Patents by Inventor Zhufang Liu
Zhufang Liu 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).
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Publication number: 20230227622Abstract: Processes and facilities for using one or more PET-containing materials as a feedstock to a chemical recycling facility, and in particular a solvolysis facility, are provided herein. The PET-containing materials used as feedstock may comprise colored plastic-containing mixtures derived as products or co-products from plastic reclaimer facilities and/or municipal recycling facilities. Such mixtures are generally undesirable or unusable to mechanical PET recycling facilities, and typically are sent to landfills and/or incinerators. However, the processes and facilities described herein make use of the PET and other plastics present in these otherwise undesirable or unusable colored plastic-containing mixtures.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2021Publication date: July 20, 2023Applicant: Eastman Chemical CompanyInventors: Bruce Roger DeBruin, Michael Paul Ekart, Anne-Martine Sherbeck Jackson, Nathan Mitchell West, Zhufang Liu
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Publication number: 20230220180Abstract: Processes and facilities for using one or more PET-containing materials as a feedstock to a chemical recycling facility, and in particular a solvolysis facility, are provided herein. The PET-containing materials used as feedstock may comprise a quantity of PET-containing solidified purge material. The PET-containing solidified purge material may be derived from various processes and facilities, including PET reclaimer facilities, manufacturers of PET articles, and/or a polymer manufacturing facilities. For example, he purge material may be the solidified purge material from an extrusion and/or pelletization process. Such solidified purge materials are generally undesirable or unusable to mechanical PET recycling facilities, and typically are sent to landfills and/or incinerators. However, the processes and facilities described herein make use of the PET and other plastics present in these otherwise undesirable or unusable solidified purge materials.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2021Publication date: July 13, 2023Applicant: Eastman Chemical CompanyInventors: Bruce Roger DeBruin, Michael Paul Ekart, Anne-Martine Sherbeck Jackson, Nathan Mitchell West, Zhufang Liu
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Publication number: 20230212370Abstract: Processes and facilities for using one or more PET-containing materials as a feedstock to a chemical recycling facility, and in particular a solvolysis facility, are provided herein. The PET-containing materials used as feedstock may comprise a quantity of PET-containing dry fines. The PET-containing dry fines may be derived from various processes and facilities, including PET reclaimer facilities and/or manufacturers of PET articles. For example, the dry fines may be collected from solid-liquid separators and/or dust collectors from processes that include conveying, drying, densification, centrifugation processes, and/or grinding PET-containing plastic material. Such dry fines are generally undesirable or unusable to mechanical PET recycling facilities, and typically are sent to landfills and/or incinerators. However, the processes and facilities described herein make use of the PET and other plastics present in these otherwise undesirable or unusable dry fines.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2021Publication date: July 6, 2023Applicant: Eastman Chemical CompanyInventors: Bruce Roger DeBruin, Michael Paul Ekart, Kyle Lyn Collings, Anne-Martine Sherbeck Jackson, Nathan Mitchell West, Zhufang Liu
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Publication number: 20230203270Abstract: Chemical recycling facilities for processing mixed waste plastic are provided herein. Such facilities have the capability of processing mixed plastic waste streams and utilize a variety of recycling facilities, such as, for example, solvolysis facility, a pyrolysis facility, a cracker facility, a partial oxidation gasification facility, an energy recovery facility, and a solidification facility. Streams from one or more of these individual facilities may be used as feed to one or more of the other facilities, thereby maximizing recovery of valuable chemical components and minimizing unusable waste streams.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2021Publication date: June 29, 2023Applicant: Eastman Chemical CompanyInventors: Bruce Roger DeBruin, Michael Paul Ekart, Anne-Martine Sherbeck Jackson, Nathan Mitchell West, Zhufang Liu
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Publication number: 20230203268Abstract: Chemical recycling facilities for processing mixed waste plastic are provided herein. Such facilities have the capability of processing mixed plastic waste streams and utilize a variety of recycling facilities, such as, for example, solvolysis facility, a pyrolysis facility, a cracker facility, a partial oxidation gasification facility, an energy recovery facility, and a solidification facility. Streams from one or more of these individual facilities may be used as feed to one or more of the other facilities, thereby maximizing recovery of valuable chemical components and minimizing unusable waste streams.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2021Publication date: June 29, 2023Applicant: Eastman Chemical CompanyInventors: Bruce Roger DeBruin, Michael Paul Ekart, Xianchun Wu, David Eugene Slivensky, Daryl Bitting, Anne-Martine Sherbeck Jackson, Nathan Mitchell West, Zhufang Liu
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Publication number: 20230183439Abstract: Processes and facilities for using one or more PET-containing materials as a feedstock to a chemical recycling facility, and in particular a solvolysis facility, are provided herein. The PET-containing materials used as feedstock may comprise a quantity of PET and metal-containing reclaimer co-product. The PET and metal-containing reclaimer co-product may comprise a quantity of plastic articles, plastic flakes, and/or plastic fines, and may be derived from plastic reclaimer separation processes such as eddy current separators. Such metal-containing co-products are generally undesirable or unusable to mechanical PET recycling facilities, and typically are sent to landfills and/or incinerators. However, the processes and facilities described herein make use of the PET and other plastics present in these otherwise undesirable or unusable metal-containing co-products.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2021Publication date: June 15, 2023Applicant: Eastman Chemical CompanyInventors: Bruce Roger DeBruin, Michael Paul Ekart, Anne-Martine Sherbeck Jackson, Nathan Mitchell West, Zhufang Liu
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Publication number: 20230183441Abstract: Processes and facilities for using one or more PET-containing materials as a feedstock to a chemical recycling facility, and in particular a solvolysis facility, are provided herein. The PET-containing materials used as feedstock may comprise a quantity of PET and PVC-containing reclaimer flake reject. The PET and PVC-containing reclaimer flake reject may be derived from various plastic reclaimer separation processes, including density separation. Such flake reject materials are generally undesirable or unusable to mechanical PET recycling facilities due to the PVC content, and typically are sent to landfills and/or incinerators. However, the processes and facilities described herein make use of the PET and other plastics present in these otherwise undesirable or unusable flake reject materials.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2021Publication date: June 15, 2023Applicant: Eastman Chemical CompanyInventors: Bruce Roger DeBruin, Michael Paul Ekart, Anne-Martine Sherbeck Jackson, Nathan Mitchell West, Zhufang Liu
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Publication number: 20230183443Abstract: Chemical recycling facilities for processing mixed waste plastic are provided herein. Such facilities have the capability of processing mixed plastic waste streams and utilize a variety of recycling facilities, such as, for example, solvolysis facility, a pyrolysis facility, a cracker facility, a partial oxidation gasification facility, an energy recovery facility, and a solidification facility. Streams from one or more of these individual facilities may be used as feed to one or more of the other facilities, thereby maximizing recovery of valuable chemical components and minimizing unusable waste streams.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2021Publication date: June 15, 2023Applicant: Eastman Chemical CompanyInventors: Bruce Roger DeBruin, Michael Paul Ekart, David Milton Lange, Aaron Nathaniel Edens, Anne-Martine Sherbeck Jackson, Nathan Mitchell West, Zhufang Liu
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Patent number: 11677082Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to an electrochemical cell having a non-homogeneous anode. The electrochemical cell includes a container, a cathode forming a hollow cylinder within the container, an anode positioned within the hollow cylinder of the cathode, and a separator between the cathode and the anode. The anode comprises at least two concentric anode portions, defined by different anode characteristics. For example, the two anode portions may contain different surfactant types, which provides the two anode portions with different charge transfer resistance characteristics. By lowering the charge transfer resistance of a portion of an anode located proximate the current collector of the cell (and away from the separator) relative to an anode portion located adjacent the separator, improved cell discharge performance may be obtained.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2021Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignee: Energizer Brands, LLCInventors: Zhufang Liu, Dawn Marie Freeman, Angelo Mandato
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Publication number: 20230107037Abstract: Alkaline electrochemical cells are provided, wherein dissolved zinc oxide or zinc hydroxide is included at least in the free electrolyte solution, and/or solid zinc oxide or zinc hydroxide is included in the anode, so as to slow formation of a zinc oxide passivation layer on a zinc electrode. Methods for preparing such cells are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2022Publication date: April 6, 2023Inventors: Robert P. Johnson, Robert E. Ray, JR., Weiwei Huang, Zhufang Liu, Steven J. Limmer
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Patent number: 11518726Abstract: Provided is a process for the preparation of certain 1,4-bicyclo[2.2.2]octane derivatives. The new synthetic procedure involves treating 1,4-dimethylene cyclohexane with an oxidizing agent in the presence of a transition metal catalyst to afford an oxo-substituted bicyclo[2.2.2]octane species. This intermediate structure can then be further derivatized. The processes of this disclosure thus affords a novel and simplified means for the commercial production of a wide variety of bicyclo[2.2.2]octane derivatives.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2018Date of Patent: December 6, 2022Assignee: Eastman Chemical CompanyInventors: Yue Rachel Hu, Robert Thomas Hembre, Gerald Charles Tustin, Zhufang Liu, Steven J. Adams
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Patent number: 11485699Abstract: The invention provides (meth)acrylic oligomers prepared from C1-C20 alkyl and C5-C20 cycloalkyl (meth)acrylates, wherein said oligomers have a Mn of about 300 g/mole to about 3,000 g/mole; a Mw of about 700 g/mole to about 6,000 g/mole; a Mz of about 900 g/mole to about 10,000 g/mole. The oligomers may have a Yellowness Index, according to ASTM E313 of less than 2. The oligomers of the invention are useful as tackifiers in adhesive compositions, but also are believed to be useful also in general polymer modification as plasticizers, leveling agents, viscosity reducers (i.e., rheology modifiers), and for increasing solids content in solvent-borne applications of all types with little detrimental impact on viscosity. The invention also provides adhesive compositions and laminate articles coated on at least one side with the adhesive compositions of the invention.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2017Date of Patent: November 1, 2022Assignee: Synthomer Adhesive Technologies LLCInventors: Christopher Lee Lester, Sarah Exley Goetz, Timothy Harold Blayney, Gabrielle Rose Ashley, Mark Stanley Pavlin, Douglas Grant Atkins, Zhufang Liu
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Patent number: 11450847Abstract: Alkaline electrochemical cells are provided, wherein dissolved zinc oxide or zinc hydroxide is included at least in the free electrolyte solution, and/or solid zinc oxide or zinc hydroxide is included in the anode, so as to slow formation of a zinc oxide passivation layer on a zinc electrode. Methods for preparing such cells are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2019Date of Patent: September 20, 2022Assignee: Energizer Brands, LLCInventors: Robert P. Johnson, Robert E. Ray, Jr., Weiwei Huang, Zhufang Liu, Steven J. Limmer
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Patent number: 11437655Abstract: Alkaline electrochemical cells are provided, wherein a long-chain surfactant is included in at least one component of the cell in order to delay anode shutdown. Methods for preparing such cells are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2018Date of Patent: September 6, 2022Assignee: Energizer Brands, LLCInventors: Zhufang Liu, Dawn Marie Freeman
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Publication number: 20220077473Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to an electrochemical cell having a non-homogeneous anode. The electrochemical cell includes a container, a cathode forming a hollow cylinder within the container, an anode positioned within the hollow cylinder of the cathode, and a separator between the cathode and the anode. The anode comprises at least two concentric anode portions, defined by different anode characteristics. For example, the two anode portions may contain different surfactant types, which provides the two anode portions with different charge transfer resistance characteristics. By lowering the charge transfer resistance of a portion of an anode located proximate the current collector of the cell (and away from the separator) relative to an anode portion located adjacent the separator, improved cell discharge performance may be obtained.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2021Publication date: March 10, 2022Inventors: Zhufang Liu, Dawn Marie Freeman, Angelo Mandato
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Patent number: 11211615Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to an electrochemical cell having a non-homogeneous anode. The electrochemical cell includes a container, a cathode forming a hollow cylinder within the container, an anode positioned within the hollow cylinder of the cathode, and a separator between the cathode and the anode. The anode comprises at least two concentric anode portions, defined by different anode characteristics. For example, the two anode portions may contain different surfactant types, which provides the two anode portions with different charge transfer resistance characteristics. By lowering the charge transfer resistance of a portion of an anode located proximate the current collector of the cell (and away from the separator) relative to an anode portion located adjacent the separator, improved cell discharge performance may be obtained.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2018Date of Patent: December 28, 2021Assignee: Energizer Brands, LLCInventors: Zhufang Liu, Dawn Marie Freeman, Angelo Mandato
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Publication number: 20200270191Abstract: Provided is a process for the preparation of certain 1,4-bicyclo[2.2.2]octane derivatives. The new synthetic procedure involves treating 1,4-dimethylene cyclohexane with an oxidizing agent in the presence of a transition metal catalyst to afford an oxo-substituted bicyclo[2.2.2]octane species. This intermediate structure can then be further derivatized. The processes of this disclosure thus affords a novel and simplified means for the commercial production of a wide variety of bicyclo[2.2.2]octane derivatives.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2018Publication date: August 27, 2020Applicant: Eastman Chemical CompanyInventors: Yue Rachel HU, Robert Thomas HEMBRE, Gerald Charles TUSTIN, Zhufang LIU, Steven J. ADAMS
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Publication number: 20200235382Abstract: Alkaline electrochemical cells are provided, wherein dissolved zinc oxide or zinc hydroxide is included at least in the free electrolyte solution, and/or solid zinc oxide or zinc hydroxide is included in the anode, so as to slow formation of a zinc oxide passivation layer on a zinc electrode. Methods for preparing such cells are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2019Publication date: July 23, 2020Inventors: Robert P. Johnson, Robert E. Ray, JR., Weiwei Huang, Zhufang Liu, Steven J. Limmer
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Publication number: 20200106109Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to an electrochemical cell having a non-homogeneous anode. The electrochemical cell includes a container, a cathode forming a hollow cylinder within the container, an anode positioned within the hollow cylinder of the cathode, and a separator between the cathode and the anode. The anode comprises at least two concentric anode portions, defined by different anode characteristics. For example, the two anode portions may contain different surfactant types, which provides the two anode portions with different charge transfer resistance characteristics. By lowering the charge transfer resistance of a portion of an anode located proximate the current collector of the cell (and away from the separator) relative to an anode portion located adjacent the separator, improved cell discharge performance may be obtained.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2018Publication date: April 2, 2020Inventors: Zhufang Liu, Dawn Marie Freeman, Angelo Mandato
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Patent number: 10544087Abstract: Disclosed is a process for performing a reductive amination of a first functional group in an organic feed substrate, which feed substrate comprises at least one further functional group containing a halogen atom, in the presence of hydrogen, a nitrogen-containing compound, and a catalyst, wherein the presence of the nitrogen-containing compound, expressed in a molar ratio relative to the first functional group in the organic feed substrate, at least during the reaction as long as the conversion of the organic feed substrate has not yet reached 80%, is maintained below a level of 1.3. Further disclosed is a composition of the invention comprising at least 98.0% wt of 2-chloro-benzyl-dimethylamine, at most 0.60% wt of the meso-o-Cl-BDMA dimer and at least 1 ppm wt of the (+/?)-o-Cl-BDMA dimer and any use therefor.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2019Date of Patent: January 28, 2020Assignee: Taminco BVBAInventors: Kristof Moonen, Kim Dumoleijn, Kristof Weyne, Jerome Leonard Stavinoha, Jr., Zhufang Liu