Patents by Inventor Rodolfo Mier

Rodolfo Mier 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: 8912270
    Abstract: Processes for enhancing blown film processability and the blown films formed thereby are described herein. One embodiment of the processes generally includes providing a first propylene based heterophasic copolymer having a first melt flow rate, modifying the first propylene based heterophasic copolymer to form a second heterophasic polymer having a second melt flow rate, wherein the second melt flow rate is greater than the first melt flow rate, contacting the first heterophasic polymer, the second heterophasic copolymer or a combination thereof with a plurality of additives, wherein the plurality of additives include a nucleator, polyethylene and mineral oil to form a modified heterophasic copolymer and blowing the modified heterophasic polymer into a film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodolfo Mier, Mark B. Miller
  • Patent number: 8440319
    Abstract: A heat resistant film that comprises at least one layer that comprises a high crystallinity propylene polymer having a melt flow rate of from 0.5 g/10 min. to 15 g/10 min. and a xylene solubles of less than 3.5%. The propylene polymer may have a melting point above 158° C. The heat resistant film may further comprise at least a second layer, which may be a heterophasic random copolymer. The heat resistant film may be, for example, a blown film, a cast film, or an oriented film, and may be used in such articles of manufacture as construction films, retort packaging, and laminated articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodolfo Mier, Mark Miller
  • Publication number: 20120095155
    Abstract: Processes for enhancing blown film processability and the blown films formed thereby are described herein. One embodiment of the processes generally includes providing a first propylene based heterophasic copolymer having a first melt flow rate, modifying the first propylene based heterophasic copolymer to form a second heterophasic polymer having a second melt flow rate, wherein the second melt flow rate is greater than the first melt flow rate, contacting the first heterophasic polymer, the second heterophasic copolymer or a combination thereof with a plurality of additives, wherein the plurality of additives include a nucleator, polyethylene and mineral oil to form a modified heterophasic copolymer and blowing the modified heterophasic polymer into a film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: FINA TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Rodolfo Mier, Mark Miller
  • Patent number: 8106123
    Abstract: Processes for enhancing blown film processability and the blown films formed thereby are described herein. One embodiment of the processes generally includes providing a first propylene based heterophasic copolymer having a first melt flow rate, modifying the first propylene based heterophasic copolymer to form a second heterophasic polymer having a second melt flow rate, wherein the second melt flow rate is greater than the first melt flow rate, contacting the first heterophasic polymer, the second heterophasic copolymer or a combination thereof with a plurality of additives, wherein the plurality of additives include a nucleator, polyethylene and mineral oil to form a modified heterophasic copolymer and blowing the modified heterophasic polymer into a film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodolfo Mier, Mark Miller
  • Patent number: 8075830
    Abstract: A blown film that comprises polypropylene that has a melt flow rate of 1.8 to 14.0 g/10 min. and a melting point of at least 115° C. The blown film has a haze of less than 10% and a gloss of greater than 70%. The blown film may be co-extruded with a medium density polyethylene or 15 wt % of an impact copolymer. A clarifier may also be incorporated. The blown film that comprises polypropylene is produced on a standard air cooled blown film line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodolfo Mier, Mark Miller, Raleigh McBride
  • Patent number: 7892475
    Abstract: It has been discovered that the properties of sheet or film materials of broad molecular weight distribution ethylene/propylene rubber impact-modified heterophasic copolymer (ICP) can be improved by blending the ICP with a second polyolefin. The second polyolefin may be a syndiotactic polypropylene (sPP), a random copolymer (RCP) of propylene and comonomer (e.g. ethylene and/or butene) made using a Ziegler-Natta or metallocene catalyst, medium density polyethylene (MDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), or low crystalline copolymer of propylene/?-olefin. Improvements include, but are not necessarily limited to, reduced motor amps, lower secant modulus, increased dart drop strength, increased gloss, reduced haze, increased elongation to yield, elimination of stress whitening, improved puncture resistance, and decreased seal initiation temperature. This sheet of film materials may be co-extruded with other resins or laminated with other materials after extrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Juan Jose Aguirre, Michael McLeod, Rodolfo Mier, Nguong van Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20090156773
    Abstract: Processes for enhancing blown film processability and the blown films formed thereby are described herein. One embodiment of the processes generally includes providing a first propylene based heterophasic copolymer having a first melt flow rate, modifying the first propylene based heterophasic copolymer to form a second heterophasic polymer having a second melt flow rate, wherein the second melt flow rate is greater than the first melt flow rate, contacting the first heterophasic polymer, the second heterophasic copolymer or a combination thereof with a plurality of additives, wherein the plurality of additives include a nucleator, polyethylene and mineral oil to form a modified heterophasic copolymer and blowing the modified heterophasic polymer into a film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodolfo Mier, Mark Miller
  • Publication number: 20090110944
    Abstract: It has been discovered that the properties of sheet or film materials of broad molecular weight distribution ethylene/propylene rubber impact-modified heterophasic copolymer (ICP) can be improved by blending the ICP with a second polyolefin. The second polyolefin may be a syndiotactic polypropylene (sPP), a random copolymer (RCP) of propylene and comonomer (e.g. ethylene and/or butene) made using a Ziegler-Natta or metallocene catalyst, medium density polyethylene (MDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), or low crystalline copolymer of propylene/?-olefin. Improvements include, but are not necessarily limited to, reduced motor amps, lower secant modulus, increased dart drop strength, increased gloss, reduced haze, increased elongation to yield, elimination of stress whitening, improved puncture resistance, and decreased seal initiation temperature. This sheet of film materials may be co-extruded with other resins or laminated with other materials after extrusion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: FINA TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Juan Jose Aguirre, Mike McLeod, Rodolfo Mier, Nguong van Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20080281048
    Abstract: A heat resistant film that comprises at least one layer that comprises a high crystallinity propylene polymer having a melt flow rate of from 0.5 g/10 min. to 15 g/10 min. and a xylene solubles of less than 3.5%. The propylene polymer may have a melting point above 158° C. The heat resistant film may further comprise at least a second layer, which may be a heterophasic random copolymer. The heat resistant film may be, for example, a blown film, a cast film, or an oriented film, and may be used in such articles of manufacture as construction films, retort packaging, and laminated articles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: FINA TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Rodolfo Mier, Mark Miller
  • Patent number: 7449522
    Abstract: It has been discovered that the properties of sheet or film materials of broad molecular weight distribution ethylene/propylene rubber impact-modified heterophasic copolymer (ICP) can be improved by blending the ICP with a second polyolefin. The second polyolefin may be a syndiotactic polypropylene (sPP), a random copolymer (RCP) of propylene and comonomer (e.g. ethylene and/or butene) made using a Ziegler-Natta or metallocene catalyst, medium density polyethylene (MDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), or low crystalline copolymer of propylene/?-olefin. Improvements include, but are not necessarily limited to, reduced motor amps, lower secant modulus, increased dart drop strength, increased gloss, reduced haze, increased elongation to yield, elimination of stress whitening, improved puncture resistance, and decreased seal initiation temperature. This sheet of film materials may be co-extruded with other resins or laminated with other materials after extrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Juan Jose Aguirre, Mike McLeod, Rodolfo Mier, Nguong van Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20080146762
    Abstract: A blown film that comprises polypropylene that has a melt flow rate of 1.8 to 14.0 g/10 min. and a melting point of at least 115° C. The blown film has a haze of less than 10% and a gloss of greater than 70%. The blown film may be co-extiruded with a medium density polyethylene or 15 wt % of an impact copolymer. A clarifier may also be incorporated. The blown film that comprises polypropylene is produced on a standard air cooled blown film line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: FINA TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: RODOLFO MIER, Mark Miller, Raleigh McBride
  • Publication number: 20070167577
    Abstract: It has been discovered that the properties of sheet or film materials of broad molecular weight distribution ethylene/propylene rubber impact-modified heterophasic copolymer (ICP) can be improved by blending the ICP with a second polyolefin. The second polyolefin may be a syndiotactic polypropylene (sPP), a random copolymer (RCP) of propylene and comonomer (e.g. ethylene and/or butene) made using a Ziegler-Natta or metallocene catalyst, medium density polyethylene (MDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), or low crystalline copolymer of propylene/?-olefin. Improvements include, but are not necessarily limited to, reduced motor amps, lower secant modulus, increased dart drop strength, increased gloss, reduced haze, increased elongation to yield, elimination of stress whitening, improved puncture resistance, and decreased seal initiation temperature. This sheet of film materials may be co-extruded with other resins or laminated with other materials after extrusion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Publication date: July 19, 2007
    Inventors: Juan Aguirre, Mike McLeod, Rodolfo Mier, Nguong van Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7217767
    Abstract: It has been discovered that the properties of sheet or film materials of broad molecular weight distribution ethylene/propylene rubber impact-modified heterophasic copolymer (ICP) can be improved by blending the ICP with a second polyolefin. The second polyolefin may be a syndiotactic polypropylene (sPP), a random copolymer (RCP) of propylene and comonomer (e.g. ethylene and/or butene) made using a Ziegler-Natta or metallocene catalyst, medium density polyethylene (MDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), or low crystalline copolymer of propylene/?-olefin. Improvements include, but are not necessarily limited to, reduced motor amps, lower secant modulus, increased dart drop strength, increased gloss, reduced haze, increased elongation to yield, elimination of stress whitening, improved puncture resistance, and decreased seal initiation temperature. This sheet of film materials may be co-extruded with other resins or laminated with other materials after extrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Juan Jose Aguirre, Mike McLeod, Rodolfo Mier, Nguong van Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7081285
    Abstract: Blown films and blow molded objects may be prepared using a polyethylene composition comprising a unimodal metallocene catalyzed polyethylene copolymer. The polyethylene copolymer has high melt fow rate and good melt strength allowing it to be useful in both extrusion and injection blow molding. Blown film prepared therewith has a high level of clarity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent Henri Barre, Tim Coffy, Ben Hicks, Rodolfo Mier, Jay Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20060135698
    Abstract: It has been discovered that the properties of sheet or film materials of medium density polyethylene made using a metallocene catalyst (mMDPE) can be improved by blending the mMDPE with a second polyolefin. The second poly-olefin may be a low density polyethylene (LDPE) or a second, different medium density polyethylene (2dMDPE). Improvements include, but are not necessarily limited to, reduced motor amps, a reduction in sealing temperature, and an increase in machine direction tear resistance as compared with an identical material absent the second polyolefin. These sheet or film materials may be co-extruded with other resins or laminated with other materials after extrusion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Publication date: June 22, 2006
    Inventors: Rodolfo Mier, John Sczesny
  • Publication number: 20060009586
    Abstract: It has been discovered that the properties of sheet or film materials of broad molecular weight distribution ethylene/propylene rubber impact-modified heterophasic copolymer (ICP) can be improved by blending the ICP with a second polyolefin. The second polyolefin may be a syndiotactic polypropylene (sPP), a random copolymer (RCP) of propylene and comonomer (e.g. ethylene and/or butene) made using a Ziegler-Natta or metallocene catalyst, medium density polyethylene (MDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), or low crystalline copolymer of propylene/?-olefin. Improvements include, but are not necessarily limited to, reduced motor amps, lower secant modulus, increased dart drop strength, increased gloss, reduced haze, increased elongation to yield, elimination of stress whitening, improved puncture resistance, and decreased seal initiation temperature. This sheet of film materials may be co-extruded with other resins or laminated with other materials after extrusion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Publication date: January 12, 2006
    Inventors: Juan Aguirre, Mike McLeod, Rodolfo Mier, Nguong Nguyen
  • Patent number: 6930137
    Abstract: An improved method of manufacturing blown polyolefin films with increased bubble stability and higher blown film production rates is disclosed. A method in which the amounts and ratios of known antioxidant polymer film additives (phosphites and phenolics) are controlled to provide limited long chain branching (LCB) and greater rheological breadth in a polyethylene melt to improve both processing characteristics and mechanical properties in the resulting film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael McLeod, Nguong van Nguyen, Gerhard Guenther, Tim J. Coffy, Rodolfo Mier Martinez
  • Publication number: 20030236328
    Abstract: An improved method of manufacturing blown polyolefin films with increased bubble stability and higher blown film production rates is disclosed. A method in which the amounts and ratios of known antioxidant polymer film additives (phosphites and phenolics) are controlled to provide limited long chain branching (LCB) and greater rheological breadth in a polyethylene melt to improve both processing characteristics and mechanical properties in the resulting film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventors: Michael McLeod, Nguong van Nguyen, Gerhard Guenther, Tim J. Coffy, Rodolfo Mier Martinez