Patents by Inventor Kenneth O. McElrath

Kenneth O. McElrath 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: 7811542
    Abstract: A method for making carbon nanotube particulates involves providing a catalyst comprising catalytic metals, such as iron and molybdenum or metals from Group VIB or Group VIIIB elements, on a support material, such as magnesia, and contacting the catalyst with a gaseous carbon-containing feedstock, such as methane, at a sufficient temperature and for a sufficient contact time to make small-diameter carbon nanotubes having one or more walls and outer wall diameters of less than about 3 nm. Removal of the support material from the carbon nanotubes yields particulates of enmeshed carbon nanotubes that retain an approximate three-dimensional shape and size of the particulate support that was removed. The carbon nanotube particulates can comprise ropes of carbon nanotubes. The carbon nanotube particulates disperse well in polymers and show high conductivity in polymers at low loadings. As electrical emitters, the carbon nanotube particulates exhibit very low “turn on” emission field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Unidym, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth O. McElrath, Yuemei Yang, Kenneth A. Smith, Xiaodong Hu
  • Publication number: 20100254886
    Abstract: A method for making carbon nanotube particulates involves providing a catalyst comprising catalytic metals, such as iron and molybdenum or metals from Group VIB or Group VIIIB elements, on a support material, such as magnesia, and contacting the catalyst with a gaseous carbon-containing feedstock, such as methane, at a sufficient temperature and for a sufficient contact time to make small-diameter carbon nanotubes having one or more walls and outer wall diameters of less than about 3 nm. Removal of the support material from the carbon nanotubes yields particulates of enmeshed carbon nanotubes that retain an approximate three-dimensional shape and size of the particulate support that was removed. The carbon nanotube particulates can comprise ropes of carbon nanotubes. The carbon nanotube particulates disperse well in polymers and show high conductivity in polymers at low loadings. As electrical emitters, the carbon nanotube particulates exhibit very low “turn on” emission field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventors: Kenneth O. McElrath, Yuemei Yang, Kenneth A. Smith, Xiaodong Hu
  • Patent number: 7488875
    Abstract: A carbon nanotube material that comprises carbon nanotubes, a magnesia support and a catalyst metal can be purified by contacting it with a mixture comprising carbon dioxide and water. At least some of the magnesia support is reacted to form water-soluble compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Unidym, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Bahr, Yuemei Yang, Kenneth O. McElrath, Martin P. Grosboll, Aurelie Mayeux
  • Patent number: 7226962
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for increasing the viscosity of halogenated (brominated) elastomeric copolymers of a C4 to C7 isomonoolefin (isobutylene) and a para-alkylstryrene (p-methylstyrene) by mixing the copolymer with a silica or clay particulate filler which has been contacted with an aminosilane containing at least one C1 to C4 alkoxy group and at least one primary, secondary or tertiary amine group. The resulting elastomer compositions are used to prepare thermoplastic elastomer blend compositions, containing more finely dispersed elastomers which results in compositions having improved mechanical properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Andy H. Tsou, Hsien-Chang Wang, Kenneth O. McElrath, Ilan Duvdevani, Michael K. Lyon, Mun Fu Tse
  • Patent number: 6936653
    Abstract: The invention relates to a composite comprising a weight fraction of single-wall carbon nanotubes and at least one polar polymer wherein the composite has an electrical and/or thermal conductivity enhanced over that of the polymer alone. The invention also comprises a method for making this polymer composition. The present application provides composite compositions that, over a wide range of single-wall carbon nanotube loading, have electrical conductivities exceeding those known in the art by more than one order of magnitude. The electrical conductivity enhancement depends on the weight fraction (F) of the single-wall carbon nanotubes in the composite. The electrical conductivity of the composite of this invention is at least 5 Siemens per centimeter (S/cm) at (F) of 0.5 (i.e. where single-wall carbon nanotube loading weight represents half of the total composite weight), at least 1 S/cm at a F of 0.1, at least 1×10?4 S/cm at (F) of 0.004, at least 6×10?9 S/cm at (F) of 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Carbon NanoTechnologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth O. McElrath, Kenneth A. Smith, Thomas M. Tiano, Margaret E. Roylance
  • Publication number: 20040197638
    Abstract: Electrodes for polymer electrolyte membrane and direct methanol fuel cells comprise carbon nanotubes and catalytically active metal. In one embodiment, anode electrodes are prepared by depositing catalytic metal on carbon nanotubes, and forming the carbon nanotubes into a membrane. Anode electrodes comprising carbon nanotubes provide higher fuel cell performance with a much lower platinum loading than conventional carbon-based electrode material having a much higher platinum loading. In another embodiment, a catalyst ink comprising carbon nanotubes and a catalytic metal-loaded carbon powder was used to form an electrode membrane. The catalyst ink comprising carbon nanotubes and catalyst-loaded carbon powder can optionally comprise an ionically conductive polymer, such as a perfluorosulfonic acid/PTFE copolymer. In another embodiment, a fuel cell electrode comprising carbon nanotubes and catalytically active metal is a free-standing electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventors: Kenneth O. McElrath, Kenneth A. Smith, Jeffrey L. Bahr, Thomas J. Wainerdi, David A. Karohl, Daniel T. Colbert, Michael Andrew Miller, Henry Wayne Oviatt, Eric D. Cline
  • Publication number: 20040150312
    Abstract: A carbon nanotube electron emitter comprises carbon nanotube particulates on a surface, wherein the carbon nanotube particulates comprise entangled small-diameter carbon nanotubes having one, two, three or four walls and having an outer wall diameter in the range of about 0.5 nm and about 3 nm. The carbon nanotube particulate electron emitter has a cross-sectional dimensional in a range of about 0.1 micron and about 100 microns, preferably about 0.1 micron to about 3 microns. The carbon nanotube particulate electron emitters can comprise ropes of carbon nanotubes. The carbon nanotube particulates are easily dispersed in polymers and other media. The carbon nanotube particulates can be dispersed in a viscous media and applied to a surface by various means. The carbon nanotube particulate electron emitter exhibits very low “turn-on” emission field and can be used in a variety of field emission devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventors: Kenneth O. McElrath, Yuemei Yang, Kenneth A. Smith
  • Publication number: 20040147639
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for increasing the viscosity of halogenated (brominated) elastomeric copolymers of a C4 to C7 isomonoolefin (isobutylene) and a para-alkylstryrene (p-methylstyrene) by mixing the copolymer with a silica or clay particulate filler which has been contacted with an aminosilane containing at least one C1 to C4 alkoxy group and at least one primary, secondary or tertiary amine group. The resulting elastomer compositions are used to prepare thermoplastic elastomer blend compositions, containing more finely dispersed elastomers which results in compositions having improved mechanical properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventors: Andy H Tsou, Hsien-Chang Wang, Kenneth O McElrath, Ilan Duvdevani, Michael K Lyon, Mun Fu Tse
  • Publication number: 20040013598
    Abstract: The present invention relates to devices, processes and materials comprising single-wall carbon nanotubes wherein the single-wall carbon nanotubes serve to transport heat to or from a nanometer scale region wherein that heat is generated or dissipated. Because of their small physical size, excellent heat conductivity, and relatively large surface area, single-wall carbon nanotubes are novel in their function as nanometer-scale agents for heat transport. Appropriately configured in association with a source of heat such as the catalyst for an exothermic polymerization reaction, single wall carbon nanotubes can effectively conduct heat away from the reaction site. This thermal management on a molecular level enables a new class of materials and processes in all areas where heat transport is important. Additionally, new materials such as improved polymer compositions are produced by processes that are thermally-managed at the molecular level by the objects of this invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventors: Kenneth O. McElrath, Kenneth A. Smith
  • Publication number: 20030216502
    Abstract: The invention relates to a composite comprising a weight fraction of single-wall carbon nanotubes and at least one polar polymer wherein the composite has an electrical and/or thermal conductivity enhanced over that of the polymer alone. The invention also comprises a method for making this polymer composition. The present application provides composite compositions that, over a wide range of single-wall carbon nanotube loading, have electrical conductivities exceeding those known in the art by more than one order of magnitude. The electrical conductivity enhancement depends on the weight fraction (F) of the single-wall carbon nanotubes in the composite. The electrical conductivity of the composite of this invention is at least 5 Siemens per centimeter (S/cm) at (F) of 0.5 (i.e. where single-wall carbon nanotube loading weight represents half of the total composite weight), at least 1 S/cm at a F of 0.1, at least 1×10−4 S/cm at (F) of 0.004, at least 6×10−9 S/cm at (F) of 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventors: Kenneth O. McElrath, Kenneth A. Smith, Thomas M. Tiano, Margaret E. Roylance
  • Patent number: 6624220
    Abstract: Transparent and colorable elastomeric compositions are provided. The transparent elastomeric compositions can be covulcanized with rubbers such as polybutadiene, polyisoprene, styrene-butadiene rubber, styrene-isoprene-butadiene rubber, isoprene-butadiene rubber, ethylene-propylene diene rubber or natural rubber. The colorable rubber compositions have sufficient properties to function as a reinforcing member in an automobile tire. Preferably, both the transparent and colorable elastomeric compositions include at least one copolymer of a C4 to C7 isoolefin and a para-alkylstyrene, silica and a coupling agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Walter H Waddell, Robert R. Poulter, Kenneth O. McElrath, John E. Rogers, Wai K. Wong, Hsien C. Wang, Timothy A. Mills
  • Patent number: 5591551
    Abstract: A lithographic coating and method of framing a lithographic image are disclosed. The method comprises coating at least a portion of a surface of an article with a radiation-crosslinkable polymer, and exposing the coated surface to a pattern of radiation to crosslink the polymer in a lithographic image. The functionalized polymer is a copolymer of an isoolefin of 4 to 7 carbon atoms and para-alkylstyrene, wherein the para-alkylstyrene is functionalized with a radiation reactive group at the para-alkyl group of the para-alkylstyrene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Exxon Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Jay D. Audett, Kenneth O. McElrath
  • Patent number: 5587261
    Abstract: A lithographic coating and method of framing a lithographic image are disclosed. The method comprises coating at least a portion of a surface of an article with a radiation-crosslinkable polymer, and exposing the coated surface to a pattern of radiation to crosslink the polymer in a lithographic image. The functionalized polymer is a copolymer of an isoolefin of 4 to 7 carbon atoms and para-alkylstyrene, wherein the para-alkylstyrene is functionalized with a radiation reactive group at the para-alkyl group of the para-alkylstyrene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: Exxon Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Jay D. Audett, Kenneth O. McElrath
  • Patent number: 5585225
    Abstract: A lithographic coating and method of framing a lithographic image are disclosed. The method comprises coating at least a portion of a surface of an article with a radiation-crosslinkable polymer, and exposing the coated surface to a pattern of radiation to crosslink the polymer in a lithographic image. The functionalized polymer is a copolymer of an isoolefin of 4 to 7 carbon atoms and para-alkylstyrene, wherein the para-alkylstyrene is functionalized with a radiation reactive group at the para-alkyl group of the para-alkylstyrene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Exxon Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Jay D. Audett, Kenneth O. McElrath
  • Patent number: 5585416
    Abstract: A lithographic coating and method of framing a lithographic image are disclosed. The method comprises coating at least a portion of a surface of an article with a radiation-crosslinkable polymer, and exposing the coated surface to a pattern of radiation to crosslink the polymer in a lithographic image. The functionalized polymer is a copolymer of an isoolefin of 4 to 7 carbon atoms and para-alkylstyrene, wherein the para-alkylstyrene is functionalized with a radiation reactive group at the para-alkyl group of the para-alkylstyrene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Exxon Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Jay D. Audett, Kenneth O. McElrath
  • Patent number: 5376503
    Abstract: A lithographic coating and method of framing a lithographic image are disclosed. The method comprises coating at least a portion of a surface of an article with a radiation-crosslinkable polymer, and exposing the coated surface to a pattern of radiation to crosslink the polymer in a lithographic image. The functionalized polymer is a copolymer of an isoolefin of 4 to 7 carbon atoms and para-alkylstyrene, wherein the para-alkylstyrene is functionalized with a radiation reactive group at the para-alkyl group of the para-alkylstyrene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: Exxon Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Jay D. Audett, Kenneth O. McElrath
  • Patent number: 5317070
    Abstract: A hot melt adhesive including syndiotactic polypropylene having a polymer chain of at least 80% racemic dyads and having a melting point of about 100.degree. C. to 180.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Assignee: Exxon Chemical Patents, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Brant, Kenneth O. McElrath, Jr., Martha H. Robertson
  • Patent number: 5294678
    Abstract: A grafted and/or functionalized macromolecule comprises entanglement-inhibited architecture wherein the polymer exhibits reduced melt viscosity. In one embodiment, the macromolecule comprises a polymer of an isoolefin having about 4 to about 7 carbon atom and a para-alkylstyrene, wherein a grafted macromonomer such as a terminally functionalized polystyryl chain of very narrow molecular weight distribution is attached to the para-alkyl group of the para-alkylstyrene such that entanglement of adjacent chains in the melt are inhibited. In addition to distributed macromonomer grafts, other functionality may be attached to the para-alkyl group of the para-alkylstyrene to introduce other desirable properties such as radiation curability. In another embodiment the macromolecule comprises a polymer of one or more simple olefinic monomers wherein a macromolecule is attached to pendent functionality and/or copolymerized into the polymer backbone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Assignee: Exxon Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Mun-Fu Tse, Anthony J. Dias, Prasadarao Meka, Kenneth O. McElrath
  • Patent number: 5227426
    Abstract: An adhesive is disclosed. The adhesive is a blend of a tackifier and a polymer, having an elastomeric main chain and incorporating thermoplastic macromonomer side chain grafts, which can exhibit enhanced shear thinning and allow spray application of the adhesive onto a substrate. In one embodiment, the polymer main chain comprises a polymer of an isoolefin having about 4 to about 7 carbon atoms and a para-alkylstyrene, and the side chains comprise a grafted macromonomer, such as a terminally functionalized polystyryl chain of very narrow molecular weight distribution, attached to the para-alkyl group of the para-alkylstyrene. In another embodiment, the polymer comprises a polyolefin main chain and a norbornene terminated macromolecule copolymerized to introduce the side chains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: Exxon Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Man-Fu Tse, Anthony J. Dias, Jean M. Tancrede, Kenneth O. McElrath
  • Patent number: 5206303
    Abstract: A grafted and/or functionalized macromolecule comprises entanglement-inhibited architecture wherein the polymer exhibits reduced melt viscosity. In one embodiment, the macromolecule comprises a polymer of an isoolefin having about 4 to about 7 carbon atom and a para-alkylstyrene, wherein a grafted macromonomer such as a terminally functionalized polystyryl chain of very narrow molecular weight distribution is attached to the para-alkyl group of the para-alkylstyrene such that entanglement of adjacent chains in the melt are inhibited. In addition to distributed macromonomer grafts, other functionality may be attached to the para-alkyl group of the para-alkylstyrene to introduce other desirable properties such as radiation curability. In another embodiment the macromolecule comprises a polymer of one or more simple olefinic monomers wherein a macromolecule is attached to pendent functionality and/or copolymerized into the polymer backbone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Assignee: Exxon Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Mun-Fu Tse, Anthony J. Dias, Prasadarao Meka, Kenneth O. McElrath