Patents by Inventor Carl L. Willis
Carl L. Willis 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).
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Patent number: 11629215Abstract: Disclosed herein is a styrenic block copolymer [A1-B1-C1], consisting essentially of polymer blocks A1, B1 and C1. A1 is a poly(para-alkylstyrene) block having a molecular weight from 1,000 to 60,000 g/mol. B1 is a hydrogenated polyisoprene block or a hydrogenated polybutadiene block having a molecular weight from 1,000 to 100,000 g/mol. C1 is a polystyrene block having a molecular weight from 1,000 to 100,000 g/mol; or a polymer block consisting essentially of polymerized styrene units, and hydrogenated butadiene and/or isoprene units, and having a molecular weight from 1,000 to 100,000 g/mol. Prior to hydrogenation, the block B1 has a vinyl content of 5-75 mol %; and the block C1 forms 1-80 wt % of the overall weight of the block copolymer. The selectively sulfonated forms of the copolymers are useful as high dielectric materials.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2020Date of Patent: April 18, 2023Assignee: KRATON CORPORATIONInventors: Carl L Willis, Marc D Hein, Richard I Blackwell
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Publication number: 20210355342Abstract: The disclosure relates to bio-secure equipment for protecting surfaces prone to exposure to microbes. The bio-secure equipment is for the protection of surfaces, with a coating layer comprising a sulfonated polymer, having a sufficient degree of sulfonation to kill in less than 120 minutes at least 90% of microbes in contact with the surfaces, and for extended protection of the surfaces for at least a month. The coating material is particularly suitable to provide bio-secure protection for applications including but not limited to protective facemasks, surgical instruments and supplies, garments, surfaces frequently used by members of the public that may have contagious diseases, etc., to decrease the transmission of microbes.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2021Publication date: November 18, 2021Applicant: KRATON POLYMERS LLCInventors: Vijay Mhetar, Richard Blackwell, Marc Charendoff, Marc Hein, Bert Krutzer, Roger Tocchetto, Xiangyun Wei, Carl L. Willis, Richard J. Spontak, Bharadwaja Peddinti
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Patent number: 11021559Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for laminating a polar substrate with a film cast from a sulfonated block copolymer having at least one end block A and at least one interior block B wherein each A block contains essentially no sulfonic acid or sulfonate ester functional groups and each B block is a polymer block containing from about 10 to about 100 mol percent sulfonic acid or sulfonate ester functional groups based on the number of monomer units. The film is exposed to water and dried onto a polar or active metal substrate. The laminates do not delaminate in the presence of water, or in a humidity of up to 85%, and at a temperature of at least 60° C. The laminates are used for a variety of applications including energy exchange applications.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2019Date of Patent: June 1, 2021Assignee: Kraton Polymers LLCInventors: Kuitian Tan, Carl L Willis, Steven Huynh
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Publication number: 20200317848Abstract: Disclosed herein is a styrenic block copolymer [A1-B1-C1], consisting essentially of polymer blocks A1, B1 and C1. A1 is a poly(para-alkylstyrene) block having a molecular weight from 1,000 to 60,000 g/mol. B1 is a hydrogenated polyisoprene block or a hydrogenated polybutadiene block having a molecular weight from 1,000 to 100,000 g/mol. C1 is a polystyrene block having a molecular weight from 1,000 to 100,000 g/mol; or a polymer block consisting essentially of polymerized styrene units, and hydrogenated butadiene and/or isoprene units, and having a molecular weight from 1,000 to 100,000 g/mol. Prior to hydrogenation, the block B1 has a vinyl content of 5-75 mol %; and the block C1 forms 1-80 wt % of the overall weight of the block copolymer. The selectively sulfonated forms of the copolymers are useful as high dielectric materials.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2020Publication date: October 8, 2020Applicant: KRATON POLYMERS LLCInventors: Carl L Willis, Marc D Hein, Richard I Blackwell
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Patent number: 10767033Abstract: A coupled block copolymer composition with a combination of high viscosity at manufacturing, finishing and handling conditions, low viscosity at asphalt blending conditions and suitable viscosity stability is provided for use in asphalt compositions. The composition comprises: (i) a diblock copolymer, (ii) at least a linear triblock copolymer having a peak molecular weight that is 1.5 to 3.0 times the peak molecular weight of the diblock copolymer, and (iii) at least a multiarm coupled block copolymer having a peak molecular weight that is 1.5 to 9.0 times the peak molecular weight of the diblock copolymer, and mixtures thereof. The block copolymer composition is characterized as having a melt viscosity at 110° C. or less of greater than 2.0E7 Poise and a coupling efficiency after 24 hours at 180° C. is less than 25%.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2018Date of Patent: September 8, 2020Assignee: Kraton Polymers LLCInventors: Robert Q Kluttz, Erica Jellema, Donn A. Dubois, Sebastian Puchalski, Carl L. Willis, Christopher M. Lubbers
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Patent number: 10633465Abstract: Selectively hydrogenated block copolymers having semi-crystalline blocks hard blocks and copolymer soft blocks having a combination of excellent physical properties and solvent resistance have been discovered. The block copolymer comprises at least one A block of hydrogenated, polymerized 1,3-butadiene and at least one B block which is a random copolymer or a controlled distribution copolymer of conjugated diene and mono vinyl aromatic monomers in which the conjugated diene monomer units are selectively hydrogenated. Polar functionalized block embodiments of the block copolymers are also disclosed. Compositions comprising the block copolymer and articles made from the block copolymer have also been discovered. A method is disclosed which provides highly isotropic, high strength melt cast films of block copolymers.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2017Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: Kraton Polymers U.S. LLCInventors: John E. Flood, Carl L. Willis, Robert C. Bening, Hendrik De Groot, Xavier D. D. J. Muyldermans, David T. Williamson, Dale L. Handlin, Jr., Robert Dossett
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Publication number: 20200071447Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for laminating a polar substrate with a film cast from a sulfonated block copolymer having at least one end block A and at least one interior block B wherein each A block contains essentially no sulfonic acid or sulfonate ester functional groups and each B block is a polymer block containing from about 10 to about 100 mol percent sulfonic acid or sulfonate ester functional groups based on the number of monomer units. The film is exposed to water and dried onto a polar or active metal substrate. The laminates do not delaminate in the presence of water, or in a humidity of up to 85%, and at a temperature of at least 60° C. The laminates are used for a variety of applications including energy exchange applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2019Publication date: March 5, 2020Applicant: Kraton Polymers LLCInventors: Kuitian Tan, Carl L Willis, Steven Huynh
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Patent number: 10287428Abstract: Provided herein is a composition containing a hydrogenated blend of a semi-crystalline, selectively hydrogenated block copolymer, a selectively diblock copolymers lacking semi-crystalline blocks, and a low polarity fluid for cable filling applications. The block copolymer comprises blocks of semi-crystalline hydrogenated polybutadiene, blocks of poly(mono alkenyl arenes), and blocks of hydrogenated, non-crystalline conjugated dienes. The diblock copolymer comprises blocks of poly(mono alkenyl arenes) and blocks of non-crystalline poly(conjugated diene(s)). The compositions can be converted to non-flowable gels and find application as fillers for cables such as fiber optic cables.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2016Date of Patent: May 14, 2019Assignee: Kraton Polymers U.S. LLCInventors: Robert C. Bening, Erin Murphy, Carl L. Willis
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Patent number: 10202494Abstract: Disclosed herein is a functionalized block copolymer comprising (a) at least one end block D comprising on average at least one amino- or phosphino-functionalized polymer unit of formula (I) and one or more additional blocks selected from the group consisting of (b) one or more A blocks substantially free of amino- or phosphino- functional groups and having a number average molecular weight of from about 1,000 to about 60,000, and has a high service temperature, and (c) one or more B blocks, wherein each block B is essentially non-functionalized, has a number average molecular weight of from about 1,000 to about 1,000,000, and has a glass transition temperature of at most about 20° C.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2016Date of Patent: February 12, 2019Assignee: Kraton Polymers U.S. LLCInventors: Adrie A. Van Der Huizen, Carl L. Willis, Marianne Stol, Xavier D. Muyldermans
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Publication number: 20180334554Abstract: A coupled block copolymer composition with a combination of high viscosity at manufacturing, finishing and handling conditions, low viscosity at asphalt blending conditions and suitable viscosity stability is provided for use in asphalt compositions. The composition comprises: (i) a diblock copolymer, (ii) at least a linear triblock copolymer having a peak molecular weight that is 1.5 to 3.0 times the peak molecular weight of the diblock copolymer, and (iii) at least a multiarm coupled block copolymer having a peak molecular weight that is 1.5 to 9.0 times the peak molecular weight of the diblock copolymer, and mixtures thereof. The block copolymer composition is characterized as having a melt viscosity at 110° C. or less of greater than 2.0E7 Poise and a coupling efficiency after 24 hours at 180° C. is less than 25%.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2018Publication date: November 22, 2018Applicant: Kraton Polymers LLCInventors: Robert Q. Kluttz, Erica Jellema, Donn A. Dubois, Sebastian Puchalski, Carl L. Willis, Christopher M. Lubbers
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Patent number: 10066098Abstract: This disclosure relates to a block copolymer composition comprising a tetra-branched block copolymer (IV) having a true number average molecular weight of 40,000 to 120,000 represented by the general formula (A-B)4X; a tri-branched block copolymer (III) having a true number average molecular weight of from 30,000 to 90,000 represented by the general formula (A-B)3X; di-branched block copolymer (II) having a true number average molecular weight of from 20,000 to 60,000 represented by the general formula (A-B)2X; and a linear diblock copolymer (I) having a true number average molecular weight of from 10,000 to 30,000 represented by the general formula A-B; where A represents a polymer block of a mono alkenyl arene; B represents a polymer block of a conjugated diene, wherein the B has a true number average molecular weight ranging from 7,000 to 20,000 g/mol; and X represents the residue of an alkoxy silane coupling agent.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2016Date of Patent: September 4, 2018Assignee: Kraton Polymers U.S. LLCInventors: John E. Flood, Kathryn J. Wright, Xavier D. Muyldermans, Mike Heniff, Carl L. Willis, Yonghua Zhou, Aaron Brothers
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Patent number: 10053609Abstract: Provided herein is a dispersion composition comprising a blend of a semi-crystalline, selectively hydrogenated block copolymer and a low polarity fluid for oilfield applications. The block copolymer comprises blocks of semi-crystalline hydrogenated polybutadiene, blocks of poly(mono alkenyl arenes), and blocks of hydrogenated, non-crystalline conjugated dienes. The dispersions can be converted to thixotropic fluids or cohesive gels and find application as insulating packer fluids, fluid loss pills, drilling fluids and completion fluids.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2016Date of Patent: August 21, 2018Assignee: Kraton Polymers U.S. LLCInventors: Robert C. Bening, Erin Murphy, Carl L. Willis
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Patent number: 9861941Abstract: Described herein are modified sulfonated block copolymers which comprise at least two polymer end blocks A and at least one polymer interior block B, wherein each A block contains essentially no sulfonic acid or sulfonate functional groups and each B block comprises sulfonation susceptible monomer units and, based on the number of the sulfonation susceptible monomer units, from about 10 to about 100 mol % of a functional group of formula (I) —SO2—NR1R2??(I) or of a salt thereof, methods of making them as well as methods of using them, e.g., as membrane materials for electrically or osmotically driven applications.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2011Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: Kraton Polymers U.S. LLCInventor: Carl L. Willis
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Patent number: 9834625Abstract: A coupling agent having at least two alkenylbenzene groups each covalently bonded with a nitrogen of an amine compound. The coupling agent can have the structure I: wherein Z is an amine; R1-R10 are each, independent of one another, H, an organic functional group or a terminal alkene, wherein at least one terminal alkene is on each benzene ring; m is an integer from 1 to 8.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2015Date of Patent: December 5, 2017Assignee: KRATON POLYMERS U.S. LLCInventors: Adrie A. Van Der Huizen, Carl L. Willis
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Publication number: 20170275392Abstract: Selectively hydrogenated block copolymers having semi-crystalline blocks hard blocks and copolymer soft blocks having a combination of excellent physical properties and solvent resistance have been discovered. The block copolymer comprises at least one A block of hydrogenated, polymerized 1,3-butadiene and at least one B block which is a random copolymer or a controlled distribution copolymer of conjugated diene and mono vinyl aromatic monomers in which the conjugated diene monomer units are selectively hydrogenated. Polar functionalized block embodiments of the block copolymers are also disclosed. Compositions comprising the block copolymer and articles made from the block copolymer have also been discovered. A method is disclosed which provides highly isotropic, high strength melt cast films of block copolymers.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2017Publication date: September 28, 2017Applicant: KRATON POLYMERS U.S. LLCInventors: John E. Flood, Carl L. WILLIS, Robert C. Bening, Hendrik De Groot, Xavier D.D.J. Muyldermans, David T. Williamson, Dale L. Handlin, Jr., Robert Dossett
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Publication number: 20170107332Abstract: Disclosed herein is a functionalized block copolymer comprising (a) at least one end block D comprising on average at least one amino- or phosphino-functionalized polymer unit of formula (I) and one or more additional blocks selected from the group consisting of (b) one or more A blocks substantially free of amino- or phosphino-functional groups and having a number average molecular weight of from about 1,000 to about 60,000, and has a high service temperature, and (c) one or more B blocks, wherein each block B is essentially non-functionalized, has a number average molecular weight of from about 1,000 to about 1,000,000, and has a glass transition temperature of at most about 20° C.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2016Publication date: April 20, 2017Applicant: KRATON POLYMER U.S. LLCInventors: ADRIE A. VAN DER HUIZEN, CARL L. WILLIS, MARIANNE STOL, XAVIER D. MUYLDERMANS
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Publication number: 20170073513Abstract: This disclosure relates to a block copolymer composition comprising a tetra-branched block copolymer (IV) having a true number average molecular weight of 40,000 to 120,000 represented by the general formula (A-B)4X; a tri-branched block copolymer (III) having a true number average molecular weight of from 30,000 to 90,000 represented by the general formula (A-B)3X; di-branched block copolymer (II) having a true number average molecular weight of from 20,000 to 60,000 represented by the general formula (A-B)2X; and a linear diblock copolymer (I) having a true number average molecular weight of from 10,000 to 30,000 represented by the general formula A-B; where A represents a polymer block of a mono alkenyl arene; B represents a polymer block of a conjugated diene, wherein the B has a true number average molecular weight ranging from 7,000 to 20,000 g/mol; and X represents the residue of an alkoxy silane coupling agent.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2016Publication date: March 16, 2017Applicant: KRATON POLYMERS U.S. LLCInventors: John E. FLOOD, Kathryn J. WRIGHT, Xavier D. MUYLDERMANS, Mike HENIFF, Carl L. WILLIS, Yonghua ZHOU, Aaron BROTHERS
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Publication number: 20170044291Abstract: A coupling agent having at least two alkenylbenzene groups each covalently bonded with a nitrogen of an amine compound. The coupling agent can have the structure I: wherein Z is an amine; R1-R10 are each, independent of one another, H, an organic functional group or a terminal alkene, wherein at least one terminal alkene is on each benzene ring; m is an integer from 1 to 8.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2015Publication date: February 16, 2017Applicant: KRATON POLYMERS U.S. LLCInventors: Adrie A. VAN DER HUIZEN, Carl L. WILLIS
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Publication number: 20160362545Abstract: Provided herein is a composition containing a hydrogenated blend of a semi-crystalline, selectively hydrogenated block copolymer, a selectively diblock copolymers lacking semi-crystalline blocks, and a low polarity fluid for cable filling applications. The block copolymer comprises blocks of semi-crystalline hydrogenated polybutadiene, blocks of poly(mono alkenyl arenes), and blocks of hydrogenated, non-crystalline conjugated dienes. The diblock copolymer comprises blocks of poly(mono alkenyl arenes) and blocks of non-crystalline poly(conjugated diene(s)). The compositions can be converted to non-flowable gels and find application as fillers for cables such as fiber optic cables.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2016Publication date: December 15, 2016Applicant: KRATON POLYMERS U.S. LLCInventors: Robert C. BENING, Erin MURPHY, Carl L. WILLIS
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Publication number: 20160362593Abstract: Provided herein is a dispersion composition comprising a blend of a semi-crystalline, selectively hydrogenated block copolymer and a low polarity fluid for oilfield applications. The block copolymer comprises blocks of semi-crystalline hydrogenated polybutadiene, blocks of poly(mono alkenyl arenes), and blocks of hydrogenated, non-crystalline conjugated dienes. The dispersions can be converted to thixotropic fluids or cohesive gels and find application as insulating packer fluids, fluid loss pills, drilling fluids and completion fluids.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2016Publication date: December 15, 2016Applicant: KRATON POLYMERS U.S. LLCInventors: Robert C. BENING, Erin MURPHY, Carl L. WILLIS