Patents by Inventor Robert B. Turner

Robert B. Turner 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: 5952652
    Abstract: An ion mobility spectrometer includes a spectrometer housing (10) and, within the housing, an ion mobility spectrometer cell (12), a volume of vapour absorbent material (30), and a fan (38) for inducing a flow of recirculating cleaning air through the cell (12) and the absorbent material (30). The vapour absorbent material is held in close proximity with the cell, providing the possibility of constructing a miniature instrument without the need for any external air supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Graseby Dynamics Limited
    Inventors: Stephen J. Taylor, Robert B. Turner
  • Patent number: 5491174
    Abstract: Novel catalyst compositions comprising complexes of tin(IV) salts and amine compounds are used to prepare polyurethanes, polyureas, polycarbodiimides and polyisocyanurates. The complexes, which preferably employ primary amines, allow delay of gelation until they dissociate under certain reaction conditions. The complexes can be prepared neat or in situ in an active hydrogen containing formulation component. The complexes serve to delay gelation of the formulation because they can be prepared to be relatively stable to moisture and will predictably dissociate upon heating, either as a result of the exothermic nature of the reaction being catalyzed or with application of an external heat source. The catalyst compositions are particularly useful for preparation of carpet underlay and in other applications requiring significant delay prior to gelation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Laura A. Grier, Paul L. Neill, Ralph D. Priester, Larry W. Mobley, Kenneth W. Skaggs, Robert B. Turner
  • Patent number: 5106874
    Abstract: A process is disclosed for preparing a polyurethane or polyurea elastomer by reacting in a closed mold a reaction mixture comprising a polyisocyanate and a relatively high equivalent weight polyether. The process is characterized by employing as said polyether a polymer or copolymer of propylene oxide having at least two hydroxyl groups per molecule, an equivalent weight from about 1000 to about 5000 and a monofunctional species content of about 0.04 milliequivalents/gram of polymer or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: James R. Porter, Robert B. Turner
  • Patent number: 5106884
    Abstract: The invention includes a process for preparing a flexible, water-blown polyurea foam by reacting a reaction mixture containing at least one polyisocyanate component and an active hydrogen component, wherein active hydrogen compounds of relatively high equivalent weight have an average of about 1.5 to about 4 active hydrogen-containing groups per molecule, of which active hydrogen-containing groups: an average of (a) from about 5 to about 60 percent are primary aliphatic amine groups or (b) at least about 25 percent are primary aromatic, secondary aliphatic, Lewis acid-blocked primary or secondary aliphatic or aromatic amine groups or mixtures of such groups. An amount of at least one alkali metal halide salt effective to increase load bearing strength of the foam is incorporated into the reaction mixture. Differing amounts of alkali metal halide salts are suitably incorporated into different areas of the foam to produce areas having differing load bearing strengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Robert B. Turner, Ralph D. Priester, Jr., Robert A. Kuklies, Richard D. Peffley, Ronald M. Herrington, James R. Porter
  • Patent number: 5104910
    Abstract: Described herein is an isocyanate-reactive compound containing at least one linkage of the formula:--X--X--wherein X is independently in each occurrence --NR--, --S--, or --O--; R is independently in each occurrence hydrogen, C.sub.1-10 alkyl, aryl, or arylene; and at least one N, S, or O atom of the above formula is bonded to an aryl or arylene group. Also disclosed are isocyanate-reactive compositions containing the above compound and flexible polyurethane foams prepared therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Robert B. Turner, Ralph D. Priester, Jr., Stephen R. Burkes
  • Patent number: 5032622
    Abstract: Polyurethane foams having a specified glass transition temperature are densified for transportation or other purposes by heating the foam to a temperature above its T.sub.g, compressing the heated foam, and then cooling the compressed foam to a temperature below its T.sub.g. The cooled foam remains in a densified state until re-heated to a temperature above its T.sub.g, whereupon it re-expands to assume its original dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Ronald M. Herrington, Robert B. Turner, Robert M. Harnden
  • Patent number: 5010117
    Abstract: Flexible polyurethane foams are prepared from poly(propylene oxide) polymers having low levels of monofunctional impurities. The resulting foam has improved processing characteristics and compression set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1991
    Assignee: Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Ronald M. Herrington, Robert B. Turner, Roney J. Matijega
  • Patent number: 4980388
    Abstract: A polyurea foam is formed from a reaction mixture comprising at least one polyisocyanate component and an active hydrogen component, wherein active hydrogen compounds of relatively high equivalent weight have an average of about 1.5 to about 10 active hydrogen-containing groups per molecule, of which active hydrogen-containing groups: an average of (a) from about 5 to about 60 percent are primary or secondary aliphatic amine groups or (b) at least about 25 percent are primary aromatic, Lewis acid-blocked primary aliphatic, secondary aliphatic or aromatic amine groups or mixtures thereof. Carbon dioxide is adducted to said active hydrogen component. The adduct releases carbon dioxide to blow the foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1990
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Ronald M. Herrington, Robert B. Turner, James R. Porter, Ralph D. Priester, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4943626
    Abstract: Polyether active hydrogen compounds having at least two terminal active hydrogen groups on primary carbon atoms are prepared by (a) forming polyoxyalkylene molecules each having at least one active hydrogen precursor, (b) linking at least two of the polyoxyalkylene molecules, and (c) converting the active hydrogen precursor groups to active hydrogen groups on primary carbon atoms. The polyoxyalkylene molecule is formed by exposing a reaction mixture comprising at least one alkylene oxide and at least one protective initiator to conditions effective for the polymerization of the alkylene oxides. Linking is accomplished at polyether chain ends distal to the protected active hydrogen precursor groups, such that the active hydrogen precursors remain on the linked polyether chains until they are converted to active hydrogen groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1990
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: James E. McGrath, Youngtai Yoo, Robert B. Turner, Diane M. Lewis
  • Patent number: 4913958
    Abstract: Substrates having successive layers of a cellular polyurethane and a noncellular polyurethane are prepared using certain siloxane-polyether block copolymers in the noncellular polyurethane formulation. The use of the block copolymer reduces or eliminates the formation of a bubble line at the interface of the polyurethane layers, thereby improving physical and cosmetic properties of the carpet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Skaggs, Robert B. Turner, Terry L. Lamb
  • Patent number: 4861803
    Abstract: In one aspect, this invention is a polyurethane polymer having dispersed therein elongated particles of a high-melting, rigid polymer in an amount sufficient to measurably increase the tensile strength and/or elongation of the polyurethane relative to a like polyurethane which is prepared in the absence of said elongated particles.In another aspect, this invention is an active hydrogen-containing composition comprising at least one active hydrogen-containing compound having dispersed therein elongated particles of a high-melting rigid polymer in an amount which provides reinforcement to a polyurethane polymer prepared by reacting said active hydrogen-containing composition with a polyisocyanate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventor: Robert B. Turner
  • Patent number: 4853054
    Abstract: Polyurethane-backed textiles are prepared from a polyurethane-forming composition employing a polyether polyol having an equivalent weight of at least about 1000, a specified functionality and an internal poly(ethylene oxide) block or a terminal ethylene oxide end cap of at least about 15% by weight. The use of these polyether polyols provides a particularly desirable combination of processing and physical characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1989
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Robert B. Turner, Randall C. Jenkines, John F. Serratelli, Garland R. Barnes
  • Patent number: 4843138
    Abstract: Improved low temperature properties of polyureaurethane are obtained, such as low glass transition temperatures and reduced bending moduli at -400.degree. C., by the use of relatively high moleuclar weight polyether polyol intermediates. The polyureaurethane is made by reacting the polyether polyol intermediate with a diisocyanate and subsequent cure with a metal halide salt complex of methylenedianiline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1989
    Assignees: The Firestone Tire & Rubber Company, The Dows Chemical Company
    Inventors: Joseph H. Tazewell, Christopher P. Christenson, Robert B. Turner, Manuel Gonzales, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4798849
    Abstract: An organic bulk polymer is disclosed having microscopically dispersed therein a liquid crystalline polymer in an amount sufficient to measurably improve the properties of the organic polymer relative to a like bulk polymer in the absence of the liquid crystalline polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1989
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Oomman P. Thomas, Robert B. Turner
  • Patent number: 4792250
    Abstract: A shampooing apparatus or device that is a portable, lightweight, and easily operated for providing automatic shampooing and/or conditioning. The apparatus comprises a body having a dispensing head and adapted to contain at least one but preferably two capsules one of which may contain a shampoo concentrate and the other a conditioner. The body receives these capsules and also receives liquid under pressure from a source of the liquid. In the two capsule version there are separate output ports that couple to a common entry port into a cylindrical cavity of the dispensing head. The dispensing head is of pulsating type including a rotor. In an alternate embodiment in place of the capsules are provided externally disposed containers for the conditioner and shampoo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1988
    Assignee: Bobbie's Automatic Hair Shampooer, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert B. Turner
  • Patent number: 4745137
    Abstract: The inclusion of a polymer containing rigid moieties in an active hydrogen-containing compound has surprisingly been found to yield significant and unexpected improvements in the physical properties of polyurethane and/or polyurea polymers prepared therefrom. In particular, cellular polyurethane and/or polyureas made from these solutions have excellent firmness and high moduli.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1988
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Oomman P. Thomas, Robert B. Turner
  • Patent number: 4745136
    Abstract: A solution or colloidal dispersion of a polymer of an ethylenically unsaturated steroid derivative in an active hydrogen-containing compound is claimed. The polymer provides improved physical properties to a polyurethane made by reacting the solution or dispersion with an polyisocyanate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1988
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Oomman P. Thomas, Robert B. Turner
  • Patent number: 4745135
    Abstract: Polyurethanes are prepared from a polyol which itselve contains liquid crystalline moieties or which contains dispersed or dissolved liquid crystalline polymers. The use of this polyol is found to provide improved properties to polyurethanes, especially flexible polyurethane foams, which exhibit improved load bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1988
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Oomman P. Thomas, Robert B. Turner
  • Patent number: 4734455
    Abstract: This invention is an active hydrogen-containing composition comprising a relatively high equivalent weight active hydrogen-containing material and an inert, particulate filler which is stabilized with a stabilizer composition comprising(1) a carboxylic or phosphorus-containing acid containing about 8 to about 30 carbon atoms and(2) a metal salt of a carboxylic acid containing about 8 to about 30 carbon atoms.The stabilizer composition substantially reduces the tendency of the filler to settle out of the relatively high equivalent weight active hydrogen-containing compound, while having minimal impact on the reactivity of the active hydrogen-containing composition with a polyisocyanate and on the physical properties of the resultant polyurethane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1988
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Larry W. Mobley, James K. Jennings, Robert B. Turner
  • Patent number: 4706600
    Abstract: A kit for making permanently sealed transparent fingerprints using differential adhesion, including dry ink and means for applying the ink to fingers, a transfer strip having a backing sheet, a transparent adhesive print strip, and a protective cover, a transparent record sheet, print adhesive adhering together the protective cover and the adhesive print strip, backing adhesive adhering together backing sheet and the adhesive print strip, and the adhesives having such differential adhesion as to cause greater adhesion between the adhesive print strip and the backing sheet than between the adhesive print strip and the protective cover, and greater adhesion between the adhesive print strip and the record sheet than between the adhesive print strip and the backing sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1987
    Assignee: Crisis Communication, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley I. Mason, Jr., Allan P. Wolfe, Robert B. Turner