Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Craig K. Leon
  • Amine-containing cement processing additives
    Patent number: 7160384
    Abstract: An exemplary method of the invention comprises introducing into a grinding mill, wherein cement clinker is ground to provide cement powder, a diamine such as tetrahydroxylethylethylene diamine, and an alkanolamine such as triethanolamine or triisopropanolamine. The combination of the diamine and alkanolamine provides superior grinding efficiency compared to diamine or alkanolamine added separately.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: W.R. Grace & Co.-Conn.
    Inventor: Leslie A. Jardine
  • In situ molded thermal barriers
    Patent number: 7152385
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for installing barriers in openings of gaps in or between structures such as walls, ceilings, and floors are described herein. At least one barrier molding bag is positioned in the hole or gap, and a flowable firestop material that is preferably operative to cure or harden, such as a hydratable cementitious slurry, is introduced into the bag to create a barrier in the hole or gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: W.R. Grace & Co.-Conn.
    Inventors: Michael D. Morgan, Xiudong Sun, Laura A. Tennenhouse, Robert A. Wiercinski, Benita Dair, Antonio J. Aldykiewicz, Jr., Leon Bablouzian, Lawrence Shapiro, William J. Hurley, Jr.
  • Sulfate dispersion chromate reducer
    Patent number: 7128782
    Abstract: A chromium VI reducing composition comprising particles of solid material selected from the group consisting of iron (II) sulfate and tin sulfate, the particles being substantially uniformly dispersed within a liquid carrier. Methods for modifying hydratable cementitious materials using the chromium reducing composition are also disclosed and provide advantages over dry powder or dissolved forms of sulfate compositions when used in cement manufacturing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: W.R. Grace & Co.-Conn.
    Inventors: Leslie A. Jardine, Charles R. Cornman, David T. Geary, Vijay Gupta, Byong-Wa Chun
  • Controlling ready mixed concrete sludge water
    Patent number: 7114842
    Abstract: Method and system for concrete wash-out water re-use, wherein an apparatus such as a mixing truck (1) is washed out and sludge (2) water re-used. The invention comprises providing sensors (11), in a communication system connected with a control center (10), for determining amount of retarder (4) used and resulting sludge water/concentration. The data is analyzed such that overdoses or insufficient doses of retarder are minimized or prevented. Warnings or corrective signals can then be sent by the control center (10) if needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: W.R. Grace & Co.-Conn.
    Inventor: Seiji Nakamura
  • Liquid additive for intergrinding cement
    Patent number: 7087110
    Abstract: Exemplary compositions and methods for reducing hexavalent chromium in cementitious compositions involve the use of a liquid additive composition, comprising stannous chloride. Along with the stannous chloride may be used at least one co-additive comprising an antioxidant, oxygen scavenger, or mixture thereof, and/or at least one agent comprising a cement grinding aid, cement quality improver, or mixture thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn.
    Inventors: Leslie A. Jardine, Charles R. Cornman, Vijay Gupta, Byong-Wa Chun
  • Beneficiated water reducing compositions
    Patent number: 7048793
    Abstract: Exemplary compositions comprise at least one aldopentonic acid, such as xylonic acid; and further comprise a lignin, a lignosulfonic acid or its salt, an additional sugar acid such as a aldohexonic acid or salt, a conventional admixture (such as a polyacrylate superplasticizer, a corrosion inhibitor, a set retard, a set accelerator, etc.), or a mixture thereof. Exemplary methods for obtaining microbiologically or enzymatically converted sugar acids are also described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: W.R. Grace & Co.-Conn.
    Inventors: Byong-wa Chun, Benita Dair, Charlotte B. Porteneuve, Ara Avedis Jeknavorian, Josephine Ho-Wah Cheung, Lawrence R. Roberts
  • In situ molded thermal barriers
    Patent number: 7043880
    Abstract: The invention provides methods, systems, and devices for installing thermal barriers in openings or gaps in or between structures such as walls, ceilings, and floors. At least one thermal barrier molding bag is positioned in the hole or gap, and a flowable firestop material that is operative to cure or harden, such as a hydratable cementitious slurry, is introduced into the bag to mold a barrier in the hole or gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn.
    Inventors: Michael D. Morgan, Xiudong Sun, Laura A. Tennenhouse, Robert A. Wiercinski, Benita Dair, Antonio J. Aldykiewicz, Jr., Leon Bablouzian, Lawrence Shapiro, William J. Hurley, Jr.
  • Concrete surface retarders
    Patent number: 7037367
    Abstract: Surface retarder compositions of the invention comprise at least one surface retarder active suspended in a vegatable oil or derivative thereof, an animal oil or derivative thereof, or mixtures thereof. Methods involving use of the compositions are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: W.R. Grace & Co.-Conn.
    Inventors: John Mauchamp, Philippe Antoine, Dany Vincent, Kati Hazrati
  • Rheological and calorimetric testing method
    Patent number: 7021123
    Abstract: Device and methods for rotationally mixing and rheological testing of sample liquids, such as cement particle suspensions, employ mixing blades and shear-resistant members having substantially noncoincident orbital paths. Rheology is assessed by measuring the resistance of the liquid to rotation of the device. Both rheological and calorimetric testing can be performed during mixing, which ensures uniformity of rheology and hence the accuracy of results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn.
    Inventors: Olafur H. Wallevik, Paul Sandberg, David F. Myers
  • Rheomixer device
    Patent number: 6997045
    Abstract: Device and methods for rotationally mixing and rheological testing of sample liquids, such as cement particle suspensions, employ mixing blades and shear-resistant members having substantially noncoincident orbital paths. Rheology is assessed by measuring the resistance of the liquid to rotation of the device. Both rheological and calorimetric testing can be performed during mixing, which ensures uniformity of rheology and hence the accuracy of results.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: W.R. Grace & Co.-Conn.
    Inventors: Olafur H. Wallevik, Paul Sandberg, David F. Myers
  • Beneficiated water reducing compositions
    Patent number: 6916369
    Abstract: Exemplary compositions comprise at least one aldopentonic acid, such as xylonic acid; and further comprise a lignin, a lignosulfonic acid or its salt, an additional sugar acid such as a aldohexonic acid or salt, a conventional admixture (such as a polyacrylate superplasticizer, a corrosion inhibitor, a set retard, a set accelerator, etc.), or a mixture thereof. Exemplary methods for obtaining microbiologically or enzymatically converted sugar acids are also described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn.
    Inventors: Byong-wa Chun, Benita Dair, Charlotte B. Porteneuve, Ara Avedis Jeknavorian, Josephine Ho-Wah Cheung, Lawrence R. Roberts
  • Amine-based, hexavalent chromium reducing agents for cement
    Patent number: 6872247
    Abstract: Methods and compositions involving hexavalent chromate-reducing agents, particularly hydroxylamine, hydrazine, or their salts or derivatives, for use in cement compositions and cement processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn.
    Inventors: Leslie A. Jardine, Charles A. Cornman, Felek Jachimowicz
  • Calcium hydroxide absorbent with rheology modifier and process involving same
    Patent number: 6867165
    Abstract: Exemplary carbon dioxide absorbent compositions of the invention incorporate calcium hydroxide, water, and a phosphonic acid or salt thereof. The composition is made into a paste and formed into particles that are conveniently and efficiently processable. When hardened, the particles have excellent carbon dioxide absorbent performance, crush resistance, and pore structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: W. R. Grace & Co. -Conn.
    Inventor: David Chin
  • Fiber-reinforced matrix compositions
    Patent number: 6863969
    Abstract: Synthetic polymer reinforcing fibers provide dispersability and strength in matrix materials such as concrete, masonry, shotcrete, and asphalt. The individual fiber bodies, substantially free of stress fractures and substantially non-fibrillatable, have generally quadrilateral cross-sectional profiles along their elongated lengths. Preferred fibers and matrix materials having such fibers demonstrate excellent finishability in addition to dispersion and toughness properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn.
    Inventors: Klaus-Alexander Rieder, Neal S. Berke, Michael B. Macklin, Anandakumar Ranganathan, Salah Altoubat
  • Defoamer for water reducer admixture
    Patent number: 6858661
    Abstract: An exemplary admixture system for cementitious compositions, comprises a polycarboxylic acid type water reducer and a tertiary amine defoamer having an average molecular weight of 100-1500 and more preferably 200-750. The defoamer permits a stable admixture formulation and helps to achieve a controllable level of entrained air in a concrete mix. Cementitious compositions and methods for modifying the same, using the tertiary amine defoamers, are also described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn.
    Inventors: Xuan Zhang, Josephine Ho-Wah Cheung, Ara Avedis Jeknavorian
  • Admixture for minimizing the presence of surface dust on cement and concrete structures
    Patent number: 6849118
    Abstract: An admixture for minimizing or preventing dust on surfaces of cured cement and concrete structures comprises a shrinkage reducing additive in combination with a fatty alcohol. Cementitious compositions containing the admixture, and methods for reducing dusting on cement structures, are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn.
    Inventors: Awdhoot V. Kerkar, Kati Hazrati
  • Assay methods for hydratable cementitious compositions
    Patent number: 6816791
    Abstract: A novel methodology for rapid, cost-efficient discovery, identification, or improvement of additives and/or admixtures for hydratable cementitious compositions. Multiple formulations comprising hydratable cementitious compositions are deposited into a plurality of receptacles. A first assay output is obtained, such as through x-ray diffraction, which is then correlated to provide a second assay output value corresponding to physical or chemical properties of the cementitious compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn.
    Inventors: David F. Myers, Felek Jachimowicz, Joanna D. Blanchard, Neal S. Berke, Josephine H. Cheung, Paul J. Sandberg, Frank G. Serafin, Peter V. Coveney
  • Pumpably verifiable fluid fiber compositions
    Patent number: 6808560
    Abstract: The invention relates to fiber compositions that can be pumped and metered in the fashion of fluid chemical admixtures into a concrete mix, thereby enabling the fibers to be dispensed by concrete ready-mix plant operators who can provide verification of fiber administration and dosage. The fibers, particularly plastic shrinkage control fibers having large cumulative surface area, are suspended in an aqueous medium such that their surface area is already wetted out, thereby virtually assuring that substantial uniform fiber dispersion can be achieved without clumping and the delay that is usually required by fiber intermixing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn.
    Inventors: Michael B. Macklin, Anandakumar Ranganathan, Klaus-Alexander Rieder
  • Erucamide-free closure and liner compositions
    Patent number: 6806313
    Abstract: An exemplary erucamide-free composition for making container closures or closure sealants includes a matrix polymer, a silicone lubricant such as poly(dimethyl) siloxane, and a slip aid comprising a saturated amide, oxidized polyethylene, or combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn.
    Inventor: Marysusan Couturier
  • High solids pumpable cement additives
    Patent number: 6800129
    Abstract: Exemplary liquid cement additive compositions have high solids loading which includes alkali or alkaline earth metal salts and other cement additive components. The liquid carrier is preferably aqueous in nature, although non-aqueous carriers are possible, and the carrier is modified using a viscosity modifying agent and dispersant to help load salt and other solids in high level amounts. Thus, methods for making the liquid cement additive compositions are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn.
    Inventors: Leslie A. Jardine, David F. Myers, Anandakumar Ranganathan