Stephen R Shelley

Title: Stephen R. Shelley: Patents for Solvent-Based Film Drying

Introduction

Stephen R. Shelley is an inventor associated with Spencerport, New York, and Eastman Kodak Company. His patent work addresses the production and drying of solvent-based polymer films using an endless-belt casting apparatus. Shelley holds 2 patents.

Latest Patents

Shelley’s listed patents, “Method for Drying Solvent-Based Film” and “Apparatus for Drying Solvent-Based Film,” describe related approaches to controlling gas flow and cooling during film production.

The methods direct gas across a polymer-and-solvent layer carried on an endless belt. In the initial compartments, elongated inlet channels deliver gas to the layer, while plenums withdraw gas and solvent vapors. In subsequent compartments, inlet plenums supply gas and exhaust channels remove the resulting flows. The designs also direct gas toward the belt’s inner side throughout the compartments and use cooling nozzles near the belt edges in the initial compartments.

Career Highlights

Shelley’s patents focus on equipment and processes for drying solvent-based films. The described arrangements coordinate gas delivery, vapor removal, and belt cooling across different stages of an endless-belt casting system.

Collaborations

Carl F. Dresie and Shamal L. Suthar are identified as Shelley’s coworkers. The available information does not specify their roles in the patents or their particular contributions.

Conclusion

Stephen R. Shelley’s patent portfolio reflects work on integrated film-drying methods and apparatus, with attention to airflow, solvent-vapor extraction, and cooling in continuous belt-casting production.