Patents by Inventor Candace Michele Tanner

Candace Michele Tanner 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: 9064994
    Abstract: Self-corrugating laminates useful in the manufacture of thermoelectric devices are disclosed. The laminates include an upper and a lower shrinkable film layer and a non-shrinkable core with a thermoelectric pattern formed thereon bonded between said upper and lower shrinkable film along bond lines arranged parallel, substantially parallel, radially, or annularly. The bond lines that bond the upper shrinkable film layer to top surface of the nonshrinkable core are staggered relative to the bond lines that bond the lower shrinkable film layer to the bottom surface of the non-shrinkable core such that upon shrinkage of the shrinkable film layers, structural corrugations are formed in the non-shrinkable core. Thermoelectric modules or devices and methods for forming them from the self-corrugating laminates are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Marcus David Shelby, David B. Calvert, Freddie Wayne Williams, Scott Allen Clear, Peter Borden Mackenzie, Candace Michele Tanner, Jennifer Lynne Stikeleather-Peavey, Jeffrey Todd Owens
  • Patent number: 8986591
    Abstract: Disclosed are void-containing polyester shrink films which show excellent density retention upon exposures to high temperatures. The films have high shrinkage and retain their low density after processing under conditions of temperature and moisture used in typical recycling processes. The films are useful for sleeve label and other shrink film applications, and their lower density allows them to be readily separated from soft drink bottles, food containers and the like during recycling operations. Also disclosed is a process for void-containing polyester shrink films having high shrinkage and low density after exposure to elevated temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Marcus David Shelby, Candace Michele Tanner, Mark Elliott Tincher, Rondell Paul Little, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140318591
    Abstract: Self-corrugating laminates useful in the manufacture of thermoelectric devices are disclosed. The laminates include an upper and a lower shrinkable film layer and a non-shrinkable core with a thermoelectric pattern formed thereon bonded between said upper and lower shrinkable film along bond lines arranged parallel, substantially parallel, radially, or annularly. The bond lines that bond the upper shrinkable film layer to top surface of the nonshrinkable core are staggered relative to the bond lines that bond the lower shrinkable film layer to the bottom surface of the non-shrinkable core such that upon shrinkage of the shrinkable film layers, structural corrugations are formed in the non-shrinkable core. Thermoelectric modules or devices and methods for forming them from the self-corrugating laminates are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: EASTMAN CHEMICAL COMPANY
    Inventors: Marcus David Shelby, David B. Calvert, Freddie Wayne Williams, Scott Allen Clear, Peter Borden MacKenzie, Candace Michele Tanner, Jennifer Lynne Stikeleather-Peavey, Jeffrey Todd Owens
  • Publication number: 20140087145
    Abstract: A self-corrugating laminate is disclosed. The self-corrugating laminate includes an upper and a lower shrinkable film layer each having at least one axis of shrinkage and a non-shrinkable core bonded between the upper and lower shrinkable film layers along bond lines. The bond lines that bond the upper shrinkable film layer to the non-shrinkable core are staggered relative to the bond lines that bond the lower shrinkable film layer to the non-shrinkable core such that upon shrinkage of the shrinkable film layers, structural corrugations are formed in the non-shrinkable core. The shrinkable film layers of the invention exhibit a percent shrinkage along an axis of shrinkage from about 10 to about 45 percent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Marcus David Shelby, Freddie Wayne Williams, Peter Borden MacKenzie, Jeffrey Todd Owens, Candace Michele Tanner, Jennifer Lynne Stikeleather Peavey, Scott Allen Clear
  • Publication number: 20140087147
    Abstract: Self-corrugating laminates are disclosed that include first and second shrinkable film layers, each having a primary axis of shrinkage, bonded together in a grid of spaced bond points arranged substantially linearly along perpendicular horizontal and vertical bond lines such that the axes of shrinkage are substantially perpendicular to one another. Upon shrinkage of the shrinkable film layers, a structural corrugate is formed that includes first and second corrugated layers each with structural corrugations therein arranged along lines of corrugation. At the interface of the two corrugated layers, the lines of corrugation in the first corrugated layer are substantially perpendicular to the lines of corrugation in the second corrugated layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: EASTMAN CHEMICAL COMPANY
    Inventors: Marcus David Shelby, Scott Allen Clear, Freddie Wayne Williams, Alan Yee Heng Kwok, Candace Michele Tanner, Jennifer Lynne Stikeleather Peavey, Jeffrey Todd Owens, Peter Borden Mackenzie
  • Publication number: 20140087146
    Abstract: Self-corrugating laminates are disclosed that include first and second non-shrinkable core layers bonded together in a grid of spaced bond points arranged substantially linearly along perpendicular horizontal and vertical bond point lines; and upper and lower shrinkable film layers, each having a primary axis of shrinkage and each bonded to one of the non-shrinkable core layers along bond lines that are substantially perpendicular to the primary axis of shrinkage of the immediately adjacent shrinkable film layer. Upon shrinkage of the upper and lower shrinkable film layers a corrugated structure is formed that includes first and second core layers each having spaced structural corrugations formed therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Marcus David Shelby, Scott Allen Clear, Freddie Wayne Williams, Alan Yee Heng Kwok, Candace Michele Tanner, Jennifer Lynne Stikeleather Peavey, Jeffrey Todd Owens, Peter Borden Mackenzie
  • Patent number: 8431232
    Abstract: Disclosed are hot-melt adhesives prepared from aromatic-aliphatic polyesters containing terephthalic acid in combination with adipic acid, glutaric acid, or a mixture thereof, as diacid components and a diol component containing 1,4-butanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, or a combination thereof. These adhesives set up rapidly within a well-defined temperature window. The hot-melt adhesives can be used in a variety of applications, but are especially suited as seaming adhesives for roll-applied labels. These adhesives have melting temperatures and crystallization properties that allow their application at temperatures cool enough to prevent curling and premature shrinkage of the shrink label during seaming, and yet produce strong label seams that can withstand the elevated temperatures of a shrink tunnel without sacrificing line speed. Also disclosed are labeled containers and a process for applying a roll-on, shrink label to a container using the hot-melt adhesives of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Marcus David Shelby, Scott Ellery George, Gary Robert Robe, Freddie Wayne Williams, Michael Eugene Donelson, Joshua Seth Cannon, Candace Michele Tanner
  • Publication number: 20100295200
    Abstract: Disclosed are void-containing polyester shrink films which show excellent density retention upon exposures to high temperatures. The films have high shrinkage and retain their low density after processing under conditions of temperature and moisture used in typical recycling processes. The films are useful for sleeve label and other shrink film applications, and their lower density allows them to be readily separated from soft drink bottles, food containers and the like during recycling operations. Also disclosed is a process for void-containing polyester shrink films having high shrinkage and low density after exposure to elevated temperatures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: EASTMAN CHEMICAL COMPANY
    Inventors: Marcus David Shelby, Candace Michele Tanner, Mark Elliott Tincher, Rondell Paul Little, JR.
  • Publication number: 20100112251
    Abstract: Disclosed are hot-melt adhesives prepared from aromatic-aliphatic polyesters containing terephthalic acid in combination with adipic acid, glutaric acid, or a mixture thereof, as diacid components and a diol component containing 1,4-butanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, or a combination thereof. These adhesives set up rapidly within a well-defined temperature window. The hot-melt adhesives can be used in a variety of applications, but are especially suited as seaming adhesives for roll-applied labels. These adhesives have melting temperatures and crystallization properties that allow their application at temperatures cool enough to prevent curling and premature shrinkage of the shrink label during seaming, and yet produce strong label seams that can withstand the elevated temperatures of a shrink tunnel without sacrificing line speed. Also disclosed are labeled containers and a process for applying a roll-on, shrink label to a container using the hot-melt adhesives of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Marcus David Shelby, Scott Ellery George, Gary Robert Robe, Freddie Wayne Williams, Michael Eugene Donelson, Joshua Seth Cannon, Candace Michele Tanner
  • Patent number: 7524920
    Abstract: Disclosed is a biaxially-oriented polyester film produced from a polyester comprising: (1) diacid residues comprising between about 95 and about 100 mole percent of terephthalic acid residues; (2) diol residues comprising between about 95 and about 100 mole percent of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues; and (3) about 0.5 to about 5 mole percent of another dicarboxylic acid or diol residue, wherein the polyester comprises a total of 100 mole percent diacid residues and a total of 100 mole percent diol residues. In one embodiment, the biaxially-oriented film has a thickness of 70 to 150 microns (3-5 mils). In another embodiment, the biaxially-oriented film undergoes not more than 3% shrinkage when immersed for 10 seconds in a solder bath preheated to 260° C. The film can be made by stretching an essentially amorphous cast film of thickness between about 450-1800 micron (18-70 mil) at a ratio from about 2.5×2.5 to 3.5×3.5 while being held at a temperature between 90° C. and 130° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Thomas Joseph Pecorini, Douglas Stephens McWilliams, Spencer Allen Gilliam, Mark Elliott Tincher, Candace Michele Tanner
  • Patent number: 7368511
    Abstract: This invention relates to a blend of biodegradable polymers comprising: (A) about 15% to about 60% by weight of at least one flexible biodegradable polymer (A) having a glass transition less than about 0° C., (B) about 85% to about 40% by weight of at least one rigid biodegradable polymer (B) having a glass transition greater than about 10° C.; said percentages being based on the total weight of the polymer blend; wherein said polymer blend has a unnotched Izod impact strength according to ASTM D256 of at least 9 ft-lbs/in at 23° C. In one embodiment, the polymer blend has a unnotched Izod impact strength according to ASTM D256 at least 20 ft-lbs/in at 23° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Wesley Raymond Hale, Candace Michele Tanner
  • Patent number: 7354653
    Abstract: Disclosed are high clarity films produced from semicrystalline polyesters by calendering. These films unexpectedly develop a higher peak melting point, which leads to higher thermal resistance. The semicrystalline polyesters may be biodegradable. When these calendered films are oriented, they develop unexpectedly high physical strength or clarity in comparison to films that are prepared by conventional techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Ted Calvin Germroth, Candace Michele Tanner, Marc Alan Strand, Rodney Layne Piner
  • Patent number: 7241838
    Abstract: Disclosed are blends of aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters with poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) copolymers and shaped articles prepared therefrom. These blends have higher melt strength than the aliphatic-aromatic copolyester alone and exhibit increased melt strength and better processability. In addition, the blends and shaped articles show bio-disintegration and/or biodegradability in a composting environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Marcus David Shelby, Andrew Joseph Matosky, Candace Michele Tanner, Michael Eugene Donelson
  • Patent number: 7160977
    Abstract: This invention relates to a blend of biodegradable polymers comprising: (A) about 70% to about 80% by weight of at least one flexible biodegradable polymer (A) having a glass transition less than about 0° C., (B) about 30% to about 20% by weight of at least one rigid biodegradable polymer (B) having a glass transition greater than about 10° C.; said percentages being based on the total weight of the polymer blend; wherein said polymer blend has a notched Izod impact strength according to ASTM D256 of at least 7.5 ft-lbs/in.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Wesley Raymond Hale, Candace Michele Tanner
  • Patent number: 6599994
    Abstract: A compositional blend of from about 50 to about 99 weight percent of a polyester and from about 1 to about 50 weight percent of an essentially, linear, random aliphatic-aromatic copolyester or branched and/or chain extended copolyester thereof is useful as a heat-shrinkable film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Marcus David Shelby, Candace Michele Tanner, Kevin Douglas Horton
  • Publication number: 20030088033
    Abstract: A compositional blend of from about 50 to about 99 weight percent of a polyester and from about 1 to about 50 weight percent of an essentially, linear, random aliphatic-aromatic copolyester or branched and/or chain extended copolyester thereof is useful as a heat-shrinkable film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventors: Marcus David Shelby, Candace Michele Tanner, Kevin Douglas Horton
  • Patent number: 6385882
    Abstract: A two-dimensional display having a three-dimensional visual appearance has printed on a substantially flat or planar surface a predetermined message or information. Superposed over the message is a lenticular lens. Adjacent to the message are a series of spaced apart lines which may either be coplanar or non-coplanar relative to the message. The spaced apart lines are arranged so that they are in a non-registration relationship with the spacing of individual lenticules forming the lenticular lens. The display produces an appearance of having the lines float or move as a viewer's focal angle or perspective of the display changes. A method for making such a display is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Kenneth Conley, Candace Michele Tanner
  • Patent number: 6362306
    Abstract: A reactor grade copolyester composition, as well as a heat-shrinkable film made therefrom, unexpectedly has higher ductility than a multi-component blend of copolyesters with the same monomer concentrations. The reactor grade copolyester composition is made from a diacid component of at least about 90 mole percent and a diol component of (a) about 72 to about 88 mole percent ethylene glycol, about 10 to about 15 mole percent 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, and about 2 to about 13 mole percent diethylene glycol, or (b) about 59 to about 77.5 mole percent ethylene glycol, about 15 to about 28 mole percent 1,4-cyclohexane-dimethanol, and about 7.5 to about 13 mole percent diethylene glycol. Further, the heat-shrinkable film may be produced to closely match the shrink characteristics of polyvinyl chloride by varying the amounts of the diol components of the reactor grade copolyester composition. Furthermore, a reactor grade copolyester composition has a b* color value of −1.0 to less than 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Marcus David Shelby, Wayne Ken Shih, Rondell Paul Little, Jr., Candace Michele Tanner, William LeRoy Wortman
  • Patent number: 6226907
    Abstract: A two-dimensional display having a three-dimensional visual appearance has printed on a substantially flat or planar surface a predetermined message or information. Superposed over the message is a lenticular lens. Adjacent to the message are a series of spaced apart lines which may either be coplanar or non-coplanar relative to the message. The spaced apart lines are arranged so that they are in a non-registration relationship with the spacing of individual lenticules forming the lenticular lens. The display produces an appearance of having the lines float or move as a viewer's focal angle or perspective of the display changes. A method for making such a display is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Kenneth Conley, Candace Michele Tanner