Patents Examined by Terressa M. Boykin
  • Biologically absorbable coatings for implantable devices based on polyesters and methods for fabricating the same
    Patent number: 7776991
    Abstract: The disclosure contains a medical article comprising a polymer containing polyesters and, optionally, agents for use with medical articles and methods of fabricating the same are disclosed. The medical article generally comprises an implantable substrate having a coating, and the coating contains a polymer comprising a polymeric product of a reaction comprising a polyol and a polycarboxylic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen D. Pacetti, Yiwen Tang
  • Polymer treatment
    Patent number: 7776998
    Abstract: A process for the separation of volatile material from particulate polymer which has been substantially freed from unreacted monomer in an earlier separation step, comprising (a) feeding the particulate polymer to a purge vessel, optionally causing it to move through the vessel in substantially plug-flow mode, (b) heating the particulate polymer in the purge vessel to a temperature grater than 30° C. but insufficiently high to cause the particles to become agglomerated, and/or maintaining the polymer at a temperature in this range in the purge vessel, (c) feeding gas to the purge vessel counter-current to the movement of the particulate polymer to remove volatile material therefrom, (d) removing the particulate polymer from the purge vessel, wherein substantially all of the heating of the particles which occurs in the purge vessel is accomplished by preheating the gas fed into the purge vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Ineos Manufacturing Belgium NV
    Inventors: Frederic Cousin, Brent Walworth
  • Infrared absorption filter
    Patent number: 7772356
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an infrared absorption filter which enables a coloring matter having infrared absorptivity to be contained or dispersed uniformly in a high concentration and has excellent durability, and an infrared absorption panel comprising this infrared absorption filter. The infrared absorption filter comprises a polycarbonate resin which contains 20 to 100 mol % of a recurring unit having a fluorene skeleton represented by the formula (1) and 0 to 80 mol % of a recurring unit represented by the formula (2), and a coloring matter having infrared absorptivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Osaka Gas Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Yamada, Tsuyoshi Fujiki, Shinichi Kawasaki, Mitsuaki Yamada, Takatsune Yanagida, Masatoshi Ando, Yoshihiko Imanaka
  • Hydrolytically degradable polymers and hydrogels made therefrom
    Patent number: 7772357
    Abstract: A water soluble polymer comprising multiple degradable carbonate linkages in a backbone and, for each carbonate linkage in the backbone, an oligomer linked thereto by the carbonate linkage, wherein the oligomer is branched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Nektar Therapeutics
    Inventors: J. Milton Harris, Michael D. Bentley, Xuan Zhao, Xiaoming Shen
  • Preparation of low-acid polyalkylene terephthalate and preparation of macrocyclic polyester oligomer therefrom
    Patent number: 7767781
    Abstract: The invention provides methods and systems for manufacturing low-acid polyalkylene terephthalate, for example, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). The invention also provides methods and systems for preparing macrocyclic polyester oligomer (MPO) from low-acid polyalkylene terephthalate. Finally, the invention provides methods and systems for preparing MPO via reaction of a diol and a dialkyl ester in an organic solvent to form non-isolated, low-acid polyalkylene terephthalate which undergoes cyclization (depolymerization) to form MPO.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Cyclics Corporation
    Inventors: Peter D. Phelps, Gary R. Faler
  • Light-diffusing polycarbonate resin composition and light diffuser plate comprising the resin composition
    Patent number: 7767780
    Abstract: The present invention provides a light diffusing polycarbonate resin composition including a polycarbonate resin containing a polycarbonate copolymer which comprises a repeating unit represented by the general formula (I) shown below and a repeating unit represented by the general formula (II) shown below, which has a content of the repeating units of the general formula (II) of 1 to 30% by mass and which has a viscosity value of 30 to 71, and (B) a light diffusing agent compounded therein in an amount of 0.01 to 10 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of the polycarbonate resin. The light diffusing polycarbonate resin composition and a light diffusing plate thereof show improved fluidity during molding and have excellent heat resistance, dimensional stability, luminance and color tone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kawato, Masami Kogure, Yoshihiko Horio, Yasuhiro Ishikawa
  • Synthetic rubber with narrow molecular weight distribution, a process for its preparation and a method of use
    Patent number: 7763703
    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-moulding processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: LANXESS Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Lothar Reif, Stephen Pask
  • Composite solid phase polymerization catalyst
    Patent number: 7763701
    Abstract: The invention is a method for making condensation polymers, such as polyethylene terephthalate polyester. The method includes introducing to a polycondensation reaction a catalyst system that includes a coordination catalyst and a composite catalyst, which includes an acid component and an auxiliary component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Wellman, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl Steven Nichols, Tony Clifford Moore, Daniel Allen Huenefeld
  • Process for the purification of vinyl chloride polymers (PVC) from heavy metals
    Patent number: 7759458
    Abstract: A process for the purification of a vinyl chloride polymer containing a compound of a heavy metal by: (a) dissolving the PVC in a solvent; (b) treating the solution with at least one additive capable of adsorbing or of forming a complex with the compound of the heavy metal; (c) centrifuging the treated solution to precipitate the adsorbed or complexed compound of the heavy metal; and (d) separating the precipitate from the PVC solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Solvay (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Eric Fassiau, Jean-Christophe Lepers, Michaël Lannoy
  • Process for preparing a polymer powder extract
    Patent number: 7759455
    Abstract: A process for preparing a polymer powder extract from a mixture of a polymer powder and a first particulate material reduces the level of particulate contamination of the polymer powder by exploiting the different behaviour of the particulate material and the polymer powder in a fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Orthoplastics Ltd.
    Inventor: Neil Hubbard
  • Methods for introducing additives into polyethylene terephthalate
    Patent number: 7759449
    Abstract: The invention is a method for the late introduction of additives into polyethylene terephthalate. The method employs a reactive carrier that functions as a delivery vehicle for one or more additives. The reactive carrier reacts with the polyethylene terephthalate, thereby binding the reactive carrier in the polyethylene terephthalate resin and preventing the emergence of the reactive carrier and additives from the polyethylene terephthalate during subsequent thermal processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Wellman, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl S. Nichols, Tony Clifford Moore
  • Devolatilizer nozzle
    Patent number: 7754849
    Abstract: A devolatilizer nozzle comprising at least one perforated flow tube having a non-circular cross-section. In an embodiment, the non-circular cross-section has equal to or greater than 3 sides. The non-circular cross-section of said nozzle may be a triangle, diamond, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, or octagon. A majority of the perforations in the flow tube of said nozzle may have a maximum strand angle of equal to or less than 45 degrees. The nozzle may further comprise tapered holes, which may be formed by a water jet. The nozzle may further comprise a plurality of parallel flow tubes. The nozzle may comprise 304 stainless steel, AL-6XN stainless steel, or LDX 2101 stainless steel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Carlos R. Corleto, John Tomlinson
  • Production method of aromatic polycarbonate
    Patent number: 7754845
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a production method of a high molecular weight aromatic polycarbonate containing a reduced amount of a high melting point product, and having less thermal history received and excellent hue by a melt process. The present invention relates to a production method of an aromatic polycarbonate, characterized in that in producing an aromatic polycarbonate using an aromatic dihydroxy compound and a carbonic diester as raw materials and using plural reactors, a molten reactant temperature T1 (° C.) in at least one reactor A and a molten reactant temperature T2 (° C.) in a reactor B subsequent to the reactor A are satisfied with the relationship of T2<T1, and an evaporation surface area per unit treatment amount of a molten reactant in the reactor to which a molten reactant having a limiting viscosity of 0.1 dl/g or more is supplied is 1.0 m2·hr/m3 or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Hamano, Ryuuji Uchimura, Kazuyuki Takahashi, Masaaki Miyamoto
  • Use of a residual oligomer recyclate in the production of macrocyclic polyester oligomer
    Patent number: 7750109
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods and systems for the use of an oligomer recyclate from a depolymerization product stream. The oligomer byproduct of a polyester depolymerization reaction can be used as a reactant in the formation of a polyester. For example, linear oligomer byproduct can be used as a reactant in a solution polymerization to form a low-acid polyalkylene terephthalate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Cyclics Corporation
    Inventors: Peter D. Phelps, Jimmy Lynn Webb, David Patrick Phelon, Paul M. Andrusyszyn, Gary R. Faler
  • Processes for making copolymers using macrocyclic oligoesters, and copolymers therefrom
    Patent number: 7745561
    Abstract: The invention provides alternatives to traditional polycondensation processes for preparing copolymers. For example, in certain embodiments, the invention provides a process that includes an extrusion step and a solid state polymerization step to prepare high molecular weight block copolymer with a “hard block” contributed by a macrocyclic polyester oligomer (MPO) and a “soft block” contributed by a dihydroxyl-functionalized polymer, an oligoether, and/or a dimerized fatty acid (i.e. a polyol). The invention also provides new copolymer compositions made possible by the new processes—for example, copolymers of higher molecular weight, copolymers with higher weight ratio of soft block units to hard block units, copolymers made with higher molecular weight polyol, and copolymers with hard block units that are themselves random copolyesters of units contributed by a MPO and a cyclic ester.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Cyclics Corporation
    Inventors: Steven R. Bahr, James Pawlson
  • Method for processing polyester waste
    Patent number: 7745563
    Abstract: A method for processing polyester wastes, especially used polyester bottles, which comprises shredding, washing, drying and melting the waste mixture to obtain a starting raw material wherein a modifying agent selected from the group comprising a combination of polysiloxane and a plasticizer selected from the group of phthalates, or a combination of silazanes and silanes is added to the shredded and dried waste mixture, the amount of the modifying agent being 4 to 6% by weight, based on the waste mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: PTP Group Ltd.
    Inventors: Viktor Bulgakov, Levan Dadiani, George Javakhishvili
  • Process for stripping polymer dispersions
    Patent number: 7745567
    Abstract: A process for continuously stripping a polymer dispersion comprising a heat exchanger with minimal internal obstructions for the stripper. The process is particularly adapted to dispersions that are heat and shear sensitive. The process is able to extract hydrophobic VOC's more efficiently than a single, jacketed tube design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Rohm and Haas Company
    Inventors: James Kent Carpenter, Adam Loyack
  • Transfer vessel between flash tank and purge column
    Patent number: 7745568
    Abstract: A process is provided for recovering polymer solids from a polymerisation reactor effluent. The process comprises extracting the polymerisation effluent from a polymerisation reactor; passing the effluent, or a part thereof, to a flash vessel for flashing liquid in the effluent to vapour, and removing said vapour from said flash vessel; passing the polymer solids from the flash vessel to a transfer apparatus which comprises a transfer vessel; passing the polymer solids from the transfer vessel to a purging means for removing residual liquid from the polymer solids; wherein the polymer solids are passed from the flash vessel to the purging means in a continuous flow such that a quantity of polymer solids is maintained in the transfer vessel. An apparatus for performing the process is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Total Petrochemicals Research Feluy
    Inventor: Hugo Vandaele
  • Methods for the purification of polymers
    Patent number: 7745566
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods for purifying polymers. In each embodiment of the invention disclosed herein, a supercritical fluid is contacted with an organic solution that includes a polymer to be purified dissolved in an organic solvent. The supercritical fluid extracts the organic solvent from the organic solution. Impurities such as residual monomers and process solvents are removed with the organic solvent and supercritical fluid, thereby purifying the polymer. The methods of the invention are particularly suitable for use in the purification of biodegradable polymers for use in pharmaceutical applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Ferro Corporation
    Inventors: Pratibhash Chattopadhyay, Boris Y. Shekunov, K. Adam Gibson
  • Thermoplastic articles comprising cyclobutanediol having a decorative material embedded therein
    Patent number: 7740941
    Abstract: This invention relates to thermoplastic article having one or more decorative materials embedded therein which is obtained by applying heat and pressure to one or more laminates wherein at least one of said laminates comprises, in order, (1) an upper sheet material; (2) one or more decorative materials; and (3) a lower sheet material; wherein the upper and lower sheet materials are formed from a polyester/aromatic polycarbonate blend wherein the thermoplastic article comprises at least one polyester composition comprising at least one polyester which comprises terephthalic acid and 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Emmett Dudley Crawford, David Scott Porter, Gary Wayne Connell