Patents Examined by Susan W. Berman
  • Patent number: 6743514
    Abstract: This invention pertains to radiation-curable aqueous compositions comprising a mixture of water-reducible oligomer, monomer, and water-insoluble cationically-modified latex. More particularly, the invention pertains to radiation-curable aqueous compositions that are suitable for use as ink jet printing receptive coatings and in the production of ink jet printable products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Corporation
    Inventor: Gamini S. Samaranayake
  • Patent number: 6730244
    Abstract: A method for making a plastic lens and a plastic lens made thereby. The method comprises disposing a liquid monomer or a monomer mixture and a photosensitive initiator into a mold cavity and directing ultraviolet light to act on the lens forming material in the cavity to produce a lens therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Q2100, Inc.
    Inventors: N. Thornton Lipscomb, Omar M. Buazza
  • Patent number: 6730388
    Abstract: In one embodiment the present invention provides a coated substrate comprising a substrate, a radiation-cured coating or a thermally-cured on at least a portion of the substrate, wherein the coating comprises an inherent macroscopic texture. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a pre-cured coating mixture comprising a radiation-curable resin and an initiator, or a thermally-curable resin and thermal initiator, wherein the radiation- or thermally-curable resin and the respective initiator form a pre-cured coating mixture capable of forming a macroscopic texture upon application of the mixture on a substrate. In another embodiment the present invention provides a pre-cured coating mixture comprising a radiation- or thermally-curable resin, an initiator, and texture-producing particles having an effective size to provide a macroscopic texture upon application of the mixture on a substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Congoleum Corporation
    Inventors: Richard C. MacQueen, Loyd J. Burcham, Anthony A. Parker, Deborah A. Sciangola, Donald B. Henry, Donald C. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 6692793
    Abstract: A photo curable resin composition, which comprises (A) an acid-modified, vinyl group-containing epoxy resin, (B) an elastomer, (C) a photopolymerization initiator, (D) a diluent and (E) a curing agent, can give a high performance cured film having distinguished heat resistance, humidity-heat resistance, adhesibility, mechanical characteristics and electrical characteristics, and a photosensitive element, which comprises a support and a layer of the photo curable resin composition laid on the support, has distinguished heat resistance, humidity-heat resistance, adhesibility, mechanical characteristics and electrical characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: HItachi Chemical Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuniaki Sato, Hiroaki Hirakura, Toshihiko Ito, Takao Hirayama, Toshizumi Yoshino
  • Patent number: 6693141
    Abstract: The invention relates to the use of surface-active photoinitiators of formula I the units being arranged randomly or in blocks, and wherein n is a number from 1 to 1000; m is a number from 0 to 100; p is a number from 0 to 10,000; x is the number 1, or, when n is 1, x may also be the number 2; A1 and A2 are, for example, C1-C18alkyl; or A1 and A2 together are a single bond; R1, R2 and R3 are, for example, each independently of the others C1-C18alkyl, phenyl or C5-C8cycloalkyl; R4 is, for example, unsubstituted or substituted C1-C18alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted phenyl or C5-C8cycloalkyl; IN, when x is 1, is a radical of formula when x is 2, is a radical of formula R13 and R14 are, for example, each independently of the other C1-C12alkyl; Y is, for example, —(CH2)a—O—; X is OR15 or N(R16)(R17); R15 is, for example, hydrogen or C1-C4alkyl; R16 and R17 are, for example, hydrogen or C1-C12alkyl; X1 has, for example, one of the meanings o
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Ciba Specialty Chemicals Corporation
    Inventors: Gisèle Baudin, Tunja Jung
  • Patent number: 6685869
    Abstract: A photocurable resin composition suitable for use in three-dimensional photofabrication comprising (A) a cationically polymerizable organic compound, (B) a cationic photoinitiator, and (C) a (co)polymer obtainable by (co)polymerization of monomers comprising at least one (meth)acrylate-group comprising monomer. A process for producing a three-dimensional object which comprises the use of a washing agent having a Hansen-solubility between 27-35 (Mpa)½.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignees: DSM N.V., JSR Corporation, Japan Fine Coatings Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Yamamura, Takayoshi Tanabe, Takashi Ukachi
  • Patent number: 6686161
    Abstract: The present invention provides solid supports (e.g., glass) and polymer hydrogels (particularly polymer hydrogel arrays present on a solid support) comprising one or more reactive sites for the attachment of biomolecules, as well as biomolecules comprising one or more reactive sites for attachment to solid supports and polymer hydrogels. The invention further provides novel compositions and methods for the preparation of biomolecules, solid supports, and polymer hydrogels comprising reactive sites. The invention also provides for preparation of crosslinked solid supports, polymer hydrogels, and hydrogel arrays, wherein one or more biomolecules is attached by means of the reactive sites in a photocycloaddition reaction. Advantageously, according to the invention, crosslinking of the hydrogel and attachment of biomolecules can be done in a single step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Amersham Biosciences AB
    Inventors: Travis Johnson, John McGowen, Allyson Beuhler, Charles Kimball Brush, Robert Emil Lajos
  • Patent number: 6679695
    Abstract: A pultrusion apparatus for manufacturing a fiber-reinforced plastic article having a non-linear shape includes a mold configured to receive a partially cured fiber-reinforced plastic article and to form the partially cured fiber-reinforced plastic article into a spirally wound shape. A drive mechanism is coupled to the mold and configured to rotate the mold such that the fiber-reinforced plastic article is taken up on the mold. An energy source is operatively associated with the mold and positioned so that the partially cured fiber-reinforced plastic article is cured in a spirally wound shape as the article is taken up on the longitudinally extending mold. The pultrusion apparatus allows for continuously shaping a non-linear fiber-reinforced plastic article, obviating the need for any of the work to be done by hand, which may be labor intensive, not as highly reproducible, and potentially contaminating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
    Inventors: Robert P. Kusy, Scott Zufall, Matthew Camp, Glenys Thorstenson, Brian Rucker, Hiawatha Demby, David Ruddell, Elodia Cole, Aditya Patel
  • Patent number: 6680347
    Abstract: A process for making a self-dispersible, radiation curable coating composition involving: (a) providing a cationic oligomer; (b) providing an epoxy functional monomer; (c) providing a surfactant component; (d) providing a transfer agent; (e) providing a photoinitiator; and (f) mixing (a)-(e) to form the coating composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Cognis Corporation
    Inventors: Marie-Esther Saint Victor, Grannis S. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6680144
    Abstract: A method for producing a battery separator is disclosed. The method comprises applying a coating of an ethylenically unsaturated monomer to the fibers of a non-woven sheet and polymerizing the monomer in situ on the fiber surfaces. The non-woven sheet is from 50 to 3000 microns thick, and is composed of polyolefin fibers having an average fiber diameter from 0.5 to 5 microns and a surface area from 0.2 to 30 square meters per gram.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: KVG Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Wai M. Choi
  • Patent number: 6673851
    Abstract: Self-photoinitiating liquid oligomeric compositions having tertiary amine groups are provided by Michael Addition reaction of: A) an uncrosslinked Michael Addition reaction product of a multifunctional acrylate acceptor and a Michael Donor; and B) a primary and/or secondary amine. The compositions can be crosslinked to make coatings, laminates and adhesives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Ashland Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Michael Moy, R. Scott Harvey
  • Patent number: 6669994
    Abstract: A method of forming a polymer layer on a support surface by the use of a coating agent and polymerizable compounds. The coating agent provides photoreactive groups adapted to attach the agent to the surface, as well as photoreactive groups adapted to remain unattached to the surface, and thus serve as photoinitiators for the activation of polymerizable compounds in order to form a polymer layer thereon. Also provided are coating agents, per se, as well as a method of using such agents and the resultant surfaces and devices fabricated therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: SurModics, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale G. Swan, Richard A. Amos, Terrence P. Everson, Stephen J. Chudzik, Ralph A. Chappa, Sean M. Stucke, Peter H. Duquette
  • Patent number: 6664308
    Abstract: A medical implant made of polymeric material having an increased oxidation resistance is formed by a method including the steps of placing a resin powder in a sealed container. A substantial portion of the oxygen is removed from the sealed contained by either a vacuum, an oxygen absorbent or by flushing with inert gas. The container is then repressurized with a gas such as nitrogen, argon, helium or neon so that long term storage may be possible. On use, the resin in transferred to a forming device which both melts and forms the resin in an oxygen reduced atmosphere to produce a polymeric raw material such as a rod or bar stock. The medical implant is then formed from this raw material annealed and sealed in an airtight package in an oxygen reduced atmosphere. The implant is then radiation sterilized and thereafter annealed in the package for a predetermined time and temperature sufficient to form cross-links between any free radicals in neighboring polymeric chains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Stryker Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Deh-Chuan Sun, Casper F. Stark
  • Patent number: 6653486
    Abstract: Photopolymerizable compositions are provided which are the reaction products of a vinyl ether, a photoinitiator system comprising an iodonium salt, a visible light sensitizer, and an electron donor compound. These monomeric/oligomeric compositions may also include epoxides, polyols, spiroorthocarbonates. One embodiment of the present invention is a polymerizable composition comprised of a vinyl ether, a spiroorthocarbonate, and a photoinitiator system. Another embodiment of the present invention is a polymerizable composition comprised of a vinyl ether, an epoxide, a polyol, and a photoinitiator system. Still another embodiment of the present invention is a polymerizable composition comprised of a vinyl ether, an epoxide, a polyol, a spiroorthocarbonate, and a photoinitiator system. Still further, another embodiment of the present invention is certain novel spiroorthocarbonate compounds. Each of these novel spiroorthocarbonate compounds include at least one epoxy group as a substituent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Curators of the University of Missouri
    Inventors: Cecil C. Chappelow, Charles S. Pinzino, J. David Eick
  • Patent number: 6649230
    Abstract: A photoactive polymer of the general formula I: in which: P is a photoactive group which can photoisomerise and/or photodimerise; B represents an aromatic or alicyclic group, or B further represents a nitrogen atom or —CR2—; A, C, D each independently of the other represents an aromatic or alicyclic group; M represents a repeating monomer unit in a homo- or copolymer; S1, S2, S3, S4, S5 represent a single covalent bond or a spacer unit; n1, n2 are each independently a positive integer up to 2 with the proviso that n1+n2≦2; R1 is a hydrogen atom, or a straight-chain or branched alkyl residue wherein R2 represents a hydrogen atom or lower alkyl. The photoactive polymers may be used as orientation layers for liquid crystals and in the construction of unstructured and structured optical elements and multi-layer systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Rolic AG
    Inventors: Hubert Seiberle, Guy Marck, Olivier Muller
  • Patent number: 6649668
    Abstract: The invention concerns the field of polymerization and/or cross-linking reaction catalysis by cationic process of monomers, oligomers and/or polymers. In particular, novel polymerization and/or cross-linking initiator systems comprising at least one onium borate and at least one benzophenone are described to satisfy the ever greater exigencies of productivity and manufacture. The initiators are used in particular for preparing resins and/or composite materials based on an organic and/or silicon matrix or optionally a matrix of acrylic monomers, oligomers, or polymers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventors: Marie-Anne David, Jean-Marc Frances
  • Patent number: 6645617
    Abstract: A pressure-sensitive adhesive composition curable with actinic energy rays which comprises a copolymer comprising 0.1 to 30 wt. %, preferably 0.1 to 3 wt. %, structural units derived from an imide (meth)acrylate represented by general formula (1) and 70 to 99.9 wt. %, preferably 97 to 99.9 wt. %, structural units derived from an ethylenic monomer such as an alkyl (meth)acrylate having a C4-12 alkyl group. In formula (1), R1 and R2 each independently is hydrogen or C1-4 alkyl, one of R1 and R2 is hydrogen and the other is C1-4 alkyl, or R1 and R2 are bonded to each other to form a carbon ring; R3 is C1-6 alkylene; R4 is hydrogen or methyl; and n is an integer of 1 to 6. The pressure-sensitive adhesive composition is usable as one-pack type, has excellent storage stability, and does not necessitate any step such as heating or aging when used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Toagosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eiichi Okazaki, Tetsuji Jitsumatsu
  • Patent number: 6646021
    Abstract: A golf ball printing ink is provided which ensures a sufficient pot life, requires a shortened drying time after printing, and yields a mark having a clear appearance and superior durability. Also provided are a printing method using the ink, a golf ball bearing a mark printed with the ink, and a method of manufacturing a golf ball. The golf ball printing ink includes a solvent, a resin in a solid state at ordinary temperature or a reactive curing resin which is curable through reaction with a curing agent, and an ultraviolet-curing resin. The method of manufacturing a golf ball includes the steps of: printing a mark on a surface of a golf ball body with use of the ink; irradiating the mark with ultraviolet ray after the printing; and applying a clear paint to the golf ball body after the ultraviolet ray irradiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries Limited
    Inventors: Masaaki Kikuchi, Hiroaki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 6641912
    Abstract: An objective is to provide a pressure-sensitive adhesive composition which shows pressure-sensitive adhesive properties at ordinary temperature, has the ability to cure upon irradiation and after photocure exhibits improved bond strength relative to high-polarity adherends, such as PET, PVC and metals, and improved moist heat-resisting bond strength, a pressure-sensitive adhesive and a pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet obtained from the aforementioned pressure-sensitive adhesive composition. A photocurable pressure-sensitive adhesive composition containing a polyester resin having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 25° C. or above, a cationically photopolymerizable compound and a cationic photoinitiator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideaki Ishizawa, Munehiro Hatai, Masakazu Nakata, Motohiro Yagi
  • Patent number: 6638616
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a radiation-curable solvent-free coating composition for optical fiber having a radiation-curable urethane (meth)acrylate oligomer comprising an alkyd backbone, a reactive diluent, a photoinitiator and, optionally, an additive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: DSM N.V.
    Inventors: Anthony J. Tortorello, Eva Montgomery, Chander P. Chawla