Patents by Inventor M. Bruce Welch

M. Bruce Welch 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: 5710224
    Abstract: A process for preparing a polymer of ethylene having a flow activation energy higher than that of a substantially linear ethylene polymer of the same molecular weight involving using bridged sandwich-bonded fluorenyl-containing metallocenes and the polymers resulting therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: Helmut G. Alt, Syriac J. Palackal, M. Bruce Welch, David C. Rohlfing, Jay Janzen
  • Patent number: 5705578
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed for preparing a highly active solid metallocene-containing catalyst system and its use in the polymerization of olefins. The solid catalyst system is prepared by combining an aluminoxane with a metallocene having a substituent which has internal alkynyl unsaturation in a suitable liquid to form a liquid catalyst system, conducting prepolymerization of an olefin in the liquid catalyst system, and separating the resulting solid metallocene-containing catalyst system from the last reaction product mixture. Also polymerization of olefins using the inventive solid catalyst system is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: Bernd Peifer, Helmut G. Alt, M. Bruce Welch
  • Patent number: 5670589
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an organoaluminoxy product prepared by the process comprising reacting an organoaluminoxane with an ene-ol compound. In another embodiment, the organoaluminoxane can be prepared in situ by the process comprising reacting a hydrocarbylaluminum compound, water, and the ene-ol compound. Further there is provided olefin polymerization catalyst systems comprising the organoaluminoxy product and at least one transition metal-containing catalyst. Optionally, the catalyst system is prepolymerized in the presence of at least one olefin to form a prepolymerized catalyst system. Still further there is provided processes for the polymerization of olefins using the catalyst systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: Rolf L. Geerts, M. Bruce Welch, Syriac J. Palackal, Helmut G. Alt, Bernd Peifer, Harold R. Deck
  • Patent number: 5668230
    Abstract: A catalyst system and process for polymerizing olefins employing a cocatalyst and specific ethylene bridged fluorenyl-containing metallocenes having substituents which result in high yields of polyethylene and/or high molecular weight polyethylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: Peter Schertl, Helmut G. Alt, M. Bruce Welch
  • Patent number: 5654454
    Abstract: Double bound metallocenes, i.e. metallocenes having a cyclopentadienyl-containing radical that is bound to a transition metal both by a pi bond and by a sigma carbon bond of a substituent of that same cyclopentadienyl-containing radical can be prepared by reducing metallocenes having a cyclopentadienyl-containing radical having at least one an unsaturated substituent. Also a process for producing polymers comprising contacting at least one olefinic monomer under suitable polymerization conditions with such double bound metallocenes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: Bernd Peifer, Helmut G. Alt, M. Bruce Welch
  • Patent number: 5650528
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a cyclopentadienyl-type ligand represented by the formula ZA, wherein Z is a cyclopentadienyl-type group, wherein A is --YPR.sub.2, --YNR.sub.2, or --NR.sub.2, wherein Y is an alkylene group containing 1 to 24 carbon atoms, wherein each R is individually selected from alkyl groups containing 1 to 20 carbon atoms. Another aspect of the invention is to provide a metallocene represented by the formula ZAMX.sub.3, wherein Z and A are as described above, M is a Group IVB or VB transition metal, and X is a halide. Other aspects of the present invention include catalyst systems comprising the metallocenes and an organoaluminoxane, processes for preparing the above defined ligands, metallocenes and catalyst systems, and polymerization processes employing the catalyst systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: Krisztina Frey, Gabriele von Massow, Helmut G. Alt, M. Bruce Welch
  • Patent number: 5646323
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a cyclopentadienyl-type ligand represented by the formula ZA, wherein Z is a cyclopentadienyl-type group, wherein A is --YPR.sub.2, --YNR.sub.2, or --NR.sub.2, wherein Y is an alkylene group containing 1 to 24 carbon atoms, wherein each R is individually selected from alkyl groups containing 1 to 20 carbon atoms. Another aspect of the invention is to provide a metallocene represented by the formula ZAMX.sub.3, wherein Z and A are as described above, M is a Group IVB or VB transition metal, and X is a halide. Other aspects of the present invention include catalyst systems comprising the metallocenes and an organoaluminoxane, processes for preparing the above defined ligands, metallocenes and catalyst systems, and polymerization processes employing the catalyst systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: Krisztina Frey, Gabriele von Massow, Helmut G. Alt, M. Bruce Welch
  • Patent number: 5637744
    Abstract: Group IVB metal metallocenes of bis(1-methyl fluorenyl) diphenyl silane and bis(1-methyl fluorenyl) dimethyl tin are disclosed, plus their use in the production of polyolefins, including isotactic polypropylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: Helmut G. Alt, Konstantinos Patsidis, M. Bruce Welch, Peter P. Chu
  • Patent number: 5631203
    Abstract: Metallocene compounds and processes for preparing such metallocene compounds are provided. Such processes for preparing such metallocene compounds comprise reacting an alkynyl ligand, an alkali metal compound, and a transition metal-containing compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: M. Bruce Welch, Helmut G. Alt, Bernd Peifer
  • Patent number: 5631335
    Abstract: Group IVB metal metallocenes of bis(1-methyl fluorenyl) diphenyl silane and bis(1-methyl fluorenyl) dimethyl tin are disclosed, plus their use in the production of polyolefins, including isotactic polypropylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: Helmut G. Alt, Konstantinos Patsidis, M. Bruce Welch, Peter P. Chu
  • Patent number: 5627247
    Abstract: Unbridged fluorenyl containing metallocenes are disclosed along with methods for making the metallocenes. Also disclosed are methods for using the metallocenes as polymerization catalysts. In addition, polymers resulting from such polymerizations are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: Helmut G. Alt, Gil R. Hawley, Paul D. Smith, Syriac J. Palackal, Michael Schmid, M. Bruce Welch, Konstantinos Patsidis, Rolf L. Geerts, Eric T. Hsieh, Max P. McDaniel
  • Patent number: 5627118
    Abstract: Fluorenyl-containing silyl bridged metallocenes, the process of using such metallocenes to polymerize olefins, and the resulting unusual syndiotactic polypropylene are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: Syriac J. Palackal, Helmut G. Alt, Konstantinos Patsidis, Tara G. Hill, Gil R. Hawley, Peter P. Chu, M. Bruce Welch, Rolf L. Geerts
  • Patent number: 5616752
    Abstract: A method is provided for forming a supported cyclopentadiene-type compound comprising contacting a cyclopentadiene-type compound containing an active halogen with an inorganic support having surface hydroxyl group. Also there is provided a method of preparing a supported metallocene comprising reacting the supported cyclopentadiene-type compound with a transition metal compound under suitable conditions. There is also provided a process for producing bridged cyclopentadiene-type ligands having a bridge having branch that has a terminal vinyl group. Also metallocenes of these ligands are provided. Still further there is provided a process for producing bridged cyclopentadiene-type ligands having a bridge having a branch that has a terminal active halogen. The resulting new ligands and supported metallocenes produced therefrom are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: Konstantinos Patsidis, Bernd Peifer, Helmut G. Alt, Rolf L. Geerts, Darryl R. Fahey, M. Bruce Welch, Syriac J. Palackal, Harold R. Deck
  • Patent number: 5610247
    Abstract: 9-substituted fluorenyl-containing metallocenes and their use in the polymerization of olefins is disclosed. In addition, novel 9-cyclohexylfluorenyl or 9-phenylfluorenyl compounds are disclosed. Also methods for preparing such 9-substituted fluorenyl compounds are presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: Helmut G. Alt, Syriac J. Palackal, Konstantinos Patsidis, M. Bruce Welch, Rolf L. Geerts, Eric T. Hsieh, Max P. McDaniel, Gil R. Hawley, Paul D. Smith, Jay Janzen, Michael Schmid
  • Patent number: 5594078
    Abstract: A catalyst system comprising a bridged fluorenyl-containing metallocene, an unbridged metallocene, and a suitable cocatalyst and the use of such catalyst systems to produce olefin polymers. Also novel olefin polymers produced by those processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: M. Bruce Welch, Rolf L. Geerts, Syriac J. Palackal, Ted M. Pettijohn
  • Patent number: 5591879
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a cyclopentadienyl-type ligand represented by the formula ZA, wherein Z is a cyclopentadienyl-type group, wherein A is --YPR.sub.2, --YNR.sub.2, or --NR.sub.2, wherein Y is an alkylene group containing 1 to 24 carbon atoms, wherein each R is individually selected from alkyl groups containing 1 to 20 carbon atoms. Another aspect of the invention is to provide a metallocene represented by the formula ZAMX.sub.3, wherein Z and A are as described above, M is a Group IVB or VB transition metal, and X is a halide. Other aspects of the present invention include catalyst systems comprising the metallocenes and an organoaluminoxane, processes for preparing the above defined ligands, metallocenes and catalyst systems, and polymerization processes employing the catalyst systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: Krisztina Frey, Gabriele von Massow, Helmut G. Alt, M. Bruce Welch
  • Patent number: 5578741
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a cyclopentadienyl-type ligand represented by the formula ZA, wherein Z is a cyclopentadienyl-type group, wherein A is --YPR.sub.2, --YNR.sub.2, or --NR.sub.2, wherein Y is an alkylene group containing 1 to 24 carbon atoms, wherein each R is individually selected from alkyl groups containing 1 to 20 carbon atoms. Another aspect of the invention is to provide a metallocene represented by the formula ZAMX.sub.3, wherein Z and A are as described above, M is a Group IVB or VB transition metal, and X is a halide. Other aspects of the present invention include catalyst systems comprising the metallocenes and an organoaluminoxane, processes for preparing the above defined ligands, metallocenes and catalyst systems, and polymerization processes employing the catalyst systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: Krisztina Frey, Gabriele von Massow, Helmut G. Alt, M. Bruce Welch
  • Patent number: 5571880
    Abstract: Fluorenyl-containing metallocenes are disclosed along with methods for making the metallocenes. Also disclosed are methods for using the metallocenes as polymerization catalysts. In addition, polymers resulting from such polymerizations are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: Helmut G. Alt, Syriac J. Palackal, Roland Zenk, M. Bruce Welch, Michael Schmid
  • Patent number: 5565592
    Abstract: A method is provided for forming a supported cyclopentadiene-type compound comprising contacting a cyclopentadiene-type compound containing an active halogen with an inorganic support having surface hydroxyl group. Also there is provided a method of preparing a supported metallocene comprising reacting the supported cyclopentadiene-type compound with a transition metal compound under suitable conditions. There is also provided a process for producing bridged cyclopentadiene-type ligands having a bridge having branch that has a terminal vinyl group. Also metallocenes of these ligands are provided. Still further there is provided a process for producing bridged cyclopentadiene-type ligands having a bridge having a branch that has a terminal active halogen. The resulting new ligands and supported metallocenes produced therefrom are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: Konstantinos Patsidis, Bernd Peifer, Syriac J. Palackal, Helmut G. Alt, M. Bruce Welch, Rolf L. Geerts, Darryl R. Fahey, Harold R. Deck
  • Patent number: 5565396
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided a cyclopentadienyl-type ligand represented by the formula ZA, wherein Z is a cyclopentadienyl-type group, wherein A is --YPR.sub.2, --YNR.sub.2, or --NR.sub.2, wherein Y is an alkylene group containing 1 to 24 carbon atoms, wherein each R is individually selected from alkyl groups containing 1 to 20 carbon atoms. Another aspect of the invention is to provide a metallocene represented by the formula ZAMX.sub.3, wherein Z and A are as described above, M is a Group IVB or VB transition metal, and X is a halide. Other aspects of the present invention include catalyst systems comprising the metallocenes and an organoaluminoxane, processes for preparing the above defined ligands, metallocenes and catalyst systems, and polymerization processes employing the catalyst systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: Krisztina Frey, Gabriele von Massow, Helmut G. Alt, M. Bruce Welch