Patents Examined by Alicia M. Toscano
  • Patent number: 7867952
    Abstract: Disclosed are a flexible polymer, particles made from same, and a process for preparing the particles. This flexible polymer is obtained from copolymerizing monomer (A) and monomer (B), wherein monomer (A) is one or more water-insoluble unsaturated diene monomers; monomer (B) is at least one compound with the general formula of wherein R is C1-C12alkyl, C1-C12 alkyl aryl, C1-C12 alkyl ether or C1-C12alkyl ester. Monomer (A) is in an amount of 60-90% by weight of the total combined weight of monomer (A) and monomer (B). Monomer (B) is in an amount of 10-40% by weight of the total combined weight of monomer (A) and monomer (B). The flexible polymer particles show excellent flexibility, deformability, elasticity as well as stability. They can be used in oilfields in nearby wellbore profile control and in-depth profile control or as in-depth flooding fluid diverting agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Petrochina Company Limited
    Inventors: Pingmei Wang, Jianhui Luo, Yuzhang Liu, Huaijiang Zhu, Chunming Xiong, Qiang Liu, Ruyi Jiang, Yikun Li, Ying Zhang
  • Patent number: 7851413
    Abstract: In order to transport hydrates in suspension in a fluid comprising water, gas and a liquid hydrocarbon, at least one non-polluting composition consisting essentially of a mixture comprising at least one ester associated with a non-ionic co-surfactant of the polymerized (dimer and/or trimer) carboxylic acid type is incorporated into said fluid. The composition is generally introduced in a concentration of 0.1% to 5% by weight with respect to the liquid hydrocarbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: IFP Energies Nouvelles
    Inventors: Sinquin Anne, Christine Dalmazzone, Annie Audibert, Vincent Pauchard
  • Patent number: 7838468
    Abstract: A clayish subterranean formation, such as may be encountered in rock surrounding a well bore during hydrocarbon recovery operations may be stabilized with relatively high molecular weight acid ammonium salts of an imide of polymaleic anhydride. The salts may be unneutralized or partially neutralized. The invention is particularly relevant to hydraulic fracturing fluids used in enhanced oil recovery. The compositions herein are made in the presence of a reactive solvent, such as a polyalkylene glycol, e.g. polyethylene glycol. The compositions of this invention are more environmentally friendly than some current technology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: David J. Poelker, JoAnn McMahon, John A. Schield
  • Patent number: 7829637
    Abstract: A molding composition is provided that includes a thermoset cross-linkable polymeric resin, a fibrous filler and a thickener system. The thickener system includes an amine and an isocyanate that are reactive to form a polyurea. The polyurea is operative to thicken the molding composition formulation prior to polymeric resin thermoset with superior properties relative to conventional thickener systems. A molded article produced from a cross-linked thermoset polymeric resin containing fibrous filler and a polyurea present from 1 to 5 total weight percent of the article either forms an interpenetrating network between the resin and the polyurea or the resin and polyurea crosslink upon resin thermoset to further strengthen the resulting article. An alkali earth oxide or hydroxide simultaneously thickens through interaction with carboxylate functionality of the cross-linkable resin to provide a superior viscosity build and humidity tolerance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Continental Structural Plastics
    Inventors: Probir K. Guha, Michael J. Siwajek, Brian A. Beach
  • Patent number: 7816449
    Abstract: The present invention is an adhesion promoter, a coating composition containing the adhesion promoter and a method for preparing the adhesion promoter and coating. The adhesion promoter of the present invention is an olefin based polymer prepared by reacting a hydroxy functional olefin polymer with a compound reactive with hydroxy functionality to provide functionality on the olefin polymer that is inert to reaction with a principal resin or crosslinking resin in a coating composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: BASF Coatings GmbH
    Inventors: Gregory G. Menovcik, William H. Merritt, Walter H. Ohrbom
  • Patent number: 7803740
    Abstract: Thermoset polymer particles are used in many applications requiring lightweight particles possessing high stiffness, strength, temperature resistance, and/or resistance to aggressive environments. The present invention relates to the use of two different methods, either each by itself or in combination, to enhance the stiffness, strength, maximum possible use temperature, and environmental resistance of such particles. One method is the application of post-polymerization process steps (and especially heat treatment) to advance the curing reaction and to thus obtain a more densely crosslinked polymer network. In general, its main benefits are the enhancement of the maximum possible use temperature and the environmental resistance. The other method is the incorporation of nanofillers, resulting in a heterogenous “nanocomposite” morphology. In general, its main benefits are increased stiffness and strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Sun Drilling Products Corporation
    Inventors: Jozef Bicerano, Robert L. Albright
  • Patent number: 7803742
    Abstract: Thermoset polymer particles are used in many applications requiring lightweight particles possessing high stiffness, strength, temperature resistance, and/or resistance to aggressive environments. The present invention relates to the use of two different methods, either each by itself or in combination, to enhance the stiffness, strength, maximum possible use temperature, and environmental resistance of such particles. One method is the application of post-polymerization process steps (and especially heat treatment) to advance the curing reaction and to thus obtain a more densely crosslinked polymer network. In general, its main benefits are the enhancement of the maximum possible use temperature and the environmental resistance. The other method is the incorporation of nanofillers, resulting in a heterogeneous “nanocomposite” morphology. In general, its main benefits are increased stiffness and strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Sun Drilling Products Corporation
    Inventors: Jozef Bicerano, Robert L. Albright
  • Patent number: 7803741
    Abstract: Thermoset polymer particles are used in many applications requiring lightweight particles possessing high stiffness, strength, temperature resistance, and/or resistance to aggressive environments. The present invention relates to the use of two different methods, either each by itself or in combination, to enhance the stiffness, strength, maximum possible use temperature, and environmental resistance of such particles. One method is the application of post-polymerization process steps (and especially heat treatment) to advance the curing reaction and to thus obtain a more densely crosslinked polymer network. In general, its main benefits are the enhancement of the maximum possible use temperature and the environmental resistance. The other method is the incorporation of nanofillers, resulting in a heterogeneous “nanocomposite” morphology. In general, its main benefits are increased stiffness and strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Sun Drilling Products Corporation
    Inventors: Jozef Bicerano, Robert L. Albright
  • Patent number: 7799744
    Abstract: The present invention relates to polymer-coated particulates suitable for use in subterranean operations such as gravel packing, frac-packing, and hydraulic fracturing. One embodiment of the present invention provides improved particulates for use in a subterranean formation, comprising particulates at least partially coated with a polymer, wherein the polymer is deposited on the particulates by at least partially coating the particulates with a polymer solution comprising the polymer and a solvent and then exposing the particulates to an aqueous medium such that the solvent substantially dissociates from the polymer solution and such that the polymer substantially remains on the particulates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Welton, Philip D. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7750091
    Abstract: Compositions comprising blends of polyphenylene and poly(aryl ether sulfone) and methods for making such blends are disclosed. Miscible blends of polyphenylene and poly(aryl ether sulfone) are also disclosed. The blends are useful in numerous applications such as in the preparation of articles and of foams having reduced density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Solvay Advanced Polymers, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Nikica Maljkovic, Roy L. Carter, David B. Thomas, Leslie J. Myrick, Todd S. Rushing
  • Patent number: 7745547
    Abstract: The present invention provides multi-arm siloxane-based molecules suitable for use as a drug delivery vehicle comprising a central core molecule that comprises a cyclic or cubic siloxane, and a plurality of arms attached to the central core molecule, wherein each arm comprises an organic moiety. The multi-arm siloxane-based molecules described herein are suitable for encapsulation of a therapeutic agent. The invention further includes pharmaceutical compositions comprising the claimed multi-arm siloxane-based molecules and an encapsulated therapeutic agent in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Methods of making and using the multi-arm siloxane-based molecules are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignees: Becton, Dickinson and Company, Research Foundation of the City University of NY
    Inventors: Andrew Auerbach, Bhanu P. S. Chauhan, Richard P. Clarke, M. Ishaq Haider, Umar Latif
  • Patent number: 7745380
    Abstract: A method of treating a wellbore that includes circulating a wellbore fluid in the wellbore, wherein the wellbore fluid comprises an oleaginous base fluid and a wellbore additive colloidal solid material, and wherein the wellbore additive colloidal solid material is formed by grinding a solid particulate material and a polymeric dispersing agent for a sufficient time so that the polymeric dispersing agent is absorbed to the surface of the resulting colloidal solid particles and less than 10% of the resulting colloidal solid particles have a diameter greater than 10 microns, but not more than five percent of the particles are less than 0.2 micron in diameter, wherein the grinding is carried out in the presence of an oleaginous base fluid and wherein the grinding is carried out so that the wellbore additive colloidal solid material has a weight average particle diameter d50 less than 2.0 microns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Bradbury, Christopher A. Sawdon, Sonny Clary, William M. Reid, Tom Heinz
  • Patent number: 7727935
    Abstract: Among many things, in some embodiments, dual-function additives that enhance fluid loss control and the stability of viscoelastic surfactant fluids, and their associated methods of use in subterranean formations, are provided. In one embodiment, the methods comprise: providing a viscoelastic surfactant fluid that comprises an aqueous base fluid, a viscoelastic surfactant, and a dual-function additive that comprises a soap component; and introducing the viscoelastic surfactant fluid into at least a portion of a subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Welton, David E. McMechan, Jason E. Bryant
  • Patent number: 7723431
    Abstract: A polyester gelcoat composition containing unsaturated polyester resin, a reactive diluent mixture including para-tertiary-butylstyrene, and one or more additives. The gelcoat composition does not include appreciable deleterious amounts of hazardous air pollution solvents. A method of making the gelcoat composition is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Valspar Sourcing, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian A. Robertson
  • Patent number: 7718584
    Abstract: Among many things, in some embodiments, dual-function additives that enhance fluid loss control and the stability of viscoelastic surfactant fluids, and their associated methods of use in subterranean formations, are provided. In one embodiment, the methods comprise: providing a viscoelastic surfactant fluid that comprises an aqueous base fluid, a viscoelastic surfactant, and a dual-function additive that comprises a soap component; and introducing the viscoelastic surfactant fluid into at least a portion of a subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Welton, David E. McMechan, Jason E. Bryant
  • Patent number: 7713916
    Abstract: Provided are treatment fluids that comprise a base fluid and an orthoester-based surfactant. In some instances, the treatment fluid may have a pH of about 8.5 or greater. Also provided are emulsified treatment fluids that comprise an oleaginous phase, an aqueous phase having a pH of about 8.5 or greater, and an orthoester-based surfactant. Methods of using the treatment fluid and methods of facilitating flow through a conduit also are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary P. Funkhouser, Rajesh K. Saini
  • Patent number: 7700525
    Abstract: Provided are treatment fluids that comprise a base fluid and an orthoester-based surfactant. In some instances, the treatment fluid may have a pH of about 8.5 or greater. Also provided are emulsified treatment fluids that comprise an oleaginous phase, an aqueous phase having a pH of about 8.5 or greater, and an orthoester-based surfactant. Methods of using the treatment fluid and methods of facilitating flow through a conduit also are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary P. Funkhouser, Rajesh K. Saini
  • Patent number: 7691944
    Abstract: The present invention provides a primer for a thermoplastic and/or elastomeric substrate, the primer comprising a film of an epoxy-modified polymer selected from the group consisting of an epoxy-modified-thermoplastic polymer, an epoxy-modified-thermoplastic polymeric composite, an epoxy-modified-elastomeric polymer, an epoxy-modified-elastomeric polymeric composite, a blend thereof, and any mixture thereof. Also provided are methods of repairing, inserting, assembling and coating a thermoplastic or elastomeric substrate using the primer of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: National Research Council of Canada
    Inventors: Minh-Tan Ton-That, Johanne Denault, Kenneth C. Cole, Margaret Cole, legal representative
  • Patent number: 7666821
    Abstract: Embodiments of the Present Invention relate to a reversibly thickenable non-polymeric fluid that has low viscosity in strong acid, gels when the acid concentration is reduced by only a small amount, and is subsequently decomposed by the acid. In particular it relates to an aqueous mixture of zwitterionic surfactants, inorganic acids, and organic acids Most particularly it relates to the use of this fluid as a diverting agent for easily-damaged sandstones, for example prior to matrix acidizing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Diankui Fu
  • Patent number: 7666951
    Abstract: Coating compositions are disclosed comprising a polyester comprising at least two reactive hydroxyl groups, a material comprising at least two functional groups reactive with the hydroxyl groups of the polyester, and a free acid. Methods of using the coatings, methods for refinishing an article with the coatings, and the substrates coated therewith, are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Jennings, Bruce A. Connelly, Jonathan T. Martz