Patents by Inventor Andrew J. Scheie

Andrew J. Scheie has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Modification of polyethylene with ozone
    Patent number: 7767767
    Abstract: A method of modifying polyethylene is disclosed. The method comprises contacting the polyethylene powder with ozone. The modified polyethylene exhibits an increase in melt elasticity and the complex viscosity at low shear rates. The rheological benefits are achieved without a significant reduction in the weight average molecular weight of the polyethylene. The modified polyethylene can be used in applications that require higher melt strength such as film or blow molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Equistar Chemicals, LP
    Inventors: Andrew J. Scheie, Richard T. E. Sylvester
  • Solid state modification of propylene polymers
    Patent number: 7750086
    Abstract: A process for improving the melt characteristics of propylene-ethylene random block and impact copolymers is provided. The process involves contacting a powder of the copolymer with a low level of free radical initiator followed by heating at a temperature below the melting point of the copolymer and above the free radical initiation temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Equistar Chemicals, LP
    Inventors: Andrew J. Scheie, Manivakkam J. Shankernarayanan
  • Modification of polyethylene with ozone
    Publication number: 20090088534
    Abstract: A method of modifying polyethylene is disclosed. The method comprises contacting the polyethylene powder with ozone. The modified polyethylene exhibits an increase in melt elasticity and the complex viscosity at low shear rates. The rheological benefits are achieved without a significant reduction in the weight average molecular weight of the polyethylene. The modified polyethylene can be used in applications that require higher melt strength such as film or blow molding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventors: Andrew J. Scheie, Richard T.E. Sylvester
  • MODIFYING POLYETHYLENE MADE BY ZIEGLER OR SINGLE-SITE CATALYST WITH FREE RADICAL INITIATOR
    Publication number: 20080171842
    Abstract: A method of modifying a polyethylene is disclosed. In the method ethylene or a mixture of ethylene and a C3-C10 ?-olefin is polymerized in an organic solvent with a Ziegler or single-site catalyst to form an initial polyethylene solution. The initial polyethylene solution is then reacted with a free radical initiator to produce a modified polyethylene. The modified polymer has an enhanced melt elasticity and increased long chain branching index, and is essentially free of gel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventors: Andrew J. Scheie, Mark K. Reinking
  • Modifying polyethylene made by Ziegler or single-site catalyst with free radical initiator
    Patent number: 7399809
    Abstract: A method of modifying a polyethylene is disclosed. In the method ethylene or a mixture of ethylene and a C3-C10 ?-olefin is polymerized in an organic solvent with a Ziegler or single-site catalyst to form an initial polyethylene solution. The initial polyethylene solution is then reacted with a free radical initiator to produce a modified polyethylene. The modified polymer has an enhanced melt elasticity and increased long chain branching index, and is essentially free of gel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Equistar Chemicals, LP
    Inventors: Andrew J. Scheie, Mark K. Reinking
  • Solid state process to modify the melt characteristics of polyethylene resins and products
    Patent number: 7238754
    Abstract: A process for improving the melt characteristics of polyethylene resins is provided. The process involves contacting a polyethylene resin powder with a low level of free radical initiator at a temperature below the melting point of the resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Equistar Chemicals, LP
    Inventors: Andrew J. Scheie, Harilaos Mavridis