Patents by Inventor Robert S. Whitehouse

Robert S. Whitehouse 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: 7166743
    Abstract: Methods of forming acrylic acid by heating a PHA are disclosed. The PHA can be derived from a biomass of a non-fossil source. The PHA can be, for example, poly 3-hydroxypropionate or a 3-hydroxypropionate containing polymer. The methods can include, for example, heating the PHA to a temperature of at least about 100° C. to form acrylic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Metabolix, Inc.
    Inventors: Luhua Zhong, Robert S. Whitehouse
  • Patent number: 7094840
    Abstract: Polyhydroxyalkanoate compositions including hot melt adhesive compositions, biodegradable wax compositions, and protective coating compositions are provided and include a low molecular weight polyhydroxyalkanoate, a terminally-modified polyhydroxyalkanoate, or both. The compositions are biodegradable and environmentally friendly. Methods of protecting an article, such as a food product like cheese, are also provided and include coating or encapsulating the article with a composition containing a low molecular weight polyhydroxyalkanoate, a terminally-modified polyhydroxyalkanoate, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Metabolix, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Whitehouse, Luhua Zhong, Sean Daughtry
  • Patent number: 6953825
    Abstract: Treated carbonaceous compositions comprising a carbonaceous material, preferably a carbon black, and an ester polymer treating agent. Also disclosed are polymer compositions incorporating the treated carbonaceous compositions and articles of manufacture formed from the polymer compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Cabot Corporation
    Inventors: Robert S. Whitehouse, Jameel Menashi, Thomas F. Reed
  • Patent number: 6933404
    Abstract: In some embodiments, this invention relates to a method that includes contacting a PHA with an aprotic catalyst to form an ester. The ester has only one monomer unit from the PHA. In certain embodiments, this invention relates to a method that includes treating a PHA-containing non-lyophilized biomass to form an ester, and removing at least some of the ester from the biomass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Metabolix Inc.
    Inventors: Luhua Zhong, Edward M. Muller, James J. Barber, Joseph Pugach, Robert S. Whitehouse, Sean K. Daughtry
  • Patent number: 6897338
    Abstract: Methods of forming acrylic acid from a PHA, such as, for example, poly 3-hydroxypropionate or a 3-hydroxypropionate containing polymer are disclosed. The methods can include, for example, heating a biomass containing the PHA to form acrylic acid. The methods can include, for example, heating the PHA to a temperature of at least about 200° C. to form acrylic acid. The methods can include for example, heating a mixture containing a first portion of the PHA to form a first portion of acrylic acid, and then adding a second portion of the PHA to the mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Metabolix, Inc.
    Inventors: Luhua Zhong, Robert S. Whitehouse
  • Publication number: 20040220355
    Abstract: This invention relates to blends containing two or more polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), and related methods and articles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventor: Robert S. Whitehouse
  • Publication number: 20040213941
    Abstract: PHA adhesive compositions, and related methods and articles are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventor: Robert S. Whitehouse
  • Patent number: 6780911
    Abstract: Molding compositions including low molecular weight polyhydroxyalkanoates are provided. The use of the low molecular weight polyhydroxyalkanoates as a binder in molding compositions provides improved binder removal in the finished molded product, and offers a wide range of physical properties suitable for use in a variety of processing conditions. The composition preferably includes a powdered material, such as a metal powder, ceramic powder, or blend, admixed with a low molecular weight polyhydroxyalkanoate binder. The compositions are useful in powder processing techniques, such as injection molding, slip casting, tape casting, or extrusion. Methods of forming low molecular weight polyhydroxyalkanoates are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Metabolix, Inc.
    Inventors: Luhua Zhong, Robert S. Whitehouse
  • Patent number: 6753384
    Abstract: A polyurethane is described which is a reaction product of at least one isocyanate containing material having at least two isocyanate groups and at least one compound having at least two hydrogen atoms capable of reacting with the isocyanate. The compound having the at least two hydrogen atoms contains a hydroxyalkanoate, which is preferably a thermally decomposable or a biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoate. The polyurethane of the present invention can be used in a number of applications and preferably has improved properties such as, but not limited to, improved flexibility and/or improved hydrophobicity. The polyurethanes of the present invention are preferably biodegradable and easily recycled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Metabolix, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Whitehouse, Sean Daughtry, Luhua Zhong
  • Publication number: 20030162851
    Abstract: Methods of forming intermediates from PHAs are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventors: Luhua Zhong, Edward M. Muller, James J. Barber, Joseph Pugach, Robert S. Whitehouse, Sean K. Daughtry
  • Publication number: 20030158274
    Abstract: Methods of forming intermediates from PHAs are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Luhua Zhong, Edward M. Muller, James J. Barber, Joseph Pugach, Robert S. Whitehouse, Sean K. Daughtry
  • Publication number: 20030158441
    Abstract: Methods of forming intermediates from PHAs are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Luhua Zhong, Robert S. Whitehouse
  • Patent number: 6551393
    Abstract: A modified particle is disclosed wherein a particle has an attached group having the formula: wherein Ar represents an aromatic group; R1 represents a bond, an arylene group, an alkylene group, wherein R4 is an alkyl or alkylene group or an aryl or arylene group; R2 and R3, which can be the same or different, represent hydrogen, an alkyl group, an aryl group, —OR5, —NHR5, —NR5R5, or —SR5, wherein R5, which is the same or different, represents an alkyl group or an aryl group; and SFR represents a stable free radical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Cabot Corporation
    Inventors: Wayne Devonport, Robert S. Whitehouse, Russell L. Warley, Thimma R. Rawalpally, Hairuo Tu
  • Patent number: 6437995
    Abstract: A control system to control at least one of the thyristor converters (1) or (2) of an ac system (7,8) or (9,10) connected by busbars (5,6) and transformers (3,4) to the converters (1,2) which have their dc sides connected by a dc link, for example inductor (11). Each thyristor converter receives firing pulses from a firing control (12) or (13), including a firing angle control (18) and a summing junction (16) receiving a control current signal input (17) and a current signal (14) which is a function of converter operation. An electrical power measurement is made of one of the ac systems, for example the ac system (7,8,5) and in accordance with that power measurement a signal which is a function thereof is produced as an output (19) from an integral two-axis ac servo control having demodulator, integrator and modulator circuit receiving the power measurement signal as input. Signal (19) is a function of the cross-modulation noise component caused by interaction of electrical noise from the two converters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Alstom
    Inventors: John Desmond Ainsworth, Robert S. Whitehouse
  • Publication number: 20020098144
    Abstract: A modified particle is disclosed wherein a particle has an attached group having the formula: 1
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventors: Wayne Devonport, Robert S. Whitehouse, Russell L. Warley, Thimma R. Rawalpally, Hairuo Tu
  • Publication number: 20020077269
    Abstract: An alkanoic acid ester monomer is provided having a number average molecular weight of about 1000 or less. Coalescing agents, plasticizers, and green solvents including the monomer are also provided as are methods of making the monomer. In addition, methods of coalescing components, plasticizing compositions, and dissolving solutes using the monomer are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Robert S. Whitehouse, Luhua Zhong, Sean Daughtry
  • Publication number: 20020068810
    Abstract: Polyhydroxyalkanoate compositions including hot melt adhesive compositions, biodegradable wax compositions, and protective coating compositions are provided and include a low molecular weight polyhydroxyalkanoate, a terminally-modified polyhydroxyalkanoate, or both. The compositions are biodegradable and environmentally friendly. Methods of protecting an article, such as a food product like cheese, are also provided and include coating or encapsulating the article with a composition containing a low molecular weight polyhydroxyalkanoate, a terminally-modified polyhydroxyalkanoate, or both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventors: Robert S. Whitehouse, Luhua Zhong, Sean Daughtry
  • Publication number: 20020043737
    Abstract: Molding compositions including low molecular weight polyhydroxyalkanoates are provided. The use of the low molecular weight polyhydroxyalkanoates as a binder in molding compositions provides improved binder removal in the finished molded product, and offers a wide range of physical properties suitable for use in a variety of processing conditions. The composition preferably includes a powdered material, such as a metal powder, ceramic powder, or blend, admixed with a low molecular weight polyhydroxyalkanoate binder. The compositions are useful in powder processing techniques, such as injection molding, slip casting, tape casting, or extrusion. Methods of forming low molecular weight polyhydroxyalkanoates are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventors: Luhua Zhong, Robert S. Whitehouse
  • Patent number: 6368239
    Abstract: A modified particle is disclosed wherein a particle has an attached group having the formula: wherein Ar represents an aromatic group; R1 represents a bond, an arylene group, an alkylene group, wherein R4 is an alkyl or alkylene group or an aryl or arylene group; R2 and R3, which can be the same or different, represent hydrogen, an alkyl group, an aryl group, —OR5, —NHR5, —NR5R5, or —SR5, wherein R5, which is the same or different, represents an alkyl group or an aryl group; and SFR represents a stable free radical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Cabot Corporation
    Inventors: Wayne Devonport, Robert S. Whitehouse, Russell L. Warley, Thimma R. Rawalpally, Hairuo Tu
  • Publication number: 20020035231
    Abstract: A polyurethane is described which is a reaction product of at least one isocyanate containing material having at least two isocyanate groups and at least one compound having at least two hydrogen atoms capable of reacting with the isocyanate. The compound having the at least two hydrogen atoms contains a hydroxyalkanoate, which is preferably a thermally decomposable or a biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoate. The polyurethane of the present invention can be used in a number of applications and preferably has improved properties such as, but not limited to, improved flexibility and/or improved hydrophobicity. The polyurethanes of the present invention are preferably biodegradable and easily recycled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Publication date: March 21, 2002
    Inventors: Robert S. Whitehouse, Sean Daughtry, Luhua Zhong