Patents by Inventor Ben W. Hicks

Ben W. Hicks 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).

  • Method of producing polyethylene resins for use in blow molding
    Patent number: 6706822
    Abstract: A method of processing polyethylene for use as an extruded blow molding resin to improve the properties and processability thereof is accomplished by modifying a polyethylene resin having a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) of less than about 10. The modification is carried out by the addition of a free radical initiator to the resin during extrusion of the resin to increase the rheological breadth of the polyethylene from about 10% to about 60% compared to unmodified polyethylene resin extruded under similar conditions. In another aspect of the invention, a polyethylene resin having higher melt index is processed to provide a desired final melt index by the addition of a free radical initiator where it would otherwise be necessary to utilize a resin having lower melt flow, and which is more difficult to process. Improvements in color can also be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerhard K. Guenther, Lea Ann Nairn, Curt D. Clark, Ben W. Hicks, Ronald A. Tharappel, Tim J. Coffy
  • Method of producing polyethylene resins for use in blow molding
    Publication number: 20030055170
    Abstract: A method of processing polyethylene for use as an extruded blow molding resin to improve the properties and processability thereof is accomplished by modifying a polyethylene resin having a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) of less than about 10. The modification is carried out by the addition of a free radical initiator to the resin during extrusion of the resin to increase the rheological breadth of the polyethylene from about 10% to about 60% compared to unmodified polyethylene resin extruded under similar conditions. In another aspect of the invention, a polyethylene resin having higher melt index is processed to provide a desired final melt index by the addition of a free radical initiator where it would otherwise be necessary to utilize a resin having lower melt flow, and which is more difficult to process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Gerhard K. Guenther, Lea Ann Naim, Curtis D. Clark, Ben W. Hicks, Ronald A. Tharappel, Tim J. Coffy
  • Method of producing polyethylene resins for use in blow molding
    Patent number: 6433103
    Abstract: A method of processing polyethylene for use as an extruded blow molding resin to improve the properties and processability thereof is accomplished by modifying a polyethylene resin having a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) of less than about 10. The modification is carried out by the addition of a free radical initiator to the resin during extrusion of the resin to increase the rheological breadth of the polyethylene from about 10% to about 60% compared to unmodified polyethylene resin extruded under similar conditions. In another aspect of the invention, a polyethylene resin having higher melt index is processed to provide a desired final melt index by the addition of a free radical initiator where it would otherwise be necessary to utilize a resin having lower melt flow, and which is more difficult to process. Improvements in color can also be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerhard K. Guenther, Lea Ann Nairn, Curt D. Clark, Ben W. Hicks, Ronald A. Tharappel, Tim J. Coffy