Patents by Inventor Thomas Schaefer

Thomas Schaefer 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: 20100069594
    Abstract: The present invention relates in general terms to a process for preparing acetone cyanohydrin, comprising as steps: A. contacting acetone and hydrocyanic acid in a reactor to give a reaction mixture, the reaction mixture being circulated, to obtain acetone cyanohydrin; B. cooling at least some of the reaction mixture; C. discharging at least a portion of the acetone cyanohydrin obtained from the reactor; D. continuously distilling the discharged acetone cyanohydrin obtained to obtain an acetone cyanohydrin bottom product and an acetone top product in a distillation column; E. recycling at least a portion of the acetone top product into step A, the acetone top product being kept at less than 60° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: Evonik Roehm GmbH
    Inventors: Udo Gropp, Robert Weber, Thomas Schaefer, Andreas Perl, Rudolf Sing, Thomas Mertz
  • Publication number: 20100056742
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing alkyl methacrylates and their conversion products which can be used in a multitude of chemical synthesis processes which can lead to a wide variety of different further processing products, and to an apparatus for performing this process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: Evonik Roehm GmbH
    Inventors: Udo Gropp, Robert Weber, Thomas Schaefer, Andreas Perl, Rudolf Sing, Thomas Mertz
  • Patent number: 7668296
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an X ray tube assembly is provided. The X ray tube assembly comprises an evacuated envelope, an anode disposed at a first end of the evacuated envelope and a cathode assembly disposed at a second end of the evacuated envelope. The cathode assembly comprises a cathode filament and a cathode cup defining a plurality of electrically isolated deflection electrodes. Further, the cathode cup comprises at least two portions, a first portion comprising an electrically conductive material and a second portion comprising an electrically insulating material. In another embodiment, a method of manufacturing the X ray tube assembly is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Co.
    Inventors: Thomas Schaefer, Ron Hockersmith, Ethan Westcot
  • Publication number: 20100039024
    Abstract: The present invention relates electroluminescent devices, comprising a compound of the formula (I), especially as host for phosphorescent compounds. The hosts may function with phosphorescent materials to provide improved efficiency, stability, manufacturability, or spectral characteristics of electroluminescent devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventors: Frédérique Wendeborn, Beat Schmidhalter, Thomas Schäfer, Peter Murer, Kristina Bardon
  • Publication number: 20100029881
    Abstract: The present invention relates in general terms to a process for preparing alkyl methacrylates, comprising as steps: providing an acetone cyanohydrin by a process according to one of the preceding claims; contacting the acetone cyanohydrin with an inorganic acid to obtain a methacrylamide; contacting the methacrylamide with an alcohol in the presence of an inorganic acid in a reactor to obtain an alkyl methacrylate; continuously discharging at least a portion of the alkyl methacrylate from the reactor into a distillation column as a vapour stream; the discharge being effected by feeding a discharge stream comprising steam into the reactor, to an apparatus for preparing alkyl methacrylates, to a process for preparing polymers based at least partly on alkyl methacrylates, to the use of the alkyl methacrylates obtainable by the process according to the invention in chemical products, and to chemical products based on alkyl methacrylates obtainable by the process according to the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: EVONIK ROEHM GMBH
    Inventors: Udo Gropp, Robert Weber, Thomas Schaefer, Andreas Perl, Rudolf Sing, Thomas Mertz
  • Patent number: 7649077
    Abstract: The present invention relates to polymers comprising diazine, especially pyrimidine, containing repeating units. Optical devices, comprising the polymers of the present invention, can show significant advantages in color purity, device efficiency and/or operational lifetime. In addition, the polymers can have good solubility characteristics and relatively high glass transition temperatures, which facilitates their fabrication into coatings and films that are relatively thin, thermally stable, and relatively free of defects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Ciba Specialty Chemicals Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Robert Craig, Jonathan Rogers, Thomas Schäfer
  • Publication number: 20100004417
    Abstract: The invention relates in general terms to a process for preparing to a process for purifying an alkyl methacrylate, comprising the steps of: A. providing an alkyl methacrylate with an impurity: B. adsorbing at least some of the impurity onto a purifying solid to obtain an ultrapure alkyl methacrylate, to a process for preparing an ultrapure alkyl methacrylate, to an apparatus for preparing alkyl methacrylates, to a process for preparing a polymer based at least partly on alkyl methacrylates, to the use of an alkyl methacrylate obtained according to the invention in chemical products, and to chemical products comprising an alkyl methacrylate obtained according to the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: Evonik Roehm GmbH
    Inventors: Udo Gropp, Robert Weber, Thomas Schaefer, Andreas Perl, Rudolf Sing, Thomas Mertz
  • Patent number: 7634987
    Abstract: The invention concerns a fuel tank for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one venting device which is connected to a fuel vapor filter, wherein the venting device includes at least one collecting container (4) for receiving liquid fuel (21). The fuel tank is distinguished in that disposed within the collecting container (4) is a delivery pump (8) for emptying it into the delivery volume (23) of the fuel tank (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Kautex Textron GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Klaus Wolfgang Gebert, Thomas Schaefer
  • Publication number: 20090305869
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of regenerating a ruthenium catalyst for the hydrogenation of phthalates, which comprises flushing the catalyst with inert gas in a regeneration step until the original activity or part of the original activity has been attained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: BASF
    Inventors: Jochem Henkelmann, Michael Becker, Felix Richter, Thomas Schäfer
  • Publication number: 20090299023
    Abstract: The present invention relates in general terms to a process for preparing acetone cyanohydrin, comprising as steps: A. contacting acetone and hydrocyanic acid in a reactor to give a reaction mixture, the reaction mixture being circulated, to obtain acetone cyanohydrin; B. cooling at least some of the reaction mixture by flowing it through a cooling region of a cooler, the cooler including one cooling element or at least two cooling elements; C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: EVONIK ROEHM GMBH
    Inventors: Udo Gropp, Robert Weber, Thomas Schaefer, Andreas Perl, Rudolf Sing, Thomas Mertz
  • Publication number: 20090281348
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of regenerating a ruthenium catalyst suitable for hydrogenation, which comprises flushing the catalyst with inert gas in a regeneration step until the original activity or part of the original activity has been attained. The method is particularly useful for ruthenium catalysts which are used for the hydrogenation of aromatics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: BASF SE
    Inventors: Jochem Henkelmann, Michael Becker, Daniela Mirk, Felix Richter, Thomas Schäfer
  • Publication number: 20080310593
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an X ray tube assembly is provided. The X ray tube assembly comprises an evacuated envelope, an anode disposed at a first end of the evacuated envelope and a cathode assembly disposed at a second end of the evacuated envelope. The cathode assembly comprises a cathode filament and a cathode cup defining a plurality of electrically isolated deflection electrodes. Further, the cathode cup comprises at least two portions, a first portion comprising an electrically conductive material and a second portion comprising an electrically insulating material. In another embodiment, a method of manufacturing the X ray tube assembly is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Thomas Schaefer, Ron Hockersmith, Ethan Westcot
  • Publication number: 20080232947
    Abstract: Modular wafer transport and handling facilities are combined in a variety of ways deliver greater levels of flexibility, utility, efficiency, and functionality in a vacuum semiconductor processing system. Various processing and other modules may be interconnected with tunnel-and-cart transportation systems to extend the distance and versatility of the vacuum environment. Other improvements such as bypass thermal adjusters, buffering aligners, batch processing, multifunction modules, low particle vents, cluster processing cells, and the like are incorporated to expand functionality and improve processing efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventors: Peter van der Meulen, Christopher C. Kiley, Patrick D. Pannese, Raymond S. Ritter, Thomas A. Schaefer
  • Publication number: 20080232948
    Abstract: Modular wafer transport and handling facilities are combined in a variety of ways deliver greater levels of flexibility, utility, efficiency, and functionality in a vacuum semiconductor processing system. Various processing and other modules may be interconnected with tunnel-and-cart transportation systems to extend the distance and versatility of the vacuum environment. Other improvements such as bypass thermal adjusters, buffering aligners, batch processing, multifunction modules, low particle vents, cluster processing cells, and the like are incorporated to expand functionality and improve processing efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventors: Peter van der Meulen, Christopher C Kiley, Patrick D. Pannese, Raymond S. Ritter, Thomas A. Schaefer
  • Publication number: 20080187417
    Abstract: Modular wafer transport and handling facilities are combined in a variety of ways deliver greater levels of flexibility, utility, efficiency, and functionality in a vacuum semiconductor processing system. Various processing and other modules may be interconnected with tunnel-and-cart transportation systems to extend the distance and versatility of the vacuum environment. Other improvements such as bypass thermal adjusters, buffering aligners, batch processing, multifunction modules, low particle vents, cluster processing cells, and the like are incorporated to expand functionality and improve processing efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventors: Peter van der Meulen, Christopher C Kiley, Patrick D. Pannese, Raymond S. Ritter, Thomas A. Schaefer
  • Publication number: 20080187418
    Abstract: Modular wafer transport and handling facilities are combined in a variety of ways deliver greater levels of flexibility, utility, efficiency, and functionality in a vacuum semiconductor processing system. Various processing and other modules may be interconnected with tunnel-and-cart transportation systems to extend the distance and versatility of the vacuum environment. Other improvements such as bypass thermal adjusters, buffering aligners, batch processing, multifunction modules, low particle vents, cluster processing cells, and the like are incorporated to expand functionality and improve processing efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventors: Peter van der Meulen, Christopher C. Kiley, Patrick D. Pannese, Raymond S. Ritter, Thomas A. Schaefer
  • Publication number: 20080069306
    Abstract: An X-ray tube target assembly and method of manufacturing same is provided. The X-ray tube target assembly comprises an injection molded target disk. The injection molded target disk includes an injection molded hub member and an injection molded outer member. The injection molded outer member comprises a plurality of injection molded outer member segments that are removably attached together and removably attached to the hub member to form the injection molded target disk. A target track is formed on an outer surface on one side of an outer periphery of the injection molded outer member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ron Hockersmith, Michael Hebert, Thomas Schaefer, Ethan Westcot
  • Publication number: 20080011003
    Abstract: Vapor compression air conditioning systems are provided with a flow restrictor for transferring working fluid to and from at least one of the compressor low pressure inlet conduit and compressor high pressure outlet conduit to provide for accurate charge adjustment to achieve predetermined fluid sub-cooling. Pressure and temperature measurements are taken at a condenser fluid outlet conduit and provided to a microcontroller for determining fluid sub-cooling and comparing sub-cooling with a predetermined target sub-cooling. A charge addition or recovery apparatus may include a solenoid valve controlled by the microcontroller to more accurately control the addition or recovery of refrigerant fluid charge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Applicant: AMERICAN STANDARD INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan David Douglas, James Thomas Schaefer, Gregory F. Walters
  • Publication number: 20070269297
    Abstract: Modular wafer transport and handling facilities are combined in a variety of ways deliver greater levels of flexibility, utility, efficiency, and functionality in a vacuum semiconductor processing system. Various processing and other modules may be interconnected with tunnel-and-cart transportation systems to extend the distance and versatility of the vacuum environment. Other improvements such as bypass thermal adjusters, buffering aligners, batch processing, multifunction modules, low particle vents, cluster processing cells, and the like are incorporated to expand functionality and improve processing efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Inventors: Peter Meulen, Christopher Kiley, Patrick Pannese, Raymond Ritter, Thomas Schaefer
  • Patent number: 7275742
    Abstract: An apparatus for conveying sheets in a printing press makes reliable sheet guiding possible with a low outlay on material and at low cost and includes an apparatus for conveying sheets in a printing press having at least one conveyor element for a sheet along a conveying path and at least one guide element for the sheet in the conveying direction, at least one elongate spring element being provided as a guide element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Thomas Schäfer, Steffen Siegemund