Patents by Inventor Gert Mueller

Gert Mueller 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).

  • Publication number: 20260152662
    Abstract: A fibrous insulation product with an extended uncured shelf life is disclosed comprising a plurality of randomly oriented fibers and a binder composition at least partially coating the fibers. The binder composition has a complex modulus at ambient temperature of no greater than 0.0004 MPa at a binder solids content of between 65% and 85%. The binder composition is free of added formaldehyde and is applied to the fibers as an aqueous binder composition comprising at least 20% by weight of a reactive diluent polyol, at least 30% by weight of a polymeric crosslinking agent comprising at least two carboxylic acid groups; and optionally, a protective agent. The reactive diluent polyol is substantially in liquid form at a solids content above 70% at ambient temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2025
    Publication date: June 4, 2026
    Inventors: Liang Chen, Charlotte Carita Pettersson, Gert Mueller, Xiujuan Zhang
  • Patent number: 12578051
    Abstract: An insulation product is disclosed comprising a plurality of glass fibers; and a cross-linked formaldehyde-free binder composition at least partially coating the glass fibers. The glass fibers have an average fiber diameter in the range of 8 HT (2.03 ?m) to 15 HT (3.81 ?m). At a density (x) between 0.3 pcf and 1.6 pcf, the insulation product may achieve a thermal conductivity (y) less than or equal to that which satisfies Formula (III): y=0.116x2?0.3002x+0.4219.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2026
    Assignee: Owens Corning Intellectual Capital, LLC
    Inventors: Larry Grant, Dan Gurr, Teno Boone, Chung-Ying Tsai, Liang Chen, Gert Mueller
  • Patent number: 12565568
    Abstract: An aqueous binder composition is disclosed that comprises at least one long-chain polyol having at least two hydroxyl groups and a number average molecular weight of at least 2,000 Daltons; a primary cross-linking agent comprising at least two carboxylic acid groups; and a secondary cross-linking agent comprising a short-chain polyol having at least two hydroxyl groups and a number average molecular weight less than 2,000 Daltons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2026
    Assignee: Owens Corning Intellectual Capital, LLC
    Inventors: Gert Mueller, Xiujuan Zhang, Liang Chen, Jose Mendez-Andino
  • Patent number: 12415874
    Abstract: An aqueous binder composition is disclosed that includes 5.0% by weight to 50.0% by weight of a monomeric polyol having at least four hydroxyl groups, based on the total solids content of the aqueous binder composition; and at least 50.0% by weight of a cross-linking agent comprising a polymeric polycarboxylic acid having at least two carboxylic acid groups, based on the total solids content of the aqueous binder composition. The aqueous binder composition includes a ratio of molar equivalents of carboxylic acid groups to hydroxyl groups is between 0.15/1.0 and 2.23/1 and has a pH of 2.2 to 4.0 and a viscosity at 40% solids and 25° C. of 10 cP to 60 cP.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2024
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2025
    Assignee: Owens Corning Intellectual Capital, LLC
    Inventors: Gert Mueller, Andrew Broderick, Xiujuan Zhang, Liang Chen
  • Patent number: 12359355
    Abstract: A fibrous insulation product is discloses comprising a plurality of randomly oriented fibers and a thermoset aqueous binder composition at least partially coating said fibers. The binder composition comprises at least one long-chain polyol having at least two hydroxyl groups and a number average molecular weight of at least 2,000 Daltons, a cross-linking agent comprising at least two carboxylic acid groups, and a short-chain polyol having at least two hydroxyl groups and a number average molecular weight less than 2,000 Daltons, wherein a ratio of long-chain polyol to short-chain polyol is from 0.1/0.9 to 0.9/0.1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2025
    Assignee: Owens Corning Intellectual Capital, LLC
    Inventors: Kendel Smith, Xiujuan Zhang, Gert Mueller
  • Patent number: 12338163
    Abstract: Disclosed are formaldehyde-free, thermally-curable, alkaline, aqueous binder compositions. Also disclosed are compositions comprising formaldehyde-free, thermally-curable binder compositions, as described herein, applied to non-woven fibers. Uses of the disclosed binder compositions as binders for non-woven fibers are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2025
    Assignees: Knauf Insulation, Inc., Knauf Insulation SPRL
    Inventors: Charles Fitch Appley, Gert Mueller
  • Patent number: 12297342
    Abstract: A fibrous insulation product comprising a plurality of randomly oriented glass fibers and a cross-linked formaldehyde-free binder composition at least partially coating the fibers is disclosed. The cross-linked formaldehyde-free binder composition is formed from an aqueous binder composition comprising 5.0% by weight to 37.0% by weight of at least one monomeric polyol having at least four hydroxyl groups and at least 50.0% by weight of a cross-linking agent comprising a polymeric polycarboxylic acid having at least two carboxylic acid groups, based on the total solids content of the aqueous binder composition. The glass fibers have an average fiber diameter in the range of 8 HT to 12 HT. The fibrous insulation product, after curing, has a density, when uncompressed, in the range of 0.30 pcf to 2.7 pcf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2025
    Assignee: Owens Corning Intellectual Capital, LLC
    Inventors: Gert Mueller, Andrew Broderick, Xiujuan Zhang, Liang Chen, Kendel Smith, Larry J. Grant, Ronald A. Houpt, Teno Boone, Toni Elwell Newsome
  • Publication number: 20250116039
    Abstract: A fibrous insulation product is provided comprising a nonwoven fiber mat including a plurality of fibers bound together by an aqueous binder composition comprising that includes a thermally degradable polyol; a crosslinking agent; and an acid/aldehyde. The binder composition is free of added formaldehyde.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2024
    Publication date: April 10, 2025
    Inventors: Gert Mueller, Xiujuan Zhang, Andrew Broderick, Loren Birdsall
  • Patent number: 12201992
    Abstract: Apparatus (1) for homogenization and separation of substance mixtures composed of particles, having two or more material discharges, wherein a rotating drum (5) is provided, which comminutes and homogenizes the substance mixture, on the one hand, and accelerates the particles in a predetermined direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2025
    Assignees: Key Machinery GmbH, Albert Huthmann GmbH & Co KG
    Inventor: Gert Mueller
  • Publication number: 20250002703
    Abstract: An aqueous binder composition is disclosed that comprises at least one long-chain polyol having at least two hydroxyl groups and a number average molecular weight of at least 2,000 Daltons; a primary cross-linking agent comprising at least two carboxylic acid groups; and a secondary cross-linking agent comprising a short-chain polyol having at least two hydroxyl groups and a number average molecular weight less than 2,000 Daltons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2024
    Publication date: January 2, 2025
    Inventors: Xiujuan Zhang, Gert Mueller, Kendel Smith
  • Publication number: 20240417496
    Abstract: An aqueous binder composition is disclosed that includes 5.0% by weight to 50.0% by weight of a monomeric polyol having at least four hydroxyl groups, based on the total solids content of the aqueous binder composition; and at least 50.0% by weight of a cross-linking agent comprising a polymeric polycarboxylic acid having at least two carboxylic acid groups, based on the total solids content of the aqueous binder composition. The aqueous binder composition includes a ratio of molar equivalents of carboxylic acid groups to hydroxyl groups is between 0.15/1.0 and 2.23/1 and has a pH of 2.2 to 4.0 and a viscosity at 40% solids and 25° C. of 10 cP to 60 cP.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2024
    Publication date: December 19, 2024
    Inventors: Gert Mueller, Andrew Broderick, Xiujuan Zhang, Liang Chen
  • Patent number: 12139599
    Abstract: An aqueous binder composition is disclosed that comprises at least one long-chain polyol having at least two hydroxyl groups and a number average molecular weight of at least 2,000 Daltons; a primary cross-linking agent comprising at least two carboxylic acid groups; and a secondary cross-linking agent comprising a short-chain polyol having at least two hydroxyl groups and a number average molecular weight less than 2,000 Daltons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2024
    Assignee: Owens Corning Intellectual Capital, LLC
    Inventors: Xiujuan Zhang, Gert Mueller, Kendel Smith
  • Publication number: 20240301985
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a mineral fibre thermal insulation product comprises the sequential steps of: Forming mineral fibres from a molten mineral mixture; Spraying a substantially formaldehyde free binder solution on to the mineral fibres, the binder solution comprising: a reducing sugar, an acid precursor derivable from an inorganic salt and a source of nitrogen; Collecting the mineral fibres to which the binder solution has been applied to form a batt of mineral fibres; and Curing the batt comprising the mineral fibres and the binder which is in contact with the mineral fibres by passing the batt through a curing oven so as to provide a batt of mineral fibres held together by a substantially water insoluble cured binder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2024
    Publication date: September 12, 2024
    Inventors: Carl HAMPSON, Gert MUELLER, Charles APPLEY
  • Publication number: 20240230016
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a mineral fibre thermal insulation product comprises the sequential steps of: Forming mineral fibres from a molten mineral mixture; Spraying a substantially formaldehyde free binder solution on to the mineral fibres, the binder solution comprising: a reducing sugar, an acid precursor derivable from an inorganic salt and a source of nitrogen; Collecting the mineral fibres to which the binder solution has been applied to form a batt of mineral fibres; and Curing the batt comprising the mineral fibres and the binder which is in contact with the mineral fibres by passing the batt through a curing oven so as to provide a batt of mineral fibres held together by a substantially water insoluble cured binder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2023
    Publication date: July 11, 2024
    Inventors: Carl HAMPSON, Gert MUELLER, Charles APPLEY
  • Publication number: 20240133508
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a mineral fibre thermal insulation product comprises the sequential steps of: Forming mineral fibres from a molten mineral mixture; Spraying a substantially formaldehyde free binder solution on to the mineral fibres, the binder solution comprising: a reducing sugar, an acid precursor derivable from an inorganic salt and a source of nitrogen; Collecting the mineral fibres to which the binder solution has been applied to form a batt of mineral fibres; and Curing the batt comprising the mineral fibres and the binder which is in contact with the mineral fibres by passing the batt through a curing oven so as to provide a batt of mineral fibres held together by a substantially water insoluble cured binder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2023
    Publication date: April 25, 2024
    Inventors: Carl HAMPSON, Gert MUELLER, Charles APPLEY
  • Publication number: 20240052966
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a mineral fibre thermal insulation product comprises the sequential steps of: Forming mineral fibres from a molten mineral mixture; Spraying a substantially formaldehyde free binder solution on to the mineral fibres, the binder solution comprising: a reducing sugar, an acid precursor derivable from an inorganic salt and a source of nitrogen; Collecting the mineral fibres to which the binder solution has been applied to form a batt of mineral fibres; and Curing the batt comprising the mineral fibres and the binder which is in contact with the mineral fibres by passing the batt through a curing oven so as to provide a batt of mineral fibres held together by a substantially water insoluble cured binder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2023
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Applicant: KNAUF INSULATION, INC.
    Inventors: Carl Hampson, Gert Mueller, Charles Appley
  • Patent number: 11846097
    Abstract: A fiber product is described which includes fibers, a binder and a temperature control additive. The fiber product has properties that make it useful for a variety of applications. The fibers may be glass fibers and the product may be a fiberglass insulation product for use in buildings, vehicles, or other structures for acoustic and/or thermal insulation. The fibers may be cellulosic fibers and the product may be a wood board product. The temperature control additive is incorporated into the uncured fiber product to prevent deleterious self-heating during or after binder curing. The temperature control additive undergoes an endothermic process that consumes at least a portion of the energy generated during the exothermic curing reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignees: Knauf Insulation, Inc., Knauf Insulation SPRL
    Inventors: Gert Mueller, Charles Fitch Appley
  • Publication number: 20230383893
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a mineral fibre thermal insulation product comprises the sequential steps of: Forming mineral fibres from a molten mineral mixture; Spraying a substantially formaldehyde free binder solution on to the mineral fibres, the binder solution comprising: a reducing sugar, an acid precursor derivable from an inorganic salt and a source of nitrogen; Collecting the mineral fibres to which the binder solution has been applied to form a batt of mineral fibres; and Curing the batt comprising the mineral fibres and the binder which is in contact with the mineral fibres by passing the batt through a curing oven so as to provide a batt of mineral fibres held together by a substantially water insoluble cured binder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2023
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Inventors: Carl Hampson, Gert Mueller, Charles Appley
  • Publication number: 20230348682
    Abstract: Aqueous binder compositions having improved performance are provided. The aqueous binder compositions include 15 to 70 wt.% of a polymeric polycarboxylic acid, an amount up to 30 wt.% of a monomeric polycarboxylic acid, and from 5 to 55 wt.% of a monomeric polyol having at least three hydroxyl groups, wherein each wt.% is based on the total solids content of the aqueous binder composition. With respect to the polymeric polycarboxylic acid, the monomeric polycarboxylic acid, and the monomeric polyol, the ratio of molar equivalents of hydroxyl groups to carboxylic acid groups is from 0.5:1 to 2.5:1. Additionally, the weight ratio of the polymeric polycarboxylic acid to the monomeric polycarboxylic is from 0.5:1 to 14:1. It has been found that the selection of a particular weight ratio of polymeric polycarboxylic acid to monomeric polycarboxylic acid provides the improved performance to the aqueous binder composition in comparison to other formaldehyde-free binder formulations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2023
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Inventors: Xiujuan Zhang, Gert Mueller, Liang Chen
  • Publication number: 20230288013
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a mineral fibre thermal insulation product comprises the sequential steps of: Forming mineral fibres from a molten mineral mixture; Spraying a substantially formaldehyde free binder solution on to the mineral fibres, the binder solution comprising: a reducing sugar, an acid precursor derivable from an inorganic salt and a source of nitrogen; Collecting the mineral fibres to which the binder solution has been applied to form a batt of mineral fibres; and Curing the batt comprising the mineral fibres and the binder which is in contact with the mineral fibres by passing the batt through a curing oven so as to provide a batt of mineral fibres held together by a substantially water insoluble cured binder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2023
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Inventors: Carl Hampson, Gert Mueller, Charles Appley