Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US4690831?dq=3140553
Timestamp: 2016-07-30 05:29:46
Document Index: 754732086

Matched Legal Cases: ['arts 31', 'arts 31', 'arts 31', 'arts 31', 'arts 1', 'arts 31', 'arts 31']

Patent US4690831 - Protective article - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inPatentsAn article for protecting a substrate includes a preshaped member having a shape similar to that of the substrate being protected, the article having a thin layer of gel disposed in intimate contact with an inner surface of the member such that the gel is disposed in intimate contact with the substrate...http://www.google.com/patents/US4690831?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US4690831 - Protective articleAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS4690831 APublication typeGrantApplication numberUS 06/875,802Publication dateSep 1, 1987Filing dateJun 18, 1986Priority dateJun 23, 1983Fee statusPaidPublication number06875802, 875802, US 4690831 A, US 4690831A, US-A-4690831, US4690831 A, US4690831AInventorsWilliam D. Uken, Robert S. Dubrow, Carib Nelson, Catherine A. DittmerOriginal AssigneeRaychem Corp.Export CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManPatent Citations (35), Referenced by (76), Classifications (34), Legal Events (7) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetProtective article
US 4690831 AAbstract
An article for protecting a substrate includes a preshaped member having a shape similar to that of the substrate being protected, the article having a thin layer of gel disposed in intimate contact with an inner surface of the member such that the gel is disposed in intimate contact with the substrate when the member is disposed therearound. Preferably, the gel comprises an open looped three-dimensional network, the gel being relatively soft, elastic, and having an ultimate elongation in excess of 100%.
1. A method of making an article for protecting a substrate, comprising:transporting a backing material past a gel dispenser; dispensing a gel from the gel dispenser onto the backing; and deforming the backing and the gel into a predetermined shape such that at least a major portion of an inner surface of the backing has gel thereon, the shape being similar to an external surface shape of at least part of a substrate to be protected. 2. The method as claimed in claim 1, the gel dispenser dispensing a non-cured gel onto the backing, and further comprising the step of curing the dispensed gel prior to deforming the backing.
3. The method as claimed in claim 2, further comprising the step of securing the gel to the backing prior to deforming the backing such that the gel stretches and sticks to the backing when deforming the backing.
4. The method as claimed in claim 3, the backing being continuously transported, the deformed backing being severed from a remainder of the backing subsequent to its deformation.
5. The method as claimed in claim 3, the backing being made from a material selected from the group of materials consisting of high density polyethylene, kynar, and polycarbonate.
6. The method as claimed in claim 2, the gel being tacky subsequent to being cured, and further comprising the step of covering an open side of the deformed backing with a release sheet.
7. The method as claimed in claim 2, the gel being cured by utilizing a chemical agent.
8. The method as claimed in claim 2, the gel being cured by radiation, the radiation being beta particles or ultraviolet radiation.
9. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising the step of securing the gel to the backing such that the gel stretches and sticks to the backing when the backing is deformed, the gel being secured to the backing by radiating an interface between the gel and the backing.
10. The method as claimed in claim 9, the radiation used for securing the gel to the backing being beta particles or ultraviolet radiation.
11. The method as claimed in claim 3, the gel being secured to the backing by an adhesive.
12. The method as claimed in claim 1, the backing being deformed such that the gel is stretched as the backing is deformed, a material from which the backing is composed having sufficient structural strength subsequent to its deformation to keep the gel in its stretched state.
13. The method as claimed in claim 1, the gel being disposed on the backing in a cured state.
14. The method as claimed in claim 13, the cured gel being disposed in a flexible matrix prior to being disposed onto the backing.
15. The method as claimed in claim 14, the flexible matrix comprising a material having a plurality of open interstices having an average volume of less than 0.01 inch3, the gel including a plurality of interconnected segments which lie within the interstices of the matrix.
16. The method as claimed in claim 15, the matrix and the impregnant being such that when the gel and the matrix are stretched, the matrix reaches its ultimate elongation before the gel reaches its ultimate elongation.
17. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising the step of disposing a release sheet over an open side of the deformed backing subsequent to its deformation.
18. The method as claimed in claim 1, further comprising the step of disposing a release sheet onto an exposed surface of the gel subsequent to dispensing the gel and prior to deforming the gel.
This application is a division of copending application Ser. No. 730,699, filed May 2, 1985, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,643,924, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 715,789 filed March 25, 1985, now abandoned, which was a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 507,435 filed June 23, 1983, now abandoned, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
The present invention relates to an article for protecting a substrate from environmental effects such as corrosion, electrical currents, etc.
Various ways have been proposed in the prior art for protecting a substrate from adverse environmental effects. For example, in the case of nuts and bolts, in very severe environments such as those encountered on ocean-traversing vessels, multiple layers of paint are often disposed on exposed portions of the nuts and bolts for protecting them from corrosion. As an alternative to paint, various types of greases have also been utilized in many circumstances for protecting substrates from adverse environmental contaminants, such as water, and for electrical insulation protection, and also for insulating metal substrates. These methods are disadvantageous in that insufficient corrosion protection is afforded, reentry is difficult, the protection lasts for a relatively short period of time, they are labor intensive, and relatively expensive.
U.S. Ser. No. 434,001 filed Oct. 1, 1982, now abandoned; 504,000 filed June 13, 1983, now Pat. No. 4,634,207; 507,433 filed June 23,1983, now abandoned, and 646,555 filed Oct. 31, 1984, now abandoned, all assigned to the assignee of the present invention, discloses various containers which are substantially filled with gel material, the containers subsequently being disposed in contact with a substrate subsequent to curing the gel. Though these gel filled containers are quite effective in protecting substrates, they are disadvantageous in that they are relatively inefficient since a relatively large amount of gel is required per substrate to be protected.
Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to eliminate the above-noted drawbacks and to provide an article for protecting a substrate which is relatively inexpensive to produce, is easy to install over the substrate, lasts a relatively long period of time, and can be made easily reenterable, if desired.
These and other objects are achieved by articles, and methods of producing such articles, the articles including a preshaped member which has an internal surface shape which is similar to an outer surface shape of the substrate to be protected. In one embodiment, an open surface defined by the preshaped member has a flexible gel disposed thereover, the flexible gel comprising a relatively thin layer of gel, such that when the member is disposed over the substrate, the gel is deformed over and around an outer surface of the substrate and is in intimate contact therewith. According to another embodiment of the invention, the thin layer of flexible gel is disposed into intimate contact with substantially the entire inner surface of the preshaped member. With this embodiment, since the internal surface shape of the member is similar to the outer surface shape of the substrate, when the member is disposed over the substrate, again the gel is in intimate contact therewith. Accordingly, both embodiments utilize very small amounts of gel per substrate to be protected. The gel preferably comprises a three-dimensional open cell network, is elastic, has finite elongation, preferably in excess of 200%, and has a cone penetration between 150 and 350 (10-1 mm).
According to a method of the invention for producing the article having the gel disposed into intimate contact with the internal surface of the member, one embodiment of the method comprises continuously disposing a gel onto a backing and subsequently deforming the gel and backing using a vacuum thermoforming process whereby the backing and gel are heated, and deformed such that the gel is stretched upon deformation of the backing, the backing being chosen from a material which has sufficient structural strength upon being cooled to keep the gel in its expanded deformed state and in intimate contact with the backing. Subsequent to deforming the backing, a die station is used to separate the deformed backing having gel thereon, which then comprises an article of the invention.
According to one preferred embodiment, the gel is disposed onto the backing in a non-cured state, a thickness of the gel is controlled using a doctor blade, the gel is then cured using either chemical means or radiation, the gel is secured to the backing, again using either radiation or chemical means such as an adhesive, and subsequently the cured gel and backing are deformed. According to another preferred embodiment of a method of the invention, a pre-cured gel is disposed on the backing, and the pre-cured gel is secured to the backing using either radiation or chemical means prior to deforming the cured gel and backing.
Such an article provides an excellent means for protecting irregularly shaped articles using a minimum amount of gel in an efficient manner.
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a first preferred embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a full perspective view of the article of Figure 1 disposed in close proximity to a substrate to be protected, and a partial view of an installed article;
FIGS. 3-6 illustrate further embodiments of the invention;
FIGS. 7a and 7b illustrate further preferred embodiments of articles of the invention; and
FIGS. 8-9 illustrate alternative exemplary embodiments for making the articles of FIGS. 7a and 7b.
FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an article 1 constructed according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention with FIG. 2 illustrating, on the left, a perspective view of the article of FIG. 1 in close proximity to a substrate 2 to be protected, and on the right, the article as installed on the substrate. In the embodiment illustrated, the substrate 2 is a bolt 3 having a nut 5 therearound, and the article 1 is generically termed a bolt cover. However, it should be appreciated that the substrate 2 can comprise any kind of element which requires some sort of protection from the environment, such as protection from corrosion, protection from electrical discharge, etc., and that the article 1 comprises any member suitable for protecting such a substrate. The invention is most suitable for use with substrates having irregular shapes, though the invention is also suitable for protecting substrates having uniform shapes as well. Though the invention is described with reference to a few exemplary embodiments, in particular a few specific shaped substrates, it should be understood that the invention is applicable to protecting numerous other types and shapes of substrates as well even though the vast majority of substrates in existence which require some kind of protection are not illustrated in the drawings.
The article 1 includes a preshaped member 4 which has an internal surface 6 which has a shape similar to an external surface of the substrate 2 which is to be protected. In particular, the shapes of the surfaces 6, 8 are substantially the same, e.g., most preferably mirror images of one another. The member 4 can be shaped so as to form a tight fit about the substrate 2 when installed, and it is even possible to form the member 4 so as to be slightly smaller in size than the substrate 2 which causes the member 4 to elastically stretch about the substrate when installed providing excellent adhesion.
A protective flexible gel 10 is disposed across an open side 12 defined by the shape of the preshaped member 4, and is secured to the preshaped member 4 at a periphery 13 by any appropriate means such as, for example, by an adhesive or by a mechanical clamp. The gel is preferably one of the types described in U.S. Serial No. 434,011 filed Oct. 12, 1982; Ser. No. 504,000 filed June 13, 1983; Ser. No. 507,433 filed June 23, 1983; and Ser. No. 646,555 filed Oct. 31, 1983; all cited above and assigned to the assignee of the present invention. In particular, the gel can comprise a urethane, a silicone, or a nonsilicone liquid rubber with low or no unsaturation which has been crosslinked, with silicone being a preferred embodiment. The gel is a material having an open loop three-dimensional network such that it is elastic and has a finite amount of elongation, and is relatively soft. A preferred embodiment is to use a gel having a cone penetration between 150 and 350 (10-1 mm), and an ultimate elongation of at least 100%, as measured in accordance with American National Standard Designation ASTM-D217 and ASTM-D638, respectively. Preferably, the cone penetration is between 200 and 300 (10-1 mm), and more preferably between 260 and 280 (10-1 mm). A release sheet 9 is disposed over the gel 10, the sheet keeping the gel 10 clean and being releasable therefrom prior to installing the article on the substrate.
The ultimate elongation is most preferably in excess of 200%, and most preferably is at least 400%. In addition, as noted, the gel is also elastic such that it tends to resist deformation and generates a restoration force upon being deformed.
Furthermore, another preferred embodiment is to contain the gel 10 in a three-dimensional foam network, such as that disclosed in parent application U.S. Ser. No. 507,435 filed June 23, 1983, cited above. Specifically, the foam network is characterized by a flexible matrix having a plurality of open interstices having an average volume of less than 0.01 inch3, the gel including a plurality of interconnected segments which lie within the interstices of the matrix, the matrix and the gel being such that when they are stretched, the matrix reaches its ultimate elongation before the gel reaches it ultimate elongation. The thickness of the gel and the matrix need not be large, e.g. it can be less than 10 mm, preferably less than 5 mm, and more preferably less than 1 mm. One important function of the matrix is to provide tensile and shear strength for the gel. Accordingly, the matrix, though desirable, is not necessary so long as care is taken in sizing the article such that the ultimate elongation of the gel is not exceeded when the article is placed over the substrate. In the case where the gel is made of a polysiloxane material, a suitable adhesive for securing the gel to the member is a silicone pressure sensitive adhesive.
In operation, the article 1 as described is disposed over the substrate 2 and placed thereon such that the protective gel 10 is deformed so as to take on a shape roughly illustrated by the dotted line 14 in FIG. 1. One embodiment is to provide a small air escape hole to provide a means for air release from cavity 23 between the member 4 and gel 10 as the cavity 23 contracts in volume upon installation of the article 1.
It should be understood the hole 21 is not required. Without the hole 21, air confined within the cavity 23 which contracts upon installation of the article 1 can escape between the periphery 13 of the member 4 and the gel 10 after which the gel, due to its tackiness, re-adheres and seals to the periphery 13. With this construction, atmospheric pressure contributes to maintaining the member 4 in its installed position since removal of the member 4 subsequent to installation requires that the volume of the cavity 23 be enlarged which results in a pressure decrease in the cavity 23 whereas pressure outside the member 4 and cavity 23 remains constant thereby creating a pressure differential therebetween.
Even though the elastic deformation of the gel produces a small force tending to push the article off the substrate, several means are available for preventing this from occurring even if the article is subjected to other external, possibly larger forces, e.g., vibrations. First, if the hole 21 is not provided, as already explained, atmospheric pressure forces would keep the article installed and in place. In addition, the tackiness of the gel also produces a retention force since it is in contact with the substrate and adheres and seals thereto. If the hole 21 is provided, the tackiness of the gel can be made so as to produce sufficient retention forces. In addition, grooves and recesses 16 for engaging threads 17 can be formed on an inner surface of the member 4. If a substrate not having threads is to be protected, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the member 4 may be able to be shaped so as to closely conform in shape to the substrate so as to produce a retention force like that obtained with grooves and recesses which mate with threads, e.g. such as for example grooves and recesses formed on the member 4 which closely conform in shape to similar grooves and recesses on the substrate. Also, the member 4 can be sized so as to form a close fit around at least selected portions of the substrate when installed, and if the material of the member 4 is slightly elastic, it is even possible to size the fit such that the member is caused to stretch around the substrate upon installation which creates relatively large frictional engagement forces therebetween. Any combination of the above is possible when external forces, which may otherwise tend to dislodge the article 1 from the substrate, are anticipated.
Accordingly, it can be appreciated that the article 1 can be made to remain in place and to provide good environmental protection means for the substrate 2 such that it is protected from adverse environmental contaminants, such as water or other corrosion-producing substances. In addition, if desired, the article 1 is suitable for protecting substrates 2 from electrical currents, e.g., the article 1 can have a gel 10 which is electrically insulating.
FIGS. 3-6 illustrate further embodiments of the invention. In FIG. 3, the substrate 32 comprises pipes or hoses 32 interconnected by a fitting 33, and the article 34 comprises first and second parts 31, 31, each comprising a preformed member 4 and gel 10. The parts 31 are assembled as shown in FIG. 4. The tackiness of the gel can be used to keep the parts 31 interconnected, and/or mechanical clamps 36, either integrally formed with the parts 31 or separately attached, can also be used. In FIGS. 5 and 6, the parts 1 are interconnected on one side by a hinge 35, this embodiment further illustrating the mechanical clamp 36.
For more complicated structured substrates, it can be appreciated that any number of the parts 31 in excess of two can be formed so as to be mutually engagable and provide a complete environmental seal for the complicated structured substrate.
FIG. 7a illustrates another preferred embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 7a, an article 11 is formed such that the gel 10 is in intimate contact with the internal surface 6 of the member 4. This embodiment is advantageous in that any risk of the gel tearing by being stretched upon being installed onto the substrate 2 is eliminated since the gel of FIG. 7a is not substantially deformed by the installation process. Reference numeral 62 denotes a release sheet disposed onto the gel so as to cover an otherwise exposed surface of the gel. In FIG. 7b, the release sheet 9 is disposed across the open side of the deformed backing subsequent to its deformation.
FIG. 8 illustrates one preferred process of producing the article of FIG. 7, this method being adaptable to continuous production. According to this process, a backing 50 is preferably continuously transported from a roll 51 past a gel dispenser 52 having uncured gel 10 therein, past a doctor blade 54, past a beam 56 for curing and crosslinking the gel to give it desired properties (such as a desired cone penetration, elongation, elasticity, tackiness, etc.), past a thermoforming station 58 which heats the cured gel and backing and forms it into a desired shape 64, past a release sheet dispenser 60 which dispenses a release sheet 62 across an open side of the thermoformed shape 64, and finally to a die cut station 66 which separates the thermoformed shapes 64 which then correspond to the articles 11.
In this embodiment, the beam 56 crosslinks and cures the gel, and further functions to adhere the gel to the backing 50 by crosslinking the gel where it contacts the backing. Alternatively, a separate beam 57 can be utilized to crosslink the gel contacting the backing, the separate beam 57 radiating the backing and gel through a surface of the backing opposite the gel. The beams 56, 57 can comprise electron beams and/or ultraviolet beams, and the intensity of and dose of radiation is determined to obtain optimum adhesion between the backing and the gel, and to achieve optimum and desired gel properties.
As an alternative to radiation for curing the gel, chemical crosslinking agents can be utilized and mixed with the uncured gel for curing the gel. In addition, if desired, chemical crosslinking agents can be used to also crosslink the gel to the backing and secure it thereto. Alternatively, an adhesive can be used to secure the gel to the backing rather than radiation or chemical crosslinking agents. When the gel comprises a polysiloxane material, a suitable adhesive is a silicone pressure sensitive adhesive.
Another alternative embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 9 wherein a cured gel is applied to the backing rather than an uncured gel as illustrated in FIG. 8.
In the embodiment of FIG. 9, the cured gel can be applied as part of and embedded within a three dimensional matrix having characteristics as described above with reference to the embodiment of FIG. 1, or can be applied as a unitary layer. According to these additional embodiments, the cured gel can be secured to the backing using adhesives, or radiation as illustrated, as described in the embodiment of FIG. 8. If radiation is used, the kind of radiation used and its direction of application (e.g. from the backing side or the gel side) are optional, though it should be understood that the radiation may cause additional crosslinking in the gel, especially if applied from the gel side, and this should be considered in formulating the cured gel which is to be disposed on the backing. In Figure 9, since the gel is precured, a doctor blade is not needed, and this embodiment illustrates radiation grafting of the gel to the backing, though it should be understood that chemical grafting could be used instead. Also, this figure illustrates dispensing the release sheet 62 onto the exposed surface of the gel subsequent to dispensing the gel but prior to the thermoforming operation, which produces the article of FIG. 7a, rather than the article of 7b produced when the release sheet is applied subsequent to thermoforming.
The thermoforming station 58 heats the cured gel and backing, and subjects the heated gel and backing to a vacuum pressure (which may be augmented by pressure from the above side) within a chamber 59 having a shape corresponding to a final desired shape of the article 11, 64 such that the gel and backing are deformed into the shape of the chamber 59. In addition to pressure, mechanical means can also be utilized to deform the cured gel and backing, numerous kinds and types of deforming pressures and mechanical means being known in the art for thermoforming processes. The thermoformed shape 64 thus created is cooled. A material of the backing is chosen such that its physical integral strength in its cooled state produces forces tending to maintain this shape which are greater than elastic forces generated by the gel when stretched and deformed by the thermoforming station 58 such that the article remains in the thermoformed shape subsequent to being cooled. Typical materials suitable for the backing include high density polyethylene, kynar, polycarbonate, etc.
Though the invention has been described with reference to particular preferred embodiments thereof, it should be appreciated that numerous modifications thereto can be made within the level of skill of the ordinary skilled artisan. For example, the invention is suitable for protecting a wide variety of types of substrates as well as shapes thereof, and is not specifically limited only to bolts, nuts, and pipe fittings, these substrates being described only for illustrative purposes. In addition, by utilizing plural parts 31 as described, it can readily be appreciated that a large degree of freedom is possible in utilizing the invention for protecting a vast array of different types of substrates having various shapes, and the number of preformed members having gel disposed thereon can vary and exceed one or two per substrate when the irregular or unique shape of the substrate makes the use of multiple members in excess of two more practicable. In addition, though several preferred means are described for producing the unique articles of the invention in a continuous manner, it should be appreciated that many variations to the methods described are possible. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited by the various specific embodiments described, and is to be limited only by the appended claims.
Patent CitationsCited PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS30321 *Oct 9, 1860 Meastjbistg-faucetUS31389 *Feb 12, 1861 Machiite fobUS3040385 *Dec 5, 1960Jun 26, 1962Prec Paper Tube CompanyMethod of jacketing a capacitor and productUS3187088 *Nov 1, 1962Jun 1, 1965Minerallac Electric CompanyHigh voltage cable spliceUS3228820 *May 14, 1962Jan 11, 1966Richard D SamsonNonfoaming process for bonding foam to porous substratesUS3427393 *Nov 3, 1966Feb 11, 1969Gen Cable CorpGastight plugs for communication cablesUS3619481 *Oct 13, 1969Nov 9, 1971Smith Schreyer & Assoc IncEnclosure for an electrical cable spliceUS3649436 *May 22, 1970Mar 14, 1972Johnson & JohnsonCohesive sheetUS3678174 *Jan 15, 1971Jul 18, 1972Raychem CorpSelf-locking heat shrinkable insulating sleeveUS3718619 *Aug 27, 1971Feb 27, 1973Quaker Oats CoUcring polyurethane prepolymers with liquid extender comprising 4,4{40 -methylenebis(2-chloroaniline) and ethylene oxide capped bisphenol aUS3731258 *Sep 22, 1971May 1, 1973Int Standard Electric CorpUnderwater connectionUS3801532 *May 7, 1973Apr 2, 1974Olstowski FRapid-setting polyurethanes from diols and polyfunctional isocyanatesUS3897129 *Sep 26, 1973Jul 29, 1975Minnesota Mining & MfgConnector encapsulating device and methodUS3916082 *Feb 25, 1974Oct 28, 1975Thompson John TRetrofit encapsulating kit and method for hermetically enclosing an air breathing splice assemblyUS3928704 *Jun 24, 1974Dec 23, 1975Ceskoslovenska Akademie VedMethod for producing thin-walled articles from plasticsUS3929949 *Jun 21, 1974Dec 30, 1975Usm CorpProcess for forming microporous sheetUS3933559 *Dec 26, 1973Jan 20, 1976Dai Nippon Printing Company LimitedProcess for manufacturing a body of moisture-proof container for packagingUS3938725 *Jan 4, 1974Feb 17, 1976Tme CorporationMethod of making articles such as electrically insulated housings using striped laminatesUS3985951 *Jul 10, 1975Oct 12, 1976Niemand Bros. Inc.Electrical insulator including a polymeric resin foam forming composition and method of insulationUS4025717 *May 7, 1975May 24, 1977Whittingham William FHigh voltage shielded cable spliceUS4026747 *Dec 15, 1975May 31, 1977John Z. Delorean CorporationComposite tubingUS4168258 *Feb 15, 1978Sep 18, 1979N L Industries, Inc.Grease compatible, mineral oil extended polyurethaneUS4171998 *Sep 30, 1976Oct 23, 1979N L Industries, Inc.Method for decontaminating and sealing the interior spaces of an insulated electrical device utilizing mineral oil-extended polyurethanesUS4176239 *Mar 9, 1978Nov 27, 1979N L Industries, Inc.Insulated electrical cable containing an agent for decontaminating and sealing the interior space thereofUS4219598 *Oct 18, 1977Aug 26, 1980Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Molded article, the method for manufacturing the same and the dies thereforUS4231986 *Apr 6, 1979Nov 4, 1980Nl Industries, Inc.Grease compatible mineral oil extended polyurethaneUS4277298 *Oct 24, 1975Jul 7, 1981The Cly-Del Manufacturing CompanyMethod of making a hollow articleUS4281210 *Apr 6, 1979Jul 28, 1981Nl Industries, Inc.Electrical devices containing a grease compatible, mineral oil extended polyurethaneUS4297155 *Feb 3, 1978Oct 27, 1981Raychem CorporationHeat-shrinkable hollow articleUS4361457 *Jun 9, 1976Nov 30, 1982The Klm CompanyMethod for making a container closure with linerUS4369284 *Mar 28, 1980Jan 18, 1983Applied Elastomerics, IncorporatedThermoplastic elastomer gelatinous compositionsUS4424100 *Oct 24, 1980Jan 3, 1984Mobil Oil CorporationMethod for producing articles by deformation substrates having a radiation cured substrateUS4504699 *Feb 3, 1983Mar 12, 1985Raychem Pontoise S.A.Sealable recoverable articlesUS4549337 *Jul 1, 1983Oct 29, 1985Alco Industries, Inc.Method of making a composite thread protectorGB2070658A * Title not available* Cited by examinerReferenced byCiting PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS4950546 *Aug 18, 1988Aug 21, 1990Raychem CorporationRadiation grafting of organopolysiloxanesUS4962286 *Oct 6, 1988Oct 9, 1990Raychem CorporationEnvironmental control, liner for splice enclosureUS4982054 *Oct 6, 1988Jan 1, 1991Raychem CorporationTelecommunications pedestal closure with environmental control linerUS4998894 *Oct 6, 1988Mar 12, 1991Raychem CorporationCoaxial cable connector sealUS5037667 *Aug 17, 1990Aug 6, 1991Raychem CorporationRadiation grafting of organopolysiloxanesUS5083940 *Nov 4, 1988Jan 28, 1992Raychem CorporationCrossbox protection capUS5088734 *Jan 9, 1991Feb 18, 1992Glava Gary LAttenuating handle for recreational and work implementsUS5100764 *Dec 26, 1989Mar 31, 1992Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.Method of making patterned metal oxide films comprising a sol-gel of metal oxide and a photoactive compoundUS5149281 *Sep 24, 1991Sep 22, 1992Teltronics, Inc.Test enabling terminal enclosure apparatus and methodUS5226837 *Oct 29, 1992Jul 13, 1993Raychem CorporationEnvironmentally protected connectionUS5239723 *Aug 24, 1992Aug 31, 1993Applied Elastomerics, Inc.Gelatinous elastomer swabsUS5273449 *Jul 30, 1992Dec 28, 1993Raychem CorporationModular telecommunications terminal blockUS5334646 *Oct 6, 1992Aug 2, 1994Applied Elastomerics, Inc.Thermoplastic elastomer gelatinous articlesUS5336708 *Aug 24, 1992Aug 9, 1994Applied Elastomerics, Inc.Gelatinous elastomer articlesUS5360350 *May 5, 1992Nov 1, 1994The Whitaker CorporationSealant compositions and sealed electrical connectorsUS5397859 *Dec 10, 1993Mar 14, 1995The Whitaker CorporationEnclosure with sealant for spliced coaxial cablesUS5456791 *Aug 31, 1994Oct 10, 1995Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.Automatic waterproofing apparatus for joint of electric wiresUS5508334 *Nov 15, 1993Apr 16, 1996Applied Elastomerics, Inc.Thermoplastic elastomer gelatinous compositions and articlesUS5529508 *Apr 1, 1994Jun 25, 1996Raychem CorporationSealing memberUS5622642 *Feb 6, 1995Apr 22, 1997Raychem CorporationSealing apparatus for elongate cables having movable insert with gripping membersUS5641438 *Jan 24, 1995Jun 24, 1997Bunyan; Michael H.Method for forming an EMI shielding gasketUS5691399 *May 31, 1995Nov 25, 1997The Whitaker CorporationSealant composition and sealed electrical connectorsUS5741843 *May 31, 1995Apr 21, 1998The Whitaker CorporationSealant compositions and sealed electrical connectorsUS5742223 *Dec 7, 1995Apr 21, 1998Raychem CorporationLaminar non-linear device with magnetically aligned particlesUS5756972 *Oct 25, 1994May 26, 1998Raychem CorporationHinged connector for heating cables of various sizesUS5760117 *Dec 29, 1995Jun 2, 1998Applied Elastomerics, Inc.Gelatinous composition and articlesUS5824954 *Jun 16, 1997Oct 20, 1998Raychem CorporationSealed interconnection deviceUS5844021 *May 11, 1995Dec 1, 1998The Whitaker CorporationSealant compositions and sealed electrical connectorsUS5910524 *Oct 6, 1997Jun 8, 1999Parker-Hannifin CorporationCorrosion-resistant, form-in-place EMI shielding gasketUS5929138 *Nov 5, 1996Jul 27, 1999Raychem CorporationHighly thermally conductive yet highly comformable alumina filled composition and method of making the sameUS5962572 *Dec 29, 1995Oct 5, 1999Applied Elastomerics, Inc.Oriented gel and oriented gel articlesUS6031025 *Feb 24, 1999Feb 29, 2000Mercer; Frank W.Highly thermally conductive yet highly conformable alumina filled composition and method of making the sameUS6056527 *Feb 14, 1997May 2, 2000Bunyan; Michael H.Apparatus for forming a gasketUS6096413 *Nov 12, 1997Aug 1, 2000Chomerics, Inc.Form-in-place EMI gasketsUS6117176 *May 27, 1997Sep 12, 2000Applied Elastomerics, Inc.Elastic-crystal gelUS6123336 *May 27, 1997Sep 26, 2000Wojtowicz; Janusz B.Sealing device and method of sealingUS6148830 *Sep 30, 1996Nov 21, 2000Applied Elastomerics, Inc.Tear resistant, multiblock copolymer gels and articlesUS6161555 *Sep 30, 1997Dec 19, 2000Applied Elastomerics, Inc.Crystal gels useful as dental floss with improved high tear, high tensile, and resistance to high stress rupture propertiesUS6303180Sep 18, 1997Oct 16, 2001Parker-Hannifin CorporationForm-in-place EMI gasketsUS6324703Dec 3, 1997Dec 4, 2001Applied Elastomerics, Inc.Strong, soft, tear resistant insulating compositions and composites for extreme cold weather useUS6331349Jan 5, 2000Dec 18, 2001Parker-Hannifin CorporationForm-in-place EMI gasketsUS6333374Oct 20, 1997Dec 25, 2001Applied Elastomerics, Inc.Fluffy, strong, solid elastic gels, articles and method of making sameUS6420475Mar 28, 1999Jul 16, 2002Applied Elastomerics, Inc.Tear resistant elastic crystal gels gel composites and their usesUS6494464Apr 20, 2000Dec 17, 2002Tyco Electronics CorporationGel sealant enclosure with visual seal indicationUS6552109Mar 8, 1996Apr 22, 2003Applied Elastomerics, Inc.Gelatinous elastomer compositions and articlesUS6627275 *Aug 8, 1998Sep 30, 2003Applied Elastomerics, IncorporatedTear resistant elastic crystal gels suitable for inflatable restraint cushions and other usesUS6635354Sep 12, 2001Oct 21, 2003Parker-Hannifin CorporationForm-in place EMI gasketsUS6794026 *Jul 12, 2002Sep 21, 2004Mochida CorporationRadiating sheet and PDP panelUS6866529Dec 20, 2001Mar 15, 2005Tyco Electronics CorporationAdjustable sealable connectorUS7067583Apr 21, 2003Jun 27, 2006Applied Elastomerics, Inc.Tear resistant adherent gels, composites, and articlesUS7093316Jul 2, 2003Aug 22, 2006Applied Elastomerics, Inc.Gels for force gaugingUS7093599Apr 21, 2003Aug 22, 2006Applied Elastomerics, Inc.Gels, composites, and health care articlesUS7105607Apr 21, 2003Sep 12, 2006Applied Elastomerics, Inc.Tear resistant gels, composites, and articlesUS7108873Jul 20, 2002Sep 19, 2006Applied Elastomerics, Inc.Gelatinous food elastomer compositions and articlesUS7134236Jul 20, 2002Nov 14, 2006Applied Elastomerics, Inc.Gelatinous elastomer compositions and articles for use as fishing baitUS7193002Apr 21, 2003Mar 20, 2007Applied Elastomerics, Inc.Adherent gels, composites, and articlesUS7208184Jul 20, 2002Apr 24, 2007Applied Elastomerics, Inc.Gelatinous food elastomer compositions and articles for use as fishing baitUS7222380Apr 21, 2003May 29, 2007Applied Elastomerics, Inc.Tear resistant gels, composites, and cushion articlesUS7226484Aug 4, 2004Jun 5, 2007Applied Elastomerics, Inc.Tear resistant gels and articles for every usesUS7234560Sep 30, 2003Jun 26, 2007Applied Elastomerics, Inc.Inflatable restraint cushions and other usesUS7290367Dec 25, 2003Nov 6, 2007Applied Elastomerics, Inc.Tear resistant gel articles for various usesUS7344568Apr 21, 2003Mar 18, 2008Applied Elastomerics, Inc.Tear resistant gels, composites, and liner articlesUS20020188057 *Jul 20, 2002Dec 12, 2002Chen John Y.Gelatinous elastomer compositions and articles for use as fishing baitUS20030017320 *Jul 12, 2002Jan 23, 2003Mochida CorporationRadiating sheet and PDP panelUS20040018272 *Jul 20, 2002Jan 29, 2004Chen John Y.Gelatinous food elastomer compositions and articles for use as fishing baitUS20040068040 *Apr 21, 2003Apr 8, 2004Chen John Y.Tear resistant gels, composites, and articlesUS20040116591 *Apr 21, 2003Jun 17, 2004Chen John Y.Gels, composites, and health care articlesUS20040146541 *Dec 25, 2003Jul 29, 2004Chen John Y.Tear resistant gel articles for various usesUS20040225044 *Apr 21, 2003Nov 11, 2004Chen John Y.Tear resistant adherent gels, composites, and articlesUS20040249056 *Apr 21, 2003Dec 9, 2004Chen John Y.Tear resistant gels, composites, and cushion articlesUS20050008669 *Aug 4, 2004Jan 13, 2005Chen John Y.Tear resistant gels and articles for every usesUS20140127423 *Nov 6, 2013May 8, 2014Dana Automotive Systems Group, LlcMethod for preventing corrosion between two workpiecesWO1990004276A1 *Oct 6, 1989Apr 19, 1990Raychem CorporationPedestal telecommunications terminal closure with environmentally control linerWO2001081796A2Apr 4, 2001Nov 1, 2001Tyco Electronics CorporationGel sealant enclosure with visual seal indicationWO2002043946A1 *Dec 3, 2001Jun 6, 2002Fountain Technologies B.V.Method and apparatus for decorating productsWO2014074561A1 *Nov 6, 2013May 15, 2014Dana Automotive Systems Group, LlcMethod for preventing corrosion between two workpieces* Cited by examinerClassifications U.S. Classification427/505, 264/552, 427/358, 156/224, 427/516, 427/350International ClassificationH02G15/10, H01R4/72, H01R4/70, H01B17/60, H01R43/00, F16L58/18, H01R13/52, H05K3/28, G02B6/44, H01R4/22Cooperative ClassificationF16L58/18, H01R4/70, H01R4/72, H01R13/5216, H01R43/005, H05K3/284, Y10T156/1048, H02G15/10, G02B6/4447, H01B17/60, H01R4/22European ClassificationH01B17/60, H01R13/52M, G02B6/44C8A2K2, H02G15/10, H01R43/00C, F16L58/18, H01R4/70Legal EventsDateCodeEventDescriptionApr 2, 1991REMIMaintenance fee reminder mailedApr 18, 1991FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 4Apr 18, 1991SULPSurcharge for late paymentFeb 13, 1995FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 8Feb 22, 1999FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 12Apr 5, 2000ASAssignmentOwner name: TYCO INTERNATIONAL (PA), INC., A CORPORATION OF NEFree format text: MERGER & REORGANIZATION;ASSIGNOR:RAYCHEM CORPORATION, A CORPORATION OF DELAWARE;REEL/FRAME:011682/0001Effective date: 19990812Owner name: TYCO INTERNATIONAL LTD., A CORPORATION OF BERMUDA,Free format text: MERGER & REORGANIZATION;ASSIGNOR:RAYCHEM CORPORATION, A CORPORATION OF DELAWARE;REEL/FRAME:011682/0001Effective date: 19990812Owner name: AMP INCORPORATED, A CORPORATION OF PENNSYLVANIA, PFree format text: MERGER & REORGANIZATION;ASSIGNOR:RAYCHEM CORPORATION, A CORPORATION OF DELAWARE;REEL/FRAME:011682/0001Effective date: 19990812Apr 5, 2001ASAssignmentOwner name: TYCO ELECTRONICS CORPORATION, A CORPORATION OF PENFree format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:AMP INCORPORATED, A CORPORATION OF PENNSYLVANIA;REEL/FRAME:011675/0436Effective date: 19990913RotateOriginal ImageGoogle Home - Sitemap - USPTO Bulk Downloads - Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - About Google Patents - Send FeedbackData provided by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services