Patents by Inventor Charles Anthony Smith

Charles Anthony Smith 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: 20100224235
    Abstract: Provided herein are light weight solar cell modules having an ionomeric encapsulant sheet and at least one glass sheet. In particular, the weight of the solar cell modules is reduced by reducing the thickness of the at least one glass sheet to about 2.0 mm or less, or to about 1.5 mm or less. The light weight modules retain favorable performance properties such as good pummel adhesion levels, good moisture resistance, and low stress. Further provided are lightweight solar cell modules equipped with integral mounting devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: E.I. DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY
    Inventors: NAOTO TAKAGI, JUN KOISHIKAWA, KRISTOF PROOST, JANE KAPUR, CHARLES ANTHONY SMITH
  • Publication number: 20100227135
    Abstract: Provided herein are light weight glass laminates having ionomeric interlayers and at least one glass layer. In particular, the weight of the glass laminates is reduced by reducing the thickness of the at least one glass layer to about 2.0 mm or less, or to about 1.5 mm or less. The light weight laminates retain favorable performance properties such as have good Pummel adhesion levels, good moisture resistance, and low stress. Further provided are lightweight glass laminates equipped with integral mounting devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: E. I. DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY
    Inventors: NAOTO TAKAGI, Jun Koishikawa, Kristof Proost, Jane Kapur, Charles Anthony Smith
  • Publication number: 20100166991
    Abstract: An ionomer blend composition comprises a blend of a first ionomer and a second ionomer that is different from the first ionomer. The first ionomer is derived from a first precursor acid copolymer that has a melt flow rate of about 10 to about 4000 g/10 min and that comprises copolymerized units of an ?-olefin and about 20 to about 30 wt % of copolymerized units of an ?,?-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid. Moreover, the first precursor acid can be neutralized to a level of about 40% to about 90% to form a sodium ionomer that has a MFR of about 0.7 to about 25 g/10 min and a freeze enthalpy that is less than about 3.0 j/g or that is not detectable, when determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). A variety of articles may comprise or be produced from the ionomer blend composition, for example by injection molding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: E.I. DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY
    Inventors: Karlheinz Hausmann, Richard Allen Hayes, Steven C. Pesek, W. Alexander Shaffer, Charles Anthony Smith
  • Publication number: 20100163099
    Abstract: A solar cell module comprising a solar cell layer and an ionomer sheet comprising a sodium/zinc mixed ionomer that is the neutralization product of a precursor acid copolymer; wherein the precursor acid copolymer comprises copolymerized units of an ?-olefin having 2 to 10 carbon atoms and about 20 to about 30 wt % of copolymerized units of an ?,?-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms based on the total weight of the precursor acid copolymer; wherein the precursor acid copolymer has a melt flow rate of about 70 to about 1000 g/10 min, as determined in accordance with ASTM D1238 at 190° C. and 2.16 kg; and wherein when about 40% to about 90% of the total content of the carboxylic acid groups present in the precursor acid copolymer are neutralized to carboxylate groups to comprise carboxylate groups and counterions that consist essentially of sodium ions, the resulting sodium ionomer has a freeze enthalpy that is not detectable or that is less than about 3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: E. I. DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard Allen Hayes, Steven C. Pesek, W Alexander Shaffer, Charles Anthony Smith, Georeg Wyatt Prejean
  • Publication number: 20100167061
    Abstract: A laminate comprises an ionomeric interlayer sheet which, in turn, comprises or is prepared from a sodium/zinc mixed ionomer that comprises carboxylate groups and a combination of counterions that consists essentially of sodium cations and zinc cations. The sodium/zinc mixed ionomer is the neutralization product of a precursor acid copolymer. The precursor acid copolymer comprises copolymerized units of an ?-olefin and an ?,?-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid, and it has a melt flow rate of about 70 to about 1000 g/10 min. In addition, the precursor acid copolymer, when neutralized to a level of about 40% to about 90%, and when comprising counterions that consist essentially of sodium ions, produces a sodium ionomer that has a freeze enthalpy that is not detectable or that is less than about 3.0 j/g, when determined by differential scanning calorimetry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: E. I. DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY
    Inventors: Stephen J. Bennison, Richard Allen Hayes, Steven C. Pesek, W. Alexander Shaffer, Charles Anthony Smith
  • Publication number: 20100166992
    Abstract: A sodium/zinc mixed ionomer comprises carboxylate groups and a combination of counterions that consists essentially of sodium cations and zinc cations. The sodium/zinc mixed ionomer is the neutralization product of a precursor acid copolymer. The precursor acid copolymer comprises copolymerized units of an ?-olefin and an ?,?-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid, and it has a melt flow rate of about 10 to about 4000 g/10 min. In addition, the precursor acid copolymer, when neutralized to a level of about 40% to about 90%, and when comprising counterions that consist essentially of sodium ions, produces a sodium ionomer that has a freeze enthalpy that is not detectable or that is less than about 3.0 j/g, when determined by differential scanning calorimetry. Further provided are articles comprising or prepared from the sodium/zinc mixed ionomer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: E. I. DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY
    Inventors: KARLHEINZ HAUSMANN, Richard Allen Hayes, Steven C. Pesek, W. Alexander Shaffer, Charles Anthony Smith
  • Publication number: 20100154863
    Abstract: A concentrator solar cell module comprises at least one solar cell and at least one light concentrating article. The at least one light concentrating article is capable of concentrating about 1.02 to about 2000 sun equivalents of solar energy onto the solar cell(s) and comprises an ionomer composition. The ionomer composition comprises or is produced from an ionomer that has a temperature of onset of creep that is significantly greater than its peak melting temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: E.I. DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY
    Inventors: ALISON MARGARET ANNE BENNETT, Philip L. Boydell, Alexander Zak Bradley, Richard Allen Hayes, Steven C. Pesek, George Wyatt Prejean, Jose Manuel Rodriguez-Parada, Lois A. Santopietro, W. Alexander Shaffer, Charles Anthony Smith, Roger Harquail French
  • Publication number: 20100108125
    Abstract: A solar cell module comprising a solar cell layer and a sheet comprising at least one layer of a sodium ionomer composition, wherein the sodium ionomer composition consists essentially of a sodium ionomer that is an ionic, neutralized derivative of a precursor ?-olefin carboxylic acid copolymer, wherein about 10% to about 35% of the total content of the carboxylic acid groups present in the precursor ?-olefin carboxylic acid copolymer have been neutralized with sodium ions, and wherein the precursor ?-olefin carboxylic acid copolymer comprises (i) copolymerized units of an ?-olefin having 2 to 10 carbons and (ii) about 20 to about 25 wt %, based on the total weight of the ?-olefin carboxylic acid copolymer, of copolymerized units of an ?,?-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: E. I. DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY
    Inventors: RICHARD ALLEN HAYES, Rebecca L. Smith, Kristof Proost, Steven C. Pesek, Charles Anthony Smith
  • Publication number: 20100108126
    Abstract: Provided is a solar cell module comprising a solar cell layer and an ionomer sheet comprising an ionomer composition, said ionomer composition comprises a first ionomer that is the neutralized product of a first precursor acid copolymer, wherein, (A) the first precursor acid copolymer comprises copolymerized units of a first ?-olefin having 2 to 10 carbon atoms and about 20 to about 30 wt %, based on the total weight of the first precursor acid copolymer, of copolymerized units of a second ?,?-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms; (B) the first precursor acid copolymer has a melt flow rate of about 70 to about 1000 g/10 min, as determined in accordance with ASTM D1238 at 190° C. and 2.16 kg; and (C) the first precursor acid copolymer, when neutralized to a level of about 40% to about 90% and when comprising counterions that consist essentially of sodium cations, produces a sodium ionomer, and said sodium ionomer has a melt flow rate of about 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: E. I. DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY
    Inventors: Steven C. Pesek, Charles Anthony Smith, W. Alexander Shaffer, Richard Allen Hayes
  • Publication number: 20100112356
    Abstract: A safety laminate comprises an interlayer that comprises an ionomer that is the neutralized product of a precursor acid copolymer. The precursor acid copolymer comprises copolymerized units of a first ?-olefin having 2 to 10 carbon atoms and about 20 to about 30 wt % of copolymerized units of a first ?,?-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms; and has a melt flow rate of about 10 to about 4000 g/10 min. When neutralized to a level of about 40% to about 90% and when comprising counterions that consist essentially of sodium cations, the precursor acid copolymer produces a sodium ionomer that has a melt flow rate of about 0.7 to about 25 g/10 min and a freeze enthalpy that is not detectable or that is less than about 3.0 j/g. The ionomer composition may further comprise a second ionomer that has a melt flow rate of about 10 g/10 min or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: E.I. DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY
    Inventors: Stephen J. Bennison, Richard Allen Hayes, Steven C. Pesek, W. Alexander Shaffer, Charles Anthony Smith
  • Publication number: 20100112253
    Abstract: An ionomer composition comprises an ionomer that is the neutralized product of a precursor acid copolymer. The precursor acid copolymer comprises copolymerized units of an ?-olefin having 2 to 10 carbon atoms and about 20 to about 30 wt %, based on the total weight of the precursor acid copolymer, of copolymerized units of an ?,?-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbon atoms; a melt flow rate of about 10 to about 4000 g/10 min; and, when neutralized to a level of about 40% to about 90% and when comprising counterions that consist essentially of sodium cations, the precursor acid copolymer produces a sodium ionomer that has a melt flow rate of about 0.7 to about 25 g/10 min and a freeze enthalpy that is not detectable or that is less than about 3.0 j/g. Further provided are articles comprising the ionomer composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: E. I. DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY
    Inventors: Karlheinz Hausmann, Richard Allen Hayes, Steven C. Pesek, W. Alexander Shaffer, Charles Anthony Smith
  • Patent number: 7678441
    Abstract: This invention relates to thermoplastic interlayer sheets or films for laminated safety glass with superior vacuum de-airing at elevated temperatures and superior tacking and edge sealing properties. The sheeting has an embossed surface pattern on at least one of the surfaces, which provides relatively uninterrupted channels for de-airing in at least two non-parallel directions, wherein the channels are spaced about 0.1 to about 1 mm apart and have a depth of less than about 25 ?m and a width of about 30 to about 300 ?m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: Charles Anthony Smith
  • Publication number: 20090297747
    Abstract: A molded article comprises an ionomer composition and has improved optical properties. The ionomer composition comprises an ionomer that is produced by partially neutralizing a precursor acid copolymer ant that has a melt index of about 400 g/10 min or less. The precursor acid copolymer comprises copolymerized units of an a-olefin having 2 to 10 carbons and, based on the total weight of the precursor acid copolymer, about 19.5 to about 30 wt % of copolymerized units of an ?,?-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid having 3 to 8 carbons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: E.I. DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY
    Inventors: KARLHEINZ HAUSMANN, Steven C. Pesek, Charles Anthony Smith
  • Patent number: 7594364
    Abstract: This invention is an architectural glazing structure for exterior mounting that is a glass laminate having enhanced resistance to being pulled from a frame upon being subjected to severe positive and/or negative pressure loads. This invention is particularly suitable for architectural structures having windows that can be subjected to the extreme conditions prevalent in a hurricane, or window that can be placed under severe stress from repeated forceful blows to the laminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: David M. Rinehart, Charles Anthony Smith
  • Patent number: 7578104
    Abstract: This invention is an architectural glazing structure for exterior mounting that is a glass laminate having enhanced resistance to being pulled from a frame upon being subjected to severe positive and/or negative pressure loads. This invention is particularly suitable for architectural structures having windows that can be subjected to the extreme conditions prevalent in a hurricane, or window that can be placed under severe stress from repeated forceful blows to the laminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: David M. Rinehart, Charles Anthony Smith
  • Patent number: 7537836
    Abstract: This invention comprises a glazing element having a transparent laminate secured to a structural support, and a process for preparing the same. The laminate comprises at least one layer of glass having self-adhered directly to the layer of glass a layer of thermoplastic polymer having low haze, wherein the layer of thermoplastic polymer is attached to the structural support along the edges of the laminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: E.I. du Pont de Nemors and Company
    Inventors: Charles Anthony Smith, David M. Rinehart
  • Publication number: 20090126859
    Abstract: A non-autoclave process of manufacturing a glass laminate comprising: (a) providing an assembly comprising (i) a first rigid sheet layer, and (ii) an interlayer sheet comprising a copolymer comprising units from an alpha olefin and about 17 weight % to about 25 weight % of units from an alpha, beta-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid, groups wherein about 1 to about 100 mole % of the carboxylic acid groups are neutralized with metal ions; and (b) forming the glass laminate from the assembly without use of an autoclave comprising in sequence (i) applying vacuum to the assembly; and (ii) applying heat to the assembly while still under vacuum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventors: Robert J. Cadwallader, Richard Allen Hayes, Steven C. Pesek, Sam Louis Samuels, Charles Anthony Smith
  • Publication number: 20090029174
    Abstract: Provided is a process for manufacturing a glass/plastic laminate or a glass-less laminate having improved optical qualities. The process involves the use of a bi-layer film as a removable release liner. The bi-layer film comprises an inbound layer and an outbound layer. In the lamination process, the inbound layer is disposed adjacent to the plastic film outer layer and the outbound layer is disposed adjacent to a rigid cover plate. The polymeric material comprised in the outbound layer has a melting temperature that is higher than the temperature reached by the outbound layer in the lamination process. The melting temperature of the inbound layer is preferably at least 10° C. higher than the melting temperature of the outbound layer. Preferred bi-layer release liners include polyethylene/polypropylene films.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Cynthia H. Kirschner, Jerrel C. Anderson, Luther W. Center, Charles Anthony Smith
  • Publication number: 20080286530
    Abstract: This invention relates to thermoplastic interlayer sheets or films for laminated safety glass with superior vacuum de-airing at elevated temperatures and superior tacking and edge sealing properties. The sheeting has an embossed surface pattern on at least one of the surfaces, which provides relatively uninterrupted channels for de-airing in at least two non-parallel directions, wherein the channels are spaced about 0.1 to about 1 mm apart and have a depth of less than about 25 ?m and a width of about 30 to about 300 ?m.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: Charles Anthony Smith
  • Patent number: 7445683
    Abstract: The present invention is a polymeric resin composition having improved toughness, suitable for use in transparent glazing, comprising an at least partially neutralized ethylene acid copolymer metal carboxylate resin, wherein the metal carboxylate consists essentially of zinc metal counter-ions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Steven C. Pesek, Sam Louis Samuels, Charles Anthony Smith, Robert J. Cadwallader, Richard Allen Hayes