Patents by Inventor Curt Thies

Curt Thies has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10093851
    Abstract: The present application provides for an acid precursor capsule that includes an acid precursor that is a non-aqueous ester and a polymerized shell that encapsulates the acid precursor. In some embodiments, the acid precursor converts into an associated acid during a hydrolysis period while in contact with water at an elevated temperature. In further embodiments, the associated acid is soluble in water and forms an aqueous acid solution with water. In certain embodiments, the polymerized shell contains the acid precursor and prevents interaction between the acid precursor and water at the elevated temperature until the polymerized shell dissolves in the water during a dissolution period. An acid precursor capsule suspension can include the acid precursor capsule and a suspension fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Yun Chang, Mazen Kanj, Curt Thies
  • Patent number: 9796919
    Abstract: The present application provides for an acid precursor capsule that includes an acid precursor that is a non-aqueous ester and a polymerized shell that encapsulates the acid precursor. In some embodiments, the acid precursor converts into an associated acid during a hydrolysis period while in contact with water at an elevated temperature. In further embodiments, the associated acid is soluble in water and forms an aqueous acid solution with water. In certain embodiments, the polymerized shell contains the acid precursor and prevents interaction between the acid precursor and water at the elevated temperature until the polymerized shell dissolves in the water during a dissolution period. An acid precursor capsule suspension can include the acid precursor capsule and a suspension fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: SAUDI ARABIAN OIL COMPANY
    Inventors: Yun Chang, Mazen Kanj, Curt Thies
  • Publication number: 20170114268
    Abstract: The present application provides for an acid precursor capsule that includes an acid precursor that is a non-aqueous ester and a polymerized shell that encapsulates the acid precursor. In some embodiments, the acid precursor converts into an associated acid during a hydrolysis period while in contact with water at an elevated temperature. In further embodiments, the associated acid is soluble in water and forms an aqueous acid solution with water. In certain embodiments, the polymerized shell contains the acid precursor and prevents interaction between the acid precursor and water at the elevated temperature until the polymerized shell dissolves in the water during a dissolution period. An acid precursor capsule suspension can include the acid precursor capsule and a suspension fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2017
    Publication date: April 27, 2017
    Inventors: Yun CHANG, Mazen KANJ, Curt THIES
  • Publication number: 20150368551
    Abstract: The present application provides for an acid precursor capsule that includes an acid precursor that is a non-aqueous ester and a polymerized shell that encapsulates the acid precursor. In some embodiments, the acid precursor converts into an associated acid during a hydrolysis period while in contact with water at an elevated temperature. In further embodiments, the associated acid is soluble in water and forms an aqueous acid solution with water. In certain embodiments, the polymerized shell contains the acid precursor and prevents interaction between the acid precursor and water at the elevated temperature until the polymerized shell dissolves in the water during a dissolution period. An acid precursor capsule suspension can include the acid precursor capsule and a suspension fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Publication date: December 24, 2015
    Inventors: Yun CHANG, Mazen Kanj, Curt Thies
  • Patent number: 7192603
    Abstract: The present invention features a sustained-release microcapsule for long-term pest controlling. In general, a microcapsule has a capsule core including active pest-control ingredients and diluents, and a capsule shell which physically separates the capsule core from the surrounding medium. Diluents are arranged to entrap active ingredients therein and to provide resistance to mass transfer of the active ingredients therethrough. The capsule shell generally includes the shell pores and provides additional resistance to mass transfer of the active ingredient therethrough. Diluents are selected from a class of material such that the mass transfer resistances existing in the capsule core and/or capsule shell depend on the temperature of the surrounding medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Curt Thies
  • Publication number: 20060038694
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting impact using an electronic means and microspheres. A helmet system comprises a helmet adapted to be worn on a user's head. A sensor is mounted on the helmet and is adapted to sense a threshold impact equal to or exceeding a threshold force on the helmet. A circuit is connected to and is responsive to the sensor for indicating that the threshold impact has occurred. The circuit includes a sensing circuit generating an impact signal when the sensing circuit is subjected to an impact equal to or exceeding a threshold impact level. A detector detects the impact signal. An indicator is responsive to the detector for providing an indication that the impact signal has been detected whereby the indication indicates that the sensing circuit has been subjected to an impact equal to or exceeding the threshold impact level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Publication date: February 23, 2006
    Applicant: Washington University
    Inventors: Rosanne Naunheim, David Matero, John Standeven, Philip Bayly, Curt Thies
  • Publication number: 20050171219
    Abstract: Dry beads that swell rapidly when placed in contact with aqueous media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Publication date: August 4, 2005
    Inventor: Curt Thies
  • Patent number: 6844010
    Abstract: Novel burst-free, sustained release biocompatible and biodegrable microcapsules which can be programmed to release their active core for variable durations ranging from 1-100 days in an aqueous physiological environment. The microcapsules are comprised of a core of polypeptide or other biologically active agent encapsulated in a matrix of poly(lactide/glycolide) copolymer, which may contain a pharmaceutically-acceptable adjuvant, as a blend of upcapped free carboxyl end group, and end-capped forms ranging in ratios from 100/0 to 1/99.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Jean A. Setterstrom, John E. Van Hamont, Robert H. Reid, Elliot Jacob, Ramasubbu Jeyanthi, Edgar C. Boedeker, Charles E. McQueen, Daniel L. Jarboe, Frederick Cassels, William Brown, Curt Thies, Thomas R. Tice, F. Donald Roberts, Phil Friden
  • Publication number: 20030124167
    Abstract: The present invention features a sustained-release microcapsule for long-term pest controlling. In general, a microcapsule has a capsule core including active pest-control ingredients and diluents, and a capsule shell which physically separates the capsule core from the surrounding medium. Diluents are arranged to entrap active ingredients therein and to provide resistance to mass transfer of the active ingredients therethrough. The capsule shell generally includes the shell pores and provides additional resistance to mass transfer of the active ingredient therethrough. Diluents are selected from a class of material such that the mass transfer resistances existing in the capsule core and/or capsule shell depend on the temperature of the surrounding medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventor: Curt Thies
  • Patent number: 6506397
    Abstract: The present invention features a sustained-release microcapsule for long-term pest controlling. In general, a microcapsule has a capsule core including active pest-control ingredients and diluents, and a capsule shell which physically separates the capsule core from the surrounding medium. Diluents are arranged to entrap active ingredients therein and to provide resistance to mass transfer of the active ingredients therethrough. The capsule shell generally includes the shell pores and provides additional resistance to mass transfer of the active ingredient therethrough. Diluents are selected from a class of material such that the mass transfer resistances existing in the capsule core and/or capsule shell depend on the temperature of the surrounding medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Inventor: Curt Thies
  • Patent number: 6309669
    Abstract: Novel burst-free, sustained release biocompatible and biodegrable microcapsules which can be programmed to release their active core for variable durations ranging from 1-100 days in an aqueous physiological environment. The microcapsules are comprised of a core of polypeptide or other biologically active agent encapsulated in a matrix of poly(lactide/glycolide) copolymer, which may contain a pharmaceutically-acceptable adjuvant, as a blend of upcapped free carboxyl end group and end-capped forms ranging in ratios from 100/0 to 1/99.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Jean A. Setterstrom, John E. Van Hamont, Robert H. Reid, Elliot Jacob, Ramasubbu Jeyanthi, Edgar C. Boedeker, Charles E. McQueen, Daniel L. Jarboe, Frederick Cassels, William Brown, Curt Thies, Thomas R. Tice, F. Donald Roberts, Phil Friden
  • Patent number: 6183783
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for preparing microcapsules containing an active substance coated with a substantially polar polymer film, characterized in that it consists in the following steps: suspending an active substance insoluble in a substantially polar polymer solution in an organic solvent, said substantially polar polymer being insoluble in liquid or supercritical CO2, said organic solvent being soluble in liquid or supercritical CO2; contacting the suspension with liquid or supercritical CO2 so as to extract the solvent from the polymer in a controlled manner and ensure the coacervation of the polymer; substantially extracting the solvent by means of supercritical CO2 and draining off the CO2/solvent mixture; recuperating the microcapsules in the form of dry powder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Mainlab
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Benoit, Joël Richard, Curt Thies
  • Patent number: 6087003
    Abstract: A microparticle comprising an active substance which is a central core made of liquid, gaseous or solid particle of regular or irregular shape, and the method for entrapping said active substance in a coating material which is conformationally distributed on said active substance and has a thickness ranging from the thickness of a monomolecular layer to about 100 .mu.m. These compositions are useful for applications that require protection, prolonged release, taste masking, improved stability, altered handling behavior, altered surface properties including particle wettability, and other desirably altered properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Centre de Microencapsulation
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Benoit, Herve Rolland, Curt Thies, Vincent Vande Velde
  • Patent number: 6004571
    Abstract: An artificial insect egg has a droplet of insect nutrient, and a thin interfacially polymerized shell enclosing the nutrient. A thin water barrier material coating may enclose the shell. The shell has a strength corresponding substantially to that of an insect shell constructed and arranged to be sufficiently strong to allow handling by tweezers without breaking while being sufficiently weak to allow breaking by an insect to allow the insect to withdraw the nutrient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventor: Curt Thies
  • Patent number: 5705197
    Abstract: A hybrid evaporation-extraction process for preparing microspheres of a p(DL-lactide-to-glycolide) biodegradable polymer, comprising:a. preparing a lyophilized biologically active material-sucrose matrix; adding acetonitrile solvent to biologically active material-sucrose matrix to form a solution;b. preparing a solution of a biodegradable poly (DL-lactide-co-glycolide) polymer by adding acetonitrile solvent to the polymer;c. adding the biodegradable poly (DL-lactide-co-glycolide) polymer acetonitrile solution to the biologically active material-sucrose acetonitrile solution;d. adding with stirring an oil containing lecithin to the poly (DL-lactide-co-glycolide) polymer-sucrose-biologically active material solution to evaporate acetonitrile and form an emulsion containing microspheres of poly (DL-lactide-co-glycolide) biodegradable polymers;e. adding the emulsion from step d. into a solvent selected from heptane, hexane, pentane or isopropanol; andf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: John Van Hamont, Curt Thies, Robert H. Reid, Charles E. McQueen, Jean A. Setterstrom
  • Patent number: 5693343
    Abstract: In a solvent extraction process for preparing microspheres of a biodegrade polymer, the improvement comprising: preparing a homogenized antigen-sucrose matrix and adding a solvent to the sucrose-antigen matrix to form a solution; preparing a solution of a biodegradable polymer by adding a solvent to the polymer; adding the biodegradable polymer solution to the antigen-sucrose solution; adding an oil to the polymer-sucrose-antigen solution to form an emulsion having a controlled viscosity that corresponds to a predetermined average particle size of distributions of microspheres of biodegradable polymers; centrifuging the emulsion of controlled viscosity and removing the supernatant to obtain microspheres of a predetermined range of particle size distributions of from about 0.5 to about 7.0 micrometers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Robert H. Reid, John E. van Hamont, William R. Brown, Egar C. Boedeker, Curt Thies
  • Patent number: 5441878
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for the formation of droplets of uniform size on a laboratory scale are described. A syringe having a plunger and a needle with an orifice at the tip corresponding to a 12-30 gauge needle is inserted into a block member having a cavity such that the needle of the syringe extends through an opening in the bottom of the block member. The block member has a gas inlet into a side of the cavity for flowing of gas pass the orifice of the needle. The block member is mounted in a support housing such that the syringe is in a vertical position. To form droplets, pressure is applied to the plunger, preferably by a piston under gas pressure, to force liquid from the needle tip orifice to form droplets and flowing gas pass the tip to detach droplets of a desired size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Assignee: Thies Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Curt Thies, Andrew Stanisz
  • Patent number: 5118528
    Abstract: The process according to the invention comprises: (1) the preparation of a liquid phase consisting essentially of a solution of the substance in a solvent or in a mixture of solvents to which may be added one or more surfactants, (2) the preparation of a second liquid phase consisting essentially of a non-solvent or a mixture of non-solvents for the substance and to which may be added one or more surfactants, the non-solvent or the mixture of non-solvents for the substance being miscible in all proportions with the solvent or the mixture of solvents for the substance, (3) the addition of one of the liquid phases prepared in (1) or (2) to the other with moderate stirring so as to produce a colloidal suspension of nanoparticles of the substance, and (4) is desired, the removal of all or part of the solvent or the mixture of solvents for the substance and of the non-solvent or the mixture of non-solvents for the substance so as to produce a colloidal suspension of nanoparticles of the desired concentration or to
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Assignee: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique
    Inventors: Curt Fessi, Jean-Philippe Devissaguet, Francis Puisieux, Curt Thies
  • Patent number: 4622244
    Abstract: Microcapsules particularly those less than 300 microns in size are provided which are adapted for injection by conventional means to afford controlled release of the encapsulated drug material, such as a narcotic antagonist, an antibiotic or the like, over a prolonged period. The microcapsules are characterized by a solid core material of a solid, injectable drug material and a wall material engulfing the core material and composed of a polymer material such as a bioabsorbable polymer material. The microcapsules are made by providing a system containing a mixture of particles of a solid, injectable drug material and a solution of a bioabsorbable polymer material in a solvent in which the drug material is substantially insoluble. The system is treated to induce phase separation of the bioabsorbable polymer material from the solution by the addition to the system of a phase separation agent at a temperature at least as low as -30.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1986
    Assignee: The Washington University
    Inventors: Galen G. Lapka, Norbert S. Mason, Curt Thies
  • Patent number: RE41157
    Abstract: In a solvent extraction process for preparing microspheres of a biodegradable polymer, the improvement comprising: preparing a homogenized antigen-sucrose matrix and adding a solvent to the sucrose-antigen matrix to form a solution; preparing a solution of a biodegradable polymer by adding a solvent to the polymer; adding the biodegradable polymer solution to the antigen-sucrose solution; adding an oil to the polymer-sucrose-antigen solution to form an emulsion having a controlled viscosity that corresponds to a predetermined average particle size of distributions of microspheres of biodegradable polymers; centrifuging the emulsion of controlled viscosity and removing the supernatant to obtain microspheres of a predetermined range of particle size distributions of from about 0.5 to about 7.0 micrometers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Robert H. Reid, John E. VanHamont, William R. Brown, Edgar C. Boedeker, Curt Thies