Patents by Inventor Darin L. Dotson

Darin L. Dotson 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: 6703434
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of producing syndiotactic polypropylene articles through high performance nucleation via the presence of certain novel nucleating agents within molten syndiotactic resins, and subsequently permitting the resultant molten mixture to cool into a selected shape or configuration. Such novel nucleating agents are new classes of hyper-nucleators that promote crystallization within such target syndiotactic resins at levels well above any previously disclosed nucleators. This invention thus also encompasses the articles and compositions of such nucleated syndiotactic polypropylene as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventor: Darin L. Dotson
  • Publication number: 20040010107
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of producing syndiotactic polypropylene articles through high performance nucleation via the presence of certain novel nucleating agents within molten syndiotactic resins, and subsequently permitting the resultant molten mixture to cool into a selected shape or configuration. Such novel nucleating agents are new classes of hyper-nucleators that promote crystallization within such target syndiotactic resins at levels well above any previously disclosed nucleators. This invention thus also encompasses the articles and compositions of such nucleated syndiotactic polypropylene as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: Darin L. Dotson
  • Publication number: 20030236344
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of producing syndiotactic polypropylene articles through high performance nucleation via the presence of certain novel nucleating agents within molten syndiotactic resins, and subsequently permitting the resultant molten mixture to cool into a selected shape or configuration. Such novel nucleating agents are new classes of hyper-nucleators that promote crystallization within such target syndiotactic resins at levels well above any previously disclosed nucleators. This invention thus also encompasses the articles and compositions of such nucleated syndiotactic polypropylene as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventor: Darin L. Dotson
  • Publication number: 20030236332
    Abstract: Specific methods of inducing high nucleation rates in thermoplastics, such as polyolefins, and particularly, though not necessarily, polypropylenes, through the introduction of two different compounds that are substantially soluble within the target molten thermoplastic resin (such as, as one non-limiting example, an added compound including at least one acid group and an added organic salt) are provided. Such introduced components react to form a nucleating agent in situ within such a target molten thermoplastic resin which is then allowed to cool. Preferably, one compound is an acid, preferably bicyclic (i.e., two cyclic systems sharing at least three carbon atoms) or monocycloaliphatic (i.e., a single, saturated ring system) in nature, such as, without limitation, bicyclo[2.2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventors: Darin L. Dotson, Nathan A. Mehl, Brian M. Burkhart, Jiannong Xu
  • Patent number: 6642290
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of producing syndiotactic polypropylene articles through high performance nucleation via the presence of certain novel nucleating agents within molten syndiotactic resins, and subsequently permitting the resultant molten mixture to cool into a selected shape or configuration. Such novel nucleating agents are new classes of hyper-nucleators that promote crystallization within such target syndiotactic resins at levels well above any previously disclosed nucleators. This invention thus also encompasses the articles and compositions of such nucleated syndiotactic polypropylene as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventor: Darin L. Dotson
  • Publication number: 20030199658
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of producing syndiotactic polypropylene articles through high performance nucleation via the presence of certain novel nucleating agents within molten syndiotactic resins, and subsequently permitting the resultant molten mixture to cool into a selected shape or configuration. Such novel nucleating agents are new classes of hyper-nucleators that promote crystallization within such target syndiotactic resins at levels well above any previously disclosed nucleators. This invention thus also encompasses the articles and compositions of such nucleated syndiotactic polypropylene as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventor: Darin L. Dotson
  • Publication number: 20030149150
    Abstract: Compounds and compositions comprising specific metal salts of hexahydrophthalic acid (HHPA) in order to provide highly desirable properties within thermoplastic articles are provided. The inventive HHPA derivatives are useful as nucleating and/or clarifying agents for such thermoplastics, are practical and easy to handle. Such compounds provide excellent crystallization temperatures, stiffness, and acid scavenger compatibility within target polyolefins. Also, such compounds exhibit very low hygroscopicity and therefore excellent shelf stability as powdered or granular formulations. Thermoplastic additive compositions and methods of producing polymers with such compounds are also contemplated within this invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Darin L. Dotson, X. Edward Zhao
  • Patent number: 6599971
    Abstract: Compounds and compositions comprising specific metal salts of hexahydrophthalic acid (HHPA) in order to provide highly desirable properties within thermoplastic articles are provided. The inventive HHPA derivatives are useful as nucleating and/or clarifying agents for such thermoplastics, are practical and easy to handle. Such compounds provide excellent crystallization temperatures, stiffness, and acid scavenger compatibility within target polyolefins. Also, such compounds exhibit very low hygroscopicity and therefore excellent shelf stability as powdered or granular formulations. Thermoplastic additive compositions and methods of producing polymers with such compounds are also contemplated within this invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Darin L. Dotson, X. Edward Zhao
  • Patent number: 6599968
    Abstract: Compounds and compositions comprising specific metal salts of bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane dicarboxylate salts in order to provide highly desirable properties within polyolefin articles are provided. The inventive salts and derivatives thereof are useful as nucleating and/or clarifying agents for such polyolefin, provide excellent crystallization temperatures, stiffness, and calcium stearate compatibility within target polyolefin. Also, such compounds exhibit very low hygroscopicity and therefore excellent shelf stability as powdered or granular formulations. Polyolefin additive compositions and methods of producing polyolefin with such compounds are also contemplated within this invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Xiaodong Edward Zhao, Darin L. Dotson, Brian M. Burkhart, Jeffrey R. Jones
  • Publication number: 20030127631
    Abstract: Plastic additives which are useful as nucleating agents and which are especially useful for improving the optical properties of polymeric materials are provided. More particularly, this invention relates to certain alkyl (or alkoxy) substituted halo-benzylidene sorbitol acetals and polymer compositions thereof which may be utilized within, as merely examples, food or cosmetic containers and packaging. These inventive halogenated (that is, chlorinated, brominated, or iodinated) and alkylated benzylidene sorbitol acetals are also useful as gelling agents for water and organic solvents, particularly those used in the preparation of antiperspirant gel sticks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventors: John D. Anderson, Darin L. Dotson, Shawn R. Sheppard, Nathan A. Mehl
  • Publication number: 20030120092
    Abstract: Certain multi-substituted dibenzylidene sorbitol acetals having electron withdrawing groups as constituents and electron donating groups on the other such that the compounds are asymmetric in structure and are dipolar in nature are provided. Polymer compositions comprising such compounds, are also contemplated which may be utilized within, as merely examples, food or cosmetic containers and packaging. These inventive asymmetric dipolar dibenzylidene sorbitol acetals are also useful as gelling agents for water and organic solvents, particularly those used in the preparation of antiperspirant gel sticks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventors: Darin L. Dotson, Brian M. Burkhart, John D. Anderson, Jeffrey R. Jones, Shawn R. Sheppard
  • Patent number: 6582503
    Abstract: A specific combination of two different polyolefin clarifying and nucleating agents, namely bis(3,4-dimethyldibenzylidene) sorbitol (3,4-DMDBS) and bis(3,4-dichlorodibenzylidene) sorbitol (3,4-DCDBS). Such a combination surprisingly provides improved clarification comparable to polypropylene articles and formulations, better than DCDBS alone and equivalent or better than DMDBS alone. Such a combination of compounds thus permits the utilization of a new additive for the purpose of modifying polyolefin properties, such as polypropylene clarification and nucleation. The inventive combination may be introduced within any polyolefin composition, again preferably polypropylene, which may then be molded into any shape or form. A method of producing a polyolefin plastic utilizing the inventive combination of compounds is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Darin L. Dotson, Nathan A. Mehl
  • Publication number: 20030114541
    Abstract: Certain multi-substituted dibenzylidene sorbitol acetals having electron withdrawing groups as constituents and electron donating groups on the other such that the compounds are asymmetric in structure and are dipolar in nature are provided. Polymer compositions comprising such compounds, are also contemplated which may be utilized within, as merely examples, food or cosmetic containers and packaging. These inventive asymmetric dipolar dibenzylidene sorbitol acetals are also useful as gelling agents for water and organic solvents, particularly those used in the preparation of antiperspirant gel sticks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventors: Darin L. Dotson, Brian M. Burkhart, John D. Anderson, Jeffrey R. Jones, Shawn R. Sheppard
  • Publication number: 20030114558
    Abstract: Certain multi-substituted dibenzylidene sorbitol acetals having electron withdrawing groups as constituents and electron donating groups on the other such that the compounds are asymmetric in structure and are dipolar in nature are provided. Polymer compositions comprising such compounds, are also contemplated which may be utilized within, as merely examples, food or cosmetic containers and packaging. These inventive asymmetric dipolar dibenzylidene sorbitol acetals are also useful as gelling agents for water and organic solvents, particularly those used in the preparation of antiperspirant gel sticks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventors: Darin L. Dotson, Brian M. Burkhart, John D. Anderson, Jeffrey R. Jones, Shawn R. Sheppard
  • Publication number: 20030096895
    Abstract: Bicyclic nucleator compounds that provide highly versatile nucleation benefits for different polyolefins are provided. Such nucleator compounds provide very high peak crystallization temperatures and significantly reduced crystallization cycle time for certain thermoplastic formulations with or without the presence of other calcium stearate and/or peroxide components within the same type of formulation. Furthermore, such inventive nucleator compounds exhibits very little if any fugitivity from such thermoplastic formulations thereby providing excellent processing characteristics as well as excellent nucleation capabilities for a variety of different thermoplastic resins, independent of the presence of different, potentially necessary, additives (such as calcium stearate). Thermoplastic compositions as well as thermoplastic additive packages comprising such inventive nucleator compounds are also contemplated within this invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventors: Xiaodong Edward Zhao, Darin L. Dotson
  • Patent number: 6559211
    Abstract: Bicyclic nucleator compounds that provide highly versatile nucleation benefits for different polyolefins are provided. Such nucleator compounds provide very high peak crystallization temperatures and significantly reduced crystallization cycle time for certain thermoplastic formulations with or without the presence of other calcium stearate and/or peroxide components within the same type of formulation. Furthermore, such inventive nucleator compounds exhibits very little if any fugitivity from such thermoplastic formulations thereby providing excellent processing characteristics as well as excellent nucleation capabilities for a variety of different thermoplastic resins, independent of the presence of different, potentially necessary, additives (such as calcium stearate). Thermoplastic compositions as well as thermoplastic additive packages comprising such inventive nucleator compounds are also contemplated within this invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Xiaodong Edward Zhao, Darin L. Dotson
  • Patent number: 6555696
    Abstract: Certain multi-substituted dibenzylidene sorbitol acetals having electron withdrawing groups as constituents and electron donating groups on the other such that the compounds are asymmetric in structure and are dipolar in nature are provided. Polymer compositions comprising such compounds, are also contemplated which may be utilized within, as merely examples, food or cosmetic containers and packaging. These inventive asymmetric dipolar dibenzylidene sorbitol acetals are also useful as gelling agents for water and organic solvents, particularly those used in the preparation of antiperspirant gel sticks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Darin L. Dotson, Brian M. Burkhart, John D. Anderson, Jeffrey R. Jones, Shawn R. Sheppard
  • Patent number: 6547988
    Abstract: Plastic additives which are useful as nucleating agents and which are especially useful for improving the optical properties of polymeric materials are provided. More particularly, this invention relates to certain alkyl (or alkoxy) substituted halo-benzylidene sorbitol acetals and polymer compositions thereof which may be utilized within, as merely examples, food or cosmetic containers and packaging. These inventive halogenated (that is, chlorinated, brominated, or iodinated) and alkylated benzylidene sorbitol acetals are also useful as gelling agents for water and organic solvents, particularly those used in the preparation of antiperspirant gel sticks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: John D. Anderson, Darin L. Dotson, Shawn R. Sheppard, Nathan A. Mehl
  • Patent number: 6548581
    Abstract: This invention relates to plastic additives which are useful as nucleating agents and which are especially useful for improving the optical properties of polymeric materials. More particularly, this invention relates to certain bis-halogen-alkyl-benzylidene alditol acetals and polymer compositions thereof which are useful as materials for food or cosmetic containers and packaging. These bis-halogen-alkylbenzylidene alditol acetals are also useful as gelling agents for organic solvents, particularly those used in the preparation of antiperspirant gel sticks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: John D. Anderson, Darin L. Dotson, Jeffrey R. Jones, Shawn R. Sheppard, Nathan A. Mehl
  • Patent number: 6534574
    Abstract: Compounds and compositions comprising specific metal salts of bicyclo[2.2.1 ]heptane dicarboxylate salts in order to provide highly desirable properties within polyolefin articles are provided. The inventive salts and derivatives thereof are useful as nucleating and/or clarifying agents for such polyolefin, provide excellent crystallization temperatures, stiffness, and calcium stearate compatibility within target polyolefin. Also, such compounds exhibit very low hygroscopicity and therefore excellent shelf stability as powdered or granular formulations. Polyolefin additive compositions and methods of producing polyolefin with such compounds are also contemplated within this invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Xiaodong Edward Zhao, Darin L. Dotson, Brian G. Morin, Brian M. Burkhart, Martin E. Cowan, Jeffrey R. Jones