Patents by Inventor Eugene Y. Chen
Eugene Y. Chen 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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Publication number: 20230312815Abstract: Biodegradable polymers with advantageous physical and chemical properties are described, as well as methods for making such polymers. In one embodiment, a new chemical synthesis route to technologically important biodegradable poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB) with high isotacticity and molecular weight required for a practical use is described. The new route can utilize racemic eight-membered cyclic diolide (rac-DL), meso-DL, or a rac-DL and meso-DL mixture, derived from bio-sourced dimethyl succinate, and enantiomeric (R,R)-DL and (S,S)-DL, optically resolved by metal-based catalysts. With a stereoselective racemic molecular catalyst, the ROP of rac-DL under ambient conditions produces rapidly P3HB with essentially perfect isotacticity ([mm]>99%), high crystallinity and melting temperature (Tm=171° C.), as well as high molecular weight and low dispersity (Mn=1.54×105 g/mol, Ð=1.01).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2023Publication date: October 5, 2023Applicant: COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY RESEARCH FOUNDATIONInventors: Eugene Y. CHEN, Xiaoyan TANG
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Patent number: 11629223Abstract: Biodegradable polymers with advantageous physical and chemical properties are described, as well as methods for making such polymers. In one embodiment, a new chemical synthesis route to technologically important biodegradable poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB) with high isotacticity and molecular weight required for a practical use is described. The new route can utilize racemic eight-membered cyclic diolide (rac-DL), meso-DL, or a rac-DL and meso-DL mixture, derived from bio-sourced dimethyl succinate, and enantiomeric (R,R)-DL and (S,S)-DL, optically resolved by metal-based catalysts. With a stereoselective racemic molecular catalyst, the ROP of rac-DL under ambient conditions produces rapidly P3HB with essentially perfect isotacticity ([mm]>99%), high crystallinity and melting temperature (Tm=171° C.), as well as high molecular weight and low dispersity (Mn=1.54×105 g/mol, Ð=1.01).Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2021Date of Patent: April 18, 2023Assignee: Colorado State University Research FoundationInventors: Eugene Y. Chen, Xiaoyan Tang
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Publication number: 20230037920Abstract: A monomer design strategy based on a bridged bicyclic thiolactone that produces stereo-disordered to perfectly stereo-ordered polythioesters is disclosed. The described polythioesters exhibit high crystallinity and full chemical recyclability. Such polymers possess intrinsic tacticity-independent crystallinity and chemical recyclability, tunable tacticities from stereo-disorder to perfect stereoregularity, as well as combined high-performance properties such as high thermal stability and crystallinity, and high mechanical strength, ductility and toughness.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2020Publication date: February 9, 2023Applicant: COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY RESEARCH FOUNDATIONInventors: Eugene Y. Chen, Changxia Shi
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Publication number: 20210206912Abstract: Biodegradable polymers with advantageous physical and chemical properties are described, as well as methods for making such polymers. In one embodiment, a new chemical synthesis route to technologically important biodegradable poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB) with high isotacticity and molecular weight required for a practical use is described. The new route can utilize racemic eight-membered cyclic diolide (rac-DL), meso-DL, or a rac-DL and meso-DL mixture, derived from bio-sourced dimethyl succinate, and enantiomeric (R,R)-DL and (S,S)-DL, optically resolved by metal-based catalysts. With a stereoselective racemic molecular catalyst, the ROP of rac-DL under ambient conditions produces rapidly P3HB with essentially perfect isotacticity ([mm] >99%), high crystallinity and melting temperature (Tm=171° C.), as well as high molecular weight and low dispersity (Mn=1.54×105 g/mol, Ð=1.01).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2021Publication date: July 8, 2021Applicant: Colorado State University Research FoundationInventors: Eugene Y. Chen, Xiaoyan Tang
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Patent number: 10954335Abstract: Biodegradable polymers with advantageous physical and chemical properties are described, as well as methods for making such polymers. In one embodiment, a new chemical synthesis route to technologically important biodegradable poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB) with high isotacticity and molecular weight required for a practical use is described. The new route can utilize racemic eight-membered cyclic diolide (rac-DL), meso-DL, or a rac-DL and meso-DL mixture, derived from bio-sourced dimethyl succinate, and enantiomeric (R,R)-DL and (S,S)-DL, optically resolved by metal-based catalysts. With a stereoselective racemic molecular catalyst, the ROP of rac-DL under ambient conditions produces rapidly P3HB with essentially perfect isotacticity ([mm]>99%), high crystallinity and melting temperature (Tm=171° C.), as well as high molecular weight and low dispersity (Mn=1.54×105 g/mol, Ð=1.01).Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2019Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: Colorado State University Research FoundationInventors: Eugene Y. Chen, Xiaoyan Tang
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Patent number: 10759899Abstract: The invention discloses a class of new polymers, trans-ring-fused poly(4-hydroxybutyrate)s (RF-P4HB) that exhibit a unique set of properties, including robust thermal stability and mechanical strength, quantitative recyclability to the building block monomers via thermolysis and/or chemical catalysis, and convenient production from the chemical ring-opening polymerization under ambient temperature and pressure. Another unique property is the formation of crystalline stereocomplexed polymers with high melting temperature upon mixing the two enantiomeric RF-P4HB chains via stereocomplexing co-crystallization. This invention also provides the corresponding ring-fused lactone monomer structures that enable the synthesis of the RF-P4HB polymers, through trans-fusing of rings to the parent ?-butyrolactone ring. Furthermore, a polymerization or copolymerization process for the synthesis of RF-P4HB polymers and copolymers is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2018Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: Colorado State University Research FoundationInventors: Eugene Y. Chen, Jian-Bo Zhu
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Patent number: 10364319Abstract: The invention provides polymers of Formulas I-III, such as polyesters and unsaturated polyesters, and crosslinked and copolymerized polymers thereof. The invention also provides methods to catalytically ring-open five-membered rings such lactones, lactams, and thiolactones, as via ring-opening polymerization. The polymerization products are recyclable and can be depolymerized back to their monomer form via thermolysis and acid or base catalysis.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2016Date of Patent: July 30, 2019Assignee: Colorado State University Research FoundationInventors: Eugene Y. Chen, Miao Hong, Xiaoyan Tang
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Publication number: 20190211144Abstract: Biodegradable polymers with advantageous physical and chemical properties are described, as well as methods for making such polymers. In one embodiment, a new chemical synthesis route to technologically important biodegradable poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB) with high isotacticity and molecular weight required for a practical use is described. The new route can utilize racemic eight-membered cyclic diolide (rac-DL), meso-DL, or a rac-DL and meso-DL mixture, derived from bio-sourced dimethyl succinate, and enantiomeric (R,R)-DL and (S,S)-DL, optically resolved by metal-based catalysts. With a stereoselective racemic molecular catalyst, the ROP of rac-DL under ambient conditions produces rapidly P3HB with essentially perfect isotacticity ([mm]>99%), high crystallinity and melting temperature (Tm=171° C.), as well as high molecular weight and low dispersity (Mn=1.54×105 g/mol, Ð=1.01).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2019Publication date: July 11, 2019Applicant: Colorado State University Research FoundationInventors: Eugene Y. CHEN, Xiaoyan TANG
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Publication number: 20190040191Abstract: The invention discloses a class of new polymers, trans-ring-fused poly(4-hydroxybutyrate)s (RF-P4HB) that exhibit a unique set of properties, including robust thermal stability and mechanical strength, quantitative recyclability to the building block monomers via thermolysis and/or chemical catalysis, and convenient production from the chemical ring-opening polymerization under ambient temperature and pressure. Another unique property is the formation of crystalline stereocomplexed polymers with high melting temperature upon mixing the two enantiomeric RF-P4HB chains via stereocomplexing co-crystallization. This invention also provides the corresponding ring-fused lactone monomer structures that enable the synthesis of the RF-P4HB polymers, through trans-fusing of rings to the parent ?-butyrolactone ring. Furthermore, a polymerization or copolymerization process for the synthesis of RF-P4HB polymers and copolymers is disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2018Publication date: February 7, 2019Inventors: Eugene Y. CHEN, Jian-Bo Zhu
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Patent number: 10174161Abstract: B/N Lewis pairs have been discovered to catalyze rapid epimerization of meso-lactide (LA) or LA diastereomers quantitatively into rac-LA. The obtained rac-LA can be kinetically polymerized into poly(L-lactide) and optically resolved D-LA, with a high stereoselectivity factor kL/kD of 53 and an ee value of 91% at 50.6% monomer conversion, by a bifunctional chiral catalyst. The epimerization and enantioselective polymerization can be coupled into a one-pot process for transforming meso-LA directly into poly(L-lactide) and D-LA.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2016Date of Patent: January 8, 2019Assignee: Colorado State University Research FoundationInventors: Eugene Y. Chen, Jian-Bo Zhu
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Publication number: 20180244841Abstract: B/N Lewis pairs have been discovered to catalyze rapid epimerization of meso-lactide (LA) or LA diastereomers quantitatively into rac-LA. The obtained rac-LA can be kinetically polymerized into poly(L-lactide) and optically resolved D-LA, with a high stereoselectivity factor kL/kD of 53 and an ee value of 91% at 50.6% monomer conversion, by a bifunctional chiral catalyst. The epimerization and enantioselective polymerization can be coupled into a one-pot process for transforming meso-LA directly into poly(L-lactide) and D-LA.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2016Publication date: August 30, 2018Applicant: Colorado State University Research FoundationInventors: Eugene Y. CHEN, Jian-Bo ZHU
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Publication number: 20180118880Abstract: The invention provides polymers of Formulas I-III, such as polyesters and unsaturated polyesters, and crosslinked and copolymerized polymers thereof. The invention also provides methods to catalytically ring-open five-membered rings such lactones, lactams, and thiolactones, as via ring-opening polymerization. The polymerization products are recyclable and can be depolymerized back to their monomer form via thermolysis and acid or base catalysis.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2016Publication date: May 3, 2018Applicant: Colorado State University Research FoundationInventors: Eugene Y. CHEN, Miao HONG, Xiaoyan TANG
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Patent number: 9828354Abstract: The invention provides new methods for the direct umpolung self-condensation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) by organocatalysis, thereby upgrading the readily available substrate into 5,5?-di(hydroxymethyl) furoin (DHMF). While many efficient catalyst systems have been developed for conversion of plant biomass resources into HMF, the invention now provides methods to convert such nonfood biomass directly into DHMF by a simple process as described herein. The invention also provides highly effective new methods for upgrading other biomass furaldehydes and related compound to liquid fuels. The methods include the organocatalytic self-condensation (umpolung) of biomass furaldehydes into (C8-C12)furoin intermediates, followed by hydrogenation, etherification or esterification into oxygenated biodiesel, or hydrodeoxygenation by metal-acid tandem catalysis into premium hydrocarbon fuels.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2016Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: Colorado State University Research FoundationInventors: Eugene Y. Chen, Dajiang Liu
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Publication number: 20170044124Abstract: The invention provides new methods for the direct umpolung self-condensation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) by organocatalysis, thereby upgrading the readily available substrate into 5,5?-di(hydroxymethyl) furoin (DHMF). While many efficient catalyst systems have been developed for conversion of plant biomass resources into HMF, the invention now provides methods to convert such nonfood biomass directly into DHMF by a simple process as described herein. The invention also provides highly effective new methods for upgrading other biomass furaldehydes and related compound to liquid fuels. The methods include the organocatalytic self-condensation (umpolung) of biomass furaldehydes into (C8-C12)furoin intermediates, followed by hydrogenation, etherification or esterification into oxygenated biodiesel, or hydrodeoxygenation by metal-acid tandem catalysis into premium hydrocarbon fuels.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2016Publication date: February 16, 2017Applicant: COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY RESEARCH FOUNDATIONInventors: Eugene Y. CHEN, Dajiang LIU
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Patent number: 9469626Abstract: The invention provides new methods for the direct umpolung self-condensation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) by organocatalysis, thereby upgrading the readily available substrate into 5,5?-di(hydroxymethyl)furoin (DHMF). While many efficient catalyst systems have been developed for conversion of plant biomass resources into HMF, the invention now provides methods to convert such nonfood biomass directly into DHMF by a simple process as described herein. The invention also provides highly effective new methods for upgrading other biomass furaldehydes and related compound to liquid fuels. The methods include the organocatalytic self-condensation (umpolung) of biomass furaldehydes into (C8-C12)furoin intermediates, followed by hydrogenation, etherification or esterification into oxygenated biodiesel, or hydrodeoxygenation by metal-acid tandem catalysis into premium hydrocarbon fuels.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2013Date of Patent: October 18, 2016Assignee: Colorado State University Research FoundationInventors: Eugene Y. Chen, Dajiang Liu
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Patent number: 9309332Abstract: The invention provides novel polymer compositions and methods for preparing such compositions. The invention also provides methods for polymerizing various unsaturated monomers, including naturally occurring or plant biomass-derived renewable acrylic monomers. The monomers can be rapidly polymerized using various organic catalysts or organometallic catalysts, as described herein. In one embodiment, nearly perfectly isotactic polymers (mmmm>99%) can be prepared using a C2-symmetric zirconocenium catalyst.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2013Date of Patent: April 12, 2016Assignee: Colorado State University Research FoundationInventors: Eugene Y. Chen, Yangjian Hu, Yuetao Zhang
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Publication number: 20140058041Abstract: The invention provides novel polymer compositions and methods for preparing such compositions. The invention also provides methods for polymerizing various unsaturated monomers, including naturally occurring or plant biomass-derived renewable acrylic monomers. The monomers can be rapidly polymerized using various organic catalysts or organometallic catalysts, as described herein. In one embodiment, nearly perfectly isotactic polymers (mmmm>99%) can be prepared using a C2-symmetric zirconocenium catalyst.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2013Publication date: February 27, 2014Applicant: Colorado State University Research FoundationInventors: Eugene Y. CHEN, Yangjian HU, Yuetao ZHANG
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Publication number: 20140007497Abstract: The invention provides new methods for the direct umpolung self-condensation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) by organocatalysis, thereby upgrading the readily available substrate into 5,5?-di(hydroxymethyl)furoin (DHMF). While many efficient catalyst systems have been developed for conversion of plant biomass resources into HMF, the invention now provides methods to convert such nonfood biomass directly into DHMF by a simple process as described herein. The invention also provides highly effective new methods for upgrading other biomass furaldehydes and related compound to liquid fuels. The methods include the organocatalytic self-condensation (umpolung) of biomass furaldehydes into (C8-C12)furoin intermediates, followed by hydrogenation, etherification or esterification into oxygenated biodiesel, or hydrodeoxygenation by metal-acid tandem catalysis into premium hydrocarbon fuels.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2013Publication date: January 9, 2014Inventors: Eugene Y. CHEN, Dajiang LIU
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Patent number: 7283384Abstract: An MRAM device is provided which includes an array of magnetic elements, a plurality of conductive lines configured to set magnetization states of the magnetic elements and circuitry configured to vary current applications along one or more of the conductive lines. In some cases, the MRAM device may additionally or alternatively include circuitry which is configured to terminate an application of current along one or more of the conductive lines before magnetization states of one or more magnetic elements selected for a write operation of the device are changed. In either case, a device is provided which includes an MRAM array and a first storage circuit comprising one or more magnetic elements, wherein the first storage circuit is configured to store parameter settings characterizing operations of the magnetic random access memory array within the magnetic elements. Methods for operating the devices provided herein are contemplated as well.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2004Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Assignee: Silicon Magnetic SystemsInventors: Fredrick B. Jenne, Eugene Y. Chen, Thomas M. Mnich, William L. Stevenson
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Patent number: 7205164Abstract: Methods for patterning a magnetic cell junction and a topography used for and/or resulting from such methods are provided. In particular, a method is provided which includes etching portions of a topography adjacent to a patterned photoresist layer to a level within a cap film of the topography, removing etch residues from the topography and subsequently etching the remaining portions of the cap film to expose an uppermost magnetic layer. Another method is provided which includes patterning a dielectric mask layer above a patterned upper portion of a magnetic cell junction and ion milling a lower portion of the magnetic cell junction in alignment with the mask layer. An exemplary topography which may result and/or may be used for such methods includes a stack of layers having a dual layer cap film arranged above at least two magnetic layers spaced apart by a tunneling layer.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2005Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Silicon Magnetic SystemsInventors: Sam Geha, Benjamin C. E. Schwarz, Chang Ju Choi, Biju Parameshwaran, Eugene Y. Chen, Helen L. Chung, Kamel Ounadjela, Witold Kula