Patents by Inventor Douglas Stephen McWilliams

Douglas Stephen McWilliams 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: 10017606
    Abstract: A molded article comprising at least one polyester which comprises: (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising: i) 95 to 99.99 mole % of terephthalic acid residues; and ii) 0.01 to 5 mole % of isophthalic acid; and (b) a glycol component comprising: i) 5 to 15 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues; ii) 85 to 95 mole % of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues; and iii) 5 mole % or less of modifying glycols which are not 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol or cyclohexanedimethanol, wherein the polyester has an inherent viscosity from 0.80 to 1.0 dL/g and a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 90 to 110° C., and wherein the molded article does not contain polycarbonate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Emmett Dudley Crawford, Thomas Joseph Pecorini, Douglas Stephens McWilliams, David Scott Porter, Gary Wayne Connell, Ted Calvin Germroth, Benjamin Fredrick Barton, Damon Bryan Shackelford
  • Patent number: 9964667
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to an optical film for use as a quarter wave plate (QWP) having a normal wavelength dispersion curve. More specifically, this invention relates to a quarter wave plate based on cellulose ester polymer and fused ring additives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Bin Wang, Thauming Kuo, Michael Eugene Donelson, Douglas Stephens McWilliams
  • Patent number: 9765203
    Abstract: Described as one aspect of the invention are polyester compositions containing: (I) at least one polyester which comprises: (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising: (i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues; (ii) 0 to 30 mole % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues having up to 20 carbon atoms; and (iii) 0 to 10 mole % of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues having up to 16 carbon atoms; and (b) a glycol component comprising: (i) 1 to 99 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues; and (ii) 1 to 99 mole % of cyclohexanedimethanol residues; and (II) at least one thermal stabilizer chosen from at least one of alkyl phosphate esters, aryl phosphate esters, mixed alkyl aryl phosphate esters, reaction products thereof, and mixtures thereof; wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole %, and wherein the total mole % of the glycol component is 100 mole %.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Ted Calvin Germroth, Gary Wayne Connell, Emmett Dudley Crawford, Thomas Joseph Pecorini, Douglas Stephens McWilliams, Benjamin Fredrick Barton, Damon Bryan Shackelford
  • Patent number: 9765181
    Abstract: Described are coating compositions comprising a polyester, the polyester comprising: at least one polyester which comprises a dicarboxylic acid component comprising terephthalic acid residues, and a glycol component comprising 30 to 40 mole % 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues and 60 to 70 mole % cyclohexanedimethanol residues, where the inherent viscosity of the polyester is from 0.10 to 0.70 dL/g, and where the coating composition is made from a film or sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Emmett Dudley Crawford, Thomas Joseph Pecorini, Douglas Stephens McWilliams, David Scott Porter, Gary Wayne Connell
  • Publication number: 20170174828
    Abstract: Described are polyesters comprising (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising 80 to 100 mole % terephthalic acid residues; optionally, 0 to 20 mole % aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues or aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues; 20 to 30 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues; and 70 to 80 mole % 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues. The polyesters may be manufactured into articles such as fibers, films, bottles or sheets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Applicant: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Emmett Dudley Crawford, Thomas Joseph Pecorini, Douglas Stephens McWilliams, David Scott Porter, Gary Wayne Connell, Ted Calvin Germroth, Benjamin Fredrick Barton, Damon Bryan Shackelford
  • Patent number: 9598533
    Abstract: Described are polyesters comprising (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising 80 to 100 mole % terephthalic acid residues; optionally, 0 to 20 mole % aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues or aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues; 20 to 30 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues; and 70 to 80 mole % 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues. The polyesters may be manufactured into articles such as fibers, films, bottles or sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Emmett Dudley Crawford, Thomas Joseph Pecorini, Douglas Stephens McWilliams, David Scott Porter, Gary Wayne Connell, Ted Calvin Germroth, Benjamin Fredrick Barton, Damon Bryan Shackelford
  • Publication number: 20160187539
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to an optical film for use as a quarter wave plate (QWP) having a normal wavelength dispersion curve. More specifically, this invention relates to a quarter wave plate based on cellulose ester polymer and fused ring additives.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2016
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Applicant: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Bin Wang, Thauming Kuo, Michael Eugene Donelson, Douglas Stephens McWilliams
  • Patent number: 9309362
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to an unstretched optical film comprising an additive for enhancing retardation in the thickness direction (Rth) and methods for making the optical film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Bin Wang, Thauming Kuo, Michael Eugene Donelson, Douglas Stephens McWilliams
  • Patent number: 9309360
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to an optical film for use as a quarter wave plate (QWP) having a normal wavelength dispersion curve. More specifically, this invention relates to a quarter wave plate based on cellulose ester polymer and fused ring additives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Bin Wang, Thauming Kuo, Michael Eugene Donelson, Douglas Stephens McWilliams
  • Patent number: 9273206
    Abstract: Disclosed are ternary polyester blends that contain at least one polyester comprising terephthalic or isophthalic acid, ethylene glycol, and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues, and at least one polyester comprising terephthalic or isophthalic acid, 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol, and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues. The ternary polyester blends have improved clarity, toughness, and fabrication characteristics and are useful for the preparation of flat or shaped articles. Of special interest are ternary blends where one of the three components compatibilizes the blend of two otherwise immiscible polyesters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Ryan Thomas Neill, Douglas Stephens McWilliams
  • Publication number: 20160017125
    Abstract: Described as one aspect of the invention are polyester compositions containing: (I) at least one polyester which comprises: (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising: (i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues; (ii) 0 to 30 mole % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues having up to 20 carbon atoms; and (iii) 0 to 10 mole % of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues having up to 16 carbon atoms; and (b) a glycol component comprising: (i) 1 to 99 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues; and (ii) 1 to 99 mole % of cyclohexanedimethanol residues; and (II) at least one thermal stabilizer chosen from at least one of alkyl phosphate esters, aryl phosphate esters, mixed alkyl aryl phosphate esters, reaction products thereof, and mixtures thereof; wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole %, and wherein the total mole % of the glycol component is 100 mole %.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: EASTMAN CHEMICAL COMPANY
    Inventors: TED CALVIN GERMROTH, GARY WAYNE CONNELL, EMMETT DUDLEY CRAWFORD, THOMAS JOSEPH PECORINI, DOUGLAS STEPHENS McWILLIAMS, BENJAMIN FREDRICK BARTON, DAMON BRYAN SHACKELFORD
  • Publication number: 20160009951
    Abstract: Described are polyester compositions comprising at least one polyester which comprises terephthalic acid residues, 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol, and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, wherein the inherent viscosity and the Tg of the polyester provides for certain polyester properties. The polyesters may be manufactured into articles such as fibers, films, bottles or sheets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Applicant: EASTMAN CHEMICAL COMPANY
    Inventors: EMMETT DUDLEY CRAWFORD, THOMAS JOSEPH PECORINI, DOUGLAS STEPHENS McWILLIAMS, DAVID SCOTT PORTER, GARY WAYNE CONNELL
  • Patent number: 9181388
    Abstract: Described are polyester compositions comprising at least one polyester which comprises terephthalic acid residues, 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol, and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, wherein the inherent viscosity and the Tg of the polyester provides for certain polyester properties. The polyesters may be manufactured into articles such as fibers, films, bottles or sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: EASTMAN CHEMICAL COMPANY
    Inventors: Emmett Dudley Crawford, Thomas Joseph Pecorini, Douglas Stephens McWilliams, David Scott Porter, Gary Wayne Connell
  • Patent number: 9169388
    Abstract: Described as one aspect of the invention are polyester compositions containing: (I) at least one polyester which comprises: (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising: (i) 70 to 100 mole % of terephthalic acid residues; (ii) 0 to 30 mole % of aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues having up to 20 carbon atoms; and (iii) 0 to 10 mole % of aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues having up to 16 carbon atoms; and (b) a glycol component comprising: (i) 30 to 40 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3 -cyclobutanediol residues; and (ii) 60 to 70 mole % of cyclohexanedimethanol residues; and (II) at least one thermal stabilizer chosen from at least one of alkyl phosphate esters, aryl phosphate esters, mixed alkyl aryl phosphate esters, reaction products thereof, and mixtures thereof; wherein the total mole % of the dicarboxylic acid component is 100 mole %, and wherein the total mole % of the glycol component is 100 mole %; wherein said polyester composition does not comprise polycarbonate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: EASTMAN CHEMICAL COMPANY
    Inventors: Ted Calvin Germroth, Gary Wayne Connell, Emmett Dudley Crawford, Thomas Joseph Pecorini, Douglas Stephen McWilliams, Benjamin Fredrick Barton, Damon Bryan Shackelford
  • Publication number: 20150168607
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to an optical film for use as a quarter wave plate (QWP) having a normal wavelength dispersion curve. More specifically, this invention relates to a quarter wave plate based on cellulose ester polymer and fused ring additives.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Publication date: June 18, 2015
    Applicant: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Bin Wang, Thauming Kuo, Michael Eugene Donelson, Douglas Stephens McWilliams
  • Publication number: 20150168608
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to an unstretched optical film comprising an additive for enhancing retardation in the thickness direction (Rth) and methods for making the optical film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Publication date: June 18, 2015
    Applicant: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Bin Wang, Thauming Kuo, Michael Eugene Donelson, Douglas Stephens McWilliams
  • Patent number: 8889043
    Abstract: A method for casting a styrenic fluoropolymer film on a substrate includes preparing a polymer solution by dissolving the fluoropolymer in a solvent or solvent blend whose Hansen solubility parameters (HSPs. MPa1/2) satisfy the following relations: |SPb?SPp|<5, |SPb?SPs|<4, |SPb(H)?SPp(H)|<7, and 2<|SPb(H)?SPs(H)|<10 wherein SPb, SPp, SPs, are the total Hansen solubility parameters of solvent/solvent blend, fluoropolymer, and substrate, respectively; SPb(H), SPp(H), and, SPs(H) are the hydrogen-bond Hansen solubility parameters of solvent/solvent blend, fluoropolymer, and substrate, respectively; wherein the fluoropolymer comprises a moiety of: wherein R1, R2, and R3 are each independently hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups, substituted alkyl groups, or halogens, wherein at least one of R1, R2, and R3 is a fluorine atom, and wherein R is each independently a substituent on the styrenic ring, n is an integer from 0 to 5 representing the number of the substituents on the styrenic ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Akron Polymer Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Bin Wang, Thauming Kuo, Douglas Stephens McWilliams, Frank W. Harris, Ted Calvin Germroth, Jiaokai Jing, Dong Zhang, Xiaoliang Zheng
  • Patent number: 8871882
    Abstract: A method for the preparation of a fluoropolymer by means of emulsion polymerization of a reaction mixture in an aqueous medium is disclosed wherein the reaction mixture includes a fluoromonomer having the structure of wherein R1, R2, and R3 are each independently hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups, substituted alkyl groups, or halogens, wherein at least one of R1, R2, and R3 is a fluorine atom, and wherein R is each independently a substituent on the styrenic ring, n is an integer from 0 to 5 representing the number of the substituents on the styrenic ring; b) an emulsion stabilizer combination comprising: i) an anionic surfactant; and, ii) a cationic surfactant or a non-ionic surfactant; and, c) a free-radical initiator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Akron Polymer Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaoliang Zheng, Dong Zhang, Jiaokai Jing, Ted Calvin Germroth, Frank W. Harris, Thauming Kuo, Bin Wang, Douglas Stephens McWilliams
  • Publication number: 20140010982
    Abstract: Disclosed are ternary polyester blends that contain at least one polyester comprising terephthalic or isophthalic acid, ethylene glycol, and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues, and at least one polyester comprising terephthalic or isophthalic acid, 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol, and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues. The ternary polyester blends have improved clarity, toughness, and fabrication characteristics and are useful for the preparation of flat or shaped articles. Of special interest are ternary blends where one of the three components compatibilizes the blend of two otherwise immiscible polyesters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventors: Ryan Thomas Neill, Douglas Stephens McWilliams
  • Publication number: 20130303692
    Abstract: Described are polyesters comprising (a) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising 80 to 100 mole % terephthalic acid residues; optionally, 0 to 20 mole % aromatic dicarboxylic acid residues or aliphatic dicarboxylic acid residues; 20 to 30 mole % of 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol residues; and 70 to 80 mole % 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol residues. The polyesters may be manufactured into articles such as fibers, films, bottles or sheets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: Emmett Dudley Crawford, Thomas Joseph Pecorini, Douglas Stephens McWilliams, David Scott Porter, Gary Wayne Connell, Ted Calvin Germroth, Benjamin Fredrick Barton, Damon Bryan Shackelford