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For the Inventor, By the Inventor

Maplewood, MN, United States of America

Harold G Sowman

This inventor holds 22 USPTO granted patents. Top assignees: 3M Innovative Properties Company, General Atomic Company. Active years: 1977-1993.

IDiyas Innovation Intelligence. (2026). Inventor Profile: Harold G Sowman. Retrieved from https://idiyas.com/inventor/harold-g-sowman

Data source: USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) public patent records. Weekly synchronization. How IDiyas builds this profile

USPTO Granted Patents = 22

% Patents Active = 100.0

Average Co-Inventor Count = 1.7

ph-index = 16

Forward Citations = 1,838(Granted Patents)


Location History:

  • Maplewood, MN (US) (1977 - 1985)
  • Saint Paul, MN (US) (1988 - 1991)
  • Stillwater, MN (US) (1987 - 1993)

Company Filing History:

goldMedal20 out of 22,379 
 
3M Innovative Properties Company
 patents
silverMedal2 out of 128 
 
General Atomic Company
 patents

Years Active: 1977-1993

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22 patents (USPTO):Explore Patents
1. 5185299 - Microcrystalline alumina-based ceramic articles (1993-02-09),
2. 5077241 - Sol gel-derived ceramic bubbles (1991-12-31),
3. 5017316 - Internally modified ceramic fiber (1991-05-21),
4. 4929578 - Refractory fibers of alumina and organic residue (1990-05-29),
5. 4883779 - Ceramic articles containing silicon carbide (1989-11-28),
6. 4816333 - Silica coating (1989-03-28),
7. 4801562 - Refractory fibers of alumina and amorphous phosphorus pentoxide (1989-01-31),
8. 4800180 - Ceramic articles containing silicon carbide (1989-01-24),
9. 4797378 - Internally modified ceramic fiber (1989-01-10),
10. 4757036 - Microcrystalline transition metal oxide spinel articles (1988-07-12),
11. 4743511 - Graded refractory cermet article (1988-05-10),
12. 4713300 - Graded refractory cermet article (1987-12-15),
13. 4518397 - Articles containing non-fused aluminum oxide-based abrasive mineral (1985-05-21),
14. 4349456 - Non-vitreous ceramic metal oxide microcapsules and process for making (1982-09-14),
15. 4314827 - Non-fused aluminum oxide-based abrasive mineral (1982-02-09),

Title: The Innovative Contributions of Harold G Sowman

Introduction

Harold G Sowman, a prominent inventor based in Maplewood, MN, has made significant contributions to the field of ceramics through his inventive spirit and extensive research. With a remarkable portfolio of 22 patents, Sowman has pioneered advancements that enhance the functionality and application of ceramic materials.

Latest Patents

Among his latest innovations, Sowman has developed microcrystalline alumina-based ceramic articles that consist of at least 60% alumina by weight with precisely tailored iron equivalence. These ceramic articles possess a unique grain structure with alpha alumina crystallites, contributing to their high strength and density. This technology is particularly advantageous for producing high modulus refractory fibers as well as various shapes such as beads, flakes, and abrasive particles. The sol-gel process employed by Sowman is a noteworthy aspect of his invention, utilizing hydroxy iron polymers to facilitate the alpha alumina transformation, resulting in a fine-grained microstructure.

Additionally, his creation of sol gel-derived ceramic microbubbles stands out. These discrete, free-flowing ceramic microbubbles are characterized by their unique composition and structure, featuring diameters ranging from 1 to 300 micrometers and wall thicknesses comprising less than 10 percent of their diameter. This innovative process allows for the production of uniform, hollow ceramic microbubbles that can be utilized in various applications.

Career Highlights

Harold G Sowman has had a remarkable career with substantial experience at recognized companies. He honed his skills at Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company and General Atomic Company, where his innovations laid the groundwork for advancements in ceramic technologies.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Sowman has collaborated with talented professionals, including notable coworkers Roger W Lange and David R Kaar. These collaborations have enhanced the innovative process behind his patents and fostered an environment of creativity and technological advancement.

Conclusion

With an impressive array of patents, Harold G Sowman has undoubtedly made lasting contributions to the field of ceramics. His pioneering inventions, particularly in microcrystalline alumina ceramics and sol gel-derived ceramic microbubbles, continue to inspire further research and development. His career serves as a testament to the impact of innovation in advancing material technologies.

Profile summary based on public USPTO records.
Data Sources: USPTO Patent Grant XML, Patent Center, EPO & CIPO • Normalized by IDiyas Innovation Graph. Methodology & provenance architecturePlease report any incorrect information to [email protected]
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