Patents by Inventor J. Richard Pratt

J. Richard Pratt 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: 5455327
    Abstract: Two monomers containing meta-biphenylenedioxy moieties were prepared. One monomer, a diamine, is used to prepare polyimide, polyamide, and epoxy polymers. The other monomer, a dianhydride, was used to prepare polyimide polymers. These polymers are used to make films, coatings, and selective membranes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Terry L. St. Clair, J. Richard Pratt
  • Patent number: 5272248
    Abstract: A process for preparing polyamides having enhanced melt flow properties is described. The process consists of heating a mixture of a high molecular weight poly(amic acid) or polyimide with a low molecular weight amic acid or imide additive in the range of 0.05 to 15% by weight of additive. The polyimide powders so obtained show improved processability, as evidenced by lower melt viscosity by capillary rheometry. Likewise, films prepared from mixtures of polymers with additives show improved processability with earlier onset of stretching by TMA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: J. Richard Pratt, Terry L. St. Clair, Diane M. Stoakley, Harold D. Burks
  • Patent number: 5218083
    Abstract: High performance, thermooxidatively stable polyimides are prepared by reacting aromatic diamines with pendant trifluoromethyl groups and dianhydrides in an amide solvent to form a poly(amic acid), followed by cyclizing the poly(amic acid) to form the corresponding polyimide, which has the following general structure: ##STR1##
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Margaret K. Gerber, Terry L. St. Clair, J. Richard Pratt, Anne K. St. Clair
  • Patent number: 5218077
    Abstract: A high-temperature stable, highly optically transparent-to-colorless, low dielectric linear aromatic polyimide is prepared by reacting an aromatic diamine with 3,3'bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)diphenylmethane dianhydride in an amide solvent to form a linear aromatic polyamic acid. This polyamic acid is then cyclized to form the corresponding polyimide, which has the following general structural formula: ##STR1## wherein Ar is any aromatic or substituted aromatic group, and n is 10-100.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Anne K. St. Clair, Harold G. Boston, J. Richard Pratt
  • Patent number: 5116939
    Abstract: A process for preparing polyimides having enhanced melt flow properties is described. The process consists of heating a mixture of a high molecular weight poly(amic acid) or polyimide with a low molecular weight amic acid or imide additive in the range of 0.05 to 15% by weight of additive. The polyimide powders so obtained show improved processability, as evidenced by lower melt viscosity by capillary rheometry. Likewise, films prepared from mixtures of polymers with additives show improved processability with earlier onset of stretching by TMA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: James C. Fletcher, J. Richard Pratt, Terry L. St. Clair, Diane M. Stoakley, Harold D. Burks
  • Patent number: 5093453
    Abstract: A high-temperature stable, optically transparent, low dielectric aromatic polyimide is prepared by chemically combining equimolar quantities of an aromatic dianhydride reactant and an aromatic diamine reactant, which are selected so that one reactant contains at least one Si(CH.sub.3).sub.2 group in its molecular structure, and the other reactant contains at least one --CH.sub.3 group in its molecular structure. The reactants are chemically combined in a solvent medium to form a solution of a high molecular weight polyamic acid, which is then converted to the corresponding polyimide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Assignee: Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Anne K. St. Clair, Terry L. St. Clair, J. Richard Pratt
  • Patent number: 4937317
    Abstract: A high temperature polyimide composition prepared by reacting 4,4'-isophthaloyldiphthalic anhydride with metaphenylenediamine is employed to prepare matrix resins, adhesives, films, coatings, moldings, and laminates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1990
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: J. Richard Pratt, Terry L. St. Clair, Donald J. Progar
  • Patent number: 4713439
    Abstract: A novel series of polymers and copolymers based on a polyimide backbone with the incorporation of carbonate moieties along the backbone. The process for preparing these polymers and copolymers is also disclosed as is a novel series of dinitrodiphenyl carbonates and diaminodiphenyl carbonates. The novel polymers and copolymers exhibit high temperature capability and because of the carbonate unit, many exhibit a high degree of order and/or crystallinity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1987
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Terry L. St. Clair, Shubha Maudgal, J. Richard Pratt