Patents by Inventor Eric Stanley Hall
Eric Stanley Hall 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).
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Patent number: 6495631Abstract: The invention is directed toward melt-processable lactide polymer compositions, processes for manufacturing these compositions, and articles made from these compositions. The compositions include a first phase, which contains a polylactide-based polymer, and a second phase which includes elastomer. The elastomer is present in an amount sufficient to provide a polymer composition having an impact resistance of at least about 0.7 ft-lb/in. after the melt-processable polymer composition has been injection molded into bars and tested according to ASTM D256 (1993) method C. Preferably, the compositions also include a reactive compatibilizing agent. Methods of making these compositions and articles made from these compositions are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 1999Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignee: Cargill, IncorporatedInventors: Jed Richard Randall, Christopher Michael Ryan, James Lunt, Mark Henry Hartman, Eric Stanley Hall, Jeffrey John Kolstad, David Roy Witzke
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Patent number: 6353086Abstract: The invention relates to a lactic acid residue containing polymer composition and product having improved stability and to methods for the preparation and use thereof. The lactic acid residue containing polymer preferably includes a polylactide polymer having a number average molecular weight of between about 25,000 and about 200,000, lactide, if present at all, present in a concentration of less than 0.5 wt % based on the weight of the composition, and deactivating agents. Articles which can be manufactured from the lactic acid residue containing polymer composition include fibers, coated paper, films, moldings, and foam.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2000Date of Patent: March 5, 2002Assignee: Cargill, IncorporatedInventors: Jeffrey J. Kolstad, David R. Witzke, Mark H. Hartmann, Eric Stanley Hall, James Nangeroni
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Patent number: 6326458Abstract: A process for the continuous production of substantially purified lactide and lactide polymers from lactic acid or an ester of lactic acid including the steps of forming crude polylactic acid, preferably in the presence of a catalyst means in the case of the ester of lactic acid, to form a condensation reaction by-product and polylactic acid, and depolymerizing the polylactic acid in a lactide reactor to form crude lactide, followed by subsequent purification of the crude lactide in a distillation system. A purified lactide is then polymerized to form lactide polymers.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1993Date of Patent: December 4, 2001Assignee: Cargill, Inc.Inventors: Patrick Richard Gruber, Eric Stanley Hall, Jeffrey John Kolstad, Matthew Lee Iwen, Richard Douglas Benson, Ronald Leo Borchardt
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Patent number: 6277951Abstract: A process for the continuous production of polylactide polymers from lactic acid which incorporates removal of water or a solvent carrier to concentrate the lactic acid feed followed by polymerization to a low-molecular-weight prepolymer. This prepolymer is fed to a reactor in which a catalyst is added to facilitate generation of lactide, the depolymerization product of polylactic acid. The lactide generated is continuously fed to a distillation system as a liquid or vapor wherein water and other impurities are removed. The resultant purified liquid lactide is fed directly to a polymerization process.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 1999Date of Patent: August 21, 2001Assignee: Cargill, IncorporatedInventors: Patrick Richard Gruber, Eric Stanley Hall, Jeffrey John Kolstad, Matthew Lee Iwen, Richard Douglas Benson, Ronald Leo Borchardt
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Patent number: 6207792Abstract: An amorphous film comprised of a lactide polymer. The lactide polymer comprises a plurality of poly(lactide) polymer chains, residual lactide in concentration of less than about 2 percent and water in concentration of less than about 2000 parts-per-million. A process for manufacturing an amorphous film with the lactide polymer composition is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 1999Date of Patent: March 27, 2001Assignee: Cargill, IncorporatedInventors: Patrick Richard Gruber, Jeffrey John Kolstad, Christopher M. Ryan, Eric Stanley Hall, Robin Sue Eichen Conn
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Patent number: 6197380Abstract: A lactide polymer coating resulting in a strong, repulpable, high gloss, paper coating. The lactide polymer comprises a plurality of poly(lactide) polymer chains, residual lactide in concentration of less than about 5 percent and water in concentration of less than about 2000 parts-per-million. A process for coating paper with the lactide polymer composition is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 1999Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: Cargill, IncorporatedInventors: Patrick Richard Gruber, Jeffrey John Kolstad, Christopher M. Ryan, Eric Stanley Hall, Robin Sue Eichen Conn
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Patent number: 6143863Abstract: A lactide polymer composition combining compositional and purity limitations and catalyst optimization or addition of stabilizing agents resulting in a melt-stable polymer is disclosed. The melt-stable lactide polymer comprises a plurality of polylactide polymer chains, residual lactide in concentration of less than 2 percent and water in concentration of less than 1000 parts-per-million. A stabilizing agent in an amount sufficient to reduce depolymerization of the lactide polymer during melt-processing or alternatively, control of catalyst level at a molar ratio of monomer to catalyst greater than 3000:1 is also included in the melt-stable composition. A process for manufacture of a melt-stable lactide polymer composition includes polymerizing a lactide mixture and adding stabilizing agents sufficient to reduce depolymerization of the polylactide during melt-processing, followed by devolatilizing the polylactide to remove monomer and water.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 1999Date of Patent: November 7, 2000Assignee: Cargill, IncorporatedInventors: Patrick Richard Gruber, Jeffrey John Kolstad, Eric Stanley Hall, Robin Sue Eichen Conn, Christopher M. Ryan
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Patent number: 6121410Abstract: A semi-crystalline film comprised of a lactide polymer. The lactide polymer comprises a plurality of poly(lactide) polymer chains, residual lactide in concentration of less than about 5 percent and water in concentration of less than about 2000 parts-per-million. A process for manufacturing a semi-crystalline film with the lactide polymer composition is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 1999Date of Patent: September 19, 2000Assignee: Cargill, IncorporatedInventors: Patrick Richard Gruber, Jeffrey John Kolstad, Christopher M. Ryan, Eric Stanley Hall, Robin Sue Eichen Conn
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Patent number: 6114495Abstract: The invention relates to a lactic acid residue containing polymer composition and product having improved stability and to methods for the preparation and use thereof. The lactic acid residue containing polymer preferably includes a polylactide polymer having a number average molecular weight of between about 25,000 and about 200,000, lactide, if present at all, present in a concentration of less than 0.5 wt % based on the weight of the composition, and deactivating agents. Articles which can be manufactured from the lactic acid residue containing polymer composition include fibers, coated paper, films, moldings, and foam.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 1998Date of Patent: September 5, 2000Assignee: Cargill IncorporatedInventors: Jeffrey J. Kolstad, David R. Witzke, Mark H. Hartmann, Eric Stanley Hall, James Nangeroni
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Patent number: 6093791Abstract: A semi-crystalline film comprised of a lactide polymer. The lactide polymer comprises a plurality of poly(lactide) polymer chains, residual lactide in concentration of less than about 5 percent and water in concentration of less than about 2000 parts-per-million. A process for manufacturing a semi-crystalline film with the lactide polymer composition is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 1998Date of Patent: July 25, 2000Assignee: Cargill, IncorporatedInventors: Patrick Richard Gruber, Jeffrey John Kolstad, Christopher M. Ryan, Eric Stanley Hall, Robin Sue Eichen Conn
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Patent number: 6005068Abstract: An amorphous film comprised of a lactide polymer. The lactide polymer comprises a plurality of poly(lactide) polymer chains, residual lactide in concentration of less than about 2 percent and water in concentration of less than about 2000 parts-per-million. A process for manufacturing an amorphous film with the lactide polymer composition is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 1998Date of Patent: December 21, 1999Assignee: Cargill IncorporatedInventors: Patrick Richard Gruber, Jeffrey John Kolstad, Christopher M. Ryan, Eric Stanley Hall, Robin Sue Eichen Conn
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Patent number: 6005067Abstract: A process for the continuous production of polylactide polymers from lactic acid which incorporates removal of water or a solvent carrier to concentrate the lactic acid feed followed by polymerization to a low-molecular-weight prepolymer. This prepolymer is fed to a reactor in which a catalyst is added to facilitate generation of lactide, the depolymerization product of polylactic acid. The lactide generated is continuously fed to a distillation system as a liquid or vapor wherein water and other impurities are removed. The resultant purified liquid lactide is fed directly to a polymerization process.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 1998Date of Patent: December 21, 1999Assignee: Cargill IncorporatedInventors: Patrick Richard Gruber, Eric Stanley Hall, Jeffrey John Kolstad, Matthew Lee Iwen, Richard Douglas Benson, Ronald Leo Borchardt
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Patent number: 5981694Abstract: A lactide polymer composition combining compositional and purity limitations and catalyst optimization or addition of stabilizing agents resulting in a melt-stable polymer is disclosed. The melt-stable lactide polymer comprises a plurality of polylactide polymer chains, residual lactide in concentration of less than 2 percent and water in concentration of less than 1000 parts-per-million. A stabilizing agent in an amount sufficient to reduce depolymerization of the lactide polymer during melt-processing or alternatively, control of catalyst level at a molar ratio of monomer to catalyst greater than 3000:1 is also included in the melt-stable composition. A process for manufacture of a melt-stable lactide polymer composition includes polymerizing a lactide mixture and adding stabilizing agents sufficient to reduce depolymerization of the polylactide during melt-processing, followed by devolatilizing the polylactide to remove monomer and water.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 1997Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Assignee: Cargill, IncorporatedInventors: Patrick Richard Gruber, Jeffrey John Kolstad, Eric Stanley Hall, Robin Sue Eichen Conn, Christopher M. Ryan
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Patent number: 5922832Abstract: The invention is directed toward melt-processable lactide polymer compositions, processes for manufacturing these compositions, and articles made from these compositions. The compositions include a first phase, which contains a polylactide-based polymer, and a second phase which includes elastomer. The elastomer is present in an amount sufficient to provide a polymer composition having an impact resistance of at least about 0.7 ft-lb/in. after the melt-processable polymer composition has been injection molded into bars and tested according to ASTM D256 (1993) method C. Preferably, the compositions also include a reactive compatibilizing agent. Methods of making these compositions and articles made from these compositions are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1997Date of Patent: July 13, 1999Assignee: Cargill, IncorporatedInventors: Jed Richard Randall, Christopher Michael Ryan, James Lunt, Mark Henry Hartman, Eric Stanley Hall, Jeffrey John Kolstad, David Roy Witzke
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Patent number: 5852166Abstract: A lactide polymer coating resulting in a strong, repulpable, high gloss, paper coating. The lactide polymer comprises a plurality of poly(lactide) polymer chains, residual lactide in concentration of less than about 5 percent and water in concentration of less than about 2000 parts-per-million. A process for coating paper with the lactide polymer composition is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 1997Date of Patent: December 22, 1998Assignee: Cargill, IncorporatedInventors: Patrick Richard Gruber, Jeffrey John Kolstad, Christopher M. Ryan, Eric Stanley Hall, Robin Sue Eichen Conn
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Patent number: 5807973Abstract: A nonwoven fabric comprised of a lactide polymer. The lactide polymer comprises a plurality of poly(lactide) polymer chains, residual lactide in concentration of less than about 2 percent and water in concentration of less than about 2000 parts-per-million. A process for manufacturing a nonwoven fabric with the lactide polymer composition is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 1995Date of Patent: September 15, 1998Assignee: Cargill, IncorporatedInventors: Patrick Richard Gruber, Jeffrey John Kolstad, Christopher M. Ryan, Eric Stanley Hall, Robin Sue Eichen Conn
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Patent number: 5798436Abstract: An amorphous film comprised of a lactide polymer. The lactide polymer comprises a plurality of poly(lactide) polymer chains, residual lactide in concentration of less than about 2 percent and water in concentration of less than about 2000 parts-per-million. A process for manufacturing an amorphous film with the lactide polymer composition is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 1996Date of Patent: August 25, 1998Assignee: Cargill, IncorporatedInventors: Patrick Richard Gruber, Jeffrey John Kolstad, Christopher M. Ryan, Eric Stanley Hall, Robin Sue Eichen Conn
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Patent number: 5773562Abstract: A film having a net endotherm greater than about 10 joules per gram of polymer that contains chains including lactic acid residuals; said film further comprising; a) a melt stable polymer composition comprising at least 5% by weight of a melt stable first polymer component with lactic acid residuals b) said first polymer having a number average molecular weight of at least 40,000 and no greater than 300,000 and c) said first melt stable polymer composition having a lactide concentration of less than about 2% by weight of melt stable polymer including polymer chains with lactic acid residuals. A process for preparing a film having a net endotherm greater than about 10 joules per gram of polymer that contains chains including lactic acid residuals is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 1996Date of Patent: June 30, 1998Assignee: Cargill, IncorporatedInventors: Patrick Richard Gruber, Jeffrey John Kolstad, Christopher M. Ryan, Eric Stanley Hall, Robin Sue Eichen Conn
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Patent number: 5763564Abstract: A lactide polymer composition combining compositional and purity limitations and catalyst optimization or addition of stabilizing agents resulting in a melt-stable polymer is disclosed. The melt-stable lactide polymer comprises a plurality of polylactide polymer chains, residual lactide in concentration of less than 2 percent and water in concentration of less than 1000 parts-per-million. A stabilizing agent in an amount sufficient to reduce depolymerization of the lactide polymer during melt-processing or alternatively, control of catalyst level at a molar ratio of monomer to catalyst greater than 3000:1 is also included in the melt-stable composition. A process for manufacture of a melt-stable lactide polymer composition includes polymerizing a lactide mixture and adding stabilizing agents sufficient to reduce depolymerization of the polylactide during melt-processing, followed by devolatilizing the polylactide to remove monomer and water.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 1996Date of Patent: June 9, 1998Assignee: Cargill, IncorporatedInventors: Patrick Richard Gruber, Jeffrey John Kolstad, Eric Stanley Hall, Robin Sue Eichen Conn, Christopher M. Ryan
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Patent number: 5665474Abstract: A lactide polymer coating resulting in a strong, repulpable, high gloss, paper coating. The lactide polymer comprises a plurality of poly(lactide) polymer chains, residual lactide in concentration of less than about 5 percent and water in concentration of less than about 2000 parts-per-million. A process for coating paper with the lactide polymer composition is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1995Date of Patent: September 9, 1997Assignee: Cargill, IncorporatedInventors: Patrick Richard Gruber, Jeffrey John Kolstad, Christopher M. Ryan, Eric Stanley Hall, Robin Sue Eichen Conn