Patents by Inventor Carol L. Knox

Carol L. Knox 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: 10857252
    Abstract: Microporous materials that include thermoplastic organic polyolefin polymer (e.g., ultrahigh molecular weight polyolefin, such as polyethylene), particulate filler (e.g., precipitated silica), and a network of interconnecting pores, are described. The microporous materials of the present invention possess controlled volatile material transfer properties. The microporous materials can have a density of at least 0.8 g/cm3; and a volatile material transfer rate, from the volatile material contact surface to the vapor release surface of the microporous material, of from 0.04 to 0.6 mg/(hour*cm2). In addition, when volatile material is transferred from the volatile material contact surface to the vapor release surface, the vapor release surface is substantially free of volatile material in liquid form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Boyer, Christine Gardner, Carol L. Knox, Luciano M. Parrinello, Robert Swisher
  • Publication number: 20180126024
    Abstract: Microporous materials that include thermoplastic organic polyolefin polymer (e.g., ultrahigh molecular weight polyolefin, such as polyethylene), particulate filler (e.g., precipitated silica), and a network of interconnecting pores, are described. The microporous materials of the present invention possess controlled volatile material transfer properties. The microporous materials can have a density of at least 0.8 g/cm3; and a volatile material transfer rate, from the volatile material contact surface to the vapor release surface of the microporous material, of from 0.04 to 0.6 mg/(hour*cm2). In addition, when volatile material is transferred from the volatile material contact surface to the vapor release surface, the vapor release surface is substantially free of volatile material in liquid form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: James L. Boyer, Christine Gardner, Carol L. Knox, Luciano M. Parrinello, Robert Swisher
  • Patent number: 9861719
    Abstract: Microporous materials that include thermoplastic organic polyolefin polymer (e.g., ultrahigh molecular weight polyolefin, such as polyethylene), particulate filler (e.g., precipitated silica), and a network of interconnecting pores, are described. The microporous materials of the present invention possess controlled volatile material transfer properties. The microporous materials can have a density of at least 0.8 g/cm3; and a volatile material transfer rate, from the volatile material contact surface to the vapor release surface of the microporous material, of from 0.04 to 0.6 mg/(hour*cm2). In addition, when volatile material is transferred from the volatile material contact surface to the vapor release surface, the vapor release surface is substantially free of volatile material in liquid form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Boyer, Christine Gardner, Carol L. Knox, Luciano M. Parrinello, Robert Swisher
  • Patent number: 9546326
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of separating a fluid emulsion stream into a hydrocarbon stream and an aqueous stream, by contacting the stream with a microporous membrane to yield a hydrocarbon product stream and an aqueous product stream. The membrane comprises a substantially hydrophobic, polymeric matrix, and substantially hydrophilic, finely divided, particulate, substantially water-insoluble filler distributed throughout the matrix. The polymeric matrix has a mean pore size less than 1.0 micron, and the purities of the product streams are independent of the flux rate of the aqueous product stream and the pore size of the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
    Inventors: Qunhui Guo, Carol L. Knox, Truman Wilt, Peter Votruba-Drzal, Charles F. Kahle, Gregory J. McCollum
  • Patent number: 9073041
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a separation medium comprising rotary dried or spray dried precipitated silica. The silica has a pore surface area P wherein log10 P>2.2, and the ratio of BET to CTAB is at least 1.0 measured prior to any surface modification of the silica. The present invention is further directed to a method of separating suspended or dissolved materials from a fluid stream, comprising contacting the stream with the separation medium described above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
    Inventors: Qunhui Guo, Carol L. Knox, Raphael O. Kollah, Justin J. Martin, Shantilal M. Mohnot, Timothy A. Okel, Daniel E. Rardon
  • Publication number: 20140246356
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of separating a fluid emulsion stream into a hydrocarbon stream and an aqueous stream, by contacting the stream with a microporous membrane to yield a hydrocarbon product stream and an aqueous product stream. The membrane comprises a substantially hydrophobic, polymeric matrix, and substantially hydrophilic, finely divided, particulate, substantially water-insoluble filler distributed throughout the matrix. The polymeric matrix has a mean pore size less than 1.0 micron, and the purities of the product streams are independent of the flux rate of the aqueous product stream and the pore size of the membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Inventors: Qunhui Guo, Carol L. Knox, Truman Wilt, Peter Votruba-Drzal, Charles F. Kahle, Gregory J. McCollum
  • Publication number: 20140037922
    Abstract: Microporous materials that include thermoplastic organic polyolefin polymer (e.g., ultrahigh molecular weight polyolefin, such as polyethylene), particulate filler (e.g., precipitated silica), and a network of interconnecting pores, are described. The microporous materials of the present invention possess controlled volatile material transfer properties. The microporous materials can have a density of at least 0.8 g/cm3; and a volatile material transfer rate, from the volatile material contact surface to the vapor release surface of the microporous material, of from 0.04 to 0.6 mg/(hour*cm2). In addition, when volatile material is transferred from the volatile material contact surface to the vapor release surface, the vapor release surface is substantially free of volatile material in liquid form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: PPG INDUSTRIES OHIO, INC.
    Inventors: James L. Boyer, Christine Gardner, Carol L. Knox, Luciano M. Parrinello, Robert Swisher
  • Publication number: 20130228521
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a separation medium comprising rotary dried or spray dried precipitated silica. The silica has a pore surface area P wherein log10 P>2.2, and the ratio of BET to CTAB is at least 1.0 measured prior to any surface modification of the silica. The present invention is further directed to a method of separating suspended or dissolved materials from a fluid stream, comprising contacting the stream with the separation medium described above.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: PPG INDUSTRIES OHIO, INC.
    Inventors: Qunhui Guo, Carol L. Knox, Raphael O. Kollah, Justin J. Martin, Shantilal M. Mohnot, Timothy A. OKel, Daniel E. Rardon
  • Publication number: 20130228519
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to ultrafiltration membranes comprising a microporous material, said microporous material comprising: (a) a polyolefin matrix present in an amount of at least 2 percent by weight, (b) finely divided, particulate, substantially water-insoluble silica filler distributed throughout said matrix, said filler constituting from about 10 percent to about 90 percent by weight of said microporous material substrate; and (c) at least 35 percent by volume of a network of interconnecting pores communicating throughout the microporous material. The present invention is also directed to methods of separating suspended or dissolved materials from a fluid stream such as a liquid or gaseous stream, comprising passing the fluid stream through the ultrafiltration membrane described above.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: PPG INDUSTRIES OHIO, INC.
    Inventors: Qunhui Guo, Carol L, Knox, Raphael O. Kollah, Justin J. Martin, Timothy A. Okel, Daniel E. Rardon, Christine Gardner, Shantilal M. Mohnot
  • Publication number: 20130228529
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to microfiltration membranes comprising a microporous material, said microporous material comprising: (a) a polyolefin matrix present in an amount of at least 2 percent by weight, (b) finely divided, particulate, substantially water-insoluble silica filler distributed throughout said matrix, said filler constituting from about 10 percent to about 90 percent by weight of said microporous material substrate, wherein the weight ratio of filler to polyolefin is greater than 4:1; and (c) at least 35 percent by volume of a network of interconnecting pores communicating throughout the microporous material. The present invention is also directed to methods of separating suspended or dissolved materials from a fluid stream such as a liquid or gaseous stream, comprising passing the fluid stream through the microfiltration membrane described above.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
    Inventors: Qunhui Guo, Carol L. Knox, Raphael O. Kollah, Justin J. Martin, Timothy A. Okel, Daniel E. Rardon, Christine Gardner, Shantilal M. Mohnot
  • Patent number: 8435631
    Abstract: Microporous materials that include thermoplastic organic polyolefin polymer (e.g., ultrahigh molecular weight polyolefin, such as polyethylene), particulate filler (e.g., precipitated silica), and a network of interconnecting pores, are described. The microporous materials of the present invention possess controlled volatile material transfer properties. The microporous materials can have a density of at least 0.8 g/cm3; and a volatile material transfer rate, from the volatile material contact surface to the vapor release surface of the microporous material, of from 0.04 to 0.6 mg/(hour*cm2). In addition, when volatile material is transferred from the volatile material contact surface to the vapor release surface, the vapor release surface is substantially free of volatile material in liquid form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Boyer, Christine Gardenr, Carol L. Knox, Luciano M. Parrinello, Robert Swisher
  • Publication number: 20120231242
    Abstract: Microporous materials that include thermoplastic organic polyolefin polymer (e.g., ultrahigh molecular weight polyolefin, such as polyethylene), particulate filler (e.g., precipitated silica), and a network of interconnecting pores, are described. The microporous materials of the present invention possess controlled volatile material transfer properties. The microporous materials can have a density of at least 0.8 g/cm3; and a volatile material transfer rate, from the volatile material contact surface to the vapor release surface of the microporous material, of from 0.04 to 0.6 mg/(hour*cm2). In addition, when volatile material is transferred from the volatile material contact surface to the vapor release surface, the vapor release surface is substantially free of volatile material in liquid form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: PPG INDUSTRIES OHIO, INC.
    Inventors: James L. Boyer, Christine Gardenr, Carol L. Knox, Luciano M. Parrinello, Robert Swisher
  • Publication number: 20110256364
    Abstract: Microporous materials that include thermoplastic organic polyolefin polymer (e.g., ultrahigh molecular weight polyolefin, such as polyethylene), particulate filler (e.g., precipitated silica), and a network of interconnecting pores, are described. The microporous materials of the present invention possess controlled volatile material transfer properties. The microporous materials can have a density of at least 0.8 g/cm3; and a volatile material transfer rate, from the volatile material contact surface to the vapor release surface of the microporous material, of from 0.04 to 0.6 mg/(hour*cm2). In addition, when volatile material is transferred from the volatile material contact surface to the vapor release surface, the vapor release surface is substantially free of volatile material in liquid form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Boyer, Christine Gardenr, Carol L. Knox, Luciano M. Parrinello, Robert Swisher
  • Patent number: 7907346
    Abstract: Photochromic materials and photochromic compositions and articles including the photochromic materials are disclosed. The photochromic materials may be the reaction product of a hyperbranched polyester polyol having, on average, at least two reactive hydroxyl groups, and at least one photochromic indeno-fused naphthopyran.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Transitions Optical, Inc.
    Inventors: Shanti Swarup, Carol L. Knox, Feng Wang
  • Patent number: 7465414
    Abstract: Describes an optical article, e.g., an ophthalmic photochromic article, such as a lens, in which the article includes: (1) a transparent substrate, such as a thermoset or thermoplastic plastic substrate, (2) a multiply laminate adjacent to at least one surface of the substrate, the laminate comprising (i) a transparent, thermoplastic polyurethane film, the thermoplastic, polyurethane film providing a desirable light filtering property, e.g., photochromism, and being juxtaposed to the surface of the substrate, the polyurethane being formed from a material comprising polyether-based polyurethane or polycarbonate-based polyurethane, and (ii) a transparent protective film of polymeric material, e.g., polycarbonate film, adjacent to the thermoplastic polyurethane film. Describes also the aforedescribed optical article having an abrasion-resistant coating affixed to the protective film, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Transitions Optical, Inc.
    Inventors: Carol L. Knox, William H. McDonald
  • Patent number: 7465415
    Abstract: Various non-limiting embodiments disclosed herein related to photochromic materials comprising the reaction product of (a) at least one ring-opening cyclic monomer, and (b) a photochromic initiator. Other non-limiting embodiments related to photochromic materials represented by: wherein S? comprises the at least one ring-opened cyclic monomer as set forth herein. Other non-limiting embodiments related to photochromic compositions, optical elements, and methods of inhibiting migration of a photochromic material in a polymeric material using the photochromic materials disclosed herein. Methods of making such photochromic materials, compositions, and optical elements are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
    Inventors: Feng Wang, Barry Van Gemert, Kevin J. Stewart, Carol L. Knox, Anu Chopra, Patrick M. Brown
  • Publication number: 20080225400
    Abstract: Photochromic materials and photochromic compositions and articles including the photochromic materials are disclosed. The photochromic materials may be the reaction product of a hyperbranched polyester polyol having, on average, at least two reactive hydroxyl groups, and at least one photochromic indeno-fused naphthopyran.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: TRANSITIONS OPTICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Shanti Swarup, Carol L. Knox, Feng Wang
  • Publication number: 20080187749
    Abstract: Provided is an optical element having at least (a) a support polymeric film layer of film material having opposing first and second sides, (b) a second polymeric film layer having opposing first and second sides, the second layer including a film material exhibiting a light influencing property, and (c) optionally, an adhesive layer interposed between and connected to at least a portion of the first side of support layer (a) and the second side of second layer (b). The film material of support layer (a) and the film material of second layer (b) are the same or different.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: PPG INDUSTRIES OHIO, INC.
    Inventors: John J. Cael, Carol L. Knox, Jonathan M. Mack, Feng Wang, Robert S. Wenzinger
  • Patent number: 7261843
    Abstract: Describes a photochromic article, e.g., an ophthalmic photochromic plastic article, such as a lens, in which the article includes (1) a rigid substrate, e.g., a transparent substrate such as a glass or organic polymeric substrate, as for example, a thermoset or thermoplastic substrate, (2) a photochromic polymeric coating appended to at least a portion of at least one surface of the substrate, the photochromic polymeric coating containing a photochromic amount of at least one organic photochromic material, e.g., spirooxazine, naphthopyran, diarylethene and/or fulgide, and (3) a thermally cured transparent thermoset polymeric coating superposed on, e.g., coherently appended to, the photochromic coating, the thermally cured polymeric coating being harder than the photochromic polymeric coating. Describes also the aforedescribed photochromic article having an abrasion-resistant coating affixed to the thermally cured polymer coating, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Transitions Optical, Inc.
    Inventors: Carol L. Knox, Eric M. King, James P. Colton
  • Publication number: 20040096666
    Abstract: Describes an optical article, e.g., an ophthalmic photochromic article, such as a lens, in which the article includes: (1) a transparent substrate, such as a thermoset or thermoplastic plastic substrate, (2) a multiply laminate adjacent to at least one surface of the substrate, the laminate comprising (i) a transparent, thermoplastic polyurethane film, the thermoplastic, polyurethane film providing a desirable light filtering property, e.g., photochromism, and being juxtaposed to the surface of the substrate, the polyurethane being formed from a material comprising polyether-based polyurethane or polycarbonate-based polyurethane, and (ii) a transparent protective film of polymeric material, e.g., polycarbonate film, adjacent to the thermoplastic polyurethane film. Describes also the aforedescribed optical article having an abrasion-resistant coating affixed to the protective film, e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Carol L. Knox, William H. McDonald