Patents by Inventor Xiaodong Edward Zhao
Xiaodong Edward Zhao 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).
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Patent number: 7501462Abstract: Clarified polyolefins such as polypropylene are used widely to make polymer articles, containers, and the like. Such articles may be manufactured by the injection of molten polymer into a mold or forming device in manufacturing processes at high rates. A clarified composition is provided to achieve optimized clarity and organoleptic performance at lower processing temperatures and/or within a polypropylene resin having a higher melt flow rate.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2008Date of Patent: March 10, 2009Assignee: Milliken & CompanyInventors: Jiannong Xu, Xiaodong Edward Zhao, Jiang Li, Kemper David Lake, Jr.
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Publication number: 20080153949Abstract: Clarified polyolefins such as polypropylene are used widely to make polymer articles, containers, and the like. Such articles may be manufactured by the injection of molten polymer into a mold or forming device in manufacturing processes at high rates. A clarified composition is provided to achieve optimized clarity and organoleptic performance at lower processing temperatures and/or within a polypropylene resin having a higher melt flow rate.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2008Publication date: June 26, 2008Inventors: Jiannong Xu, Xiaodong Edward Zhao, Jiang Li, Kemper David Lake
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Patent number: 7351758Abstract: Clarified polyolefins such as polypropylene are used widely to make polymer articles, containers, and the like. Such articles may be manufactured by the injection of molten polymer into a mold or forming device in manufacturing processes at high rates. A clarified composition is provided to achieve optimized clarity and organoleptic performance at lower processing temperatures and/or within a polypropylene resin having a higher melt flow rate.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2005Date of Patent: April 1, 2008Assignee: Milliken & CompanyInventors: Jiannong Xu, Xiaodong Edward Zhao, Jiang Li, Kemper David Lake, Jr.
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Patent number: 7094820Abstract: Bicyclic nucleator compounds that provide highly versatile nucleation benefits for different polyolefins are provided. Such nucleator compounds provide very high peak crystallization temperatures and significantly reduced crystallization cycle time for certain thermoplastic formulations with or without the presence of other calcium stearate and/or peroxide components within the same type of formulation. Furthermore, such inventive nucleator compounds exhibits very little if any fugitivity from such thermoplastic formulations thereby providing excellent processing characteristics as well as excellent nucleation capabilities for a variety of different thermoplastic resins, independent of the presence of different, potentially necessary, additives (such as calcium stearate). Thermoplastic compositions as well as thermoplastic additive packages comprising such inventive nucleator compounds are also contemplated within this invention.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2002Date of Patent: August 22, 2006Assignee: Milliken & CompanyInventors: Xiaodong Edward Zhao, Darin L. Dotson
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Patent number: 6599968Abstract: Compounds and compositions comprising specific metal salts of bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane dicarboxylate salts in order to provide highly desirable properties within polyolefin articles are provided. The inventive salts and derivatives thereof are useful as nucleating and/or clarifying agents for such polyolefin, provide excellent crystallization temperatures, stiffness, and calcium stearate compatibility within target polyolefin. Also, such compounds exhibit very low hygroscopicity and therefore excellent shelf stability as powdered or granular formulations. Polyolefin additive compositions and methods of producing polyolefin with such compounds are also contemplated within this invention.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2001Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Milliken & CompanyInventors: Xiaodong Edward Zhao, Darin L. Dotson, Brian M. Burkhart, Jeffrey R. Jones
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Patent number: 6585819Abstract: Certain thermoplastic additives (combinations of clarifying and nucleating compounds) that induce simultaneously low clarity and high nucleation efficacy are provided. Such additives include combinations of certain bicyclic salts (which by themselves induce very high nucleation efficacy) and thermoplastic clarifying agents, including certain dibenzylidene sorbitol acetals and derivatives (hereinafter collectively referred to as “DBSs”)(which alone provide very low haze measurements and thus highly desirable clarity characteristics). In comparison, other types of standard thermoplastic nucleators, such as sodium benzoate and sodium 2,2′-methylene-bis-(4,6-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphate provide relatively high peak crystallization temperatures, but do not combine synergistically with clarifiers, such as DBSs, to provide the same results as for the inventive combination of bicyclic salts and DBSs.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2001Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Milliken & CompanyInventor: Xiaodong Edward Zhao
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Patent number: 6583206Abstract: Compounds of and compositions comprising specific salts of saturated [2.2.2] dicarboxylate in order to provide highly desirable properties within thermoplastic (e.g., polyolefin) articles are provided. The inventive salts and derivatives thereof are useful as nucleating and/or clarifying agents for such thermoplastics, are easy to produce and handle, and relatively inexpensive to manufacture. Such compounds induce high peak crystallization and improved stiffness within thermoplastics. Also, thermoplastic compositions comprising such novel nucleating agents exhibit improved heat distortion properties and clarity levels in comparison with the closest unsaturated salt nucleating agents. Thermoplastic additive compositions and methods of producing thermoplastics with such compounds are also contemplated within this invention.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Milliken & CompanyInventor: Xiaodong Edward Zhao
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Publication number: 20030096895Abstract: Bicyclic nucleator compounds that provide highly versatile nucleation benefits for different polyolefins are provided. Such nucleator compounds provide very high peak crystallization temperatures and significantly reduced crystallization cycle time for certain thermoplastic formulations with or without the presence of other calcium stearate and/or peroxide components within the same type of formulation. Furthermore, such inventive nucleator compounds exhibits very little if any fugitivity from such thermoplastic formulations thereby providing excellent processing characteristics as well as excellent nucleation capabilities for a variety of different thermoplastic resins, independent of the presence of different, potentially necessary, additives (such as calcium stearate). Thermoplastic compositions as well as thermoplastic additive packages comprising such inventive nucleator compounds are also contemplated within this invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2002Publication date: May 22, 2003Inventors: Xiaodong Edward Zhao, Darin L. Dotson
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Patent number: 6559211Abstract: Bicyclic nucleator compounds that provide highly versatile nucleation benefits for different polyolefins are provided. Such nucleator compounds provide very high peak crystallization temperatures and significantly reduced crystallization cycle time for certain thermoplastic formulations with or without the presence of other calcium stearate and/or peroxide components within the same type of formulation. Furthermore, such inventive nucleator compounds exhibits very little if any fugitivity from such thermoplastic formulations thereby providing excellent processing characteristics as well as excellent nucleation capabilities for a variety of different thermoplastic resins, independent of the presence of different, potentially necessary, additives (such as calcium stearate). Thermoplastic compositions as well as thermoplastic additive packages comprising such inventive nucleator compounds are also contemplated within this invention.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Milliken & CompanyInventors: Xiaodong Edward Zhao, Darin L. Dotson
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Publication number: 20030073764Abstract: Certain thermoplastic additives (combinations of clarifying and nucleating compounds) that induce simultaneously low clarity and high nucleation efficacy are provided. Such additives include combinations of certain bicyclic salts (which by themselves induce very high nucleation efficacy) and thermoplastic clarifying agents, including certain dibenzylidene sorbitol acetals and derivatives (hereinafter collectively referred to as “DBSs”)(which alone provide very low haze measurements and thus highly desirable clarity characteristics). In comparison, other types of standard thermoplastic nucleators, such as sodium benzoate and sodium 2,2′-methylene-bis-(4,6-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphate provide relatively high peak crystallization temperatures, but do not combine synergistically with clarifiers, such as DBSs, to provide the same results as for the inventive combination of bicyclic salts and DBSs.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2001Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventor: Xiaodong Edward Zhao
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Patent number: 6534574Abstract: Compounds and compositions comprising specific metal salts of bicyclo[2.2.1 ]heptane dicarboxylate salts in order to provide highly desirable properties within polyolefin articles are provided. The inventive salts and derivatives thereof are useful as nucleating and/or clarifying agents for such polyolefin, provide excellent crystallization temperatures, stiffness, and calcium stearate compatibility within target polyolefin. Also, such compounds exhibit very low hygroscopicity and therefore excellent shelf stability as powdered or granular formulations. Polyolefin additive compositions and methods of producing polyolefin with such compounds are also contemplated within this invention.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2001Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Assignee: Milliken & CompanyInventors: Xiaodong Edward Zhao, Darin L. Dotson, Brian G. Morin, Brian M. Burkhart, Martin E. Cowan, Jeffrey R. Jones
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Patent number: 6521685Abstract: Certain thermoplastic additives that induce simultaneous low clarity and high nucleation efficacy are provided. Such additives include combinations of certain bicyclic salts (which by themselves induce very high nucleation efficacy) and certain benzylidene sorbitol acetals and derivatives (hereinafter collectively referred to as “DBSs”)(which alone provide very low haze measurements and thus highly desirable clarity characteristics). In comparison, other types of standard thermoplastic nucleators, such as sodium benzoate and sodium 2,2′-methylene-bis-(4,6-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphate provide relatively high peak crystallization temperatures, but do not combine synergistically with DBSs to provide the same results as for the inventive combination of bicyclic salts and DBSs.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2001Date of Patent: February 18, 2003Assignee: Milliken & CompanyInventor: Xiaodong Edward Zhao
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Publication number: 20030008956Abstract: Bicyclic nucleator compounds that provide highly versatile nucleation benefits for different polyolefins are provided. Such nucleator compounds provide very high peak crystallization temperatures and significantly reduced crystallization cycle time for certain thermoplastic formulations with or without the presence of other calcium stearate and/or peroxide components within the same type of formulation. Furthermore, such inventive nucleator compounds exhibits very little if any fugitivity from such thermoplastic formulations thereby providing excellent processing characteristics as well as excellent nucleation capabilities for a variety of different thermoplastic resins, independent of the presence of different, potentially necessary, additives (such as calcium stearate). Thermoplastic compositions as well as thermoplastic additive packages comprising such inventive nucleator compounds are also contemplated within this invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2001Publication date: January 9, 2003Inventors: Xiaodong Edward Zhao, Darin L. Dotson
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Publication number: 20030004242Abstract: Compounds of and compositions comprising specific salts of saturated [2.2.2] dicarboxylate in order to provide highly desirable properties within thermoplastic (e.g., polyolefin) articles are provided. The inventive salts and derivatives thereof are useful as nucleating and/or clarifying agents for such thermoplastics, are easy to produce and handle, and relatively inexpensive to manufacture. Such compounds induce high peak crystallization and improved stiffness within thermoplastics. Also, thermoplastic compositions comprising such novel nucleating agents exhibit improved heat distortion properties and clarity levels in comparison with the closest unsaturated salt nucleating agents. Thermoplastic additive compositions and methods of producing thermoplastics with such compounds are also contemplated within this invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2001Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventor: Xiaodong Edward Zhao
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Publication number: 20020177642Abstract: Compounds and compositions comprising specific metal salts of bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane dicarboxylate salts in order to provide highly desirable properties within polyolefin articles are provided. The inventive salts and derivatives thereof are useful as nucleating and/or clarifying agents for such polyolefin, provide excellent crystallization temperatures, stiffness, and calcium stearate compatibility within target polyolefin. Also, such compounds exhibit very low hygroscopicity and therefore excellent shelf stability as powdered or granular formulations. Polyolefin additive compositions and methods of producing polyolefin with such compounds are also contemplated within this invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2001Publication date: November 28, 2002Inventors: Xiaodong Edward Zhao, Darin L. Dotson, Brian M. Burkhart, Jeffrey R. Jones
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Patent number: 6465551Abstract: Compounds and compositions comprising specific metal salts of bicyclo[2.2.1 ]heptane dicarboxylate salts in order to provide highly desirable properties within polyolefin articles are provided. The inventive salts and derivatives thereof are useful as nucleating and/or clarifying agents for such polyolefin, provide excellent crystallization temperatures, stiffness, and calcium stearate compatibility within target polyolefin. Also, such compounds exhibit very low hygroscopicity and therefore excellent shelf stability as powdered or granular formulations. Polyolefin additive compositions and methods of producing polyolefin with such compounds are also contemplated within this invention.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2001Date of Patent: October 15, 2002Assignee: Milliken & CompanyInventors: Xiaodong Edward Zhao, Darin L. Dotson
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Patent number: 6207740Abstract: This invention relates to novel ultraviolet absorbing methine-based compounds comprising polyoxyalkylene moieties. Such compounds provide excellent, inexpensive, protection from ultraviolet exposure within various media, including, but not limited to, thermoplastics. The presence of polyoxyalkylene chains on the methine backbone permits such an introduction within thermoplastics while simultaneously providing very low degrees of migration from the target substrate. This invention also concerns methods of making the aforementioned ultraviolet absorbing thermoplastic compositions.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 1999Date of Patent: March 27, 2001Assignee: Milliken & CompanyInventors: Xiaodong Edward Zhao, Todd D. Danielson
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Patent number: 5948152Abstract: This invention relates to liquid complexes of anionic organic dyes with quaternary ammonium compounds which are homogeneous and thus substantially free of unwanted inorganic salts. Of particular interest as quaternary ammonium compounds are those which comprise alkoxylated moieties. Such complexes are formed through ionic bonds formed between the two compounds. The complexes are then removed of substantially all resultant unwanted salt formed from the cations of the dye and the counter ions of the quat so as to obtain an homogeneous liquid colorant which easily disperses within different media and which possess favorable migration and coloring characteristics. This invention also concerns methods of making the aforementioned salt-free anionic dye/quat complexes as well as methods of utilizing such complexes for dyeing thermoplastic and thermoset compositions and the incorporation of such complexes within aqueous and non-aqueous formulations and ink compositions.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 1998Date of Patent: September 7, 1999Assignee: Milliken & CompanyInventors: Xiaodong Edward Zhao, Kaye Cannon Suddeth, Patrick D. Moore, Raj Batlaw
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Patent number: 5948153Abstract: This invention relates to water-soluble complexes of optical brighteners with quaternary ammonium compounds which are substantially free from unwanted salts. Such complexes are formed through ionic bonds formed between the two compounds. The inventive complexes are then removed of substantially all excess unwanted salt so as to obtain an optical brightener compound which easily solubilizes within, dispenses from, and exhibits excellent compatibility with standard detergent and softener compositions, which exhibits the desired degree of affinity for various substrate surfaces, including textile, paper, wood, and plastics, as well as within leak detector formulations, and which provides a desired accumulation effect on substrate surfaces upon repeated treatments. Such inventive complexes can also be utilized to whiten thermoplastics and thermosets. Furthermore, this invention also concerns methods of making and utilizing such inventive optical brightening complexes.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 1998Date of Patent: September 7, 1999Assignee: Milliken & CompanyInventors: Qinghong Jessica Ann, Xiaodong Edward Zhao, James Michael Spry
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Patent number: 5938828Abstract: This invention relates to solid complexes of anionic organic dyes with quaternary ammonium compounds which have average molecular weights of below about 900 which are substantially free from unwanted salts. Of particular interest as quaternary ammonium compounds are those which comprise alkoxylated moieties. Such complexes are formed through ionic bonds formed between the two compounds. The complexes are then removed of substantially all resultant unwanted salt formed from the cations of the dye and the counter-ions of the quat so as to obtain a solid dyeing agent which easily disperses within different media and which possess extremely good non-migration and coloring characteristics. This invention also concerns methods of making the aforementioned salt-free solid anionic dye/quat complexes as well as methods of utilizing such complexes for dyeing thermoplastic, thermoset, and wax compositions.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 1998Date of Patent: August 17, 1999Assignee: Milliken & CompanyInventors: Xiaodong Edward Zhao, Kaye Cannon Suddeth, Robert L. Mahaffey, Jr.