Patents by Inventor Robert M. Lowe

Robert M. Lowe 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: 11939309
    Abstract: The invention provides an associative polymer, a powder, and a process for making a powder including, networking one or more associative polymers and one or more optional surfactants to form a wet gel, and forming a powder from the wet gel, wherein the associative polymer(s) have a weight average molecular weight of from about 10 kDa to about 2,000 kDa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Heqing Huang, David Jordan, Robert M. Lowe, Jeffrey Cramm, Weiguo Cheng, Mingli Wei
  • Publication number: 20230314015
    Abstract: The method of improving an evaporative performance of a porous evaporative media in a cooling system that utilizes water evaporation for heat transfer, the method comprising contacting the porous evaporative media with a nonionic surfactant, optionally in combination with an antiscalant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2023
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Zhangzhang Yin, Shawn Michael Dalke, Michael J. Murcia, Bingzhi Chen, Robert M. Lowe
  • Publication number: 20230127399
    Abstract: The disclosed systems and method for evaluating the integrity of media pads within an adiabatic cooling system includes at least one media compartment containing at least one media coupon that is representative of at least one of the media pads. The system is adapted to be fluidly coupled to a source of representative process water and to provide such water to the at least one media compartment. A source of airflow fluidly is also coupled to the at least one media compartment. The flow of representative process water and airflow to the media coupon within the media compartment simulates the operation of the adiabatic cooling system. The at least one media coupon may then be analyzed as representative of media pads within the adiabatic cooling system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2022
    Publication date: April 27, 2023
    Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Zhangzhang Yin, Robert M. Lowe, Shawn Michael Dalke, Michael J. Murcia, Joshua Michael Minney, Michael J. Lesniak, Matthew McMullen
  • Patent number: 11214926
    Abstract: A method of incorporating a low molecular weight polymer (e.g., polymer strength aid) into an industrial process (e.g., papermaking process) is provided. The method comprises treating an industrial process (e.g., paper sheet precursor) with a powder or wetted powder, wherein the powder comprises a polymer dry polymer (e.g., polymer strength aid), wherein the polymer dry polymer (e.g., polymer strength aid) has a weight average molecular weight of from about 10 kDa to about 2,000 kDa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Robert M. Lowe, Weiguo Cheng, David Jordan, Heqing Huang
  • Patent number: 11214919
    Abstract: Methods of and systems for treating a web of chopped nonwoven mineral fibers passing through a chopped nonwoven mineral fiber mat process are provided. The methods comprise spraying strength aid onto the web of chopped nonwoven mineral fibers in a forming section of the chopped nonwoven mineral fiber mat process. The systems comprise a first spray bar comprising a delivery conduit configured to provide a flow of strength aid at a flow rate to one or more nozzles in fluid communication with the delivery conduit. The one or more nozzles are configured to receive the strength aid from the delivery conduit and to spray of the strength aid onto the web of chopped nonwoven mineral fibers in the forming section of the chopped nonwoven mineral fiber mat process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Krause, James Rieck, David Lucas, Eric J. Ouderkirk, Janet R. Kirkman, Robert M. Lowe, Alexandra Knoth
  • Patent number: 10920065
    Abstract: The invention provides an associative polymer, a powder, and a process for making a powder comprising, networking one or more associative polymer(s) and one or more optional surfactant(s) to form a wet gel, and forming a powder from the wet gel, wherein the associative polymer(s) have a weight average molecular weight of from about 10 kDa to about 2,000 kDa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Heqing Huang, David Jordan, Robert M. Lowe, Jeffrey Cramm, Weiguo Cheng, Mingli Wei
  • Publication number: 20210040309
    Abstract: The invention provides an associative polymer, a powder, and a process for making a powder including, networking one or more associative polymers and one or more optional surfactants to form a wet gel, and forming a powder from the wet gel, wherein the associative polymer(s) have a weight average molecular weight of from about 10 kDa to about 2,000 kDa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2020
    Publication date: February 11, 2021
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Heqing Huang, David Jordan, Robert M. Lowe, Jeffrey Cramm, Weiguo Cheng, Mingli Wei
  • Publication number: 20200248409
    Abstract: A method of incorporating a low molecular weight polymer (e.g., polymer strength aid) into an industrial process (e.g., papermaking process) is provided. The method comprises treating an industrial process (e.g., paper sheet precursor) with a powder or wetted powder, wherein the powder comprises a polymer dry polymer (e.g., polymer strength aid), wherein the polymer dry polymer (e.g., polymer strength aid) has a weight average molecular weight of from about 10 kDa to about 2,000 kDa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Publication date: August 6, 2020
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Robert M. Lowe, Weiguo Cheng, David Jordan, Heqing Huang
  • Patent number: 10648133
    Abstract: Methods of reducing paper dusting in a papermaking process, and a low dusting tissue having increased strength are provided. Application of a polymer comprising at least one amine-containing vinylic or allylic monomer to at least one surface of a paper web during the papermaking process reduces the dusting tendency of the paper, and increases both the wet and dry strength of the paper product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Roger Peter Linder, Jr., Gary Samuel Furman, Jr., Robert M. Lowe, David Castro, Robert Anthony Melchiors, Mark A. Billings
  • Patent number: 10519602
    Abstract: An acrylamide-based polymer which contains one or more multiquaternized (“multiquat”) monomer unit(s) is provided. The acrylamide-based polymer can be used in a papermaking process to reduce pitch and stickies deposition, improve retention and drainage, and enhance dry strength properties of paper. Also included is a method of controlling pitch and stickies deposition in papermaking comprising treating pulp slurry with an acrylamide-based polymer which contains one or more multiquaternized (“multiquat”) monomer unit(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaojin Harry Li, Sergey M. Shevchenko, Ross Gray, Robert M. Lowe, David Jordan, Zhengang Zong
  • Publication number: 20190368122
    Abstract: Methods of and systems for treating a web of chopped nonwoven mineral fibers passing through a chopped nonwoven mineral fiber mat process are provided. The methods comprise spraying strength aid onto the web of chopped nonwoven mineral fibers in a forming section of the chopped nonwoven mineral fiber mat process. The systems comprise a first spray bar comprising a delivery conduit configured to provide a flow of strength aid at a flow rate to one or more nozzles in fluid communication with the delivery conduit. The one or more nozzles are configured to receive the strength aid from the delivery conduit and to spray of the strength aid onto the web of chopped nonwoven mineral fibers in the forming section of the chopped nonwoven mineral fiber mat process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2019
    Publication date: December 5, 2019
    Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Krause, James Rieck, David Lucas, Eric J. Ouderkirk, Janet R. Kirkman, Robert M. Lowe, Alexandra Knoth
  • Publication number: 20180363247
    Abstract: An acrylamide-based polymer which contains one or more multiquaternized (“multiquat”) monomer unit(s) is provided. The acrylamide-based polymer can be used in a papermaking process to reduce pitch and stickies deposition, improve retention and drainage, and enhance dry strength properties of paper. Also included is a method of controlling pitch and stickies deposition in papermaking comprising treating pulp slurry with an acrylamide-based polymer which contains one or more multiquaternized (“multiquat”) monomer unit(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2018
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaojin Harry Li, Sergey M. Shevchenko, Ross Gray, Robert M. Lowe, David Jordan, Zhengang Zong
  • Patent number: 10006170
    Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods useful in applications relating to papermaking. The compositions and methods of the present invention comprise aldehyde-functionalized polymers designed to impart high paper strength and enhance water removal during the papermaking process. The aldehyde-functionalized polymers are of relatively low molecular weight, and comprise amino and/or amide groups mono-reacted and di-reacted at a ratio of at least about 1.5 to 1. The low molecular weight polymers of the present invention have the same strength and dewatering performance as corresponding high molecular weight polymers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Herman Mark Grimm, Mei Liu, Robert M. Lowe
  • Patent number: 9951475
    Abstract: The disclosure provides methods and compositions for increasing the dry strength of paper. The invention utilizes a tailored strength agent whose size and shape is tailored to fit into the junction points between flocs of a paper sheet. The strength agents is in contact with the slurry for just enough time to collect at the junction points but not so much that it can migrate away from there.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Weiguo Cheng, Mei Liu, Gary S. Furman, Jr., Robert M. Lowe
  • Patent number: 9920482
    Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for increasing the strength of a paper sheet. The method involves adding to the paper sheet an amine containing polymer. The amine containing polymer interacts with materials such as GPAM or starch to make the paper stronger in terms including tensile strength, surface strength and bulk strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Bradley Benz, Paul F. Richardson, James L. Thomas, Mei Liu, Robert M. Lowe
  • Publication number: 20170355846
    Abstract: The invention provides an associative polymer, a powder, and a process for making a powder comprising, networking one or more associative polymer(s) and one or more optional surfactant(s) to form a wet gel, and forming a powder from the wet gel, wherein the associative polymer(s) have a weight average molecular weight of from about 10 kDa to about 2,000 kDa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Publication date: December 14, 2017
    Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Heqing Huang, David Jordan, Robert M. Lowe, Jeffrey Cramm, Weiguo Cheng, Mingli Wei
  • Patent number: 9840810
    Abstract: The disclosure provides methods and compositions for increasing the strength of a paper sheet. The method involves adding to the paper sheet an amine-containing polymer. The amine-containing polymer interacts with materials such as glyoxalated polyacrylamide or starch to make the paper stronger in terms including tensile strength, surface strength and bulk strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: David J. Castro, Robert M. Lowe, Mei Liu
  • Publication number: 20170328008
    Abstract: Methods of reducing paper dusting in a papermaking process, and a low dusting tissue having increased strength are provided. Application of a polymer comprising at least one amine-containing vinylic or allylic monomer to at least one surface of a paper web during the papermaking process reduces the dusting tendency of the paper, and inpcreases both the wet and dry strength of the paper product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Publication date: November 16, 2017
    Applicant: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Roger Peter Linder, JR., Gary Samuel Furman, JR., Robert M. Lowe, David Castro, Robert Anthony Melchiors, Mark A. Billings
  • Publication number: 20170254021
    Abstract: The disclosure provides methods and compositions for increasing the strength of a paper sheet. The method involves adding to the paper sheet an amine-containing polymer. The amine-containing polymer interacts with materials such as glyoxalated polyacrylamide or starch to make the paper stronger in terms including tensile strength, surface strength and bulk strength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2017
    Publication date: September 7, 2017
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: David J. Castro, Robert M. Lowe, Mei Liu
  • Patent number: 9702086
    Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for increasing the strength of a paper sheet. The method involves adding to the paper sheet an amine containing polymer. The amine containing polymer interacts with materials such as GPAM or starch to make the paper stronger in terms including tensile strength, surface strength and bulk strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: David J. Castro, Robert M. Lowe, Mei Liu