Patents by Inventor Robert C. Bening

Robert C. Bening 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: 11692048
    Abstract: A gel composition is herein disclosed. According to one embodiment, the composition comprises a (i) a styrenic block copolymer, (ii) an oil; and (iii) optional additives; wherein the styrenic block copolymer has a structure ABi or iAB, wherein A is a monoalkenyl arene block, B is a conjugated diene block, and i is an isoprene attachment. The isoprene attachment i is substantially unsaturated and the conjugated diene block B is substantially saturated. The gel composition before curing exhibits thixotropic behavior, with a viscosity ranging from about 5000 mPa·s to about 30000 mPa·s. at 25° C. and a shear rate of 20 s?1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: KRATON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Catherine A. L. Maris, Erin B. Murphy, Robert C. Bening, Xiangyun Wei, Xavier D. Muyldermans
  • Patent number: 11384273
    Abstract: A drilling fluid composition having a controlled viscosity with the addition of a polyamide as a rheology modifier. The polyamide having has an acid value from 10 mg KOH/g to 200 mg KOH/g is obtained from a reactant mixture comprising: one or more polycarboxylic acids and one or more polyamines. The polycarboxylic acid is selected from the group of polycarboxylic acids having a carboxylic acid functionality of two or more, an average number of carboxylic acid functionalities of from 2 to 4, and having from 2 to 60 carbon atoms, wherein at least one of the polycarboxylic acids is derived from a dimer fatty acid. The polyamine is selected from the group of polyamines having an amine functionality of two or more selected from the group of primary and secondary amino groups, an average number of amine functionalities of from 2 to 4, and having from 2 to 36 carbon atoms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: KRATON POLYMERS LLC
    Inventors: Robert C Bening, Harry Jerrold Miller, Jos H. M. Lange
  • Patent number: 11370957
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a copolymer concentrate in a bio-solvent that can be further diluted into a slurry composition. The bio-solvent facilitates the formation of a viscosified base fluid with the mixing being carried out in a short period of time and at ambient, providing a free flowing, pumpable, and dispersible slurry. The slurry is characterized as having excellent stability, maintaining suspension over a wide range of temperatures. In embodiments, the bio-solvent is selected from terpene and terpene-derivative-containing solvents, fatty acid alkyl esters, and mixtures thereof. The bio-solvent can be first mixed with a styrenic diblock copolymer to form a concentrate prior mixing with a hydrocarbon solvent, forming a viscosified base fluid for subsequent mixing with a water-soluble polymer to form the slurry. The bio-solvent can also be used to dilute the hydrocarbon solvent, prior to mixing with the styrenic diblock copolymer to form the viscosified base fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: KRATON POLYMERS LLC
    Inventor: Robert C Bening
  • Patent number: 11345774
    Abstract: A block copolymer composition is disclosed. The composition contains an elastomeric block copolymer and a hydrophilic fumed silica with a surface area (BET, measured by nitrogen gas adsorption) of at least 200 m2/g, and a pH of 3 to 5, a tamped density of <=75 g/L. The block copolymer composition forms free-flowing composition, requiring less than 400 lbs/ft2 to break in a blocking test. The free-flowing composition does not negatively impact haze, transparency, and yellowness of transparent compounds, suitable for use in transparent formulations for medical, toys, and overmolds, viscosified oils, and oil gels applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: KRATON POLYMERS LLC
    Inventors: John G. Tunnell, Aaron Brothers, Kathryn J Wright, Robert C Bening
  • Patent number: 11292958
    Abstract: An oil-based slurry composition comprising hydratable (water-soluble) materials with improved settling properties is disclosed with the addition of a suspending agent to the slurry mixture. The suspending agent is a styrenic diblock copolymer of formula A-B. The styrenic diblock copolymer is a hydrogenated styrene-(ethylene/propylene) (S-EP) block copolymer having a molecular weight of 175-225 kg/mole and a polystyrene (PSC) content of 30-50%. The block copolymer maintains the water-soluble materials in suspension in the mixture with less than 3 wt. % free hydrocarbon solvent separation after at least 1 day standing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: KRATON POLYMERS LLC
    Inventors: Robert C Bening, Steven Huynh, David Sam Germack
  • Publication number: 20210301193
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a copolymer concentrate in a bio-solvent that can be further diluted into a slurry composition. The bio-solvent facilitates the formation of a viscosified base fluid with the mixing being carried out in a short period of time and at ambient, providing a free flowing, pumpable, and dispersible slurry. The slurry is characterized as having excellent stability, maintaining suspension over a wide range of temperatures. In embodiments, the bio-solvent is selected from terpene and terpene-derivative-containing solvents, fatty acid alkyl esters, and mixtures thereof. The bio-solvent can be first mixed with a styrenic diblock copolymer to form a concentrate prior mixing with a hydrocarbon solvent, forming a viscosified base fluid for subsequent mixing with a water-soluble polymer to form the slurry. The bio-solvent can also be used to dilute the hydrocarbon solvent, prior to mixing with the styrenic diblock copolymer to form the viscosified base fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2021
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Applicant: Kraton Polymers LLC
    Inventor: Robert C Bening
  • Publication number: 20210222046
    Abstract: A drilling fluid composition having a controlled viscosity with the addition of a polyamide as a rheology modifier. The polyamide having has an acid value from 10 mg KOH/g to 200 mg KOH/g is obtained from a reactant mixture comprising: one or more polycarboxylic acids and one or more polyamines. The polycarboxylic acid is selected from the group of polycarboxylic acids having a carboxylic acid functionality of two or more, an average number of carboxylic acid functionalities of from 2 to 4, and having from 2 to 60 carbon atoms, wherein at least one of the polycarboxylic acids is derived from a dimer fatty acid. The polyamine is selected from the group of polyamines having an amine functionality of two or more selected from the group of primary and secondary amino groups, an average number of amine functionalities of from 2 to 4, and having from 2 to 36 carbon atoms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2021
    Publication date: July 22, 2021
    Applicant: Kraton Polymers LLC
    Inventors: Robert C. Bening, Harry Jerrold Miller, Jos H. M. Lange
  • Publication number: 20210214603
    Abstract: An oil-based slurry composition comprising hydratable (water-soluble) materials with improved settling properties is disclosed with the addition of a suspending agent to the slurry mixture. The suspending agent is a styrenic diblock copolymer of formula A-B. The styrenic diblock copolymer is a hydrogenated styrene-(ethylene/propylene) (S-EP) block copolymer having a molecular weight of 175-225 kg/mole and a polystyrene (PSC) content of 30-50%. The block copolymer maintains the water-soluble materials in suspension in the mixture with less than 3 wt. % free hydrocarbon solvent separation after at least 1 day standing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2021
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Applicant: Kraton Polymers LLC
    Inventor: Robert C Bening
  • Publication number: 20200399408
    Abstract: A gel composition is herein disclosed. According to one embodiment, the composition comprises a (i) a styrenic block copolymer, (ii) an oil; and (iii) optional additives; wherein the styrenic block copolymer has a structure ABi or iAB, wherein A is a monoalkenyl arene block, B is a conjugated diene block, and i is an isoprene attachment. The isoprene attachment i is substantially unsaturated and the conjugated diene block B is substantially saturated. The gel composition before curing exhibits thixotropic behavior, with a viscosity ranging from about 5000 mPa.s to about 30000 mPa.s. at 25° C. and a shear rate of 20 s?1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: KRATON POLYMERS U.S. LLC
    Inventors: Catherine A.L. Maris, Erin B. Murphy, Robert C. Bening, Xiangyun Wei, Xavier D. Muyldermans
  • Patent number: 10633465
    Abstract: Selectively hydrogenated block copolymers having semi-crystalline blocks hard blocks and copolymer soft blocks having a combination of excellent physical properties and solvent resistance have been discovered. The block copolymer comprises at least one A block of hydrogenated, polymerized 1,3-butadiene and at least one B block which is a random copolymer or a controlled distribution copolymer of conjugated diene and mono vinyl aromatic monomers in which the conjugated diene monomer units are selectively hydrogenated. Polar functionalized block embodiments of the block copolymers are also disclosed. Compositions comprising the block copolymer and articles made from the block copolymer have also been discovered. A method is disclosed which provides highly isotropic, high strength melt cast films of block copolymers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Kraton Polymers U.S. LLC
    Inventors: John E. Flood, Carl L. Willis, Robert C. Bening, Hendrik De Groot, Xavier D. D. J. Muyldermans, David T. Williamson, Dale L. Handlin, Jr., Robert Dossett
  • Publication number: 20200079891
    Abstract: A block copolymer composition is disclosed. The composition contains an elastomeric block copolymer and a hydrophilic fumed silica with a surface area (BET, measured by nitrogen gas adsorption) of at least 200 m2/g, and a pH of 3 to 5, a tamped density of <=75 g/L. The block copolymer composition forms free-flowing composition, requiring less than 400 lbs/ft2 to break in a blocking test. The free-flowing composition does not negatively impact haze, transparency, and yellowness of transparent compounds, suitable for use in transparent formulations for medical, toys, and overmolds, viscosified oils, and oil gels applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Applicant: KRATON POLYMERS LLC
    Inventors: John G. Tunnell, Aaron Brothers, Kathryn J. Wright, Robert C. Bening
  • Patent number: 10287428
    Abstract: Provided herein is a composition containing a hydrogenated blend of a semi-crystalline, selectively hydrogenated block copolymer, a selectively diblock copolymers lacking semi-crystalline blocks, and a low polarity fluid for cable filling applications. The block copolymer comprises blocks of semi-crystalline hydrogenated polybutadiene, blocks of poly(mono alkenyl arenes), and blocks of hydrogenated, non-crystalline conjugated dienes. The diblock copolymer comprises blocks of poly(mono alkenyl arenes) and blocks of non-crystalline poly(conjugated diene(s)). The compositions can be converted to non-flowable gels and find application as fillers for cables such as fiber optic cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Kraton Polymers U.S. LLC
    Inventors: Robert C. Bening, Erin Murphy, Carl L. Willis
  • Publication number: 20180258277
    Abstract: A gel composition is herein disclosed. According to one embodiment, the composition comprises a (i) a styrenic block copolymer, (ii) an oil; and (iii) optional additives; wherein the styrenic block copolymer comprises: a diblock polymer having a monoalkenyl arene block, designated A, a conjugated diene block, designated B, an isoprene attachment, designated i, and wherein the styrenic block copolymer can have structure ABi or iAB; the isoprene attachment i is substantially unsaturated and the conjugated diene block B is substantially saturated. The gel composition before curing exhibits thixotropic behavior, and the gel composition after curing is either solid or has a viscosity at 25° C. at a shear rate of 20 s?1 of at least 30000 mPa·s.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2018
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Applicant: KRATON POLYMERS U.S. LLC
    Inventors: Catherine A.L. Maris, Erin B. Murphy, Robert C. Bening, Xiangyun Wei, Xavier D. Muyldermans
  • Patent number: 10053609
    Abstract: Provided herein is a dispersion composition comprising a blend of a semi-crystalline, selectively hydrogenated block copolymer and a low polarity fluid for oilfield applications. The block copolymer comprises blocks of semi-crystalline hydrogenated polybutadiene, blocks of poly(mono alkenyl arenes), and blocks of hydrogenated, non-crystalline conjugated dienes. The dispersions can be converted to thixotropic fluids or cohesive gels and find application as insulating packer fluids, fluid loss pills, drilling fluids and completion fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Kraton Polymers U.S. LLC
    Inventors: Robert C. Bening, Erin Murphy, Carl L. Willis
  • Publication number: 20170275392
    Abstract: Selectively hydrogenated block copolymers having semi-crystalline blocks hard blocks and copolymer soft blocks having a combination of excellent physical properties and solvent resistance have been discovered. The block copolymer comprises at least one A block of hydrogenated, polymerized 1,3-butadiene and at least one B block which is a random copolymer or a controlled distribution copolymer of conjugated diene and mono vinyl aromatic monomers in which the conjugated diene monomer units are selectively hydrogenated. Polar functionalized block embodiments of the block copolymers are also disclosed. Compositions comprising the block copolymer and articles made from the block copolymer have also been discovered. A method is disclosed which provides highly isotropic, high strength melt cast films of block copolymers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Publication date: September 28, 2017
    Applicant: KRATON POLYMERS U.S. LLC
    Inventors: John E. Flood, Carl L. WILLIS, Robert C. Bening, Hendrik De Groot, Xavier D.D.J. Muyldermans, David T. Williamson, Dale L. Handlin, Jr., Robert Dossett
  • Patent number: 9657213
    Abstract: The invention relates to a curable sealant composition broadly comprising a resealable, swellable, reactive sealant and free radical initiator; said resealable, swellable reactive sealant comprises monofunctional monomer(s), multifunctional monomer(s), reactive polymer such as unsaturated styrenic block copolymer, swellable additive, and optional components. The monofunctional monomer is a vinyl ester derivative of versatic acid with C9-C12 carbon atoms, or monoacrylate, monomethacrylate, monoacrylamide, or monomethacrylamide. The multifunctional monomer are di-, tri-, tetra-, and/or penta-functional monomers with vinyl, acrylate, methacrylate, acrylamide, or methacrylamide functionality, such as tricyclodecane dimethanol diacrylate, trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate, 1,3-butylene glycol dimethacrylate or a mixture thereof. The reactive unsaturated polymer is a styrenic block copolymer such as SBS, SIS, S-I/B-S, I-SEBS-I, and mixtures of two or more of these.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Kraton Polymers U.S. LLC
    Inventors: Erin B. Murphy, Duc V. Nguyen, Robert C. Bening
  • Publication number: 20160362545
    Abstract: Provided herein is a composition containing a hydrogenated blend of a semi-crystalline, selectively hydrogenated block copolymer, a selectively diblock copolymers lacking semi-crystalline blocks, and a low polarity fluid for cable filling applications. The block copolymer comprises blocks of semi-crystalline hydrogenated polybutadiene, blocks of poly(mono alkenyl arenes), and blocks of hydrogenated, non-crystalline conjugated dienes. The diblock copolymer comprises blocks of poly(mono alkenyl arenes) and blocks of non-crystalline poly(conjugated diene(s)). The compositions can be converted to non-flowable gels and find application as fillers for cables such as fiber optic cables.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Applicant: KRATON POLYMERS U.S. LLC
    Inventors: Robert C. BENING, Erin MURPHY, Carl L. WILLIS
  • Publication number: 20160362593
    Abstract: Provided herein is a dispersion composition comprising a blend of a semi-crystalline, selectively hydrogenated block copolymer and a low polarity fluid for oilfield applications. The block copolymer comprises blocks of semi-crystalline hydrogenated polybutadiene, blocks of poly(mono alkenyl arenes), and blocks of hydrogenated, non-crystalline conjugated dienes. The dispersions can be converted to thixotropic fluids or cohesive gels and find application as insulating packer fluids, fluid loss pills, drilling fluids and completion fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Publication date: December 15, 2016
    Applicant: KRATON POLYMERS U.S. LLC
    Inventors: Robert C. BENING, Erin MURPHY, Carl L. WILLIS
  • Publication number: 20160108305
    Abstract: The invention relates to a curable sealant composition broadly comprising a resealable, swellable, reactive sealant and free radical initiator; said resealable, swellable reactive sealant comprises monofunctional monomer(s), multifunctional monomer(s), reactive polymer such as unsaturated styrenic block copolymer, swellable additive, and optional components. The monofunctional monomer is a vinyl ester derivative of versatic acid with C9-C12 carbon atoms, or monoacrylate, monomethacrylate, monoacrylamide, or monomethacrylamide. The multifunctional monomer are di-, tri-, tetra-, and/or penta-functional monomers with vinyl, acrylate, methacrylate, acrylamide, or methacrylamide functionality, such as tricyclodecane dimethanol diacrylate, trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate, 1,3-butylene glycol dimethacrylate or a mixture thereof. The reactive unsaturated polymer is a styrenic block copolymer such as SBS, SIS, S-I/B-S, I-SEBS-I, and mixtures of two or more of these.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Applicant: Kraton Polymers U.S. LLC
    Inventors: Erin B. Murphy, Duc V. Nguyen, Robert C. Bening
  • Patent number: 8552114
    Abstract: The present invention provides a block copolymer composition and method of making the same having the structures (A2-B)n-X-(A1) or (A2-B2)n-X-(B1A1), where A1 and A2 are each a polymer block of a monoalkenyl arene and B, B1, and B2 are each a polymer block of one or more conjugated dienes or a hydrogenated diene polymer, n is an integer from 2 to 30 and X is the residue of a coupling agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Kraton Polymers U.S. LLC
    Inventors: Dale Lee Handlin, Jr., Peter Pasman, Glenn H. Fredrickson, Carl L. Willis, Robert C. Bening