Patents by Inventor Ian MacMillan Ward

Ian MacMillan Ward 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: 20210008850
    Abstract: A process for the production of a polymeric article directed to (a)forming apply having successive layers, namely, (i) a first layer made up of strands of an oriented polymer material; (ii)a second layer of a polymeric material; (iii)a third layer made up of strands of an oriented polymeric material, wherein the second layer has a lower peak melting temperature that of the first and third layers; (b)subjecting the ply to conditions of time, temperature, and pressure sufficient to melt a proportion of the firsts layer to melt the second layer entirely, and to melt a proportion of the third layer, and to compact the ply; and (c)cooling the compacted ply. The resultant articles have good mechanical properties yet may be made at a lower compaction temperature than articles not employing the second layer, leading to a more controllable manufacturing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2020
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Applicant: Propex Operating Company, LLC
    Inventors: Ian MacMillan WARD, Peter John HINE, Keith Norris
  • Patent number: 10850479
    Abstract: A process for the production of a polymeric article directed to (a) forming a ply having successive layers, namely, (i) a first layer made up of strands of an oriented polymer material; (ii) a second layer of a polymeric material; (iii) a third layer made up of strands of an oriented polymeric material, wherein the second layer has a lower peak melting temperature that of the first and third layers; (b) subjecting the ply to conditions of time, temperature, and pressure sufficient to melt a proportion of the firsts layer to melt the second layer entirely, and to melt a proportion of the third layer, and to compact the ply; and (c) cooling the compacted ply. The resultant articles have good mechanical properties yet may be made at a lower compaction temperature than articles not employing the second layer, leading to a more controllable manufacturing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: CANCO HUNGARY INVESTMENT LTD.
    Inventors: Ian MacMillan Ward, Peter John Hine, Keith Norris
  • Publication number: 20180126708
    Abstract: A process for the production of a polymeric article directed to (a) forming a ply having successive layers, namely, (i) a first layer made up of strands of an oriented polymer material; (ii) a second layer of a polymeric material; (iii) a third layer made up of strands of an oriented polymeric material, wherein the second layer has a lower peak melting temperature that of the first and third layers; (b) subjecting the ply to conditions of time, temperature, and pressure sufficient to melt a proportion of the firsts layer to melt the second layer entirely, and to melt a proportion of the third layer, and to compact the ply; and (c) cooling the compacted ply. The resultant articles have good mechanical properties yet may be made at a lower compaction temperature than articles not employing the second layer, leading to a more controllable manufacturing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Applicant: Propex Operating Company, LLC
    Inventors: Ian MacMillan Ward, Peter John Hine, Keith Norris
  • Patent number: 9873239
    Abstract: A process for the production of a polymeric article directed to (a) forming a ply having successive layers, namely, (i) a first layer made up of strands of an oriented polymer material; (ii) a second layer of a polymeric material; (iii) a third layer made up of strands of an oriented polymeric material, wherein the second layer has a lower peak melting temperature that of the first and third layers; (b) subjecting the ply to conditions of time, temperature, and pressure sufficient to melt a proportion of the firsts layer to melt the second layer entirely, and to melt a proportion of the third layer, and to compact the ply; and (c) cooling the compacted ply. The resultant articles have good mechanical properties yet may be made at a lower compaction temperature than articles not employing the second layer, leading to a more controllable manufacturing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Propex Operating Company, LLC
    Inventors: Ian MacMillan Ward, Peter John Hine, Keith Norris
  • Patent number: 9763709
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a shape memory polymer material containing at least one two dimensional region having a first amount of stored stress in a first direction and a second amount of stored stress higher than the first amount of stored stress in a second direction, wherein the two dimensional region is capable of changing shape in only one of the first or second directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Horacio Montes De Oca Balderas, Malcolm Brown, Mark Bonner, Ian MacMillan Ward, Michael Andrew Hall, John Rose, Mason James Bettenga
  • Patent number: 9556540
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for making an opaque and glossy film from a thermoplastic polyester composition, comprising the steps of a) extruding the polyester composition through a slot die, and quenching to form a substantially amorphous film having a crystallinity of at most 5%; b) rapidly heating the amorphous film to a drawing temperature in the range from Tg to (Tg+50)° C. while applying a draw ratio in the range of from ?initiation to ?max. in longitudinal direction, and a drawing rate of at least 1 m/min to form an oriented film showing stress-whitening, wherein ?initiation is the draw ratio at which a transfer from a transparent product to a stress-whitened product occurs and ?max. is the draw ratio at which failure of the stress whitened film occurs; and c) heat-setting the oriented stress-whitened film; the thermoplastic polyester composition substantially consisting of at least one crystallizable polyester derived from at least one aliphatic diol and at least one aromatic dicarboxylic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: SAUDI BASIC INDUSTRIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Zahir Bashir, Ian MacMillan Ward, Glen Peter Thompson, Anthony Paul Unwin
  • Publication number: 20160303835
    Abstract: A process for the production of a polymeric article directed to (a) forming a ply having successive layers, namely, (i) a first layer made up of strands of an oriented polymer material; (ii) a second layer of a polymeric material; (iii) a third layer made up of strands of an oriented polymeric material, wherein the second layer has a lower peak melting temperature that of the first and third layers; (b) subjecting the ply to conditions of time, temperature, and pressure sufficient to melt a proportion of the firsts layer to melt the second layer entirely, and to melt a proportion of the third layer, and to compact the ply; and (c) cooling the compacted ply. The resultant articles have good mechanical properties yet may be made at a lower compaction temperature than articles not employing the second layer, leading to a more controllable manufacturing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Ian MacMillan WARD, Peter John Hine, Keith Norris
  • Patent number: 9403341
    Abstract: A process for the production of a polymeric article comprises: (a) forming a ply having successive layers, namely, (i) a first layer made up of strands of an oriented polymer material; (ii) a second layer of a polymeric material; (iii) a third layer made up of strands of an oriented polymeric material, wherein the second layer has a lower peak melting temperature that of the first and third layers; (b) subjecting the ply to conditions of time, temperature, and pressure sufficient to melt a proportion of the fits layer, to melt the second layer entirely, and to melt a proportion of the third layer, and to compact the ply; and (c) cooling the compacted ply. The resultant articles have good mechanical properties yet may be made at a lower compaction temperature than articles not employing the second layer, leading to a more controllable manufacturing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Propex Operating Company LLC
    Inventors: Ian MacMillan Ward, Peter John Hine, Keith Norris
  • Publication number: 20150123314
    Abstract: The present invention relates at least in part to methods for the manufacture of shape memory polymer (SMP) materials. Particularly, although not exclusive, the present invention relates to processes for the formation of complex shaped devices composed of shape memory polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: Smith & Nephew PLC
    Inventors: Malcolm Brown, Horacio Montes de Oca Balderas, Michael Andrew Hall, Alan William Bull, David Franklin Farrar, Philip Caton-Rose, Philip David Coates, Glen Thompson, Michael Martyn, Ian MacMillan Ward, Mark James Bonner, Peter John Hine, Paul Unwin, Michael Woodhead
  • Publication number: 20150073476
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising shape memory polymer (SMP) materials and uses thereof. Particularly, although not exclusively, the present invention relates to biocompatible shape memory polymer (SMP) materials and uses thereof in the medical field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Malcolm Brown, Horacio Montes de Oca Balderas, Michael Andrew Hall, Alan William Bull, David Franklin Farrar, Philip Caton-Rose, Philip David Coates, Glen Thompson, Michael Martyn, Ian MacMillan Ward, Mark James Bonner, Peter John Hine, Paul Unwin, Robin Anthony Chivers, Michael Woodhead
  • Publication number: 20150017407
    Abstract: A process for the production of a polymeric article comprises: (a) forming a ply having successive layers, namely, (i) a first layer made up of strands of an oriented polymer material; (ii) a second layer of a polymeric material; (iii) a third layer made up of strands of an oriented polymeric material, wherein the second layer has a lower peak melting temperature that of the first and third layers; (b) subjecting the ply to conditions of time, temperature, and pressure sufficient to melt a proportion of the fits layer, to melt the second layer entirely, and to melt a proportion of the third layer, and to compact the ply; and (c) cooling the compacted ply. The resultant articles have good mechanical properties yet may be made at a lower compaction temperature than articles not employing the second layer, leading to a more controllable manufacturing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Ian MacMillan Ward, Peter John Hine, Keith Norris
  • Patent number: 8871333
    Abstract: A process for the production of a polymeric article comprises: (a) forming a ply having successive layers, namely, (i) a first layer made up of strands of an oriented polymer material; (ii) a second layer of a polymeric material; (iii) a third layer made up of strands of an oriented polymeric material, wherein the second layer has a lower peak melting temperature that of the first and third layers; (b) subjecting the ply to conditions of time, temperature, and pressure sufficient to melt a proportion of the fits layer, to melt the second layer entirely, and to melt a proportion of the third layer, and to compact the ply; and (c) cooling the compacted ply. The resultant articles have good mechanical properties yet may be made at a lower compaction temperature than articles not employing the second layer, leading to a more controllable manufacturing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Inventors: Ian MacMillan Ward, Peter John Hine, Keith Norris
  • Publication number: 20140257414
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a shape memory polymer material containing at least one two dimensional region having a first amount of stored stress in a first direction and a second amount of stored stress higher than the first amount of stored stress in a second direction, wherein the two dimensional region is capable of changing shape in only one of the first or second directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Horacio Montes De Oca Balderas, Malcolm Brown, Mark Bonner, Ian MacMillan Ward, Michael Andrew Hall, John Rose, Mason James Bettenga
  • Patent number: 8747976
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a shape memory polymer material containing at least one two dimensional region having a first amount of stored stress in a first direction and a second amount of stored stress higher than the first amount of stored stress in a second direction, wherein the two dimensional region is capable of changing shape in only one of the first or second directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Horacio Montes De Oca Balderas, Malcolm Brown, Mark Bonner, Ian Macmillan Ward, Michael Andrew Hall, John Rose, Mason James Bettenga
  • Publication number: 20130029108
    Abstract: A process for the production of a polymeric article comprises: (a) forming a ply having successive layers, namely, (i) a first layer made up of strands of an oriented polymer material; (ii) a second layer of a polymeric material; (iii) a third layer made up of strands of an oriented polymeric material, wherein the second layer has a lower peak melting temperature that of the first and third layers; (b) subjecting the ply to conditions of time, temperature, and pressure sufficient to melt a proportion of the fits layer, to melt the second layer entirely, and to melt a proportion of the third layer, and to compact the ply; and (c) cooling the compacted ply. The resultant articles have good mechanical properties yet may be made at a lower compaction temperature than articles not employing the second layer, leading to a more controllable manufacturing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: Propex Operating Company LLC
    Inventors: Ian MacMillan Ward, Peter John Hine, Keith Norris
  • Patent number: 8349422
    Abstract: The invention relates to a Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container (FIBC) having a body made of flexible woven fabric, and integral handling devices, wherein the fabric is woven from opaque oriented polyethylene terephthalate (PET) strips having a density of from 500 to 1300 kg/m3 and a tensile strength of at least 250 MPa. Advantages of said FIBC include directly printability with the usual type of inks, giving excellent contrast and good adhesion, without pre-treatment like a corona- or flame-treatment. The FIBC based on the PET fabric also shows higher gloss; better UV resistance; better mechanical properties, like high tensile strength and creep resistance; favorable abrasion resistance; and higher temperature resistance than a conventional big bag based on polypropylene strips. The invention further relates to such a FIBC based on stress-whitened PET tapes obtained by a special drawing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Saudi Basic Industries Corporation
    Inventors: Zahir Bashir, Ian Macmillan Ward, Glen Peter Thompson, Anthony Paul Unwin
  • Patent number: 8268439
    Abstract: A process for the production of a polymeric article comprises the steps of: (a) forming a ply having successive layers, namely (ii) a first layer made up of strands of an oriented polymeric material; (ii) a second layer of a polymeric material; (iii) a third layer made up of strands of an oriented polymeric material, wherein the second layer has a lower peak melting temperature than that of the first and third layers; (b) subjecting the ply to conditions of time, temperature and pressure sufficient to melt a proportion of the first layer, to melt the second layer entirely, and to melt a proportion of the third layer; and to compact the ply; and (c) cooling the compacted ply. The resultant articles have good mechanical properties yet may be made at lower compaction temperatures than articles not employing the second layer, leading to a more controllable manufacturing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Propex Operating Company, LLC
    Inventors: Ian MacMillan Ward, Peter John Hine, Keith Norris
  • Publication number: 20120094094
    Abstract: A process for the production of a polymeric article comprises the steps of: (a) forming a ply having successive layers, namely (ii) a first layer made up of strands of an oriented polymeric material; (ii) a second layer of a polymeric material; (iii) a third layer made up of strands of an oriented polymeric material, wherein the second layer has a lower peak melting temperature than that of the first and third layers; (b) subjecting the ply to conditions of time, temperature and pressure sufficient to melt a proportion of the first layer, to melt the second layer entirely, and to melt a proportion of the third layer; and to compact the ply; and (c) cooling the compacted ply. The resultant articles have good mechanical properties yet may be made at lower compaction temperatures than articles not employing the second layer, leading to a more controllable manufacturing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: Propex Operating Company LLC.
    Inventors: Ian MacMillan Ward, Peter John Hine, Keith Norris
  • Patent number: 8052913
    Abstract: Process for the production of a polymeric article by: (a) forming a ply having successive layers, namely (i) a first layer made up of strands of an oriented polymeric material; (ii) a second layer of a polymeric material; (iii) a third layer made up of strands of an oriented polymeric material, wherein the second layer has a lower peak melting temperature than that of the first and third layers; (b) subjecting the ply to conditions of time, temperature and pressure sufficient to melt a proportion of the first layer, to melt the second layer entirely, and to melt a proportion of the third layer; and to compact the ply; and (c) cooling the compacted ply. The resultant articles have good mechanical properties yet may be made at lower compaction temperatures than articles not employing the second layer, leading to a more controllable manufacturing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Propex Operating Company LLC
    Inventors: Ian MacMillan Ward, Peter John Hine, Keith Norris
  • Publication number: 20100280559
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a shape memory polymer material containing at least one two dimensional region having a first amount of stored stress in a first direction and a second amount of stored stress higher than the first amount of stored stress in a second direction, wherein the two dimensional region is capable of changing shape in only one of the first or second directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: SMITH & NEPHEW, INC.
    Inventors: Horacio Montes De Oca Balderas, Malcolm Brown, Mark Bonner, Ian MacMillan Ward, Michael Andrew Hall, John Rose, Mason James Bettenga