Patents by Inventor Steven Lee Stafford

Steven Lee Stafford 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: 20230407002
    Abstract: A shaped article comprising a molded component configured to receive a terpene containing oil composition, said molded component formed of a copolyester composition having high chemical resistance to terpene oil and having a Tg of at least 95° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2021
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Applicant: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Steven Lee Stafford, Bryan Steven Bishop, Kathleen Jean White, Mason Scott Myers
  • Publication number: 20180154621
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to extrusion coating systems, extrusion coated substrates, and processes for making the same. In some aspects, extrusion coating systems as described herein may include an at least partially insulated outlet wall, which may facilitate production of coated substrates exhibiting a very desirable surface texture and appearance. Coated substrates of the present invention may be utilized in a variety of end applications, including, but not limited to, interior and exterior construction materials for homes, buildings, and furniture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Publication date: June 7, 2018
    Applicant: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Tony Wayne Helton, Steven Lee Stafford, Aaron David Grills, Subramanian Easwaran Iyer
  • Publication number: 20180104930
    Abstract: This invention relates to clear, semicrystalline, strain induced crystallized polyester films heat laminated onto metal substrates. The films contain at least one polyester which comprises at least of one or more monomers selected from 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol or 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol. The articles of the present invention exhibit enhanced mechanical properties useful for the fabrication of thin metal articles such as metal cans.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Applicant: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Xue Guang Steven Lin, Fan Liang Meng, Zhong Zhong Johnny Qian, Yu-Hwey Chuang, Emmett Dudley Crawford, Michael Eugene Donelson, Steven Lee Stafford, James Carl Williams
  • Patent number: 9919503
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to extrusion coating systems, extrusion coated substrates, and processes for making the same. In some aspects, extrusion coating systems as described herein may include an at least partially insulated outlet wall, which may facilitate production of coated substrates exhibiting a very desirable surface texture and appearance. Coated substrates of the present invention may be utilized in a variety of end applications, including, but not limited to, interior and exterior construction materials for homes, buildings, and furniture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Tony Wayne Helton, Steven Lee Stafford, Aaron Grills, Subramanian Easwaran Iyer
  • Patent number: 9920526
    Abstract: Structural systems having coated structural members with enhanced durability are provided, along with methods of making and using the same. Structural members including at least one coating material applied to a substrate that comprises at least one protrusion may exhibit increased strength and/or durability and may be less likely fail during use. For example, structural members as described herein exhibit an improved resistance to cracking when a force is applied to the protrusion. Structural systems according to embodiments of the present invention can be suitable for use in a variety of applications, including in ready-to-assemble furniture or cabinetry applications or as building and construction materials such as wall board, flooring, trim, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Chad Alan Frazier, Subramanian Easwaran Iyer, Steven Lee Stafford
  • Publication number: 20150107175
    Abstract: Structural systems having coated structural members with enhanced durability are provided, along with methods of making and using the same. Structural members including at least one coating material applied to a substrate that comprises at least one protrusion may exhibit increased strength and/or durability and may be less likely fail during use. For example, structural members as described herein exhibit an improved resistance to cracking when a force is applied to the protrusion. Structural systems according to embodiments of the present invention can be suitable for use in a variety of applications, including in ready-to-assemble furniture or cabinetry applications or as building and construction materials such as wall board, flooring, trim, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Chad Alan Frazier, Subramanian Easwaran Iyer, Steven Lee Stafford
  • Publication number: 20150004349
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to extrusion coating systems, extrusion coated substrates, and processes for making the same. In some aspects, extrusion coating systems as described herein may include an at least partially insulated outlet wall, which may facilitate production of coated substrates exhibiting a very desirable surface texture and appearance. Coated substrates of the present invention may be utilized in a variety of end applications, including, but not limited to, interior and exterior construction materials for homes, buildings, and furniture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: EASTMAN CHEMICAL COMPANY
    Inventors: Tony Wayne Helton, Steven Lee Stafford, Aaron Grills, Subramanian Easwaran Iyer
  • Patent number: 8865261
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to extrusion coating systems, extrusion coated substrates, and processes for making the same. In some aspects, extrusion coating systems as described herein may include an at least partially insulated outlet wall, which may facilitate production of coated substrates exhibiting a very desirable surface texture and appearance. Coated substrates of the present invention may be utilized in a variety of end applications, including, but not limited to, interior and exterior construction materials for homes, buildings, and furniture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Tony Wayne Helton, Steven Lee Stafford, Aaron Grills, Subramanian Easwaran Iyer
  • Patent number: 8791187
    Abstract: A polyester composition containing: a) aluminum atoms; and b) alkaline earth atoms or alkali metal atoms or alkali compound residues such as lithium atoms; and c) particles comprising titanium, zirconium, vanadium, niobium, hafnium, tantalum, chromium, tungsten, molybdenum, iron, or nickel atoms or combinations thereof, where the particles improve the reheat rate of the polyester composition. The polyester polymer compositions may also contain phosphorus catalyst deactivators/stabilizers. The polyester compositions and the articles made from the compositions such as bottle preforms and stretch blow molded bottles have improved reheat rate while maintaining low haze, high L*, a b* below 3, and have low levels of acetaldehyde. In the process for making the polyester polymer, the polymer melt is polycondensed in the presence of a) and b), with the particles c) added in a melt phase process or added to the polymer in an injection molding machine or extruder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Grupo Petrotemex, S.A. de C.V.
    Inventors: Donna Rice Quillen, Rodney Scott Armentrout, Mary Therese Jernigan, Steven Lee Stafford, Zhiyong Xia
  • Publication number: 20140162015
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to extrusion coating systems, extrusion coated substrates, and processes for making the same. In some aspects, extrusion coating systems as described herein may include an at least partially insulated outlet wall, which may facilitate production of coated substrates exhibiting a very desirable surface texture and appearance. Coated substrates of the present invention may be utilized in a variety of end applications, including, but not limited to, interior and exterior construction materials for homes, buildings, and furniture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Tony Wayne Helton, Steven Lee Stafford, Aaron Grills, Subramanian Easwaran Iyer
  • Patent number: 8431202
    Abstract: A polyester composition containing: a) aluminum atoms; and b) alkaline earth atoms or alkali metal atoms or alkali compound residues such as lithium atoms; and c) particles comprising titanium, zirconium, vanadium, niobium, hafnium, tantalum, chromium, tungsten, molybdenum, iron, or nickel atoms or combinations thereof, where the particles improve the reheat rate of the polyester composition. The polyester polymer compositions may also contain phosphorus catalyst deactivators/stabilizers. The polyester compositions and the articles made from the compositions such as bottle preforms and stretch blow molded bottles have improved reheat rate while maintaining low haze, high L*, a b* below 3, and have low levels of acetaldehyde. In the process for making the polyester polymer, the polymer melt is polycondensed in the presence of a) and b), with the particles c) added in a melt phase process or added to the polymer in an injection molding machine or extruder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Grupo Petrotemex, S.A. de C.V.
    Inventors: Donna Rice Quillen, Rodney Scott Armentrout, Mary Therese Jernigan, Steven Lee Stafford, Zhiyong Xia
  • Patent number: 8247522
    Abstract: A process for producing non-solid-stated polyester polymer particles having one or more properties similar to polyester polymer particles that have undergone solid-state processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Grupo Petrotemex, S.A. de C.V.
    Inventors: Bruce Roger DeBruin, Tommy Ray Maddox, II, John Alan Wabshall, Jr., Steven Lee Stafford, Stephen Weinhold, Robert Noah Estep, Mary Therese Jernigan, Steven Paul Bellner, Alan George Wonders, John Guy Franjione
  • Publication number: 20110281049
    Abstract: A polyester composition containing: a) aluminum atoms; and b) alkaline earth atoms or alkali metal atoms or alkali compound residues such as lithium atoms; and c) particles comprising titanium, zirconium, vanadium, niobium, hafnium, tantalum, chromium, tungsten, molybdenum, iron, or nickel atoms or combinations thereof, where the particles improve the reheat rate of the polyester composition. The polyester polymer compositions may also contain phosphorus catalyst deactivators/stabilizers. The polyester compositions and the articles made from the compositions such as bottle preforms and stretch blow molded bottles have improved reheat rate while maintaining low haze, high L*, a b* below 3, and have low levels of acetaldehyde. In the process for making the polyester polymer, the polymer melt is polycondensed in the presence of a) and b), with the particles c) added in a melt phase process or added to the polymer in an injection molding machine or extruder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: GRUPO PETROTEMEX, S.A. DE C.V.
    Inventors: Donna Rice Quillen, Rodney Scott Armentrout, Mary Therese Jernigan, Steven Lee Stafford, Zhiyong Xia
  • Patent number: 8057726
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for a melt processing a polyethylene terephthalate resin characterized by one or more of the following. The polyester particles may have at least two melting peaks wherein one of the at least two melting peaks is a low peak melting point with a range from 140° C. to 220° C., or from 140° C. to 230° C., and having a melting endothermic area of at least the absolute value of 1 J/g. The polyester particles may have one or more melting peaks at least one of which when measured on a DSC first heating scan has a heating curve departing from a baseline in the endothermic direction at a temperature of less than or equal to 200° C. The polyester particles may have an It.V. at their surface which is less than 0.25 dL/g higher than the It.V. at their center. The polyester particles may have not been solid stated. The melt processing device comprises a screw with a total length, L, a feed zone length in the range from 0.16L and 0.45L, a taper angle, ?, in the range from 0.5 degrees and 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Grupo Petrotemex, S.A. de C.V.
    Inventors: Marcus David Shelby, Michael Eugene Donelson, Frederick Leslie Colhoun, Steven Lee Stafford, Mark Edward Stewart, Stephen Weinhold, Edward Lewis Boochard, Robert Noah Estep
  • Patent number: 8039578
    Abstract: A process for producing non-solid-stated polyester polymer particles having one or more properties similar to polyester polymer particles that have undergone solid-state processing. In one embodiment, the process comprises (a) forming polyester polymer particles from a polyester polymer melt; (b) quenching at least a portion of the particles, (c) drying at least a portion of the particles, (d) crystallizing at least a portion of the particles, (e) annealing at least a portion of the particles. At all points during and between steps (b) through (e), the average bulk temperature of the particles is maintained above 165° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Bruce Roger DeBruin, Tommy Ray Maddox, II, John Alan Wabshall, Jr., Steven Lee Stafford, Stephen Weinhold, Robert Noah Estep, Mary Therese Jernigan, Steven Paul Bellner, Alan George Wonders
  • Patent number: 8039577
    Abstract: Polyester compositions are disclosed that include polyester polymers or copolymers having incorporated therein titanium nitride particles that provide one or more of the following advantages: improving the reheat properties of the compositions, improving the color of the compositions through reduced yellowness, and improving the UV-blocking properties of the compositions. Processes for making such compositions are also disclosed. The titanium nitride particles may be incorporated in the polyester by melt compounding, or may be added at any stage of the polymerization, such as during the melt-phase of the polymerization. A range of particle sizes may be used, as well as a range of particle size distributions. The polyester compositions are suitable for use in packaging made from processes in which a reheat step is desirable, or decreased yellowness is desired, or increased resistance to the effects of ultraviolet light is desired, or any combination of the foregoing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Grupo Petrotemex, S.A. de C.V.
    Inventors: Zhiyong Xia, Steven Lee Stafford, Susan Sims, Frederick Leslie Colhoun
  • Publication number: 20110251340
    Abstract: A process for producing non-solid-stated polyester polymer particles having one or more properties similar to polyester polymer particles that have undergone solid-state processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: GRUPO PETROTEMEX, S.A. DE C.V.
    Inventors: Bruce Roger DEBRUIN, Tommy Ray Maddox, II, John Alan Wabshall, JR., Steven Lee Stafford, Stephen Weinhold, Robert Noah Estep, Mary Therese Jernigan, Steven Paul Bellner, Alan George Wonders, John Guy Franjione
  • Patent number: 7989577
    Abstract: A process for producing non-solid-stated polyester polymer particles having one or more properties similar to polyester polymer particles that have undergone solid-state processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Grupo Petromex, S.A. De C.V.
    Inventors: Bruce Roger DeBruin, Tommy Ray Maddox, II, John Alan Wabshall, Jr., Steven Lee Stafford, Stephen Weinhold, Robert Noah Estep, Mary Therese Jernigan, Steven Paul Bellner, Alan George Wonders, John Guy Franjione
  • Publication number: 20110070445
    Abstract: A process for producing non-solid-stated polyester polymer particles having one or more properties similar to polyester polymer particles that have undergone solid-state processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: EASTMAN CHEMICAL COMPANY
    Inventors: Bruce Roger DeBruin, Tommy Ray Maddox, II, John Alan Wabshall, JR., Steven Lee Stafford, Stephen Weinhold, Robert Noah Estep, Mary Therese Jernigan, Steven Paul Bellner, Alan George Wonders, John Guy Franjione
  • Publication number: 20110034664
    Abstract: A process for producing non-solid-stated polyester polymer particles having one or more properties similar to polyester polymer particles that have undergone solid-state processing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: EASTMAN CHEMICAL COMPANY
    Inventors: Bruce Roger DeBruin, Tommy Ray Maddox, II, John Alan Wabshall, JR., Steven Lee Stafford, Stephen Weinhold, Robert Noah Estep, Mary Therese Jernigan, Steven Paul Bellner, Alan George Wonders