Patents by Inventor Donald D. Bretches

Donald D. Bretches 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: 6503996
    Abstract: The invention provides a highly uniform spandex fiber and a method for making it. The polyurethaneurea component of the spandex has both alkylurethane and monoalkylurea ends, with a ratio of monoalkylurea ends to alkylurethane ends of from 0.5:1 to 10:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: DuPont Dow Elastomers L.L.C.
    Inventors: Donald D. Bretches, Gary A. Lodoen
  • Patent number: 6132668
    Abstract: This invention relates in general to the formation of thick films having a biaxial molecular orientation. Such films are prepared in accordance with the present invention from rod-like extended chain aromatic-heterocyclic ordered polymers. Such films have high tensile strength, modulus, and environmental resistance characteristics. A preferred ordered polymer for use in the present invention is poly (para-phenylenebenzo bisthiazole), (PBT), a compound having the structure: ##STR1## The present invention is also directed to methods and apparatus suitable for producing biaxially oriented films, coatings, and like materials from ordered polymers, preferably PBT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Foster-Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Dirk M. Baars, Donald D. Bretches, Robert B. Davis, Andrew C. Harvey, Richard W. Lusignea
  • Patent number: 5077950
    Abstract: A simulated windowpane molding is achieved by inner and outer elongated members adapted to be placed in facing relationship upon opposite sides of a windowglass. Each elongated member has a flat surface adapted to fit flush against the windowglass. Magnetic holding structure in the form of a strip of plastic material containing a ferromagnetic powder, or a series of permanent magnets in bar form is disposed upon the flat surface of at least one elongated member. The flat surface of the other elongated member is either equipped with the same magnetic holding structure or material, such as iron, which is attracted by a magnet. When the two elongated members are brought into facing, mirror-image juxtaposition upon an intervening windowglass, the force of attraction between the two members is sufficient to cause the members to be securely positioned upon the windowglass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Inventors: Donald D. Bretches, Joanellen K. Hart-Bretches
  • Patent number: 4973647
    Abstract: An improved spandex fiber is provided that is particularly useful for use in tricot-knit fabrics with nylon yarns. The fiber is formed from a polyether-based spandex polymer made from a poly(tetramethylene ether) glycol of about 2,200 molecular weight which was capped with methylene-bis(4-phenylisocyanate) and the resultant product then chain extended with a diamine mixture of ethylene diamine and 2-methyl-1,5-pentanediamine in a molar ratio of about 70/30.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1990
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Donald D. Bretches, Steven P. Pardini
  • Patent number: 4963428
    Abstract: This invention relates in general to the formation of multiaxially (e.g., biaxially) oriented films from high molecular weight lyotropic or thermotropic polymers (homopolymers, copolymers, and the like), wherein due to the processing conditions employed, the films have a controlled molecular orientation. The films of the present invention are preferably prepared from rod-like extended-chain, aromatic- heterocyclic polymers. These polymers generally fall into two classes; first, those that are modified in solution form, i.e., lyotropic liquid crystalline polymers; and second, those that are modSTATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT INTERESTFunding for the present invention was obtained from the Government of the United States by virtue of Contract Nos. F33615-83-C-5120 and N00164-87-C-0050, from the Departments of the Air Force and the Navy, respectively. Thus, the Government of the United States has certain rights in and to the invention claimed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1990
    Assignees: Foster Miller, Inc., Albany International Research Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew C. Harvey, Richard W. Lusignea, James L. Racich, Dirk M. Baars, Donald D. Bretches, Robert B. Davis
  • Patent number: 4939235
    Abstract: This invention relates in general to the formation of thick films having a biaxial molecular orientation. Such films are prepared in accordance with the present invention from rod-like extended chain aromatic-heterocyclic ordered polymers. Such films have high tensile strength, modulus, and environmental resistance characteristics.A preferred ordered polymer for use in the present invention is poly (para - phenylenebenzo bisthiazole), (PBT), a compound having the structure: ##STR1## The present invention is also directed to methods and apparatus suitable for producing biaxially oriented films, coatings, and like materials from ordered polymers, preferably PBT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Assignees: Foster-Miller, Inc., Albany International Research Company
    Inventors: Andrew C. Harvey, Richard W. Lusignea, Dirk M. Baars, Donald D. Bretches, Robert B. Davis