Patents by Inventor Michael Elroy Muhle

Michael Elroy Muhle 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: 7307130
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst composition and a method for making the catalyst composition of a polymerization catalyst and a static charge modifier. The invention is also directed to the use of the catalyst composition in the polymerization of olefin(s). In particular, the polymerization catalyst system is supported on a carrier. More particularly, the polymerization catalyst comprises a bulky ligand metallocene-type catalyst system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Brant Patrick, Michael Elroy Muhle, Matt Kuchta
  • Patent number: 6995217
    Abstract: Processes for transitioning among polymerization catalyst systems, preferably catalyst systems that are incompatible with each other. In particular, the processes relate to transitioning from olefin polymerizations utilizing metallocene catalyst systems to olefin polymerizations utilizing traditional Ziegler-Natta catalyst systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Agapios Kyriacos Agapiou, Robert Olds Hagerty, F. David Hussein, Michael Elroy Muhle, Richard B. Pannell, Kathryn Ann Russell, Robert Lynn Santana, X. Simon Zhang
  • Patent number: 6949612
    Abstract: Processes for transitioning among polymerization catalyst systems, preferably catalyst systems that are incompatible with each other. In particular, the processes relate to transitioning from olefin polymerizations utilizing metallocene catalyst systems to olefin polymerizations utilizing traditional Ziegler-Natta catalyst systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Agapios Kyriacos Agapiou, Robert Olds Hagerty, F. David Hussein, Michael Elroy Muhle, Richard B. Pannell, Kathryn Ann Russell, Robert Lynn Santana, X. Simon Zhang
  • Patent number: 6914027
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst composition and a method for making the catalyst composition of a polymerization catalyst and a static charge modifier. The invention is also directed to the use of the catalyst composition in the polymerization of olefin(s). In particular, the polymerization catalyst system is supported on a carrier. More particularly, the polymerization catalyst comprises a bulky ligand metallocene-type catalyst system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Brant Patrick, Michael Elroy Muhle, Matt Kuchta
  • Patent number: 6858684
    Abstract: This invention relates to processes for transitioning among polymerization catalyst systems, preferably catalyst systems, which are incompatible with each other. Particularly, the invention relates to processes for transitioning among olefin polymerization reactions utilizing Ziegler-Natta catalyst systems, metallocene catalyst systems and chromium-based catalyst systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ian D. Burdett, Ping P. Cai, Ronald Steven Eisinger, Mark Gregory Goode, F. David Hussein, Michael Allen Kinnan, Michael Elroy Muhle, James L. Swecker, II
  • Patent number: 6831140
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for evaluating the condition of a fluidized bed reactor by examining the condition of the reactor wall. Specifically, the invention relates to a method for measuring static in the reactor using a static probe that is located at the distributor plate and comprises a distributor plate cap. The invention also relates to methods of determining a static level using a radio frequency (rf). The static measurements are provided to indicate or predict major continuity disturbances in the fluidized bed gas phase reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Elroy Muhle, Robert Olds Hagerty, John Francis Szul, Mark Gregory Goode, Laurence G. Britton
  • Publication number: 20040181016
    Abstract: Processes for transitioning among polymerization catalyst systems, preferably catalyst systems that are incompatible with each other. In particular, the processes relate to transitioning from olefin polymerizations utilizing metallocene catalyst systems to olefin polymerizations utilizing traditional Ziegler-Natta catalyst systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventors: Agapios Kyriacos Agapiou, Robert Olds Hagerty, F. David Hussein, Michael Elroy Muhle, Richard B. Pannell, Kathryn Ann Russell, Robert Lynn Santana, X. Simon Zhang
  • Publication number: 20040138391
    Abstract: This invention relates to processes for transitioning among polymerization catalyst systems, preferably catalyst systems, which are incompatible with each other. Particularly, the invention relates to processes for transitioning among olefin polymerization reactions utilizing Ziegler-Natta catalyst systems, metallocene catalyst systems and chromium-based catalyst systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Ian D. Burdett, Ping P. Cai, Ronald Steven Eisinger, Mark Gregory Goode, F. David Hussein, Michael Allen Kinnan, Michael Elroy Muhle, James L. Swecker
  • Publication number: 20040132931
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for evaluating the condition of a fluidized bed reactor by examining the condition of the reactor wall. Specifically, the invention relates to a method for measuring static in the reactor using a static probe that is located at the distributor plate and comprises a distributor plate cap. The invention also relates to methods of determining a static level using a radio frequency (rf). The static measurements are provided to indicate or predict major continuity disturbances in the fluidized bed gas phase reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Michael Elroy Muhle, Robert Olds Hagerty, John Francis Szul, Mark Gregory Goode, Laurence G. Britton
  • Patent number: 6753390
    Abstract: A gas phase polymerization process for producing a polyolefin composition is described, which includes passing a gaseous stream containing hydrogen gas and one or more monomers, including ethylene monomers, through a reactor that includes a fluidized bed, under reactive conditions, in the presence of a catalyst that includes metallocene, to provide a polyolefin composition, wherein in one embodiment the fluidized bulk density is 60% or more of the settled bulk density (or, a voidage of 40% or less); and wherein the voidage is controlled by a number of factors including, in certain embodiments, (a) the reactor temperature being maintained at 100° C. or below; (b) the molar ratio of hydrogen gas to ethylene introduced into the reactor being 0.015 or below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Fred David Ehrman, Michael Elroy Muhle, Pradeep Pandurang Shirodkar, Keith Wesley Trapp
  • Publication number: 20040044153
    Abstract: A gas phase polymerization process for producing a polyolefin composition is described, which includes passing a gaseous stream containing hydrogen gas and one or more monomers, including ethylene monomers, through a reactor that includes a fluidized bed, under reactive conditions, in the presence of a catalyst that includes metallocene, to provide a polyolefin composition, wherein in one embodiment the fluidized bulk density is 60% or more of the settled bulk density (or, a voidage of 40% or less); and wherein the voidage is controlled by a number of factors including, in certain embodiments, (a) the reactor temperature being maintained at 100° C. or below; (b) the molar ratio of hydrogen gas to ethylene introduced into the reactor being 0.015 or below.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventors: Fred David Ehrman, Michael Elroy Muhle, Pradeep Pandurang Shirodkar, Keith Wesley Trapp
  • Publication number: 20020103072
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst composition and a method for making the catalyst composition of a polymerization catalyst and a static charge modifier. The invention is also directed to the use of the catalyst composition in the polymerization of olefin(s). In particular, the polymerization catalyst system is supported on a carrier. More particularly, the polymerization catalyst comprises a bulky ligand metallocene-type catalyst system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventors: Brant Patrick, Michael Elroy Muhle, Matt Kuchta
  • Patent number: 6140432
    Abstract: This invention is generally directed toward a supported catalyst system useful for polymerizing olefins. The method for supporting the catalyst of the invention provides for a supported metallocene catalyst which when utilized in a polymerization process substantially reduces reactor fouling and sheeting in a gas or slurry polymerization process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Exxon Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Agapios Kyriacos Agapiou, Chi-I Kuo, Michael Elroy Muhle, Anthony Nicholas Speca
  • Patent number: 6117955
    Abstract: This invention is generally directed toward a supported catalyst system useful for polymerizing olefins. The method for supporting the catalyst of the invention provides for a supported metallocene catalyst which when utilized in a polymerization process substantially reduces reactor fouling and sheeting in a gas or slurry polymerization process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Exxon Chemical Patents Inc
    Inventors: Agapios Kyriacos Agapiou, Chi-I Kuo, Michael Elroy Muhle, Anthony Nicholas Speca
  • Patent number: 5763543
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous process for the polymerization of olefin(s) utilizing a metallocene catalyst or catalyst system in a continuous slurry or gas phase polymerization process for polymerizing monomer(s). The invention is more particularly drawn to a gas phase polymerization process for polymerizing one or more olefin(s), alone or in combination, in the presence of a metallocene catalyst system in a fluidized bed reactor, preferably operating in a condensed mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Exxon Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Elroy Muhle, Gary Thomas Renola, Agapios Kyriacos Agapiou, Dwayne Lee Litteer, John Robert Griffin
  • Patent number: 5753786
    Abstract: This invention relates to a process for transitioning between incompatible polymerization catalyst systems. Particularly, the invention relates to a process for transitioning from an olefin polymerization reaction utilizing a traditional Ziegler-Natta catalyst system to a metallocene-olefin polymerization reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Exxon Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Agapios Kyriacos Agapiou, Michael Elroy Muhle, Gary Thomas Renola
  • Patent number: 5747612
    Abstract: This invention relates to a process for transitioning between incompatible polymerization catalyst systems. Particularly, the invention relates to a process for transitioning from an olefin polymerization reaction utilizing a traditional Ziegler-Natta catalyst system to a metallocene-olefin polymerization reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Exxon Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Agapios Kyriacos Agapiou, Michael Elroy Muhle, Gary Thomas Renola
  • Patent number: 5712352
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous process for the polymerization of olefin(s) utilizing a metallocene catalyst or catalyst system in a continuous slurry or gas phase polymerization process. The invention is more particularly drawn to a gas phase polymerization process for polymerizing one or more olefin(s) in the presence of a metallocene catalyst system in a fluidized bed reactor in the absence of or with a low mount of a scavenger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Exxon Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Brant, John R. Griffin, Michael Elroy Muhle, Dwayne Lee Litteer, Agapios Kyriacos Agapiou, Gary Thomas Renola
  • Patent number: 5672665
    Abstract: This invention relates to a process for transitioning between incompatible polymerization catalyst systems. Particularly, the invention relates to a process for transitioning from an olefin polymerization reaction utilizing a traditional Ziegler-Natta catalyst system to a metallocene-olefin polymerization reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: Exxon Chemical Patents, Inc.
    Inventors: Agapios Kyriacos Agapiou, Michael Elroy Muhle, Gary Thomas Renola
  • Patent number: 5672666
    Abstract: This invention relates to a process for transitioning between polymerization catalyst systems which are incompatible with each other. Particularly, the invention relates to a process for transitioning from an olefin polymerization reaction utilizing a traditional Ziegler-Natta catalyst system to a metallocene-olefin polymerization reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: Exxon Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Elroy Muhle, Agapios Kyriacos Agapiou, Gary Thomas Renola