Patents by Inventor Mark Rule

Mark Rule 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: 20240140665
    Abstract: A container comprises: (i) a hydrogen generating means comprising an active material arranged to generate molecular hydrogen on reaction with moisture; (ii) a catalyst capable of catalyzing a reaction between molecular hydrogen and molecular oxygen; and (iii) a barrier means for restricting passage of small organic molecules from a product contained, in use, in the container, to the catalyst associated with a closure or body wall of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2021
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventors: MARK RULE, Heather BURIK, Alan BARCON, Andrew ELKIN, Adrian CHRMICHAEL, Steve Burgess TATTUM
  • Publication number: 20240067815
    Abstract: Post-consumer recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PCR-PET) flake is treated with chelant to reduce discoloration and generation of non-intentionally added substances (NIAS) upon melt-processing for use in making thermoplastic articles from the PCR-PET flake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2021
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Applicants: ColorMatrix Holdings, Inc., Avient Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Rule, David Rosendale, Joshua Otten
  • Patent number: 11640271
    Abstract: A system and method are provided which enable overriding a custom color callout in a print job. Provision is made for a user to associate a unique ID with a custom color callout in a print job, e.g., during generation of the print job or at the printer. The custom color callout provides for a part of the print job to be rendered with a specific custom colorant, e.g., by identifying the name of the custom colorant. The unique ID is associated, in memory, with a custom colorant station of a print engine, independent of any custom colorant that may be housed in the custom colorant station. The method further includes identifying the custom colorant station of the print engine associated with the unique ID and sending the print job in a format for printing to the print engine for printing the part of the print job with a first custom colorant housed in the identified custom colorant station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Barry K. Ayash, Mark Rule, David B. Montfort
  • Publication number: 20220413775
    Abstract: A system and method are provided which enable overriding a custom color callout in a print job. Provision is made for a user to associate a unique ID with a custom color callout in a print job, e.g., during generation of the print job or at the printer. The custom color callout provides for a part of the print job to be rendered with a specific custom colorant, e.g., by identifying the name of the custom colorant. The unique ID is associated, in memory, with a custom colorant station of a print engine, independent of any custom colorant that may be housed in the custom colorant station. The method further includes identifying the custom colorant station of the print engine associated with the unique ID and sending the print job in a format for printing to the print engine for printing the part of the print job with a first custom colorant housed in the identified custom colorant station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2021
    Publication date: December 29, 2022
    Applicant: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Barry Ayash, Mark Rule, David B. Montfort
  • Patent number: 11021591
    Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for making compatibilized high aspect ratio barrier additives and polymer compositions that comprise compatibilized high aspect ratio barrier additives. The invention also relates to compositions produced by these processes, and articles formed from polymer compositions of this invention. The barrier additives provide passive barriers to gas molecules such as oxygen and carbon dioxide minimizing transit of such molecules through sidewalls of polymer articles containing the barrier additives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: ColorMatrix Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Rule
  • Patent number: 10934417
    Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for making compatibilized high aspect ratio barrier additives and polymer compositions that comprise compatibilized high aspect ratio barrier additives. The invention also relates to compositions produced by these processes, and articles formed from polymer compositions of this invention. The barrier additives provide passive barriers to gas molecules such as oxygen and carbon dioxide minimizing transit of such molecules through sidewalls of polymer articles containing the barrier additives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: ColorMatrix Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Rule
  • Publication number: 20190071559
    Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for making compatibilized high aspect ratio barrier additives and polymer compositions that comprise compatibilized high aspect ratio barrier additives. The invention also relates to compositions produced by these processes, and articles formed from polymer compositions of this invention. The barrier additives provide passive barriers to gas molecules such as oxygen and carbon dioxide minimizing transit of such molecules through sidewalls of polymer articles containing the barrier additives.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2017
    Publication date: March 7, 2019
    Inventor: Mark RULE
  • Publication number: 20180002496
    Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for making compatibilized high aspect ratio barrier additives and polymer compositions that comprise compatibilized high aspect ratio barrier additives. The invention also relates to compositions produced by these processes, and articles formed from polymer compositions of this invention. The barrier additives provide passive barriers to gas molecules such as oxygen and carbon dioxide minimizing transit of such molecules through sidewalls of polymer articles containing the barrier additives.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventor: Mark RULE
  • Patent number: 9701459
    Abstract: A container 22 includes a shell 24 made from a polymer, for example PET, and incorporating a catalyst, for example a palladium catalyst. A closure 40 incorporates a plug which includes a source of hydrogen, for example a hydride. In use, with container 22 including a beverage and closure 40 in position, the headspace in the container will be saturated with water vapor. This vapor contacts the hydride associated with plug 42 and as a result the hydride produces molecular hydrogen which migrates into the polymer matrix of shell 24 and combines with oxygen which may have entered the container through its permeable walls. A reaction between the hydrogen and oxygen takes place, catalyzed by the catalyst, and water is produced. Thus, oxygen which may ingress the container is scavenged and the contents of the container are protected from oxidation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: COLORMATRIX HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventors: Mark Rule, Ronald J. Valus, Steven Burgess Tattum
  • Patent number: 9611081
    Abstract: A closure 40 for a container body includes a liner 46 which incorporates a hydrogen generating device comprising a hydride which generates hydrogen on contact with moisture. The liner may be an interference fit within the body 42. The liner 46 and other liners described may include control means for controlling passage of moisture to the hydrogen generating means and/or sealing means for sealing the closure to a container. In use, with the closure secured to a container, water vapor passes into liner 46 and contacts the hydride which generates hydrogen. A reaction between hydrogen and oxygen which has passed into the container takes place, catalysed by a catalyst, and water is produced. Thus, oxygen is scavenged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: COLORMATRIX HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventors: Ronald James Valus, Mark Rule, Andrew Stuart Overend, Christine Leeming, Steven Burgess Tattum, James Stuart Leeming
  • Patent number: 9604478
    Abstract: Beam strength and curl characteristics of sheets of print media change based not only on paper weight, but also on environmental conditions, such as humidity. Printers herein include a printing engine positioned to receive sheets of print media from a storage container. Sheet transport elements are positioned to transport the sheets from the storage through the printing engine. A sensor contacts one of the sheets, and the sensor detects a beam strength and curl characteristics signature profile of the sheet tested. Then, a processor (that is electrically connected to the sensor and the sheet transport elements) adjusts how the sheet transport elements contact the sheets (adjusts the angle, speed of, and force applied by, the sheet transport elements) based on the beam strength and curl characteristics signature profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: David B. Montfort, Barry K. Ayash, Mark Rule
  • Patent number: 9556322
    Abstract: The present invention provides fluid compositions comprising at least one hydrophobic liquid, at least one inorganic pigment, and at least one compatibilization agent comprising at least one phosphate monoester.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: ColorMatrix Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Rule
  • Patent number: 9511909
    Abstract: A closure (40) includes a body (42) with a threaded portion (44) for engaging the closure with a container. Inwards of portion (44) is a liner (46) comprising a hydrogen generating device, wherein the liner includes one layer (48) which incorporates a hydride dispersed in a polymeric matrix and, on opposite sides of layer (48) are arranged PET layers (50, 52). Layer (50) acts as a control layer to control the rate of passage of water vapour from the beverage in the container to the hydride containing layer (48) and thereby control generation of hydrogen by the hydrogen generating device. In use, water vapour passes through layer (50) and contacts the hydride associated with layer (48) which results in production of molecular hydrogen which combines with oxygen. Thereafter, a reaction between the hydrogen and oxygen takes place, catalysed by a catalyst associated with the container thereby to scavenge the oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: COLORMATRIX HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventors: Adrian John Carmichael, Andrew Stuart Ovenrend, Mark Rule, Ronald James Valus, Christine Leeming, James Stuart Leeming, Steven Burgess Tattum
  • Publication number: 20160185933
    Abstract: The present invention provides fluid compositions comprising at least one hydrophobic liquid, at least one inorganic pigment, and at least one compatibilization agent comprising at least one phosphate monoester.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Applicant: ColorMatrix Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark RULE
  • Publication number: 20150129454
    Abstract: A container 22 includes a shell 24 made from a polymer, for example PET, and incorporating a catalyst, for example a palladium catalyst. A closure 40 incorporates a plug which includes a source of hydrogen, for example a hydride. In use, with container 22 including a beverage and closure 40 in position, the headspace in the container will be saturated with water vapor. This vapor contacts the hydride associated with plug 42 and as a result the hydride produces molecular hydrogen which migrates into the polymer matrix of shell 24 and combines with oxygen which may have entered the container through its permeable walls. A reaction between the hydrogen and oxygen takes place, catalysed by the catalyst, and water is produced. Thus, oxygen which may ingress the container is scavenged and the contents of the container are protected from oxidation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: COLORMATRIX HOLDINGS, INC
    Inventors: Mark Rule, Ronald J. Valus, Steven Burgess Tattum
  • Patent number: 8906299
    Abstract: A container (22) includes a shell (24) made from a polymer, for example PET, and incorporating a catalyst, for example a palladium catalyst. A closure (40) incorporates a plug which includes a source of hydrogen, for example a hydride. In use, with container (22) including a beverage and closure (40) in position, the headspace in the container will be saturated with water vapor. This vapor contacts the hydride associated with plug (42) and as a result the hydride produces molecular hydrogen which migrates into the polymer matrix of shell (24) and combines with oxygen which may have entered the container through its permeable walls. A reaction between the hydrogen and oxygen takes place, catalyzed by the catalyst, and water is produced. Thus, oxygen which may ingress the container is scavenged and the contents of the container are protected from oxidation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Colormatrix Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Rule, Ronald J. Valus, Steven Burgess Tattum
  • Patent number: 8790543
    Abstract: A closure (40) for a container incorporates calcium hydride and a matrix material as a hydrogen-generating composition. In use, hydrogen is generated which reacts with oxygen permeating a container associated with the closure and a catalyst associated with the container catalyses reaction of the hydrogen and oxygen to produce water, thereby scavenging the oxygen. The composition of calcium hydride and matrix is also claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Colormatrix Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Adrian John Carmichael, Andrew Stuart Overend, Mark Rule, Ronald James Valus, James Stuart Leeming
  • Publication number: 20140187732
    Abstract: This invention provides compositions comprising reactive inorganic fillers in a cross-linked organosiloxane matrix and methods to produce the same. These compositions are useful as stain and acid resistant grouts and mortar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Inventors: Mark Rule, Harry Harshaw
  • Patent number: 8552099
    Abstract: A polymer additive for improving the reheat characteristics of a polymer or polymeric composition comprises an inorganic material which is such that a 2.5 mm thick polyethylene terephthalate plaque incorporating the inorganic material has, when tested, an absorption ratio of less than 0.9, wherein the absorption ratio is either the ratio of A1/A2 or the ratio A1/A3, wherein: A1 is the maximum absorption between 400 nm and 550 nm; A2 is the maximum absorption between 700 to 1100 nm; A3 is the maximum absorption between 700 to 1600 nm. Preferred inorganic materials are titanium nitride, indium tin oxide and lanthanum hexaboride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Colormatrix Europe Limited
    Inventors: Anthony Jarvis, Mark Frost, Mark Rule
  • Patent number: 8445086
    Abstract: Polymer compositions, for example of polyethyleneterephthalate bottles or preforms, include a reheat additive which has reducing transmission/increasing absorbance across the IR region as the wavelength increases. The reheat additive may be a titanium nitride, made by a plasma vapor deposition technique. Advantageously, the material may be used at a lower level than hitherto known materials or may be used at the same levels as hitherto but provide a greater reheat effect. Example 3a shown in the figure illustrates the absorbance of a preferred material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Colormatrix Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Frost, Mark Rule