Patents by Inventor Shawn R. Sheppard

Shawn R. Sheppard 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).

  • Publication number: 20140355122
    Abstract: A volumetric diffuser utilizing polyolefins and light scattering particles to provide desired efficiency without hot-spots where surface texture is utilized to reduce the tendency of the polyolefin based volumetric diffuser to scratch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: Tredegar Film Products Corporation
    Inventors: Xueyuan Wang, Shawn R. Sheppard, Ravi Kalkunte, Kenneth W. Walker, Daniel M. Connor
  • Patent number: 8003720
    Abstract: Chemical additives disclosed for reducing “plate-out” which have applications in polymers, such as polyolefins. It is possible to provide for a composition and a process for producing parts, sheet and film from polyolefin extrusion applications wherein the polyolefins are processed with a minimal quantity of “plate-out.” A polyolefin composition may contain a sorbitol-based clarifying system of a derivative of Dibenzylidene, along with one or more co-additives to achieve a reduction in undesirable plate-out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Dave Keegan, Shawn R. Sheppard, Dale W. Chandler, Jiannong Xu, Jiang Li, Keith Alan Keller
  • Patent number: 6984740
    Abstract: Plastic additives which are useful as nucleating agents and which are especially useful for improving the optical properties of polymeric materials are provided. More particularly, this invention relates to certain alkyl (or alkoxy) substituted halo-benzylidene sorbitol acetals and polymer compositions thereof which may be utilized within, as merely examples, food or cosmetic containers and packaging. These inventive halogenated (that is, chlorinated, brominated, or iodinated) and alkylated benzylidene sorbitol acetals are also useful as gelling agents for water and organic solvents, particularly those used in the preparation of antiperspirant gel sticks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: John D. Anderson, Darin L. Dotson, Shawn R. Sheppard, Nathan A. Mehl
  • Patent number: 6972306
    Abstract: Certain multi-substituted dibenzylidene sorbitol acetals having electron withdrawing groups as constituents and electron donating groups on the other such that the compounds are asymmetric in structure and are dipolar in nature are provided. Polymer compositions comprising such compounds, are also contemplated which may be utilized within, as merely examples, food or cosmetic containers and packaging. These inventive asymmetric dipolar dibenzylidene sorbitol acetals are also useful as gelling agents for water and organic solvents, particularly those used in the preparation of antiperspirant gel sticks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Darin L. Dotson, Brian M. Burkhart, John D. Anderson, Jeffrey R. Jones, Shawn R. Sheppard
  • Patent number: 6894176
    Abstract: Certain multi-substituted dibenzylidene sorbitol acetals having electron withdrawing groups as constituents and electron donating groups on the other such that the compounds are asymmetric in structure and are dipolar in nature are provided. Polymer compositions comprising such compounds, are also contemplated which may be utilized within, as merely examples, food or cosmetic containers and packaging. These inventive asymmetric dipolar dibenzylidene sorbitol acetals are also useful as gelling agents for water and organic solvents, particularly those used in the preparation of antiperspirant gel sticks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Darin L. Dotson, Brian M. Burkhart, John D. Anderson, Jeffrey R. Jones, Shawn R. Sheppard
  • Patent number: 6844382
    Abstract: Certain multi-substituted dibenzylidene sorbitol acetals having electron withdrawing groups as constituents and electron donating groups on the other such that the compounds are asymmetric in structure and are dipolar in nature are provided. Polymer compositions comprising such compounds, are also contemplated which may be utilized within, as merely examples, food or cosmetic containers and packaging. These inventive asymmetric dipolar dibenzylidene sorbitol acetals are also useful as gelling agents for water and organic solvents, particularly those used in the preparation of antiperspirant gel sticks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Darin L. Dotson, Brian M. Burkhart, John D. Anderson, Jeffrey R. Jones, Shawn R. Sheppard
  • Publication number: 20030127631
    Abstract: Plastic additives which are useful as nucleating agents and which are especially useful for improving the optical properties of polymeric materials are provided. More particularly, this invention relates to certain alkyl (or alkoxy) substituted halo-benzylidene sorbitol acetals and polymer compositions thereof which may be utilized within, as merely examples, food or cosmetic containers and packaging. These inventive halogenated (that is, chlorinated, brominated, or iodinated) and alkylated benzylidene sorbitol acetals are also useful as gelling agents for water and organic solvents, particularly those used in the preparation of antiperspirant gel sticks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventors: John D. Anderson, Darin L. Dotson, Shawn R. Sheppard, Nathan A. Mehl
  • Publication number: 20030120092
    Abstract: Certain multi-substituted dibenzylidene sorbitol acetals having electron withdrawing groups as constituents and electron donating groups on the other such that the compounds are asymmetric in structure and are dipolar in nature are provided. Polymer compositions comprising such compounds, are also contemplated which may be utilized within, as merely examples, food or cosmetic containers and packaging. These inventive asymmetric dipolar dibenzylidene sorbitol acetals are also useful as gelling agents for water and organic solvents, particularly those used in the preparation of antiperspirant gel sticks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventors: Darin L. Dotson, Brian M. Burkhart, John D. Anderson, Jeffrey R. Jones, Shawn R. Sheppard
  • Publication number: 20030114541
    Abstract: Certain multi-substituted dibenzylidene sorbitol acetals having electron withdrawing groups as constituents and electron donating groups on the other such that the compounds are asymmetric in structure and are dipolar in nature are provided. Polymer compositions comprising such compounds, are also contemplated which may be utilized within, as merely examples, food or cosmetic containers and packaging. These inventive asymmetric dipolar dibenzylidene sorbitol acetals are also useful as gelling agents for water and organic solvents, particularly those used in the preparation of antiperspirant gel sticks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventors: Darin L. Dotson, Brian M. Burkhart, John D. Anderson, Jeffrey R. Jones, Shawn R. Sheppard
  • Publication number: 20030114558
    Abstract: Certain multi-substituted dibenzylidene sorbitol acetals having electron withdrawing groups as constituents and electron donating groups on the other such that the compounds are asymmetric in structure and are dipolar in nature are provided. Polymer compositions comprising such compounds, are also contemplated which may be utilized within, as merely examples, food or cosmetic containers and packaging. These inventive asymmetric dipolar dibenzylidene sorbitol acetals are also useful as gelling agents for water and organic solvents, particularly those used in the preparation of antiperspirant gel sticks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventors: Darin L. Dotson, Brian M. Burkhart, John D. Anderson, Jeffrey R. Jones, Shawn R. Sheppard
  • Patent number: 6555696
    Abstract: Certain multi-substituted dibenzylidene sorbitol acetals having electron withdrawing groups as constituents and electron donating groups on the other such that the compounds are asymmetric in structure and are dipolar in nature are provided. Polymer compositions comprising such compounds, are also contemplated which may be utilized within, as merely examples, food or cosmetic containers and packaging. These inventive asymmetric dipolar dibenzylidene sorbitol acetals are also useful as gelling agents for water and organic solvents, particularly those used in the preparation of antiperspirant gel sticks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Darin L. Dotson, Brian M. Burkhart, John D. Anderson, Jeffrey R. Jones, Shawn R. Sheppard
  • Patent number: 6547988
    Abstract: Plastic additives which are useful as nucleating agents and which are especially useful for improving the optical properties of polymeric materials are provided. More particularly, this invention relates to certain alkyl (or alkoxy) substituted halo-benzylidene sorbitol acetals and polymer compositions thereof which may be utilized within, as merely examples, food or cosmetic containers and packaging. These inventive halogenated (that is, chlorinated, brominated, or iodinated) and alkylated benzylidene sorbitol acetals are also useful as gelling agents for water and organic solvents, particularly those used in the preparation of antiperspirant gel sticks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: John D. Anderson, Darin L. Dotson, Shawn R. Sheppard, Nathan A. Mehl
  • Patent number: 6548581
    Abstract: This invention relates to plastic additives which are useful as nucleating agents and which are especially useful for improving the optical properties of polymeric materials. More particularly, this invention relates to certain bis-halogen-alkyl-benzylidene alditol acetals and polymer compositions thereof which are useful as materials for food or cosmetic containers and packaging. These bis-halogen-alkylbenzylidene alditol acetals are also useful as gelling agents for organic solvents, particularly those used in the preparation of antiperspirant gel sticks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: John D. Anderson, Darin L. Dotson, Jeffrey R. Jones, Shawn R. Sheppard, Nathan A. Mehl
  • Patent number: 6518339
    Abstract: An additive that is used in conjunction with certain dibenzylidene sorbitol-type (DBS) clarifiers and acid scavengers within polyolefin resins to reduce the release of aldehydes from polypropylene material is disclosed. Hydrazides have been shown to be effective at removing residual aldehyde from polyolefins, such as polypropylene. This function can be accomplished with a minimal impact on optical transparent properties imparted to the polypropylene by the clarifying agent. The net effect is an improvement in the organoleptic performance of resins containing clarifiers, and a reduction in the UV-absorbing extractables. Particularly, adipic dihydrazide, when co-compounded into polypropylene homopolymer with 4-methyl DBS, improves the organoleptic performance of the clarifier. Incorporation of dihydrazides into polypropylene pellets reduced air-released aldehyde by nearly 100%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Shawn R. Sheppard, John G. Lever
  • Publication number: 20030013786
    Abstract: This invention relates to plastic additives which are useful as nucleating agents and which are especially useful for improving the optical properties of polymeric materials. More particularly, this invention relates to certain bis-halogen-alkyl-benzylidene alditol acetals and polymer compositions thereof which are useful as materials for food or cosmetic containers and packaging. These bis-halogen-alkylbenzylidene alditol acetals are also useful as gelling agents for organic solvents, particularly those used in the preparation of antiperspirant gel sticks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: John D. Anderson, Darin L. Dotson, Jeffrey L. Jones, Shawn R. Sheppard, Nathan A. Mehl
  • Publication number: 20030008951
    Abstract: Plastic additives which are useful as nucleating agents and which are especially useful for improving the optical properties of polymeric materials are provided. More particularly, this invention relates to certain alkyl (or alkoxy) substituted halo-benzylidene sorbitol acetals and polymer compositions thereof which may be utilized within, as merely examples, food or cosmetic containers and packaging. These inventive halogenated (that is, chlorinated, brominated, or iodinated) and alkylated benzylidene sorbitol acetals are also useful as gelling agents for water and organic solvents, particularly those used in the preparation of antiperspirant gel sticks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventors: John D. Anderson, Darin L. Dotson, Shawn R. Sheppard, Nathan A. Mehl
  • Publication number: 20030008953
    Abstract: Certain multi-substituted dibenzylidene sorbitol acetals having electron withdrawing groups as constituents and electron donating groups on the other such that the compounds are asymmetric in structure and are dipolar in nature are provided. Polymer compositions comprising such compounds, are also contemplated which may be utilized within, as merely examples, food or cosmetic containers and packaging. These inventive asymmetric dipolar dibenzylidene sorbitol acetals are also useful as gelling agents for water and organic solvents, particularly those used in the preparation of antiperspirant gel sticks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventors: Darin L. Dotson, Brian M. Burkhart, John D. Anderson, Jeffrey R. Jones, Shawn R. Sheppard
  • Patent number: 6500964
    Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparing alditol acetals, such as dibenzylidene sorbitols, monobenzylidene sorbitols, and the like, through the reaction of unsubstituted or substituted benzaldehydes with alditols (such as sorbitol, xylitol, and ribitol) in the presence of a mineral acid and at least one surfactant having at least one pendant group of 6 carbon chains in length. Such a reaction provides a cost-effective, relatively safe procedure that provides excellent high yields of alditol acetal product. Furthermore, such a specific reaction is also the best known procedure for the production of certain compounds which can be easily separated from other formed isomers. Additionally, such a procedure facilitates the production of certain asymmetric alditol acetal compounds and compositions in acceptable yields as well. Such alditol acetals are useful as nucleating and clarifying agents for polyolefin formulations and articles, as one example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: John G. Lever, Darin L. Dotson, John D. Anderson, Jeffrey R. Jones, Shawn R. Sheppard
  • Publication number: 20020137953
    Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparing alditol acetals, such as dibenzylidene sorbitols, monobenzylidene sorbitols, and the like, through the reaction of unsubstituted or substituted benzaldehydes with alditols (such as sorbitol, xylitol, and ribitol) in the presence of a mineral acid and at least one surfactant having at least one pendant group of 6 carbon chains in length. Such a reaction provides a cost-effective, relatively safe procedure that provides excellent high yields of alditol acetal product. Furthermore, such a specific reaction is also the best known procedure for the production of certain compounds which can be easily separated from other formed isomers. Additionally, such a procedure facilitates the production of certain asymmetric alditol acetal compounds and compositions in acceptable yields as well. Such alditol acetals are useful as nucleating and clarifying agents for polyolefin formulations and articles, as one example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: John G. Lever, Darin L. Dotson, John D. Anderson, Jeffrey R. Jones, Shawn R. Sheppard