Patents by Inventor Thomas Oswald

Thomas Oswald 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: 20060281866
    Abstract: A composition is disclosed which is particularly suited for use in extrusion coating. The composition comprises a polymeric material having a rheology such that the slope S of a natural log-natural log plot of loss modulus (or G?) versus storage modulus (or G?) is greater than [0.635*(melt index)+13.2]/[(melt index)+16.6], and wherein the polymeric material has a CDF RI fraction less than 0.23 of a GPC chromatogram which has a molecular weight above 85,000 g/mol, and a CDF LS fraction of more than 0.07 at a conventional GPC molecular weight of 1,750,000 g/mol or greater. The compositions exhibit reduced neck-in when used in extrusion coating and the neck-in is independent of melt strength, thereby facilitating improved extrusion processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Publication date: December 14, 2006
    Inventors: Thomas Oswald, James Cooper, Jeffrey Weinhold, David Gilluspie
  • Publication number: 20050187352
    Abstract: Polymer blends are disclosed that include from about 5 percent (by weight of the total composition) to about 95 percent (by weight of the total composition) of at least one first ethylene interpolymer having at least one first comonomer, and from about 95 percent (by weight of the total composition) to about 5 percent (by weight of the total composition) of at least one second ethylene interpolymer having at least one second comonomer. In the disclosed blends, the first comonomer is different from the second comonomer and the melt index (I2) of the first ethylene interpolymer is less than or equal to the melt index (I2) of the second ethylene interpolymer. The blend are also characterized as having a density of greater than or equal to 0.90 g/cc. Articles made from such blends are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Publication date: August 25, 2005
    Inventors: Pak-Wing Chum, Kurt Swogger, Thomas Oswald, Pradeep Jain
  • Patent number: 6906141
    Abstract: Polymer blends are described that include at least one first ethylene interpolymer and at least one second ethylene interpolymer wherein the difference in the number of carbon atoms in the comonomer of the first interpolymer and the comonomer of the second interpolymer is at least two, wherein the first interpolymer and/or the second interpolymer has molecular weight distribution of from about 1.8 to about 2.8; and wherein the polymer blend has a density greater than or equal to 0.90 g/cm3. Articles made from such blends are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Pak-Wing S. Chum, Kurt W. Swogger, Thomas Oswald, Pradeep Jain
  • Publication number: 20040167286
    Abstract: This invention is directed to an ethylene polymer blend comprising at least two diverse ethylene interpolymers wherein one interpolymer has a lower number of carbons than the at least one other interpolymer. The ethylene polymer blend preferably comprises at least one homogeneously branched ethylene/&agr;-olefin interpolymer blended with at least one heterogeneously branched ethylene/&agr;-olefin interpolymer and is characterized as having a density greater than or equal to 0.90 g/cm3 and in particularly preferred embodiments is further characterized as having an intrinsic tear value greater than or equal to 150 grams. The inventive ethylene polymer blend can be used to make various fabricated articles, especially extruded forms and most especially films such as high strength thin gauge packaging film, impact resistant shrink film and heat sealable packaging film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventors: Pak-Wing S. Chum, Kurt W. Swogger, Thomas Oswald, Pradeep Jain
  • Patent number: 6723793
    Abstract: A blend which comprises; A) a heterogeneous or homogenous linear ethylene homopolymer or interpolymer; B) a branched homopolymer or interpolymer; wherein said blend has; 1) a melt index, I2, of about 0.05 to about 20 g/10 min; 2) a flexural modulus of ≧100,000 psi or ≦30,000 psi; 3) a melt strength of ≧2 cN; 4) a melt extensibility of ≧25 mm/sec; and 5) wherein said melt strength of said blend meets the following relationship; Melt strength≧FMS*[(f*A)+((1−f)*B)]; where: A=3.3814*(I2)−06476 and B=16.882*(I2)−06564; where I2 is the measured melt index of the blend; f is the weight fraction of the linear polyethylene in the blend and FMS is ≧1.1. Also included in the present invention are foams, films, fibers, blow molded articles, wire and cable articles and extrusion coatings comprising said blend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Oswald, Bharat I. Chaudhary, Jeffrey Weinhold
  • Patent number: 6723398
    Abstract: This invention is directed to an ethylene polymer blend comprising at least two diverse ethylene interpolymers wherein one interpolymer has a lower number of carbons than the at least one other interpolymer. The ethylene polymer blend preferably comprises at least one homogeneously branched ethylene/&agr;-olefin interpolymer blended with at least one heterogeneously branched ethylene/&agr;-olefin interpolymer and is characterized as having a density greater than or equal to 0.90 g/cm3 and in particularly preferred embodiments is further characterized as having an intrinsic tear value greater than or equal to 150 grams. The inventive ethylene polymer blend can be used to make various fabricated articles, especially extruded forms and most especially films such as high strength thin gauge packaging film, impact resistant shrink film and heat sealable packaging film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Pak-Wing S. Chum, Kurt W. Swogger, Thomas Oswald, Pradeep J. Jain
  • Patent number: 6658801
    Abstract: A portable fire curtain system to provide a cloak to cover a vented opening. When deployed it will alleviate the incoming wind, which is fueling the fire. The fire curtain is made of one sheet of a fire resistant or fire proof material that is folded and sewn together. Encapsulated within the fire curtain are 6 bars of high-tempered aluminum running laterally. Each corner of the fire curtain has holes that are drilled through the top and bottom bars. Four 5 foot cable leaders with loops, (one to each corner) will be secured to these holes. Two 40 foot ropes with snaps on all ends will be connected to these cable leaders to be used in the deployment. The ropes are packed in two rope deployment bags in order to prevent the ropes from tangling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventors: Patrick Kilduff, Thomas Oswald
  • Publication number: 20030166782
    Abstract: A blend which comprises;
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas Oswald, Bharat I. Chaudhary, Jeffrey D. Weinhold
  • Patent number: 6583222
    Abstract: This invention describes grafted blend compositions, processes for their preparation and fabricated articles, especially foams therefrom. The blends exhibit enhanced melt strength, melt elongation greater than or equal to about 20 mm/s, increased upper service temperature, increased modulus, and increased hardness. The grafted blend compositions have little or no high shear viscosity increase over a corresponding polymer of the same chemical composition absent the coupling agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Bharat I. Chaudhary, Thomas Oswald, Thoi H. Ho, Jennifer DellaMea
  • Patent number: 6583188
    Abstract: This invention describes grafted blend compositions, processes for their preparation and fabricated articles, especially foams therefrom. The blends exhibit enhanced melt strength, melt elongation greater than or equal to about 20 mm/s, increased upper service temperature, increased modulus, and increased hardness. The grafted blend compositions have little or no high shear viscosity increase over a corresponding polymer of the same chemical composition absent the coupling agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Bharat I. Chaudhary, Thoi H. Ho, Thomas Oswald, Jennifer DellaMea
  • Patent number: 6545094
    Abstract: A blend which comprises; A) a heterogeneous or homogenous linear ethylene homopolymer or interpolymer; B) a branched homopolymer or interpolymer;  wherein said blend has; 1) a melt index, I2, of about 0.05 to about 20 g/10 min; 2) a flexural modulus of ≧100,000 psi or ≦30,000 psi; 3) a melt strength of ≧2 cN; 4) a melt extensibility of ≧25 mm/sec; and 5) wherein said melt strength of said blend meets the following relationship; Melt strength≧FMS*[(f*A)+((1−f)*B)]; where: A=3.3814*(I2)−0.6476 and B=16.882*(I2)−0.6564; where  I2 is the measured melt index of the blend; f is the weight fraction of the linear polyethylene in the blend and FMS is ≧1.1. Also included in the present invention are foams, films, fibers, blow molded articles, wire and cable articles and extrusion coatings comprising said blend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Thomas Oswald, Bharat I. Chaudhary, Jeffrey D. Weinhold
  • Publication number: 20030032731
    Abstract: A blend which comprises;
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas Oswald, Bharat I. Chaudhary, Jeffrey D. Weinhold
  • Publication number: 20020151609
    Abstract: This invention describes grafted blend compositions, processes for their preparation and fabricated articles, especially foams therefrom. The blends exhibit enhanced melt strength, melt elongation greater than or equal to about 20 mm/s, increased upper service temperature, increased modulus, and increased hardness. The grafted blend compositions have little or no high shear viscosity increase over a corresponding polymer of the same chemical composition absent the coupling agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventors: Bharat I. Chaudhary, Thoi H. Ho, Thomas Oswald, Jennifer DellaMea
  • Patent number: 6395791
    Abstract: This invention describes grafted blend compositions, processes for their preparation and fabricated articles, especially foams therefrom. The blends exhibit enhanced melt strength, melt elongation greater than or equal to about 20 mm/s, increased upper service temperature, increased modulus, and increased hardness. The grafted blend compositions have little or no high shear viscosity increase over a corresponding polymer of the same chemical composition absent the coupling agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Bharat I. Chaudhary, Thoi H. Ho, Thomas Oswald, Jennifer DellaMea
  • Publication number: 20020046522
    Abstract: A portable fire curtain system to provide a cloak to cover a vented opening. When deployed it will alleviate the incoming wind, which is fueling the fire. The fire curtain is made of one sheet of a fire resistant or fire proof material that is folded and sewn together. Encapsulated within the fire curtain are 6 bars of high-tempered aluminum bars running laterally. Each corner of the fire curtain has holes that are drilled through the top and bottom bars. Four 5 foot cable leaders with loops, (one to each corner) will be secured to these holes. Two 40 foot ropes with snaps on all ends will be connected to these cable leaders to be used in the deployment. The ropes are packed in two rope deployment bags in order to prevent the ropes from tangling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Inventors: Patrick Kilduff, Thomas Oswald
  • Patent number: 5884453
    Abstract: A method and device for unwrapping self-adhering films at reduced noise levels are disclosed. The method and device include means to maintain a sufficiently high unwrapping take-off angle during the unwrapping and dispensing or unwinding of film rollstock. Suitable means provide for substantial acceleration and adjustment of the rollstock rotational speed relative to the speed of the first power driven member of an unwrapping apparatus, or the use of one or more carefully positioned deflector members. The method and device is particularly useful in unwrapping and dispensing operations of high cling stretch wrap films involving the use of turntable-style power driven equipment as well as in unwrapping and unwinding operations of pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: David B. Ramsey, Robert G. Vidaurri, Brad A. Cobler, Thomas Oswald
  • Patent number: 5203411
    Abstract: The recovery of hydrocarbons from subterranean formations is improved by the use of a mobility control fluid comprising a mixture of at least one alkylated diphenyl oxide and at least one amphoteric surfactant. A preferred mobility control fluid comprises the disodium salt of hexyldiphenyloxide disulfonate and cocamido-2-hydroxypropyl sultaine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Robert D. Dawe, Thomas Oswald, Ian A. Robson
  • Patent number: 5184081
    Abstract: A method of locating an intermittent electrical fault in an optical undersea transmission system, comprises measuring the time difference between two signals emanating from the fault along two different routes of the system. In one embodiment one of the signals is a voltage transient and the other signal is an optical error signal created in a repeater adjacent the fault as a result of surge protection in the repeater responding to the electrical fault, and in another embodiment both signals are optical signals, once again emanating from adjacent repeaters and caused by the effect of the electrical fault on the adjacent repeaters. It is envisaged that such a transmission system could be permanently provided with apparatus to detect such a fault in which synchronized counters are permanently running and frequently re-set and which stop in response to error signals being received from a fault when it occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Assignee: Northern Telecom Europe
    Inventors: Thomas Oswald, Ian J. Hirst
  • Patent number: 4860828
    Abstract: In a gas flooding or miscible gas flooding operation, the sweep efficiency of the gas is improved using a mixture of an alkylated diphenyl sulfonate and an alpha-olefin sulfonate as the surfactants in a mobility control fluid or diverter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Thomas Oswald, Ian A. Robson
  • Patent number: 4696060
    Abstract: In an optical transmission system, particularly a submerged system, a line finding system is provided which, in the event of a fault somewhere along the system, enables the remaining operative lines or paths to take over the traffic and thus "steer around" the fault. The laser sources of the submerged repeaters and switched by electrical selection at their input using failed clock or a supervisory signal to achieve the switching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1987
    Assignee: STC plc
    Inventor: Thomas Oswald