Patents by Inventor Ralph Kaulbach
Ralph Kaulbach 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).
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Patent number: 7148301Abstract: The invention relates to high purity fluoropolymers and processes for making such materials. These polymers are particularly suited for applications in the semiconductor industry. The process comprises removal of unstable polymer end groups by fluorination and removal of heavy metal impurities by extraction with an aqueous acid medium.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2003Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Thomas J. Blong, Denis Duchesne, Gernot Loehr, Albert Killich, Tilman Zipplies, Ralph Kaulbach, Herbert Strasser
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Patent number: 7125941Abstract: The present invention provides a method of making a fluoropolymer through emulsion polymerization of one or more fluorinated monomers in an aqueous phase in the presence of a fluorinated surfactant. At least part of the fluorinated surfactant is added to the aqueous phase as an aqueous mixture with at least one organic liquid that is not miscible with water and that is selected from halogenated and non-halogenated organic liquids, the mixture having droplets having an average droplet diameter of not more than 1000 nm and the mixture being added to the aqueous phase in such an amount that the total amount of the fluorinated surfactant is not more than 1% by weight based on the weight of the aqueous phase and the total amount of said organic liquid is not more than 1% by weight based on the weight of said aqueous phase. The invention allows for an improvement of the efficiency of an aqueous emulsion polymerization process.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2002Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Ralph Kaulbach, Ludwig Mayer
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Patent number: 7060772Abstract: A fluoropolymer having a melting point of at least 160° C. is provided wherein the fluoropolymer is derived from tetrafluoroethylene as the major component, one or more perfluoro vinyl ethers as the minor component, the perfluoro vinyl ether having the formula CF2?CFO(CF2)nORf wherein n is from 2 to 6 and Rf is a perfluoroalkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and optionally a perfluoro alkyl vinyl ether having from 1 to 5 carbon atoms in the alkyl radical.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2001Date of Patent: June 13, 2006Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Klaus Hintzer, Ralph Kaulbach, Friedrich Kloos, Werner Schwertfeger
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Patent number: 6984697Abstract: The invention provides a fluorothermoplastic composition comprising interpolymerized units derived from about 94 to about 97.5 mole percent (mol %) tetrafluoroethylene (TFE), about 2 to about 3 mol % perfluoro (propyl vinyl ether) (PPVE), and about 0.5 to about 3 mol % hexafluoropropylene (HFP). The invention also provides a fluorothermoplastic composition comprising interpolymerized units derived from about 94 to about 97 mol % TFE, about 0.75 to about 3 mol % PPVE, and about 1.5 to about 3.5 mol % HFP. These fluorothermoplastic compositions have a flex life that fits the equation: log(flex life cycles)?0.71+4.0*(MFI(?0.294)), a method of making fluorothermoplastic compositions, a method of improving stress crack resistance, and fluorothermoplastic articles.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2003Date of Patent: January 10, 2006Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Thomas J. Blong, Lisa P. Chen, Ralph Kaulbach, Friedrich Kloos, Georg Burkard
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Patent number: 6927265Abstract: The present invention provides a fluoropolymer that is melt-processible and thermoplastic and that has a melting point between 100° C. and 320° C. The fluoropolymer is derived from (a) one or more gaseous fluorinated monomers, (b) one or more modifiers selected from (i) olefins having a bromine or iodine atom bonded to a carbon of the double bond of the olefin, (ii) olefins corresponding to formula (I): Xa2C?CXa—Rf—Br??(I) wherein each Xa independently represents hydrogen, fluorine, bromine, chlorine or iodine, Rf is a perfluoroalkylene group, typically having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, a perfluorooxyalkylene group or a perfluoropolyether group and (iii) mixtures thereof; and (c) optionally one or more comonomers selected from non-gaseous fluorinated monomers and non-fluorinated monomers. The resulting fluoropolymer has long chain branches. The invention further provides a method for making these polymers.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2004Date of Patent: August 9, 2005Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Harald Kaspar, Klaus Hintzer, Tilman Zipplies, Ralph Kaulbach
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Publication number: 20040192868Abstract: The present invention provides a fluoropolymer that is melt-processible and thermoplastic and that has a melting point between 100° C. and 320° C.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2004Publication date: September 30, 2004Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Harald Kaspar, Klaus Hintzer, Tilman Zipplies, Ralph Kaulbach
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Publication number: 20040132927Abstract: The invention relates to high purity fluoropolymers and processes for making such materials. These polymers are particularly suited for applications in the semiconductor industry. The process comprises removal of unstable polymer end groups by fluorination and removal of heavy metal impurities by extraction with an aqueous acid medium.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2003Publication date: July 8, 2004Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Thomas J. Blong, Denis Duchesne, Gernot Loehr, Albert Killich, Tilman Zipplies, Ralph Kaulbach, Herbert Strasser
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Patent number: 6734254Abstract: Provided is a co-curable blend comprising (a) a fluoroplastic comprising (i) bromine atoms, iodine atoms, and combinations thereof, and (ii) units derived from a fluorinated monomer, and a peroxide curable fluoroelastomer gum. The invention also provides a composition comprising a fluoroplastic comprising (i) bromine atoms, iodine atoms, and combinations thereof and (ii) units derived from a fluorinated monomer, peroxide curable fluoroelastomer gum, a peroxide curative, and optionally a coagent. The fluoroplastic has an MFI no greater than 5 g/10 min., and/or an average particle size greater than 100 nm. The invention also provides a method of making a fluoropolymer blend and cured articles.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2003Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Allan T. Worm, William D. Coggio, Ralph Kaulbach, Friedrich Kloos
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Publication number: 20040072935Abstract: The invention provides a fluorothermoplastic composition comprising interpolymerized units derived from about 94 to about 97.5 mole percent (mol %) tetrafluoroethylene (TFE), about 2 to about 3 mol % perfluoro (propyl vinyl ether) (PPVE), and about 0.5 to about 3 mol % hexafluoropropylene (HFP). The invention also provides a fluorothermoplastic composition comprising interpolymerized units derived from about 94 to about 97 mol % TFE, about 0.75 to about 3 mol % PPVE, and about 1.5 to about 3.5 mol % HFP.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2003Publication date: April 15, 2004Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Thomas J. Blong, Lisa P. Chen, Ralph Kaulbach, Friedrich Kloos, Georg Burkard
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Publication number: 20040072977Abstract: The present invention provides a method of making a fluoropolymer through emulsion polymerization of one or more fluorinated monomers in an aqueous phase in the presence of a fluorinated surfactant. At least part of the fluorinated surfactant is added to the aqueous phase as an aqueous mixture with at least one organic liquid that is not miscible with water and that is selected from halogenated and non-halogenated organic liquids, the mixture having droplets having an average droplet diameter of not more than 1000 nm and the mixture being added to the aqueous phase in such an amount that the total amount of the fluorinated surfactant is not more than 1% by weight based on the weight of the aqueous phase and the total amount of said organic liquid is not more than 1% by weight based on the weight of said aqueous phase. The invention allows for an improvement of the efficiency of an aqueous emulsion polymerization process.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2003Publication date: April 15, 2004Inventors: Ralph Kaulbach, Ludwig Mayer
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Patent number: 6713141Abstract: A low-molecular-weight copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene with units of perfluoro alkyl vinyl ethers having a melt index of ≧30 suitable as a mixing component with a higher-molecular-weight copolymer of the same monomers for producing moldings in injection molding or by extrusion.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2001Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyzInventors: Ralph Kaulbach, Friedrich Kloos, Gernot Löhr, Peter Stamprech
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Patent number: 6696526Abstract: A low-molecular-weight copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene with units of perfluoro alkyl vinyl ethers having a melt index of ≧30 suitable as a mixing component with a higher-molecular-weight copolymer of the same monomers for producing moldings in injection molding or by extrusion.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 1998Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Ralph Kaulbach, Friedrich Kloos, Gernot Löhr, Peter Stamprech
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Patent number: 6693164Abstract: The invention relates to high purity fluoropolymers and processes for making such materials. These polymers are particularly suited for applications in the semiconductor industry. The process comprises removal of unstable polymer end groups by fluorination and removal of heavy metal impurities by extraction with an aqueous acid medium.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2001Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Thomas J. Blong, Denis Duchesne, Gernot Loehr, Albert Killich, Tilman Zipplies, Ralph Kaulbach, Herbert Strasser
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Publication number: 20040024155Abstract: A fluoropolymer having a melting point of at least 160° C. is provided wherein the fluoropolymer is derived from tetrafluoroethylene as the major component, one or more perfluoro vinyl ethers as the minor component, the perfluoro vinyl ether having the formula CF2═CFO(CF2)nORf wherein n is from 2 to 6 and Rf is a perfluoroalkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and optionally a perfluoro alkyl vinyl ether having from 1 to 5 carbon atoms in the alkyl radical.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2003Publication date: February 5, 2004Inventors: Klaus Hintzer, Ralph Kaulbach, Friedrich Kloos, Werner Schwertfeger
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Patent number: 6686426Abstract: In preparing a fluorinated thermoplastic with good flex life, high thermal conductivity and low average spherolite diameter from tetrafluoroethylene and perfluoro n-alkyl vinyl ether, perfluoro 2-propoxyalkyl vinyl ether is additionally incorporated into the fluorinated thermoplastic. A semicrystalline, thermoplastically processable copolymer is prepared, made from units of the tetrafluoroethylene, from 2 to 10% by weight of units of perfluoro n-propyl vinyl ether and from 0.1 to 6% by weight of units of perfluoro 2-propoxypropyl vinyl ether. The novel copolymer preferably contains fewer than 70 unstable end groups per 106 carbon atoms, has thermal conductivity of at least 0.19 W/mK at 23° C. and has a smooth surface with an average spherolite diameter of <5 &mgr;m. The novel terpolymer is suitable for extrusion of hose, in particular for heat exchangers, and also for ultrahigh-purity applications.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2001Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Ralph Kaulbach, Helmut Traunspurger
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Patent number: 6653379Abstract: The invention provides a fluorothermoplastic composition comprising interpolymerized units derived from about 94 to about 97.5 mole percent (mol %) tetrafluoroethylene (TFE), about 2 to about 3 mol % perfluoro (propyl vinyl ether) (PPVE), and about 0.5 to about 3 mol % hexafluoropropylene (HFP). The invention also provides a fluorothermoplastic composition comprising interpolymerized units derived from about 94 to about 97 mol % TFE, about 0.75 to about 3 mol % PPVE, and about 1.5 to about 3.5 mol % HFP. These fluorothermoplastic compositions have a flex life that fits the equation: log(flex life cycles)≧0.71+4.0*(MFI(−0.294)), a method of making fluorothermoplastic compositions, a method of improving stress crack resistance, and fluorothermoplastic articles.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2001Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Thomas J. Blong, Lisa P. Chen, Ralph Kaulbach, Friedrich Kloos, Georg Burkard
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Patent number: 6623680Abstract: A tetrafluoroethylene/hexafluoropropylene copolymer with high drawability is provided. Also provided is a process employing the polymer and an article coated with the polymer.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2003Date of Patent: September 23, 2003Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Ralph Kaulbach, Albert Killich, Friedrich Kloos, Gernot Loehr, Ludwig Mayer, Erik Peters, Thomas J. Blong, Denis Duchesne
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Publication number: 20030130459Abstract: A tetrafluoroethylene/hexafluoropropylene copolymer with high drawability is provided. Also provided is a process employing the polymer and an article coated with the polymer.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2003Publication date: July 10, 2003Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Ralph Kaulbach, Albert Killich, Friedrich Kloos, Gernot Loehr, Ludwig Mayer, Erik Peters, Thomas J. Blong, Denis Duchesne
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Patent number: 6583226Abstract: Provided is a melt-processible perfluorinated polymer composition comprising (a) a melt-processible perfluoropolymer comprising (i) from 80 to 98% by weight of repeating units derived from tetrafluoroethylene, (ii) from 2 to 20% by weight of repeating units derived from hexafluoropropylene, and (iii) from 0 to 5% by weight of repeating units derived from further comonomers other than tetrafluoroethylene and hexafluoropropylene, and wherein the proportion by weight of the repeating units derived from hexafluoropropylene units is greater than that of the repeating units of said further comonomers, and (b) from 0.01 to 5% by weight, based on perfluoropolymer (a), of a high-molecular-weight perfluorinated polymer with a melting point at least 20° C. above that of the fluoropolymer (a). Also provided are processes for making and using such melt-processable compositions.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Ralph Kaulbach, Friedrich Kloos
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Patent number: RE40902Abstract: A tetrafluoroethylene/hexafluoropropylene copolymer with high drawability is provided. Also provided is a process employing the polymer and an article coated with the polymer.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2007Date of Patent: September 1, 2009Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Ralph Kaulbach, Albert Killich, Friedrich Kloos, Gernot Loehr, Ludwig Mayer, Erik Peters, Thomas J. Blong, Denis Duchesne