Patents by Inventor Bruce M. Mulholland

Bruce M. Mulholland 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).

  • Publication number: 20240075664
    Abstract: A system and process for injection molding polymer articles is described. The system and process are designed to reduce gate blush. In one embodiment, an injection molding device injects a molten polymer composition into a mold cavity adjacent to an interior curved surface on the mold. The flow of the polymer material is parallel to a line that is tangent to the curved surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2023
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Inventors: Kent R. Miller, Michael P. Kowalski, Bruce M. Mulholland
  • Patent number: 11801625
    Abstract: A system and process for injection molding polymer articles is described. The system and process are designed to reduce gate blush. In one embodiment, an injection molding device injects a molten polymer composition into a mold cavity adjacent to an interior curved surface on the mold. The flow of the polymer material is parallel to a line that is tangent to the curved surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: Celanese International Corporation
    Inventors: Kent R. Miller, Michael P. Kowalski, Bruce M. Mulholland
  • Publication number: 20230227624
    Abstract: A polymer composition containing a polyamide resin, a metallic pigment, and a carrier is disclosed that exhibits a metallic appearance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2023
    Publication date: July 20, 2023
    Inventors: Bruce M. Mulholland, Coralie Adéle Richard
  • Patent number: 11608423
    Abstract: The polymer composition containing a polyamide resin, a metallic pigment, and a carrier is disclosed that exhibits a metallic appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Ticona LLC
    Inventors: Bruce M. Mulholland, Coralie Adéle Richard
  • Publication number: 20200290247
    Abstract: A system and process for injection molding polymer articles is described. The system and process are designed to reduce gate blush. In one embodiment, an injection molding device injects a molten polymer composition into a mold cavity adjacent to an interior curved surface on the mold. The flow of the polymer material is parallel to a line that is tangent to the curved surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2020
    Publication date: September 17, 2020
    Inventors: Kent R. Miller, Michael P. Kowalski, Bruce M. Mulholland
  • Publication number: 20190338116
    Abstract: A medical grade polyoxymethylene polymer composition is disclosed that has been mass colored. The composition is particularly formulated so as to meet the standards of various governmental and safety requirements needed for use in medical applications and/or in food contact applications. In one embodiment, the polymer composition is formulated to meet the standards of USP Class VI testing and/or ISO 10993 testing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2019
    Publication date: November 7, 2019
    Inventors: Kirsten Markgraf, Kai-Uwe Toennes, Thomas Seelmann, Bruce M. Mulholland
  • Patent number: 9745469
    Abstract: Polymer compositions are described that contain at least two different immiscible phases for producing molded articles having a swirl-like or marble-like appearance. The first phase, for instance, may contain one or more polyoxymethylene polymers. The second phase, on the other hand, contains one or more polymers that together have a melting point that is from about 5° to about 30° different than the melting point of the polyoxymethylene polymer. In one embodiment, the second phase may contain a thermoplastic elastomer, a glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate, or a polyimide and may have a melting point that is higher than the melting point of the polyoxymethylene polymer. The second phase is present in the polymer composition in relatively low amounts, such as in amounts less than about 5% by weight. The second phase can contain a high concentration of colorants that creates a contrast of colors when the molded article is produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Ticona LLC
    Inventor: Bruce M. Mulholland
  • Publication number: 20170210877
    Abstract: A polymer composition containing a polyamide resin, a metallic pigment, and a carrier is disclosed that exhibits a metallic appearance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Publication date: July 27, 2017
    Inventors: Bruce M. Mulholland, Coralie Adéle Richard
  • Patent number: 9540553
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising a) at least one polyoxymethylene (A) having terminal OH-groups of more than 15 mmol/kg, b) at least one coupling agent (B), c) one or more hindered amine light stabilizer (C) having a molecular weight ranging from 500 to 1000 g/mol, and d) optionally at least one reinforcing fiber (D).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Ticona GmbH
    Inventors: Kirsten Markgraf, Bruce M. Mulholland, Dan Murena, Joachim Floeck
  • Patent number: 9296874
    Abstract: A polymeric composition containing a polyacetal resin in conjunction with a blend of metal salts for reducing formaldehyde emissions. In one embodiment, the blend of metal salts comprises a metal salt of a fatty acid blended with a metal salt of a polycarboxylic acid. The metal salt of the fatty acid may comprise calcium propionate, while the metal salt of the polycarboxylic acid may comprise calcium citrate. The metal salts have been found to reduce formaldehyde emissions, especially when the composition contains a low gloss additive, such as acrylic polymer particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Ticona LLC
    Inventor: Bruce M. Mulholland
  • Publication number: 20150329720
    Abstract: Polymer compositions are described that contain at least two different immiscible phases for producing molded articles having a swirl-like or marble-like appearance. The first phase, for instance, may contain one or more polyoxymethylene polymers. The second phase, on the other hand, contains one or more polymers that together have a melting point that is from about 5° to about 30° different than the melting point of the polyoxymethylene polymer. In one embodiment, the second phase may contain a thermoplastic elastomer, a glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate, or a polyimide and may have a melting point that is higher than the melting point of the polyoxymethylene polymer. The second phase is present in the polymer composition in relatively low amounts, such as in amounts less than about 5% by weight. The second phase can contain a high concentration of colorants that creates a contrast of colors when the molded article is produced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Publication date: November 19, 2015
    Inventor: Bruce M. Mulholland
  • Publication number: 20150299426
    Abstract: A thermoplastic copolyester composition that is able to maintain its color and mechanical strength after exposure to full weathering is provided. More specifically, a stabilizing system is employed in the composition that contains a mixture of one or more light stabilizers (e.g., hindered amines, UV absorbers, etc.), antioxidants (e.g., sterically hindered phenols, organophosphorous compounds, etc.), and secondary amines. By selectively controlling the type and concentration of the stabilizers, the present inventor has discovered that a composition may be formed that is generally resistant to color change and crazing (i.e., micro-crack formation) upon weathering. In addition to a stabilizing system, a processing stabilizer is also employed in the copolyester resin that includes a metal salt of a fatty acid having a chain length of greater than 22 carbon atoms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Inventor: Bruce M. Mulholland
  • Publication number: 20150299544
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising a) at least one polyoxymethylene (A) having terminal OH-groups of more than 15 mmol/kg, b) at least one coupling agent (B), c) one or more hindered amine light stabilizer (C) having a molecular weight ranging from 500 to 1000 g/mol, and d) optionally at least one reinforcing fiber (D).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Applicant: Ticona GmbH
    Inventors: Kirsten MARKGRAF, Bruce M. MULHOLLAND, Dan MURENA, Joachim FLOECK
  • Patent number: 9090769
    Abstract: Polymer compositions are described that contain at least two different immiscible phases for producing molded articles having a swirl-like or marble-like appearance. The first phase, for instance, may contain one or more polyoxymethylene polymers. The second phase, on the other hand, contains one or more polymers that together have a melting point that is from about 5° to about 30° different than the melting point of the polyoxymethylene polymer. In one embodiment, the second phase may contain a thermoplastic elastomer, a glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate, or a polyamide and may have a melting point that is higher than the melting point of the polyoxymethylene polymer. The second phase is present in the polymer composition in relatively low amounts, such as in amounts less than about 5% by weight. The second phase can contain a high concentration of colorants that creates a contrast of colors when the molded article is produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Ticona LLC
    Inventor: Bruce M. Mulholland
  • Patent number: 8975313
    Abstract: A polymer composition containing a polyacetal resin, a metallic pigment, and an ultraviolet light stabilizer is disclosed that exhibits a metallic brilliant appearance. The metallic pigment, the ultraviolet light stabilizer and the polyacetal resin can be mixed in a high intensity mixer prior to being used to mold polymer articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Ticona LLC
    Inventor: Bruce M. Mulholland
  • Patent number: 8921471
    Abstract: A polymeric composition containing a polyacetal resin in conjunction with a formaldehyde inhibiting agent is described. The formaldehyde inhibiting agent comprises an aluminum pigment. The aluminum pigment may comprise elemental aluminum, such as aluminum flakes that cannot only drastically reduce formaldehyde emissions from the composition but can also give the composition a metallic appearance. In one embodiment, the aluminum pigment may be combined with the polyacetal resin in conjunction with an unhindered phenol and/or a polyethylene resin. In order to further reduce formaldehyde emissions, in one embodiment, a formaldehyde scavenger comprising a nitrogen containing compound can also be added.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Ticona LLC
    Inventor: Bruce M. Mulholland
  • Publication number: 20140179840
    Abstract: Polymer compositions and molded articles made from the polymer compositions are described which contain a high strength polyoxymethylene polymer, an emission control agent, and at least one light stabilizer. The polymer composition not only has excellent resistance to ultraviolet light but also exhibits low formaldehyde emission. In one embodiment, the emission control agent comprises allantoin while the light stabilizer comprises a hindered amine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Ticona LLC
    Inventors: Mark Tyler, Bruce M. Mulholland
  • Publication number: 20120277353
    Abstract: A polymeric composition containing a polyacetal resin in conjunction with a blend of metal salts for reducing formaldehyde emissions. In one embodiment, the blend of metal salts comprises a metal salt of a fatty acid blended with a metal salt of a polycarboxylic acid. The metal salt of the fatty acid may comprise calcium propionate, while the metal salt of the polycarboxylic acid may comprise calcium citrate. The metal salts have been found to reduce formaldehyde emissions, especially when the composition contains a low gloss additive, such as acrylic polymer particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: TICONA LLC
    Inventor: Bruce M. Mulholland
  • Publication number: 20120259059
    Abstract: Polymer compositions are described that contain at least two different immiscible phases for producing molded articles having a swirl-like or marble-like appearance. The first phase, for instance, may contain one or more polyoxymethylene polymers. The second phase, on the other hand, contains one or more polymers that together have a melting point that is from about 5° to about 30° different than the melting point of the polyoxymethylene polymer. In one embodiment, the second phase may contain a thermoplastic elastomer, a glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate, or a polyamide and may have a melting point that is higher than the melting point of the polyoxymethylene polymer. The second phase is present in the polymer composition in relatively low amounts, such as in amounts less than about 5% by weight. The second phase can contain a high concentration of colorants that creates a contrast of colors when the molded article is produced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: TICONA LLC
    Inventor: Bruce M. Mulholland
  • Publication number: 20110034610
    Abstract: A polymeric composition containing a polyacetal resin in conjunction with a formaldehyde inhibiting agent is described. The formaldehyde inhibiting agent comprises an aluminum pigment. The aluminum pigment may comprise elemental aluminum, such as aluminum flakes that cannot only drastically reduce formaldehyde emissions from the composition but can also give the composition a metallic appearance. In one embodiment, the aluminum pigment may be combined with the polyacetal resin in conjunction with an unhindered phenol and/or a polyethylene resin. In order to further reduce formaldehyde emissions, in one embodiment, a formaldehyde scavenger comprising a nitrogen containing compound can also be added.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: TICONA, LLC
    Inventor: Bruce M. Mulholland