Patents by Inventor Eric J. Pearce

Eric J. Pearce 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: 5591800
    Abstract: Macrocyclic polyester oligomers are converted to linear polyesters by contact at a temperature of about 160.degree.-300.degree. C. with a cyclic titanium catalyst such as di-(1-butyl)-2,2-dimethylpropane-1,3-dioxytitanate, bis(2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propylene) titanate or 1-(1-butoxy)-4-methyl-2,6,7-trioxa-1-titanabicyclo[2.2.2]octane. Such catalysts have high activity and produce linear or branched polyesters of very high molecular weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Tohru Takekoshi, Eric J. Pearce
  • Patent number: 5527976
    Abstract: Macrocyclic polyester oligomers are converted to linear polyesters by contact at a temperature of about 160.degree.-300.degree. C. with a cyclic titanium catalyst such as di-(1-butyl)-2,2-dimethylpropane-1,3-dioxytitanate, bis(2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propylene)titanate or 1-(1-butoxy)-4-methyl-2,6,7-trioxa-1-titanabicyclo[2.2.2]octane. Such catalysts have high activity and produce linear or branched polyesters of very high molecular weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Tohru Takekoshi, Eric J. Pearce
  • Patent number: 5466744
    Abstract: Macrocyclic polyester oligomer compositions comprising alkylene isophthalate or terephthalate units or the like are prepared by the reaction of a diol with a diacid chloride in the presence of at least one amine characterized by substantially no steric hindrance around the basic nitrogen atom. The reaction is conducted under substantially anhydrous conditions and at a temperature from about -25.degree. to about +25.degree. C. The resulting macrocyclic oligomers may be converted to linear polyesters by contact with catalysts including basic reagents, stannous alkoxides, organotin compounds, titanate esters and metal acetylacetonates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Thomas L. Evans, Daniel J. Brunelle, Jean E. Bradt, Eric J. Pearce, Paul R. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5389719
    Abstract: Cyclic tin catalysts are employed for the preparation of branched polyesters from macrocyclic polyester oligomers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Tohru Takekoshi, Eric J. Pearce
  • Patent number: 5387666
    Abstract: Cyclic tin catalysts are employed for the preparation of branched polyesters from macrocyclic polyester oligomers. They are less susceptible than previously known catalysts to the presence of acidic impurities in the oligomer compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Tohru Takekoshi, Eric J. Pearce
  • Patent number: 5386037
    Abstract: Novel trisstannoxanes are prepared by the reaction of a dialkyltin oxide with a trihydroxy compound such as 1,1,1-tris(hydroxymethyl)propane. They may be employed as catalysts for the preparation of branched polyesters from macrocyclic polyester oligomers. They are less susceptible than previously known catalysts to the presence of acidic impurities in the oligomer compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Tohru Takekoshi, Eric J. Pearce
  • Patent number: 5348985
    Abstract: A process for making thermoplastic polyester foams comprises the steps of subjecting macrocyclic polyester oligomer precursors to initiators and blowing agents at a constant operating temperature in order to produce foams which unexpectedly display low foam densities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Eric J. Pearce, John W. Carbone
  • Patent number: 5300590
    Abstract: The crystallinity of polyesters prepared from macrocyclic poly(1,4-butylene terephthalate) oligomers is reduced and cracking of molded parts suppressed by the incorporation therein of at least one other linear or macrocyclic poly(alkylene dicarboxylate) oligomer, such as poly(ethylene terephthalate) or poly(1,4-butylene isophthalate). It is preferably employed in macrocyclic form. The resulting compositions can be combined with inert fillers and polymerized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Todd D. Cook, Thomas L. Evans, Kevin P. McAlea, Eric J. Pearce
  • Patent number: 5281669
    Abstract: Intimate blends of macrocyclic oligomer compositions, such as cyclic polycarbonate or poly(alkylene dicarboxylate) oligomer mixtures, are blended with linear polymers, especially addition polymers. The blends flow easily and are frequently homogeneous. The macrocyclic oligomers therein may be polymerized to produce resin blends having advantageous properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Roger P. Kambour, Warren L. Nachlis, Eric J. Pearce, Jeffrey D. Carbeck
  • Patent number: 5191013
    Abstract: Thermoplastic polyester composites are prepared from compositions comprising a filler, at least one macrocyclic poly(alkylene dicarboxylate) oligomer and a polymerization catalyst therefor. The use of polyester oligomer mixtures is preferred, and they may be present in liquid or solid form. The polyester composites prepared therefrom are characterized by excellent properties including solvent resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Todd D. Cook, Andrew J. Salem, Thomas L. Evans, Eric J. Pearce, Kevin P. McAlea
  • Patent number: 5162459
    Abstract: Polymeric compositions are described which result from blending a mixture comprising: (A) at least one amorphous polycarbonate; (B) at least one cyclic polycarbonate oligomer containing hydroquinone carbonate structural units; and (C) at least one polycarbonate formation catalyst.The polymeric compositions have particular application in the preparation of shaped articles for use in environments characterized by the presence of solvents, solvent vapors, and/or potential for fire conditions. Methods for increasing the solvent and flammability resistance of amorphous polycarbonates are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Herman O. Krabbenhoft, Eric J. Pearce
  • Patent number: 5162458
    Abstract: Polymeric compositions are described which result from blending a mixture comprising: (A) at least one amorphous polycarbonate; (B) at least one linear polycarbonate oligomer containing hydroquinone carbonate structural units; and (C) at least one polycarbonate formation catalyst.The polymeric compositions have particular application in the preparation of shaped articles for use in environments characterized by the presence of solvents, solvent vapors, and/or potential for fire conditions. Methods for increasing the solvent and flammability resistance of amorphous polycarbonates are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Herman O. Krabbenhoft, Eric J. Pearce, Daniel J. Brunelle, David K. Bonauto
  • Patent number: 5153276
    Abstract: Blended polymer compositions are described which comprise: (A) at least one amorphous polycarbonate; and (B) at least one linear polycarbonate oligomer containing hydroquinone carbonate structural units.The blended polymer compositions having particular application in the preparation of shaped articles for use in environments characterized by the presence of solvents, solvent vapors, and/or potential for fire conditions. Methods for increasing the solvent and flammability resistance of amorphous polycarbonates are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1992
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Herman O. Krabbenhoft, Eric J. Pearce, Daniel J. Brunelle, David K. Bonauto