Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US6146576?dq=7069184
Timestamp: 2015-01-25 19:38:58
Document Index: 353900620

Matched Legal Cases: ['art. 3', 'art. 11', 'art. 12', 'art 38', 'art 38', 'art 38', 'art 62', 'art 62', 'art 62', 'art 62', 'art 62', 'art 62', 'art 62', 'art 62', 'art 62', 'art 96', 'art 96', 'art 96', 'art 120', 'art 120', 'art 132', 'art 120', 'art 120', 'art 120', 'art 120', 'art 120', 'art 120']

Patent US6146576 - Method of forming advanced cured resin composite parts - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inAdvanced Patent SearchPatentsA unique composite material impregnated with a heat curable resin comprising a layer of conductive fibers and one or more resin carrying layers is utilized to reinforce utility poles by wrapping the material around a portion of the utility pole and causing a current to flow through the conductive fibers...http://www.google.com/patents/US6146576?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US6146576 - Method of forming advanced cured resin composite partsAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS6146576 APublication typeGrantApplication numberUS 08/852,039Publication dateNov 14, 2000Filing dateMay 6, 1997Priority dateAug 8, 1994Fee statusLapsedPublication number08852039, 852039, US 6146576 A, US 6146576A, US-A-6146576, US6146576 A, US6146576AInventorsRichard D. BlackmoreOriginal AssigneeIntralaminar Heat Cure, Inc.Export CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManPatent Citations (58), Non-Patent Citations (10), Referenced by (18), Classifications (76), Legal Events (20) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetMethod of forming advanced cured resin composite partsUS 6146576 AAbstract A unique composite material impregnated with a heat curable resin comprising a layer of conductive fibers and one or more resin carrying layers is utilized to reinforce utility poles by wrapping the material around a portion of the utility pole and causing a current to flow through the conductive fibers to resistively heat the material to the resin. The composite material can also be incorporated into molds to produce cured composite parts. The composite material is also used in the construction of large parts without the need for huge, expensive molds. The conductive fibers in composite parts are oriented in a manner to ensure that the entire part is thoroughly heated during the curing process.
What I claim is: 1. A method of forming a cured composite part comprising the steps of:providing a mold to hold a part formed from a composite material impregnated with a heat curable resin, said mold formed from a cured composite material similar to said composite material of said part such that said mold thermally expands and contracts at a rate substantially equivalent to said part, said mold including an integrated layer of conductive fibers, said mold configured to contact a first portion of said composite material part and to leave a second portion of said composite material part exposed; placing said composite material part in said mold; placing a flexible membrane over said exposed second portion of said composite material part; creating a vacuum between said composite material part and said membrane; causing an electric current to flow through said conductive fibers in said mold to resistively heat said mold to cure said resin in said composite material part; and, releasing said vacuum and removing said composite material part from said mold. 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of:providing said composite material part with a layer of conductive fibers; and, causing an electric current to flow through said conductive layer of said composite material part. 3. The method of claim 1 wherein said providing a mold step comprises providing said mold with a plurality of discrete zones, each zone having a layer of conductive fibers.
4. The method of claim 3 further comprising the steps of:causing electric currents to flow through said conductive fibers of selected zones in said mold; and, providing a controller to separately control each said electric current flowing through each said zone. 5. The method of claim 4 further comprising the step of monitoring a temperature of each said zone.
6. The method of claim 1 further comprising impregnating said composite material part with a resin comprising polyester.
7. The method of claim 1 further comprising impregnating said composite material part with a resin comprising vinyl ester.
8. The method of claim 1 further comprising providing said composite material part with conductive fibers formed from graphite.
9. The method of claim 1 further comprising providing said composite material part with conductive fibers formed from polymer-coated polyester.
10. A method of forming a cured composite part comprising the steps of:providing a mold to hold a composite material part impregnated with a heat curable resin, said mold formed from a cured composite material similar to said composite material of said part such that said mold thermally expands and contracts at a rate substantially equivalent to said part, said mold comprising an integrated layer of conductive fibers, said mold configured to contact a first portion of said composite material part and to leave a second portion of said composite material part exposed; placing said composite material part in said mold; and, causing an electric current to flow through said conductive fibers in said mold to resistively heat said mold to cure said resin in said composite material part. 11. The method of claim 10 further comprising the steps of:providing said composite material part with a layer of conductive fibers; and, causing an electric current to flow through said conductive fibers in said composite material part. 12. The method of claim 11 further comprising the steps of:placing a flexible membrane over said second exposed portion of said composite material part; creating a vacuum between said composite material part and said membrane; and, releasing said vacuum and removing said composite material part from said mold after said causing an electric current steps. 13. A method of forming a cured composite part comprising the steps of:providing a mold to hold a part formed from a composite material impregnated with a heat curable resin, said mold formed from a cured composite material similar to said composite material of said part such that said mold thermally expands and contracts at a rate substantially equivalent to said part, said mold including an integrated layer of conductive fibers, said mold configured to contact a first portion of said composite material and to leave a second portion of said composite material exposed, and said composite material including a layer of conductive fibers; placing said composite material in said mold; placing a flexible membrane over said exposed second portion of said composite material; creating a vacuum between said composite material and said membrane; causing an electric current to flow through said conductive fibers in said mold to resistively heat said mold; causing an electric current to flow through said layer of conductive fibers in said composite material and, releasing said vacuum and removing said composite material from said mold. 14. The method of claim 13 further comprising the steps of:providing said mold formed from a cured resin. 15. A method of forming a cured composite part comprising the steps of:providing a part formed from a composite material impregnated with a heat curable resin, said part including a layer of conductive fibers; providing a mold having a concave shaped cavity adapted to support said part, said mold formed from a cured composite material similar to said composite material of said part such that said mold thermally expands and contracts at a rate substantially equivalent to said part, said mold including an integrated layer of conductive fibers, said cavity configured to contact a first portion of said part and to leave a second portion of said part exposed; placing said part in said cavity; placing a flexible membrane over said exposed second portion of said part; creating a vacuum between said part and said membrane; applying an electric current to flow through said conductive fibers in said mold and said part to resistively heat said mold and said part whereby said mold and said part expand and contract at said substantially equivalent rate; further applying said electric current such that said resin in said part cures; and, releasing said vacuum and removing said cured part from said cavity. Description
RELATED APPLICATION This application is a continuation of Ser. No. 08/467,460 filed Jun. 6, 1995, now abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 08/287,120 filed Aug. 8, 1994, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,648,137.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The technology of producing composite material components or parts, which include a heat curable resin system, is polarized. At one end of the scale, there exists low cost, low quality, "engineered" composites. While at the other end, high quality "advanced" composite materials are extremely costly to produce. Such advanced, composite materials are highly desirable for use in many applications due to their high strength, low weight, and other beneficial physical properties. Accordingly, a genuine need exists for methods of forming advanced composite material parts at a lower cost.
One reason some advanced material composites areas extremely expensive is that only high performance materials, such as kevlar or graphite, are used to produce such parts. These materials can be very expensive. Additionally, for many applications, expensive molds are required to heat the composite materials to cure a high temperature resin system impregnated in such materials. Alternatively, cumbersome heating blankets can be used. Such blankets are difficult to apply in many applications to thoroughly heat a part, and are inefficient in that much of the heat produced by such blankets is dissipated into the atmosphere. Although lower temperature resin systems can be used (i.e., ambient curing), it is difficult to consistently produce a large number of high quality parts with such systems. This is due to the fact that such systems are dependent on ambient conditions which can vary widely and disrupt the curing cycle.
This method is particularly useful for reinforcing the base area of wooden utility poles. In this situation, lines are used to first secure the pole in an upright position, and a portion of the pole below ground is then exposed. The composite material is then wrapped around the exposed portion and a portion slightly above ground level.
This area typically is the weakest part of the pole due to stress and deterioration. A power source, such as a generator, is then connected by conductive leads to metal bands, which act as electrical contacts, which are connected to the conductive layer of the composite material. The compressive bladder is then put in place a:and inflated. The generator is then operated to cause an electric current to flow through the composite material.
After a cure cycle of approximately 30-90 minutes, the bladder is removed, the leads are disconnected, and the exposed portion of the pole is reburied.
Another aspect of the invention is utilized in the manufacture of plastic composite material parts using curing molds formed from the same or similar composite material, and which include a layer of conductive material. Use of such molds provide for the manufacture of higher quality, more consistent parts. This is because the thermal expansion and contraction characteristics (i.e., during the heating and cooling portions of the curing cycle respectively) of the mold match those of the composite material being cured. In this manner, the mold applies a consistent compressing, holding force to the part during the curing process. Unlike prior metal molds, the part: will not peel away from the mold during the curing cycle due to thermal expansion or contraction of the part which is greater or less than the expansion or contraction of the mold. Such unmatched thermal expansion and contraction characteristics can result in warped, damaged parts. In operation, the conductive layers in the mold and the conductive layers in the composite material are resistively heated to cure the resin in the material.
The conductive fabric can then be combined with other materials, such as non-woven polyester fabrics, to form a composite material. One application that benefits from having the conducting fibers of the fabric at an oblique angle is for a parallelogram-shaped composite materials. For such shapes, if electrical contacts are placed on either side of the parallelogram, fabrics which have fibers running perpendicular to each other cannot be effectively used to create a resistive path throughout the entire part However, by orienting the conducting fibers at an angle corresponding to the sides adjacent the electrical contacts, a more complete resistive heating of the part can be effected.
Further aspects of the invention are described in tire detailed description or shown in the Figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 discloses a perspective view of a composite material being placed around a pole in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 4 discloses a perspective view of a second, embodiment of the composite material of FIG. 1 wrapped around a pole in a spiral fashion;
FIG. 23 discloses a cross sectional view of the composite material of FIG. 20;
FIG. 24 discloses an enlarged cross sectional view of the composite material of FIG. 23; and
FIG. 25 is a graphic representation of a system for controlling the temperature of separate zones in a mold.
In the past, composite materials have been wrapped around the base of such poles, and have then been impregnated on site with a resin system which cures at a relatively low temperature (e.g., about 77� F.) This is typically referred to as an ambient cure system since only ambient temperature is used to cure the resin. A sleeve is wrapped around the composite and the resin system is poured into the sleeve. The sleeve is then tightened causing the resin to migrate through the composite material. This procedure has several problems since it is dependent on the ambient temperature. If it is too cold, the resin will not cure and may migrate to the bottom of the composite before the temperature rises sufficiently to cure. If it is too hot, the resin may cure before it is in place. Both situations are undesirable.
Attempts have been made to utilize a resin system with a higher cure temperature (e.g., 125�-150� F.) and to preimpregnate the composite materials before wrapping it around the pole. Such materials are easier to handle than those which are impregnated on site. With such systems, it is necessary to provide some means to heat the composite material in order to enable the resin to cure. Heating blankets made of copper were used in efforts to obtain the required temperature in the composite material. However, heating blankets were cumbersome and difficult to apply in the field. Additionally, they required a great deal of power since much of the heat was dissipated into the atmosphere, and had to be left in place for long periods of time in order to ensure that the entire composite material was heated sufficiently. The present invention overcomes the problems associated with these other methods.
In accordance with the present invention, FIG. 1 discloses a composite material 10 which can be wrapped around a utility pole 12 to reinforce and strengthen the pole 12. As a preliminary matter, the pole is first secured in place by tying securement lines (not shown) to an upper portion of the pole 12 and staking the lines to the ground. Three to four lines in opposed directions are typically sufficient. The base of the pole is then evacuated in order to expose about a four foot section of the pole previously underground, and to allow sufficient access to the area to be reinforced (this is one reason it is necessary to first secure the pole) In a typical utility pole about one third of its length is below ground level.
To cure the resin, a power generator (not shown) having a first lead 24 and a second lead 26 is provided. As shown in FIG. 3, the first lead 24 is connected to the first contact 14 and the second lead 26 is connected to the; second contact 15 to create an electric circuit. Depending on the size of the bladder, the leads 24,26 from the power generator may have to be connected to the contacts 14,15 before the bladder is put in place. The generator is then turned on to cause a current to flow through the conductive layer of the composite material 10 to resistively heat the composite material 10 for a period of 30-90 minutes. A. sufficient current is applied to the conductive layer of the composite material 10 in order to heat the composite material 10 to a temperature to cure the impregnated resin. Although either alternating current or direct current may be used, it has been found that direct current provides a more even resistive heating of the composite material.
It has been found that approximately 3-31/2 volts per foot of length and approximately 7-10 amps per inch of diameter is required to heat the composite material 10 to 250� F. Accordingly, for the dimensions of the composite material 10 disclosed in FIG. 1, approximately 15-20 kilowatts of power is required. The composite material 10 is preferably raised to 250� F. in order to ensure that there are no cold spots in the composite material during the curing stage.
FIG. 7 discloses a cross-section of a mold 30 in an open position having a first mold half or portion 32, and a second mold half or portion 34. The mold halves 32,34 are supported and guided by posts 36; however, a clam shell type mold, or other known configurations can be used. The mold 30 is configured to hold and compress a part 38 formed from a composite material which includes at least one layer of conductive fibers. The preferred forms of the composite material are described in more detail below.
Once the composite material 38 is placed in the mold 30, the mold halves 32,34 are clamped shut as shown in FIG. 8. At this point resin would be injected into the composite material 38 if it was not preimpregnated with the resin. A power generator 54 (not shown) is used to supply Current to the conductive layers 44,46 in the mold halves 32,34 and to the conductive layer in the composite material 38. The composite material part 38 includes exposed sections 40,42 of the conductive fibers in the part 38 which are placed in line with electrical contacts 52,54 in the mold in order to allow for electrical contact with the power generator 54. Preferably, the mold 30 includes connections so that the conductive layers 44, 46 in the mold 30 and the conductive layer in the composite material 38, are placed in series. Alternatively, separate connections can be made to these layers. This is important when it is necessary to supply different currents to the layers as described below.
Large structural composite material parts, such as boat hulls, trailer side walls, and walls for utility buildings are typically impregnated with a resin system which cures at a low temperature (e.g., 77� F.) and are cured in large open molds which conform to and support the bottom of the part while leaving the top of the part exposed. As mentioned above, this is referred to as an ambient cure, in that ambient temperature is used to effect the cure. Since the cure is dependent on ambient temperature, various problems are associated with production of such parts. If the ambient temperature is too cold, the part will not. cure, allowing the resin to migrate to the bottom of the part until raised to a sufficient temperature Alternatively, if the ambient temperature is too hot, the resin will cure before it is thoroughly impregnated in the composite material.
A composite material part 62 which includes a layer of conductive fibers is preformed into the boat hull shape and impregnated with a heat curable resin having a high cure temperature (e.g., 125�-150� F.). The conductive fibers are integrally consolidated into the composite material. The composite material part 62 is placed in the lower portion 68 of the mold 60. The composite material part 62 includes two exposed portions 70,72 of the conductive layer which coincide with the contacts 64,66 in the mold 60.
A top portion 74 of the mold 60 which supports FL flexible membrane 76 is placed over the composite material part 62. A vacuum is created by a pump (not shown) between the membrane and the composite material part 62 through ports (not shown) in the mold 60. The vacuum allows atmospheric pressure to compress and hold the part 62 during the curing operation.
To cure the part, a power generator (not shown) having first and a second lead 78,80 is connected to the mold 60 so that it is in electrical contact with the conductive fibers in the composite material part 62. The power generator is used to cause a current to flow through the conductive fibers of the composite material part 62 sufficient to resistively heat the part 62 to cure the resin. After the cure cycle is complete, the vacuum is released and the finished part is removed from the mold.
The mold 60 can be further controlled by providing a plurality of discrete sections or zones of conductive fibers. Each zone can be monitored and separately controlled to achieve a particular temperature. In this manner, the mold 60 can be more readily controlled to match the characteristics of the composite part to enhance the cure. This may advantageous for composite parts having non-uniform shapes, or having portions constructed from different materials. In such instances it may be necessary increase or otherwise vary the temperature of different portions of the mold 60.
Referring to FIG. 25, thermocouples connected to each zone of conductive fibers can be used to monitor the temperature of each zone by a computer 180, or microprocessor. The computer can also be used to control a temperature controller 182 which in turn controls a power controller 184. The power controller can provide different currents to each zone to separately control the temperature of each zone.
The present invention can also be used to form tubing and other hollow shaped composite material parts.
Reference is made to FIG. 12-16 which disclose a process for forming such parts.
A composite material part 96, shown in FIG. 12, is preformed into tubular shape and is positioned over an expandable mandrel or bladder 98, shown in FIG. 13. The composite material part 96 includes a layer of conductive fibers 100 which are integrally consolidated as part of the composite material. The conductive fibers 100 are exposed at opposite ends 99,101 of the part 96, and the composite material is impregnated with a heat curable resin system.
This principle can be illustrated by examining a composite material part 120 having a parallelogram shape as shown in FIG. 17, which runs from one side 121 of a rectangular piece of conductive fabric 122 to the other 123. Electrical contacts 124,126 are connected to opposing parallel sides 128,130 of the part 120. The opposing sides 128,130 are smaller than the remaining two sides of the part 132,134, and thus smaller contacts are needed. In this situation, the cross-machine fibers 136 are acting as conducting fibers. However, if the cross-machine fibers 136 are perpendicular to the machine fibers 138 of the fabric 122, the effective conductive path through the part 120 is limited, which results in an ineffective cure.
Although it is possible to place electrical contacts along the remaining sides 132,134, of the part 120, which would provide a conductive path throughout the entire fabric using the machine direction fibers 138, which would be the conducting fibers, the larger size of the contacts would require greater power to effectively resistively heat the part 120.
One way to obtain an effective cure with less power consumption is to orient the fabric 122 so that the cross-machine fibers 136 are parallel to the remaining sides 132,134 of the part 120, as shown in FIG. 18. This provides a conductive path throughout the part 120 while using the contacts 124,126. However, this method requires a wider piece of fabric 140 (shown in phantom) in order to cover the entire part 120. An alternative method, which would not require a larger sized fabric, is to create a piece of fabric 142 having conducting fibers oriented at an oblique angle with respect to machine direction fibers such as that shown in FIG. 19. various combinations of these techniques can be used to minimize the number and size of electrical contacts necessary to provide for the most effective conductive path for parts of even more complex shapes,
Preferably, the resin carrying layers 152 and 156 are fabrics made from either 2-4 ounces per square yard of air layered non-woven fiberglass, Kevlar, polyester, or nylon.
For those applications which require a smooth surface to the finished cured part, a spun-lace non-woven polyester or nylon fabric is preferred.
The conductive layer 154 can be formed from several different fabrics having conductive fibers. Factors such as the cost, strength and weight of the finished part can be taken into consideration when deciding on which fabrics are best suited for a particular application. One material which may be used is a plan weave graphite fiber fabric. Preferably, the fabric is approximately 6-9 ounces per square yard and includes 10 bundles of graphite fibers per square inch (this is known in the fabric industry as "10pick") where each bundle has approximately 12,000 strands. A second fabric which may be utilized is a carbon black glass fabric which is preferably about 12 ounces per square yard. Alternatively, a third type of fabric may be used, such as a conductive polymer-coated fabric. Certain such polymers are described in an article by K. F. Schoch, Jr. "Update On Electrically Conductive Polymers and Their Applications" in the IEEE Electrical Insulation Magazine, May/June 1994, Vol. 10, No. 3.
In FIG. 22, the second conductive layer 164' includes a plurality of conducting fibers 172 oriented at about a 45� angle with respect to the edge 174 of the layer 172. The fourth conductive layer 168' also includes a plurality of parallel conducting fibers 176. However, the conducting fibers 176 in the fourth layer 168' are oriented at about a 135� ngle with respect to the edge 178 of the layer 168'. In this manner, a more effective resistive heat treatment can be utilized to ensure that all areas of the composite material 160 are sufficiently heated to cures impregnated resin. Orientation of the conducting fibers becomes more important as the complexity of the shape of the composite material increases.
The layers in all three embodiments, disclosed in FIGS. 20-22 are consolidated into a single composite material with the conducting layers being integrally a part of the material. This is preferably done by needle-punching the fabric layers to place a number of fibers 180 in the depth direction of the composite material. This is shown in FIGS. 23 and 24 with respect to the embodiment shown in FIG. 20; however, the embodiments shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 can also be consolidated in the same manner Preferably, size HDB36 needles at 600 penetrations per square inch is sufficient to consolidate the layers. Also, it is preferred that the needle size be small enough so that material from the outer layers will fill the barb of the needle. In this manner, the needle will merely push through the conductive layers without substantially disrupting or snagging the electrical path created by the conducting fibers. The greater the penetrations per inch, the flatter the composite material will be.
Other types of resin systems which may be utilized in the embodiments of the invention disclosed above include resins which comprise one or more of: cyanate ester, phenolic, polyurethane, polyvinyle chloride, polycarbonate, polyamide, polyethelene terephthalate, or liquid crystal polymers. Additionally the resin system may include a conductive polymer to assist in generating electrical resistive heat to cure the resin. The polymers can be made electrically conductive by addition of carbon black, nickel, silver or other metals in a powdered form.
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DrakeColumn structures and methods for supporting compressive loadsUS6814563 *Dec 22, 2000Nov 9, 2004Saab AbHolding device for holding an article and a plant for heat treatment of an articleUS7332049Dec 22, 2004Feb 19, 2008General Electric CompanyMethod for fabricating reinforced composite materialsUS7335012Dec 22, 2004Feb 26, 2008General Electric CompanyApparatus for fabricating reinforced composite materialsUS7431978Dec 22, 2004Oct 7, 2008General Electric CompanyReinforced matrix composite containment ductUS7867566Oct 26, 2007Jan 11, 2011General Electric CompanyMethod for fabricating reinforced composite materialsUS7964131 *Nov 8, 2004Jun 21, 2011Airbus Deutschland GmbhMethod and apparatus for activating the binder on a semi-finished fiber preform by direct heating of carbon fibers through an applied electrical voltageUS8127450 *Jan 29, 2009Mar 6, 2012Airbus Operations GmbhMethod for producing a sandwich construction, in particular a sandwich construction for the aeronautical and aerospace fieldsUS8357325 *Dec 10, 2008Jan 22, 2013General Electric CompanyMoulds with integrated heating and methods of making the sameUS8764428 *Apr 12, 2012Jul 1, 2014Fundacion Tecnalia Research & InnovationDevice for the preparation of preforms of carbon fiber-reinforced componentsUS20100044912 *Jul 4, 2007Feb 25, 2010Pierre ZahlenMethod For Producing a Fiber Composite Component For Aviation and SpaceflightUS20120288583 *Apr 12, 2012Nov 15, 2012Fundacion Tecnalia Research & InnovationDevice for the preparation of preforms of carbon fiber-reinforced componentsEP1493545A1 *Jun 30, 2004Jan 5, 2005Kunststoff-Technik Scherer &amp; Trier GmbH &amp; Co. KGAirbag cover and process for producing an airbag coverEP1513991A2 *May 8, 2003Mar 16, 2005Forward Ventures, LPA conductor polymer backfill composition and method of use as a reinforcement material for utility polesWO2006106195A1 *Mar 6, 2006Oct 12, 2006JallaisLaminated heating device and method for producing sameWO2008129266A1 *Apr 18, 2008Oct 30, 2008Dunne Desmond CMethod of coating a surface with sheet moulding compound and surface protection arrangementWO2014107736A1 *Jan 7, 2014Jul 10, 2014University Of Washington Through Its Center For CommercializationEmbedded section heater for bonding composite structures, and associated apparatuses and methods* Cited by examinerClassifications U.S. Classification264/404, 264/511, 264/450, 264/453, 264/402, 264/510, 264/571, 249/78, 156/273.9, 425/389International ClassificationB29C33/02, B29C33/06, B29C41/20, E04C5/07, B29C65/00, B29C65/50, B29C70/88, B29C35/02, E04G23/02, B29C70/86, E04H12/22, B29C73/00, B29C33/38, B29C41/50, B29C65/34, B29C33/48Cooperative ClassificationB29C65/3488, B29C65/3492, B29C65/3476, B29C65/3468, B29C66/4329, B29C66/45, B29C66/81471, B29C66/494, B29C66/4322, B29C35/0272, B29C65/3436, E04H12/2292, B29C66/81455, B29C41/20, B29C2037/903, B29C33/06, B29C70/882, B29C33/02, B29C33/38, B29C35/02, B29C33/48, B29C2035/0211, E04G23/0218, B29L2031/766, E04C5/07, B29C41/50, B29C73/00, B29C70/34, B29C70/86, B29C66/1122, B29C65/344, B29C66/91411, B29C66/91221, B29C66/91655European ClassificationB29C66/81455, B29C66/5221, B29C66/1142, B29C65/50B, B29C66/1122, B29C41/50, B29C33/06, B29C70/88A, E04G23/02C, E04H12/22E, B29C65/34, B29C35/02, B29C41/20, E04C5/07, B29C70/86, B29C35/02LLegal EventsDateCodeEventDescriptionJan 1, 2013FPExpired due to failure to pay maintenance feeEffective date: 20121114Nov 14, 2012LAPSLapse for failure to pay maintenance feesJun 25, 2012REMIMaintenance fee reminder mailedJan 6, 2012ASAssignmentOwner name: ENERGY MAINTENANCE SERVICES GROUP I, INC., TEXASFree format text: CONVERSION FROM A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY TO A CORPORATION;ASSIGNOR:ENERGY MAINTENANCE SERVICES GROUP I, LLC;REEL/FRAME:027491/0285Effective date: 20111230Dec 28, 2011ASAssignmentEffective date: 20111227Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:ENERGY MAINTENANCE SERVICES GROUP I, LLC;REEL/FRAME:027457/0063Owner name: VICTORY PARK MANAGEMENT, LLC, AS AGENT, ILLINOISMar 11, 2010ASAssignmentOwner name: VICTORY PARK MANAGEMENT, LLC,ILLINOISEffective date: 20100303Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:ENERGY MAINTENANCE SERVICES GROUP I, LLC;REEL/FRAME:024066/0250Owner name: VICTORY PARK MANAGEMENT, LLC, ILLINOISMar 30, 2009PRDPPatent reinstated due to the acceptance of a late maintenance feeEffective date: 20090331Mar 3, 2009ASAssignmentOwner name: ENERGY MAINTENANCE SERVICES GROUP I, LLC, TEXASFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF AN ADDITIONAL UNDIVIDED 25% INTEREST OF ASSIGNOR S ORIGINAL ENTIRE INTEREST IN ALL PROPERTIES LISTED IN THIS ASSIGNMENT;ASSIGNOR:VERLINE, INCORPORATED;REEL/FRAME:022331/0540Effective date: 20080415Feb 19, 2009SULPSurcharge for late paymentFeb 19, 2009FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 8Jan 6, 2009FPExpired due to failure to pay maintenance feeEffective date: 20081114Nov 14, 2008REINReinstatement after maintenance fee payment confirmedAug 28, 2008ASAssignmentOwner name: ENERGY MAINTENANCE SERVICES GROUP I, LLC, TEXASFree format text: CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE REMOVE THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS;ASSIGNOR:VERLINE, INCORPORATED;REEL/FRAME:021450/0834Effective date: 20080415May 26, 2008REMIMaintenance fee reminder mailedApr 18, 2008ASAssignmentOwner name: ENERGY MAINTENANCE SERVICES GROUP I, LLC, TEXASFree format text: SUPPLEMENTAL PATENT ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:VERLINE, INCORPORATED;REEL/FRAME:020817/0886Effective date: 20080415Feb 8, 2008ASAssignmentOwner name: ENERGY MAINTENANCE SERVICES GROUP I, LLC, TEXASFree format text: CONVEYANCE OF 50% INTEREST IN ALL PATENTS AND APPLICATIONS;ASSIGNOR:VERLINE, INCORPORATED;REEL/FRAME:020487/0090Effective date: 20080129Nov 14, 2005ASAssignmentOwner name: VERLINE INC. & VERLINE INSTALLATION INC., TEXASFree format text: RECORD TO REMOVE 6797358, 5245351 AND 6147576 ON A DOCUMENT PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 015778 FRAME 0360;ASSIGNORS:BLACKMORE, RICHARD D.;IHC REHABILITATION PRODUCTS INC.;INTRALAMINER HEAT CURE INC.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:017015/0402Effective date: 20030701Sep 14, 2004ASAssignmentOwner name: VERLINE INSTALLATION, INC., TEXASFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:BLACKMORE, RICHARD D.;IHC REHABILITATION PRODUCTS, INC.;INTRALAMINAR HEAT CURE, INC.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:015778/0360Effective date: 20030701Owner name: VERLINE, INC., TEXASMay 14, 2004FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 4Jul 12, 2000ASAssignmentOwner name: INTRALAMINAR HEAT CURE, INC., D/B/A IHC REHABILITAFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:BLACKMORE, RICHARD D.;REEL/FRAME:010959/0609Effective date: 20000619RotateOriginal ImageGoogle Home - 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