Patents by Inventor Steven J. Secora

Steven J. Secora 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: 10184018
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are ethylene-based polymers having a density greater than 0.945 g/cm3, a high load melt index less than 25 g/10 min, a peak molecular weight ranging from 52,000 to 132,000 g/mol, and an environmental stress crack resistance of at least 250 hours. These polymers have the processability of chromium-based resins, but with improved impact strength and stress crack resistance, and can be used in large-part blow molding applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: Mark L. Hlavinka, Qing Yang, Yongwoo Inn, William M. Whitte, John R. Rathman, Steven J. Secora, Daniel G. Hert
  • Publication number: 20170096512
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are ethylene-based polymers having a density greater than 0.945 g/cm3, a high load melt index less than 25 g/10 min, a peak molecular weight ranging from 52,000 to 132,000 g/mol, and an environmental stress crack resistance of at least 250 hours. These polymers have the processability of chromium-based resins, but with improved impact strength and stress crack resistance, and can be used in large-part blow molding applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventors: Mark L. Hlavinka, Qing Yang, Yongwoo Inn, William M. Whitte, John R. Rathman, Steven J. Secora, Daniel G. Hert
  • Patent number: 9550849
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are ethylene-based polymers having a density greater than 0.945 g/cm3, a high load melt index less than 25 g/10 min, a peak molecular weight ranging from 52,000 to 132,000 g/mol, and an environmental stress crack resistance of at least 250 hours. These polymers have the processability of chromium-based resins, but with improved impact strength and stress crack resistance, and can be used in large-part blow molding applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: Mark L. Hlavinka, Qing Yang, Yongwoo Inn, William M. Whitte, John R. Rathman, Steven J. Secora, Daniel G. Hert
  • Publication number: 20160122454
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are ethylene-based polymers having a density greater than 0.945 g/cm3, a high load melt index less than 25 g/10 min, a peak molecular weight ranging from 52,000 to 132,000 g/mol, and an environmental stress crack resistance of at least 250 hours. These polymers have the processability of chromium-based resins, but with improved impact strength and stress crack resistance, and can be used in large-part blow molding applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Publication date: May 5, 2016
    Inventors: Mark L. Hlavinka, Qing Yang, Yongwoo Inn, William M. Whitte, John R. Rathman, Steven J. Secora, Daniel G. Hert
  • Patent number: 9273170
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are ethylene-based polymers having a density greater than 0.945 g/cm3, a high load melt index less than 25 g/10 min, a peak molecular weight ranging from 52,000 to 132,000 g/mol, and an environmental stress crack resistance of at least 250 hours. These polymers have the processability of chromium-based resins, but with improved impact strength and stress crack resistance, and can be used in large-part blow molding applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: Mark L. Hlavinka, Qing Yang, Yongwoo Inn, William M. Whitte, John R. Rathman, Steven J. Secora, Daniel G. Hert
  • Publication number: 20150259455
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are ethylene-based polymers having a density greater than 0.945 g/cm3, a high load melt index less than 25 g/10 min, a peak molecular weight ranging from 52,000 to 132,000 g/mol, and an environmental stress crack resistance of at least 250 hours. These polymers have the processability of chromium-based resins, but with improved impact strength and stress crack resistance, and can be used in large-part blow molding applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Applicant: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: Mark L. Hlavinka, Qing Yang, Yongwoo Inn, William M. Whitte, John R. Rathman, Steven J. Secora, Daniel G. Hert
  • Patent number: 8501654
    Abstract: The present invention provides dual catalyst systems containing a metallocene catalyst and a hydrogen scavenging catalyst, and polymerization processes employing these dual catalyst systems. Due to a reduction in hydrogen levels in the polymerization processes, olefin polymers produced from these polymerization processes may have a higher molecular weight, a lower melt index, and higher levels of unsaturation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Chevron Philips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: Rex E. Murray, William B. Beaulieu, Qing Yang, Errun Ding, Gary L. Glass, Alan L. Solenberger, Steven J. Secora
  • Patent number: 8492498
    Abstract: A polymer having a density of from about 0.94 g/cm3 to about 0.96 g/cm3 and a primary structure parameter 2 (PSP2 value) of greater than about 8.5, wherein an article formed from the polymer has an environmental stress crack resistance of equal to or greater than about 1000 hours when measured in accordance with ASTM D 1693 condition A. A polymer having at least one lower molecular weight component and at least one higher molecular weight component and having a PSP2 value of equal to or greater than about 8.5, wherein an article formed from the polymer has an environmental stress crack resistance of greater than about 1000 hours when measured in accordance with ASTM D 1693 condition A.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: Richard M. Buck, Albert P. Masino, Qing Yang, Paul J. DesLauriers, Steven J. Secora, Elizabeth M. Lanier, Guylaine St. Jean, Jon D. Ratzlaff, Christopher E. Wittner
  • Publication number: 20120214954
    Abstract: A polymer having a density of from about 0.94 g/cm3 to about 0.96 g/cm3 and a primary structure parameter 2 (PSP2 value) of greater than about 8.5, wherein an article formed from the polymer has an environmental stress crack resistance of equal to or greater than about 1000 hours when measured in accordance with ASTM D 1693 condition A. A polymer having at least one lower molecular weight component and at least one higher molecular weight component and having a PSP2 value of equal to or greater than about 8.5, wherein an article formed from the polymer has an environmental stress crack resistance of greater than about 1000 hours when measured in accordance with ASTM D 1693 condition A.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: CHEVRON PHILLIPS CHEMICAL COMPANY LP
    Inventors: Richard M. BUCK, Albert P. MASINO, Qing YANG, Paul J. DESLAURIERS, Steven J. SECORA, Elizabeth M. LANIER, Guylaine ST. JEAN, Jon D. RATZLAFF, Christopher E. WITTNER
  • Patent number: 8207280
    Abstract: The present invention provides dual catalyst systems containing a metallocene catalyst and a hydrogen scavenging catalyst, and polymerization processes employing these dual catalyst systems. Due to a reduction in hydrogen levels in the polymerization processes, olefin polymers produced from these polymerization processes may have a higher molecular weight, a lower melt index, and higher levels of unsaturation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: Rex E. Murray, William B. Beaulieu, Qing Yang, Errun Ding, Gary L. Glass, Alan L. Solenberger, Steven J. Secora
  • Patent number: 7906603
    Abstract: Methods of polymerizing at least one olefin include contacting the olefin with a catalyst comprising chromium and with a cocatalyst comprising a non-transition metal cyclopentadienyl (Cp) compound. The polymerization may be performed in the presence of hydrogen. Using the cocatalyst in conjunction with the catalyst increases several properties, such as the high load melt index (HLMI), the MW, and the MN, of the polymers produced by this polymerization method. Polymer compositions produced by such methods have various unique properties, including a PDI greater than about 30. Additional embodiments include articles of manufacture or end use articles formed from such polymer compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: Max P. McDaniel, Elizabeth A. Benham, Steven J. Secora, Michael D. Jensen, Kathy S. Collins
  • Patent number: 7829646
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to PE-100 ethylene copolymers and pipe made thereof having a Tabor abrasion between about 0.01 and about 0.001 grams lost/1000 revolutions. These copolymers are formed by contacting ethylene with at least one mono-1-olefin comonomer having from 2 to about 10 carbon atoms per molecule in a reaction zone under polymerization conditions in the presence of a hydrocarbon diluent, a catalyst system, and a cocatalyst. Additionally, the comonomers may be selected from mono-1-olefins having 4 to 10 carbon atoms, such as, 1-hexene, 1-butene, 4-methyl-1-pentene, 1-octene, and 1-decene. Further, these ethylene copolymers may be employed to produce PE-100 pipe having both small diameters and diameters in excess of 42 inches substantially without sagging or other gravitational deformation. Copolymers of ethylene and 1-hexene are disclosed which are used to produce PE-100 pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: Paul J. DesLauriers, Max P. McDaniel, Al R. Wolfe, Pamela L. Maeger, William R. Coutant, David C. Rohlfing, Steven J. Secora, William B. Beaulieu, Elizabeth A. Benham, David F. Register
  • Publication number: 20100222537
    Abstract: Methods of polymerizing at least one olefin include contacting the olefin with a catalyst comprising chromium and with a cocatalyst comprising a non-transition metal cyclopentadienyl (Cp) compound. The polymerization may be performed in the presence of hydrogen. Using the cocatalyst in conjunction with the catalyst increases several properties, such as the high load melt index (HLMI), the MW, and the MN, of the polymers produced by this polymerization method. Polymer compositions produced by such methods have various unique properties, including a PDI greater than about 30. Additional embodiments include articles of manufacture or end use articles formed from such polymer compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: CHEVRON PHILLIPS CHEMICAL COMPANY LP
    Inventors: Max P. McDaniel, Elizabeth A. Benham, Steven J. Secora, Michael D. Jensen, Kathy S. Collins
  • Patent number: 7745557
    Abstract: Methods of polymerizing at least one olefin include contacting the olefin with a catalyst comprising chromium and with a cocatalyst comprising a non-transition metal cyclopentadienyl (Cp) compound. The polymerization may be performed in the presence of hydrogen. Using the cocatalyst in conjunction with the catalyst increases several properties, such as the high load melt index (HLMI), the MW, and the MN, of the polymers produced by this polymerization method. Polymer compositions produced by such methods have various unique properties, including a PDI greater than about 30. Additional embodiments include articles of manufacture or end use articles formed from such polymer compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company, LP
    Inventors: Max P. McDaniel, Elizabeth A. Benham, Steven J. Secora, Michael D. Jensen, Kathy S. Collins
  • Patent number: 7307133
    Abstract: Methods of polymerizing at least one olefin include contacting the olefin with a catalyst comprising chromium and with a cocatalyst comprising a non-transition metal cyclopentadienyl (Cp) compound. The polymerization may be performed in the presence of hydrogen. Using the cocatalyst in conjunction with the catalyst increases several properties, such as the high load melt index (HLMI), the MW, and the MN, of the polymers produced by this polymerization method. Polymer compositions produced by such methods have various unique properties, including a PDI greater than about 30. Additional embodiments include articles of manufacture or end use articles formed from such polymer compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP
    Inventors: Max P. McDaniel, Elizabeth A. Benham, Steven J. Secora, Michael D. Jensen, Kathy S. Collins
  • Patent number: 7119043
    Abstract: A novel loop/slurry olefin polymerization process is provided which produces ultra high molecular weight ethylene homopolymers and ultra high molecular weight ethylene copolymers. Catalyst systems used are selected from the group consisting of inorganic oxide supported titanium-containing catalyst systems, inorganic oxide supported organo-zirconium catalyst systems and inorganic oxide supported organo-hafnium catalyst systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventors: Joel L. Martin, Joseph J. Bergmeister, Eric T. Hsieh, Max P. McDaniel, Elizabeth A. Benham, Steven J. Secora
  • Patent number: 6977235
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, catalyst systems for polymerizing olefins include a catalyst comprising chromium and a cocatalyst comprising a substituted or unsubstituted non-transition metal cyclopentadienyl compound (Cp). The catalyst also comprises an inorganic oxide support. In an embodiment, methods of preparing a catalyst comprise contacting a support with chromium and with a non-transition metal Cp compound. In one embodiment, the support may be contacted with a solution comprising the non-transition metal Cp compound prior to entry into a reaction zone. In another embodiment, the activated catalyst and non-transition metal Cp compound may be added separately to the reaction zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company, LP
    Inventors: Max P. McDaniel, Elizabeth A. Benham, Steven J. Secora, Michael D. Jensen, Kathy S. Collins
  • Patent number: 6867278
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to homo-polymers and copolymers of mono-1-olefins, a method of making such polymers,and uses of such polymers. Polymers of the present invention are formed by contacting at least one mono-1-olefin having from 2 to about 20 carbon atoms per molecule and at least one mono-1-olefin co-monomer having from 2 to about 10 carbon atoms per molecule in a reaction zone under polymerization conditions in the presence of a hydrocarbon diluent, a catalyst system, and a cocatalyst. In another aspect of the present invention, ethylene copolymers are employed to produce PE-100 pipe. Further, these ethylene copolymers may be employed to produce PE-100 pipe having both small diameters and diameters in excess of 42 inches substantially without sagging or other gravitational deformation. Copolymers of ethylene and 1-hexene are disclosed which are used to produce PE-100 pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Chevron Phillips Chemical Company
    Inventors: Max P. McDaniel, Elizabeth A. Benham, Al R. Wolfe, Paul J. DesLauriers, Pamela L. Meager, William R. Coutant, David C. Rohlfing, Steven J. Secora
  • Patent number: 6855781
    Abstract: A process to produce ethylene polymers is provided. Particularly, a process to produce ethylene polymers having a broad molecular weight distribution is provided. More particularly, a process to produce ethylene polymers that have low formation of smoke and odor during blow molding is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Inventors: Joseph J. Bergmeister, Steven J. Secora, Elizabeth A. Benham, Max P. McDaniel
  • Publication number: 20040132932
    Abstract: Polymerization processes for ethylene and at least one mono-1-olefin comonomer having from about three to eight carbon atoms per molecule in the presence of a twice-aged catalyst system comprising chromium supported on a silica-titania support and a trialkylboron compound is provided. Novel ethylene copolymers also are produced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Steven J. Secora, Gerhard K. Guenther, Elizabeth A. Benham, Max P. McDaniel, Joseph J. Bergmeister