George F Walker

US Patent:

46422544, Feb 10, 1987

Filed:

Mar 4, 1986

Appl. No.:

6/835890

Inventors:

George E. Walker - Longmeadow MA

Assignee:

Monsanto Company - St. Louis MO

International Classification:

B29C 6100

US Classification:

428 36

Abstract:

A process and device utilizing the memory characteristics of cross-linked polymers for temporarily holding and releasing parts or components is presented. In a first step, a polymeric material or part capable of being cross-linked is formed into a first "memory" shape. Thereafter, in a next step, the polymer is cross-linked via irradiation or any other suitable technique to fix or lock the polymer into the first memory shape. Next, the polymer is heated and deformed to a second shape and thereafter cooled to lock in that second shape. During the deformation process, the cross-linked polymer will preferably be deformed about a second component or part so that upon cooling, the second part will be tightly held by the deformed polymer. Thus, the second part or component will be temporarily held for any desired length of time. When it is desired to release the second part, the deformed cross-linked polymer part is subjected to a second heating (above its transition temperature) whereupon the polymer will revert back to its first memory shape and thereby release the second part or component held therein.

US Patent:

47498560, Jun 7, 1988

Filed:

May 29, 1986

Appl. No.:

6/868628

Inventors:

George E. Walker - Longmeadow MA
William K. Fisher - New Britain CT

Assignee:

Monsanto Company - St. Louis MO

International Classification:

H01J 516

US Classification:

250227

Abstract:

An optical sensing device which incorporates a suitable optical sensor system, preferably a fiber optics system, with a suitable environmental sensitive polymeric material is presented. The polymeric material must be of the type which undergoes wavelength-independent changes in optical properties in response to environmental changes. Accordingly, preferred polymers include crosslinked, semicrystalline polymers, high strength amorphous polymers, and polymer blends. This novel combination will accurately and, at times, reversibly measure and detect temperature, humidity, pressure, position, radiation, flow, stress/strain, light, color, electric field, and a plurality of other properties with respect to changes in the environment.

US Patent:

41980204, Apr 15, 1980

Filed:

Aug 14, 1978

Appl. No.:

5/933527

Inventors:

George A. Walker - Middlebury CT
Leavenworth P. Sperry - Middlebury CT
Robert B. Sutherland - Wilton CT

Assignee:

Waterbury Companies, Inc. - Waterbury CT

International Classification:

A47G 2302

US Classification:

248154

Abstract:

Our invention relates to improved devices for supporting in upright position, containers for plants, flowers, liquids, etc. during transportation of same, or when located in exposed situations, comprising a "knock-down" base, resilient elements releasably and adjustably secured thereto and carrying receptacle engaging elements.

US Patent:

46379444, Jan 20, 1987

Filed:

Mar 19, 1985

Appl. No.:

6/713477

Inventors:

George E. Walker - Longmeadow MA

Assignee:

Monsanto Company - St. Louis MO

International Classification:

B29C 6100

US Classification:

428 35

Abstract:

A process and device utilizing the memory characteristics of cross-linked polymers for temporarily holding and releasing parts or components is presented. In a first step, a polymeric material or part capable of being cross-linked is formed into a first "memory" shape. Thereafter, in a next step, the polymer is cross-linked via irradiation or any other suitable technique to fix or lock the polymer into the first memory shape. Next, the polymer is heated and deformed to a second shape and thereafter cooled to lock in that second shape. During the deformation process, the cross-linked polymer will preferably be deformed about a second component or part so that upon cooling, the second part will be tightly held by the deformed polymer. Thus, the second part or component will be temporarily held for any desired length of time. When it is desired to release the second part, the deformed cross-linked polymer part is subjected to a second heating (above its transition temperature) whereupon the polymer will revert back to its first memory shape and thereby release the second part or component held therein.

US Patent:

D2550890, May 27, 1980

Filed:

Oct 12, 1977

Appl. No.:

5/841641

Inventors:

George A. Walker - Middlebury CT

Assignee:

Talley Industries, Inc. - Mesa AZ

International Classification:

D0805

US Classification:

D 8 4