Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Polly C. Owen
  • Patent number: 8314041
    Abstract: Disclosed are multicomponent fibers derived from a blend of a sulfopolyester with a water non-dispersible polymer wherein the as-spun denier is less than about 6 and wherein the water dispersible sulfopolyester exhibits a melt viscosity of less than 12,000 poise measured at 240° C. at a strain rate of 1 rad/sec, and wherein the sulfopolyester comprising less than about 25 mole % of residues of at least one sulfomonomer, based on the total moles of diacid or diol residues. The multicomponent fiber is capable of being drawn at a relatively high fiber speed, particularly at least about 2000 m/min, and may be used to produce microdenier fibers. Fibrous articles may be produced from the multicomponent fibers and microdenier fibers. Also disclosed is a process for multicomponent fibers, nonwoven fabrics, and microdenier webs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Rakesh Kumar Gupta, Scott Ellery George, Daniel William Klosiewicz, Kab Sik Seo, Coralie McKenna Fleenor, Allen Lynn Crain
  • Patent number: 8277706
    Abstract: Disclosed are multicomponent fibers derived from a blend of a sulfopolyester with a water non-dispersible polymer wherein the as-spun denier is less than about 6 and wherein the water dispersible sulfopolyester exhibits a melt viscosity of less than 12,000 poise measured at 240° C. at a strain rate of 1 rad/sec, and wherein the sulfopolyester comprising less than about 25 mole % of residues of at least one sulfomonomer, based on the total moles of diacid or diol residues. The multicomponent fiber is capable of being drawn at a relatively high fiber speed, particularly at least about 2000 m/min, and may be used to produce microdenier fibers. Fibrous articles may be produced from the multicomponent fibers and microdenier fibers. Also disclosed is a process for multicomponent fibers, nonwoven fabrics, and microdenier webs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Rakesh Kumar Gupta, Scott Ellery George, Daniel William Klosiewicz, Kab Sik Seo, Coralie McKenna Fleenor, Allen Lynn Crain
  • Patent number: 8273451
    Abstract: Disclosed are multicomponent fibers derived from a blend of a sulfopolyester with a water non-dispersible polymer wherein the as-spun denier is less than about 6 and wherein the water dispersible sulfopolyester exhibits a melt viscosity of less than 12,000 poise measured at 240° C. at a strain rate of 1 rad/sec, and wherein the sulfopolyester comprising less than about 25 mole % of residues of at least one sulfomonomer, based on the total moles of diacid or diol residues. The multicomponent fiber is capable of being drawn at a relatively high fiber speed, particularly at least about 2000 m/min, and may be used to produce microdenier fibers. Fibrous articles may be produced from the multicomponent fibers and microdenier fibers. Also disclosed is a process for multicomponent fibers, nonwoven fabrics, and microdenier webs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Rakesh Kumar Gupta, Scott Ellery George, Daniel William Klosiewicz, Kab Sik Seo, Coralie McKenna Fleenor, Allen Lynn Crain
  • Patent number: 8262958
    Abstract: Disclosed are water-dispersible fibers derived from sulfopolyesters having a Tg of at least 25° C. The fibers may contain a single sulfopolyester or a blend of a sulfopolyester with a water-dispersible or water-nondispersible polymer. Also disclosed are multicomponent fibers comprising a water dispersible sulfopolyester having a Tg of at least 57° C. and a water non-dispersible polymer. The multicomponent fibers may be used to produce microdenier fibers. Fibrous articles may be produced from the water-dispersible fibers, multicomponent fibers, and microdenier fibers. The fibrous articles include water-dispersible and microdenier nonwoven webs, fabrics, and multilayered articles such as wipes, gauze, tissue, diapers, panty liners, sanitary napkins, bandages, and surgical dressings. Also disclosed is a process for water-dispersible fibers, nonwoven fabrics, and microdenier webs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: William Alston Haile, Scott Ellery George, Wesley Raymond Hale, Waylon Lewellyn Jenkins
  • Patent number: 8257628
    Abstract: Disclosed are multicomponent fibers derived from a blend of a sulfopolyester with a water non-dispersible polymer wherein the as-spun denier is less than about 6 and wherein the water dispersible sulfopolyester exhibits a melt viscosity of less than 12,000 poise measured at 240° C. at a strain rate of 1 rad/sec, and wherein the sulfopolyester comprising less than about 25 mole % of residues of at least one sulfomonomer, based on the total moles of diacid or diol residues. The multicomponent fiber is capable of being drawn at a relatively high fiber speed, particularly at least about 2000 m/min, and may be used to produce microdenier fibers. Fibrous articles may be produced from the multicomponent fibers and microdenier fibers. Also disclosed is a process for multicomponent fibers, nonwoven fabrics, and microdenier webs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Rakesh Kumar Gupta, Scott Ellery George, Daniel William Klosiewicz, Kab Sik Seo, Coralie McKenna Fleenor, Allen Lynn Crain
  • Patent number: 8247335
    Abstract: Disclosed are water-dispersible fibers derived from sulfopolyesters having a Tg of at least 25° C. The fibers may contain a single sulfopolyester or a blend of a sulfopolyester with a water-dispersible or water-nondispersible polymer. Also disclosed are multicomponent fibers comprising a water dispersible sulfopolyester having a Tg of at least 57° C. and a water non-dispersible polymer. The multicomponent fibers may be used to produce microdenier fibers. Fibrous articles may be produced from the water-dispersible fibers, multicomponent fibers, and microdenier fibers. The fibrous articles include water-dispersible and microdenier nonwoven webs, fabrics, and multilayered articles such as wipes, gauze, tissue, diapers, panty liners, sanitary napkins, bandages, and surgical dressings. Also disclosed is a process for water-dispersible fibers, nonwoven fabrics, and microdenier webs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: William Alston Haile, Scott Ellery George, Wesley Raymond Hale, Waylon Lewellyn Jenkins
  • Patent number: 8236713
    Abstract: Disclosed are water-dispersible fibers derived from sulfopolyesters having a Tg of at least 25° C. The fibers may contain a single sulfopolyester or a blend of a sulfopolyester with a water-dispersible or water-nondispersible polymer. Also disclosed are multicomponent fibers comprising a water dispersible sulfopolyester having a Tg of at least 57° C. and a water non-dispersible polymer. The multicomponent fibers may be used to produce microdenier fibers. Fibrous articles may be produced from the water-dispersible fibers, multicomponent fibers, and microdenier fibers. The fibrous articles include water-dispersible and microdenier nonwoven webs, fabrics, and multilayered articles such as wipes, gauze, tissue, diapers, panty liners, sanitary napkins, bandages, and surgical dressings. Also disclosed is a process for water-dispersible fibers, nonwoven fabrics, and microdenier webs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: William Alston Haile, Scott Ellery George, Wesley Raymond Hale, Waylon Lewellyn Jenkins
  • Patent number: 8227362
    Abstract: Disclosed are water-dispersible fibers derived from sulfopolyesters having a Tg of at least 25° C. The fibers may contain a single sulfopolyester or a blend of a sulfopolyester with a water-dispersible or water-nondispersible polymer. Also disclosed are multicomponent fibers comprising a water dispersible sulfopolyester having a Tg of at least 57° C. and a water non-dispersible polymer. The multicomponent fibers may be used to produce microdenier fibers. Fibrous articles may be produced from the water-dispersible fibers, multicomponent fibers, and microdenier fibers. The fibrous articles include water-dispersible and microdenier nonwoven webs, fabrics, and multilayered articles such as wipes, gauze, tissue, diapers, panty liners, sanitary napkins, bandages, and surgical dressings. Also disclosed is a process for water-dispersible fibers, nonwoven fabrics, and microdenier webs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: William Alston Haile, Scott Ellery George, Wesley Raymond Hale, Waylon Lewellyn Jenkins
  • Patent number: 8216953
    Abstract: Disclosed are water-dispersible fibers derived from sulfopolyesters having a Tg of at least 25° C. The fibers may contain a single sulfopolyester or a blend of a sulfopolyester with a water-dispersible or water-nondispersible polymer. Also disclosed are multicomponent fibers comprising a water dispersible sulfopolyester having a Tg of at least 57° C. and a water non-dispersible polymer. The multicomponent fibers may be used to produce microdenier fibers. Fibrous articles may be produced from the water-dispersible fibers, multicomponent fibers, and microdenier fibers. The fibrous articles include water-dispersible and microdenier nonwoven webs, fabrics, and multilayered articles such as wipes, gauze, tissue, diapers, panty liners, sanitary napkins, bandages, and surgical dressings. Also disclosed is a process for water-dispersible fibers, nonwoven fabrics, and microdenier webs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: William Alston Haile, Scott Ellery George, Wesley Raymond Hale, Waylon Lewellyn Jenkins
  • Patent number: 8178199
    Abstract: A water non-dispersible polymer microfiber is provided comprising at least one water non-dispersible polymer wherein the water non-dispersible polymer microfiber has an equivalent diameter of less than 5 microns and length of less than 25 millimeters. A process for producing water non-dispersible polymer microfibers is also provided, the process comprising: a) cutting a multicomponent fiber into cut multicomponent fibers; b) contacting a fiber-containing feedstock with water to produce a fiber mix slurry; wherein the fiber-containing feedstock comprises cut multicomponent fibers; c) heating the fiber mix slurry to produce a heated fiber mix slurry; d) optionally, mixing the fiber mix slurry in a shearing zone; e) removing at least a portion of the sulfopolyester from the multicomponent fiber to produce a slurry mixture comprising a sulfopolyester dispersion and water non-dispersible polymer microfibers; and f) separating the water non-dispersible polymer microfibers from the slurry mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Rakesh Kumar Gupta, Melvin Glenn Mitchell, Daniel William Klosiewicz
  • Patent number: 8163385
    Abstract: Disclosed are multicomponent fibers derived from a blend of a sulfopolyester with a water non-dispersible polymer wherein the as-spun denier is less than about 6 and wherein the water dispersible sulfopolyester exhibits a melt viscosity of less than 12,000 poise measured at 240° C. at a strain rate of 1 rad/sec, and wherein the sulfopolyester comprising less than about 25 mole % of residues of at least one sulfomonomer, based on the total moles of diacid or diol residues. The multicomponent fiber is capable of being drawn at a relatively high fiber speed, particularly at least about 2000 m/min, and may be used to produce microdenier fibers. Fibrous articles may be produced from the multicomponent fibers and microdenier fibers. Also disclosed is a process for multicomponent fibers, nonwoven fabrics, and microdenier webs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Rakesh Kumar Gupta, Scott Ellery George, Daniel William Klosiewicz, Kab Sik Seo, Coralie McKenna Fleenor, Allen Lynn Crain
  • Patent number: 8158244
    Abstract: Disclosed are multicomponent fibers derived from a blend of a sulfopolyester with a water non-dispersible polymer wherein the as-spun denier is less than about 6 and wherein the water dispersible sulfopolyester exhibits a melt viscosity of less than 12,000 poise measured at 240° C. at a strain rate of 1 rad/sec, and wherein the sulfopolyester comprising less than about 25 mole % of residues of at least one sulfomonomer, based on the total moles of diacid or diol residues. The multicomponent fiber is capable of being drawn at a relatively high fiber speed, particularly at least about 2000 m/min, and may be used to produce microdenier fibers. Fibrous articles may be produced from the multicomponent fibers and microdenier fibers. Also disclosed is a process for multicomponent fibers, nonwoven fabrics, and microdenier webs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Rakesh Kumar Gupta, Scott Ellery George, Daniel William Klosiewicz, Kab Sik Seo, Coralie McKenna Fleenor, Allen Lynn Crain
  • Patent number: 8148278
    Abstract: Disclosed are multicomponent fibers derived from a blend of a sulfopolyester with a water non-dispersible polymer wherein the as-spun denier is less than about 6 and wherein the water dispersible sulfopolyester exhibits a melt viscosity of less than 12,000 poise measured at 240° C. at a strain rate of 1 rad/sec, and wherein the sulfopolyester comprising less than about 25 mole % of residues of at least one sulfomonomer, based on the total moles of diacid or diol residues. The multicomponent fiber is capable of being drawn at a relatively high fiber speed, particularly at least about 2000 m/min, and may be used to produce microdenier fibers. Fibrous articles may be produced from the multicomponent fibers and microdenier fibers. Also disclosed is a process for multicomponent fibers, nonwoven fabrics, and microdenier webs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Rakesh Kumar Gupta, Scott Ellery George, Daniel William Klosiewicz, Kab Sik Seo, Coralie McKenna Fleenor, Allen Lynn Crain
  • Patent number: 8124676
    Abstract: A basecoat composition is provided comprising: a) at least one film-forming polymer selected from the group consisting of acrylic polyols and polyester polyols; b) at least one rheological modifier; c) at least one solvent; d) at least one pigment; e) optionally, at least one microgel; f) optionally, at least one crosslinking agent; and g) at least one cellulose mixed ester. A wet-on-wet-on wet process is also provided. The process for coating a substrate comprises: a) applying a primer to said substrate to produce a primed substrate; b) applying a basecoat composition to said primed substrate while said primer is wet to produce a basecoated substrate; and c) applying a clearcoat composition to said basecoated substrate while said basecoat composition is wet and optionally said primer is wet to produce a coated substrate. Coated articles are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Deepanjan Bhattacharya, Roy Glenn Foulk, Hampton Loyd Chip Williams, III, Michael Charles Shelton, Jessica Dee Posey-Dowty, Luis Guillermo Rios Perdomo, Daniel Wayne Dixon, Jr., Paul Lee Lucas, Alan Kent Wilson, Kenneth Raymond Walker, Jonathan Edward Lawniczak, Hieu Duy Phan, Charlie Carroll Freeman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8106111
    Abstract: A cycloaliphatic diol antimicrobial agent selected from the group consisting of 1,1-cyclohexanedimethanol, 1,2-cyclohexanedimethanol, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, and 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol was found to provide antimicrobial activity in coating compositions and latexes, and was found to enhance the effectiveness of other antimicrobial agents commonly used in coatings and dispersions. Alone or as part of a preservative system, this cycloaliphatic diol antimicrobial agent in water can provide an easy-to-handle liquid that allows coatings producers to achieve improved microbial control, or achieve equivalent control while using less antimicrobial agents in their formulations. Consequently, the shelf life of the products can be maintained while reducing the use of the traditional preservative, or the shelf-life can be enhanced with addition of this cycloaliphatic diol antimicrobial agent to an existing antimicrobial system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: James Allen McCaulley, Terry Ann Oldfield, Andrew Joseph Matosky, Suzanne Winegar Dobbs, Vicky Lynn Christian
  • Patent number: 8039531
    Abstract: Cellulose mixed esters are disclosed having low molecular weights and low degrees of polymerization. These new cellulose mixed esters include cellulose acetate propionate and cellulose acetate butyrate. The esters exhibit solubility in a wide range of organic solvents with minimal viscosity increase, are compatible with a wide variety of resins, and are useful in coatings and inks compositions as binder resins and rheology modifiers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Michael Charles Shelton, Jessica Dee Posey-Dowty, Luis Guillermo Rios Perdomo, Daniel Wayne Dixon, Jr., Paul Lee Lucas, Alan Kent Wilson, Kenneth Raymond Walker, Jonathan Edward Lawniczak, Roy Glenn Foulk, Hieu Duy Phan, Charlie Carroll Freeman, Jr., John Douglas Booton
  • Patent number: 8003715
    Abstract: Cellulose mixed esters are disclosed having low molecular weights and low degrees of polymerization. These new cellulose mixed esters include cellulose acetate propionate and cellulose acetate butyrate. The esters exhibit solubility in a wide range of organic solvents with minimal viscosity increase, are compatible with a wide variety of resins, and are useful in coatings and inks compositions as binder resins and rheology modifiers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Michael Charles Shelton, Jessica Dee Posey-Dowty, Luis Guillermo Rios Perdomo, Daniel Wayne Dixon, Jr., Paul Lee Lucas, Alan Kent Wilson, Kenneth Raymond Walker, Jonathan Edward Lawniczak, Roy Glenn Foulk, Hieu Duy Phan, Charlie Carroll Freeman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7919631
    Abstract: Ionic liquids and processes and apparatus for their production. The ionic liquids can be low sulfur and low halide carboxylated ionic liquids. The ionic liquids can be produced via formation of at least one intermediate carboxylated ionic liquid, and thereafter subjecting the intermediate carboxylated ionic liquid to at least one anion exchange process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Charles Michael Buchanan, Norma Lindsey Buchanan
  • Patent number: 7902094
    Abstract: Disclosed are water-dispersible fibers derived from sulfopolyesters having a Tg of at least 25° C. The fibers may contain a single sulfopolyester or a blend of a sulfopolyester with a water-dispersible or water-nondispersible polymer. Also disclosed are multicomponent fibers comprising a water dispersible sulfopolyester having a Tg of at least 57° C. and a water non-dispersible polymer. The multicomponent fibers may be used to produce microdenier fibers. Fibrous articles may be produced from the water-dispersible fibers, multicomponent fibers, and microdenier fibers. The fibrous articles include water-dispersible and microdenier nonwoven webs, fabrics, and multilayered articles such as wipes, gauze, tissue, diapers, panty liners, sanitary napkins, bandages, and surgical dressings. Also disclosed is a process for water-dispersible fibers, nonwoven fabrics, and microdenier webs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: William Alston Haile, Scott Ellery George, Wesley Raymond Hale, Waylon Lewellyn Jenkins
  • Patent number: 7893138
    Abstract: Carboxyalkylcellulose esters are disclosed having relatively low degrees of polymerization. These new carboxyalkylcellulose esters include carboxymethylcellulose acetate, carboxymethylcellulose acetate propionate, and carboxymethylcellulose acetate butyrate. The inventive esters exhibit solubility in a range of organic solvents, and are useful in coatings and ink compositions as binder resins and rheology modifiers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Michael Charles Shelton, Alan Kent Wilson, Jessica Dee Posey-Dowty, Gergory Andrew Kramer, Luis Guillermo Rios Perdomo