Patents by Inventor William R. Wheat

William R. Wheat 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: 20110244750
    Abstract: Bicomponent fibers, methods of forming bicomponent fibers and articles formed from bicomponent fibers, are described herein. The bicomponent fibers generally include a sheath component and a core component, wherein the sheath component consists essentially of a first metallocene polypropylene and the core component consists essentially of a second metallocene polypropylene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: John Bieser, Guillaume Pavy, Hughes Haubruge, Alain Sandaert, William R. Wheat
  • Patent number: 8007699
    Abstract: Bicomponent fibers, methods of forming bicomponent fibers and articles formed from bicomponent fibers are described herein. The bicomponent fibers generally include a sheath component and a core component, wherein the sheath component consists essentially of a first metallocene polypropylene and the core component consists essentially of a second metallocene polypropylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: John Bieser, Guillaume Pavy, Hughes Haubruge, Alain Sandaert, William R. Wheat
  • Publication number: 20100047571
    Abstract: Bicomponent fibers, methods of forming bicomponent fibers and articles formed from bicomponent fibers are described herein. Tile bicomponent fibers generally include a sheath component and a core component, wherein the sheath component consists essentially of a first metallocene polypropylene and the core component consists essentially of a second metallocene polypropylene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: John Bieser, Guillaume Pavy, Hughes Haubruge, Alain Sandaert, William R. Wheat
  • Publication number: 20090149605
    Abstract: Fibers and articles formed therefrom are described herein. The fibers generally include a first polymer including a first propylene based impact copolymer and a second propylene based polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Fengkui Li, Likuo Sun, William R. Wheat, John O. Bieser
  • Publication number: 20090029098
    Abstract: Slit films and processes of forming the same are generally described herein. In one embodiment, the slit films include an impact copolymer (ICP) formed of polypropylene and less than about 8 wt. % total ethylene, wherein the slit film exhibits less shrinkage and higher tenacity than a slit film formed from an ICP having greater than 10 wt. % ethylene. In one embodiment, the slit films include an impact copolymer including propylene and ethylene, wherein the slit film is absent another polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: John Ashbaugh, William R. Wheat
  • Patent number: 7026055
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the improvement of metal bond strength in polypropylene films surface treated at higher levels through the addition to the basic isotactic polypropylene (iPP) polymer of an amount of syndiotactic polypropylene (sPP) in an amount no more than about 10 percent by weight and preferably in an amount between about 0.5 percent and about 8 percent by weight. The invention encompasses both the resulting metallized polypropylene films with enhanced bond strength and the process for producing such films. The prescribed use provides improved bonding properties over a simple non-blended isotactic polypropylene homopolymer, while maintaining at acceptable levels the optical and physical characteristics of a film made from non-blended iPP homopolymer. At increasing percentages of sPP above the preferred levels, bond strength continues to increase, but a deterioration in other properties may be noted, particularly in the optical property haze.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Aiko Hanyu, William R. Wheat
  • Patent number: 6803094
    Abstract: The present invention is for the improvement of inter-layer bonding strength in polypropylene films through the addition of ethylene as a mini-random copolymer in an amount of no more than about 1 weight percent, more preferably no more than about 0.7 weight percent, and most preferably between about 0.3 weight percent to about 0.5 weight percent or even amounts less than about 0.2 weight percent. The invention allows the improvement of inter-layer bond strength in multi-layer films resulting specifically in improved heat seal strength. The invention encompasses both the resulting films with enhanced heat seal strength and the process for producing such films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Wheat, Aiko Hanyu
  • Patent number: 6765068
    Abstract: Polypropylene heterophasic copolymers are produced having increased impact strength through the use of controlled rheology techniques by the addition of a peroxide at conditions which increase the deactivation or half life of the peroxide. The increased half life slows down the vis-breaking process and allows better dispersion of rubber particles within the polymer. In this way, copolymers having a high melt flow can be prepared while obtaining high impact strength and lower stiffness values, without the need for additional elastomeric modifiers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Lisa K. Albe, William R. Wheat, Jeff Nairn, Scott Cooper, Philippe VanDeurzen, Michel Daumerie
  • Publication number: 20040021251
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improved processability of polyolefin films through the addition to the basic isotactic polypropylene (iPP) polymer of a resin or rosin modifier in an amount within the range of 1 to 30 weight percent. Alternatively, the composition could contain from about 5 to about 10 weight percent of a resin or rosin. Preferably the mixture should contain resin or rosin modifiers in an amount of about 10 percent by weight. The invention encompasses both the resulting polyolefin films and the process for producing such film. The improved processability of the film includes fewer web breaks and drawability at higher line speeds, resulting in fewer shut downs of the processing line and a decrease in manufacturing time. These improvements are measured in terms of variable machine direction orientation draw ratios and transverse direction orientation oven temperatures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventors: William R. Wheat, Aiko Hanyu
  • Publication number: 20030208007
    Abstract: Polypropylene heterophasic copolymers are produced having increased impact strength through the use of controlled rheology techniques by the addition of a peroxide at conditions which increase the deactivation or half life of the peroxide. The increased half life slows down the vis-breaking process and allows better dispersion of rubber particles within the polymer. In this way, copolymers having a high melt flow can be prepared while obtaining high impact strength and lower stiffness values, without the need for additional elastomeric modifiers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Applicant: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Lisa K. Albe, William R. Wheat, Jeff Nairn, Scott Cooper, Philippe VanDeurzen, Michel Daumerie
  • Patent number: 6630245
    Abstract: Provided is polyolefin-based compound, resin, mixture, or combinations thereof, providing products having reduced coefficient of friction, comprising: A) polyolefin other than syndiotactic poly-&agr;-olefin; B) about 0.1% to about 70% syndiotactic poly-&agr;-olefin; and C) about 0.01% to about 5% of: slip agent, anti-block agent, or combinations thereof; as well as process for producing the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Likuo Sun, Edwar Shoukri Shamshoum, William R. Wheat, Paul Buras
  • Patent number: 6610792
    Abstract: Polypropylene heterophasic copolymers are produced having increased impact strength through the use of controlled rheology techniques by the addition of a peroxide at conditions which increase the deactivation or half life of the peroxide. The increased half life slows down the vis-breaking process and allows better dispersion of rubber particles within the polymer. In this way, copolymers having a high melt flow can be prepared while obtaining high impact strength and lower stiffness values, without the need for additional elastomeric modifiers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Lisa K. Albe, William R. Wheat, Jeff Nairn, Scott Cooper, Philippe VanDeurzen, Michel Daumerie
  • Publication number: 20030134965
    Abstract: Provided is polyolefin-based compound, resin, mixture, or combinations thereof, providing products having reduced coefficient of friction, comprising:
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2000
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventors: Likuo Sun, Edwar Shoukri Shamshoum, William R Wheat, Paul Buras
  • Patent number: 6579962
    Abstract: A process for the production of biaxially-oriented polypropylene film involving the provision of a polypropylene polymer produced by the polymerization of propylene in the presence of a metallocene catalyst characterized by a bridged racemic bis(indenyl) ligand substituted at the proximal position. The polypropylene contains 0.5 to 2% 2,1 insertions and has an isotacticity of at least 96% meso pentads and at least 99% meso diads. The film is formed by stressing the polymer produced from a slot die in the machine direction at a stretch ratio of about 5 or 6 and in the transverse direction at a stretch ratio of about 8 or 9 to produce a biaxially-oriented film having a non-uniform melt temperature of a peak value of less than 160° C. The polypropylene polymer has meltflow index of less than 5 grams per 10 minutes and has an average molecular weight within the range of 100,000-400,000 grams per mole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Wheat, Aiko Hanyu
  • Publication number: 20030104230
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the improvement of metal bond strength in polypropylene films surface treated at higher levels through the addition to the basic isotactic polypropylene (iPP) polymer of an amount of syndiotactic polypropylene (sPP) in an amount no more than about 10 percent by weight and preferably in an amount between about 0.5 percent and about 8 percent by weight. The invention encompasses both the resulting metallized polypropylene films with enhanced bond strength and the process for producing such films. The prescribed use provides improved bonding properties over a simple non-blended isotactic polypropylene homopolymer, while maintaining at acceptable levels the optical and physical characteristics of a film made from non-blended iPP homopolymer. At increasing percentages of sPP above the preferred levels, bond strength continues to increase, but a deterioration in other properties may be noted, particularly in the optical property haze.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventors: Aiko Hanyu, William R. Wheat
  • Publication number: 20030069367
    Abstract: Polypropylene heterophasic copolymers are produced having increased impact strength through the use of controlled rheology techniques by the addition of a peroxide at conditions which increase the deactivation or half life of the peroxide. The increased half life slows down the vis-breaking process and allows better dispersion of rubber particles within the polymer. In this way, copolymers having a high melt flow can be prepared while obtaining high impact strength and lower stiffness values, without the need for additional elastomeric modifiers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventors: Lisa K. Albe, William R. Wheat, Jeff Nairn, Scott Cooper, Philippe VanDeurzen, Michel Daumerie
  • Patent number: 6395147
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the improvement of metal bonding strength in polypropylene films through the addition of ethylene in a mini-random ethylene-propylene copolymer in an amount of no more than about 1 weight percent, more preferably no more than about 0.7 weight percent, and most preferably between about 0.3 weight percent and about 0.5 weight percent, or even amounts between about 0.05 weight percent and about 0.2 weight percent. The invention allows the improvement of metal bond strength in metallizable films. The invention encompasses both the resulting films with enhanced metal bond strength and the process for producing such films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Wheat, Aiko Hanyu
  • Patent number: 6207093
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improved processability of polyolefin films through the addition to the basic isotactic polypropylene (iPP) polymer of a syndiotactic polypropylene (sPP) in an amount within the range of about 2 to 10 weight percent and of a resin or rosin modifier in an amount within the range of 1 to 30 weight percent. Preferably, the composition could contain syndiotactic propylene in an amount within the range of about 2 to 5 weight percent. Preferably, about 3 weight percent of syndiotactic propylene is present in the polyolefin composition. The resin or rosin modifier could, preferably, be present in an amount within the range of 5 to 10 weight percent. Preferably, the composition should contain about 10 weight percent of the modifier. The present invention encompasses both the resulting polyolefin films and the process for producing such films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Aiko Hanyu, William R. Wheat
  • Patent number: 6090325
    Abstract: A process for the production of biaxially-oriented polypropylene film involving the provision of a polypropylene polymer produced by the polymerization of propylene in the presence of a metallocene catalyst characterized by a bridged racemic bis(indenyl) ligand substituted at the proximal position. The polypropylene contains 0.5 to 2% 2,1 insertions and has an isotacticity of at least 96% meso pentads and at least 99% meso diads. The film is formed by stressing the polymer produced from a slot die in the machine direction at a stretch ratio of about 5 or 6 and in the transverse direction at a stretch ratio of about 8 or 9 to produce a biaxially-oriented film having a non-uniform melt temperature of a peak value of less than 160.degree. C. The polypropylene polymer has meltflow index of less than 5 grams per 10 minutes and has an average molecular weight within the range of 100,000-400,000 grams per mole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Wheat, Aiko Hanyu
  • Patent number: 5997679
    Abstract: The present invention is for the improvement of inter-layer bonding strength in polypropylene films through the addition of ethylene as a mini-random copolymer in an amount of no more than about 1 weight percent, more preferably no more than about 0.7 weight percent, and most preferably between about 0.3 weight percent to about 0.5 weight percent or even amounts less than about 0.2 weight percent. The invention allows the improvement of inter-layer bond strength in multi-layer films resulting specifically in improved heat seal strength. The invention encompasses both the resulting films with enhanced heat seal strength and the process for producing such films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Fina Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Wheat, Aiko Hanyu