Patents by Inventor Chris E. Schwier

Chris E. Schwier 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: 12612491
    Abstract: A process of producing a polyamide polymer using in-line vacuum finishing technology in the absence of steam or other gases. The polyamide polymer, in particular Nylon 66, Nylon 6, and copolyamides, have a high molecular weight, excellent color, and low gel content. The polyamide polymer also has a relative viscosity greater than 50 as measured in a 90% strength formic acid solution; consistent viscosity with a standard deviation of less than 1; a gel content no greater than 50 ppm as measured by insolubles larger than 10 micron; and an optical defect content of less than 2,000 parts per million (ppm) as measured by optical control system (OCS). The polymer can be made into monofilaments or a multifilament yarn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2026
    Assignee: Ascend Performance Materials Operations LLC
    Inventors: James E. Polk, Chris E. Schwier, Ashish Sen, Craig A. Trask, Cihan Uzunpinar, Chie-Hsiung Wang, J. Marty Zabcik
  • Publication number: 20250215154
    Abstract: A process of producing a polyamide polymer using in-line vacuum finishing technology in the absence of steam or other gases. The polyamide polymer, in particular Nylon 66, Nylon 6, and copolyamides, have a high molecular weight, excellent color, and low gel content. The polyamide polymer also has a relative viscosity greater than 50 as measured in a 90% strength formic acid solution; consistent viscosity with a standard deviation of less than 1; a gel content no greater than 50 ppm as measured by insolubles larger than 10 micron; and an optical defect content of less than 2,000 parts per million (ppm) as measured by optical control system (OCS). The polymer can be made into monofilaments or a multifilament yarn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2023
    Publication date: July 3, 2025
    Inventors: James E. Polk, Chris E. Schwier, Ashish Sen, Craig A. Trask, Cihan Uzunpinar, Chie-Hsiung Wang, J. Marty Zabcik
  • Publication number: 20230250232
    Abstract: A customizable polyamide polymer, in particular Nylon 66, Nylon 6, and copolyamides, having a high molecular weight, excellent color, and low gel content is disclosed. In particular, disclosed is a polymer having a relative viscosity greater than 50 as measured in a 90% strength formic acid solution; consistent viscosity with a standard deviation of less than 1; a gel content no greater than 50 ppm as measured by insolubles larger than 10 micron; an optical defect content of less than 2,000 parts per million (ppm) as measured by optical control system (OCS). The polymer can be made into monofilaments or a multifilament yarn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2023
    Publication date: August 10, 2023
    Inventors: James E. Polk, Chris E. Schwier, Ashish Sen, Craig A. Trask, Cihan Uzunpinar, Chie-Hsiung Wang, J. Marty Zabcik
  • Patent number: 11674247
    Abstract: A nanofiber nonwoven product is disclosed which comprises a polyamide with a relative viscosity from 2 to 330, spun into nanofibers with an average diameter of less than 1000 nanometers (1 micron). In general, the inventive products are prepared by: (a) providing a polyamide composition, wherein the polyamide has a relative viscosity from 2 to 330; (b) melt spinning the polyamide composition into a plurality of nanofibers having an average fiber diameter of less than 1 micron, followed by (c) forming the nanofibers into the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Ascend Performance Materials Operations LLC
    Inventors: Wai-shing Yung, Scott E. Osborn, Chris E. Schwier, Vikram Gopal, Albert Ortega
  • Patent number: 11578438
    Abstract: A nanofiber nonwoven product is disclosed which comprises a polyamide with a relative viscosity from 2 to 330, spun into nanofibers with an average diameter of less than 1000 nanometers (1 micron). In general, the inventive products are prepared by: (a) providing a polyamide composition, wherein the polyamide has a relative viscosity from 2 to 330; (b) melt spinning the polyamide composition into a plurality of nanofibers having an average fiber diameter of less than 1 micron, followed by (c) forming the nanofibers into the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Ascend Performance Materials Operations LLC
    Inventors: Wai-shing Yung, Scott E. Osborn, Chris E. Schwier, Vikram Gopal, Albert Ortega
  • Publication number: 20220372681
    Abstract: A nanofiber nonwoven product is disclosed which comprises a polyamide with a relative viscosity from 2 to 330, spun into nanofibers with an average diameter of less than 1000 nanometers (1 micron). In general, the inventive products are prepared by: (a) providing a polyamide composition, wherein the polyamide has a relative viscosity from 2 to 330; (b) melt spinning the polyamide composition into a plurality of nanofibers having an average fiber diameter of less than 1 micron, followed by (c) forming the nanofibers into the product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2022
    Publication date: November 24, 2022
    Applicant: Ascend Performance Materials Operations LLC
    Inventors: Wai-shing Yung, Scott E. Osborn, Chris E. Schwier, Vikram Gopal, Albert Ortega
  • Patent number: 11421359
    Abstract: A nanofiber nonwoven product is disclosed which comprises a polyamide with a relative viscosity from 2 to 330, spun into nanofibers with an average diameter of less than 1000 nanometers (1 micron). In general, the inventive products are prepared by: (a) providing a polyamide composition, wherein the polyamide has a relative viscosity from 2 to 330; (b) melt spinning the polyamide composition into a plurality of nanofibers having an average fiber diameter of less than 1 micron, followed by (c) forming the nanofibers into the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Ascend Performance Materials Operations LLC
    Inventors: Wai-shing Yung, Scott E. Osborn, Chris E. Schwier, Vikram Gopal, Albert Ortega
  • Patent number: 11376534
    Abstract: A filter comprising a nanofiber nonwoven product is disclosed which comprises a polyamide with a relative viscosity from 2 to 330, spun into nanofibers with an average diameter of less than 1000 nanometers (1 micron). In general, the inventive products are prepared by: (a) providing a polyamide composition, wherein the polyamide has a relative viscosity from 2 to 330; (b) melt spinning the polyamide composition into a plurality of nanofibers having an average fiber diameter of less than 1 micron, followed by (c) forming the nanofibers into the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Ascend Performance Materials Operations LLC
    Inventors: Wai-Shing Yung, Scott E. Osborn, Chris E. Schwier, Vikram Gopal, Albert Ortega, Joseph L. Menner
  • Publication number: 20210262131
    Abstract: A nanofiber nonwoven product is disclosed which comprises a polyamide with a relative viscosity from 2 to 330, spun into nanofibers with an average diameter of less than 1000 nanometers (1 micron). In general, the inventive products are prepared by: (a) providing a polyamide composition, wherein the polyamide has a relative viscosity from 2 to 330; (b) melt spinning the polyamide composition into a plurality of nanofibers having an average fiber diameter of less than 1 micron, followed by (c) forming the nanofibers into the product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2021
    Publication date: August 26, 2021
    Applicant: Ascend Performance Materials Operations LLC
    Inventors: Wai-shing YUNG, Scott E. Osborn, Chris E. Schwier, Vikram Gopal, Albert Ortega
  • Publication number: 20200283937
    Abstract: A nanofiber nonwoven product is disclosed which comprises a polyamide with a relative viscosity from 2 to 330, spun into nanofibers with an average diameter of less than 1000 nanometers (1 micron). In general, the inventive products are prepared by: (a) providing a polyamide composition, wherein the polyamide has a relative viscosity from 2 to 330; (b) melt spinning the polyamide composition into a plurality of nanofibers having an average fiber diameter of less than 1 micron, followed by (c) forming the nanofibers into the product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2020
    Publication date: September 10, 2020
    Applicant: Ascend Performance Materials Operations LLC
    Inventors: Wai-shing Yung, Scott E. Osborn, Chris E. Schwier, Vikram Gopal, Albert Ortega
  • Publication number: 20200254371
    Abstract: A filter comprising a nanofiber nonwoven product is disclosed which comprises a polyamide with a relative viscosity from 2 to 330, spun into nanofibers with an average diameter of less than 1000 nanometers (1 micron). In general, the inventive products are prepared by: (a) providing a polyamide composition, wherein the polyamide has a relative viscosity from 2 to 330; (b) melt spinning the polyamide composition into a plurality of nanofibers having an average fiber diameter of less than 1 micron, followed by (c) forming the nanofibers into the product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2020
    Publication date: August 13, 2020
    Applicant: Ascend Performance Materials Operations LLC
    Inventors: Wai-Shing Yung, Scott E. Osborn, Chris E. Schwier, Vikram Gopal, Albert Ortega, Joseph L. Menner
  • Patent number: 10662561
    Abstract: A nanofiber nonwoven product is disclosed which comprises a polyamide with a relative viscosity from 2 to 330, spun into nanofibers with an average diameter of less than 1000 nanometers (1 micron). In general, the inventive products are prepared by: (a) providing a polyamide composition, wherein the polyamide has a relative viscosity from 2 to 330; (b) melt spinning the polyamide composition into a plurality of nanofibers having an average fiber diameter of less than 1 micron, followed by (c) forming the nanofibers into the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Ascend Performance Materials Operations LLC
    Inventors: Wai-Shing Yung, Scott E. Osborn, Chris E. Schwier, Vikram Gopal, Albert Ortega
  • Publication number: 20180371656
    Abstract: A nanofiber nonwoven product is disclosed which comprises a polyamide with a relative viscosity from 2 to 330, spun into nanofibers with an average diameter of less than 1000 nanometers (1 micron). In general, the inventive products are prepared by: (a) providing a polyamide composition, wherein the polyamide has a relative viscosity from 2 to 330; (b) melt spinning the polyamide composition into a plurality of nanofibers having an average fiber diameter of less than 1 micron, followed by (c) forming the nanofibers into the product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Publication date: December 27, 2018
    Applicant: Ascend Performance Materials Operations LLC
    Inventors: Wai-Shing Yung, Scott E. Osborn, Chris E. Schwier, Vikram Gopal, Albert Ortega
  • Publication number: 20180340042
    Abstract: A customizable polyamide polymer, in particular Nylon 66, Nylon 6, and copolyamides, having a high molecular weight, excellent color, and low gel content is disclosed. In particular, disclosed is a polymer having a relative viscosity greater than 50 as measured in a 90% strength formic acid solution; consistent viscosity with a standard deviation of less than 1; a gel content no greater than 50 ppm as measured by insolubles larger than 10 micron; an optical defect content of less than 2,000 parts per million (ppm) as measured by optical control system (OCS). The polymer can be made into monofilaments or a multifilament yarn. Also disclosed is a process of producing the polymer using in-line vacuum finishing technology in the absence of steam or other gases in the second, or post condensation, step of the polymer process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2016
    Publication date: November 29, 2018
    Inventors: James E. Polk, Chris E. Schwier, Ashish Sen, Craig A. Trask, Cihan Uzunpinar, Chie-Hsiung Wang, J. Marty Zabcik
  • Publication number: 20010053338
    Abstract: An improved polyamidation system and control system for producing a polyamide from molten dicarboxylic acid monomer and molten diamine monomer. The polyamidation control system measures the molar ratio of the molten dicarboxylic acid monomer and molten diamine monomer with a partially polymerized mixture. A feed forward control algorithm is employed within the control system to determine the extent to which the ratio of the initial reactants must be altered prior to mixing in order to produce the resulting polyamide having stoichiometrically balanced molar ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 1999
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventors: GREGORY E. BUSH, CHRIS E. SCHWIER, ROBERT M. LEMBCKE, STEVEN W. COOK
  • Patent number: 6169162
    Abstract: A process for producing a polyamide from dicarboxylic acid monomer and diamine monomer comprises the steps of: (a) mixing molten dicarboxylic acid monomer and molten diamine monomer in equimolar amounts, thereby producing a molten reaction mixture; (b) flowing the reaction mixture through at least one unvented reaction vessel, the residence time of the reaction mixture in the at least one unvented reaction vessel being between about 0.01 minutes and about 30 minutes, thereby forming a first product stream that comprises polyamide and water of polymerization; and (c) flowing the first product stream through at least one vented vessel, whereby water of polymerization is removed, thereby forming a second product stream that comprises polyamide. The process can operate continuously, and there is no need to add water to the dicarboxylic acid, to the diamine, or to the reaction mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Solutia Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory E. Bush, Chris E. Schwier, Robert M. Lembcke, Steven W. Cook
  • Patent number: 5245005
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for the production of linear amorphous polyamides which results in polyamides having more amine endgroups than acid endgroups. It comprises condensing an aqueous solution of salts comprising at least one aromatic diacid containing from 7 to 20 carbon atoms and a greater than equimolar amount of at least one aliphatic diamine containing from 4 to 20 carbon atoms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: Monsanto Company
    Inventors: Chris E. Schwier, Richard D. Chapman, Roger C. Ayotte
  • Patent number: 4874829
    Abstract: A method of forming polymers containing .alpha.-methylstyrene and acrylonitrile by polymerizing, preferably continuously, under off-azeotrope conditions to vastly improve rate without substantially changing the content of .alpha.-methylstyrene in the polymer being formed from that obtained under azeotrope conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1989
    Assignee: Monsanto Company
    Inventors: Chris E. Schwier, Wan C. Wu