Patents by Inventor Bobby J. Sublett

Bobby J. Sublett 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).

  • Patent number: 6287656
    Abstract: Amorphous copolyesters containing residues derived from 2,2′-[2,2-](sulfonylbis(4,1-phenyleneoxy))bis(ethanol). They exhibit enhanced heat distortion temperatures and glass transition temperatures without a significant increase in viscosity at low shear rates. The amorphous copolyesters also have improved resistance to attack by lipid solutions and are readily molded and extruded to form medial devices such as connectors, tubes, etc. which are useful for transport of lipids and other medical solutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: S. Richard Turner, Gary W. Connell, Bobby J. Sublett
  • Patent number: 6183848
    Abstract: An amorphous copolyester having a maximum melt viscosity at 1 radian/second and at about 260 to about 290° C. of about 12000 poise, a glass transition temperature ranging from about 88° C. to about 120° C., and an inherent viscosity of at least about 0.6 dl/g. The amorphous copolyesters comprise the reaction product of a diol component and a dicarboxylic acid component. The diol component comprises residues of from about 5.0 to about 50 mole % of 2,2′-(sulfonylbis (4,1-phenyleneoxy))-bis(ethanol) which has the following chemical formula: and from about 50 to about 95 mole % of a mixture of at least two diols selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol, neopentyl glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, and mixture thereof. The dicarboxylic acid component comprises residues of terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, 1,4-cyclohexandedicarboxylic acid, 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid and mixtures thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: S. Richard Turner, Bobby J. Sublett, Gary W. Connell
  • Patent number: 6120889
    Abstract: The invention relates to an amorphous copolyester having a maximum melt viscosity at 1 radian/second and at about 260 to about 290.degree. C. of about 12000 poise, a glass transition temperature ranging from about 88.degree. C. to about 120.degree. C., and an inherent viscosity of at least about 0.6 dl/g. The amorphous copolyesters comprise the reaction product of a diol component and a dicarboxylic acid component. The diol component comprises residues of from about 5.0 to about 50 mole % of 2,2'-(sulfonylbis(4,1 -phenyleneoxy))-bis(ethanol) which has the following chemical formula: ##STR1## and from about 50 to about 95 mole % of a mixture of at least two diols selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol, neopentyl glycol, 1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, and mixture thereof. The dicarboxylic acid component comprises residues of terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid, 1,4-cyclohexandedicarboxylic acid, 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid and mixtures thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: S. Richard Turner, Bobby J. Sublett
  • Patent number: 5989665
    Abstract: The invention relates to a copolyester having an inherent viscosity ranging from about 0.4 to about 1.4 and a cold crystallization temperature ranging from about 120 to about 160.degree. C. Such copolyesters comprise the reaction product of a glycol component comprising from about 85 to about 100 mole % of 1,3-propanediol, a dibasic acid component comprising from about 85 to about 100 mole % of a dibasic acid selected from terephthalic acid, napthalenedicarboxylic acid, anhydrides, acid chlorides, and lower alkyl esters thereof, and mixtures thereof, and from about 5 to about 15 mole % of a comonomer. The presence of the comonomer lowers the crystallization temperature of the copolyesters according to the invention such that amorphous preforms can be easily molded from the copolyesters. Such amorphous preforms are readily stretch blow molded into bottles or other container shapes or may be injection molded into various shapes or objects or extruded into film or sheeting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Gary W. Connell, Bobby J. Sublett
  • Patent number: 5709940
    Abstract: This invention relates to linear, water-dispersible sulfopolyesters prepared using high molecular weight polyethylene glycol blocks and low molecular weight polyethylene glycol. The high molecular weight polyethylene glycol has the formula H--(OCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2).sub.n --OH where n is 20 to 500, and the low molecular weight polyethylene glycol has the structure H--(OCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2).sub.n' --OH where n' is 2 to 6. The sulfopolyesters are useful as textile fiber sizes that possess improved adhesion, flexibility, and abrasion resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Scott E. George, Bobby J. Sublett
  • Patent number: 5616404
    Abstract: Disclosed are orientable, heat setable, semi-crystalline copolyesters which have high glass transition temperatures. These copolyesters have high heat distortion temperatures along with excellent molding and film properties which makes them useful in packaging materials and molded parts. These copolyesters have repeat units from about 100 mol % 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, about 1-99 mol % terephthalic acid and about 99-1 mol % naphthalene dicarboxylic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventor: Bobby J. Sublett
  • Patent number: 5559159
    Abstract: Previously used poly(ethylene terephthalate) polyester materials and copolymers thereof, and in particular postconsumer polyester materials, are depolymerized and repolymerized to produce bottle grade polymer containing up to 75% of the previously used material. The process involves the solubilization and depolymerization of the previously used polyester material in a transesterification and/or polymerization mixture containing dimethylterephthalate, ethylene glycol and transesterification products thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Bobby J. Sublett, Gary W. Connell
  • Patent number: 5552512
    Abstract: Disclosed are thermoplastic copolyesters having improved gas barrier properties and which can be produced having little or no acetaldehyde. These copolyesters are especially useful in the manufacture of food packaging products, foodtrays, film and beverage bottles which require good oxygen and carbon dioxide barrier properties. The copolyesters comprise repeat units from about 10 to 100 mole percent repeat units from naphthalene dicarboxylic acid, about 90 to 0 mole percent repeat units from terephthalic acid and repeat units from essentially 100 mole percent 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, wherein said 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol has a cis isomer content of at least 50% said copolyester having an I.V. of about 0.4-1.2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventor: Bobby J. Sublett
  • Patent number: 5399595
    Abstract: Disclosed are foamable copolyester compositions containing 0.5 to 5.0 mole percent of a dicarboxylic acid sulfomonomer which contains at least one metal sulfonate group attached to an aromatic nucleus. These copolyesters possess high melt viscosity and are readily foamable with a wide range of foaming agents to provide low density shaped articles, films, and sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Bobby J. Sublett, Richard L. McConnell
  • Patent number: 5376735
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improved process for the preparation of branched polyethylene terephthalate and co-polyethylene terephthalate, having high melt viscosities. The process comprises carrying out the polymerization of the branched polyethylene terephthalate in intimate admixture with a small amount of isophthalic acid. Polyethylene terephthalate with high melt viscosities are obtained and are free from inhomogeneities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventor: Bobby J. Sublett
  • Patent number: 5369211
    Abstract: The present invention relates to sulfonate containing water-dispersible or water-dissipatible sulfo-polyester compositions. The sulfo-polyesters of the present invention have a glass transition temperature of greater than 89.degree. C. In addition, the sulfo-polyesters have a dicarboxylic acid component of poly(ethylene-2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylate and a sulfo-monomer, and a diol component of at least 35 mole percent of a diol selected from ethylene glycol, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, propane-1,2-diol and 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediol. The sulfo-polyesters of this invention are useful in applications where increased abrasion resistance, inherent higher temperature process conditions, and improved blocking resistance are required such as in adhesives, coating materials, sizes, laminated products, aqueous printing inks, and films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Scott E. George, Donna L. Jordan, Bobby J. Sublett
  • Patent number: 5369210
    Abstract: The present invention relates to sulfonate containing water-dispersible or water-dissipatible sulfopolyester compositions. The sulfopolyesters utilize at least two dicarboxylic acids, one of which is a naphthalene dicarboxylic acid. This combination of dicarboxylic acids allows for the sulfopolyesters to maintain glass transition temperatures (Tg) of greater than 89.degree. C. and exhibit lower melt viscosities than sulfopolyesters containing all naphthalenediyl units or all isophthtaloyl units. The sulfopolyesters of this invention are useful in applications where improved heat and blocking resistance is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Scott E. George, Bobby J. Sublett
  • Patent number: 5340624
    Abstract: A shrinkable copolyester film having shrinkage of not less than 30% in either the machine direction or transverse direction after specific heat treatment. The shrinkable copolyester film of the present invention is excellent in shrinkage properties and is substantially free from wrinkles, and uneven shrinkage. The copolyester is useful as a shrinkage label for PET bottles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventor: Bobby J. Sublett
  • Patent number: 5321074
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing poly(ethylene-2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylate) polymers wherein a low concentrations of an alkali metal salt is present. More specifically, 15 ppm to 100 ppm of an alkali metal derived from an alkali metal salt is added in the melt polymerization reaction mixture during formation of such polymers. The polymers are useful in applications where improved hydrolytic stability at elevated temperatures and high humidity (>50% relative humidity) are required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Jimmy R. Trotter, Bobby J. Sublett
  • Patent number: 5106944
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing polyesters of dimethyl terephthalate with 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol using a catalyst comprising a titanium alkoxide and an alkaline earth metal salt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Bobby J. Sublett
  • Patent number: 5017680
    Abstract: Disclosed is a polymer and process for producing the polymer using a complex of titanium alkoxide with an alkali or alkaline earth metal salt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Bobby J. Sublett
  • Patent number: 5013820
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method of preparing poly(ethylene 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylate) by the polycondensation reaction of ethylene glycol and dimethyl-2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylate, using a dimethyl-2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylate starting material which contains significant amounts of methyl hydrogen 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylate as a contaminant. The methyl hydrogen 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylate moiety is incorporated into the polymer structure by initially esterifying the methyl hydrogen 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylate acid end-group with ethylene carbonate, in the presence of an amine or ammonium catalyst, before the polyesterification/polycondensation reaction is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1991
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Jimmy R. Trotter, Bobby J. Sublett
  • Patent number: 4983711
    Abstract: Disclosed are copolyesters containing residues of terephthalic acid, ethylene, glycol, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol and a trifunctional monomer which are useful in manufacturing rigid containers by extrusion blow-molding processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Bobby J. Sublett, Randy S. Beavers
  • Patent number: 4929714
    Abstract: Disclosed are flexible, biaxially oriented films of poly(ethylene terephthalate) modified with a long chain dibasic acid or glycol. This material is useful in packaging applications where resistance to flex cracking is important.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1990
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Jimmy R. Trotter, Bobby J. Sublett
  • Patent number: 4451641
    Abstract: Radiation-resistant containers or packaging sheet material of poly(tetramethylene terephthalate) modified with either dimer acid or dimer glycol. This copolyester is blow moldable and is found to have improved resistance to gamma radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1984
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Bobby J. Sublett, Samuel D. Hilbert