Michael L Dotson

US Patent:

8512834, Aug 20, 2013

Filed:

Dec 20, 2007

Appl. No.:

12/520285

Inventors:

Michael E. Dotson - Greenville SC, US

Assignee:

Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin
Michelin Recherche et Technique S. A.

International Classification:

C08G 18/00
C08G 18/08

US Classification:

428 357, 525123, 525127, 524588, 524492, 524479

Abstract:

A polyurethane that is a reaction product of reaction components, the reaction components comprising (a) a polyol; (b) a polyisocyanate selected from an aromatic, alicyclic or aliphatic polyisocyanate or combinations thereof; (c) a mixture of chain extenders that includes (i) a chain extender having a sulfur bridge in an amount of between 1 and 30 weight percent of the total mixture of claim extenders and (ii) a main chain extender, wherein the chain extender having a sulfur bridge. The chain extender having a sulfur bridge may be characterized as R-A-S—B—Rwherein Rand Rare selected from an OH, an NHor combinations thereof, A and B are selected from a divalent aliphatic, alicyclic or aromatic organic group or combinations thereof, A and B may be the same or different and x is an integer of between 2 and 10.

US Patent:

20120318417, Dec 20, 2012

Filed:

Mar 11, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/581003

Inventors:

Michael Edward Dotson - Greenville SC, US
Patrick A. Petri - Greer SC, US
Kirkland W. Vogt - Simpsonville SC, US

International Classification:

B60B 1/00

US Classification:

152 17

Abstract:

A non-pneumatic wheel is provided having a continuous loop reinforcement assembly that can support a load and have performance similar to pneumatic tires. Various configurations of a non-pneumatic wheel, including variations of the continuous loop reinforcement assembly, are provided. One or more resilient spacers can be positioned with the continuous loop reinforcement assembly and can be configured for the receipt of a matrix material.

US Patent:

20130069273, Mar 21, 2013

Filed:

Jul 30, 2012

Appl. No.:

13/561272

Inventors:

Patrick A. PETRI - Greer SC, US
Kirkland W. VOGT - Simpsonville SC, US
Michael Edward DOTSON - Greenville SC, US
Rush W. MARLER - Gainesville GA, US

International Classification:

B32B 37/14
B29C 65/54

US Classification:

264262, 156294

Abstract:

A method is provided for making an annular reinforcement structure having inner and outer reinforcement bands maintained in concentric alignment by a resilient spacing element positioned between the bands. The method includes the steps of placing the spacing element against the inside face of the outer reinforcement band and compressing the spacing element with a jig, adjacent the top edge of the outer reinforcement band. The spacing element is sufficiently compressed to allow the inner reinforcement band to slide into concentric alignment with the outer reinforcement band, with a minimum of deflection and/or distortion of the inner reinforcement band.

US Patent:

20130071582, Mar 21, 2013

Filed:

Sep 20, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/237166

Inventors:

Michael Edward DOTSON - Greenville SC, US
James Endicott - Greenville SC, US
Patrick A. Petri - Greer SC, US
Kirkland W. Vogt - Simpsonville SC, US

International Classification:

B32B 1/08
B29C 65/70

US Classification:

428 341, 264262, 264103

Abstract:

An annular reinforcement structure is provided having a first reinforcement band and a second reinforcement band in a spaced-apart, concentric relationship, and a cast-in-place core material positioned between the first and second reinforcement bands and bonded thereto.

US Patent:

20130071644, Mar 21, 2013

Filed:

Sep 20, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/237045

Inventors:

Brian D. Wilson - Greer SC, US
Michael Edward Dotson - Greenville SC, US
Patrick A. Petri - Greer SC, US
Kirkland W. Vogt - Simpsonville SC, US

International Classification:

B32B 3/26
B29C 39/10

US Classification:

4283044, 264 465

Abstract:

An annular reinforcement structure is provided having an inner reinforcement band, an outer reinforcement band positioned around and concentric with the inner reinforcement band, and a cast-in-place polymer foam spacer, which maintains the spatial orientation of the inner and outer reinforcement bands. The annular reinforcement structure may be embedded in an elastomeric matrix material to provide stability, such as for belt for power transmission.

US Patent:

20130240097, Sep 19, 2013

Filed:

Aug 16, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/819972

Inventors:

Steven M. Cron - Greenville SC, US
Michael Edward Dotson - Greenville SC, US
Kevin C. Miles - Clemson SC, US
Timothy Brett Rhyne - Greenville SC, US

International Classification:

B60B 9/26
B29D 30/02

US Classification:

152 17, 425470

Abstract:

The present invention provides improved spoke edge geometry for a non-pneumatic or hybrid tire that is less prone to fatigue when used. The present invention also provides a way to manufacture such geometry in a mold, In particular the spoke edge geometry is provided with a reduced cross-section that reduces the bending stresses locally and allows a unique mold construction that changes the placement and orientation of potential flash and reduces other potential molding flaws when a liquid such as polyurethane is introduced into the cavity of the mold to form a spoke. This change results in a reduction in the possibility of a stress riser being found near the edge of the spoke, enhancing the durability of the tire.

US Patent:

20130278044, Oct 24, 2013

Filed:

Jun 30, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/977441

Inventors:

Michael Edward Dotson - Greenville SC, US
Rush Marler - Greenville SC, US
Patrick A. Petri - Greer SC, US
Kirkland W. Vogt - Simpsonville SC, US

Assignee:

MICHELIN RECHERCHE et TECHNIQUE S.A. - Granges-Paccot
COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN - Clermont-Ferrand

International Classification:

B60B 1/06
B60C 7/00

US Classification:

301 62, 2989437

Abstract:

A non-pneumatic tire and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. More particularly, a non-pneumatic tire having a reinforcement structure with one or more spacers is provided along with a method of placement of a spacer between reinforcing bands of a non-pneumatic tire. A jig can be used to facilitate placement of the spacer.

US Patent:

20130278045, Oct 24, 2013

Filed:

Sep 9, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/977465

Inventors:

Michael Edward Dotson - Greenville SC, US
Jim Endicott - Greenville SC, US
Patrick A. Petri - Greer SC, US
Kirkland W. Vogt - Simpsonville SC, US

International Classification:

B60B 1/06
B29D 30/02
B60C 7/00

US Classification:

301 79, 264250

Abstract:

A non-pneumatic wheel with reinforcement bands that provide structural support for the wheel and a method of manufacture of such a wheel are described. The reinforcement band forms part of an annular reinforcement structure that includes a core that is cast in place between annular reinforcement bands. The core can be impregnated with a matrix material. The matrix material can also be used to form one or more elements of the non-pneumatic wheel.