Patents by Inventor Richard A. Empey

Richard A. Empey 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).

  • High phosphate process for making low calcium, smooth flow xanthan gum
    Patent number: 4263399
    Abstract: A novel process is described for making a low calcium xanthan gum exhibiting smooth flow properties which comprises the use of high levels of phosphate in the fermentation medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1981
    Assignee: Merck & Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Empey, Jurgen G. Dominik
  • Sulfomethylated graft copolymers of xanthan gum and polyacrylamide
    Patent number: 4105605
    Abstract: A water-soluble anionic graft copolymer of xanthan gum and polyacrylamide wherein at least part of the amide function is sulfomethylated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1976
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1978
    Assignee: Merck & Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Ian W. Cottrell, Richard A. Empey, Joseph S. Racciato
  • Cellulase-free xanthan gum and process for producing same
    Patent number: 4070535
    Abstract: Intimate intermingling, as in a tumble reactor, of wet particulate xanthan gum, with either propylene oxide, .beta.-propiolactone, glutaraldehyde or pivalolactone, as essentially the only gas present, at about 40.degree.-70.degree. C., for from 1-5 hours, produces xanthan gum in which the cellulase enzyme is inactivated, but in which the viscosity of solutions is increased; the propylene oxide is removed to afford a residual propylene oxide content of not more than 300 ppm in the product xanthan gum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1975
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1978
    Assignee: Merck & Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Empey, David J. Pettitt