Patents Assigned to Univation Technologies
  • Patent number: 6878662
    Abstract: The invention provides olefin(s) polymerization catalyst compositions that include at least one tridentate ligand coordinated to the transition metal by one datively bonded heteroatom and two anionically bonded heteroatoms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Rex E. Murray
  • Patent number: 6878454
    Abstract: A film comprising a polyethylene composition, the polyethylene composition in one embodiment comprising a high molecular weight component having a weight average molecular weight of greater than 50,000 amu and a low molecular weight component having a weight average molecular weight of less than 50,000 amu; the polyethylene composition possessing a density of between 0.940 and 0.970 g/cm3, and an I21 value of less than 20 dg/min; characterized in that the polyethylene composition extrudes at an advantageously high specific throughput at an advantageously low melt temperature, and wherein the film has a gel count of less than 100.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Porter C. Shannon, Rakesh Kumar, Pradeep Pandurang Shirodkar, Fred David Ehrman, Mark B. Davis, Keith Wesley Trapp, Dongming Li
  • Patent number: 6875828
    Abstract: A process of producing a bimodal polyolefin composition is described, which includes in one embodiment contacting monomers with a supported bimetallic catalyst composition for a time sufficient to form a bimodal polyolefin composition that includes a high molecular weight polyolefin component and a low molecular weight polyolefin component; wherein the supported bimetallic catalyst includes a first catalyst component that is preferably non-metallocene, and a second catalyst component that includes a metallocene catalyst compound having at least one fluoride or fluorine containing leaving group, wherein the bimetallic catalyst is supported by an enhanced silica, dehydrated at a temperature of 800° C. or more in one embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chi-I Kuo, G. McCullough Laughlin, Pradeep Pandurang Shirodkar, Fred David Ehrman, Porter Shannon, Robert Lynn Santana, Steven K. Ackerman, Daniel Gerard O'Neil
  • Patent number: 6870010
    Abstract: A low density substantially linear polyethylene composition is described, including some that have: (a) a density of 0.935 g/cc or less; (b) a Haze of 10% or less, (c) a Dart Impact of 100 grams/mil or more, (d) an average overall long chain branching index of 0.95 or more; and (e) a slice long chain branching (SLCB) index of 0.85 or less for any portion of the composition having a molecular weight of 100,000 or above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ching-Tai Lue, Tae Hoon Kwalk
  • Patent number: 6869903
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of synthesizing fluorided metallocene catalyst components comprising contacting at least one fluoriding agent comprising fluorine with one or more alkylated metallocene catalyst components comprising one or more non-halogen leaving groups to produce a fluorided catalyst component; wherein from less than 3 equivalents of fluorine are contacted for every equivalent of leaving group. The method of the invention is exemplified by the following reaction which takes place in a non-coordinating diluent such as pentane: wherein one or both of the “Cp” rings may be substituted with an R group as described herein, and may be bridged. The reaction can be run at any desirable temperature, desirably between 10° C. and 35° C. The reaction product of the BF3 and dimethyl zirconocene is the fluorided zirconocene. The mole ratio of the BF3 fluoriding agent and the starting metallocene is less than 2:1 (fluoriding agent:metallocene) in one embodiment, and less than or equal to 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Phillip T. Matsunaga
  • Patent number: 6867270
    Abstract: The present invention is a process for transitioning from a first polymerization reaction to a second polymerization reaction incompatible with the first polymerization reaction in a gas-phase reactor. The novel process comprises conducting multiple polymerization reactions, capturing and storing a substantially contaminant-free polymerization product from each multiple polymerization reaction for use as a selected substantially contaminant-free seedbed in a second polymerization, wherein the polymerization product from each multiple polymerization reaction is rendered substantially contaminant-free by stripping or venting reactants and contaminants and is maintained as substantially contaminant-free by storage under an inert atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Bruce Jon Savatsky, Kelli Lynne Tilston, Thomas Redden Veariel
  • Patent number: 6864206
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method to support one or more catalyst compounds comprising contacting the catalyst compounds with a pretreatment agent comprising an aluminum alkyl and or an alumoxane in solution and thereafter contacting the combination with a supported activator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Henry Peterson, Eric Lucas
  • Patent number: 6864205
    Abstract: A family of novel hetrocyclic-amide type catalyst precursors useful for the polymerization of olefins, such as ethylene, higher alpha-olefins, dienes, and mixtures thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Rex Eugene Murray
  • Patent number: 6861483
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of thermally triggered compounds that when used with a polymerization catalyst in a polymerization process results in the controllable generation of one or more catalyst inhibitors that renders the polymerization catalyst substantially or completely inactive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy T. Wenzel, Dick Alan Nagaki, Thomas Henry Peterson, David James Schreck
  • Patent number: 6858684
    Abstract: This invention relates to processes for transitioning among polymerization catalyst systems, preferably catalyst systems, which are incompatible with each other. Particularly, the invention relates to processes for transitioning among olefin polymerization reactions utilizing Ziegler-Natta catalyst systems, metallocene catalyst systems and chromium-based catalyst systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ian D. Burdett, Ping P. Cai, Ronald Steven Eisinger, Mark Gregory Goode, F. David Hussein, Michael Allen Kinnan, Michael Elroy Muhle, James L. Swecker, II
  • Patent number: 6858689
    Abstract: New polymerization catalyst activators are disclosed which include a heterocyclic compound, which may or may not be substituted, and an aluminum alkyl or an aluminoxane. Supported activators of the invention include the heterocyclic compound, combined with an alkylaluminum or aluminoxane, and a support material, preferably a silica support material. Also disclosed are methods for preparing these catalyst activators and polymerization processes utilizing same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew W. Holtcamp, David Arthur Cano
  • Patent number: 6855784
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of synthesizing fluorided metallocene catalyst components comprising contacting at least one fluoriding agent comprising fluorine with one or more alkylated metallocene catalyst components comprising one or more non-halogen leaving groups to produce a fluorided catalyst component; wherein from less than 3 equivalents of fluorine are contacted for every equivalent of leaving group. The method of the invention is exemplified by the following reaction which takes place in a non-coordinating diluent such as pentane: wherein one or both of the “Cp” rings may be substituted with an R group as described herein, and may be bridged. The reaction can be run at any desirable temperature, desirably between 10° C. and 35° C. The reaction product of the BF3 and dimethyl zirconocene is the fluorided zirconocene. The mole ratio of the BF3 fluoriding agent and the starting metallocene is less than 2:1 (fluoriding agent:metallocene) in one embodiment, and less than or equal to 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Phillip T. Matsunaga
  • Patent number: 6855655
    Abstract: A supported catalyst composition comprising the reaction product of i) a magnesium halide, ii) a solvent, iii) an electron donor compound, iv) and a transition metal compound; an inert support; and a cocatalyst composition wherein the supported catalyst is substantially free of other alcohols and wherein the molar ratio of the first alcohol to magnesium is less than or equal to 1.9. Methods of making supported catalyst compositions and methods of making polymers with supported catalysts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Burkhard Eric Wagner, Michael D. Awe
  • Patent number: 6852659
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst composition of a supported activator, a catalyst compound and an ionizing activator and its use in a process for polymerizing olefin(s). The invention is also directed to a method for making the catalyst composition above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Sun-Chueh Kao, Parul A. Khokhani
  • Patent number: 6846886
    Abstract: The invention provides for polymerization catalyst compositions, and for methods for introducing the catalyst compositions into a polymerization reactor. More particularly, the method combines a catalyst component containing slurry and a catalyst component containing solution to form the completed catalyst composition for introduction into the polymerization reactor. The invention is also directed to methods of preparing the catalyst component slurry, the catalyst component solution and the catalyst compositions, to methods of controlling the properties of polymer products utilizing the catalyst compositions, and to polymers produced therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Simon Mawson, Sun-Chueh Kao, Tae Hoon Kwalk, Timothy Roger Lynn, David H. McConville, Matthew Gary McKee, John Francis Szul, Kersten Anne Terry, Timothy T. Wenzel, Mark Gregory Goode, John Henry Oskam, Robert J. Jorgensen, Robert Harold Vogel
  • Patent number: 6841504
    Abstract: Disclosed are polymerization catalyst activator compounds which include a Group 13 atom, preferably boron or aluminum, bonded to at least one heterocyclic groups. The heterocyclic group preferably contains one or more heteroatoms selected from Group 15 and/or 16, and may be unsubstituted or substituted. Preferably, the heterocyclic ligand is substituted with a halogen atom or a halogen containing group, where the halogen is preferably fluorine. Also disclosed are olefin(s) polymerization processes utilizing the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Matthew W. Holtcamp
  • Patent number: 6841631
    Abstract: Catalyst compositions and methods, useful in polymerization processes, utilizing at least two metal compounds are disclosed. At least one of the metal compounds is a Group 15 containing metal compound and the other metal compound is preferably a bulky ligand metallocene-type catalyst. The invention also discloses a new polyolefin, generally polyethylene, particularly a multimodal polymer and more specifically, a bimodal polymer, and its use in various end-use applications such as film, molding and pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Donald R. Loveday, David H. McConville, John F. Szul, Kersten Anne Erickson, Simon Mawson, Tae Hoon Kwack, Frederick J. Karol, David James Schreck
  • Patent number: 6841630
    Abstract: Processes for transitioning among polymerization catalyst systems, preferably catalyst systems, which are incompatible with each other. Particularly, processes for transitioning among olefin polymerization reactions utilizing silyl-chromate catalyst systems and metallocene catalyst systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kersten Anne Terry, Mark Gregory Goode, Daniel E. Wente, John Chirillo, Jr., Simon Mawson, Jose Fernando Cevallos-Candau
  • Patent number: 6833417
    Abstract: A process of transitioning from a first polymerization reaction conducted in the presence of a mixed catalyst system to a second polymerization reaction conducted in the presence of a chrome-based catalyst system is disclosed, the polymerization reactions being conducted in one embodiment in a polymerization zone of a gas phase fluidized bed reactor which contains a fluidized bed of polymer particles by the essentially continuous passage of monomer gases through the polymerization zone, comprising: a) discontinuing the introduction of the mixed catalyst system into the reactor; b) maintaining polymerization conditions in the reactor and permitting polymerization to continue for a period of time to allow the components of the mixed catalyst system present in the reactor to produce additional polymer particles; c) introducing a deactivating agent into the fluidized bed in an amount sufficient to deactivate the mixed catalyst system; d) establishing optimal conditions within the reactor for the chrome-based
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Fred David Ehrman, Mark Bradley Davis, Ronald Steven Eisinger, Mark Gregory Goode, Michael Allen Kinnan
  • Patent number: 6833416
    Abstract: A method of transitioning catalysts for polyolefin polymerization is provided. In one aspect, the process includes providing a polymerization reactor that includes a first catalyst system, contacting olefin monomers with the first catalyst system to form polyolefin in a first polymerization reaction and introducing a catalyst killer to the polymerization reactor in an amount sufficient to terminate the first polymerization reaction. The method further includes introducing a second catalyst system to the polymerization reactor in the presence of at least a portion of the catalyst killer, wherein the at least a portion of the catalyst killer is an amount sufficient to activate the second catalyst system and contacting olefin monomers with the second catalyst system to form polyolefin in a second polymerization reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Allen Kinnan, Fred David Ehrman, Pradeep Pandurang Shirodkar, Mark Bradley Davis, Michele Lynn Grief-Rust