Patents by Inventor Brian W. Walther

Brian W. Walther 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: 8318864
    Abstract: The invention relates to functionalized interpolymers derived from base olefin interpolymers, which are prepared by polymerizing one or more monomers or mixtures of monomers, such as ethylene and one or more comonomers, to form an interpolymer products having unique physical properties. The functionalized olefin interpolymers contain two or more differing regions or segments (blocks), resulting in unique processing and physical properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: William J. Harris, John D. Weaver, Brian W. Walther, Stephen F. Hahn, Yunwa W. Cheung, Pankaj Gupta, Thoi H. Ho, Kenneth N. Reichek, Selim Yalvac, Teresa P. Karjala, Benjamin R. Rozenblat, Cynthia L. Rickey
  • Publication number: 20120208962
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide block composites and their use in thermoplastic vulcanizate compounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Kim L. Walton, Brian W. Walther, Robert T. Johnston, Jose M. Rego, Xiaosong Sharon Wu
  • Patent number: 8211982
    Abstract: The invention relates to functionalized interpolymers derived from base olefin interpolymers, which are prepared by polymerizing one or more monomers or mixtures of monomers, such as ethylene and one or more comonomers, to form an interpolymer products having unique physical properties. The functionalized olefin interpolymers contain two or more differing regions or segments (blocks), resulting in unique processing and physical properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: William J. Harris, John D. Weaver, Brian W. Walther, Stephen F. Hahn, Yunwa W. Cheung, Pankaj Gupta, Thoi H. Ho, Kenneth N. Reichek, Selim Yalvac, Teresa P. Karjala, Benjamin R. Rozenblat, Cynthia L. Rickey
  • Publication number: 20120116021
    Abstract: The invention provides a composition comprising a first composition, which first composition comprises the following: A) a first interpolymer comprising, in polymerized form, ethylene, an ?-olefin and a nonconjugated polyene; B) a second interpolymer comprising, in polymerized form, ethylene, an ?-olefin and a nonconjugated polyene; and wherein the first composition has an [(ML(1+4, 125° C.))/Mw(conv)]*1000 greater than 0.429 mole/g. The invention also provides a composition comprising a first composition, which first composition comprises the following: A) a first interpolymer comprising, in polymerized form, ethylene, an ?-olefin and a nonconjugated polyene; B) a second interpolymer comprising, in polymerized form, ethylene, an ?-olefin and a nonconjugated polyene; and wherein the first composition has a Mooney Viscosity (ML, 1+4, 125° C.) greater than, or equal to, 70, and has a low shear viscosity (11 at 0.1 rad/sec) less than, or equal to, 100,000 Pa·sec.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Wenbin Liang, Brian W. Walther, Timothy E. Clayfield, Arnis U. Paeglis, Sherrika D. Daniel, Larry A. Meiske
  • Publication number: 20120046401
    Abstract: A method for improving the efficacy of polar additives used in polyolefins is disclosed. The method is related to the addition of an effective amount of a co-additive compound of the formula R1(OCH2CH2)xOH to the polyolefin prior to forming the film, wherein R1 is a straight or branched chain alkyl of 20 to 100 carbon atoms and x is 2 to 100. The presence of these materials in polyolefin resins allows less polar additives to be used without losing their efficacy and also leads to improved optical properties for films made from such resins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: Dow Global Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Cosme Llop, Antonio Manrique, Teresa P. Karjala, Brian W. Walther, Jiaxing Chen
  • Patent number: 7981517
    Abstract: This invention relates to bituminous compositions comprising an interpolymer and a bituminous material and methods of making and using same. The interpolymer may comprise ethylene, at least one alpha-olefin, and, optionally, at least one diene and the interpolymer is derived from polymer particles having a surface coating comprising a partitioning agent. Methods of making and using the bituminous compositions are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Brian W. Walther, Arnis U. Paeglis, Morgan M. Hughes, Carl F. Baker
  • Publication number: 20110160323
    Abstract: The invention provides a composition comprising an ethylene/?-olefin/non-conjugated diene interpolymer, which has the following properties: an Mz(abs)/Mz(Conv) value greater than 1.35; an Mz(BB)/Mw(abs) value greater than 1.6; and a non-conjugated diene content less than 10 weight percent, based on the total weight of the interpolymer. The invention also provides a process for forming a crosslinked composition, said process comprising: (a) forming a polymeric admixture comprising at least the following: (A) an ethylene/?-olefin/non-conjugated diene copolymer rubber (B) which has the following properties: an Mz(abs)/Mz(Conv) value less than 1.3; an Mz(BB)/Mw(abs) value greater than 1.6, but less than 2.5; and an Mw(abs) value less than 350,000 g/mole; and (B) a coupling amount of (i) at least one poly(sulfonyl azide) or (ii) at least one peroxide; and (b) heating the resulting admixture to a temperature at least the decomposition temperature of the crosslinking agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Wenbin Liang, Brian W. Walther, Gary Marchand
  • Publication number: 20110152437
    Abstract: The invention relates to functionalized interpolymers derived from base olefin interpolymers, which are prepared by polymerizing one or more monomers or mixtures of monomers, such as ethylene and one or more comonomers, to form an interpolymer products having unique physical properties. The functionalized olefin interpolymers contain two or more differing regions or segments (blocks), resulting in unique processing and physical properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2011
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: William J. Harris, John D. Weaver, Brian W. Walther, Stephen F. Hahn, Yunwa W. Cheung, Pankaj Gupta, Thoi H. Ho, Kenneth N. Reichek, Selim Yalvac, Teresa P. Karjala, Benjamin R. Rozenblat, Cynthia L. Rickey
  • Publication number: 20110144240
    Abstract: The invention relates to functionalized interpolymers derived from base olefin interpolymers, which are prepared by polymerizing one or more monomers or mixtures of monomers, such as ethylene and one or more comonomers, to form an interpolymer products having unique physical properties. The functionalized olefin interpolymers contain two or more differing regions or segments (blocks), resulting in unique processing and physical properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2011
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: William J. Harris, John D. Weaver, Brian W. Walther, Stephen F. Hahn, Yunwa W. Cheung, Pankaj Gupta, Thoi H. Ho, Kenneth N. Reichek, Selim Yalvac, Teresa P. Karjala, Benjamin R. Rozenblat, Cynthia L. Rickey
  • Publication number: 20110082258
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide block composites and their use in thermoplastic vulcanizate compounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Applicant: Dow Global Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Kim L. Walton, Brian W. Walther, Robert T. Johnston, Jose M. Rego, Xiaosong Wu
  • Patent number: 7897689
    Abstract: The invention relates to functionalized interpolymers derived from base olefin interpolymers, which are prepared by polymerizing one or more monomers or mixtures of monomers, such as ethylene and one or more comonomers, to form an interpolymer products having unique physical properties. The functionalized olefin interpolymers contain two or more differing regions or segments (blocks), resulting in unique processing and physical properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Harris, John D. Weaver, Brian W. Walther, Stephen F. Hahn, Yunwa W. Cheung, Pankaj Gupta, Thoi H. Ho, Kenneth N. Reichek, Selim Yalvac, Teresa P. Karjala, Benjamin R. Rozenblat, Cynthia L. Rickey
  • Patent number: 7741408
    Abstract: A novel flooring composition was developed based on a blend comprising: a) an elastomer; b) a random propylene/alpha-olefin copolymer; c) a cross linking agent; and optionally d) a melt strength enhancing polymer. This composition achieves a unique balance of properties, exhibiting often-conflicting performance requirements. These include low gloss and excellent pattern duplication in embossing, low modulus, minimal odor, excellent grain acceptance and abrasion resistance, while remaining thermoformable and maintaining minimal shift in viscosity during recycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian W. Walther, Carl F. Baker, Sharon L. Baker, Michael D. Cassiday, Charles F. Diehl, Wenbin Liang, David P. Wright
  • Publication number: 20100086798
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to polymeric compositions which form gloss resins suitable for thermoforming applications. The polymeric compositions include a reaction product composed of a clarified random propylene/?-olefin copolymer, a coupling agent, and optionally an elastomer. Methods for adjusting the melt flow rate of the gloss resin are also disclosed. Adjustment of the gloss resin melt flow rate advantageously enables scrap thermoplastic material containing the gloss resin to be recycled in a thermoforming operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventors: Todd A. Hogan, Malcolm F. Finlayson, Brian W. Walther
  • Publication number: 20100048792
    Abstract: The instant invention is a polypropylene composition, a method of producing the same, and articles made therefrom. The polypropylene composition according to instant invention includes the reactive melt blending product of a high crystalline polypropylene having a crystallinity of at least 64 percent, an elastomer, a coupling agent, and optionally a filler. The polypropylene composition according to instant invention has a melt flow rate in the range of less than 1 g/10 minutes measured at 230° C. under a load of 2.16 kg in accordance with ASTM-D 1238. The method of producing a polypropylene composition according to instant invention includes the following steps: (1) reactive melt blending a high crystalline polypropylene having a crystallinity of at least 64 percent, an elastomer, and optionally a filler in the presence of a coupling agent; and (2) thereby producing the polypropylene composition having a melt flow rate in the range of less than 1 g/10 minutes measured at 230° C. under a load of 2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventors: Malcolm F. Finlayson, Brian W. Walther, Todd A. Hogan, Stephen M. Hoenig, Kim L. Walton
  • Patent number: 7645836
    Abstract: A reactive extrusion process for producing an ionomer is disclosed. The process comprising adding a polymer containing a carboxyl functionality to an extruder, then homogenously melting the polymer in a melting zone of the extruder. A first melt seal zone of the extruder is formed to separate the melting zone from an injection zone where an aqueous solution of metallic ions are added to the molten polymer. The first melt seal zone is formed by increasing the pressure in the melt seal zone to a pressure which is higher than the vapor pressure of the water at any point in the injection zone and the reaction zone. The aqueous solution of metallic ions is then mixed with the polymer containing the carboxyl functionality in a reaction zone of the extruder under conditions such that the metallic ions are substantially reacted with the carboxyl functionality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian W. Walther, Anthony C. Neubauer, Eung Kyu Kim, Calvin Lee Pavlicek, Charles F. Diehl
  • Publication number: 20090061236
    Abstract: This invention relates to bituminous compositions comprising an interpolymer and a bituminous material and methods of making and using same. The interpolymer may comprise ethylene, at least one alpha-olefin, and, optionally, at least one diene and the interpolymer is derived from polymer particles having a surface coating comprising a partitioning agent. Methods of making and using the bituminous compositions are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: Dow Global Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Brian W. Walther, Arnis U. Paeglis, Morgan M. Hughes, Carl F. Baker
  • Publication number: 20080108756
    Abstract: A reactive extrusion process for producing an ionomer is disclosed. The process comprising adding a polymer containing a carboxyl functionality to an extruder, then homogenously melting the polymer in a melting zone of the extruder. A first melt seal zone of the extruder is formed to separate the melting zone from an injection zone where an aqueous solution of metallic ions are added to the molten polymer. The first melt seal zone is formed by increasing the pressure in the melt seal zone to a pressure which is higher than the vapor pressure of the water at any point in the injection zone and the reaction zone. The aqueous solution of metallic ions is then mixed with the polymer containing the carboxyl functionality in a reaction zone of the extruder under conditions such that the metallic ions are substantially reacted with the carboxyl functionality.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Applicant: Dow Global Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Brian W. Walther, Anthony C. Neubauer, Eung K. Kim, Calvin L. Pavlicek, Charles F. Diehl
  • Publication number: 20020132905
    Abstract: A blend of polymeric materials comprising
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventors: Susan J. Babinee, Mechelle A. Blanchard, Martin J. Guest, Brian W. Walther, Bharat I. Chaudhary, Russell P. Barry
  • Patent number: 6380294
    Abstract: A blend of polymeric materials comprising (A) of from about 1 to about 99.99 weight percent based on the combined weights of Components A, B and C of at least one substantially random interpolymer; and wherein said interpolymer; (1) contains of from about 0.5 to about 65 mole percent of polymer units derived from; (a) at least one vinyl or vinylidene aromatic monomer, or (b) at least one hindered aliphatic or cycloaliphatic vinyl or vinylidene monomer, or (c) a combination of at least one vinyl or vinylidene aromatic monomer and at least one hindered aliphatic or cycloaliphatic vinyl or vinylidene monomer; (2) contains of from about 35 to about 99.5 mole percent of polymer units derived from at least one aliphatic &agr;-olefin having from 2 to 20 carbon atoms; (3) has a molecular weight (Mn) greater than about 1,000; (4) has a melt index (I2) of from about 0.01 to about 1,000; (5) has a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) of from about 1.5 to about 20; and (B) of from about 99 to about 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Susan J. Babinec, Mechelle A. Blanchard, Martin J. Guest, Brian W. Walther, Bharat I. Chaudhary, Russell P. Barry
  • Patent number: 6365658
    Abstract: A polymer composition comprising, based on the total weight of A), B), C) and D), A) from about 10 to 89.99 percent of a substantially random interpolymer comprising in polymerized form i) from about 35 to about 89.5 mole percent of one or more &agr;-olefin monomers and ii) from about 65 to about 10.5 mole percent of one or more vinyl or vinylidene aromatic monomers and/or one or more sterically hindered aliphatic or cycloaliphatic vinyl or vinylidene monomers, and optionally iii) other polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated monomer(s); B) from about 10 to about 75 percent of one or more polyolefins selected from the group consisting of I) propylene polymers and II) high density polyethylenes; and C) from 0.01 to about 10 percent of a non-ionic lubricant; and D) from 0 to about 60 percent of a substantially random interpolymer comprising in polymerized form i) from about 50 to about 99.5 mole percent of one or more &agr;-olefin monomers and ii) from about 50 to about 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Jerker B. L. Kjellqvist, Brian W. Walther, Wenbin Liang, Roland Karlsson