W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.

Gore Enterprise Holdings, Inc.

Gregory D Culler

William D Kelsey

John Holcombe

Edward C Gunzel

Philip James Smith

Emmanuel Gustav Van-Dyck

Emmanuel Van Dyck

Brian Farnworth

William Gorak

Mark J Courtney

Neil R Williams

Joanne G Pheris

Christopher S Weyl

Todd B Olson

John D Holcombe

John Holocombe

Geometrically incised fabrics that control reflectance and transmission in the visible, thermal, nIR, SWIR, and microwave/millimeter bands of the electromagnetic spectrum are provided. The incised fabrics include incised flaps that move about a hinged attachment portion into open and closed configurations. The incised flaps may be oriented in patterns containing overlapping, inverted incised flaps, overlapping inverted and non-inverted incised flaps, or in block patterns of incised flaps. Selective transmission of electromagnetic waves can be modulated by the geometry of the incised flaps and the amount of tension applied to the incised fabric. The incised fabric includes a composite material including an asymmetric ePTFE laminate, a metalized layer, an ePTFE membrane layer, and a textile. A second ePTFE asymmetric laminate and a metal layer may be attached to the composite material to form a reversible composite. Incised fabrics may be used to form selective, multispectral reflective covers and garments.

Incised composite material for selective, multispectral reflection

A selectively reflective construct, and a method for making the construct, are described. In one embodiment reflectance, transmission and absorption properties may be controlled in multiple electromagnetic bands. A construct is described comprising a) a thermally transparent, visually opaque substrate comprising a polymeric material and a colorant, and b) a thermally reflective layer comprising a low emissivity component which is optionally transparent to radar signal.

Multi-spectral, selectively reflective construct

A selectively reflective construct, and a method for making the construct, are described. In one embodiment reflectance, transmission and absorption properties may be controlled in multiple electromagnetic bands. A construct is described comprising a) a thermally transparent, visually opaque substrate comprising a polymeric material and a colorant, and b) a thermally reflective layer comprising a low emissivity component.

Substrate with camouflage pattern

A chemical protective garment or ensemble is disclosed that comprises a impermeable, protective cooling laminate having a water-holding layer for holding and evaporating liquid, and a chemical barrier. The water-holding layer has a water-holding capacity of at least about 5% wt., and the suit is designed to retain sufficient liquid to provide cooling to a wearer upon evaporation of the liquid from the suit.

Cooled protective garment

A protective garment ensemble comprising a suit having arm-receiving and leg-receiving portions, a hood portion and an opening adjacent the hood opening through which the suit can be donned and doffed and which mates with a removable face portion, the ensemble having mating fastener components around the suit opening and the face portion to form a seal between the suit and the removable face portion.

Protective garment ensemble

The present invention describes chemical protective enclosure comprising a waterproof outer surface comprising an impermeable portion and an air diffusive portion, and further comprising a chemically adsorptive material substantially adjacent the air diffusive portion, wherein there is sufficient diffusion of breathable air into the chemical protective enclosure to sustain life.

Protective enclosure

A textile material having thermal image masking or suppression in the mid and far infra-red region without compromising the effectiveness of visual and near IR camouflage or comfort level, or the effectiveness, and mobility of a person. Specifically the invention is directed to an air permeable, moisture vapor transmissive, waterproof, heat reflecting material consisting essentially of at least one metallized microporous membrane, with an oleophobic coating over the metallized portions thereof. This membrane is laminated to at least one other layer or textile backing material such as woven, nonwoven or knitted nylon, polyester, cotton, silk, etc. or additional microporous layers, in which the metal in the metallized membrane forms a discontinuous layer on the surface and on the pore walls adjacent the surface of the microporous membrane.

Infra-red reflective coverings

A textile material is described which provides thermal image masking or suppression in the mid and far infra-red region without compromising the effectiveness of visual and near IR camouflage or comfort level, or the effectiveness, and mobility of a person. This is achieved by incorporating a metallized microporous membrane into a typical article of clothing or covering, e.g. tents, which suppresses thermal imaging. Specifically an air permeable, moisture vapor transmissive, waterproof, heat reflecting material of at least one metallized microporous membrane is laminated to at least one other layer or textile backing material such as woven, nonwoven or knitted nylon, polyester, cotton, silk, etc. or additional microporous layers, in which the metal in the metallized membrane forms a discontinuous layer an the surface and on the pore walls adjacent the surface of the microporous membrane.

Growing community of inventors

Nottingham, PA, United States of America

Gregory D Culler