Patents by Inventor Thomas A. Knowles

Thomas A. Knowles 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).

  • Isocyanates and their preparation using hypochlorous acid
    Patent number: 5319133
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparation of an isocyanate comprising (a) reacting an amide with an aqueous solution of hypochlorous acid in the presence of an water-immiscible organic solvent to produce an N-chloro amide; and (b) reacting said N-chloro amide with a base in the presence of a phase transfer catalyst and a water immiscible organic solvent to produce an isocyanate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1994
    Assignee: Olin Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Raynor, Thomas A. Knowles
  • Glycol and silicate-based surfactant composition for stabilizing polyurethane foam
    Patent number: 4172186
    Abstract: A novel glycol and silicate-based surfactant composition is prepared by (a) obtaining a silicate-based component by a selective process involving (i) reaction of silicon tetrahalide with water and alcohol followed by (ii) transesterification with a polyether alcohol, and (b) subsequently combining the silicate-based component with glycols and/or polyglycol ethers. The resulting surfactant composition is utilized as a stabilizer in the production of polyurethane foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1979
    Assignee: Olin Corporation
    Inventors: Robert N. Scott, Thomas A. Knowles
  • Glycol and silicate-based surfactant composition
    Patent number: 4097406
    Abstract: A novel glycol and silicate-based surfactant composition is prepared by (a) obtaining a silicate-based component by a selective process involving (i) reaction of silicon tetrahalide with water and alcohol followed by (ii) transesterification with a polyether alcohol, and (b) subsequently combining the silicate-based component with glycols and/or polyglycol ethers. The resulting surfactant composition is utilized as a stabilizer in the production of polyurethane foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1976
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1978
    Assignee: Olin Corporation
    Inventors: Robert N. Scott, Thomas A. Knowles