Patents by Inventor Todd D. Danielson

Todd D. Danielson 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).

  • Patent number: 10800902
    Abstract: A method for producing a thermoplastic polymer composition comprises the steps of separately providing a thermoplastic polymer and an additive composition and then mixing the thermoplastic polymer and additive composition. The additive composition comprises a clarifying agent and a coloring agent. Another method for producing a thermoplastic polymer composition comprises the steps of separately providing a thermoplastic polymer, a clarifying agent, and a coloring agent and then mixing the thermoplastic polymer, the clarifying agent, and the coloring agent. The coloring agent is present in the composition in an amount to yield a composition exhibiting CIE L*, a*, and b* values falling within a defined color space. An additive composition contains a clarifying agent and a coloring agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Todd D. Danielson, Jamie B. Myers, Jennifer S. Morgan
  • Publication number: 20170218175
    Abstract: A method for producing a thermoplastic polymer composition comprises the steps of separately providing a thermoplastic polymer and an additive composition and then mixing the thermoplastic polymer and additive composition. The additive composition comprises a clarifying agent and a coloring agent. Another method for producing a thermoplastic polymer composition comprises the steps of separately providing a thermoplastic polymer, a clarifying agent, and a coloring agent and then mixing the thermoplastic polymer, the clarifying agent, and the coloring agent. The coloring agent is present in the composition in an amount to yield a composition exhibiting CIE L*, a*, and b* values falling within a defined color space. An additive composition contains a clarifying agent and a coloring agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2017
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Inventors: Todd D. Danielson, Jamie B. Myers, Jennifer S. Morgan
  • Patent number: 8653165
    Abstract: Thermoplastic articles may be manufactured having a high degree of visual appeal to consumers. Clarifying agents may be employed as additives in such thermoplastic articles to produce high clarity articles. A coloring agent may be mixed with clarifying agents to form a first blend, and then such a first blend may be applied in very low loadings to form a clarified polymeric article. It is possible to achieve an observable visual benefit while using very low loadings of coloring agent in a polyolefin, such as polypropylene. Carbon black is a pigment that may provide such observable benefits in polypropylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Todd D. Danielson, Jennifer Rockwood, Nathan A. Mehl
  • Publication number: 20120316272
    Abstract: Thermoplastic articles may be manufactured having a high degree of visual appeal to consumers. Clarifying agents may be employed as additives in such thermoplastic articles to produce high clarity articles. A coloring agent may be mixed with clarifying agents to form a first blend, and then such a first blend may be applied in very low loadings to form a clarified polymeric article. It is possible to achieve an observable visual benefit while using very low loadings of coloring agent in a polyolefin, such as polypropylene. Carbon black is a pigment that may provide such observable benefits in polypropylene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventors: Todd D. Danielson, Jennifer Rockwood, Nathan A. Mehl
  • Patent number: 8232335
    Abstract: Thermoplastic articles may be manufactured having a high degree of visual appeal to consumers. Clarifying agents may be employed as additives in such thermoplastic articles to produce high clarity articles. A coloring agent may be mixed with clarifying agents to form a first blend, and then such a first blend may be applied in very low loadings to form a clarified polymeric article. It is possible to achieve an observable visual benefit while using very low loadings of coloring agent in a polyolefin, such as polypropylene. Carbon black is a pigment that may provide such observable benefits in polypropylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Todd D. Danielson, Jennifer Rockwood, Nathan A. Mehl
  • Publication number: 20120190780
    Abstract: A method for producing a thermoplastic polymer composition comprises the steps of separately providing a thermoplastic polymer and an additive composition and then mixing the thermoplastic polymer and additive composition. The additive composition comprises a clarifying agent and a coloring agent. Another method for producing a thermoplastic polymer composition comprises the steps of separately providing a thermoplastic polymer, a clarifying agent, and a coloring agent and then mixing the thermoplastic polymer, the clarifying agent, and the coloring agent. The coloring agent is present in the composition in an amount to yield a composition exhibiting CIE L*, a*, and b* values falling within a defined color space. An additive composition contains a clarifying agent and a coloring agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventors: Todd D. Danielson, Jamie B. Myers, Jennifer S. Morgan
  • Patent number: 7662978
    Abstract: The present invention relates to dibenzylidene sorbitol (“DBS”)-based compounds. The compounds of this invention are particularly advantageous in that they are characterized by one or more of improved transparency (reduced haze), reduced yellowing and/or improved organoleptics (taste). According to one embodiment, the present invention provides a disubstituted DBS-based compound having an allyl group or a propyl group substituted on the first carbon of the sorbitol chain. The present invention also relates to compositions comprising such DBS-based compounds and methods for using them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Chunping Xie, Lee R. Rieth, Todd D. Danielson
  • Publication number: 20070249850
    Abstract: The present invention relates to dibenzylidene sorbitol (“DBS”)-based compounds. The compounds of this invention are particularly advantageous in that they are characterized by one or more of improved transparency (reduced haze), reduced yellowing and/or improved organoleptics (taste). According to one embodiment, the present invention provides a disubstituted DBS-based compound having an allyl group or a propyl group substituted on the first carbon of the sorbitol chain. The present invention also relates to compositions comprising such DBS-based compounds and methods for using them.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: October 25, 2007
    Inventors: Chunping Xie, Lee R. Rieth, Todd D. Danielson
  • Patent number: 7014797
    Abstract: Novel ultraviolet absorbing compounds that are liquid in nature, are extremely low in color and are highly effective in providing protection in wavelength ranges for which previous attempts at low-color ultraviolet absorbers have failed are provided herein. Such compounds provide such excellent, inexpensive, and beneficial protection from ultraviolet exposure within various media, including, but not limited to, clear thermoplastics. The particular compounds are generally polymeric in nature including various chain lengths of polyoxyalkylenes thereon and are liquid in nature to facilitate handling and introduction within the target media. In addition, such ultraviolet absorbers also exhibit extremely low migratory properties thereby providing long-term protective benefits to the target media as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Todd D. Danielson, Xiaodong E. Zhao, Mary E. Mason, Daniel M. Connor, Eric B. Stephens, Jason D. Sprinkle, Jusong Xia
  • Patent number: 6891058
    Abstract: Novel ultraviolet absorbing compounds that are liquid in nature, are extremely low in color (and thus permit use without the concomitant necessity of adding large amounts of other coloring agents to combat such discoloring), and are highly effective in providing protection in wavelength ranges for which previous attempts at low-color ultraviolet absorbers have failed are provided herein. Such compounds provide such excellent, inexpensive, and beneficial protection from ultraviolet exposure within various media, including, but not limited to, clear thermoplastics. The particular compounds are generally polymeric in nature including various chain lengths of polyoxyalkylenes thereon and are liquid in nature to facilitate handling and introduction within the target media. In addition, such ultraviolet absorbers also exhibit extremely low migratory properties thereby providing long-term protective benefits to the target media as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Xiaodong E. Zhao, Todd D. Danielson, Mary E. Mason, Daniel M. Connor, Eric B. Stephens, Jason D. Sprinkle, Jusong Xia
  • Patent number: 6875811
    Abstract: Individual compounds that provide effective toning (or bluing) to combat yellowing within polyester articles (such as bottles, containers, and the like) are provided. Such a novel toner permits effective neutralization of yellowness while also providing highly desirable low haze and increased brightness due to a sharp absorption peak within the needed range of wavelengths (e.g., from about 565 to 590 nm) and a narrow half-height band width. Furthermore, such an individual compound is preferably liquid in nature and may thus be incorporated within an added ultraviolet absorber solution or shelf-stable dispersion to facilitate addition within target polyesters at various stages of production. The particular UV absorbers desired as additives within target polyesters also tend to exhibit certain yellowing effects that require attention as well. The inventive single bluing agent compound thus also accords effective neutralization of such UV absorber yellowing as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Todd D. Danielson, Jason Sprinkle, Daniel Connor, Donnie Hyder
  • Publication number: 20040157517
    Abstract: Combinations of individual colorant compounds that provide effective toning (or bluing) to combat yellowing within polyester articles (such as bottles, containers, and the like) are provided. Such a novel toner combination permits effective neutralization of yellowness while also providing highly desirable low haze and increased brightness due to a sharp absorption peak within the needed range of wavelengths (e.g., from about 565 to 590 nm) and a narrow half-height band width. Furthermore, such a combination of compounds is preferably liquid in nature and may thus be incorporated within an added ultraviolet absorber solution or shelf-stable dispersion to facilitate addition within target polyesters at various stages of production. The particular UV absorbers desired as additives within target polyesters also tend to exhibit certain yellowing effects that require attention as well. The inventive combination bluing agent thus also accords effective neutralization of such UV absorber yellowing as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Todd D. Danielson, Jason Sprinkle, Daniel Connor, Donnie Hyder
  • Patent number: 6733708
    Abstract: An improved procedure and apparatus for introducing liquids within a thermoplastic or thermoset production system are provided. Such an inventive apparatus comprises a storage tank for the desired liquid, a device which connects to a flow channel (such as a manifold or pipe) through which the target thermoplastic or thermoset composition is flowing, and a transfer line connecting the storage tank with the connecting device. The connecting device itself easily attaches and detaches to the flow channel through a spring-loaded or sliding-lock mechanism. Such a novel apparatus permits an ease in changeover from one liquid to another without the need for time-consuming cleaning and without complicated shut-off, removal, and replacement steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Jimmy D. Chavis, Todd D. Danielson, Frank M. Pitman
  • Publication number: 20030209698
    Abstract: Combinations of individual colorant compounds that provide effective toning (or bluing) to combat yellowing within polyester articles (such as bottles, containers, and the like) are provided. Such a novel toner combination permits effective neutralization of yellowness while also providing highly desirable low haze and increased brightness due to a sharp absorption peak within the needed range of wavelengths (e.g., from about 565 to 590 nm) and a narrow half-height band width. Furthermore, such a combination of compounds is preferably liquid in nature and may thus be incorporated within an added ultraviolet absorber solution or shelf-stable dispersion to facilitate addition within target polyesters at various stages of production. The particular UV absorbers desired as additives within target polyesters also tend to exhibit certain yellowing effects that require attention as well. The inventive combination bluing agent thus also accords effective neutralization of such UV absorber yellowing as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Todd D. Danielson, Jason Sprinkle, Daniel Connor, Donnie Hyder
  • Publication number: 20030210608
    Abstract: An improved procedure and apparatus for introducing liquids within a thermoplastic or thermoset production system are provided. Such an inventive apparatus comprises a storage tank for the desired liquid, a device which connects to a flow channel (such as a manifold or pipe) through which the target thermoplastic or thermoset composition is flowing, and a transfer line connecting the storage tank with the connecting device. The connecting device itself easily attaches and detaches to the flow channel through a spring-loaded or sliding-lock mechanism. Such a novel apparatus permits an ease in changeover from one liquid to another without the need for time-consuming cleaning and without complicated shut-off, removal, and replacement steps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Jimmy D. Chavis, Todd D. Danielson, Frank M. Pitman
  • Publication number: 20030212172
    Abstract: Individual compounds that provide effective toning (or bluing) to combat yellowing within polyester articles (such as bottles, containers, and the like) are provided. Such a novel toner permits effective neutralization of yellowness while also providing highly desirable low haze and increased brightness due to a sharp absorption peak within the needed range of wavelengths (e.g., from about 565 to 590 nm) and a narrow half-height band width. Furthermore, such an individual compound is preferably liquid in nature and may thus be incorporated within an added ultraviolet absorber solution or shelf-stable dispersion to facilitate addition within target polyesters at various stages of production. The particular UV absorbers desired as additives within target polyesters also tend to exhibit certain yellowing effects that require attention as well. The inventive single bluing agent compound thus also accords effective neutralization of such UV absorber yellowing as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Todd D. Danielson, Jason Sprinkle, Daniel Connor, Donnie Hyder
  • Publication number: 20030151027
    Abstract: Novel ultraviolet absorbing compounds that are liquid in nature, are extremely low in color (and thus permit use without the concomitant necessity of adding large amounts of other coloring agents to combat such discoloring), and are highly effective in providing protection in wavelength ranges for which previous attempts at low-color ultraviolet absorbers have failed are provided herein. Such compounds provide such excellent, inexpensive, and beneficial protection from ultraviolet exposure within various media, including, but not limited to, clear thermoplastics. The particular compounds are generally polymeric in nature including various chain lengths of polyoxyalkylenes thereon and are liquid in nature to facilitate handling and introduction within the target media. In addition, such ultraviolet absorbers also exhibit extremely low migratory properties thereby providing long-term protective benefits to the target media as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: Xiaodong E. Zhao, Todd D. Danielson, Mary E. Mason, Daniel M. Connor, Eric B. Stephens, Jason D. Sprinkle, Jusong Xia
  • Patent number: 6602447
    Abstract: Novel ultraviolet absorbing compounds that are liquid in nature, are extremely low in color (and thus permit use without the concomitant necessity of adding large amounts of other coloring agents to combat such discoloring), and are highly effective in providing protection in wavelength ranges for which previous attempts at low-color ultraviolet absorbers have failed are provided herein. Such compounds provide such excellent, inexpensive, and beneficial protection from ultraviolet exposure within various media, including, but not limited to, clear thermoplastics. The particular compounds are generally polymeric in nature including various chain lengths of polyoxyalkylenes thereon and are liquid in nature to facilitate handling and introduction within the target media. In addition, such ultraviolet absorbers also exhibit extremely low migratory properties thereby providing long-term protective benefits to the target media as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Todd D. Danielson, Xiaodong E. Zhao, Mary E. Mason, Daniel M. Connor, Eric B. Stephens, Jason D. Sprinkle, Jusong Xia
  • Publication number: 20030136949
    Abstract: Novel ultraviolet absorbing compounds that are liquid in nature, are extremely low in color (and thus permit use without the concomitant necessity of adding large amounts of other coloring agents to combat such discoloring), and are highly effective in providing protection in wavelength ranges for which previous attempts at low-color ultraviolet absorbers have failed are provided herein. Such compounds provide such excellent, inexpensive, and beneficial protection from ultraviolet exposure within various media, including, but not limited to, clear thermoplastics. The particular compounds are generally polymeric in nature including various chain lengths of polyoxyalkylenes thereon and are liquid in nature to facilitate handling and introduction within the target media. In addition, such ultraviolet absorbers also exhibit extremely low migratory properties thereby providing long-term protective benefits to the target media as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventors: Todd D. Danielson, Xiaodong E. Zhao, Mary E. Mason, Daniel M. Connor, Eric B. Stephens, Jason D. Sprinkle, Jusong Xia
  • Patent number: 6595681
    Abstract: An improved procedure and apparatus for introducing liquids within a thermoplastic or thermoset production system are provided. Such an inventive apparatus comprises a storage tank for the desired liquid, a device which connects to a flow channel (such as a manifold or pipe) through which the target thermoplastic or thermoset composition is flowing, and a transfer line connecting the storage tank with the connecting device. The connecting device itself easily attaches and detaches to the flow channel through a spring-loaded or sliding-lock mechanism. Such a novel apparatus permits an ease in changeover from one liquid to another without the need for time-consuming cleaning and without complicated shut-off, removal, and replacement steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Milliken & Co.
    Inventors: Jimmy D. Chavis, Todd D. Danielson, Frank M. Pitman