588
    Abstract: A dielectric film for a printed wiring board that has excellent heat resistance, moisture resistance, insulation properties, adhesiveness, ease of handling, ease of processing, and the like, and possesses low elasticity and high elongation as stress relief functions. The dielectric film has drawn porous polytetrafluoroethylene used as the base material; this is impregnated with an adhesive or fusible resin; the post-solidification tensile modulus of elasticity is 0.1 to 1.8 GPa; and the tensile elongation at break (at 25° C.) is at least 4.0%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventors: Makoto Ogawa, Akira Urakami, Kazuhiko Ohashi
  • Patent number: 6652966
    Abstract: A transparent and flexible composite membrane produced from two immiscible polymers. The first polymer is a polymeric fibrous network with interconnecting pores. The second polymer is an elastomer with a refractive index matching the first polymer. The resultant composite membrane is a transparent interpenetrated network of polymers with an altered molecular structure, and mechanical strength superior to the parent polymers. A method of producing the new composite membrane involves dissolving the elastomer in a suitable solvent to form a diluted elastomeric solution, impregnating the polymeric membrane with the elastomer by adding the diluted elastomeric solution to the membrane to form a wet composite membrane, and then drying the wet composite membrane to form an interpenetrated membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignees: Agency for Science, Technology and Research, National University of Singapore
    Inventors: Teoh Swee Hin, Tang Zheng Gui, Ramakrishna Seeram
  • Patent number: 6648147
    Abstract: A phase-separation member comprises a porous substrate (11) containing void spaces, a microporous polymer material (14) which at least partially impregnates the porous substrate by entering into the void spaces, and a layer of a fluoropolymer applied to the outer face of the coagulated polymer material so that the layer (16) of fluoropolymer material remains predominantly at the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Madison Filter 981 Limited
    Inventors: Richard Patrick Lydon, Fredrick Doran
  • Publication number: 20030203182
    Abstract: A foam composite made up of a scaffold of an open cell hydrophobic material having plurality of surfaces defining a plurality of pores, and a coating of a substantially hydrophilic foam material disposed upon the surfaces of the hydrophobic foam. The resulting foam composite exhibits structural characteristics of the hydrophobic foam and absorbency characteristics of the hydrophilic foam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: Hydrophilix
    Inventor: Timothy Thomson
  • Patent number: 6638636
    Abstract: A breathable multilayer film having a breathable core layer and at least one skin layer is disclosed. The core layer prepared by from a mixture containing a thermoplastic polymer and a particulate filler and the skin layer or layers are prepared from a mixture of at least two incompatible polymers and a polymer which compatiblizes the incompatible polymers. The addition of the compatiblizer in the skin layer improves the film forming consistency. In addition, the core layer contains voids around the particulate filler and the skin layer or layer has cracks or voids, which provides breathability to the multilayer film. Stretching of the film after the layers are coextruded together forms the voids and/or cracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: John David Tucker
  • Patent number: 6635340
    Abstract: The present application relates to a white, biaxially oriented, flame-retardant polyester film with at least one base layer which comprises, based on the weight of the base layer, from 2 to 60% by weight of a cycloolefin copolymer (COC), where the glass transition temperature of the COC is within the range from 70 to 270° C. The film also comprises from 0.5 to 30% by weight of flame retardant, based on the weight of the layer comprising the flame retardant. The film of the invention is suitable for packing foods or other consumable items which are sensitive to light and/or to air, or for use in industry, e.g. in the production of hot-stamping foils or as a label film, or for image-recording papers, printed sheets or magnetic recording cards.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Polyester Film GmbH
    Inventors: Herbert Peiffer, Klaus Oberlaender, Gottfried Hilkert, Ursula Murschall
  • Patent number: 6635327
    Abstract: The present invention provides an energy conversion composition which has an excellent capability of absorbing and damping energy such as dynamic, thermal, or electric energy. The composition can be made into a very thin and small but excellent damping product. The energy conversion composition is characterized in that its base material contains a moment activator which can increase the amount of dipole moments in the base material. The energy conversion composition can be utilized as a vibration damping, sound absorptive, impact absorptive, vibration-proof, electromagnetic wave absorptive, piezoelectric, and endothermal material as well as a polarity liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Shishiai-Kabushikigaisha
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Ohira, Mitsuo Hori
  • Publication number: 20030194547
    Abstract: A composite structure (12) that includes a first layer that includes a membrane (16) having a first melting point and a plurality of structural elements and a second layer that includes a thermoplastic material (32) having a second melting point that is lower than the first melting point, wherein at least a portion of the thermoplastic material (34) is at least one partially melted to flow around at least one structural element of the plurality of structural elements of the membrane (16) prior to resolidification to attach the first layer (16) to the second layer (32). The membrane (16) can be oleophobic or oleophilic and preferably includes expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. The thermoplastic material (32) can be of virtually any type and can be either hydrophobic or hydrophilic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Louis P. Fuhrmann, Tim Trimble, Raj Pillai
  • Publication number: 20030194546
    Abstract: A composite foam material formed of combined foam that is combined on a mechanical level to obtain hybrid properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Brock McCabe
  • Patent number: 6632510
    Abstract: Inkjet receptor media are disclosed that have both a fluid management system and a pigment management system for use with pigmented inkjet inks that produce vibrant, durable images. The fluid management system is provided by microporous media with the presence of surfactants, if needed. The pigment management system is provided by either fluorinated silica particles or multivalent metal salts impregnated into pores of the microporous media. Methods of making and using are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Clinton P. Waller, Jr., James S. Mrozinski, Omar Farooq
  • Patent number: 6627306
    Abstract: A soft elastic cushion for use in conjunction with an orthopedic aid has a textile composite comprising at least two layers arranged on the soft elastic cushion. It is possible in this way to secure a textile cover on a soft elastic substrate such as silicone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Thämert Orthopädische Hilfsmittel GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Reinhold Schneider-Nieskens
  • Patent number: 6617015
    Abstract: A motor vehicle has a first body part with a seal support flange thereon that supports a unitary seal construction having a flexible bulb seal portion engageable with second vehicle body part including a hood or other vehicle body part for sealing against leakage between the first and second vehicle body parts and an integrally formed base portion and wherein the flexible bulb seal is hollow and is formed of a soft low density thermoplastic foam and the integrally formed base portion is integrally extruded with the flexible bulb seal and is formed solely from polymeric material having spaced walls defining a recess for fitting the unitary seal construction in place on the support flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Hahn Elastomer Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth W. Rood
  • Patent number: 6617014
    Abstract: A foam composite made up of a scaffold of a substantially hydrophobic foam material having plurality of surfaces defining a plurality of pores, and a coating of a substantially hydrophilic foam material disposed upon the surfaces of the hydrophobic foam. The resulting foam composite exhibits structural characteristics of the hydrophobic foam and absorbency characteristics of the hydrophilic foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Hydrophilix, LLC
    Inventor: Timothy Thomson
  • Patent number: 6607817
    Abstract: A melamine resin foam endowed with excellent oil repellency and which is improved in fragility without deteriorating the superior properties inherently possessed by melamine resin foams. The melamine resin foam with excellent oil repellency is obtained by coating an oleophobic component on a base material produced by foaming a resin composition comprising, as the main components, a melamine-formaldehyde condensate and a foaming agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Nisshinbo Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Yasuo Imashiro, Shun Hasegawa, Takahiko Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20030148090
    Abstract: The invention concerns a composite part, comprising an elongated foam core and a flow channel media attached to a first elongated side thereof. The flow channel media forms interstices for the passage of resin. At least one fabric layer is secured to the elongated foam core, and encloses a first elongated side of the foam core, including the flow channel media. In this way, a resin flow path is defined along the first elongated side. The fabric layer can further enclose at least a second and third elongated side of the foam core where, where each of the second and third elongated sides adjoin the first elongated side. Fabric tab portions can be provided extending from the second and third elongated sides for aiding in the installation of the composite part in a larger composite structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Scott M. Lewit, Keith G. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20030148091
    Abstract: Disclosed is a porous film made of a resin composition containing (I) (i) a propylene-ethylene copolymer or (ii) a polypropylene-based resin mixture containing a propylene-ethylene copolymer, each having an ethylene content of 3.0 to 7.0 wt. % and an MFR measured at 230° C. of 2.0 to 4.0 g/10 min and (II) a &bgr;-crystal nucleating agent; the film having a porosity of 20 to 80%, a Gurley air permeability of 5,000 sec/100 cc or lower as measured according to JIS P-8117, a water vapor permeability of 2,000 g/m2·24 h or higher as measured according to JIS Z-0208 and a water pressure resistance of 75 kPa or higher as measured according to JIS L-1092 using an aqueous surfactant solution; a process for producing the same; and an absorbent article employing the porous film as a backsheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Naoki Ikeda, Kiyoshi Sadamitsu, Manabu Hoki, Kenichiro Nagata, Toshiaki Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20030138618
    Abstract: Selectivity embossed surface coverings are prepared by mechanically embossing a wear layer which overlays at least one printing ink containing a photoinitiator which has been printed in a pattern or design. The embossed wear layer is subjected to ultraviolet light which causes curing of the wear layer in the surface areas disposed over the printing ink. The product then is fused whereby the mechanical embossing in surface areas which are not disposed over the printing ink relaxes and becomes smooth. In a variant of the invention, a thermoplastic wear layer is employed which can be mechanically embossed in the surface areas which are not disposed over the printing ink with a texture different from the first applied mechanical embossing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Courtoy, Rene Menard, Victor Caldas, Claude Charest
  • Publication number: 20030138620
    Abstract: A flexible magnetic layer based rubberized mat of extensive area for temporarily protecting the metal roof or a metal floor of a vehicle carrying luggage and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventor: Jose E. Fonseca
  • Patent number: 6596407
    Abstract: The present invention provides a coated polyester film consisting of a polyester film having opacity as shown by an optical density of not less than 0.3, and a coating layer formed on at least one surface of this polyester film, wherein a surface of this coating layer shows a 60-degree specular glossiness G1 and a 75-degree specular glossiness G2, that satisfy the following formulas (1) and (2): G1≦20  (1) 1<G2/G1≦4  (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Toyo Boseki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Syuichi Nishimura, Satoshi Tsukamoto, Chikao Morishige, Tadashi Okudaira, Mutsuo Nishi
  • Patent number: 6596405
    Abstract: Disclosed are organo polysilica dielectric materials having low dielectric constants useful in electronic component manufacture are disclosed along with methods of preparing the porous organo polysilica dielectric materials. Also disclosed are methods of forming electronic devices containing such porous organo polysilica dielectric materials without the use of antiretlective coatings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Shipley Company, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Anthony Zampini, Michael K. Gallagher
  • Publication number: 20030129379
    Abstract: A porous insulating film comprising a highly heat resistant resin film having a fine porous structure with a mean pore size of 0.01-5 &mgr;m in at least the center of the film, and a porosity of 15-80%. A laminate is prepared by forming a heat resistant adhesive layer or a conductive metal layer or an inorganic or metal substrate on one or both sides of the porous insulating film or by forming an inorganic or metal substrate on one side of the porous insulating film and a conductive metal layer on the other side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventors: Shigeru Yao, Yukihiko Asano, Shyusei Ohya, Kenji Fukunaga, Masayuki Kinouchi, Kenji Kawabata
  • Patent number: 6579813
    Abstract: An oil application apparatus comprising a porous oil-holding member, a heat-resisting fiber felt, and an oil application amount control layer. The porous oil-holding member is impregnated with silicone oil. The heat-resisting fiber felt has a bending resistance in the range of 30 to 90 mm and is provided on an oil application side of the porous oil-holding member. The oil application amount control layer is provided on the oil application side of the heat-resisting fiber felt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Nichias Corporation
    Inventors: Kohichi Kimura, Tatuo Takagi, Shigeru Nakama, Isami Abe
  • Patent number: 6580015
    Abstract: An absorbent composition comprising an uncrosslinked, high molecular weight polymer, wherein the uncrosslinked, high molecular weight polymer is treated by a means to effectively insolubilize the uncrosslinked, relatively high molecular weight polymer such that the absorbent composition exhibits desirable absorbent properties. In particular, the absorbent composition has the ability to absorb a large quantity of liquid. The absorbent composition is useful in disposable absorbent products, such as those disposable absorbent products that are used to absorb bodily liquids. Suitable polymers include polyethylene oxide, poly(acrylic acid), poly(vinyl alcohol), and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) wherein the polymer has a weight average molecular weight that is greater than about 1,000,000.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: William Grover Reeves, William Galey Robertson, Mary Jeanne Dupuis, Eric Scott Kepner, Thomas Patrick Jorgenson, Gerald Lee Richmond
  • Patent number: 6579948
    Abstract: A semipermeable membrane that is capable of remaining flexible at a temperature of at least −60° C. is selective to liquid penetrants depending on the size and polarity of the penetrants, and more specifically, the membrane has sufficient selectivity so as to be capable of allowing water to diffuse therethrough at a higher rate than virtually all organic liquids having a molecular weight higher than that of methanol. The semipermeable membrane, which is produced from an unsulfonated block copolymer having polystyrene and polyisobutylene segments, includes a sulfonated block copolymer including poly (styrene-co-styrene sulfonic acid) segments and polyisobutylene segments. Prior to modification by sulfonation, the unsulfonated polystyrene and polyisobutylene block copolymer includes polystyrene monomer in an amount of from 5% to 90% by weight of the total unsulfonated block copolymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Nora C. Beck Tan, Dawn M. Crawford, James M. Sloan, Eugene Napadensky
  • Patent number: 6569789
    Abstract: A conductive material suitable as a gasket material for shielding the electromagnetic wave and a method of fabrication thereof are disclosed. The conductive material is intended to protect electronics equipment and devices from an erroneous operation which otherwise might be triggered by the electromagnetic wave leaking from other electronic equipment or devices and also to prevent a radio wave interference with communication equipment. A composite material sheet composed of a synthetic fiber-structured sheet and a porous synthetic resin sheet integrally bonded to each other is plated with a metal. In order to improve the working efficiency for final applications, an adhesive layer covered with the releasing paper is formed on one of the sheet surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Seiren Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiji Shioda, Akihide Katayama, Hiroo Kishimoto, Yoshiyuki Hirano