Patents Represented by Attorney Rick F. James
  • Patent number: 7749372
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for treating the effluent from a hydrocarbon pyrolysis unit without employing a primary fractionator. The method comprises passing the gaseous effluent to at least one primary heat exchanger, thereby cooling the gaseous effluent and generating high pressure steam, and then cooling the gaseous effluent to a temperature at which tar, formed by reactions among constituents of the effluent, condenses. The gaseous effluent and the condensed tar are fed to at least one knock-out drum, whereby the tar is separated from the gaseous effluent. The gaseous effluent is then further cooled to condense a pyrolysis gasoline fraction from the effluent and to reduce the temperature of the effluent to a point at which it can be compressed efficiently. The condensed pyrolysis gasoline fraction is separated from the effluent and then distilled so as to reduce its final boiling point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Robert David Strack, John R. Messinger
  • Patent number: 7427381
    Abstract: A highly efficient vapor/liquid separation apparatus for treating a flow of vapor/liquid mixtures of hydrocarbons and steam comprises a substantially cylindrical vertical drum having an upper cap section, a middle section comprising a circular wall, a lower cap section, a tangential inlet to introduce hydrocarbon/steam mixtures, an overhead vapor outlet, and a bottom outlet for liquid. The vessel also comprises an annular structure located in the middle section, comprising i) an annular ceiling section extending from the circular wall and ii) a concentric internal vertical side wall to which the ceiling section extends. The annular structure blocks upward passage of vapor/liquid mixtures along the circular wall beyond the ceiling section, and surrounds an open core having sufficient cross-sectional area to permit vapor velocity low enough to avoid significant entrainment of liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Richard C. Stell, Arthur R. Di Nicolantonio, George Stephens, James M. Frye
  • Patent number: 6994291
    Abstract: An end-board for supporting and handling a core-wound roll of material, such as a roll of polymer film. The end-board includes a support plate having a product face, an outer face, a core support aperture, and a core channel, the core support aperture adapted to support a core plug or a core therein. The product face includes a roll recess for receiving an end of the core-wound roll within the roll recess when the core plug or core is positioned in the core support aperture. A locking collar may be used to selectively engage the support plate in the support plate core channel to prevent the supported core or core plug from passing through the core channel. A pair of handles within the support plate may be used to facilitate end-board manipulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Sharon J. Kemp, Cheryl L. Wetmore
  • Patent number: 6979495
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a biaxially oriented multi-layer film which comprises: (a) a core layer comprising a syndiotactic propylene homopolymer; and (b) at least one additional layer adjacent to the core layer comprising a polymer which is an ethylene or a propylene homopolymer, ethylene copolymer or terpolymer containing comonomers of propylene and/or butene-1. Optionally, there can be a skin layer applied to the exposed surface of the outer layer. The skin layer and/or the at least one additional layer is a polyolefin selected from the group consisting of isotactic polypropylene, polyethylene, ethylene-propylene random copolymer, ethylene-propylene block copolymer or ethylene-propylene-butene-1 terpolymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Jay K. Keung, Robert G. Peet, Michael T. Heffelfinger
  • Patent number: 6946203
    Abstract: A biaxially oriented thermoplastic structure including a low density core layer formed from polypropylene, highly crystalline polypropylene or high density polyethylene, and outer layers formed from highly crystalline polypropylene or high density polyethylene. The thickness of the core layer is about 60 to about 95% of the overall thickness of the structure. The stiffness of the structure in the machine direction is in a range from about 0.015 to about 0.15 pound force-centimeters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Exxon Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Mark W. Lockhart, Jason Chaneske, Robert M. Sheppard
  • Patent number: 6939602
    Abstract: This invention provides a coated thermoplastic film label comprising a first skin layer comprising a thermoplastic wherein the first skin layer has a first side and a second side, wherein the first skin layer is voided and wherein the first side has an open-cell structure; a core layer comprising a polyolefin, wherein the core layer has a first side and a second side, and the first side of the core layer is adjacent to the second side of the first skin layer; and a second skin layer comprising a polyolefin, wherein the second skin layer has a first side and a second side, the first side of the second skin layer is adjacent to the second side of the core layer, wherein the second side of the second skin layer has a closed-cell structure and wherein the second side is suitable for a surface treatment selected from the group consisting of flame, corona, and plasma treatment; metallization, coating, printing; and combinations thereof, and an inorganic coating on the first side of the first skin layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis E. McGee, Kevin A. Kirk, W. Robert Osgood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6908687
    Abstract: The present invention relates to oriented or hot-blown shrink films which may be manufactured from by a number of processes. The oriented films may be manufactured by double bubble, LISIM, tape bubble, trapped bubble or tenter framing processes. The films of the present invention are useful as a shrink film to package and label a variety of products. The films exhibit a high degree of MD shrinkage in a very controlled and consistent manner while providing a number of other positive characteristics such as optical clarity, puncture and abrasion resistance, controlled gauge, and superior web winding and handling characteristics. The shrink control layers of the films of the present invention contain a modifier component selected from plastomers and/or metallocene catalyzed ethylene-propylene copolymers and blends thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Lindsay J. Mendes, Benoit Ambroise, Pang-Chia Lu, David Randall Williams
  • Patent number: 6896956
    Abstract: An opaque, sealable and peelable film, including at least (a) a cavitated first core layer containing a thermoplastic polymer and a cavitating agent, (b) a second core layer containing a peelable blend and (c) one or more outer layers, at least one of which is a sealable outer layer, each independently containing a thermoplastic polymer. The peelable blend of the second core layer (b) may contain (i) from 20-80 wt % of a polyethylene and (ii) from 80-20 wt % of a polyolefin incompatible with polyethylene (i), or it may contain (i) from 10-35 wt % of ethylene-?-olefin elastomer and (ii) from 90-65 wt % of propylene homopolymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Oil Corporation
    Inventor: Dan-Cheng Kong
  • Patent number: 6863964
    Abstract: A metallized, multilayer film suitable for packaging applications is provided which comprises a first skin layer comprising a thermoplastic selected from the group consisting of high density polyethylene, ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer, medium density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, ethylene-propylene-butylene terpolymer, propylene-butylene copolymer, and amorphous polyamide, a metallized layer adjacent to the first skin layer, and a core layer comprising high crystallinity polypropylene homopolymer with an intermolecular stereoregularity greater than 93%. Additionally, low density polyethylene, EMA, EVA, or EAA may be extrusion laminated to the metallized side of the metallized, multilayer film at a web tension sufficient to prevent metal crazing of the vacuum deposited aluminum layer. A method for making the film is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Migliorini, Salvatore James Pellingra, Karen A. Sheppard
  • Patent number: 6844041
    Abstract: A clear polymeric label including a delaminatable mask layer is provided. The label includes a non-cavitated mask layer having a first side that is suitable for forming a cohesive bond with an adhesive, preferably a water-based adhesive. The cohesive bond between the first side of the mask layer and the adhesive is grater than the cohesive bond between the second side of the mask layer and its adjacent layer, whereby attempted removal of the label results in separation of the mask layer, which remains attached to the container, and masks the adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: JoAnn H. Squier, Robert E. Touhsaent
  • Patent number: 6844077
    Abstract: A metallized, multi-layer film is disclosed that comprises at least a polyolefin layer, a tie layer, and a metallized lactic acid polymer layer to yield a final film having improved moisture and gas barrier, optical, and mechanical properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Jo Ann H. Squier, Mark W. Lockhart
  • Patent number: 6828019
    Abstract: A thermoplastic film containing a core layer and an enhanced printing skin layer. The core layer comprises an orientation enhancing polymer, a polypropylene homopolymer, and a beta-crystal nucleators of polypropylene. The thermoplastic film may be used to enhance printing and where breathable films with good water vapor transmission are desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Dan-Cheng Kong, Michael Dale Cleckner
  • Patent number: 6824864
    Abstract: The present invention relates to bioriented polyethylene films having high water vapor transmission rates (WVTR) and methods for preparing the same. The film comprises a base layer and skin layers. The base layer comprises highly cavitated polyethylene, such as medium density polyethylene (MDPE) or high density polyethylene (HDPE). The cavitating agent in the base layer may be calcium carbonate. At least one skin layer comprises (i) a copolymer of ethylene and at least one other monomer and (ii) a hydrocarbon resin, such as a cyclopentadiene resin. This copolymer (i) may be an ethylene-propylene copolymer or an ethylene-propylene-butene-1 terpolymer. The film may have unidirectional tear properties in the machine direction. This film is particularly useful for packaging food products, such as pieces of candy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Oil Corporation
    Inventor: Michael John Bader
  • Patent number: 6824878
    Abstract: A thermoplastic film comprising a core layer comprising a polyolefin wherein the core layer comprises the interior of the film; a first transition layer comprising a polyolefin and a silicone additive, wherein the first transition layer is exterior to the core layer; and a first skin layer comprising a polyolefin wherein the first skin layer is exterior to the first transition layer and the core layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Robert A. Migliorini, Karen A. Sheppard
  • Patent number: 6797397
    Abstract: A lamination structure comprises a first layer bonded to a second layer. The first layer is bonded to the second layer by a destruct bond with a starch adhesive. The first layer may be a flat layer or a fluted layer and the second layer may be a flat or fluted layer. At least one surface of the first layer and/or the second layer, which is bonded to the other layer, is the surface of a thermoplastic film. The thermoplastic film is treated or coated in a manner sufficient to permit the surface or surfaces to form the above-mentioned destruct bond, using a starch adhesive. An example of a surface treatment is flame treatment. An example of a coating is an acrylic coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Oil Corporation
    Inventor: Richard A. Rehkugler
  • Patent number: 6794021
    Abstract: A thermoplastic multi-layer film for forming hermetic seals on packages comprising layer A comprising polyethylene, layer B comprising polypropylene, layer C comprising a copolymer, and an adhesion promoting coating applied to layer C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Exxon Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventor: Michael J. Bader
  • Patent number: 6787217
    Abstract: A thermoplastic film label composite that includes an outer skin layer that has a printable, untreated, cavitated surface which may be utilized for printing and affixing the label to a substrate. The invention further provides a film label composite printed on both its front- and back-side, and a method of manufacturing the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Jo Ann H. Squier, Robert Wayne Osgood, Jr., Karen B. Perez, David Randall Williams
  • Patent number: 6773818
    Abstract: An oriented multilayer film containing a core layer and a first skin layer, wherein the first skin layer includes a metallocene-catalyzed propylene homopolymer or copolymer, and the first skin layer is metallized. The film may also contain additional layers, such as a second skin layer for heat-sealing, and one or more tie layers. The film may be laminated to other films or non-films. The film exhibits excellent water vapor transmission rates (WVTR) and oxygen transmission rates (OTR).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: George F. Cretekos, Moris Amon
  • Patent number: 6770361
    Abstract: A sealable and peelable film, including at least (a) a core layer containing a peelable blend (b) a pair of outer layers, at least one of which is a sealable outer layer, each independently containing a thermoplastic polymer. The peelable blend of the core layer (a) may contain (i) from 20-80 wt % of a polyethylene and (ii) from 80-20 wt % of a polyolefin incompatible with polyethylene (i), or it may contain (i) from 10-35 wt % of ethylene-&agr;-olefin elastomer and (ii) from 90-65 wt % of propylene homopolymer. The film may also include an intermediate layer containing a propylene homopolymer, wherein the intermediate layer is positioned between the core layer containing the peelable blend and the sealable outer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Oil Corporation
    Inventor: Dan-Cheng Kong
  • Patent number: 6764751
    Abstract: Coated multilayer polyethylene films having improved sealability and barrier properties are provided. The films include a substrate which has been oriented in the machine direction to a degree of from about 5:1 to about 8:1 and in the direction transverse to the machine direction to a degree of from about 6:1 to about 15:1, and a coating selected from the group including polyvinylidene chloride, low temperature seal coating, polyvinyl alcohol polymer and acrylic coating. The substrate has a high density polyethylene base layer and at least a first skin layer adhered to a first side of the base layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Oil Corporation
    Inventor: Robert V. Poirier