Patents by Inventor Michael Coates

Michael Coates 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: 20150240065
    Abstract: Blended fluoropolymer compositions are provided. In one embodiment, a liquid dispersion of a first fluoropolymer is blended with a liquid dispersion of a second fluoropolymer. The first fluoropolymer may be polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), such as a low molecular weight PTFE (LPTFE) that has been polymerized via a dispersion or emulsion polymerization process, and which has not been agglomerated, irradiated, or thermally degraded. The LPTFE may be in the form of an aqueous dispersion, having a mean particle size of less than 1.0 microns (m), with the LPTFE having a first melt temperature (Tm) of 332° C. or less. The second fluoropolymer may be a melt processible fluoropolymer (MPF), such as methylfluoroalkoxy (MFA), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), or perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), for example, in the form of an aqueous dispersion, and having a mean particle size of less than 1.0 microns (m).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Leonard W. Harvey, Michael Coates, Julie K. Wright
  • Patent number: 9074084
    Abstract: Blended fluoropolymer compositions are provided, in which a liquid dispersion of a first fluoropolymer is blended with a liquid dispersion of a second fluoropolymer. The first fluoropolymer may be polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), such as a low molecular weight PTFE (LPTFE) in the form of an aqueous dispersion having a mean particle size of less than 1.0 microns (?m) and a first melt temperature (Tm) of 332° C. or less. The second fluoropolymer may be a melt processable fluoropolymer (MPF), such as methylfluoroalkoxy (MFA), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), or perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), for example, in the form of an aqueous dispersion having a mean particle size of less than 1.0 microns (?m). When the blended fluoropolymer composition is dried, a crystal structure representing a true alloy of the fluoropolymers is formed, having melt characteristics that differ from those of the individual fluoropolymers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Whitford Corporation
    Inventors: Leonard W. Harvey, Michael Coates, Julie K. Wright
  • Publication number: 20140205757
    Abstract: Blended fluoropolymer compositions are provided. In one embodiment, a liquid dispersion of a first fluoropolymer is blended with a liquid dispersion of a second fluoropolymer. The first fluoropolymer may be polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), such as a low molecular weight PTFE (LPTFE) that has been polymerized via a dispersion or emulsion polymerization process, and which has not been agglomerated, irradiated, or thermally degraded. The LPTFE may be in the form of an aqueous dispersion, having a mean particle size of less than 1.0 microns (?m), with the LPTFE having a first melt temperature (Tm) of 332° C. or less. The second fluoropolymer may be a melt processible fluoropolymer (MPF), such as perfluoromethylvinvyl ether (MFA), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), or perfluoropropylvinvyl ether (PFA), for example, in the form of an aqueous dispersion, and having a mean particle size of less than 1.0 microns (?m).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: WHITFORD CORPORATION
    Inventors: Leonard W. Harvey, Michael Coates, Julie K. Wright
  • Patent number: 8691344
    Abstract: Blended fluoropolymer compositions are provided. In one embodiment, a liquid dispersion of a first fluoropolymer is blended with a liquid dispersion of a second fluoropolymer. The first fluoropolymer may be polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), such as a low molecular weight PTFE (LPTFE) that has been polymerized via a dispersion or emulsion polymerization process, and which has not been agglomerated, irradiated, or thermally degraded. The LPTFE may be in the form of an aqueous dispersion, having a mean particle size of less than 1.0 microns (?m), with the LPTFE having a first melt temperature (Tm) of 332° C. or less. The second fluoropolymer may be a melt processible fluoropolymer (MPF), such as methylfluoroalkoxy (MFA), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), or perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), for example, in the form of an aqueous dispersion, and having a mean particle size of less than 1.0 microns (?m).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Whitford Corporation
    Inventors: Leonard W. Harvey, Michael Coates, Julie K. Wright
  • Patent number: 8166668
    Abstract: A method for the preparation of fluoropolymer powdered materials is disclosed. A suspension of solid fluoropolymer particles in a liquid carrier, preferably water, is frozen and the frozen carrier is then removed by sublimation at sub-atmospheric pressure to produce a dry powder of fluoropolymers particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Whitford Plastics Limited
    Inventors: Michael Coates, Iaian Robert Whitlow, Terry Anderson
  • Publication number: 20120076944
    Abstract: Blended fluoropolymer compositions are provided, in which a liquid dispersion of a first fluoropolymer is blended with a liquid dispersion of a second fluoropolymer. The first fluoropolymer may be polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), such as a low molecular weight PTFE (LPTFE) in the form of an aqueous dispersion having a mean particle size of less than 1.0 microns (?m) and a first melt temperature (Tm) of 332° C. or less. The second fluoropolymer may be a melt processible fluoropolymer (MPF), such as methylfluoroalkoxy (MFA), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), or perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), for example, in the form of an aqueous dispersion having a mean particle size of less than 1.0 microns (?m). When the blended fluoropolymer composition is dried, a crystal structure representing a true alloy of the fluoropolymers is formed, having melt characteristics that differ from those of the individual fluoropolymers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: WHITFORD CORPORATION
    Inventors: Leonard W. Harvey, Michael Coates, Julie K. Wright
  • Patent number: 8053549
    Abstract: A method for the preparation of a modified fluoropolymer powdered material is disclosed. A suspension of solid fluoropolymer particles together with PTFE particles in an aqueous carrier, is frozen and the frozen carrier is then removed by sublimation at sub-atmospheric pressure to produce a dry powder of modified fluoropolymer particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Whitford Plastics Limited
    Inventors: Andrew J. Melville, Leonard W. Harvey, Joel Ginies, Michael Coates, Julie K. Wright
  • Publication number: 20110224350
    Abstract: A method for the preparation of a modified fluoropolymer powdered material is disclosed. A suspension of solid fluoropolymer particles together with SiC particles in an aqueous carrier, is frozen and the frozen carrier is then removed by sublimation at sub-atmospheric pressure to produce a dry powder of modified fluoropolymer particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: WHITFORD PLASTICS LIMITED
    Inventors: Michael Coates, Robert I. Whitlow, Joel Ginies, Julie K. Wright, Andrew J. Melville, Leonard W. Harvey
  • Patent number: 7811631
    Abstract: Fluoropolymer particles are subjected to high energy treatment so as to change the chemical functionality of the particle surfaces and thereby change the surface characteristics of the particles. These characteristics improve the usefulness of these particles and can make them highly dispersible, even in water. The surface treated fluoropolymer particles are subject to a chemical crosslinking process, or alternatively, are subject to a high energy treatment process, and may optionally be pretreated with a macromolecular chemical species prior to the foregoing processes. The high energy treatment can be used to both surface treat the fluoropolymer particles and in some embodiments, may also cause chain scission of the fluoropolymers to thereby reduce the molecular weight of the fluoropolymer particles. The surface treated fluoropolymer particles can be used to form fluoropolymer coatings on various substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Laurel Products, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Coates, Wes Demonde, Kurt Davidson
  • Publication number: 20100204440
    Abstract: A method for the preparation of a modified fluoropolymer powdered material is disclosed. A suspension of solid fluoropolymer particles together with PTFE particles in an aqueous carrier, is frozen and the frozen carrier is then removed by sublimation at sub-atmospheric pressure to produce a dry powder of modified fluoropolymer particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2008
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: WHITFORD PLASTICS LIMITED
    Inventors: Andrew J. Melville, Leonard W. Harvey, Joel Gines, Michael Coates, Julie K. Wright
  • Publication number: 20100132212
    Abstract: A method for the preparation of fluoropolymer powdered materials is disclosed. A suspension of solid fluoropolymer particles in a liquid carrier, preferably water, is frozen and the frozen carrier is then removed by sublimation at sub-atmospheric pressure to produce a dry powder of fluoropolymers particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventors: Michael Coates, Iaian Robert Whitlow, Terry Anderson
  • Publication number: 20100050407
    Abstract: A method for repairing a damaged or corroded tong jaw having a jaw root and an original seating component. The method includes the steps of: (a) machining away corroded or damaged portions of the original seating component; (b) machining into a non-damaged portion of the original seating component and/or jaw root, thereby forming a machined base configured to receive a new seating component, the new seating component including a feature adapted for engaging the machined base. The new seating component is then connected onto the machined base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventors: David A. Buck, Daniel S. Bangert, Rizal Masingkan, Michael Coates
  • Publication number: 20090317553
    Abstract: Blended fluoropolymer compositions are provided. In one embodiment, a liquid dispersion of a first fluoropolymer is blended with a liquid dispersion of a second fluoropolymer. The first fluoropolymer may be polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), such as a low molecular weight PTFE (LPTFE) that has been polymerized via a dispersion or emulsion polymerization process, and which has not been agglomerated, irradiated, or thermally degraded. The LPTFE may be in the form of an aqueous dispersion, having a mean particle size of less than 1.0 microns (?m), with the LPTFE having a first melt temperature (Tm) of 332° C. or less. The second fluoropolymer may be a melt processible fluoropolymer (MPF), such as methylfluoroalkoxy (MFA), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), or perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), for example, in the form of an aqueous dispersion, and having a mean particle size of less than 1.0 microns (?m).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: WHITFORD CORPORATION
    Inventors: Leonard W. Harvey, Michael Coates, Julie K. Wright
  • Publication number: 20090110935
    Abstract: A fluoropolymer block copolymer containing a hydrofluorocarbon and a polyamide-based crosslinking agent crosslinked at a temperature above about 500° F. (about 260° C.). The crosslinked-block copolymer has compatibility with both non-hydrofluorocarbon-based fluoropolymers and engineered resins. Additionally, the block copolymer has unexpectedly high temperature stability, higher than each of the individual components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: William Christopher Lewis, Marc W. F. Lewis, Helen Brain, Leonard Harvey, Kurt Mecray, Michael Coates
  • Publication number: 20080081163
    Abstract: A thermoformable acoustic sheet formed by a compressed fibrous web includes high melt fibres and adhesive thermoplastic fibres in which the adhesive fibres are at least partially melted so that in the compressed web the adhesive fibres at least partially coat the high melt fibres and reduce the interstitial space in the fibre matrix. Also included are methods of producing a thermoformable acoustic sheet which includes heating a fibre web including high melt and adhesive thermoplastic fibres to at least partially melt the adhesive fibres and compressing the web to form a sheet so that the adhesive fibres at least partially coat the high melt fibres to reduce the interstitial space in the fibre matrix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Applicant: I.N.C. Corporation Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael Coates, Marek Kierzkowski
  • Patent number: 7220483
    Abstract: Fluoropolymer particles are subjected to high energy treatment so as to change the chemical functionality of the particle surfaces and thereby change the surface characteristics of the particles. These characteristics improve the usefulness of these particles and can make them highly dispersible, even in water. The surface treated fluoropolymer particles are subject to a chemical crosslinking process, or alternatively, are subject to a high energy treatment process, and may optionally be pretreated with a macromolecular chemical species prior to the foregoing processes. The high energy treatment can be used to both surface treat the fluoropolymer particles and in some embodiments, may also cause chain scission of the fluoropolymers to thereby reduce the molecular weight of the fluoropolymer particles. The surface treated fluoropolymer particles can be used to form fluoropolymer coatings on various substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Laurel Products, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Coates, Wes Demonde, Kurt Davidson
  • Publication number: 20070059445
    Abstract: Fluoropolymer particles are subjected to high energy treatment so as to change the chemical functionality of the particle surfaces and thereby change the surface characteristics of the particles. These characteristics improve the usefulness of these particles and can make them highly dispersible, even in water. The surface treated fluoropolymer particles are subject to a chemical crosslinking process, or alternatively, are subject to a high energy treatment process, and may optionally be pretreated with a macromolecular chemical species prior to the foregoing processes. The high energy treatment can be used to both surface treat the fluoropolymer particles and in some embodiments, may also cause chain scission of the fluoropolymers to thereby reduce the molecular weight of the fluoropolymer particles. The surface treated fluoropolymer particles can be used to form fluoropolymer coatings on various substrates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Publication date: March 15, 2007
    Applicant: LAUREL PRODUCT, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Coates, Wes Demonde, Kurt Davidson
  • Publication number: 20060090958
    Abstract: A thermo-formed acoustic product formed from an acoustic sheet with a relatively high flow resistance, and a layer of porous flow resistive spacer material attached to one side of the acoustic sheet and having a flow resistance substantially smaller than the acoustic sheet. The acoustic product has locally reactive acoustic behavior and an overall air flow resistance of between 2800 Rayls and 8000 Rayls. A decorative facing can be applied to the acoustic sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Publication date: May 4, 2006
    Applicant: I.N.C. Corporation Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael Coates, Marek Kierzkowski, John Simmons, Bruce Gascoigne, Philip Gibbons
  • Publication number: 20050096425
    Abstract: A process for stabilizing aqueous dispersions of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or co- and terpolymers of PTFE by adding a macromolecular species directly to the aqueous dispersion. Surprisingly, it has been observed that after the macromolecular species has been added to the dispersion of PTFE or co- and terpolymers of PTFE, the dispersions are very stable, do not readily coagulate, and remain stable even when subjected to freeze/melt cycles. The amount of macromolecular species which may be added may vary from about 0.1 wt. % to about 20.0 wt. %, for example, and suitable macromolecular species include polyacrylic acid (PAA), polyvinylalcohol (PVOH), polyethyleneimies (PEI), and polyethylene glycol (PEG), and others. The present method is particularly effective for stabilizing commercially available “unstabilized” aqueous dispersions of PTFE or co- and terpolymers of PTFE which do not include a surfactant or are substantially free of surfactant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Inventors: Michael Coates, Wes Demonde, Kurt Davidson
  • Patent number: 6824872
    Abstract: Fluoropolymer powder particles which are surface treated so as to change the chemical functionality on their surfaces which in turn changes the surfaces characteristics. These characteristics improve the usefulness of these powders and can make them wettable. The surface treated fluoropolymer particles are subject to an atmospheric plasma treatment process, and preferably pretreated with a macromolecular chemical species prior to the atmospheric plasma treatment. The atmospheric plasma treatment enhances adhesion to the powder surface and can also enhance cross-linking of the macromolecular chemical species. The surface treated fluoropolymer powders can be used to form fluoropolymer coatings on various substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Laurel Products LLC
    Inventors: Michael Coates, Wes Demonde, Kurt Davidson