Patents by Inventor Michael Gruender

Michael Gruender 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: 10273340
    Abstract: A porous polybenzimidazole (PBI) particulate resin is disclosed. This resin is easily dissolved at ambient temperatures and pressures. The resin is made by: dissolving a virgin PBI resin in a highly polar solvent; precipitating the dissolved PBI in a bath; and drying the precipitated PBI, the dried precipitated PBI being porous. The porous PBI resin may be dissolved by: mixing a porous PBI resin with a highly polar solvent at ambient temperatures and pressures to form a solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: PBI Performances Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John B. Hopkins, Jr., Karin M. Hudson, Gregory S. Copeland, Michael Gruender
  • Publication number: 20180044493
    Abstract: A porous polybenzimidazole (PBI) particulate resin is disclosed. This resin is easily dissolved at ambient temperatures and pressures. The resin is made by: dissolving a virgin PBI resin in a highly polar solvent; precipitating the dissolved PBI in a bath; and drying the precipitated PBI, the dried precipitated PBI being porous. The porous PBI resin may be dissolved by: mixing a porous PBI resin with a highly polar solvent at ambient temperatures and pressures to form a solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventors: John B. Hopkins, JR., Karin M. Hudson, Gregory S. Copeland, Michael Gruender
  • Patent number: 9828479
    Abstract: A porous polybenzimidazole (PBI) particulate resin is disclosed. This resin is easily dissolved at ambient temperatures and pressures. The resin is made by: dissolving a virgin PBI resin in a highly polar solvent; precipitating the dissolved PBI in a bath; and drying the precipitated PBI, the dried precipitated PBI being porous. The porous PBI resin may be dissolved by: mixing a porous PBI resin with a highly polar solvent at ambient temperatures and pressures to form a solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: PBI Performance Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John B. Hopkins, Jr., Karin M. Hudson, Gregory S. Copeland, Michael Gruender
  • Patent number: 9827532
    Abstract: A pervaporation membrane may be an acid-resistant polybenzidimazole (PBI) membrane. The acid-resistant PBI membrane may be a PBI membrane chemically modified by a process selected from the group consisting of sulfonation, phosphonation, cross-linking, N-substitution, and/or combinations thereof. The membrane may be thermally stabilized. A method for the dehydration of an acid material may include the steps of: contacting an acidic aqueous solution with a membrane of an acid-resistant polybenzidimazole; taking away a permeate stream rich in water; and taking away a concentrate steam rich in the acid material. The acidic aqueous solution may be acetic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: PBI Performance Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Yan Wang, Michael Gruender, Tai-shung Chung
  • Patent number: 9732224
    Abstract: The polymer mixture comprises polybenzimidazole (PBI)/polyvinylbutyral (PVB). The weight ratio (PVB:PBI) of this mixture may range from 0.25-50:50-99.75 or 15-85:15-85. The coating is based upon the polymer mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: PBI Performance Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Moore, Gregory S. Copeland, Michael Gruender
  • Publication number: 20160114291
    Abstract: A pervaporation membrane may be an acid-resistant polybenzidimazole (PBI) membrane. The acid-resistant PBI membrane may be a PBI membrane chemically modified by a process selected from the group consisting of sulfonation, phosphonation, cross-linking, N-substitution, and/or combinations thereof. The membrane may be thermally stabilized. A method for the dehydration of an acid material may include the steps of: contacting an acidic aqueous solution with a membrane of an acid-resistant polybenzidimazole; taking away a permeate stream rich in water; and taking away a concentrate steam rich in the acid material. The acidic aqueous solution may be acetic acid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2016
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventors: Yan Wang, Michael Gruender, Tai-shung Chung
  • Patent number: 9283523
    Abstract: A pervaporation membrane may be an acid-resistant polybenzidimazole (PBI) membrane. The acid-resistant PBI membrane may be a PBI membrane chemically modified by a process selected from the group consisting of sulfonation, phosphonation, cross-linking, N-substitution, and/or combinations thereof. The membrane may be thermally stabilized. A method for the dehydration of an acid material may include the steps of: contacting an acidic aqueous solution with a membrane of an acid-resistant polybenzidimazole; taking away a permeate stream rich in water; and taking away a concentrate steam rich in the acid material. The acidic aqueous solution may be acetic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: PBI Performance Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Yan Wang, Michael Gruender, Tai-shung Chung
  • Patent number: 9156983
    Abstract: A process for producing a solution blend of a polybenzimidazole (PBI) and a polyetherketoneketone (PEKK). The PBI is mixed with sulfuric acid at a temperature between 40° C. and 80° C. for 30 minutes to 2 hours to produce a PBI solution then cooled to room temperature to form a cooled PBI solution. Then PEKK is added to the cooled PBI solution to form a mixture and that mixture is stirred from 30 minutes to 2 hours at room temperature to form a stirred mixture. The stirred mixture is poured into an excess of water being stirred swiftly to form an aqueous mixture. The aqueous mixture is filtered to produce a blend. The blend is washed with water and dried. The resulting blend can yield a blend in all proportion from 1/99 PBI/PEKK to 99/1 PBI/PEKK.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: PBI Performance Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Bobby G. Dawkins, Michael Gruender, Gregory S. Copeland, Tim Hsu
  • Patent number: 9018308
    Abstract: PBI compositions include solutions comprising PBI and acrylate monomer and coatings comprising PBI and polyacrylate. The solutions may also include polymerization initiator, solvent, co-polymers. The coatings are thermally resistant, electrically insulating (dielectric), and adhesive. The PBI compositions are used in the manufacture of microelectronics and related products. Methods for applying the PBI compositions are also discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: PBI Performance Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Moore, Gregory S. Copeland, Michael Gruender
  • Publication number: 20140309377
    Abstract: A process for producing a solution blend of a polybenzimidazole (PBI) and a polyetherketoneketone (PEKK). The PBI is mixed with sulfuric acid at a temperature between 40° C. and 80° C. for 30 minutes to 2 hours to produce a PBI solution then cooled to room temperature to form a cooled PBI solution. Then PEKK is added to the cooled PBI solution to form a mixture and that mixture is stirred from 30 minutes to 2 hours at room temperature to form a stirred mixture. The stirred mixture is poured into an excess of water being stirred swiftly to form an aqueous mixture. The aqueous mixture is filtered to produce a blend. The blend is washed with water and dried. The resulting blend can yield a blend in all proportion from 1/99 PBI/PEKK to 99/1 PBI/PEKK.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventors: Bobby G. Dawkins, Michael Gruender, Gregory S. Copeland, Tim Hsu
  • Patent number: 8802789
    Abstract: A process for producing a solution blend of a polybenzimidazole (PBI) and a polyetherketoneketone (PEKK). The PBI is mixed with sulfuric acid at a temperature between 40° C. and 80° C. for 30 minutes to 2 hours to produce a PBI solution then cooled to room temperature to form a cooled PBI solution. Then PEKK is added to the cooled PBI solution to form a mixture and that mixture is stirred from 30 minutes to 2 hours at room temperature to form a stirred mixture. The stirred mixture is poured into an excess of water being stirred swiftly to form an aqueous mixture. The aqueous mixture is filtered to produce a blend. The blend is washed with water and dried. The resulting blend can yield a blend in all proportion from 1/99 PBI/PEKK to 99/1 PBI/PEKK.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: PBI Performance Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Bobby G. Dawkins, Michael Gruender, Gregory S. Copeland, Tim Hsu
  • Publication number: 20130331470
    Abstract: A porous polybenzimidazole (PBI) particulate resin is disclosed. This resin is easily dissolved at ambient temperatures and pressures. The resin is made by: dissolving a virgin PBI resin in a highly polar solvent; precipitating the dissolved PBI in a bath; and drying the precipitated PBI, the dried precipitated PBI being porous. The porous PBI resin may be dissolved by: mixing a porous PBI resin with a highly polar solvent at ambient temperatures and pressures to form a solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: PBI Performance Products Inc.
    Inventors: John B. Hopkins, JR., Karin M. Hudson, Gregory S. Copeland, Michael Gruender
  • Publication number: 20130313192
    Abstract: A pervaporation membrane may be an acid-resistant polybenzidimazole (PBI) membrane. The acid-resistant PBI membrane may be a PBI membrane chemically modified by a process selected from the group consisting of sulfonation, phosphonation, cross-linking, N-substitution, and/or combinations thereof. The membrane may be thermally stabilized. A method for the dehydration of an acid material may include the steps of: contacting an acidic aqueous solution with a membrane of an acid-resistant polybenzidimazole; taking away a permeate stream rich in water; and taking away a concentrate steam rich in the acid material. The acidic aqueous solution may be acetic acid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventors: Yan Wang, Michael Gruender, Tai-shung Chung
  • Publication number: 20130309471
    Abstract: The polymer mixture comprises polybenzimidazole (PBI)/polyvinylbutyral (PVB). The weight ratio (PVB:PBI) of this mixture may range from 0.25-50:50-99.75 or 15-85:15-85. The coating is based upon the polymer mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Inventors: John C. Moore, Gregory S. Copeland, Michael Gruender
  • Patent number: 8475925
    Abstract: A coating is a mixture of polybenzimidazole polymer and an epoxy. The coating may further include a primer underlying the coating. The coating may further include an adhesion promoter. A solution includes a polybenzimidazole polymer, an epoxy resin, an initiator, and a carrier solvent. The solution may further include a stabilizer and/or an adhesion promoter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: PBI Performance Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Moore, Gregory S. Copeland, Michael Gruender
  • Publication number: 20130035454
    Abstract: A process for producing a solution blend of a polybenzimidazole (PBI) and a polyetherketoneketone (PEKK). The PBI is mixed with sulfuric acid at a temperature between 40° C. and 80° C. for 30 minutes to 2 hours to produce a PBI solution then cooled to room temperature to form a cooled PBI solution. Then PEKK is added to the cooled PBI solution to form a mixture and that mixture is stirred from 30 minutes to 2 hours at room temperature to form a stirred mixture. The stirred mixture is poured into an excess of water being stirred swiftly to form an aqueous mixture. The aqueous mixture is filtered to produce a blend. The blend is washed with water and dried. The resulting blend can yield a blend in all proportion from 1/99 PBI/PEKK to 99/1 PBI/PEKK.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventors: Bobby G. Dawkins, Michael Gruender, Gregory S. Copeland, Tim Hsu
  • Patent number: 8309662
    Abstract: A process for producing a solution blend of a polybenzimidazole (PBI) and a polyetherketoneketone (PEKK). The PBI is mixed with sulfuric acid at a temperature between 40° C. and 80° C. for 30 minutes to 2 hours to produce a PBI solution then cooled to room temperature to form a cooled PBI solution. Then PEKK is added to the cooled PBI solution to form a mixture and that mixture is stirred from 30 minutes to 2 hours at room temperature to form a stirred mixture. The stirred mixture is poured into an excess of water being stirred swiftly to form an aqueous mixture. The aqueous mixture is filtered to produce a blend. The blend is washed with water and dried. The resulting blend can yield a blend in all proportion from 1/99 PBI/PEKK to 99/1 PBI/PEKK.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: PBI Performance Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Bobby G. Dawkins, Michael Gruender, Gregory S. Copeland, Tim Hsu
  • Publication number: 20120156500
    Abstract: A coating is a mixture of polybenzimidazole polymer and an epoxy. The coating may further include a primer underlying the coating. The coating may further include an adhesion promoter. A solution includes a polybenzimidazole polymer, an epoxy resin, an initiator, and a carrier solvent. The solution may further include a stabilizer and/or an adhesion promoter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: John C. Moore, Gregory S. Copeland, Michael Gruender
  • Publication number: 20110266222
    Abstract: A hollow fiber membrane has an outer layer of polybenzimidazole (PBI) and an inner support layer, e.g., polyetherimide (PEI). The hollow fiber membrane is made by a co-extrusion (spinning) process. The hollow fiber membrane may be used in a pervaporation process, such as a pervaporation dehydration of an organic liquid, e.g., ethylene glycol (EG). A contactor is made with the hollow fiber membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventors: Yan WANG, Michael Gruender, Tai-shung Chung
  • Patent number: RE46720
    Abstract: A pervaporation membrane may be an acid-resistant polybenzidimazole (PBI) membrane. The acid-resistant PBI membrane may be a PBI membrane chemically modified by a process selected from the group consisting of sulfonation, phosphonation, cross-linking, N-substitution, and/or combinations thereof. The membrane may be thermally stabilized. A method for the dehydration of an acid material may include the steps of: contacting an acidic aqueous solution with a membrane of an acid-resistant polybenzidimazole; taking away a permeate stream rich in water; and taking away a concentrate steam rich in the acid material. The acidic aqueous solution may be acetic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: PBI Performance Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Yan Wang, Michael Gruender, Tai-Shung Chung