Plural Void-containing Components Patents (Class 428/316.6)
  • Patent number: 7361398
    Abstract: A low stress-to-seal gasket material is described. Gaskets made according to the present invention comprise at least two tapes of porous PTFE and a substantially air impermeable layer at the interface of the two tape layers. The tape layers each have a non-porous region extending the tape length and separating two porous regions. The non-porous regions of at least two tape layers are not aligned in the z-axis direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin E. Dove
  • Patent number: 7343715
    Abstract: A sound-proof wall made of FRP in the form of a sound-proof wall panel that includes a core and skin members made of FRP positioned on both sides of the core and whose weight per nit area is within the range of 10-60 kg/m2; and a method of producing the same. This sound-proof wall, though light in weight, has a superior sound insulation property and will never corrode because it is made of FRP. Further, it has a high degree of freedom of engineering design including sound-proof property, design, and shape, capable of producing a desired sound-proof wall with case. Further, since it has a high specific strength, it is possible to attain a drastic weight reduction while retaining the necessary strength, and facilitate working, shorten construction time, and reduce construction cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Toshihiro Ito, Yutaka Ochi, Toru Kato, Hiroshi Odani, Shintaro Tanaka, Kousuke Yoshimura, Atsushi Ochi, Kimio Mitani
  • Patent number: 7332215
    Abstract: A resin-molded component such as a loudspeaker diaphragm, in which rigidity is enhanced while light weight and high specific modulus of elasticity are maintained, is formed by applying carbon dioxide gas with a predetermined pressure to a thermoplastic resin in which crystallization is facilitated in the resin flowing direction to fill a mold. After the resin is filled, injection molding is performed by somewhat moving the mold to form five layers of: oriented minute-foaming layers, having approximately cylindrical foams, the length of which is twice the diameter thereof in the resin flowing direction in the mold, an unfoamed core layer positioned between both the foaming layers, and unfoamed skin layers formed on the front and rear surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Kunihiko Tokura, Masaru Uryu
  • Publication number: 20080020172
    Abstract: A wrapped panel includes a core material and a one-piece sheet. The core material having rows of collapsible and expandable cells, wherein the rows of cells having a variable dimension as the rows are manipulated between collapsed and expended conditions. The one-piece sheet having a body portion, two integrally formed side wall portions extending from the body portion, and two integrally formed end portions extending from the two side wall portions, the sheet being wrapped around the core material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventor: George C. Boyse
  • Patent number: 7318873
    Abstract: There is disclosed a reinforcement material for forming reinforced members. The reinforcement material includes a strengthening material which is preferably a fabric disposed at least partially between portions of matrix material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Zephyros, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Czaplicki, David Carlson
  • Patent number: 7316841
    Abstract: An eraser is constituted by an elastic material containing a rubber component or a resin component, and a skeleton structure for reinforcing the elastic material, and the skeleton structure is made from a porous structural material such as from an organic polymer that is broken when rubbed. Void portions in the porous structural material of the skeleton structure contain the elastic material of the eraser composition. Here, the skeleton portions of the skeleton structure may have an average thickness of 1 to 100 ?m, and the void portions may have an average pore size of 10 ?m to 3 mm. The eraser may have a surface hardness of 50 to 80, and also a sticking strength of 1.5 to 20 (kgf).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Sakura Color Products Corporation
    Inventors: Shinichiro Hayashi, Ryuzo Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7314840
    Abstract: The waterproof/breathable moisture transfer liner for alpine, snowboard and hiking includes an inner liner selected from technically advanced fabrics which are carefully selected. A series of layers are provided outside the inner liner including foam material and insulated nonwoven layers, breathable membranes, a supportive mesh included in a moldable foam, or moldable a spacer material and an outer shell fabric. The applicability of the liner to alpine boots, snowboard boots, cross country boots, hiking boots, protective gear, helmets, bouldering shoes, paddling apparel and gear along with appropriate variations for each application are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Solid Water Holdings
    Inventor: Baychar
  • Patent number: 7311965
    Abstract: A strong, high density foam glass tile having a small pore size which can be used as a facade on both exterior and interior building walls. The foam glass tile of the present invention is strong enough that it can also be used as a structural member for a building. The foam glass tiles are very strong, and have a compression strength of 6000 psi (lb./sq. in.) or greater, and more particularly of 8000 lb./sq. in. or greater, and even more particularly of 10,000 lb./sq. in. or greater, and even more particularly of 12,000 lb./sq. in. or greater, and even more particularly of 14,000 lb./sq. in. or greater. These foam glass tiles will absorb more energy from an explosion, withstand higher heat and wind loading and other mechanical forces. The tiles of the present invention may have an average pore size of 1.0 mm or less, and preferably 0.7 mm or less, and more preferably 0.6 mm or less, and even more preferably 0.5 mm or less, and even more preferably 0.4 mm or less, and even more preferably 0.3 mm or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventors: Hamid Hojaji, Pedro M. Buarque de Macedo
  • Publication number: 20070289164
    Abstract: A footwear has a novel shoe upper. The shoe upper is soft and wear-resisting. The making of the shoe upper is simple and the cost is low.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Applicant: Future Chem International Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Pao-Pao Liu, Hung-Szu Yuan, Ching-Chou Chen
  • Patent number: 7309521
    Abstract: A vehicle headliner assembly (152) includes a headliner structural layer. A foam beam (174) is joined to the headliner structural layer. An NVH pad (156) is partially embedded within the foam beam (174). A method of forming a headliner structure is provided. The method includes forming a headliner main body (170). The headliner main body (170) is positioned in a mold (220) that has a recess (224). The mold (220) is closed. Foam is introduced into the recess (224) to form a foam beam (174) and to join the foam beam (174) to the headliner main body (170). A portion of an NVH pad (156) is embedded in the foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: International Automotive Components Group North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Bari Brown
  • Patent number: 7306841
    Abstract: A novel polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) material includes a plurality of aggregates connected together by a plurality of relatively long fibrils. Each of the aggregates are formed of PTFE nodes that are connected together by relatively short fibrils. Preferably, the long fibrils have lengths of 500 to 1000 microns and the short fibrils have a lengths of 10 to 30 microns. The aggregates have densities of less than 2.0 grams per cubic centimeter which is lower than the densities of the solid PTFE nodes which have densities of about 2.0 to 2.2 grams per cubic centimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Bridger Biomed, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce G. Ruefer, Leonard G. Marlow, Jr., Rebecca U. Ruefer, N. Joe Sharber
  • Publication number: 20070275227
    Abstract: A textile having at least one adherent polyurethane backing, the backing being prepared from a polyurethane forming composition which comprises: (A) a polyisocyanate and (B) a mixture of a hydroxylated vegetable oil having a functionality of 1-4 and a blowing agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Inventors: Larry E. Mashburn, Thomas Edward Patterson, William H. Harrison
  • Patent number: 7288304
    Abstract: A metallized thermoplastic label includes a first skin layer containing a thermoplastic and a first cavitating agent, wherein the first skin layer has a first side and a second side, the first skin layer is cavitated, and the first side of the first skin layer is adapted to be used in contact with a cold glue adhesive. The label further includes a cavitated core layer and a second skin layer that is metallized. The particle size of the cavitating agent in the core layer is selected to achieve a desired appearance, especially luster, of the metal layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Oil Corporation
    Inventor: JoAnn H. Squier
  • Publication number: 20070248808
    Abstract: A passivation film for protecting an electronic device includes a porous material layer formed to cover the electronic device and an inorganic passivation layer formed on the porous material layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Publication date: October 25, 2007
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD
    Inventors: Ho-nyeon LEE, Young-gu LEE
  • Patent number: 7282259
    Abstract: A ceramic structure having a scaffold with at least one opening and at least one porous filler material at least partially filling the at least one opening is described. The porous ceramic filler includes a plurality of pores. The pores have an average size in a range from about 2 nm to about 100 nm. The plurality of pores includes at least one pore architecture. For each pore architecture, the average pore size does not vary by more than about 100% when the average pore size is in a range from about 2 nm to about 50 nm, and the average pore size does not vary by more than about 50% when the average pore size is greater than about 50 nm. The plurality of pores includes at least two pore architectures when the porous filler material is silica. Also described is a method of making the ceramic structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Anthony Yu-Chung Ku, Sergio Paulo Martins Loureiro, Seth Thomas Taylor
  • Patent number: 7269928
    Abstract: A new and useful preformed, self supporting article is provided, which can function as a tile substrate. The tile substratum has inherent durability, strength and ease of application and reduces the installation process for building tile to such a degree as to be significantly easier and faster than built up substratum and in addition requires no other structural components such as wood or plywood. The tile substrate is formed of lightweight cast or preformed mixture of cement/expanded polystyrene and water, which individually or when assembled together, provide a complete, ready to tile substratum. Individually or in assembly the substratum units are self-supporting, and require a minimum of modification to complete their installation. The units are lightweight by design. Individual units are designed and manufactured to address the majority of common tiled counter top configurations with easy modification or cutting to size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Colewest Group
    Inventors: Jonathan A. Roberts, Christian P. Bowen
  • Patent number: 7270873
    Abstract: In a printing press and attached onto the transfer cylinders, an anti-marking system that uniformly supports the transport and the release of the wet printed sheet from one station to the next. The anti-marking sheet consists of a two plus layer system, the outer layer being a textured surface and the inner layer being a microcellular material that is both compressible and resilient. The outer textured layer may be treated with either conductive/anti-static layers or an ink repellent layer or both. The two plus layer system is easily attached to both transfer cylinders and tracking/skeleton wheels using any combination of fixtures from Velcroâ„¢, magnetic, metallic, and pressure sensitive double sided tape to elastic loops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Brite Ideas, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Rizika, Gary Litman, Joseph Llanes
  • Patent number: 7258914
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Hirofumi Morikawa, Shin-ichi Minegishi, Shuji Furuno, Toshyuki Ishizaki, Masahiro Henmi
  • Patent number: 7255917
    Abstract: Flexible filtering filling material consisting of pieces that are 100% open cell reticulated polyurethane foam. The pieces filter out the damp warm condition within the filling, haltering the proliferation of microorganisms, giving the product a more sanitary and longer life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventors: Scott Rochlin, Mike Rochlin, legal representative, Rubin Rochlin, deceased
  • Publication number: 20070184258
    Abstract: A plastic planar structure, comprising: a bearing layer which contains plastic foam; and an upper layer, also containing plastic foam, which adheres on the bearing layer in a material lock, and a method for manufacturing a plastic planar structure, wherein: a foamed or foamable first plastic material of a web-shaped or mat-shaped bearing layer is provided, onto which a foamable second plastic material is applied, and foamed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Publication date: August 9, 2007
    Inventor: Uwe Stockhelm
  • Patent number: 7238630
    Abstract: A seat cushion or other resilient structure includes a foam inner core combined with layers of varying density fiber batts to impart desirable comfort characteristics, support features and durability thereto. In one embodiment, the foam core is positioned between intermediate layers of low loft fiber batts of relatively high densities. In turn, the intermediate batts are sandwiched between outer high loft fiber batts having relatively low densities. Alternately, the foam core comprises one or more intermediate layers of relatively high density fiber batts that are positioned within the foam core to create one or more fiber batt subcores. The outer high loft fiber batts sandwich the foam core comprising the fiber batt subcores to create the resilient structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: D. Patrick Steagall, Steven E. Ogle, Philip S. Kaylor, Karl Van Becelaere
  • Patent number: 7235291
    Abstract: A thermoplastic resin foam, which is high in thickness-direction compressive strength and low in flexural modulus of elasticity, can be set pliably along a curved applicable portion such as body's outer surface, and can effectively absorb an impact force imparted from the outside; and an expandable thermoplastic resin molded product providing the above foam. An expandable thermoplastic resin molded product comprises an expandable thermoplastic resin sheet-form material of expandable thermoplastic resin having a sheet body and many projections formed scattered on at least one surface of the sheet body, and an elastic thermoplastic material layer laminated on at least one surface of the expandable thermoplastic resin sheet-form material so as to be spread over the outer surfaces of the projections; and a thermoplastic resin foam obtained by foaming the expandable thermoplastic resin molded product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Miyazaki, Masanori Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7226657
    Abstract: An element provided with a layer based on fibrin- or fibrinogen-containing material, said element comprising (a) a hydrophobic or substantially hydrophobic support, which has a porous part with a thickness of 0.1 to 5 mm, and whose pores, extending across its thickness have a node spacing of 5 to 100 ?m, one face of said porous part being treated with a compound based on fibrin and/or a fibrinogen-containing material, and (b) a fibrin-based layer covering said treated surface of the support, characterized in that said fibrin-based layer is substantially uniform and homogeneous on said treated surface, and that the fibrin layer and at least the face of the support in contact with the fibrin layer are substantially free of fibrinogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Yves Delmotte, Nathalie Belot, Pierre Vermeulen, Nicole Tasiaux
  • Patent number: 7223356
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for preparing a thin ceramic material with controlled surface porosity gradient, including (A) infiltrating a porous pore-forming substrate of controlled thickness, with a ceramic material suspension; (B) evaporating the solvent; (C) a step which includes eliminating the pore-forming agents and the various organic additives, and (D) a sintering step. The invention also concerns the use of the ceramic material in the method for preparing a solid electrolyte and a mixed ionic-electronic conductor, in methods for preparing ultra-pure oxygen, for eliminating oxygen from a gaseous atmosphere, for producing heat energy, for preparing gas or liquid filtering membranes, for ceramic/metal joints, for biomaterials and sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Société Anonyme à Directoire et Conseil deSurveillance pour l'Étude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude
    Inventors: Thierry Chartier, François Guillotin
  • Patent number: 7211321
    Abstract: A tri-laminate body panel stiffener includes two polymer layers with or without a backing. One of the layers is a compliant foam layer mounted against a substrate while the other layer is a rigid foam layer mounted against the compliant foam layer. In another aspect of the invention the laminate comprises a backing member having an expandable foam mounted thereto with two or more opposing edges of the laminate being of non-straight construction such as being wavy or saw tooth. A pattern of holes may be formed through the foam and backing layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien
    Inventor: Joseph S. Wycech
  • Patent number: 7205044
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plastic part (10), in particular for an interior lining of an automobile, with a support (16) and at least one layer (14) foamed onto the support (16) and a slush skin (24), wherein the foamed layer (14) comprises at least partially an integrated fabric (22) and the fabric (22) is guided through at least one slit (18) of the support (16) to a side of the support (16) facing away from the foamed layer (14), and to a method for producing the plastic part and the use of the plastic part. The fabric (22) includes a sealing device (12) for sealing the at least one slit (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Marc Ortelt, Holger Derzapf
  • Patent number: 7182994
    Abstract: An acoustic floor mat is provided with a base layer, an upper surface, a lower surface, and a plurality of apertures configured to allow passage of acoustic transmissions therethrough. The base layer is further configured to provide a substantial barrier to the passage of liquid from the upper surface to the lower surface. Methods of making an acoustic floor mat are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Pretty Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Cooksey Timothy Scott
  • Patent number: 7179525
    Abstract: A low stress to seal, unitary gasket tape is provided that is particularly suited for use in form-in-place gaskets. The gasket tape preferably comprises at least two joined porous expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) tapes aligned along tape side surfaces and a substantially air impermeable layer there between. The plane of expansion of the ePTFE is substantially parallel to the flange surface providing longitudinal and transverse strength. The substantially air impermeable layer prevents fluid from permeating through the gasket in the radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin E. Dove
  • Patent number: 7175900
    Abstract: A cushioning and positioning pad has a body formed from superposed layers of resiliently compressible foam material and a reinforcing sheet embedded between adjacent layers. The reinforcing sheet is of such stiffness as to resist contraction along its length and width dimensions, but is resiliently bendable in response to the application of a force along its thickness dimension. The reinforcing sheet resists undesirable contraction lengthwise and widthwise of the pad when the latter is encapsulated in a curable coating of material which shrinks as it cures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Contour Fabricators, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Schaefer
  • Patent number: 7163741
    Abstract: A novel polymodal asymmetric elastomeric block copolymer and a pressure sensitive adhesive, tape and adhesive backed article made therefrom, such as a polymer foam article having a substantially smooth surface prepared by melt-mixing a polymer composition and a plurality of microspheres, at least one of which is an expandable polymeric microsphere, under process conditions, including temperature and shear rate, selected to form an expandable extrudable composition; and extruding the composition through a die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ashish K. Khandpur, Jingjing Ma, Mark D. Gehlsen, Bradley S. Momchilovich, John J. Stradinger
  • Patent number: 7153565
    Abstract: Polytetrafluoroethylene porous film is laminated with an ultra high molecular weight polyolefin porous film to realize excellent formability, dust collecting ability, and permeability that could not be attained by these porous films used alone. The laminate, which can be formed to prescribed shape if desired, is used to make a container for holding an adsorbent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Nitto Denki Corporation
    Inventors: Norikane Nabata, Yozo Nagai, Eizo Kawano, Takuya Maeoka
  • Patent number: 7147716
    Abstract: A multifunctional, lightweight and acoustically optimized interior lining for the roof of a vehicle is disclosed. The inventive lining comprises an air permeable core layer, a first stiffening layer, a second stiffening layer and a decor layer. Said layers are connected to one another by means of air permeable adhesive layers. The total air flow resistance of the second stiffening layer, decor layer, and attached adhesive layers, arranged on the side of the core layer facing the passenger compartment, is within the range of 500 Nsm?3>Rt<3500 Nsm?3. The total surface area weight of said layers lies in the range of 300 to 800 gr/m2. A method for producing said lining and the use thereof in a roof of a vehicle are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Rieter Automotive (International) AG
    Inventors: Alain Boukobza, Jean Francois Daniel, Emmanuel Reymond, Thorsten Alts
  • Patent number: 7140495
    Abstract: Described is an apparatus for the removal of organic substances and/or nitrogen sources from an aqueous medium by exposing the aqueous medium to the action of microorganisms supported on a gas permeable, water impermeable layer, or on and/or in a three dimensional microbial support layer, that is proximate a gas delivery layer through which gas, preferably, oxygen-containing gas, is supplied to the gas permeable layer such that it diffuses through the gas permeable layer and is supplied to the microorganisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Jonathan F. Hester, Brian E. Spiewak, David R. Holm, Jerald W. Hall, Jr., Seth M. Kirk, Moses M. David, Brinda B. Lakshmi
  • Patent number: 7132150
    Abstract: Porous ceramic catalyst supports or filters to be provided with catalyst coatings via oxide washcoating processes are pre-coated with polymer barrier layers to prevent washcoat nanoparticle intrusion into the microcracked and/or microporous surfaces of the ceramics, the barrier coatings being formed of hydrocarbon polymers that are soluble or dispersible in polar media, capable of forming neutral or hydrophilic surfaces on porous ceramic supports, and completely vaporizable at moderate washcoat stabilization or catalyst activation temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Steven B. Ogunwumi, Odessa N. Petzold, Yuxin Tang, Tinghong Tao, Jianguo Wang, Raja R. Wusirika
  • Patent number: 7128963
    Abstract: A ceramic composite body includes at least two layers: material layer A and material layer B. Material layer A contains phases of a metal and the carbide of this metal. Material layer B contains silicon carbide that has been loosely bound by sintering. A method for fabricating the composite body is included and a protective armor against projectiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: SGL Carbon AG
    Inventor: Bodo Benitsch
  • Patent number: 7114621
    Abstract: A layered sheet construction contains at least one gas permeable, liquid water impermeable layer, and a gas delivery layer formed of a corrugated sheet proximate the gas permeable, water impermeable layer. The corrugated sheet has corrugations that form flow channels through which gas can be conveyed to the gas permeable layer. One embodiment of the layered sheet construction includes a gas permeable, liquid water impermeable layer having a surface energy that is below 20 dynes per centimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Jonathan F. Hester, Brian E. Spiewak, James S. Mrozinski, James M. Nelson
  • Patent number: 7094463
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for producing a polypropylene foam by mixing a high melt strength polypropylene and a blowing agent to form a melt mixture, reducing the temperature of the melt mixture at the exit of the apparatus to an exit temperature that is no more than 30° C. above the melt temperature of the neat polypropylene while maintaining the melt mixture at a pressure sufficient to prevent foaming; passing the mixture through said exit shaping orifice and exposing the mixture to atmospheric pressure, whereby the blowing agent expands causing cell formation resulting in foam formation, and orienting said foam. The foam is useful as tape backings, thermal and acoustical insulation and as a diffuse reflector for use in optical applications such as computer displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Christopher K. Haas, Mark D. Gehlsen, Sara B. Mortenson, Joan M. Strobel, Ravi K. Sura, David L. Vall
  • Patent number: 7083849
    Abstract: A continuous method for making porous foam and the foam articles are described. The method allows for tailoring the porosity of the foam by controlling process variables including draw rate and blowing agent concentration. A method for co-extruding the foams with other materials is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Bonnie Weiskopf Albrecht, Mark David Gehlsen, Connie Lynn Hubbard, David Loren Vall, Bryan C. Feisel
  • Patent number: 7081292
    Abstract: A multiplanar, conductive gasket material having a foam core, a conductive web layer comprising a blended mixture of conductive fibers and nonconductive fibers, a reinforcing fabric and a plurality of blended mixture fibers interspersed through the foam core and the reinforcing fabric. The blended mixture fibers are heat set within the gasket material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Inventor: Joseph J. Kaplo
  • Patent number: 7074479
    Abstract: Porous coatings on high-performance ceramics attempt to combine the mechanical and thermal characteristics, which fulfil stringent demands, of the substrate material with the advantageous properties of coating materials. The subsequent application of layers of this type to the pre-sintered substrate produces unsatisfactory results in several areas of use with regard to possible layer thickness, porosity and adhesion. According to the invention, a shaped body consisting of a sintered, inorganic material, whose surface comprises a porous layer is produced in such a way that the base body is first formed as a green body. A layer in the form of a suspension, also containing an inorganic material, is then applied to the surface or to one section of the surface of the base body. A predetermined fraction of a pore-forming substance is mixed with at least the material of said layer and the green body with its applied layer is subjected to the thermal treatments required for producing a monolithic sintered body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Ceramtec AG Innovative Ceramic Engineering
    Inventors: Dirk Rogowski, Hans-Georg Pfaff, Alwin Nagel
  • Patent number: 7063886
    Abstract: Thermostructural composite structure having a compositional gradient, formed from a porous core (5) made of a refractory having a pore volume content of greater than or equal to 80%. The core (5) lies between two intermediate layers (6a, 6b) comprising the carbon fiber reinforcement, densified by a matrix composed of the carbon phase and of a ceramic phase, and a refractory solid filler. Two monolithic ceramic shells (7a, 7b) cover the intermediate layers in order to give stiffness to the entire structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Snecma Propulsion Solide
    Inventors: Jacques Thebault, Laurent David
  • Patent number: 7045205
    Abstract: A nanostructured apparatus may include a mesoporous template having an array of regularly-spaced pores. One or more layers of material may conformally coat the walls to a substantially uniform thickness. Such an apparatus can be used in a variety of devices including optoelectronic devices, e.g., light emitting devices (such as LEDs, and lasers) and photovoltaic devices (such as solar cells) optical devices (luminescent, electro-optic, and magnetooptic waveguides, optical filters, optical switches, amplifies, laser diodes, multiplexers, optical couplers, and the like), sensors, chemical devices (such as catalysts) and mechanical devices (such as filters for filtering gases or liquids).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Nanosolar, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian M. Sager
  • Patent number: 7045206
    Abstract: A method for forming a molded panel comprising a rigid substrate, a cover material, and a localized composite pad. The method comprises providing a molding tool having a first mold and a second mold, the first mold having a cavity; inserting a cover material between the first mold and the second mold; placing a composite pad comprising an impregnable layer and a non-impregnable layer in the cavity of the first mold, wherein the non-impregnable layer is facing the second mold and the impregnable layer is abutting the first mold; introducing resin into the molding tool; and solidifying the resin to form the molded panel whereby the non-impregnable layer of the composite pad is located adjacent the cover material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Giancarlo Granata, Kevin Allen Kieltyka, Srinivas (Vasu) Kotha
  • Patent number: 7022405
    Abstract: A multiplanar, conductive gasket material having a foam core, a conductive web layer comprising a blended mixture of conductive fibers and nonconductive fibers, and a plurality of blended mixture fibers interspersed through the foam core. The blended mixture fibers are heat set within the gasket material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventor: Joseph J. Kaplo
  • Patent number: 7008691
    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 transversely 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: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Steven Eugene Ogle
  • Patent number: 7008690
    Abstract: An optical item comprising an organic or mineral glass substrate (1) and a transparent polymeric material layer (3), characterized in that it comprises at least one intermediate layer (2) in direct contact with one main side of the substrate and the polymeric material layer, the intermediate layer(s) being made of particles of at least one colloidal mineral oxide and optionally of a binder, such (an) intermediate layer(s) having an initial porosity, and the initial porosity of the intermediate layer(s) being filled either by material from the polymeric material layer or by the substrate material if the latter is made in an organic glass and, optionally partly by the binder when present, so that the intermediate layer(s), after initial porosity filling, each represent a quarter waveplate with a wavelength in the range from 400 to 700 nm, preferably from 450 to 650 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Essilor International Compagnie Generale d'Optique
    Inventors: Pierre Caron, Jean-Paul Cano, Annette Cretier
  • Patent number: 7001656
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rigid multilayer material for thermal insulation, in particular in a vacuum, the material comprising at least one insulating plate of honeycomb material sandwiched between two aluminum- or gold-coated skins of low emissivity. In order to optimize thermal insulation, the diameter of the cells is at least twice their height. The multilayer material may have as many layers as needed. The cells of adjacent layers may be offset in order to further minimize paths for heat conduction through the structure. Holes may be pierced in the side walls of the cells in order to allow them to empty out when the material is put into a vacuum. The invention also provides a method of making such a material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Alcatel
    Inventors: Michel Maignan, Thierry Youssefi, Bertrand Brevart
  • Patent number: 6991848
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Hydrophilix LLC
    Inventor: Timothy Thomson
  • Patent number: 6991847
    Abstract: The invention relates to processes for the synthesis of 2-D and 3-D periodic porous silicon structures and composites with improved properties having the advantages of porous silicon and photonic bandgap materials. Photonic crystals comprise a two dimensionally periodic or three dimensionally periodic microporous structural matrix of interconnecting, crystallographically oriented, monodispersed members having voids between adjacent members, and said members additionally having randomly nanoporous surface porosity. The silicon nanofoam material shows enhanced and spectrally controlled/tunable photoluminescence and electroluminesce and finds use as transparent electrodes, high-lumonosity light emitting diodes (LEDs), wavelength division multiplexors, high-active-area catalyst supports, photonic bandgap lasers, silicon-based UV detectors, displays, gas sensors, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Aravind Padmanabhan, Ray H. Baughman, Anvar A. Zakhidov, Guenadiy Lazarov
  • Patent number: RE39761
    Abstract: A laminate wall structure which can be used as an exterior wall in manufactured housing and site built construction is made up of a low density layer having a density of from about one-half pound to three pounds per cubic foot, a second, reinforcing layer laminated to the low density layer and, optionally, a cellulosic layer laminated to the second, reinforcing layer. The low density layer is preferably a foamed polymer layer, the second, reinforcing layer is a polymer fabric, a biaxially oriented polymeric film or a fiberglass reinforced material and the cellulosic layer can be impregnated with an adhesive and/or resin in order to strengthen the laminate structure. This laminate wall structure has a low weight and yet is strong enough to meet wind zone wall diaphragm requirements for housing construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: National Shelter Products, Inc.
    Inventor: John Cahill