Patents by Inventor Steven K. Henning

Steven K. Henning 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: 20230265235
    Abstract: A polymer having a hydrophobic polymer chain derived from monomers of farnesene and other optional monomers, such as dienes and vinyl aromatics. The polymer also includes one or more terminal functional groups, such as an amino group, a glycidyl group, a carboxylic acid group, a (meth)acrylate group, a silane group, an isocyanate group, an acetoacetate group, a phenolic group, and a hydroxyl group. Functional groups, such as carboxylic acids, may also be grafted along the hydrophobic polymer chain. The polymer may be incorporated in curable compositions that optionally include one or more polymer resins having similar functional groups. Methods for preparing the curable polymer compositions are also provided. The curable or cured form of the polymer composition may be used in various products, such as a sealant, a coating, a caulk, an electric potting compound, a membrane, a sponge, a foam, an adhesive, or a propellant binder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2023
    Publication date: August 24, 2023
    Applicant: FINA TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Steven K. Henning, Nan Tian, Herbert Chao
  • Patent number: 11634531
    Abstract: A polymer having a hydrophobic polymer chain derived from monomers of farnesene and other optional monomers, such as dienes and vinyl aromatics. The polymer also includes one or more terminal functional groups, such as an amino group, a glycidyl group, a carboxylic acid group, a (meth)acrylate group, a silane group, an isocyanate group, an acetoacetate group, a phenolic group, and a hydroxyl group. Functional groups, such as carboxylic acids, may also be grafted along the hydrophobic polymer chain. The polymer may be incorporated in curable compositions that optionally include one or more polymer resins having similar functional groups. Methods for preparing the curable polymer compositions are also provided. The curable or cured form of the polymer composition may be used in various products, such as a sealant, a coating, a caulk, an electric potting compound, a membrane, a sponge, a foam, an adhesive, or a propellant binder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: FINA TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Steven K. Henning, Nan Tian, Herbert Chao
  • Publication number: 20220033627
    Abstract: A curable rubber composition is provided which includes a high molecular weight diene elastomer; an optional carbon black composition; a silica composition; and a silane terminated copolymer different from the high molecular weight diene elastomer including conjugated dienes and vinyl aromatics as polymerized monomers. The silane terminated copolymer has at least one terminal end modified with at least one silane group and the silane terminated copolymer has a number average molecular weight of from 1,000 g/mol to 40,000 g/mol. A method for producing a rubber composition for use in a tire is provided. The method includes forming a composition by mixing the silane terminated copolymer modified with at least one silane group, a silica composition, a high molecular weight diene elastomer different from the silane terminated copolymer, and optionally a carbon black composition; and curing the composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2020
    Publication date: February 3, 2022
    Applicant: FINA TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Fabien Salort, Daniel Krulis, Steven K. Henning, Jean-Marc Monsallier
  • Patent number: 11117988
    Abstract: A macromonomer precursor is provided that includes a polymeric chain derived from farnesene and a single functional terminal end. The functional terminal end may include a hydroxyl group, an amino group, an epoxy group, an isocyanato group, or a carboxylic acid group. The terminal end of the macromonomer precursor may then be reacted with a (meth)acrylate to form a macromonomer having a (meth)acrylate functionalized terminal end that may be (co)polymerized with radically polymerizable monomers, such as alkyl(meth)acrylate monomers. Alternatively, a copolymer may be obtained by first deriving a poly(meth)acrylate from (meth)acrylate monomers having reactive groups that would allow the macromonomer precursors to be grafted onto the poly(meth)acrylate in a second step. The resulting copolymer may be incorporated as an additive in various formulations, such as a lubricant, a hydraulic fluid, a cosmetic composition, and an adhesive composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven K Henning, Taejun Yoo, Herbert S Chao
  • Publication number: 20200123285
    Abstract: A macromonomer precursor is provided that includes a polymeric chain derived from farnesene and a single functional terminal end. The functional terminal end may include a hydroxyl group, an amino group, an epoxy group, an isocyanato group, or a carboxylic acid group. The terminal end of the macromonomer precursor may then be reacted with a (meth)acrylate to form a macromonomer having a (meth)acrylate functionalized terminal end that may be (co)polymerized with radically polymerizable monomers, such as alkyl(meth)acrylate monomers. Alternatively, a copolymer may be obtained by first deriving a poly(meth)acrylate from (meth)acrylate monomers having reactive groups that would allow the macromonomer precursors to be grafted onto the poly(meth)acrylate in a second step. The resulting copolymer may be incorporated as an additive in various formulations, such as a lubricant, a hydraulic fluid, a cosmetic composition, and an adhesive composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Publication date: April 23, 2020
    Applicant: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven K. Henning, Taejun Yoo, Herbert S. Chao
  • Patent number: 10544241
    Abstract: A macromonomer precursor is provided that includes a polymeric chain derived from farnesene and a single functional terminal end. The functional terminal end may include a hydroxyl group, an amino group, an epoxy group, an isocyanato group, or a carboxylic acid group. The terminal end of the macromonomer precursor may then be reacted with a (meth)acrylate to form a macromonomer having a (meth)acrylate functionalized terminal end that may be (co)polymerized with radically polymerizable monomers, such as alkyl(meth)acrylate monomers. Alternatively, a copolymer may be obtained by first deriving a poly(meth)acrylate from (meth)acrylate monomers having reactive groups that would allow the macromonomer precursors to be grafted onto the poly(meth)acrylate in a second step. The resulting copolymer may be incorporated as an additive in various formulations, such as a lubricant, a hydraulic fluid, a cosmetic composition, and an adhesive composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven K. Henning, Taejun Yoo, Herbert S. Chao
  • Patent number: 10457752
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, a curable rubber composition is provided which includes a high molecular weight diene elastomer; optionally, a carbon black composition; a silica composition; and a farnesene polymer comprising farnesene monomers. The farnesene polymer is modified with at least one silane group, has a number average molecular weight of 1,000 g/mol to 100,000 g/mol, and has a glass transition temperature of equal to or less than ?50° C. According to another aspect of the invention, a method for producing a rubber composition for use in a tire is provided. The method includes forming a composition by mixing a farnesene polymer modified with at least one silane group, a silica composition, a high molecular weight diene elastomer, and optionally a carbon black composition, the farnesene polymer comprising farnesene monomers; and curing the composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: FINA TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Steven K. Henning, Jean-Marc Monsallier, Nan Tian
  • Patent number: 10336839
    Abstract: A low viscosity polymer having a linear or branched backbone derived from farnesene monomers and at least one terminal-end functionalized with a hydroxyl group. This polymer may be further hydrogenated to reduce unsaturation and acrylated, such that it may be incorporated into a LOCA composition. The LOCA composition may be used in a laminated screen assembly, such as a touch screen, for electronic devices by adhering the LOCA composition between an optically transparent layer, such as a cover glass, and a display. The cured LOCA composition has a refractive index similar to the optically transparent layer. A method of making the low viscosity polymer for the LOCA composition includes anionically polymerizing farnesene monomers, quenching a living end of the polymer to provide the hydroxyl-terminated polymer; hydrogenating the hydroxyl-terminated polymer; and reacting the at least partially saturated hydroxyl-terminated polymer with at least one reagent to provide an acrylate terminated hydrogenated polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: FINA TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Taejun Yoo, Herbert Chao, Steven K Henning
  • Patent number: 10239973
    Abstract: A low viscosity polymer having a linear or branched backbone derived from farnesene monomers and at least one terminal-end functionalized with a hydroxyl group. This polymer may be further hydrogenated to reduce unsaturation and acrylated, such that it may be incorporated into a LOCA composition. The LOCA composition may be used in a laminated screen assembly, such as a touch screen, for electronic devices by adhering the LOCA composition between an optically transparent layer, such as a cover glass, and a display. The cured LOCA composition has a refractive index similar to the optically transparent layer. A method of making the low viscosity polymer for the LOCA composition includes anionically polymerizing farnesene monomers, quenching a living end of the polymer to provide the hydroxyl-terminated polymer; hydrogenating the hydroxyl-terminated polymer; and reacting the at least partially saturated hydroxyl-terminated polymer with at least one reagent to provide an acrylate terminated hydrogenated polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: FINA TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Taejun Yoo, Herbert Chao, Steven K Henning
  • Publication number: 20190016847
    Abstract: A polymer having a hydrophobic polymer chain derived from monomers of farnesene and other optional monomers, such as dienes and vinyl aromatics. The polymer also includes one or more terminal functional groups, such as an amino group, a glycidyl group, a carboxylic acid group, a (meth)acrylate group, a silane group, an isocyanate group, an acetoacetate group, a phenolic group, and a hydroxyl group. Functional groups, such as carboxylic acids, may also be grafted along the hydrophobic polymer chain. The polymer may be incorporated in curable compositions that optionally include one or more polymer resins having similar functional groups. Methods for preparing the curable polymer compositions are also provided. The curable or cured form of the polymer composition may be used in various products, such as a sealant, a coating, a caulk, an electric potting compound, a membrane, a sponge, a foam, an adhesive, or a propellant binder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2016
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Applicant: FINA TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Steven K. Henning, Nan Tian, Herbert Chao
  • Publication number: 20180355073
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, a curable rubber composition is provided which includes a high molecular weight diene elastomer; optionally, a carbon black composition; a silica composition; and a farnesene polymer comprising farnesene monomers. The farnesene polymer is modified with at least one silane group, has a number average molecular weight of 1,000 g/mol to 100,000 g/mol, and has a glass transition temperature of equal to or less than ?50° C. According to another aspect of the invention, a method for producing a rubber composition for use in a tire is provided. The method includes forming a composition by mixing a farnesene polymer modified with at least one silane group, a silica composition, a high molecular weight diene elastomer, and optionally a carbon black composition, the farnesene polymer comprising farnesene monomers; and curing the composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Publication date: December 13, 2018
    Applicant: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven K. HENNING, Jean-Marc MONSALLIER, Nan TIAN
  • Publication number: 20180319914
    Abstract: A low viscosity polymer having a linear or branched backbone derived from farnesene monomers and at least one terminal-end functionalized with a hydroxyl group. This polymer may be further hydrogenated to reduce unsaturation and acrylated, such that it may be incorporated into a LOCA composition. The LOCA composition may be used in a laminated screen assembly, such as a touch screen, for electronic devices by adhering the LOCA composition between an optically transparent layer, such as a cover glass, and a display. The cured LOCA composition has a refractive index similar to the optically transparent layer. A method of making the low viscosity polymer for the LOCA composition includes anionically polymerizing farnesene monomers, quenching a living end of the polymer to provide the hydroxyl-terminated polymer; hydrogenating the hydroxyl-terminated polymer; and reacting the at least partially saturated hydroxyl-terminated polymer with at least one reagent to provide an acrylate terminated hydrogenated polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Taejun Yoo, Herbert Chao, Steven K Henning
  • Publication number: 20180072831
    Abstract: A low viscosity polymer having a linear or branched backbone derived from farnesene monomers and at least one terminal-end functionalized with a hydroxyl group. This polymer may be further hydrogenated to reduce unsaturation and acrylated, such that it may be incorporated into a LOCA composition. The LOCA composition may be used in a laminated screen assembly, such as a touch screen, for electronic devices by adhering the LOCA composition between an optically transparent layer, such as a cover glass, and a display. The cured LOCA composition has a refractive index similar to the optically transparent layer. A method of making the low viscosity polymer for the LOCA composition includes anionically polymerizing farnesene monomers, quenching a living end of the polymer to provide the hydroxyl-terminated polymer; hydrogenating the hydroxyl-terminated polymer; and reacting the at least partially saturated hydroxyl-terminated polymer with at least one reagent to provide an acrylate terminated hydrogenated polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Publication date: March 15, 2018
    Inventors: Taejun Yoo, Herbert Chao, Steven K. Henning
  • Publication number: 20180072826
    Abstract: A macromonomer precursor is provided that includes a polymeric chain derived from farnesene and a single functional terminal end. The functional terminal end may include a hydroxyl group, an amino group, an epoxy group, an isocyanato group, or a carboxylic acid group. The terminal end of the macromonomer precursor may then be reacted with a (meth)acrylate to form a macromonomer having a (meth)acrylate functionalized terminal end that may be (co)polymerized with radically polymerizable monomers, such as alkyl(meth)acrylate monomers. Alternatively, a copolymer may be obtained by first deriving a poly(meth)acrylate from (meth)acrylate monomers having reactive groups that would allow the macromonomer precursors to be grafted onto the poly(meth)acrylate in a second step. The resulting copolymer may be incorporated as an additive in various formulations, such as a lubricant, a hydraulic fluid, a cosmetic composition, and an adhesive composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Publication date: March 15, 2018
    Applicant: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven K. Henning, Taejun Yoo, Herbert S. Chao
  • Patent number: 9850329
    Abstract: A low viscosity polymer having a linear or branched backbone derived from farnesene monomers and at least one terminal-end functionalized with a hydroxyl group. This polymer may be further hydrogenated to reduce unsaturation and acrylated, such that it may be incorporated into a LOCA composition. The LOCA composition may be used in a laminated screen assembly, such as a touch screen, for electronic devices by adhering the LOCA composition between an optically transparent layer, such as a cover glass, and a display. The cured LOCA composition has a refractive index similar to the optically transparent layer. A method of making the low viscosity polymer for the LOCA composition includes anionically polymerizing farnesene monomers, quenching a living end of the polymer to provide the hydroxyl-terminated polymer; hydrogenating the hydroxyl-terminated polymer; and reacting the at least partially saturated hydroxyl-terminated polymer with at least one reagent to provide an acrylate terminated hydrogenated polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Taejun Yoo, Herbert Chao, Steven K. Henning
  • Publication number: 20160376386
    Abstract: A low viscosity polymer having a linear or branched backbone derived from farnesene monomers and at least one terminal-end functionalized with a hydroxyl group. This polymer may be further hydrogenated to reduce unsaturation and acrylated, such that it may be incorporated into a LOCA composition. The LOCA composition may be used in a laminated screen assembly, such as a touch screen, for electronic devices by adhering the LOCA composition between an optically transparent layer, such as a cover glass, and a display. The cured LOCA composition has a refractive index similar to the optically transparent layer. A method of making the low viscosity polymer for the LOCA composition includes anionically polymerizing farnesene monomers, quenching a living end of the polymer to provide the hydroxyl-terminated polymer; hydrogenating the hydroxyl-terminated polymer; and reacting the at least partially saturated hydroxyl-terminated polymer with at least one reagent to provide an acrylate terminated hydrogenated polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Publication date: December 29, 2016
    Applicant: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Taejun YOO, Herbert Chao, Steven K. Henning
  • Patent number: 9334394
    Abstract: A farnesene polymer is provided having a glass transition temperature greater than zero degrees Celsius that is obtained by combining a farnesene monomer and a solvent and optionally adding one or more vinyl aromatic comonomers to provide a monomer feed and polymerizing the monomer feed with a Friedel-Crafts catalyst. The farnesene polymer may be included as a resin in a rubber composition for tire applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven K. Henning, Keith A. Nelson, Jean-Marc Monsallier, Fabien Salort
  • Publication number: 20140121316
    Abstract: A rubber composition includes high molecular weight diene elastomer, 5 to 120 phr of silica, 0 to 100 phr of a carbon black, and a silane modified oligomer including diene monomers and optionally vinyl aromatic monomers in polymerized form, wherein the silane modified oligomer has a molecular weight of 1000 to 5000 g/mol. A method of making the rubber composition includes compound mixing the components of the rubber composition in situ.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Cray Valley USA, LLC
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Monsallier, Steven K. Henning
  • Publication number: 20090215966
    Abstract: A composition comprising natural or synthetic rubber, sulfur as vulcanizing agent, and an activation system comprising at least one metal salt of a C1-C7 saturated acid. A method of curing the compositions, the resultant cured compositions, and articles comprising the cured compositions are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: Steven K. Henning, Jeffrey Klang
  • Publication number: 20080045643
    Abstract: A vulcanizable composition comprising diene-based thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) with uncured rubbery polymer including natural or/and synthetic rubber is disclosed. Vulcanized compositions and articles prepared by curing the said vulcanizable composition are also disclosed. Examples of vulcanized rubber compositions disclosed are tires, hoses, belts, rollers, shoe soles, and rubber-fabric composites.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventors: Steven K. Henning, Herbert Chao