Patents by Inventor Franck Varagniat

Franck Varagniat 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: 10781299
    Abstract: A rubber composition is based on at least a diene elastomer; 50 to 160 phr (parts by weight per hundred parts by weight of elastomer) of inorganic reinforcing filler; a vulcanization system; a plasticizing system comprising at least one hydrocarbon resin with a glass transition temperature (Tg) of between ?40° C. and 20° C.; as coupling agent, a hydroxysilane polysulfide corresponding to the general formula (I): (HO)aR(3-a)Si—R?—Sx—R?—SiR(3-b) (OH)b (I), in which the R radicals, which are identical or different, are hydrocarbon groups preferably comprising from 1 to 15 carbon atoms, the R? radicals, which are identical or different, are divalent connecting groups preferably comprising from 1 to 18 carbon atoms, a and b, which are identical or different, are equal to 1 or 2, x is a number greater than or equal to 2; and a primary amine of formula (IV): R—NH2(IV), in which R represents a linear or branched hydrocarbon group comprising from 8 to 24 carbon atoms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Compagnie Generale Des Etablissements Michelin
    Inventor: Franck Varagniat
  • Publication number: 20180194934
    Abstract: A rubber composition is based on at least a diene elastomer; 50 to 160 phr (parts by weight per hundred parts by weight of elastomer) of inorganic reinforcing filler; a vulcanization system; a plasticizing system comprising at least one hydrocarbon resin with a glass transition temperature (Tg) of between ?40° C. and 20° C.; as coupling agent, a hydroxysilane polysulfide corresponding to the general formula (I): (HO)aR(3-a)Si—R?—Sx—R?—Si R(3-b) (OH)b (I), in which the R radicals, which are identical or different, are hydrocarbon groups preferably comprising from 1 to 15 carbon atoms, the R? radicals, which are identical or different, are divalent connecting groups preferably comprising from 1 to 18 carbon atoms, a and b, which are identical or different, are equal to 1 or 2, x is a number greater than or equal to 2; and a primary amine of formula (IV): R—NH2(IV), in which R represents a linear or branched hydrocarbon group comprising from 8 to 24 carbon atoms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Publication date: July 12, 2018
    Inventor: FRANCK VARAGNIAT
  • Patent number: 9487049
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rubber composition having improved vulcanization kinetics, which can be used in particular for manufacturing tires or semi-finished products for tires, based on at least one diene elastomer, a reinforcing filler and a coupling agent providing the bond between filler and elastomer, characterized in that said reinforcing filler comprises synthetic magnesium hydroxide Mg(OH)2 wafers, covered with silica. The invention also relates to the use of such a composition for manufacturing rubber articles, in particular tires or semi-finished products made of rubber intended for these tires, especially treads. The invention also relates, per se, to this synthetic magnesium hydroxide in the form of silica-covered wafers, and also to its use as a reinforcing filler, especially in a diene elastomer matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE S.A.
    Inventors: Arnaud Lapra, Franck Varagniat, Anne Veyland
  • Patent number: 9080041
    Abstract: A rubber composition used for forming a tread of a tire includes an elastomer matrix, a reinforcing filler, and a coupling agent. The elastomer matrix includes from 60 to 95 phr of at least one diene elastomer and from 5 to 40 phr of a polar thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). The polar TPE includes at least one elastomer block and one polar thermoplastic block selected from a homopolymer or copolymers of an alkylacrylic acid ester, with an alkyl radical containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms. The reinforcing filler includes a reinforcing inorganic filler. The presence of the polar TPE makes it possible to improve a compromise of wet grip and dry grip performances of the tread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignees: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN, MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE S.A.
    Inventors: Garance Lopitaux, Didier Vasseur, Franck Varagniat
  • Publication number: 20140350138
    Abstract: Rubber composition based on at least one reinforcing filler comprising a reinforcing inorganic filler, one plasticizing system composed of at least one plasticizing hydrocarbon resin and one liquid plasticizer, one elastomer which is a copolymer at least of isoprene and styrene bearing at least one SiOR functional group, R being hydrogen or a C1-C10 alkyl, C5-C18 cycloalkyl, C6-C18 aryl or C7-C18 aralkyl radical, and one coupling agent for bonding the inorganic filler to the elastomer. A tire, the tread of which comprises such a composition exhibits an improved wet grip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2012
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicants: COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN, MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE S.A.
    Inventors: Julien Cladiere, Franck Varagniat, Garance Lopitaux, Didier Vasseur
  • Patent number: 8461269
    Abstract: Rubber composition based on at least one diene elastomer, a polymer filler as reinforcing filler, a coupling agent providing the bond between the polymer filler and the elastomer. The polymer filler comprises nanoparticles of non-aromatic vinnyl polymer (“NAVP”) bearing a function Z of formula ?Si—X, X representing a hydroxyl or hydrolysable group. The NAVP is in particular a copolymer of methyl methacrylate, trimethoxysilylpropyl methacrylate and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, in the form of nanobeads the diameter of which is between 10 and 100 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Micheln Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventors: Franck Varagniat, Sylvie Gandon-Pain, Arnaud Lapra
  • Publication number: 20130005894
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a rubber composition that can advantageously be used for forming the tread of a tyre, which comprises: (a) an elastomer matrix comprising: from 60 to 95 phr of at least one diene elastomer and from 5 to 40 phr of a polar thermoplastic elastomer TPE comprising at least one elastomer block and one polar thermoplastic block selected from the homopolymer and copolymers of an alkylacrylic acid ester, the alkyl radical containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and (b) a reinforcing filler comprising a reinforcing inorganic filler, (c) a coupling agent. The presence of the polar thermoplastic elastomer makes it possible to improve the compromise of wet grip and dry grip performances of the tread.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicants: MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE S.A., COMPAGNIE GENERALE DES ETABLISSEMENTS MICHELIN
    Inventors: Garance Lopitaux, Didier Vasseur, Franck Varagniat
  • Publication number: 20120259043
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a rubber composition based on at least one elastomeric matrix comprising an epoxidized synthetic rubber (ESR) having an epoxy function content ranging from 7% to 25%, a reinforcing filler, of which at least 50% by weight of the reinforcing filler is constituted of an inorganic filler, and a plasticizing agent comprising a polar liquid plasticizer for the manufacture of a tyre tread having an improved compromise of properties: grip on wet ground/rolling resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: SOCIETE DE TECHNOLOGIE MICHELIN
    Inventors: Garance Lopitaux, Didier Vasseur, Franck Varagniat
  • Patent number: 7820771
    Abstract: Rubber composition based on at least one diene elastomer, a polymeric filler as reinforcing filler and a coupling agent for bonding between the polymeric filler and the elastomer. The polymeric filler includes nanoparticles of a polyvinylaromatic (PVAr) carrying a functional group denoted by Z of formula a ?Si—X, X representing a hydroxyl or hydrolyzable group. The PVAr is especially a copolymer of styrene, ethylvinylbenzene, divinylbenzene and trimethoxysilylpropylacrylate or trimethoxysilylpropylmethacrylate, being in the form of nanobeads, the diameter of which is between 10 and 100 nm. Also described is a method of obtaining such a composition, and use of such a rubber composition for the manufacture of rubber articles, in particular tires or rubber semi-finished products intended for these tires, as well as a masterbatch including at least one diene elastomer and such a polymeric filler, and a method of obtaining such a masterbatch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique S. A.
    Inventors: Arnaud Lapra, Sylvie Gandon-Pain, Franck Varagniat
  • Patent number: 7718717
    Abstract: A rubber composition usable for the manufacture of tyres, based on at least a diene elastomer, a reinforcing filler and a coupling agent, characterised in that said filler comprises a synthetic metal hydroxide covered with silica, the metal of the hydroxide being selected from the group consisting of Al, Fe, Mg and mixtures of these metals. Use as reinforcing filler, in a diene rubber composition, of such a metal hydroxide. The metal hydroxide is preferably constituted of aggregates (secondary particles) of anisometric form, the primary particles possibly themselves being of anisometric form, for example in the form of rods, which imparts to the compositions of the invention anisotropic properties which are advantageous for separating their mechanical properties. Use of such a rubber composition for the manufacture of rubber articles, in particular of tyres or semi-finished products made of rubber intended for these tyres, in particular of treads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Michelin Recherche Et Technique S.A.
    Inventors: Arnaud Lapra, Franck Varagniat, Anne Veyland
  • Publication number: 20100022714
    Abstract: Rubber composition based on at least one diene elastomer, a polymer filler as reinforcing filler, a coupling agent providing the bond between the polymer filler and the elastomer. The polymer filler comprises nanoparticles of non-aromatic vinnyl polymer (“NAVP”) bearing a function Z of formula ?Si—X, X representing a hydroxyl or hydrolysable group. The NAVP is in particular a copolymer of methyl methacrylate, trimethoxysilylpropyl methacrylate and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, in the form of nanobeads the diameter of which is between 10 and 100 nm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE S.A.
    Inventors: Franck Varagniat, Sylvie Gandon-Pain, Arnaud Lapra
  • Publication number: 20090297827
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rubber composition having improved vulcanisation kinetics, which can be used in particular for manufacturing tyres or semi-finished products for tyres, based on at least one diene elastomer, a reinforcing filler and a coupling agent providing the bond between filler and elastomer, characterized in that said reinforcing filler comprises synthetic magnesium hydroxide Mg(OH)2 wafers, covered with silica. The invention also relates to the use of such a composition for manufacturing rubber articles, in particular tyres or semi-finished products made of rubber intended for these tyres, especially treads. The invention also relates, per se, to this synthetic magnesium hydroxide in the form of silica-covered wafers, and also to its use as a reinforcing filler, especially in a diene elastomer matrix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 4, 2006
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE S.A.
    Inventors: Arnaud Lapra, Franck Varagniat, Anne Veyland
  • Patent number: 7470743
    Abstract: A crosslinkable or crosslinked rubber composition is described which includes a diene elastomer having a mass content of cyclic vinyl units of greater than 15%, and which may be used to form a tire tread. Also described is a tire tread and a tire incorporating the tread. The composition contains a linear or branched diene elastomer derived from at least one conjugated diene, and a reinforcing filler. The elastomer has cyclic vinyl units according to a mass content of greater than or equal to 15% and a number-average molecular weight of from 30,000 to 350,000 g/mol. The elastomer may be obtained by anionic polymerization of one or more monomers including a conjugated diene in an inert hydrocarbon solvent with a catalytic system including an organolithium initiator and a polar agent with several heteroatoms. The reaction may be performed batchwise where the polar agent:initiator molar ratio is greater than 8, or continuously where the polar agent:initiator molar ratio is greater than or equal to 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Cabioch, Laurent Coissieux, Jean-Michel Favrot, Franck Varagniat
  • Publication number: 20080275160
    Abstract: A crosslinkable or crosslinked rubber composition is described which includes a diene elastomer having a mass content of cyclic vinyl units of greater than 15%, and which may be used to form a tire tread. Also described is a tire tread and a tire incorporating the tread. The composition contains a linear or branched diene elastomer derived from at least one conjugated diene, and a reinforcing filler. The elastomer has cyclic vinyl units according to a mass content of greater than or equal to 15% and a number-average molecular weight of from 30,000 to 350,000 g/mol. The elastomer may be obtained by anionic polymerization of one or more monomers including a conjugated diene in an inert hydrocarbon solvent with a catalytic system including an organolithium initiator and a polar agent with several heteroatoms. The reaction may be performed batchwise where the polar agent:initiator molar ratio is greater than 8, or continuously where the polar agent:initiator molar ratio is greater than or equal to 3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Cabioch, Laurent Coissieux, Jean-Michel Favrot, Franck Varagniat
  • Publication number: 20080275159
    Abstract: A crosslinkable or crosslinked rubber composition is described which includes a diene elastomer having a mass content of cyclic vinyl units of greater than 15%, and which may be used to form a tire tread. Also described is a tire tread and a tire incorporating the tread. The composition contains a linear or branched diene elastomer derived from at least one conjugated diene, and a reinforcing filler. The elastomer has cyclic vinyl units according to a mass content of greater than or equal to 15% and a number-average molecular weight of from 30,000 to 350,000 g/mol. The elastomer may be obtained by anionic polymerization of one or more monomers including a conjugated diene in an inert hydrocarbon solvent with a catalytic system including an organolithium initiator and a polar agent with several heteroatoms. The reaction may be performed batchwise where the polar agent:initiator molar ratio is greater than 8, or continuously where the polar agent:initiator molar ratio is greater than or equal to 3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Cabioch, Laurent Coissieux, Jean-Michel Favrot, Franck Varagniat
  • Publication number: 20080132644
    Abstract: Rubber composition based on at least one diene elastomer, a polymeric filler as reinforcing filler and a coupling agent for bonding between the polymeric filler and the elastomer, characterized in that said polymeric filler comprises nanoparticles of a polyvinylaromatic (PVAr) carrying a functional group denoted by Z of formula ?Si—X, X representing a hydroxyl or hydrolyzable group. The PVAr is especially a copolymer of styrene, ethylvinylbenzene, divinylbenzene and trimethoxysilylpropyl(meth)acrylate, being in the form of nanobeads, the diameter of which is between 10 and 100 nm. This polymeric filler, thanks to a very low density, allows the weight of the compositions of the invention to be reduced without degrading the reinforcement, and with an appreciable reduction in hysteresis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: Michelin Recherche Et Technique S.A.
    Inventors: Arnaud Lapra, Sylvie Gandon-Pain, Franck Varagniat
  • Publication number: 20060009568
    Abstract: A crosslinkable or crosslinked rubber composition is described which includes a diene elastomer having a mass content of cyclic vinyl units of greater than 15%, and which may be used to form a tire tread. Also described is a tire tread and a tire incorporating the tread. The composition contains a linear or branched diene elastomer derived from at least one conjugated diene, and a reinforcing filler. The elastomer has cyclic vinyl units according to a mass content of greater than or equal to 15% and a number-average molecular weight of from 30,000 to 350,000 g/mol. The elastomer may be obtained by anionic polymerization of one or more monomers including a conjugated diene in an inert hydrocarbon solvent with a catalytic system including an organolithium initiator and a polar agent with several heteroatoms. The reaction may be performed batchwise where the polar agent:initiator molar ratio is greater than 8, or continuously where the polar agent:initiator molar ratio is greater than or equal to 3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2005
    Publication date: January 12, 2006
    Applicant: MICHELIN RECHERCHE ET TECHNIQUE S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Cabioch, Laurent Coissieux, Jean-Michel Favrot, Franck Varagniat