Patents Assigned to Wellman, Inc.
  • Patent number: 6599596
    Abstract: The invention is a novel method for the late introduction of additives into a continuous process for making polyethylene terephthalate. The method employs a reactive carrier that functions as a delivery vehicle for one or more additives. The reactive carrier reacts with the polyethylene terephthalate, thereby binding the reactive carrier in the polyethylene terephthalate resin and preventing the emergence of the reactive carrier and additives from the polyethylene terephthalate during subsequent thermal processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Wellman, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl Steven Nichols, Tony Clifford Moore
  • Patent number: 6591894
    Abstract: A shot block for use in a die casting machine for die casting molten and semi-molten metal parts is formed from a metal or metal alloy having a thermal conductivity of at least about 25 Btu/ft.hr.° F., a Rockwell C hardness of at least about 25 and a 0.2% Yield Strength of at least about 90 ksi.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Brush Wellman, Inc.
    Inventors: Amitava Guha, William D. Nielsen, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6590069
    Abstract: The invention is a novel method for the late introduction of additives into condensation polymers. The method employs a reactive carrier that functions as a delivery vehicle for one or more additives. The reactive carrier reacts with the condensation polymers, thereby binding the reactive carrier in the polymer resin and preventing the emergence of the reactive carrier from the polymer resin during subsequent thermal processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Wellman, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl Steven Nichols, Tony Clifford Moore, Robert Joseph Schiavone, Walter Lee Edwards
  • Patent number: 6589310
    Abstract: The thermal conductivity, thermal conductivity, of a sintered copper/refractory metal composite having a maximum porosity of about 1% is greatly improved when the composite contains phosphorus and sintering aid in a specified weight ratio, “phosphorus/sintering aid ratio.” The copper/refractory matrix composite herein comprises, by weight, from about 5% to about 30% copper, from about 0.2% to about 0.6% sintering aid, from about 0.08% to about 0.3% phosphorus, the remaining metal is refractory metal. The phosphorus to sintering aid ratio ranges from about 0.25 to about 0.55. In one embodiment of the invention the sintering aid contains cobalt and the refractory metal is tungsten.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Brush Wellman Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Opoku-Adusei, David E. Jech, Juan L. Sepulveda
  • Patent number: 6585833
    Abstract: An electrical connector made from a Be-Cu alloy can be crimped at room temperature without localized annealing of the crimp section first. Sufficient ductility and tensile strength are imparted to the alloy by cold working the alloy, after final solution annealing, by at least 40% in terms of area reduction and then overaging the alloy during age hardening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Brush Wellman, Inc.
    Inventor: Melrex A. Ordillas
  • Patent number: 6582817
    Abstract: Disclosed is a nonwoven fabric that is formed of polyethylene glycol modified copolyester staple fibers. The copolyester staple fibers include polyethylene terephthalate in an amount sufficient for the copolyester staple fibers to possess dimensional stability properties substantially similar to those of conventional, unmodified polyethylene terephthalate fibers, polyethylene glycol in an amount sufficient for the copolyester staple fibers to possess wicking characteristics that are superior to those of conventional, unmodified polyethylene terephthalate fibers, and chain branching agent in an amount less than about 0.0014 mole-equivalent branches per mole of standardized polymer. Also disclosed are methods for making such nonwoven fabrics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Wellman, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith James Carnes, James Burch Branum
  • Patent number: 6572966
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing polyester fibers having uniform primary and secondary crimps. The method includes the steps of advancing fibers into a stuffer box having an upper doctor blade and a lower doctor blade, positioning the upper doctor blade and the lower doctor blade such that the doctor blade gap is broad enough to permit the formation of secondary crimps and yet is narrow enough to maintain primary and secondary crimp uniformity, and then applying a longitudinal force against the advancing fibers to impart uniform primary and secondary crimps. The polyester fibers crimped according to the disclosed method have substantially uniform primary and secondary crimps, and are further characterized by tensile factor that is about the same as the tensile factor possessed by an otherwise identical uncrimped polyester fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Wellman, Inc.
    Inventors: Vladimir Y. Raskin, Edwin Starke Farley, Jr., Frederick Lee Travelute, III, Mendel Lyde Poston, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6573359
    Abstract: The invention is a novel method for the late introduction of additives into a process for making condensation polymers. The method employs a reactive carrier that functions as a delivery vehicle for one or more additives. The reactive carrier reacts with the condensation polymers, thereby binding the reactive carrier in the polymer resin and preventing the emergence of the reactive carrier from the polymer resin during subsequent thermal processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Wellman, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl Steven Nichols, Tony Clifford Moore, Robert Joseph Schiavone, Walter Lee Edwards
  • Patent number: 6569991
    Abstract: The invention is a novel method for the late introduction of additives into polyethylene terephthalate. The method employs a reactive carrier that functions as a delivery vehicle for one or more additives. The reactive carrier reacts with the polyethylene terephthalate, thereby binding the reactive carrier in the polyethylene terephthalate resin and preventing the emergence of the reactive carrier and additives from the polyethylene terephthalate during subsequent thermal processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Wellman, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl Steven Nichols, Tony Clifford Moore, Robert Joseph Schiavone, Walter Lee Edwards
  • Patent number: 6527512
    Abstract: A fluid powered drilling motor adapted for drilling oil wells and other subterranean bore holes. The motor having a rotor and a stator wherein the iron content of the whole motor is less than 0.1% wt. In one embodiment the motor is made of an alloy having a base metal comprising one of copper, nickel, and aluminum plus about 0.05-10 wt % Beryllium. In another embodiment, the motor is made of either 15Ni-8SN—Cu or 9Ni-6Sn—Cu.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Brush Wellman, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Bertin, William D. Nielsen, Jr., Diane M. Ryan
  • Patent number: 6509091
    Abstract: Disclosed is a polyethylene glycol modified copolyester fiber that has exceptional moisture management characteristics and that can be formed into exceptionally comfortable fabrics. The copolyester fiber includes polyethylene terephthalate in an amount sufficient for the copolyester fiber to possess dimensional stability properties substantially similar to those of conventional, unmodified polyethylene terephthalate fibers, polyethylene glycol in an amount sufficient for the copolyester fiber to possess wicking properties that are superior to those of conventional, unmodified polyethylene terephthalate fibers, and chain branching agent in an amount less than about 0.0014 mole-equivalent branches per mole of standardized polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Wellman, Inc.
    Inventors: James Burch Branum, Carl Steven Nichols, Keith James Carnes
  • Patent number: 6500890
    Abstract: The invention is a polyester resin that includes between about 20 and 200 ppm of an inert particulate additive, preferably selected from the group consisting of surface-modified talc and surface-modified calcium carbonate. The invention is also a method of making the polyester resin, which is capable of being formed into low-haze, high-clarity bottles possessing reduced coefficient of friction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Wellman, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter Lee Edwards, Robert Joseph Schiavone, Carl Steven Nichols, Tony Clifford Moore
  • Patent number: 6485829
    Abstract: A polyester composition is disclosed that is particularly suitable for filament. The composition is formed of polyethylene terephthalate; polyethylene glycol in an amount sufficient to increase the wetting and wicking properties of a filament made from the composition to a level substantially similar to the wetting and wicking properties of cotton and other cellulosic fibers (natural or synthetic) but less than the amount that would reduce the favorable elastic memory properties of the polyester composition; and a chain branching agent selected from the group consisting of trifunctional alcohols and acids and tetrafunctional alcohols and acids that will copolymerize with polyethylene terephthalate, the chain branching agent being present in an amount sufficient to raise the melt viscosity of the polyester composition to a level that permits filament manufacture under conditions that are substantially the same as those under which filament can be formed from unmodified polyethylene terephthalate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Wellman, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl S. Nichols, Billy Mack Humelsine
  • Patent number: 6454982
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of copolymerizing polyethylene glycol (PEG) into polyethylene terephthalate (PET) to achieve a polyethylene glycol-modified polyester composition that can be spun into filaments. The method includes the steps of copolymerizing polyethylene glycol into polyethylene terephthalate in the melt phase to form a copolyester composition, then polymerizing the copolyester composition in the solid phase until the copolyester is capable of achieving a melt viscosity that facilitates the spinning of filaments, and thereafter spinning filaments from the copolyester. A copolyester composition comprised of polyethylene glycol and polyethylene terephthalate is also disclosed. Fabrics made from fibers formed from the copolyester composition possess wetting, wicking, drying, flame-retardancy, static-dissipation, and soft hand properties that are superior to those of fabrics formed from conventional polyethylene terephthalate fibers of the same yarn and fabric construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Wellman, Inc.
    Inventor: James Burch Branum
  • Patent number: 6399705
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of copolymerizing polyethylene glycol (PEG) into polyethylene terephthalate (PET) to achieve a polyethylene glycol-modified polyester composition that can be spun into filaments. The method includes the steps of copolymerizing polyethylene glycol into polyethylene terephthalate in the melt phase to form a copolyester composition, then polymerizing the copolyester composition in the solid phase until the copolyester is capable of achieving a melt viscosity that facilitates the spinning of filaments, and thereafter spinning filaments from the copolyester. A copolyester composition comprised of polyethylene glycol and polyethylene terephthalate is also disclosed. Fabrics made from fibers formed from the copolyester composition possess wetting, wicking, drying, flame-retardancy, static-dissipation, and soft hand properties that are superior to those of fabrics formed from conventional polyethylene terephthalate fibers of the same yarn and fabric construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Wellman, Inc.
    Inventor: James Burch Branum
  • Patent number: 6387195
    Abstract: Large sections of solution annealed, precipitation hardenable alloys which are resistant to internal cracking yet fully hardenable can be produced if, during rapid quenching, the temperature of the section is allowed to stabilize immediately above the alloy's solvus temperature before the section is rapidly quenched. Preferably, the temperature of the section is allowed to stabilize a second time, this time at an elevated temperature not so high that significant phase changes occur, before the section is cooled to ambient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Brush Wellman, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Bishop, Noel M. Brady, Walter R. Cribb, Anatoly A. Offengenden
  • Patent number: 6383635
    Abstract: The invention is a method of coloring melt spun condensation polymers while avoiding hydrolytic degradation and maintaining the melt viscosity of the polymer. The method comprises adding a liquid dispersion of a colorant to the melt phase of a condensation polymer, and in-which the amount and type of the liquid in the dispersion will not substantially affect the melt viscosity of the condensation polymer; and thereafter spinning the colored melt phase condensation polymer into filament form. In another aspect the invention is a polyester filament comprising polyethylene terephthalate, a colorant, and a nonaqueous organic liquid that is soluble in melt phase polyester, and has a boiling point above 300° C., but that otherwise does not modify the polymer chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Wellman, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Melvin King, Christopher Waddell Goff, William Timothy Albright
  • Patent number: 6371224
    Abstract: An improved thin walled threaded spacer for use in preventing thread galling in adjacent sections of drill pipe in a drill string is formed by mechanically deforming a strip of copper/beryllium alloy containing 2% beryllium to form a preform having a hollow, truncated conical section and then mechanically deforming the conical section to impart helical grooves therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Brush Wellman, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Freeman, David Krus, Donald Moracz, William D. Nielsen, Jr., Diane Ryan
  • Patent number: 6335422
    Abstract: The present invention is a method of preparing a high molecular weight copolyester bottle resin that has excellent melt processing characteristics. The method includes the steps of reacting a diacid or diester component and a diol component to form modified polyethylene terephthalate, wherein diol component is present in excess of stoichiometric proportions. Together, the diacid or diester component and the diol component must include at least 7 percent comonomer. The remainder of the diacid component is terephthalic acid or dimethyl terephthalate and the remainder of the diol component is ethylene glycol. The modified polyethylene terephthalate is copolymerized in the melt phase to an intrinsic viscosity of between about 0.25 dl/g and 0.40 dl/g to thereby form a copolyester prepolymer. Thereafter the copolyester prepolymer is polymerized in the solid phase to form a high molecular weight bottle resin that has an intrinsic viscosity of at least about 0.70 dl/g, and a solid phase density of less than 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: Wellman, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Joseph Schiavone
  • Patent number: 6322886
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of copolymerizing polyethylene glycol (PEG) and branching agent into polyethylene terephthalate (PET) to achieve a polyethylene glycol-modified polyester composition that can be spun into filaments. Fabrics made from fibers formed from the copolyester composition possess wicking, drying, stretching, abrasion-resistance, flame-retardancy, static-dissipation, dyeability, and tactility properties that are superior to those of fabrics formed from conventional polyethylene terephthalate fibers of the same yarn and fabric construction. Also disclosed are polyethylene glycol modified copolyester compositions, fibers, yarns, and fabrics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Wellman, Inc.
    Inventor: James Burch Branum