Patents Examined by Terressa M. Boykin
  • Patent number: 7973124
    Abstract: The present invention provides a thermoplastic polyester elastomer excellent in heat resistance, heat-aging resistance, water resistance, light resistance, low-temperature property and the like, and further excellent in block order-retaining ability, the thermoplastic polyester elastomer comprising a hard segment which comprises polyester constituted with aromatic dicarboxylic acid and aliphatic or alicyclic diol and a soft segment which comprises mainly aliphatic polycarbonate, wherein the hard segment and the soft segment being connected, and wherein when melting points of the thermoplastic polyester elastomer are obtained by measuring on a differential scanning calorimeter in three cycles in which a temperature is raised from room temperature to 300° C. at a heating rate of 20° C./min., maintained at 300° C. for 3 minutes and lowered to room temperature at a cooling rate of 100° C./min.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Toyo Boseki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Gaku Maruyama, Shoji Koketsu, Kenta Susuki, Katsuaki Kuze, Shigeo Ukyo
  • Patent number: 7972822
    Abstract: An enzymatic process for preparing aliphatic polycarbonates via terpolymerization or transesterification using a dialkyl carbonate, an aliphatic diester, and an aliphatic diol or triol reactant. A catalyst having an enzyme capable of catalyzing an ester hydrolysis reaction in an aqueous environment is subsequently added to the reaction mixture. Next, polymerization of the reaction proceeds for an allotted time at a temperature?100° C. Finally, the copolymer is isolated from an the catalyst via filtration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Polytechnic Institute of New York University
    Inventors: Richard A. Gross, Zhaozong Jiang
  • Patent number: 7968671
    Abstract: Copolycarbonates comprising alkylphenolchain terminator groups for adjusting the molecular weight, compositions of these copolycarbonates with additives chosen from the group of heat stabilizers and mold release agents, the use thereof for the production of moldings and moldings obtained therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Bayer Material Science AG
    Inventors: Helmut-Werner Heuer, Rolf Wehrmann
  • Patent number: 7968670
    Abstract: Disclosed is a polyimide resin, which is colorless and transparent and has superior properties, including mechanical properties and heat stability, and thus is usable in various fields, including semiconductor insulating films, TFT-LCD insulating films, transparent electrode films, passivation films, liquid crystal alignment layers, optical communication materials, protective films for solar cells, and flexible display substrates. Also, a liquid crystal alignment layer and a polyimide film using the polyimide resin are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Kolon Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Hak Gee Jung, Sang Wook Park, Hyo Jun Park
  • Patent number: 7968674
    Abstract: A method for removing a carbonization catalyst from a graphene sheet, the method includes contacting the carbonization catalyst with a salt solution, which is capable of oxidizing the carbonization catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jaeyoung Choi, Keun Soo Kim, Byung Hee Hong
  • Patent number: 7968656
    Abstract: A semi-crystalline, absorbable copolyester composition comprising the reaction product of a polycondensation polyester and at least one lactone, wherein the polycondensation polyester comprises the reaction product of diglycolic acid and/or a derivative thereof and diethylene glycol; and the copolyester comprises about 30 to 60% by weight of the polycondensation polyester based on the total weight of the copolyester. Also medical devices such as absorbable sutures comprising such copolyesters and absorbable microspheres comprising such copolyesters and methods of making of such absorbable microspheres. Additionally, a method of melt blowing an absorbable copolyester composition and a nonwoven construct are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Sasa Andjelic, Jiango Jack Zhou, Modesto Erneta, Michel Gensini
  • Patent number: 7960494
    Abstract: To provide a copolymer for semiconductor lithography employed for forming a resist film as well as thin films such as an anti-reflection film, a gap-filling film, a top coating film, etc. which are formed on or under a resist film, these films being employed in semiconductor lithography, wherein the copolymer has excellent solubility in a solution of a thin film-forming composition and prevents generation of microparticles (e.g., microgel) and pattern defects, and to provide a method for producing the copolymer reliably on an industrial scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Maruzen Petrochemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takanori Yamagishi, Masaaki Kudo, Satoshi Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 7960503
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for continuously washing poly(vinyl butyral) in which a poly(vinyl butyral) slurry is passed through multiple continuous stirred tank reactors, each of which is adjusted to specific processing parameters that allow for continuous input, washing, and removal of poly(vinyl butyral). The resulting poly(vinyl butyral) can then be dried to form a powder resin that can be used in place of conventional poly(vinyl butyral) resin. In an alternative embodiment, a counter current screw washing unit is provided that passes wash water over the poly(vinyl butyral) in a direction opposite to the flow of the poly(vinyl butyral), thereby allowing the continuous washing of the poly(vinyl butyral) resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Solutia, Inc.
    Inventors: Pol D'Haene, Nandan Ukidwe, Paul Van Lierde
  • Patent number: 7956154
    Abstract: A polymer containing a polyester polymer unit having the formula -(I-III-II)-, wherein III is derived form a di-carboxylic acid, wherein I is derived from 1,3 cyclohexanedimethanol, wherein II is derived from 1,4 cyclohexanedimethanol and wherein the polymer is a solid at room temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Inventors: John N. Argyropoulos, Marcos Pini Franca, Gary E. Spilman
  • Patent number: 7956155
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a new nanoporous crystalline form of syndiotactic polystyrene, to the thus obtained crystalline form, to molecular-complex crystalline phases obtained by exposition of such crystalline form to low-molecular-mass molecules, and to the related processes for their preparation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Università degli Studi di Salerno
    Inventors: Gaetano Guerra, Christophe Daniel, Anna De Girolamo Del Mauro, Paola Rizzo
  • Patent number: 7956153
    Abstract: Sterically hindered phenol and phosphite based compounds represented by structural formula II: and their use as antioxidants in a wide range of materials including, but not limited to, food, plastics, elastomers, composites and petroleum based products is disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Polnox Corporation
    Inventors: Ashok L. Cholli, Rajesh Kumar
  • Patent number: 7956156
    Abstract: A process is described for removing isobutene oligomers from an isobutene polymer by stripping the isobutene polymer with vapors of a saturated hydrocarbon having at least 8 carbon atoms and at least partly driving out the isobutene oligomers. Troublesome isobutene oligomers are substantially removed without impairing the reactivity of the isobutene polymer (expressed as the content of the methylidene double bonds).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hans Peter Rath, Phillip Hanefeld, Helmut Mach
  • Patent number: 7951899
    Abstract: An enzymatic process for preparing aliphatic polycarbonates via terpolymerization or transesterification using a dialkyl carbonate, an aliphatic diester, and an aliphatic diol or triol reactant. A catalyst having an enzyme capable of catalyzing an ester hydrolysis reaction in an aqueous environment is subsequently added to the reaction mixture. Next, polymerization of the reaction proceeds for an allotted time at a temperature ?100° C. Finally, the copolymer is isolated from an the catalyst via filtration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Polytechnic University
    Inventors: Richard A. Gross, Zhaozong Jiang
  • Patent number: 7947803
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for recovering a polymer from polymer solution, and a method of recovering a polymer using the apparatus. The apparatus includes a polymer solution-storage tank for storing a polymer solution; a polymer solution feeding pump for pumping the polymer solution from the polymer solution storage tank; an antisolvent storage tank for storing an antisolvent; an antisolvent feeding pump for pumping the antisolvent from the antisolvent storage tank; a reaction chamber to which the polymer solution pumped by the polymer solution feeding pump and the antisolvent pumped by the antisolvent feeding pump are supplied; a high-speed mixer that is rotated in the reaction chamber at a speed range of 1000 to 30000 rpm, mixes the polymer solution with the antisolvent under a shearing force corresponding to a tip speed of 5 to 30 m/sec, and precipitates a polymer; and a precipitate storage tank for storing the precipitation mixture of the polymer and the solvent/antisolvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung-Don Hong, In-Su Lee, Jong-Ku Lee, Sung-Ho Chun, Seung-Young Park, Sung-Cheol Yoon
  • Patent number: 7943727
    Abstract: Process for heating a polymer-containing stream being transferred from a polymerization reactor to a degassing vessel operating at a pressure between 6 bara and 12 bara. The process includes passing the stream through a heater comprising a transfer line for the stream and a device for heating the transfer line. The ratio of the stream velocity at the outlet of the heater to that at the inlet, Vo/Vi, is at least 1.1, typically between 1.2 and 4, and the total specific heat transfer area of the transfer line is at least 0.5 m2 per tonne/h of production of polymer. The pressure drop across the length of the heater is less than 0.5 bar per tonne/h of polymer, such that at least 90 mol % of the hydrocarbon fluids withdrawn from the polymerization reactor operation are vaporized before entry into the degassing vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Ineos Manufacturing Belgium NV
    Inventors: Daniel Marissal, Brent R Walworth
  • Patent number: 7943723
    Abstract: The inventions disclosed herein include processes for the preparation of an ether of an aromatic acid, processes for the preparation of products into which such an ether can be converted, the use of such processes, and the products obtained and obtainable by such processes. A key feature of the processes described is the use of a solvent comprising an alcohol ROH and an alcoholate RO?M+.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: Joachim C. Ritter
  • Patent number: 7943722
    Abstract: Provided is a flame-retardant polyarylate resin and a composition thereof, and more particularly, a polyarylate resin prepared by co-polymerizing 4,4?-dihydroxyphenylacetylene (DHPA), phthaloyl chloride (PC) and bishydroxyphenol (BHP) and a composition of the polyarylate resin. The polyarylate resin has lower heat release capacity than a conventional resin or a resin containing a halogen-based flame-retardant, is environmentally friendly, does not produce toxic materials, and has more excellent flame-retardancy than a conventional halogen-based flame-retardant and a flame-retardant resin. In addition, the polyarylate resin has excellent processibility and compatibility due to high solubility in a commonly used industrial solvent and has excellent thermal stability due to a high molecular weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology
    Inventor: Kyoung Mahn Kim
  • Patent number: 7939621
    Abstract: A cyclic carbonate monomer, including: wherein R1, R2, and R3 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl; R10 is a connecting group selected from the group consisting of linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, heteroalkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocyclic, aryl and heteroaryl; R4 is an optional bridging group selected from the group consisting of linear or branched, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, heteroalkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocyclic, aryl and heteroaryl; Z is selected from the group consisting of O, NH, NR, and S; G is a guanidine group; and P is a protecting group. The cylic carbonate monomer can be reacted with an initiator including a drug, drug candidate, probe or other molecule of interest to form an oligomer with the molecule of interest attached to one end of a carbonate backbone and guanidine groups attached to the carbonate backbone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignees: International Business Machines Corporation, Stanford University
    Inventors: Christina Cooley, James Lupton Hedrick, Matthew Kiesewetter, Fredrik Nederberg, Brian Trantow, Robert Waymouth, Paul Wender
  • Patent number: 7932346
    Abstract: A novel process is used to prepare synthetic rubbers (B) which feature very narrow molecular weight distribution and a correspondingly low value for the polydispersity index. The preparation process encompasses the treatment of a synthetic rubber with ultrasound, where the resultant synthetic rubber (B) has a lower weight-average molecular weight (Mw) than the synthetic rubber (A) used. The resultant synthetic rubbers (B) have excellent suitability for processing via extruder processes or injection-molding processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: LANXESS Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Lothar Reif, Stephen Pask
  • Patent number: 7932349
    Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparing polyamine-epihalohydrin resins having reduced levels of residuals. The process comprises (a) charging a membrane separation apparatus with an aqueous composition comprising at least one polyamine-epihalohydrin resin, and (b) separating the aqueous composition into a permeate and a retentate by passing the aqueous composition through the membrane of the membrane separation apparatus. The retentate comprises at least one polyamine-epihalohydrin resin having lower levels of residuals on an equal active component basis than the aqueous composition of (a). The permeate comprises residuals removed from the aqueous composition of (a) and less than 5% by weight of the active component of said at least one polyamine-epihalohydrin resin. The polyamine-epihalohydrin resins having reduced levels of residuals can be used to make wet strength agents, dry strength agents, creping adhesives for paper products, curing agents for wood product adhesives, and other products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Hercules Incorporated
    Inventors: Richard J. Riehle, Steven Vinciguerra