Patents by Inventor Herbert Chao

Herbert Chao 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).

  • Publication number: 20230265235
    Abstract: A polymer having a hydrophobic polymer chain derived from monomers of farnesene and other optional monomers, such as dienes and vinyl aromatics. The polymer also includes one or more terminal functional groups, such as an amino group, a glycidyl group, a carboxylic acid group, a (meth)acrylate group, a silane group, an isocyanate group, an acetoacetate group, a phenolic group, and a hydroxyl group. Functional groups, such as carboxylic acids, may also be grafted along the hydrophobic polymer chain. The polymer may be incorporated in curable compositions that optionally include one or more polymer resins having similar functional groups. Methods for preparing the curable polymer compositions are also provided. The curable or cured form of the polymer composition may be used in various products, such as a sealant, a coating, a caulk, an electric potting compound, a membrane, a sponge, a foam, an adhesive, or a propellant binder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2023
    Publication date: August 24, 2023
    Applicant: FINA TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Steven K. Henning, Nan Tian, Herbert Chao
  • Patent number: 11634531
    Abstract: A polymer having a hydrophobic polymer chain derived from monomers of farnesene and other optional monomers, such as dienes and vinyl aromatics. The polymer also includes one or more terminal functional groups, such as an amino group, a glycidyl group, a carboxylic acid group, a (meth)acrylate group, a silane group, an isocyanate group, an acetoacetate group, a phenolic group, and a hydroxyl group. Functional groups, such as carboxylic acids, may also be grafted along the hydrophobic polymer chain. The polymer may be incorporated in curable compositions that optionally include one or more polymer resins having similar functional groups. Methods for preparing the curable polymer compositions are also provided. The curable or cured form of the polymer composition may be used in various products, such as a sealant, a coating, a caulk, an electric potting compound, a membrane, a sponge, a foam, an adhesive, or a propellant binder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: FINA TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Steven K. Henning, Nan Tian, Herbert Chao
  • Patent number: 11466118
    Abstract: A terminal hydroxyl functionalized polyfarnesene is provided. The polyfarnesene has more than two terminal hydroxyl groups per molecule, on average, based on the number average molecular weight. The polyfarnesenes may be homopolymers or copolymers of farnesene. Also provided is a method of making these polyfarnesenes having more than two hydroxyl groups per molecule. A composition for making a polyurethane comprising a diisocyanate and the terminal hydroxyl functionalized polyfarnesene is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: FINA TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Herbert Chao, Tomas Trnka
  • Publication number: 20210155745
    Abstract: A terminal hydroxyl functionalized polyfarnesene is provided. The polyfarnesene has more than two terminal hydroxyl groups per molecule, on average, based on the number average molecular weight. The polyfarnesenes may be homopolymers or copolymers of farnesene. Also provided is a method of making these polyfarnesenes having more than two hydroxyl groups per molecule. A composition for making a polyurethane comprising a diisocyanate and the terminal hydroxyl functionalized polyfarnesene is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2019
    Publication date: May 27, 2021
    Applicant: FINA TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Herbert CHAO, Tomas TRNKA
  • Patent number: 10745503
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to polymers, and particularly to farnesene polymers functionalized with one or more oxirane groups and, optionally, one or more hydroxyl groups. According to one aspect of the invention, provided is an epoxidized and optionally hydroxyl-functionalized polyfarnesene. The epoxidized farnesene polymer has at least one of a side chain or a main backbone functionalized with at least one oxirane group and, optionally, at least one terminal end functionalized with a hydroxyl group. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for preparing an epoxidized and optionally hydroxyl-functionalized polyfarnesene. The method includes epoxidizing a farnesene polymer, which may optionally contain one or more terminal hydroxyl groups, to functionalize at least one of a side chain or a main backbone of the farnesene polymer with an oxirane group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: FINA TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Herbert Chao, Taejun Yoo, Sabrina Nehache
  • Patent number: 10370523
    Abstract: Curable compositions are prepared using polyisocyanates, hydrophobic hydroxyl-terminated polymers (such as hydroxyl-terminated polyfarnesenes and hydroxyl-terminated polydienes) and organically-modified nanoclays, optionally in combination with chain extenders and/or urethane catalysts. When cured, the compositions yield polyurethane-based sealants useful in insulating glass units which have improved (lowered) moisture vapor transmission rate values as a consequence of the inclusion of the organically-modified nanoclays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Herbert Chao, Taejun Yoo, Nan Tian
  • Patent number: 10336839
    Abstract: A low viscosity polymer having a linear or branched backbone derived from farnesene monomers and at least one terminal-end functionalized with a hydroxyl group. This polymer may be further hydrogenated to reduce unsaturation and acrylated, such that it may be incorporated into a LOCA composition. The LOCA composition may be used in a laminated screen assembly, such as a touch screen, for electronic devices by adhering the LOCA composition between an optically transparent layer, such as a cover glass, and a display. The cured LOCA composition has a refractive index similar to the optically transparent layer. A method of making the low viscosity polymer for the LOCA composition includes anionically polymerizing farnesene monomers, quenching a living end of the polymer to provide the hydroxyl-terminated polymer; hydrogenating the hydroxyl-terminated polymer; and reacting the at least partially saturated hydroxyl-terminated polymer with at least one reagent to provide an acrylate terminated hydrogenated polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: FINA TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Taejun Yoo, Herbert Chao, Steven K Henning
  • Patent number: 10323117
    Abstract: A composition is provided for making a polyurethane that may be incorporated in various products, such as a sealant, a coating, a caulk, an electric potting compound, a membrane, a sponge, a foam, an adhesives, and a propellant binder. The composition includes one or more polyols, one or more isocyanate-group containing compounds having an isocyanate group functionality of at least two, and optionally one or more chain extenders. At least one of the polyols is a farnesene-based polyol having a number average molecular weight less than or equal to 100,000 g/mol and a viscosity at 25° C. less than 10,000 cP. The farnesene-based polyol may be a homopolymer or a copolymer of farnesene. The composition may also comprise additional polyols, such as a polyol of a homopolymer or copolymer of a polydiene. Methods of preparing a polyurethane are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Nan Tian, Herbert Chao
  • Patent number: 10239973
    Abstract: A low viscosity polymer having a linear or branched backbone derived from farnesene monomers and at least one terminal-end functionalized with a hydroxyl group. This polymer may be further hydrogenated to reduce unsaturation and acrylated, such that it may be incorporated into a LOCA composition. The LOCA composition may be used in a laminated screen assembly, such as a touch screen, for electronic devices by adhering the LOCA composition between an optically transparent layer, such as a cover glass, and a display. The cured LOCA composition has a refractive index similar to the optically transparent layer. A method of making the low viscosity polymer for the LOCA composition includes anionically polymerizing farnesene monomers, quenching a living end of the polymer to provide the hydroxyl-terminated polymer; hydrogenating the hydroxyl-terminated polymer; and reacting the at least partially saturated hydroxyl-terminated polymer with at least one reagent to provide an acrylate terminated hydrogenated polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: FINA TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Taejun Yoo, Herbert Chao, Steven K Henning
  • Publication number: 20190055336
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to polymers, and particularly to farnesene polymers functionalized with one or more oxirane groups and, optionally, one or more hydroxyl groups. According to one aspect of the invention, provided is an epoxidized and optionally hydroxyl-functionalized polyfarnesene. The epoxidized farnesene polymer has at least one of a side chain or a main backbone functionalized with at least one oxirane group and, optionally, at least one terminal end functionalized with a hydroxyl group. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for preparing an epoxidized and optionally hydroxyl-functionalized polyfarnesene. The method includes epoxidizing a farnesene polymer, which may optionally contain one or more terminal hydroxyl groups, to functionalize at least one of a side chain or a main backbone of the farnesene polymer with an oxirane group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2018
    Publication date: February 21, 2019
    Applicant: FINA TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Herbert CHAO, Taejun YOO, Sabrina NEHACHE
  • Publication number: 20190016847
    Abstract: A polymer having a hydrophobic polymer chain derived from monomers of farnesene and other optional monomers, such as dienes and vinyl aromatics. The polymer also includes one or more terminal functional groups, such as an amino group, a glycidyl group, a carboxylic acid group, a (meth)acrylate group, a silane group, an isocyanate group, an acetoacetate group, a phenolic group, and a hydroxyl group. Functional groups, such as carboxylic acids, may also be grafted along the hydrophobic polymer chain. The polymer may be incorporated in curable compositions that optionally include one or more polymer resins having similar functional groups. Methods for preparing the curable polymer compositions are also provided. The curable or cured form of the polymer composition may be used in various products, such as a sealant, a coating, a caulk, an electric potting compound, a membrane, a sponge, a foam, an adhesive, or a propellant binder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2016
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Applicant: FINA TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Steven K. Henning, Nan Tian, Herbert Chao
  • Publication number: 20180319914
    Abstract: A low viscosity polymer having a linear or branched backbone derived from farnesene monomers and at least one terminal-end functionalized with a hydroxyl group. This polymer may be further hydrogenated to reduce unsaturation and acrylated, such that it may be incorporated into a LOCA composition. The LOCA composition may be used in a laminated screen assembly, such as a touch screen, for electronic devices by adhering the LOCA composition between an optically transparent layer, such as a cover glass, and a display. The cured LOCA composition has a refractive index similar to the optically transparent layer. A method of making the low viscosity polymer for the LOCA composition includes anionically polymerizing farnesene monomers, quenching a living end of the polymer to provide the hydroxyl-terminated polymer; hydrogenating the hydroxyl-terminated polymer; and reacting the at least partially saturated hydroxyl-terminated polymer with at least one reagent to provide an acrylate terminated hydrogenated polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Taejun Yoo, Herbert Chao, Steven K Henning
  • Publication number: 20180282524
    Abstract: Curable compositions are prepared using polyisocyanates, hydrophobic hydroxyl-terminated polymers (such as hydroxyl-terminated polyfarnesenes and hydroxyl-terminated polydienes) and organically-modified nanoclays, optionally in combination with chain extenders and/or urethane catalysts. When cured, the compositions yield polyurethane-based sealants useful in insulating glass units which have improved (lowered) moisture vapor transmission rate values as a consequence of the inclusion of the organically-modified nanoclays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Publication date: October 4, 2018
    Applicant: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Herbert CHAO, Taejun YOO, Nan TIAN
  • Publication number: 20180258214
    Abstract: A composition is provided for making a polyurethane that may be incorporated in various products, such as a sealant, a coating, a caulk, an electric potting compound, a membrane, a sponge, a foam, an adhesives, and a propellant binder. The composition includes one or more polyols, one or more isocyanate-group containing compounds having an isocyanate group functionality of at least two, and optionally one or more chain extenders. At least one of the polyols is a farnesene-based polyol having a number average molecular weight less than or equal to 100,000 g/mol and a viscosity at 25° C. less than 10,000 cP. The farnesene-based polyol may be a homopolymer or a copolymer of farnesene. The composition may also comprise additional polyols, such as a polyol of a homopolymer or copolymer of a polydiene. Methods of preparing a polyurethane are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2018
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Applicant: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Nan Tian, Herbert Chao
  • Patent number: 9994669
    Abstract: A composition is provided for making a polyurethane that may be incorporated in various products, such as a sealant, a coating, a caulk, an electric potting compound, a membrane, a sponge, a foam, an adhesives, and a propellant binder. The composition includes one or more polyols, one or more isocyanate-group containing compounds having an isocyanate group functionality of at least two, and optionally one or more chain extenders. At least one of the polyols is a farnesene-based polyol having a number average molecular weight less than or equal to 100,000 g/mol and a viscosity at 25° C. less than 10,000 cP. The farnesene-based polyol may be a homopolymer or a copolymer of farnesene. The composition may also comprise additional polyols, such as a polyol of a homopolymer or copolymer of a polydiene. Methods of preparing a polyurethane are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Nan Tian, Herbert Chao
  • Publication number: 20180072831
    Abstract: A low viscosity polymer having a linear or branched backbone derived from farnesene monomers and at least one terminal-end functionalized with a hydroxyl group. This polymer may be further hydrogenated to reduce unsaturation and acrylated, such that it may be incorporated into a LOCA composition. The LOCA composition may be used in a laminated screen assembly, such as a touch screen, for electronic devices by adhering the LOCA composition between an optically transparent layer, such as a cover glass, and a display. The cured LOCA composition has a refractive index similar to the optically transparent layer. A method of making the low viscosity polymer for the LOCA composition includes anionically polymerizing farnesene monomers, quenching a living end of the polymer to provide the hydroxyl-terminated polymer; hydrogenating the hydroxyl-terminated polymer; and reacting the at least partially saturated hydroxyl-terminated polymer with at least one reagent to provide an acrylate terminated hydrogenated polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Publication date: March 15, 2018
    Inventors: Taejun Yoo, Herbert Chao, Steven K. Henning
  • Patent number: 9850329
    Abstract: A low viscosity polymer having a linear or branched backbone derived from farnesene monomers and at least one terminal-end functionalized with a hydroxyl group. This polymer may be further hydrogenated to reduce unsaturation and acrylated, such that it may be incorporated into a LOCA composition. The LOCA composition may be used in a laminated screen assembly, such as a touch screen, for electronic devices by adhering the LOCA composition between an optically transparent layer, such as a cover glass, and a display. The cured LOCA composition has a refractive index similar to the optically transparent layer. A method of making the low viscosity polymer for the LOCA composition includes anionically polymerizing farnesene monomers, quenching a living end of the polymer to provide the hydroxyl-terminated polymer; hydrogenating the hydroxyl-terminated polymer; and reacting the at least partially saturated hydroxyl-terminated polymer with at least one reagent to provide an acrylate terminated hydrogenated polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Taejun Yoo, Herbert Chao, Steven K. Henning
  • Publication number: 20170190829
    Abstract: A composition is provided for making a polyurethane that may be incorporated in various products, such as a sealant, a coating, a caulk, an electric potting compound, a membrane, a sponge, a foam, an adhesives, and a propellant binder. The composition includes one or more polyols, one or more isocyanate-group containing compounds having an isocyanate group functionality of at least two, and optionally one or more chain extenders. At least one of the polyols is a farnesene-based polyol having a number average molecular weight less than or equal to 100,000 g/mol and a viscosity at 25° C. less than 10,000 cP. The farnesene-based polyol may be a homopolymer or a copolymer of farnesene. The composition may also comprise additional polyols, such as a polyol of a homopolymer or copolymer of a polydiene. Methods of preparing a polyurethane are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Publication date: July 6, 2017
    Applicant: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Nan Tian, Herbert Chao
  • Publication number: 20160376386
    Abstract: A low viscosity polymer having a linear or branched backbone derived from farnesene monomers and at least one terminal-end functionalized with a hydroxyl group. This polymer may be further hydrogenated to reduce unsaturation and acrylated, such that it may be incorporated into a LOCA composition. The LOCA composition may be used in a laminated screen assembly, such as a touch screen, for electronic devices by adhering the LOCA composition between an optically transparent layer, such as a cover glass, and a display. The cured LOCA composition has a refractive index similar to the optically transparent layer. A method of making the low viscosity polymer for the LOCA composition includes anionically polymerizing farnesene monomers, quenching a living end of the polymer to provide the hydroxyl-terminated polymer; hydrogenating the hydroxyl-terminated polymer; and reacting the at least partially saturated hydroxyl-terminated polymer with at least one reagent to provide an acrylate terminated hydrogenated polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Applicant: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Taejun YOO, Herbert Chao, Steven K. Henning
  • Patent number: 7901695
    Abstract: A controlled continuous release composition, articles comprising the continuous release composition, methods of using the composition, and methods of preparing the composition are disclosed. The composition comprises an elastomeric matrix which is a reaction product of a carboxyl-terminated polymer with a polycarbodiimide and at least one active agent which is released from the matrix into the environment substantially continuously over an extended period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Cray Valley USA, LLC
    Inventors: Herbert Chao, Nan Tian