Patents by Inventor Ronald J. Weeks

Ronald J. Weeks 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: 11820111
    Abstract: A tile comprising the following components: A) a first film formed from a first composition comprising the following: i) a functionalized olefin-based polymer comprising one or more chemical groups selected from the following: a) a carboxylic acid, and/or b) an anhydride, and, optionally, c) an amino or an amine; and ii) a functionalized styrenic block copolymer, comprising, in polymerized form, styrene, and ethylene and/or at least one alpha-olefin, and comprising one or more chemical groups selected from the following: a) a carboxylic acid, and/or b) an anhydride; and B) a substrate comprising at least one layer formed from a second composition comprising a propylene-based polymer; and wherein the first film covers at least one surface of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Susan G. Brown, Qichun Wan, Ronald J. Weeks, Mark T. Jablonka, Rennisha R. Wickham, Colin LiPiShan, Miguel Alberto de Jesus Prieto
  • Publication number: 20230167289
    Abstract: A composition comprising the following components: a) at least one propylene/ethylene interpolymer or at least one propylene/alpha-olefin interpolymer, each interpolymer comprising the following properties: i) a melting point, Tm, from 60° C. to 85° C., ii) a viscosity (177° C.) from 3,000 cP to 30,000 cP; b) at least one wax; c) at least one oil; and wherein the composition has a weight ratio component b to component c from 0.30 to 4.0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2021
    Publication date: June 1, 2023
    Inventors: Stacy L. Pesek, Xiaosong Wu, Ronald J. Weeks, Yushan Hu
  • Patent number: 11376833
    Abstract: A method to produce a tile comprising at least the following layered sections: a wear layered section, a decor layered section and a base layered section; and wherein the wear layered section comprises the following: A) a compositional layer A formed from a composition A comprising at least one olefin-based polymer; wherein the decor layered section comprises the following: B1) a compositional layer B1 formed from a composition B1 comprising a propylene-based polymer; B2) a compositional layer B2 formed from a composition B2 comprising an olefin-based polymer; wherein the base layered section comprises the following: C) a compositional layer C formed from a composition C comprising an olefin-based polymer; wherein the method comprises the following step(s): i) heat laminating compositional layer A to compositional layer B1, at a temperature T1?140° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Yushan Hu, Ronald J. Weeks, Mark T. Jablonka, Lizhi Liu
  • Publication number: 20210277213
    Abstract: A composition comprising the following components: A) a first ethylene/alpha-olefin interpolymer with a melt index I2A; B) a second ethylene/alpha-olefin interpolymer with a melt index I2B; and wherein the difference in melt index (I2): (I2A?I2B)?400, and wherein I2B?100 g/10 min; C) a filler, and wherein the filler is present in an amount ?50 wt %, based on the weight of the composition; D) a tackifier; and wherein the melt viscosity, at 165 C, of the composition, excluding the filler (component C), is ?30,000 cP.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2019
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Inventors: Stacy L. Pesek, Yushan Hu, Xiaosong Wu, Ronald J. Weeks, Miguel Alberto De Jesus Prieto
  • Publication number: 20210129513
    Abstract: A method to produce a tile comprising at least the following layered sections: a wear layered section, a décor layered section and a base layered section; and wherein the wear layered section comprises the following: A) a compositional layer A formed from a composition A comprising at least one olefm-based polymer; wherein the décor layered section comprises the following: B1) a compositional layer B1 formed from a composition B1 comprising a propylene-based polymer; B2) a compositional layer B2 formed rl from a composition B2 comprising an olefm-based polymer; wherein the base layered section comprises the following: C) a compositional layer C formed from a composition C comprising an olefin-based polymer; wherein the method comprises the following step(s): i) heat laminating compositional layer A to compositional layer B1, at a temperature T1?140° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2018
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: Yushan Hu, Ronald J. Weeks, Mark T. Jablonka, Lizhi Liu
  • Publication number: 20200316924
    Abstract: A tile comprising the following components: A) a first film formed from a first composition comprising the following: i) a functionalized olefin-based polymer comprising one or more chemical groups selected from the following: a) a carboxylic acid, and/or b) an anhydride, and, optionally, c) an amino or an amine; and ii) a functionalized styrenic block copolymer, comprising, in polymerized form, styrene, and ethylene and/or at least one alpha-olefin, and comprising one or more chemical groups selected from the following: a) a carboxylic acid, and/or b) an anhydride; and B) a substrate comprising at least one layer formed from a second composition comprising a propylene-based polymer; and wherein the first film covers at least one surface of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2018
    Publication date: October 8, 2020
    Inventors: Susan G. Brown, Qichun Wan, Ronald J. Weeks, Mark T. Jablonka, Rennisha R. Wickman, Colin LiPiShan, Miguel Alberto de Jesus Prieto
  • Patent number: 10526436
    Abstract: A composition comprising (A) from 10 wt % to 90 wt % of a polymeric ethylene ionomer; (B) from 10 wt % to 40 wt % of a propylene component including at least one propylene based polymer having a propylene content of at least 50.0 wt %, based on the total weight of the propylene based polymer, and a melt flow rate from 0.5 g/10 min to 200.0 g/10 min (according to ASTM D-1238 at 230° C./2.16 kg); and (C) from 5 wt % to 20 wt % of a crystalline block composite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Xiaosong Wu, Ronald J. Weeks, Rennisha Wickham
  • Publication number: 20190112407
    Abstract: A composition comprising (A) from 10 wt % to 90 wt % of a polymeric ethylene ionomer; (B) from 10 wt % to 40 wt % of a propylene component including at least one propylene based polymer having a propylene content of at least 50.0 wt %, based on the total weight of the propylene based polymer, and a melt flow rate from 0.5 g/10 min to 200.0 g/10 min (according to ASTM D-1238 at 230° C/2.16 kg); and (C) from 5 wt % to 20 wt % of a crystalline block composite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Inventors: Xiaosong Wu, Ronald J. Weeks, Rennisha Wickham
  • Patent number: 9885149
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to carpet and carpet tile. In one aspect, the carpet includes (a) a primary backing which has a face and a back surface, (b) a plurality of fibers attached to the primary backing and extending from the face of the primary backing and exposed at the back surface of the primary backing, (c) an adhesive backing, (d) an optional secondary backing adjacent to the adhesive backing, and (e) at least one non-chlorinated, non-polyvinyl butyral thermoplastic polymer or composition having a specific growth tension at 40 C and a specific residual stress at 25% strain. Additional steps and procedures include washing or scouring the primary backing and fibers prior to the extrusion step, and utilizing implosion agents. The preferred olefin block copolymer are ethylene based block interpolymers. The constructions and methods described herein are particularly suited for making tufted, broad-loom carpet having improved abrasion resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Ronald J. Weeks, Yi Jin
  • Patent number: 9365711
    Abstract: The invention provides a composition comprising at least the following: A) an ethylene/a-olefin interpolymer with a density ?0.90 g/cc, and an I2 greater than 10; B) a functionalized olefin-based polymer; and C) an olefin-based polymer with a density greater than 0.90 g/cc, and selected from the group consisting of the following: a) an ethylene homopolymer, b) an ethylene/?-olefin interpolymer, c) a propylene/ethylene interpolymer, and d) a propylene/?-olefin interpolymer; and wherein the [density (C)?density (A)] is greater than, or equal to, 0.017; and wherein the weight ratio of [(A+C)/B] is greater than, or equal to, 3.0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Ronald J. Weeks
  • Patent number: 9303156
    Abstract: The invention provides functionalized block composites and crystalline block composites as compatibilizers. In particular, the invention provides compositions of at least three polymers and a compatibilizer. The compatibilizer comprises a functionalized olefin-based polymer formed from at least (A) and (B): (A) a crystalline block composite comprising: a block copolymer comprising a propylene-based crystalline block and crystalline ethylene-based block; a propylene-based crystalline polymer; and, a crystalline ethylene-based polymer; and (B) at least one functionalization agent or a functionalized olefin-based polymer formed from at least (A) and (B): (A) a crystalline block composite comprising: a block copolymer comprising a propylene-based crystalline block and crystalline ethylene-based block; a propylene-based crystalline polymer; and, a crystalline ethylene-based polymer; and (B) at least one functionalization agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Ronald J. Weeks, Yushan Hu, Kim L. Walton, Gary R. Marchand, Michael D. Read, H. C. Silvis
  • Publication number: 20140343229
    Abstract: The invention provides functionalized block composites and crystalline block composites as compatibilizers. In particular, the invention provides compositions of at least three polymers and a compatibilizer. The compatibilizer comprises a functionalized olefin-based polymer formed from at least (A) and (B): (A) a crystalline block composite comprising: a block copolymer comprising a propylene-based crystalline block and crystalline ethylene-based block; a propylene-based crystalline polymer; and, a crystalline ethylene-based polymer; and (B) at least one functionalization agent or a functionalized olefin-based polymer formed from at least (A) and (B): (A) a crystalline block composite comprising: a block copolymer comprising a propylene-based crystalline block and crystalline ethylene-based block; a propylene-based crystalline polymer; and, a crystalline ethylene-based polymer; and (B) at least one functionalization agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Ronald J. Weeks, Yushan Hu, Kim L. Walton, Gary R. Marchand, Michael D. Read, H. C. Silvis
  • Publication number: 20140221559
    Abstract: The invention provides a composition comprising at least the following: A) an ethylene/a-olefin interpolymer with a density ?0.90 g/cc, and an I2 greater than 10; B) a functionalized olefin-based polymer; and C) an olefin-based polymer with a density greater than 0.90 g/cc, and selected from the group consisting of the following: a) an ethylene homopolymer, b) an ethylene/?-olefin interpolymer, c) a propylene/ethylene interpolymer, and d) a propylene/?-olefin interpolymer; and wherein the [density (C)?density (A)] is greater than, or equal to, 0.017; and wherein the weight ratio of [(A+C)/B] is greater than, or equal to, 3.0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Ronald J. Weeks
  • Patent number: 8617686
    Abstract: A carpet includes (a) a primary backing which has a face and a back surface, (b) a plurality of fibers attached to the primary backing and extending from the face of the primary backing and exposed at the back surface of the primary backing, (c) an adhesive backing, (d) an optional secondary backing adjacent to the adhesive backing, and (e) at least one olefin block copolymer, especially ethylene based block copolymers An olefin block copolymer is extrusion coated onto the back surface of a primary backing to provide an adhesive backing Additional steps and procedures can include washing or scouring the primary backing and fibers prior to the extrusion step, and utilizing implosion agents The preferred olefin block copolymer is an ethylene based block interpolymers The constructions and methods are suited for making tufted, broad-loom carpet having improved abrasion resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Randy E. Pepper, David J. Magley, Ronald Wevers, Harold C. Fowler, Selim Yalvac, Colin Lipishan, Ronald J. Weeks, Yi Jin
  • Publication number: 20110008567
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to carpet and carpet tile. In one aspect, the carpet includes (a) a primary backing which has a face and a back surface, (b) a plurality of fibers attached to the primary backing and extending from the face of the primary backing and exposed at the back surface of the primary backing, (c) an adhesive backing, (d) an optional secondary backing adjacent to the adhesive backing, and (e) at least one non-chlorinated, non-polyvinyl butyral thermoplastic polymer or composition having a specific growth tension at 40 C and a specific residual stress at 25% strain. Additional steps and procedures include washing or scouring the primary backing and fibers prior to the extrusion step, and utilizing implosion agents. The preferred olefin block copolymer are ethylene based block interpolymers. The constructions and methods described herein are particularly suited for making tufted, broad-loom carpet having improved abrasion resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: Dow Global Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald J. Weeks, Yi Jin
  • Publication number: 20110003524
    Abstract: A bicomponent fiber is obtainable from or comprises an ethylene/?-olefin interpolymer characterized by an elastic recovery, Re, in percent at 300 percent strain and 1 cycle and a density, d, in grams/cubic centimeter, wherein the elastic recovery and the density satisfy the following relationship: Re>1481?1629(d). Such interpolymer can also be characterized by other properties. The fibers made therefrom have a relatively high elastic recovery and a relatively low coefficient of friction. The fibers can be cross-linked, if desired. Woven or non-woven fabrics, such as spunbond, melt blown and spun-laced fabrics or webs can be made from such fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: DOW GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Gert J. Claasen, Ronald J. Weeks, Andy C. Chang, Debra H. Niemann
  • Patent number: 7847029
    Abstract: This invention relates to polyolefin compositions. In particular, the invention pertains to elastic polymer compositions that can be more easily processed on cast film lines, extrusion lamination or coating lines due to improved resistance to draw resonance. The compositions of the present invention comprise an elastomeric polyolefin resin and a high pressure low density type resin. The preferred compositions of the present invention comprise from 88 to 99 percent elastomer or plastomer and from 1 to 12 percent by weight of a high pressure low density type resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas I. Butler, Andy C. Chang, Jozef J. I. Van Dun, Ronald J. Weeks, Jeffrey D. Weinhold, Rajen M. Patel, David T. Gillespie
  • Patent number: 7846552
    Abstract: Compositions suitable for use in extrusion coating are claimed. The compostions comprise a mixture of a homogeneous ethylene polymer and a heterogeneous ethylene polymer together with a high melt strength polyolefin. Film layers made from the compositions have improved neck-in and excellent heat sealing characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald J. Weeks
  • Patent number: 7737061
    Abstract: This invention relates to polyolefin compositions. In particular, the invention pertains to elastic polymer compositions that can be more easily processed on cast film lines, extrusion lamination or coating lines due to improved resistance to draw resonance. The compositions of the present invention preferably comprise an elastomeric polyolefin resin and a high pressure low density type resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Andy C. Chang, Ronald J. Weeks, Hong Peng, Antonios K. Doufas, Yunwa W. Cheung
  • Patent number: 7732052
    Abstract: This invention relates to polyolefin compositions. In particular, the invention pertains to elastic polymer compositions that can be more easily processed on cast film lines, extrusion lamination or coating lines due to improved resistance to draw resonance. The compositions of the present invention preferably comprise an elastomeric polyolefin resin and a high pressure low density type resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Andy C. Chang, Ronald J. Weeks, Hong Peng, Antonios K. Doufas, Yunwa Wilson Cheung