Patents by Inventor J. Wayne Martin
J. Wayne Martin 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).
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Patent number: 9815223Abstract: Described herein are extrusion processes to produce hollow pellets. Also disclosed are pelletizer devices that can be used to produce the hollow pellets. The processes and devices make use of an extrusion die having a die orifice and an insert that is placed in the die orifice to produce the hollow pellets.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2014Date of Patent: November 14, 2017Assignee: GALA INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventors: J. Wayne Martin, Michael A. Fridley, Michael Eloo
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Publication number: 20170239843Abstract: An apparatus and process to maintain control of the temperature of low-melting compounds, high melt flow polymers, and thermally sensitive materials for the pelletization of such materials. The addition of a cooling extruder, and a second melt cooler if desired, in advance of the die plate provides for regulation of the thermal, shear, and rheological characteristics of narrow melting-range materials and polymeric mixtures, formulations, dispersions or solutions. The apparatus and process can then be highly regulated to produce consistent, uniform pellets of low moisture content for these otherwise difficult materials to pelletize.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2014Publication date: August 24, 2017Applicant: Gala Industries, Inc.Inventors: Duane A. BOOTHE, J. Wayne MARTIN, Roger B. WRIGHT
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Patent number: 9649802Abstract: An apparatus and method for the pelletization of waxes, wax-like and other materials having a sharp melt point include a vessel for forming the wax into a hot molten material. A heat exchanger then cools the molten wax to a temperature just above its melt temperature. The cooled liquid wax is fed to an extruder which further reduces the temperature and mixes the liquid wax into a thoroughly mixed extrudable solid wax. The solid wax is then extruded through die orifices of a die plate into a cutting chamber, and a rotary cutter cooperating with the die face of the die plate cuts the extruded solid wax strands into pellets. The die plate, cutting chamber and rotary cutter can have the same structure as an underwater pelletizer, but operating without water or liquid as a dry face pelletizer. The thus formed wax pellets drop out of the cutting chamber by gravity through an opening in the bottom thereof.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2013Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: GALA INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventors: Boonlert Thepsimuang, J. Wayne Martin
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Publication number: 20160075053Abstract: Systems and methods for manufacturing pellets are disclosed herein. The systems and methods can include improved drying systems and techniques. In some embodiments, for example, the systems and methods can make use of one or more vacuum dryers and various other improvements related thereto.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2015Publication date: March 17, 2016Inventors: J. Wayne Martin, Matthew Jean Tornow
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Patent number: 9259857Abstract: A continuous process wherein polymers or polymeric materials can be subjected to multiple sequential processing systems of differing temperatures and process conditions to synergistically enhance the pelletization and conditioning of those polymers and polymeric formulations, dispersions, and solutions. The multiple sequential processing systems include the processes and equipment for mixing/extrusion, pelletization, multiple transportation processes, conditioning, multiple defluidizing processes, and optional post-processing manipulations of pellets formed. Multiple serial and/or parallel conditioning processing systems are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2011Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: GALA INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventors: J. Wayne Martin, George Benoit, Robert Mann
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Publication number: 20160039124Abstract: A process for preparing low moisture content polymer biomaterial composites and expandable polymer biomaterial composites by extrusion through a die plate into a waterbox and pelletizing with cutter blades. Polyolefins or condensation polymers are melt blended with a solid or semi-solid biomaterial component, such as polysaccharides, including cellulosics and starches, or proteinaceious materials, including polypeptides, and are extruded, pelletized underwater, and processed with accelerated drying to achieve moisture levels as low as one percent or less.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2015Publication date: February 11, 2016Applicant: GALA INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventors: J. WAYNE MARTIN, ROGER B. WRIGHT, ROBERT G. MANN
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Patent number: 9187247Abstract: The various embodiments of the present invention are directed to valve devices, systems, and methods for controlling the distribution of materials to multiple locations. The improved valve devices, materials distribution systems, and materials distribution methods disclosed herein are particularly suitable for use in applications where the materials being distributed are, for example but not limited to, non-gaseous fluid materials (e.g., raw liquids, solutions, slurries, colloids, suspensions, and the like) and solid materials having some level of tackiness, moisture content, or like property. The valves, systems, and methods disclosed herein can be operated without having to stop the flow of materials therethrough in order to change the position of the valve from one outlet to another. Further, the valves and systems disclosed herein have few directional changes, therefore there are few, if any, points within the system where the material can get stuck and/or lodged.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2014Date of Patent: November 17, 2015Assignee: Gala Industries, Inc.Inventors: Damon M. Patton, Jason Barr, George N. Benoit, J. Wayne Martin
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Publication number: 20150021807Abstract: An apparatus and process to maintain control of the temperature of low-melting compounds, high melt flow polymers, and thermally sensitive materials for the pelletization of such materials. The addition of a cooling extruder, and a second melt cooler if desired, in advance of the die plate provides for regulation of the thermal, shear, and rheological characteristics of narrow melting-range materials and polymeric mixtures, formulations, dispersions or solutions. The apparatus and process can then be highly regulated to produce consistent, uniform pellets of low moisture content for these otherwise difficult materials to pelletize.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2014Publication date: January 22, 2015Applicant: Gala Industries, Inc.Inventors: Duane A. BOOTHE, J. Wayne MARTIN, Roger B. WRIGHT
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Publication number: 20150001758Abstract: Described herein are extrusion processes to produce hollow pellets. Also disclosed are pelletizer devices that can be used to produce the hollow pellets. The processes and devices make use of an extrusion die having a die orifice and an insert that is placed in the die orifice to produce the hollow pellets.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2014Publication date: January 1, 2015Inventors: J. WAYNE MARTIN, Michael A. Fridley, Michael Eloo
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Publication number: 20150001036Abstract: The various embodiments of the present invention are directed to valve devices, systems, and methods for controlling the distribution of materials to multiple locations. The improved valve devices, materials distribution systems, and materials distribution methods disclosed herein are particularly suitable for use in applications where the materials being distributed are, for example but not limited to, non-gaseous fluid materials (e.g., raw liquids, solutions, slurries, colloids, suspensions, and the like) and solid materials having some level of tackiness, moisture content, or like property. The valves, systems, and methods disclosed herein can be operated without having to stop the flow of materials therethrough in order to change the position of the valve from one outlet to another. Further, the valves and systems disclosed herein have few directional changes, therefore there are few, if any, points within the system where the material can get stuck and/or lodged.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2014Publication date: January 1, 2015Inventors: Damon M. Patton, Jason Barr, George N. Benoit, J. Wayne Martin
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Patent number: 8863931Abstract: The various embodiments of the present invention are directed to valve devices, systems, and methods for controlling the distribution of materials to multiple locations. The improved valve devices, materials distribution systems, and materials distribution methods disclosed herein are particularly suitable for use in applications where the materials being distributed are, for example but not limited to, non-gaseous fluid materials (e.g., raw liquids, solutions, slurries, colloids, suspensions, and the like) and solid materials having some level of tackiness, moisture content, or like property. The valves, systems, and methods disclosed herein can be operated without having to stop the flow of materials therethrough in order to change the position of the valve from one outlet to another. Further, the valves and systems disclosed herein have few directional changes, therefore there are few, if any, points within the system where the material can get stuck and/or lodged.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2012Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Gala Industries, Inc.Inventors: George N. Benoit, J. Wayne Martin, Damon M. Patton, Jason Barr
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Patent number: 8834760Abstract: Described herein are extrusion processes to produce hollow pellets. Also disclosed are pelletizer devices that can be used to produce the hollow pellets. The processes and devices make use of an extrusion die having a die orifice and an insert that is placed in the die orifice to produce the hollow pellets.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2009Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: Gala Industries, Inc.Inventors: J. Wayne Martin, Roger Blake Wright
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Publication number: 20140070447Abstract: An apparatus and method for the pelletization of waxes, wax-like and other materials having a sharp melt point include a vessel for forming the wax into a hot molten material. A heat exchanger then cools the molten wax to a temperature just above its melt temperature. The cooled liquid wax is fed to an extruder which further reduces the temperature and mixes the liquid wax into a thoroughly mixed extrudable solid wax. The solid wax is then extruded through die orifices of a die plate into a cutting chamber, and a rotary cutter cooperating with the die face of the die plate cuts the extruded solid wax strands into pellets. The die plate, cutting chamber and rotary cutter can have the same structure as an underwater pelletizer, but operating without water or liquid as a dry face pelletizer. The thus formed wax pellets drop out of the cutting chamber by gravity through an opening in the bottom thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2013Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: GALA INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventors: Boonlert THEPSIMUANG, J. Wayne MARTIN
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Publication number: 20140001669Abstract: An apparatus and process to maintain control of the temperature of low-melting compounds, high melt flow polymers, and thermally sensitive materials for the pelletization of such materials. The addition of a cooling extruder, and a second melt cooler if desired, in advance of the die plate provides for regulation of the thermal, shear, and rheological characteristics of narrow melting-range materials and polymeric mixtures, formulations, dispersions or solutions. The apparatus and process can then be highly regulated to produce consistent, uniform pellets of low moisture content for these otherwise difficult materials to pelletize.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2012Publication date: January 2, 2014Applicant: Gala Industries, Inc.Inventors: Duane A. BOOTHE, J. Wayne MARTIN, Roger B. WRIGHT
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Patent number: 8562883Abstract: An apparatus and method for the pelletization of waxes, wax-like and other materials having a sharp melt point include a vessel for forming the wax into a hot molten material. A heat exchanger then cools the molten wax to a temperature just above its melt temperature. The cooled liquid wax is fed to an extruder which further reduces the temperature and mixes the liquid wax into a thoroughly mixed extrudable solid wax. The solid wax is then extruded through die orifices of a die plate into a cutting chamber, and a rotary cutter cooperating with the die face of the die plate cuts the extruded solid wax strands into pellets. The die plate, cutting chamber and rotary cutter can have the same structure as an underwater pelletizer, but operating without water or liquid as a dry face pelletizer. The thus formed wax pellets drop out of the cutting chamber by gravity through an opening in the bottom thereof.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2007Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Gala Industries, Inc.Inventors: Boonlert Thepsimuang, J. Wayne Martin
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Patent number: 8444923Abstract: A continuous process wherein a mechanized and automated feeding system provides precision delivery of thermally and atmospherically conditioned components to a pelletization process including extrusion, pelletization, thermal processing, drying, and post-processing of the polymeric pellets formed. The components can be combined to form solutions, dispersions, emulsions, formulations, and the like. These components can further be reacted and thermally modified to form oligomers, pre-polymers, polymers, copolymers, and many combinations thereof.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2009Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Gala Industries, Inc.Inventors: Jeff Persinger, Jeff Rose, J. Wayne Martin
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Publication number: 20120298475Abstract: The various embodiments of the present invention are directed to valve devices, systems, and methods for controlling the distribution of materials to multiple locations. The improved valve devices, materials distribution systems, and materials distribution methods disclosed herein are particularly suitable for use in applications where the materials being distributed are, for example but not limited to, non-gaseous fluid materials (e.g., raw liquids, solutions, slurries, colloids, suspensions, and the like) and solid materials having some level of tackiness, moisture content, or like property. The valves, systems, and methods disclosed herein can be operated without having to stop the flow of materials therethrough in order to change the position of the valve from one outlet to another. Further, the valves and systems disclosed herein have few directional changes, therefore there are few, if any, points within the system where the material can get stuck and/or lodged.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2012Publication date: November 29, 2012Applicant: GALA INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventors: DAMON M. PATTON, Jason Barr, George N. Benoit, J. Wayne Martin
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Publication number: 20120280419Abstract: A continuous process wherein a material is melt processed and subsequently pelletized, transported, optionally chemically and/or physically modified, and subsequently optionally defluidized utilizing fluidic processing. The transport fluids and fluid combinations utilize a wide range of process temperatures facilitating enhancement of conditioning, improvement of moisture content, pelletization of hygroscopic, water-sensitive, and water-soluble materials, pelletization of non-polymeric and rheologically non-shear sensitive and marginally shear-sensitive polymeric materials, modification of pellet components through extraction, pelletization of low melting materials, tacky materials, pellet coating, and pellet impregnation otherwise difficult and challenging using conventional technologies.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2012Publication date: November 8, 2012Applicant: GALA INDUSTRIES, INC.Inventors: J. WAYNE MARTIN, Roger Blake Wright
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Publication number: 20120228794Abstract: A process for preparing low moisture content polymer biomaterial composites and expandable polymer biomaterial composites by extrusion through a die plate into a waterbox and pelletizing with cutter blades. Polyolefins or condensation polymers are melt blended with a solid or semi-solid biomaterial component, such as polysaccharides, including cellulosics and starches, or proteinaceous materials, including polypeptides, and are extruded, pelletized underwater, and processed with accelerated drying to achieve moisture levels as low as one percent or less.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2012Publication date: September 13, 2012Inventors: J. Wayne Martin, Roger B. Wright, Robert G. Mann
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Patent number: RE45113Abstract: A melt cooler and valving system for an underwater pelletizer has a diverter valve that facilitates multiple modes of melt processing. The cooler has a cooler inlet line that conveys the melt to the cooler, and a cooler outlet line that conveys the cooled melt from the cooler. The diverter valve is configured to convey the melt to and from the cooler during a cooling mode of operation, to convey the melt around the cooler during a bypass mode of operation, and to drain the melt from the cooler and the diverter valve during a drain mode of operation. The diverter valve is compact and therefore contains a minimum of product inventory. The valve is streamlined and direct in its bypass mode, and includes a drain capability to allow for faster, easier cleaning of the process line, which in turn provides a fast changeover time with less lost product.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2012Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Gala Industries, Inc.Inventors: Duane A. Boothe, J. Wayne Martin