Patents Assigned to The University of Southern Mississippi
  • Publication number: 20240092965
    Abstract: The invention provides for polymer structures and their preparation and resulting novel functionalities including open-shell character and high intrinsic conductivity with wide-range tenability. Electrical conductivity can be further modulated by introducing or blending with materials, fillers, dopants, and/or additives. The materials or resultant composites of the invention can be processed by various techniques into different forms to realize multiple applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2023
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI
    Inventors: Jason D. Azoulay, Lifeng Huang, Alexander E. London, Naresh Eedugurala
  • Patent number: 11884770
    Abstract: An alternative polyurethane composition is provided which comprises a reaction product of an azidated polyol and a poly(alkynyl carbamate) prepolymer, wherein reaction occurs at a temperature of from 20° C. to 200° C., optionally in the presence of a catalyst, wherein the poly(alkynyl carbamate) prepolymer comprises a reaction product of stoichiometric equivalents of a polyisocyanate and a component comprising 1-100% of an alkynol-ether of the formula (I): HC?C—R—OH (I), wherein R is a linear or branched ether chain having from 1 to 15 atoms, and wherein the remainder of the hydroxyl-functional component comprises a first alkynol. The inclusion of an alkynol-ether reduces the viscosity of the composition without compromising its performance. The inventive alternative polyurethane compositions may find use in providing coatings, adhesives, sealants, films, elastomers, castings, foams, and composites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: The University of Southern Mississippi
    Inventors: Robson F. Storey, Alan Ekin, R. Hunter Cooke, III, Jie Wu
  • Patent number: 11884772
    Abstract: A polymer formed of at least one phenylphosphine oxide functional epoxide crosslinked with at least one phenylphosphine oxide amine such that the polymer has phosphorous concentrations of at least about 8 percent by weight, at least about 8.5 percent by weight, or any value or range of values therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: The University of Southern Mississippi
    Inventors: Witold K. Fuchs, Jeffrey Wiggins
  • Publication number: 20230374178
    Abstract: The system provides new methods and processes for the reaction of polymeric/oligomeric substrates with reactants comprising alkyne/alkene and/or protic nucleophilic moieties to afford functionalized polymeric/oligomeric products through the utilization of homogenous and/or heterogenous gold catalysis. More specifically, the system provides routes for reaction of polymeric/oligomeric substrates comprising varying degrees of aromatic character with alkyne/alkene bearing molecules to afford a functionalized polymeric/oligomeric product. The system additionally provides pathways wherein the inverse methodology is realized, providing functionalized materials from the reaction of polymeric substrates bearing alkyne/alkene moieties with aromatic and/or protic nucleophilic reagents. Furthermore, in a tangential methodology, the system affords functionalized polymeric materials from the reaction of polymeric substrates bearing protic nucleophilic substituents with alkyne/alkene containing molecules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2021
    Publication date: November 23, 2023
    Applicant: The University of Southern Mississippi
    Inventors: Jason D. Azoulay, Eric R. King, Samuel Hunt
  • Patent number: 11795247
    Abstract: Provided herein are polyolefin dispersants, as well as methods for producing polyolefin dispersants. The polyolefin dispersants can be defined by the formula below where Rx is cationic initiator residue; Ra is a polyolefin group; R1 and R2 are each, independently in each —(CR1R2) unit, H, alkyl, alkoxy, or alkylaryl; R3 and R4 are each, independently, H, alkyl, or alkoxy; m is an integer from 1 to 20; n is an integer from 1 to 6; r is an integer from 1 to 4; Y is a polyvalent amine linker comprising one or more tertiary amines, wherein the polyvalent amine linker does not include a primary amine or a secondary amine; and A is absent, or comprises a dispersive moiety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: The University of Southern Mississippi
    Inventors: Robson F. Storey, Travis P. Holbrook, C. Garrett Campbell, Georgeta Masson
  • Patent number: 11779721
    Abstract: An oral suction device includes a suction catheter having a suction portion at a first end, a sponge surrounding the suction portion, a hydrogel or non-hydrogel polymer coating on the sponge, and a suction tubing connector on a second end opposite the first end. In some aspects the coating is a hydrogel coating that does not have macropores. A method of making an oral suction device may include dip-coating a sponge and forming macropores in the coating during the coating process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: The University of Southern Mississippi
    Inventors: Lisa Kemp, Nina McLain
  • Patent number: 11781986
    Abstract: The methods disclosed utilize ?-conjugated polymers (CPs) as sensors for various analytes through the inner filter effect (IFE). Further, the methods utilize CPs with controlled optical properties for targeting sensing applications and operates through a novel IFE-based method, providing sensitive and selective sensors that operate in complex environments. The methods further provide calibration standards for the identification of similar and structurally distinct target analytes, where the analyte is a small molecule, macromolecule, and/or biological organism of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: University of Southern Mississippi
    Inventors: Joshua Tropp, Jason D. Azoulay
  • Patent number: 11773211
    Abstract: The invention provides for polymer structures and their preparation and resulting novel functionalities including open-shell character and high intrinsic conductivity with wide-range tenability. Electrical conductivity can be further modulated by introducing or blending with materials, fillers, dopants, and/or additives. The materials or resultant composites of the invention can be processed by various techniques into different forms to realize multiple applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI
    Inventors: Jason D. Azoulay, Lifeng Huang, Alexander E. London, Naresh Eedugurala
  • Publication number: 20230191364
    Abstract: Carbon materials formed using various templates of precursor materials are described in addition to method and process for producing the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2023
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Applicant: The University of Southern Mississippi
    Inventors: Zhe Qiang, Mark Robertson, Paul Smith
  • Patent number: 11649320
    Abstract: The present invention provides novel polymer compounds and methods and processes for polymerizing and synthesizing the new polymers by post-modifying conjugated polymers bearing unsaturated functionalities. The post-modifications are facilitated by light-mediated initiators, thermal initiators, redox-based initiators, small molecule-based initiators, or a combination thereof. Syntheses and post-modifications are carried out to high conversion via thiol-ene “click” chemistry-based mechanisms. The products comprise monomeric, oligomeric, and polymeric materials with easily-accessible pendant functionalities which impart new, distinct, and/or improved properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: University of Southern Mississippi
    Inventors: Joshua Tropp, Douglas V. Amato, Derek L. Patton, Jason D. Azoulay
  • Publication number: 20220332870
    Abstract: The invention provides for new polymer compounds and methods for the preparation of modular narrow band gap conjugated compounds and polymers that incorporate exocyclic cross-conjugated donors or substituents, as well as novel monomer components of such polymers and the resulting products which comprise materials and useful electronic devices with novel functionality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2022
    Publication date: October 20, 2022
    Applicants: THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI, THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Jason D. Azoulay, Benjamin A. Zhang, Yi Liu
  • Publication number: 20220241731
    Abstract: A porous composite ultrafiltration membrane including a block copolymer layer having (a) one or more soft block polymer(s) having an elongation at break of greater than about 50%, as measured by ASTM D638 and an elastic modulus of between 10 MPa to 3 GPa as measured by the ASTM D638 tensile test; and (b) one or more hard block polymer(s) having an elongation at break of less than about 65%, as measured by ASTM D638, and an elastic modulus of higher than 1 GPa as measured by the ASTM D638 tensile test, and a macroporous support layer having a pore size larger than a pore size of the block copolymer layer. Also described is a method for making the porous composite membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2022
    Publication date: August 4, 2022
    Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI
    Inventors: Xiaodan GU, Daniel Weller
  • Patent number: 11359049
    Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods and processes for polymerizing unsaturated substrates, such as alkyne bearing monomers, with arenes. The polymerizations are catalyzed by gold (Au) catalysts/complexes and/or other cocatalysts. The invention further provides novel structurally complex polymers prepared in high yield via an intermolecular polyhydroarylation mechanism. Such resulting products comprise oligomeric and polymeric materials with novel molecular architectures and microstructures, which subsequently impart unique properties. The invention includes both the synthesis methods and processes and the resulting compounds and compositions of matter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI
    Inventors: Jason D. Azoulay, Joshua Tropp, Eric King
  • Patent number: 11352460
    Abstract: A waterborne poly(alkynyl carbamate) prepolymer is provided which comprises a reaction product of a polyisocyanate comprising a first portion and a second portion of isocyanate groups; an isocyanate-reactive component comprising 0.1 mol % to 6 mol % of a C10-C50 glycol ether; and 99.9 mol % to 94 mol % of an alkynol, wherein the mol % is based on the moles of isocyanate in the polyisocyanate, wherein the first portion of isocyanate groups reacts with the C10-C50 glycol ether, wherein the second portion of isocyanate groups reacts with the alkynol, and wherein reaction occurs optionally in the presence of a catalyst. The reaction of long chain glycol ethers with the polyisocyanate at a level of from 0.1 mol % to 6 mol % imparts water dispersibility to the prepolymer, and when the prepolymer is dispersed in water, the performance of waterborne alternative polyurethane compositions made therefrom, such as coatings, adhesives, sealants, films, elastomers, castings, foams, and composites, are not compromised.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignees: COVESTRO LLC, THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI
    Inventors: Alan Ekin, Robson F. Storey, Jie Wu
  • Publication number: 20220135187
    Abstract: An adjustable aquaculture assembly including a container having a plurality of open sides and defining a retention space. The open sides are configured to allow flow through the retention space. A plurality of buoyancy members are positioned on the container. Each buoyancy member may be configured to be selectively filled with and emptied of air. A pump is coupled with the plurality of buoyancy members and is configured to control airflow to and from at least one of the plurality of buoyancy members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2021
    Publication date: May 5, 2022
    Applicant: The University of Southern Mississippi
    Inventors: Gero Nootz, Megan E. Gima, Vishwamithra Reddy Sunkara
  • Patent number: 11312819
    Abstract: The invention provides for new polymer compounds and methods for the preparation of modular narrow band gap conjugated compounds and polymers that incorporate exocyclic cross-conjugated donors or substituents, as well as novel monomer components of such polymers and the resulting products which comprise materials and useful electronic devices with novel functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignees: The University of Southern Mississippi, The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Jason D. Azoulay, Yi Liu, Benjamin A. Zhang
  • Patent number: 11312817
    Abstract: An alternative polyurethane composition is provided which comprises a reaction product of an azidated polyol and a poly(alkynyl carbamate) prepolymer reacted at a temperature of from 20° C. to 120° C., wherein the poly(alkynyl carbamate) prepolymer comprises a reaction product of a polyisocyanate and a stoichiometric equivalent of an alkynol of the formula (I), HC?C—R1R2—OH??(I), and wherein R1 is an electron-withdrawing group selected from the group consisting of carbonyl, ester, amide, and urethane and R2 is a linear or branched alkyl chain having from 1 to 15 carbon atoms. The inventive alternative polyurethane composition position may be used to provide adhesives, sealants, films, elastomers, castings, foams, and composites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignees: Covestro LLC, The University Of Southern Mississippi
    Inventors: Robson F. Storey, Alan Ekin, R. Hunter Cooke, III, Jie Wu
  • Patent number: 11292866
    Abstract: An alternative polyurethane composition is provided which comprises a reaction product of an azidated polyol and a poly(alkynyl carbamate) prepolymer, wherein reaction occurs at a temperature of from 20° C. to 200° C., optionally in the presence of a CuI-containing catalyst and wherein the poly(alkynyl carbamate) prepolymer comprises a reaction product of a polyisocyanate, an alkynol, and a glycol ether, wherein from 1 mol % to 33 mol % of isocyanate groups are reacted with glycol ether and the remaining isocyanate groups are reacted with the alkynol. The inclusion of glycol ethers into the polyisocyanate chain of the poly(alkynyl carbamate) prepolymer at a level of from 1 mol % to 33 mol %, is efficient in reducing the viscosity of the composition without compromising its performance in coatings, adhesives, sealants, films, elastomers, castings, foams, and composites made with the inventive alternative polyurethane compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignees: Covestro LLC, The University Of Southern Mississippi
    Inventors: Alan Ekin, Robson F. Storey, R. Hunter Cooke, III, Harrison A. Livingston, Jie Wu
  • Patent number: 11267927
    Abstract: The present invention provides alternative polyurethane composition comprising the reaction product of an azidated polyol and a poly(alkynyl carbamate) prepolymer, wherein the poly(alkynyl carbamate) prepolymer comprises the reaction product of a polyisocyanate, an alkynol, and an oxysilane. The reaction of the polyol and the prepolymer may occur in the presence of a catalyst or at a temperature of from 20° C. to 120° C. The inventive oxysilane and azido-alkyne hybrid click formulations provide comparable performance, and in some cases better performance, to/than urethane and azido-alkyne control click formulations in terms of pencil hardness, MEK double rubs, and glass transition temperature. The inventive alternative polyurethane compositions may be used to provide coatings, adhesives, sealants, films, elastomers, castings, and composites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignees: Covestro LLC, The University Of Southern Mississippi
    Inventors: Alan Ekin, Robson F. Storey, R. Hunter Cooke, III, Harrison A. Livingston
  • Patent number: 11261344
    Abstract: A waterborne alternative polyurethane composition is provided which comprises a reaction product of: an azidated polyol; and a waterborne poly(alkynyl carbamate) prepolymer comprising a reaction product of a polyisocyanate and from 1 wt. % to 20 wt. % of an alkynol-polyether having a formula (I), R1—R2—O—R3—OH??(I), wherein, R1=a monovalent group selected from either HC?C— or HC?C—CO—, R2=a divalent alkylene group from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and may be straight chain or branched and may contain cyclic moieties, and R3=a polyethylene glycol with number average molecular weight from 300-1,200 g/mol, wherein the wt. % is based on the weight of the prepolymer, wherein reaction of the azidated polyol and the waterborne poly(alkynyl carbamate) occurs at a temperature of from 20° C. to 200° C. and optionally in the presence of a catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignees: Covestro LLC, The University Of Southern Mississippi
    Inventors: Robson F. Storey, Alan Ekin, Jie Wu