Patents by Inventor Robert Karl Müller

Robert Karl Müller 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).

  • Aminomethylation of tocopherols
    Patent number: 6359132
    Abstract: A process for the production of a Mannich reagent comprises reacting formaldehyde, especially paraformaldehyde, with a secondary amine in the complete or almost complete absence of a solvent. An alternative comprises reacting a diaminomethane produced from a secondary amine, formaldehyde, especially paraformaldehyde, as well as water with one another in about equimolar amounts. The invention is also concerned with a process for the aminomethylation of &dgr;-tocopherol or of tocopherol mixtures containing this and comprises using a Mannich reagent which has been produced in the above manner. After completion of this aminomethylation process excess Mannich reagent can be separated by distillation and can be reacted with water and formaldehyde, especially paraformaldehyde, in order to regenerate further Mannich reagent suitable for use in the aminomethylation, this regeneration representing a further aspect of the invention. Finally, the invention includes certain novel bis(aminomethyl)-&ggr;-tocopherols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Roche Vitamins Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Karl Müller, Heinz Schneider
  • Aminomethylation of tocopherols
    Patent number: 6252071
    Abstract: A process for the production of a Mannich reagent comprises reacting formaldehyde, especially paraformaldehyde, with a secondary amine in the complete or almost complete absence of a solvent. An alternative comprises reacting a diaminomethane produced from a secondary amine, formaldehyde, especially paraformaldehyde, as well as water with one another in about equimolar amounts. The invention is also concerned with a process for the aminomethylation of &dgr;-tocopherol or of tocopherol mixtures containing this and comprises using a Mannich reagent which has been produced in the above manner. After completion of this aminomethylation process excess Mannich reagent can be separated by distillation and can be reacted with water and formaldehyde, especially paraformaldehyde, in order to regenerate further Mannich reagent suitable for use in the aminomethylation, this regeneration representing a further aspect of the invention. Finally, the invention includes certain novel bis(aminomethyl)-&ggr;-tocopherols.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Roche Vitamins Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Karl Müller, Heinz Schneider