Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1982-1989
Title: The Innovations of Calvin Richardson: A Trailblazer in Decorative Laminates
Introduction
Calvin Richardson, an inventive mind located in Cincinnati, OH, has made significant contributions to the field of decorative laminates. With a keen focus on enhancing the durability and functionality of laminate materials, Calvin has secured two notable patents that showcase his innovative approach to material science and engineering.
Latest Patents
Calvin’s latest patents focus on advancements in damage-resistant decorative laminate technology. One patent describes a "Damage Resistant Decorative Laminate," which features a combination of a substrate and a decorative sheet designed to have improved resistance against marring, abrasion, staining, and crocking. This laminate consists of a unique layer on the exposed surface that includes a thermoset resin, substantially fully hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol, fumed amorphous silica, and particulate abrasive material with a hardness greater than that of silica. The resulting product demonstrates excellent abrasion resistance, exceeding 3000 cycles in accordance with the NEMA Wear test (LD 3-3.01).
Additionally, he is credited with a patent for a "Process for the Preparation of a Fully Hydrolyzed Polyvinyl Alcohol." This process innovatively combines melamine, formaldehyde, and fully hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol at temperatures ranging from 80 to 90 degrees Celsius. The resulting product exhibits a remarkable water tolerance of about 300% to 1000% when tested with 5-degree Celsius water, using a mole ratio of melamine to formaldehyde from about 1:1.5 to 1:1.8.
Career Highlights
Calvin Richardson's work at Formica Corporation has positioned him as a leading innovator in the decorative laminate industry. His dedication to research and development has not only led to his patent successes but has also positively impacted the materials used in various applications, from furniture and countertops to architectural elements.
Collaborations
During his career, Calvin has collaborated with notable colleagues such as John J. Park and Paul W. White. These partnerships have driven collective innovation, fostering an environment where ideas can flourish and transform into practical solutions in the field of decorative laminates.
Conclusion
Calvin Richardson stands out as a prominent inventor whose contributions to the decorative laminate sector have modernized how materials are crafted and utilized. His patents reflect a commitment to advancing the quality and resilience of products, ensuring that they meet the ever-evolving demands of consumers and industries alike. As an integral part of Formica Corporation, Calvin continues to push the boundaries of innovation, setting new standards in material design and functionality.