Patents by Inventor Stephen Swanton

Stephen Swanton 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: 11377567
    Abstract: An aqueous functional composition formulation is used to provide a functional composition in foamed, opacifying elements useful as a light-blocking articles. The aqueous functional composition formulation comprises: (i) glass particles such as hollow glass particles at a coverage of 0.1-2.2 g/cm2 and a (iv) water-soluble or water-dispersible organic polymeric binder that may be crosslinked. Thickeners, coating aids having an HLB of at least 5, (ii) lubricants, (iii) tinting materials, and (v) crosslinking agents can also be present in the aqueous functional composition formulation. Among other properties, the presence of the glass particles provides heat absorption capacity for the foamed, opacifying elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY
    Inventors: Mridula Nair, Stephen Swanton
  • Patent number: 11370924
    Abstract: An aqueous functional composition formulation is used to provide a top layer or pattern in light-blocking opacifying elements. This functional composition formulation has 0.5-15% solids and the essential (i) and (iv) components and any optional (ii), (v), (vi), and (vii) components. The essential components are (i) fumed silica particles at 0.5-10 weight %; and a (iv) water-soluble or water-dispersible organic polymeric binder having a glass transition temperature (Tg) below 25° C. The weight ratio of the (i) fumed silica particles to the (iv) water-soluble or water-dispersible organic polymeric binder is 10:1 to 1:5. The optional components include: a (ii) solid or non-solid lubricant; a (v) crosslinking agent; a (vi) thickener; and a (vii) coating aid. Glass particles can also be present. The presence of the (i) fumed silica provides improved brightness, e.g. an L* value of at least 80, and uniform coatings in the opacifying element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY
    Inventors: Mridula Nair, Ellen M. Pyszczek, Stephen Swanton
  • Publication number: 20200317929
    Abstract: An aqueous functional composition formulation is used to provide a top layer or pattern in light-blocking opacifying elements. This functional composition formulation has 0.5-15% solids and the essential (i) and (iv) components and any optional (ii), (v), (vi), and (vii) components. The essential components are (i) fumed silica particles at 0.5-10 weight %; and a (iv) water-soluble or water-dispersible organic polymeric binder having a glass transition temperature (Tg) below 25° C. The weight ratio of the (i) fumed silica particles to the (iv) water-soluble or water-dispersible organic polymeric binder is 10:1 to 1:5. The optional components include: a (ii) solid or non-solid lubricant; a (v) crosslinking agent; a (vi) thickener; and a (vii) coating aid. Glass particles can also be present. The presence of the (i) fumed silica provides improved brightness, e.g. an L* value of at least 80, and uniform coatings in the opacifying element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2020
    Publication date: October 8, 2020
    Inventors: Mridula Nair, Ellen M. Pyszczek, Stephen Swanton