Patents Represented by Attorney Michael H. Laird
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Methods for regulating the growth of plants and growth regulant compositions comprising polylactides
Patent number: 5510322Abstract: L-(d)-lactic acid, the dextrorotatory isomer of lactic acid, is an effective plant growth regulant which exhibits classical growth regulant activity at very low concentrations and dosage rates. It can be employed to beneficially stimulate the growth of all plant varieties and is particularly useful for stimulating the growth of commercial crops. As is the case with other growth regulants, L-lactic acid can also be employed to inhibit the growth of plants when applied at sufficiently high concentrations. Thus, L-lactic acid can be employed to stimulate the growth of desired plants, to stimulate the fruit production of fruit-bearing plants, and to inhibit the growth of undesired vegetation. Novel compositions which comprise mixtures of L-(d)-lactic acid and one or more preservatives which are sufficient to prevent the hydrolytic and/or bacterial decomposition of the active isomer are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 1989Date of Patent: April 23, 1996Assignee: Entek CorporationInventor: Donald C. Young -
Patent number: 5411944Abstract: Herbicidal compositions are provided which contain combinations of glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine] and sulfuric acid, and/or combinations of glyphosate, sulfuric acid and a chalcogen-containing compound of the formula R.sub.1 --CX--R.sub.2 wherein X is a chalcogen compound of the formula R.sub.1 --CX--R.sub.2 wherein X is selected from oxygen and sulfur, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are independently selected from hydrogen, monovalent organic radicals, NR.sub.3 R.sub.4 and NR.sub.5, at least one of R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 being NR.sub.3 R.sub.4 or NR.sub.5, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are independently selected from hydrogen and monovalent organic radicals, and R.sub.5 is a divalent organic radical. Such compositions contain reaction products of glyphosate and sulfuric acid, and/or of glyphosate, sulfuric acid and the chalcogen compound, and they may also contain excess glyphosate or sulfuric acid.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1993Date of Patent: May 2, 1995Assignee: Union Oil Company of CaliforniaInventor: Donald C. Young
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Patent number: 5340593Abstract: Aqueous thiocarbonate solutions are stabilized by the addition of base, sulfide and/or polysulfide, and the stability and safety of the more concentrated solutions containing 1 weight percent or more equivalent CS.sub.2 as a thiocarbonate are achieved as reflected by significant reduction of CS.sub.2 partial pressure in such solutions.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 1993Date of Patent: August 23, 1994Assignee: Union Oil Company of CaliforniaInventors: James A. Green, II, Donald C. Young
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Patent number: 5332580Abstract: Aqueous thiocarbonate solutions are stabilized by the addition of base, sulfide and/or polysulfide, and the stability and safety of the more concentrated solutions containing 1 weight percent or more equivalent CS.sub.2 as a thiocarbonate are achieved as reflected by significant reduction of CS.sub.2 partial pressure in such solutions. Also, deposit formation in irrigation systems delivering such thiocarbonates, such as drip emitters and sprinkler heads, is reduced or eliminated with minor amounts of sodium hexametaphosphate.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 1992Date of Patent: July 26, 1994Assignee: Union Oil Company of CaliforniaInventors: Donald C. Young, James A. Green, II
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Patent number: 5302579Abstract: Herbicidal compositions are provided which contain combinations of glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine] and sulfuric acid, and/or combinations of glyphosate, sulfuric acid and a chalcogen-containing compound of the formula R.sub.1 --CX--R.sub.2 wherein X is a chalcogen compound of the formula R.sub.1 --CX--R.sub.2 wherein X is selected from oxygen and sulfur, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are independently selected from hydrogen, monovalent organic radicals, NR.sub.3 R.sub.4 and NR.sub.5, at least one of R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 being NR.sub.3 R.sub.4 or NR.sub.5, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are independently selected from hydrogen and monovalent organic radicals, and R.sub.5 is a divalent organic radical. Such compositions contain reaction products of glyphosate and sulfuric acid, and/or of glyphosate, sulfuric acid and the chalcogen compound, and they may also contain excess glyphosate or sulfuric acid.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1992Date of Patent: April 12, 1994Assignee: Union Oil Company of CaliforniaInventor: Donald C. Young
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Patent number: 5288692Abstract: Herbicidal compositions having systemic herbicidal activity comprise solutions containing one or more systemic herbicides and an amount of an amide and sulfuric acid of the following formula sufficient to accentuate the activity of the systemic herbicide: ##STR1## wherein X is chalcogen, and each of R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 is independently selected from hydrogen and organic radicals. As used herein, "amide" encompasses all compounds of formula (1) regardless of the chalcogen employed. The molar ratio of amide to sulfuric acid is usually within the range of about 1/4 to less than 2 so that at least some of the sulfuric acid is present as the monoamide-sulfuric acid adduct. The monoamide adduct also acts as a contact herbicide and thereby assists in the immediate control of treated vegetation. Solid compositions comprising combinations of systemic herbicides, sulfuric acid and the useful amides, with and without surfactants, and methods of using the solutions are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 1990Date of Patent: February 22, 1994Assignee: Union Oil Company of CaliforniaInventor: Donald C. Young
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Patent number: 5288753Abstract: Oligomeric thiocarbonates such as hexathiodicarbonate salts and thioesters are used as pesticides and preservatives. Certain oligomeric thiocarbonate salts, notably quaternary ammonium hexathiodicarbonates, are prepared. The compounds are stabilized with added base and/or sulfide.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 1989Date of Patent: February 22, 1994Assignee: Union Oil Company of CaliforniaInventors: James A. Green, II, Donald C. Young
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Patent number: 5288495Abstract: Aqueous thiocarbonate solutions are stabilized by the addition of base, sulfide and/or polysulfide, and the stability and safety of the more concentrated solutions containing 1 weight percent or more equivalent CS.sub.2 as a thiocarbonate are achieved as reflected by significant reduction of CS.sub.2 partial pressure in such solutions. The stabilized thiocarbonate solutions are employed to control pests in soil.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1992Date of Patent: February 22, 1994Assignee: Union Oil Company of CaliforniaInventors: James A. Green, II, Donald C. Young
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Patent number: 5256424Abstract: Aqueous thiocarbonate solutions are stabilized by the addition of base, sulfide and/or polysulfide, and the stability and safety of the more concentrated solutions containing 1 weight percent or more equivalent CS.sub.2 as a thiocarbonate are achieved as reflected by significant reduction of CS.sub.2 partial pressure in such solutions.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 1991Date of Patent: October 26, 1993Assignee: Union Oil Company of CaliforniaInventors: James A. Green, II, Donald C. Young
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Patent number: 5252117Abstract: Cellulosic materials are physically and/or chemically modified by contact with a combination of urea and sulfuric acid in which at least 25 percent of the sulfuric acid is present as the monourea adduct of sulfuric acid. The cellulosic materials thus treated possess uniquely modified physical and chemical properties. The methods of the invention can be employed to weaken the physical structure of the cellulosic material and thereby to assist in clearing land of vegetation and vegetation residue and in compacting and other processing of waste cellulosic materials. The methods of the invention can also be employed to increase the food value of cellulosic materials for animals, including humans, and, in particular, to increase the food value of such materials for ruminant mammals.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 1989Date of Patent: October 12, 1993Assignee: Union Oil Company of CaliforniaInventor: Donald C. Young
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Patent number: 5240709Abstract: Encapsulating particles of solid thiocarbonate salts, esters and complexes with air- and water-impermiable coatings produces compositions having long-term stability.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 1991Date of Patent: August 31, 1993Assignee: Union Oil Company of CaliforniaInventors: Richard L. Pilling, Donald C. Young
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Patent number: 5185151Abstract: Pests are controlled by applying to the location of and/or to the path traversed by the pests a composition comprising urea and sulfuric acid in which the urea/H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 molar ratio is less than 2. Novel compositions useful in such methods are also provided and comprise the described combinations of urea and sulfuric acid dispersed in a hydrocarbon oil. The novel method and compositions are particularly useful for controlling plant pests by applying the useful urea-sulfuric acid components to the plants or to the vicinity of plants occupied or traversed by such pests.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 1989Date of Patent: February 9, 1993Assignee: Union Oil Company of CaliforniaInventor: Donald C. Young
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Patent number: 5173306Abstract: Aqueous thiocarbonate solutions are stabilized by the addition of base, sulfide and/or polysulfide, and the stability and safety of the more concentrated solutions containing 1 weight percent or more equivalent CS.sub.2 as a thiocarbonate are achieved as reflected by significant reduction of CS.sub.2 partial pressure in such solutions.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 1991Date of Patent: December 22, 1992Assignee: Union Oil Company of CaliforniaInventors: James A. Green, II, Donald C. Young
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Patent number: 5167966Abstract: Aqueous thiocarbonate solutions are stabilized by the addition of base, sulfide and/or polysulfide, and the stability and safety of the more concentrated solutions containing 1 weight percent or more equivalent CS.sub.2 as a thiocarbonate are achieved as reflected by significant reduction of CS.sub.2 partial pressure in such solutions.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 1991Date of Patent: December 1, 1992Assignee: Union Oil Company of CaliforniaInventors: James A. Green, II, Donald C. Young
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Patent number: 5165920Abstract: Aqueous thiocarbonate solutions are stabilized by the addition of base, sulfide and/or polysulfide, and the stability and safety of the more concentrated solutions containing 1 weight percent or more equivalent CS.sub.2 as a thiocarbonate are achieved as reflected by significant reduction of CS.sub.2 partial pressure in such solutions.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 1991Date of Patent: November 24, 1992Assignee: Union Oil Company of CaliforniaInventors: James A. Green, II, Donald C. Young
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Patent number: 5149355Abstract: Compositions containing sulfuric acid and one or more of certain chalcogen-containing compounds in which the chalcogen compound/H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 molar ratio is below 2 contain the mono-adduct of sulfuric acid which is catalytically active for promoting organic chemical reactions. Suitable chalcogen-containing compounds have the empirical formula ##STR1## wherein X is a chalcogen, each of R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 is independently selected from hydrogen, NR.sub.3 R.sub.4, and NR.sub.5, at least one of R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 is other than hydrogen, each of R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 is hydrogen or a monovalent organic radical, and R.sub.5 is a divalent organic radical. Such compositions are useful for catalyzing organic reactions such as oxidation, oxidative addition, reduction, reductive addition, esterification, transesterification, hydrogenation, isomerication (including racemization of optical isomers), alkylation, polymerization, demetallization of organometallics, nitration, Friedel-Crafts reactions, and hydrolysis.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 1990Date of Patent: September 22, 1992Assignee: Union Oil Company of CaliforniaInventor: Donald C. Young
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Patent number: 5116916Abstract: Compositions containing sulfuric acid and one or more of certain chalcogen-containing compounds in which the chalcogen compound/H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 molar ratio is below 2 contain the mono-adduct of sulfuric acid which is catalytically active for promoting organic chemical reactions. Suitable chalcogen-containing compounds have the empirical formula ##STR1## wherein X is a chalcogen, each of R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 is independently selected from hydrogen, NR.sub.3 R.sub.4, and NR.sub.5, at least one of R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 is other than hydrogen, each of R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 is hydrogen or a monovalent organic radical, and R.sub.5 is a divalent organic radical. Such compositions are useful for catalyzing organic reactions such as oxidation, oxidative addition, reduction, reductive addition, esterification, transesterification, hydrogenation, isomerication (including racemization of optical isomers), alkylation, polymerization, demetallization of organometallics, nitration, Friedel-Crafts reactions, and hydrolysis.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 1988Date of Patent: May 26, 1992Assignee: Union Oil Company of CaliforniaInventor: Donald C. Young
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Patent number: 5116401Abstract: Herbicidal compositions are provided which contain combinations of glyphosate [N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine] and sulfuric acid, and/or combinations of glyphosate, sulfuric acid and a chalcogen-containing compound of the formula R.sub.1 --CX--R.sub.2 wherein X is a chalcogen compound of the formula R.sub.1 --CX--4.sub.2 wherein X is selected from oxygen and sulfur, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are independently selected from hydrogen, monovalent organic radicals, NR.sub.3 R.sub.4 and NR.sub.5, at least one of R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 being NR.sub.3 R.sub.4 or NR.sub.5, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are independently selected from hydrogen and monovalent organic radicals, and R.sub.5 is a divalent organic radical. Such compositions contain reaction products of glyphosate and sulfuric acid, and/or of glyphosate, sulfuric acid and the chalcogen compound, and they may also contain excess glyphosate or sulfuric acid.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 1989Date of Patent: May 26, 1992Assignee: Union Oil Company of CaliforniaInventor: Donald C. Young
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Patent number: 5112623Abstract: Fumigation to control bacteria, fungi, insects, rodents, nematodes and weeds is accomplished by decomposing a compound presented by the formulaMCS.sub.xwherein M is selected from the group consisting of alkaline earth metal cations and x varies from 3 to 4, to yield carbon disulfide.This invention also provides a composition useful for fumigating soil and providing plant nutrients, which composition comprises the above compound (or an alkali metal thiocarbonate) in combination with a source of nitrogen, e.g. urea, ammonium nitrate, etc.Calcium thiocarbonates, i.e., CaCS.sub.3 and CaCS.sub.4 are claimed as novel compounds.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 1991Date of Patent: May 12, 1992Assignee: Union Oil Company of CaliforniaInventors: James A. Green, Donald C. Young
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Patent number: 5112379Abstract: A particulate soil supplement comprising, as a discontinous phase, solid particles of a water-soluble plant nutrient dispersed throughout a continous sulfur phase or matrix. Preferably, said particulate soil supplement additionally comprises solid particles of a water-insoluble plant nutrient dispersed throughout the continuous phase. These compositions are obtained by dispersing said water-soluble plant nutrient and, preferably, said water-insoluble plant nutrients in molten sulfur, and quenching the resulting dispersion in a non-phytotoxic oil, that is non-reactive to, and immiscible with molten sulfur, e.g., a paraffinic oil, under shearing conditions sufficient to comminute and solidify said molten sulfur into particles. These compositions have particular utility in agronomic applications as soil supplements for supplying both sulfur (as sulfate) as well as other plant nutrients at a continuous, regulated rate from inexpensive raw materials.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1987Date of Patent: May 12, 1992Assignee: Union Oil Company of CaliforniaInventor: Donald C. Young