Patents Assigned to Aster, Inc.
  • Patent number: 5922834
    Abstract: A method of treating paint sludge containing uncured polymer resin, water and/or solvent is provided in which a paint sludge putty is formed which may be used as a replacement for polymeric components used to form compounded polymeric compositions. The treated paint sludge putty or powder comprises from about 5 to 90% by weight of the total compounded polymeric composition and may be used in a variety of compositions including pressure sensitive sealants, caulking sealants, automotive sealants, polyvinyl chloride plastics, rubbers and asphalt cement coatings, and waterbased sealers and coatings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Aster, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Joseph Gerace, Sevilla C. Gamboa, Yasminka S. Landaburu
  • Patent number: 5880218
    Abstract: Compounded polymeric compositions containing processed paint sludge putty as a replacement for polymeric components are provided. The paint sludge comprises from about 5 to 90% by weight of the total compounded polymeric composition and may be decatalyzed so that it contains uncured polymer for use in a variety of compositions including pressure sensitive sealants, caulking sealants, automotive sealants, polyvinyl chloride plastics, rubbers and asphalt cement coatings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Aster, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Joseph Gerace, Yasminka S. Landaburu, Sevilla C. Gamboa
  • Patent number: 5254263
    Abstract: A sludge powder and sealant are prepared from paint sludge. A sludge powder is generated from a paint sludge having a volatiles content of 0-50% by weight by adding a processing filler thereto. A sealant composition is prepared by thereafter or concurrently therewith adding sealant ingredients including polymer, plasticizer, curative, and other sealant ingredients such as an adhesion promoter and sealant filler materials to the sludge powder. Alternatively, a sealant composition may be prepared by adding a paint sludge having a volatiles content of 0-50% by weight to the sealant ingredients, which may include a processing filler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Assignee: Aster, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Gerace, Sevilla C. Gamboa, Yasminka S. Landaburu
  • Patent number: 5223106
    Abstract: An electrophoretic coatable sealant composition for use in assembling automobile bodies comprising an adhesive material selected from the group consisting of epoxys, urethanes, epoxyurethane hybrids, acrylics, epoxy-acrylic hybrids, polyvinylchlorides and mixtures thereof and a conductive filler in an amount such that the sealant composition will accept electrophoretic deposition of a primer composition yet preserve the adhesive properties of the sealant composition. The conductive filler is selected from the group consisting of non-treated furnace-type conductive carbon blacks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Assignee: Aster, Inc.
    Inventors: Janet M. Gerace, Michael J. Gerace
  • Patent number: 5160628
    Abstract: A method for making a filler from automotive paint sludge is provided. Paint sludge containing water, solvent and uncured polymer resin is treated by removing a first portion of the water by mechanically drying the sludge to produce a concentrated sludge, and a second portion of the water is removed by treating the sludge with a chemical drying agent to produce a dried powder. Alternatively, the second portion of the water may be removed by agitating the concentrated sludge under a vacuum to produce a dehydrated putty. The resulting dried powder or putty can then be used as a filler in sealants and other products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Assignee: Aster, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Gerace, Janet M. Gerace
  • Patent number: 5143650
    Abstract: An electrophoretic coatable sealant composition for use in assembling automobile bodies comprising a polyvinyl chloride adhesive material and a conductive filler in an amount such that the sealant composition will accept electrophoretic deposition of a primer composition yet preserve the adhesive properties of the sealant composition. The conductive filler is selected from the group consisting of non-treated furnace-type conductive carbon blacks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Assignee: Aster, Inc.
    Inventors: Janet M. Gerace, Michael J. Gerace
  • Patent number: 4900771
    Abstract: Thermally stable hot applied plastisol compositions are especially useful in the assembly of metal parts. The compositions have adhesive and sealant qualities which allow them to be used in automotive assembly plants. Compositions of the invention comprise as major ingredients finely divided polyvinyl chloride resin, plasticizer, thermoplastic polymeric resin which is solid at room temperature but softens to a flowable state at application temperature, and an adhesion promotion system. Optionally a filler, wax, heat stabilizer, pigment, wetting agent, or mixtures thereof may be added. The individual components work synergistically to get good application properties, metal adhesion, wash-out resistance, and paintability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1990
    Assignee: Aster, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Gerace, Janet M. Gerace