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US 8,709,309 B2Granted
Devices and methods for the production of coaxial microfibers and nanofibers
AssigneeFibeRio Technologies Corporation
InventorsEd Peno, Roger Lipton
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Described herein are apparatuses and methods of creating fibers, such as microfibers and nanofibers. The methods discussed herein employ centrifugal forces to transform material into fibers. Apparatuses that may be used to create fibers are also described. Described herein are fiber producing devices that are capable of producing coaxial fibers.
Claims45
A device for use in a microfiber and/or nanofiber producing system, the device comprising:
- a body comprising one or more openings and a coupling member, wherein the body is configured to receive material to be produced into a fiber;
- and
- one or more outlet elements coupled to one or more of the openings, wherein the one or more outlet elements comprise an outer conduit and an inner conduit, wherein the inner conduit is sized and positioned inside of the outer conduit such that material flows through the inner conduit and the outer conduit during use, wherein the outlet elements are removably couplable to the body;
- wherein, during use, rotation of the body coupled to the driver causes material in the body to be ejected through the inner conduit and outer conduit of the outlet elements to produce coaxial microfibers and/or nanofibers.
1 more element
A microfiber and/or nanofiber producing system comprising:
- a fiber producing device comprising:
- a body comprising one or more openings and a coupling member, wherein the body is configured to receive material to be produced into a fiber;
- and
- one or more outlet elements coupled to one or more of the openings, wherein the one or more outlet elements comprise an outer conduit and an inner conduit, wherein the inner conduit is sized and positioned inside of the outer conduit such that material flows through the inner conduit and the outer conduit during use;
- a driver capable of rotating the fiber producing device, wherein the fiber producing device is couplable to the driver through the coupling member;
- and
- a heating device thermally coupled to the fiber producing device;
- wherein, during use, rotation of the fiber producing device coupled to the driver causes material in the body to be ejected through the inner conduit and outer conduit of the outlet elements to produce coaxial microfibers and/or nanofibers.
5 more elements
A method of producing microfibers and/or nanofibers, comprising:
- placing material in a fiber producing device, the fiber producing device comprising:
- a body comprising one or more openings and a coupling member, wherein the body is configured to receive material to be produced into a fiber;
- and
- one or more outlet elements coupled to one or more of the openings, wherein the one or more outlet elements comprise an outer conduit and an inner conduit, wherein the inner conduit is sized and positioned inside of the outer conduit such that material flows through the inner conduit and the outer conduit during use, wherein the outlet elements are removably couplable to the body;
- rotating the fiber producing device at a speed of at least about 1000 rpm, wherein rotation of the fiber producing device causes material in the body to be ejected through the inner conduit and outer conduit of the outlet elements to produce coaxial microfibers and/or nanofibers;
- and
- collecting at least a portion of the produced microfibers and/or nanofibers.
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.