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).

  • Patent number: 7501462
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Jiannong Xu, Xiaodong Edward Zhao, Jiang Li, Kemper David Lake, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20080153949
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Jiannong Xu, Xiaodong Edward Zhao, Jiang Li, Kemper David Lake
  • Patent number: 7351758
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Jiannong Xu, Xiaodong Edward Zhao, Jiang Li, Kemper David Lake, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7094820
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Xiaodong Edward Zhao, Darin L. Dotson
  • Patent number: 6599968
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Xiaodong Edward Zhao, Darin L. Dotson, Brian M. Burkhart, Jeffrey R. Jones
  • Patent number: 6585819
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventor: Xiaodong Edward Zhao
  • Patent number: 6583206
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventor: Xiaodong Edward Zhao
  • Publication number: 20030096895
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventors: Xiaodong Edward Zhao, Darin L. Dotson
  • Patent number: 6559211
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Xiaodong Edward Zhao, Darin L. Dotson
  • Publication number: 20030073764
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2001
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventor: Xiaodong Edward Zhao
  • Patent number: 6534574
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Xiaodong Edward Zhao, Darin L. Dotson, Brian G. Morin, Brian M. Burkhart, Martin E. Cowan, Jeffrey R. Jones
  • Patent number: 6521685
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventor: Xiaodong Edward Zhao
  • Publication number: 20030008956
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventors: Xiaodong Edward Zhao, Darin L. Dotson
  • Publication number: 20030004242
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Xiaodong Edward Zhao
  • Publication number: 20020177642
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2001
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventors: Xiaodong Edward Zhao, Darin L. Dotson, Brian M. Burkhart, Jeffrey R. Jones
  • Patent number: 6465551
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Xiaodong Edward Zhao, Darin L. Dotson
  • Patent number: 6207740
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Xiaodong Edward Zhao, Todd D. Danielson
  • Patent number: 5948152
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Xiaodong Edward Zhao, Kaye Cannon Suddeth, Patrick D. Moore, Raj Batlaw
  • Patent number: 5948153
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Qinghong Jessica Ann, Xiaodong Edward Zhao, James Michael Spry
  • Patent number: 5938828
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Xiaodong Edward Zhao, Kaye Cannon Suddeth, Robert L. Mahaffey, Jr.