Patents by Inventor Douglas G. Atkins

Douglas G. Atkins 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).

  • Method for dispersing optical brighteners in waterborne coating compositions
    Patent number: 5762698
    Abstract: This invention provides a method for rendering a water-based coating (i.e., one which contains essentially no organic solvent) fluorescent. Also provided is a method for measuring the extent of coverage and thickness of a water-based coating by incorporating therein a minor amount of an emulsion of an insoluble compound which absorbs ultraviolet light and fluoresces strongly in the visible region of the spectrum, so that the intensity of the fluorescence serves as an indication of the degree of coverage and thickness of the film. Also provided is a method for enhancing the apparent brightness of a film pigmented with light colored pigments. In the case where white pigments such as titanium dioxide are used, the effect is to increase the apparent whiteness of the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Inventors: Douglas G. Atkins, Theron E. Parsons, III, William C. Gose
  • Method for dispersing optical brighteners in waterborne coating compositions
    Patent number: 5650455
    Abstract: This invention provides a method for rendering a water-based coating (i.e., one which contains essentially no organic solvent) fluorescent. Also provided is a method for measuring the extent of coverage and thickness of a water-based coating by incorporating therein a minor amount of an emulsion of an insoluble compound which absorbs ultraviolet light and fluoresces strongly in the visible region of the spectrum, so that the intensity of the fluorescence serves as an indication of the degree of coverage and thickness of the film. Also provided is a method for enhancing the apparent brightness of a film pigmented with light colored pigments. In the case where white pigments such as titanium dioxide are used, the effect is to increase the apparent whiteness of the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Douglas G. Atkins, Theron E. Parsons, III, William C. Gose