Patents by Inventor Hannu Mikkonen

Hannu Mikkonen 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: 20160186018
    Abstract: An adhesive composition and a method of producing the same. According to the present invention, a first adhesive component which comprises polyphenol and another adhesive component which comprises a starch derivative, are dissolved or dispersed in water. The polyphenol and the starch derivative are added into the water at a weight ratio which is approximately 1:50 . . . 50:1, in which case the quantities of polyphenol and starch derivative added are such that the dry matter percentage of the adhesive composition is at least 40% by weight. The composition according to the present invention is particularly suitable for gluing of fibrous, such as laminated or veneer-based products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Applicant: TEKNOLOGIAN TUTKIMUSKESKUS VTT
    Inventor: Hannu Mikkonen
  • Publication number: 20150148531
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the manufacture of carbonyl derivatives of polysaccharides and to the oxidization of polysaccharides in the presence of nitrogen dioxide to yield carbonyl derivatives of polysaccharides. The products including carbonyl derivatives of polysaccharides, obtained by the method are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: TEKNOLOGIAN TUTKIMUSKESKUS VTT
    Inventors: Hannu Mikkonen (deceased), Sauli Vuoti
  • Patent number: 8623504
    Abstract: Particles of a polysaccharide derivative, having at least one substituent with conjugated unsaturated bonds and exhibiting an index of refraction in excess of 1.50 and a method for the production thereof. In the method, the raw-material is suspended in an organic solvent to form a suspension, which is contacted with an organic reactant comprising a residue with conjugated unsaturated bonds; the raw-material and the organic reactant are reacted to form a derivative exhibiting ester or ether bond between the raw-material and the residue with conjugated unsaturated bonds; the polysaccharide derivative is dissolved in a solvent to form a solution; and the solution is contacted with a non-solvent to precipitate particles of the polysaccharide derivative. The invention provides lightweight, optically improved organic pigments and fillers based on renewable resources and which are recyclable by combustion or composting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Teknologian Tutkimuskeskus VTT
    Inventors: Hannu Mikkonen, Kaisa Putkisto, Soili Peltonen, Sari Hyvärinen, Kimmo Koivunen
  • Patent number: 8597432
    Abstract: A material which is suitable as filler or coating pigment for a fibrous web and a method for manufacturing thereof. According to the method, a feed comprising organic polymer material is cooled to at least approximately ?50° C., after which it is refined in a jet refiner to a desired particle size. The present invention generates uniform pigment particles which comprise, for instance, starch esters, and which particles have a porous surface structure, in which case they are suitable for instance as coating pigments and fillers for offset and ink-jet papers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Valtion Teknillinen Tutkimuskeskus
    Inventors: Hannu Mikkonen, Mauno Miettinen, Kirsi Kataja, Saija Luukkanen, Soili Peltonen, Pia Qvintus-Leino
  • Patent number: 8597422
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a light, biodegradable, organic pigment and filler, and a method of manufacturing it. According to the present invention, a solution comprising a starch derivative is first prepared by dissolving the starch derivative into a suitable solvent, and, after that, the solution is brought into contact with a non-solvent to precipitate the starch derivative from the solvent, and, as a result, a dispersion is obtained, one which comprises a precipitate consisting of starch derivative and a liquid phase formed of the solvent and the non-solvent, after which the solvent is removed from the liquid phase and the precipitate is separated from the non-solvent and recovered. The present invention can be used to manufacture both a product comprising 100-300 nm spherical particles, which is suitable for use as a pigment, and a coral-like, porous product which is particularly suitable as a filler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Valtion Teknillinen Tutkimuskeskus
    Inventors: Soili Peltonen, Hannu Mikkonen, Pia Qvintus-Leino, Petri Varjos, Kirsi Kataja
  • Patent number: 8119792
    Abstract: The invention relates to novel transglycosylation products and their preparation. The transglycosylation products according to the invention are prepared from starch derivatives, such as esters or ethers of starch. The products are obtained by reacting a starch derivative with an alcohol in the presence of an acid catalyst. The forming product is separated by precipitation or by removing any unreacted alcohol by evaporation. In the products according to the invention the good properties of starch derivatives, such as the excellent water resistance of esters, are combined with the versatility of transglycoside products. The products can be used as adhesives, in which case they are formulated, for example as hot-melt adhesives, and as comonomers, prepolymers or macroinitiators in the preparation of polymers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Valtion Teknillinen Tutkimuskeskus
    Inventors: Soili Peltonen, Hannu Mikkonen, Thomas Gädda
  • Publication number: 20120003477
    Abstract: Particles of a polysaccharide derivative, having at least one substituent with conjugated unsaturated bonds and exhibiting an index of refraction in excess of 1.50 and a method for the production thereof. In the method, the raw-material is suspended in an organic solvent to form a suspension, which is contacted with an organic reactant comprising a residue with conjugated unsaturated bonds; the raw-material and the organic reactant are reacted to form a derivative exhibiting ester or ether bond between the raw-material and the residue with conjugated unsaturated bonds; the polysaccharide derivative is dissolved in a solvent to form a solution; and the solution is contacted with a non-solvent to precipitate particles of the polysaccharide derivative invention provides lightweight, optically improved organic pigments and fillers based on renewable resources and which are recyclable by combustion or composting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: TEKNOLOGIAN TUTKIMUSKESKUS VTT
    Inventors: Hannu Mikkonen, Kaisa Putkisto, Soili Peltonen, Sari Hyvärinen, Kimmo Koivunen
  • Publication number: 20110256362
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a modified fibrous product and a method of producing the same. According to the method, transparent areas are generated in the fibrous product, such as in a paper or a cardboard sheet or in a paper or a cardboard web. According to the present invention, a carbohydrate derivative that includes a plasticizer is incorporated into the fibrous product, and the carbohydrate derivative, which is plasticized with the plasticizer, is brought, in a liquid state and under pressure, to migrate in between the fibres of the product in such a way that at least part of the plasticizer penetrates into the lumens of the fibres, in which case the fibrous product becomes transparent in the treated area. By using the solution, it is possible to simplify the method of further processing paper or cardboard for consumer packages. The present invention can be applied to, among other products, envelopes having a window through which the address is visible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: TEKNOLOGIAN TUTKIMUSKESKUS VTT
    Inventors: Hannu Mikkonen, Tero Malm, Vesa Kunnari, Elias Retulainen
  • Patent number: 7932378
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing transglycosylation products. According to the process, a starch derivative is reacted at acidic conditions with an alkanol containing 1-6 hydroxyl groups and the reaction product is recovered as such or it is subjected to further processing. According to the method, the transglycosylation reaction between the starch derivatives and the alkanol is carried out in a reactive extrusion process, whereby the reaction can essentially be performed in the absence of liquid media at high yield. The invention also relates to new transglycosylation products of starch derivative, containing anions derived from a phosphorus-containing acid, which are chemically bonded to the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Valtion Teknillinen Tutkimuskeskus
    Inventors: Hannu Mikkonen, Kyösti Valta, Eino Sivonen, Soili Peltonen
  • Publication number: 20110046365
    Abstract: A transglycosylation product, a method of producing the same and use of the product. The transglycosylation product comprises an alkyl or hydroxyalkyl glycoside of a cellulose ester or ether, wherein the alkyl or hydroxyalkyl groups of the glycoside residue comprise a carbon chain having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and having 0 to 2 free hydroxyl groups and being attached to the 1-carbon of the anhydroglucose unit via an oxy group. The product can be produced by mixing the cellulose derivative with mono-, di- or triol to form a reaction mixture, after which the reaction mixture is heated and the reaction is continued until a clear mixture is obtained. After cooling the recoverable product is suitable for use for example as an adhesive or as a hydrophobic coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: VALTION TEKNILLINEN TUTKIMUSKESKUS
    Inventors: Hannu Mikkonen, Soili Peltonen, Aki Laine, Kyösti Valta, Eino Sivonen, Tero Malm, Juha Sarlin
  • Publication number: 20100261807
    Abstract: An aqueous dispersion comprising a non-settling colloidal hemicellulose ester polymer in water and a method of producing the same. In the method an esterified hemicellulose is provided wherein at least a part of the esterifying groups are derived from a lower alkanoic acid; the esterified hemicellulose is dissolved in an alkanoic acid to produce a solution; and the solution is dispersed into water to produce an aqueous dispersion of the hemicellulose ester. The present compositions, containing hemicellulose derivatives of low solubility, can be used in paper, paperboard and other fibre-based materials, for paints, surface treatments for polymer films, and polymer films as such, and can be applied as binders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventors: Christiane Laine, Soili Peltonen, Sari Hyvarinen, Bjorn Krogerus, Hannu Mikkonen, Heikki Pajari, Mika Vaha-Nissi
  • Patent number: 7687477
    Abstract: A polymer dispersion or solution containing a hydrophobic polysaccharide, which is dispersed or dissolved in liquid phase, and plasticizer composition of the polysaccharide, whereby at least 10% by weight of the plasticizer composition is formed from alkenyl succinic anhydride. The invention also relates to the preparation of polymer dispersions and solutions and to the films and coatings produced from them. The dispersions according to the invention are stable, and coating with excellent film-forming properties can be prepared from them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Valtion Teknillinen Tutkimuskeskus
    Inventors: Hannu Mikkonen, Maarit Tarvainen, Soili Peltonen, Timo Petteri Paronen
  • Publication number: 20100009168
    Abstract: A coated paper or board product and a method of manufacturing the same. The product comprises a base layer made of paper or board, with at least one coating layer containing at least one polysaccharide-based pigment, and at least one polymer layer being spread on top of it. The invention can considerably improve the adhesion of the coating and the polymer layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Applicant: Vuorimiehentie 3
    Inventors: Jaakko Raukola, Soili Peltonen, Hannu Mikkonen, Pia Qvintus-Leino
  • Publication number: 20090255441
    Abstract: A material which is suitable as filler or coating pigment for a fibrous web and a method for manufacturing thereof. According to the method, a feed comprising organic polymer material is cooled to at least approximately ?50° C., after which it is refined in a jet refiner to a desired particle size. The present invention generates uniform pigment particles which comprise, for instance, starch esters, and which particles have a porous surface structure, in which case they are suitable for instance as coating pigments and fillers for offset and ink-jet papers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: Valtion Teknillinen Tutkimuskeskus
    Inventors: Hannu Mikkonen, Mauno Miettinen, Kirsi Kataja, Saija Luukkanen, Soili Peltonen, Pia Qvintus-Leino
  • Patent number: 7264666
    Abstract: The invention relates to an adhesive formulation that comprises a starch-based adhesive dissolved in water. According to the invention the adhesive is made up of a native starch transglycosylation product and the solids content of the adhesive formulation is at least 45% by weight. The invention also relates to a method for preparing such adhesive formulations and to the use of the adhesives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Valtion teknillinen tutkimuskeskus
    Inventors: Soili Peltonen, Hannu Mikkonen
  • Publication number: 20070164468
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for producing fibre composites. In particular, the invention provides a novel way of producing biodegradable composites comprising a hydrophobic polymer material and a reinforcing component of fibres derived from plant materials. Composite material produced by means of the present invention has improved strength properties and enhanced adhesion between the bifunctional fibre and the natural or synthetic polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Publication date: July 19, 2007
    Applicant: VALTION TEKNILLINEN TUTKIMUSKESKUS
    Inventors: Johanna Buchert, Stina Gronqvist, Hannu Mikkonen, Tarja Oksanen, Soili Peltonen, Anna Suurnakki, Liisa Viikari
  • Publication number: 20070163737
    Abstract: A porous, starch-based pigment and filler product, which comprises a foam, which contains foam bubbles, the average size of which is less than approximately 10 micrometres, and a method of manufacturing it. From the starch, microporous foam can be prepared, which can be stabilized to microcapsules. By means of a suitable choice of the inner diameter and the wall thickness of these capsules the light scattering ability of the material is maximized, which means that the structure has good opacity properties. Good strength properties in relation to the capsule mass is also characteristic of the micro capsule structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Publication date: July 19, 2007
    Applicant: Valtion Teknillinen Tutkimuskeskus
    Inventors: Allan Johansson, Pia Qvintus-Leino, Petri Varjos, Soili Peltonen, Hannu Mikkonen, Mauno Miettinen, Saija Luukkanen
  • Publication number: 20070143932
    Abstract: The present invention relates to fibre compositions. In particular, the present invention concerns a process for producing a fibre composition comprising a lignocellulosic fibre material and a synthetic, electrically conductive polymer formed by polymerized monomers. The invention provides for good adhesion between the fibre matrix and the polymer, because the monomer is polymerized directly on the fibre. The conductivity of the polymer is improved and the electrical properties and conductivity levels of the modified fibre can be adjusted by changing the amounts of the electrically conductive polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Publication date: June 28, 2007
    Inventors: Johanna Buchert, Stina Gronqvist, Liisa Viikari, Anna Suurnakki, Hannu Mikkonen
  • Publication number: 20070131362
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for modifying a lignocellulosic fibre material. In particular, the present invention gives new properties to the fibrous matrix of the material. This is achieved by producing fibrous products with modified properties by activating the fibres of the matrix with an oxidizing agent and attaching compounds to the activated fibre in order to incorporate desired, pre-selected properties in to the fibre matrix. The invention makes possible to produce novel kinds of fibrous materials having practically a large variety of properties. Examples of such properties include hydrophobic hydrophilic character.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Publication date: June 14, 2007
    Applicant: VALTION TEKNILLINEN TUTKIMUSKESKUS
    Inventors: Johanna Buchert, Hannu Mikkonen, Soili Peltonen, Liisa Viikari, Stina Gronqvist, Tarja Oksanen, Anna Suurnakki
  • Publication number: 20070101904
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a light, biodegradable, organic pigment and filler, and a method of manufacturing it. According to the present invention, a solution comprising a starch derivative is first prepared by dissolving the starch derivative into a suitable solvent, and, after that, the solution is brought into contact with a non-solvent to precipitate the starch derivative from the solvent, and, as a result, a dispersion is obtained, one which comprises a precipitate consisting of starch derivative and a liquid phase formed of the solvent and the non-solvent, after which the solvent is removed from the liquid phase and the precipitate is separated from the non-solvent and recovered. The present invention can be used to manufacture both a product comprising 100-300 nm spherical particles, which is suitable for use as a pigment, and a coral-like, porous product which is particularly suitable as a filler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Publication date: May 10, 2007
    Applicant: Valtion Teknillinen Tutkimuskeskus
    Inventors: Soili Peltonen, Hannu Mikkonen, Pia Qvintus-Leino, Petri Varjos, Kirsi Kataja