Including Subsequent Reshaping (e.g., Stretching, Etc.) Patents (Class 264/173.15)
  • Patent number: 6727052
    Abstract: This invention relates to a PET-based photographic multilayer film base having improved properties with regard to cutting, stiffness and post-process curl. In particular, the polyester film base comprises a biaxially-stretched multilayer film structure, in which layers a specified amount of monomeric units derived from 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM), sulfonic-acid-substituted aromatic dicarboxylic acid and poly(alkylene glycol) is present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: YuanQiao Rao, Jehuda Greener, Robert H. Fehnel, Michael R. Brickey
  • Publication number: 20040061252
    Abstract: Molten polymers are forced into T dies combined to form a multiple T die, the molten polymers are extruded through the T dies in monolayer. The monolayers extruded through the T dies are superposed and laminated outside the multiple T die while the polymers are in a molten or semi-molten state to form a intermediate molten multilayer. The multiple T die is advanced into a space between an open top half mold and a bottom half mold of a compression mold to deliver the intermediate multilayer onto the bottom half mold. The intermediate multilayer is cut to a predetermined length on the bottom half mold, and is processed for compression molding in the compression mold to form a multilayer article. A molding cycle for molding the multilayer article is carried out automatically at a remarkably improved manufacturing efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: TOSHIBA KIKAI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Akinori Ide, Takehiro Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6713165
    Abstract: Multilayer structure based on thermoplastic polymers which is substantially devoid of vinyl chloride polymers and of plasticizers of low molecular mass and which comprises at least 3 layers: a first layer (A) comprising at least 60% by weight of at least one polyolefin of controllable crystallinity defined as comprising at least 90% of ethylene, of propylene or of butene and as having a softening temperature of less than 121° C., the thickness of the first layer being at least 20% of the total thickness of the structure and the first layer having a modulus of elasticity of less than 350 MPa; a second layer (B), positioned between the first layer (A) and the third layer (C), comprising at least 40% by weight of at least one polyolefin of controllable crystallinity, the second layer having an overall softening temperature of less than 121° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Solvay (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventor: Petrus J. A. Karsten
  • Patent number: 6706228
    Abstract: Polyolefin/filler breathable films may be produced by machine or transverse direction orientation using interdigitating grooved rollers. Biaxial orientation to similarly produce breathable films may be accomplished by the same method. By heating the rollers, the breathability of the film is increased without increasing the depth of engagement of the interdigitating rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Company
    Inventor: John H. Mackay
  • Patent number: 6706413
    Abstract: The present invention is a non-porous, breathable membrane of at least polyamide-4,6, with an elongation at rupture of about 250 to about 500% in the longitudinal direction and about 200 to about 500% in the transverse direction. The membrane has a higher heat resistance than a non-porous, breathable membrane made from polyether ester and, if it also contains an antioxidant, passes the oven/watertightness test. If the membrane is produced from a mixture of polyamide-4,6 and about 10 to about 30% by weight polyether amide, the membrane exhibits a surprisingly increased water-vapor permeability. The membrane is usable in the manufacture of thermally protective clothing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Sympatex Technologies GmbH
    Inventors: Bertram R. Böhringer, Henricus Joannes Maria Van De Ven, Jozef Christiaan Wilhelmus Spijkers
  • Patent number: 6703141
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a matte surface film comprising: (a) a base layer comprising a polyolefin; and (b) a matte surface layer comprising a blend of a non-hydrocarbon polymer with at least one incompatible polyolefin, wherein said non-hydrocarbon polymer includes monomeric units with polar functional groups. The film may be used for packaging and label applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Pang-Chia Lu, Lyle J. Harley, Francis D. Tran
  • Publication number: 20040026816
    Abstract: A dyed polyester film comprising a B/A/B′ type laminate structure wherein B and B′ are clear polyester layers not containing a dye additive or a sublimate forming material and having a thickness LB and LB′ and a glass transition TgB and TgB′; A is a dyed polyester layer containing a dye additive and having a thickness LA and a glass transition temperature TgA; wherein the polyester in B, B′ and A is poly(ethylene terephthalate), poly(ethylene naphthalate), polyesters containing sulfonate groups, copolymers of poly(ethylene terephthalate), poly(ethylene naphthalate), or copolymers of poly(ethylene terephthalate) and poly(cyclohexane dimethylene terephthalate). A method of producing the dyed polyester film is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Jehuda Greener, Thomas M. Laney, Fred D. Kelley
  • Patent number: 6682822
    Abstract: A multilayer polymeric film comprises: (a) a core layer comprising a thermoplastic polymer and optionally an antistatic agent, the core layer having a first side and a second side; (b) a functional layer which is printable or sealable or treatable for printing or sealing on the first side of the core layer; and (c) an additional layer on the second side of the core layer comprising a polypropylene homopolymer, a solid antiblock, and silicone oil. The film has a stable coefficient of friction and release character in spite of mishandling during treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Exxon Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: George F. Cretekos, Robert A. Migliorini
  • Patent number: 6676871
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for producing a microporous film with strong isotropic tendency permeable to gases and impermeable to aqueous liquids, consisting of at least one layer, comprising the following successive steps: preparing a mixture consisting of a polyolefin matrix containing at least a polymer and at least a mineral and/or organic filler; extruding at least a ply by hot-casting the mixture; pre-stretching the ply with a drag roll; cooling and solidifying the pre-stretched ply, using the drag roll; drawing the solidified ply at sufficient temperature for forming the microporous film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Ace S.A.
    Inventors: Guy Benassi, Christian Dubouchet, Michel Gillet, Guy Pinchard
  • Patent number: 6673425
    Abstract: A multilayer optical body having improved dimensional stability is disclosed. The optical body includes an optical film, such as an oriented multilayer optical film, and a dimensionally stable layer, such as a transparent polycarbonate layer. In addition, in specific implementations, the invention includes an intermediate layer between the optical film and the dimensionally stable layer. Methods of making the optical body are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Timothy J. Hebrink, Andrew J. Ouderkirk
  • Patent number: 6670110
    Abstract: This invention relates to a poly(ethylene terephthalate) photographic multilayer film base having improved properties with regard to cutting, stiffness and curl property. The multilayer film base comprises a multilayer structure, in which a tie layer comprises a PET-based polyester material having a specified amount of monomeric units derived from 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM), such that the support layers of the multilayer film base does not delaminate. This PET-based polyester material can be obtained either by the addition/blending of polyester polymers containing CHDM monomeric units to PET material and/or the incorporation of CHDM monomer units into a PET-polymer backbone at appropriate levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Dennis J. Massa, Michael R. Brickey, Jose R. Garcia, Thomas M. Laney, YuanQiao Rao
  • Patent number: 6669887
    Abstract: A reversibly extensible polymeric film is hot formed, as by coextrusion, using selected polymeric materials that provide discrete areas of elastic and inelastic polymeric materials arranged in laterally spaced and longitudinally elongated lanes or stripes connected by integrally formed joints therebetween. The elastic materials comprise block polymers selected from tetrablock, triblock and diblock polymers, and the inelastic material is selected from polyolefins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, poly(ethylene-propylene), poly(ethylene-vinyl acetate), poly(styrene-butadiene), or copolymers or blends thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: Michael D. Hilston, Beverly S. Braun, Robert A. Wanska
  • Patent number: 6638465
    Abstract: A multilayer film is formed by coextruding and bistretching EVOH, binder and polyester followed by heat treating for less than 8 seconds at a temperature between 170° C. and 250° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Dupont Teijin Films US Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Christine Andreis-Olinger, Gusty Feyder
  • Patent number: 6638636
    Abstract: A breathable multilayer film having a breathable core layer and at least one skin layer is disclosed. The core layer prepared by from a mixture containing a thermoplastic polymer and a particulate filler and the skin layer or layers are prepared from a mixture of at least two incompatible polymers and a polymer which compatiblizes the incompatible polymers. The addition of the compatiblizer in the skin layer improves the film forming consistency. In addition, the core layer contains voids around the particulate filler and the skin layer or layer has cracks or voids, which provides breathability to the multilayer film. Stretching of the film after the layers are coextruded together forms the voids and/or cracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: John David Tucker
  • Publication number: 20030193107
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an animal chew toy includes providing a rubber material, such as tire rubber, and then forming the rubber material into a predetermined chew toy configuration, such as a tire. Preferably, a scent is added to the rubber material. Synthetic fibers, such as nylon or polyester fibers, are embedded in the rubber material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Charles A. Byrne
  • Patent number: 6623679
    Abstract: A method for controlling the width of a polyester film support comprising, in order, the steps of: (a) extruding a polyester resin using one or more extruders; (b) casting the resin on a casting wheel to form a polyester sheet; (c) stretching the polyester sheet along the machine direction by ratios of 3 to 5 times at temperatures ranging from above the glass transition temperature to below the thermal crystallization temperature, wherein the machine contains extended edge rollers (14) in the drafter at the point where stretching occurs; (d) stretching the polyester sheet along the transverse direction by ratios of 3 to 5 times at temperatures ranging from above the glass transition temperature to below the thermal crystallization temperature; and (e) heat setting the polyester sheet at temperatures ranging from 180 to 250° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Wen-Li A. Chen, Timothy F. Cilano, Larry K. Maier, Jeffrey P. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6620278
    Abstract: A method of forming tubular irrigation drip tape includes the steps of a) extruding a web of material having a pair of longitudinally extending, substantially parallel marginal edges; b) heating a center area of the web between and substantially parallel to the marginal edges utilizing a first focused infrared heating device; c) applying one or more secondary flow path components to the center area; d) heating the marginal edges, utilizing a second and third focused infrared heating device; e) folding the web such that the marginal edges overlap to form a seam; and f) applying pressure to the seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Nelson Irrigation Corporation
    Inventors: Charles R. Harrold, Theodore J. Bren
  • Patent number: 6602455
    Abstract: A bi-axially oriented, heat-shrinkable multi-layer film comprising a core layer (A) comprising an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), a first outer layer (B) comprising an ethylene homo- or co-polymer and a second outer layer (C), which may be equal to or different from the first outer layer (B), comprising an ethylene homo- or co-polymer, characterized in that said film has been bi-axially oriented at an orientation ratio in the longitudinal direction higher than 4:1, preferably higher than 4.5:1, more preferably of at least 5:1 and at an orientation ratio in the cross-wise direction higher than 4:1, preferably higher than 4.5:1, more preferably of at least 5:1, is obtained by a process which comprises melt extrusion of the film polymers through a flat die and orientation of the obtained cast sheet simultaneously in the longitudinal and the transversal directions by a simultaneous tenter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventor: Roberto Forloni
  • Patent number: 6599453
    Abstract: A process for fabricating biaxially oriented polypropylene to modify the properties of polypropylene through treatment of flame is disclosed. The surface tension and the planarity of the polypropylene films is improved after adjusting the composition of the polypropylene and treating the polypropylene films with flame. The polypropylene products through the treatment process have good lamination strength for water-based inks and good adherence with aluminum foils. The requirements of the process for fabricating the polypropylene is illustrated following: 1. The surface for future printing and electroplating is heated by flame. 2. The flame comes from the combustion of a liquid natural gas which contains more than 85% of methane. 3. The flame has following properties: (1) polrization voltage: 0.1-0.8 KV, optimal voltage: 0.2 KV. (2) The temperature of cooling cylinders : 20-50° C., optimal temperature 25° C. (3) The temperature of flame : 700-900° C., optimal temperature 760° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Nan Ya Plastics Corporation
    Inventor: Allen Fong-Chin Lin
  • Patent number: 6585920
    Abstract: Embossed oriented thermoplastic films and a method of making same are described. The embossed oriented thermoplastic films have substantially the same mechanical properties as unembossed oriented thermoplastic films. The method includes providing an oriented thermoplastic film having first and second major surfaces, softening at least one of the first and second major surfaces to produce a softened surface, embossing the softened surface to produce an embossed oriented thermoplastic film, and cooling the embossed oriented thermoplastic film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Joan M. Strobel, Mark A. Strobel, Patrick J. Hager, Ronald S. Kapaun
  • Publication number: 20030116880
    Abstract: A tray-type package is disclosed which includes a polyester support member, a product contained on the support member, and a lidding film containing the product and sealed to the periphery of the support member, the lidding film including a sealant layer of a polyester copolymer having greater than about 50% by mole of glycol polymerization units. Preferably, the support member is a foamed or nonfoamed polyethylene terephthalate (PET) tray and the lidding film is a multilayer film which includes a glycol-modified PET sealant layer. Also disclosed is a lidding film having a sealant layer of a blend of a glycol-modified PET and at least one further polymeric component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventor: Walter B. Mueller
  • Publication number: 20030111760
    Abstract: Buoyant balloons are provided with a texturizing layer which is operated upon with embossing or other techniques to provide interesting visual effects. The texturizing is formed on the outer surface of the texturizing layer, which is located on the outer surface of the balloon film. One or more ink coatings may be used in conjunction with the texturized balloon film to augment visual interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Applicant: M & D BALLOONS, INC.
    Inventors: Mark Van Dyke, William Ward, Robert Schulteis
  • Patent number: 6572960
    Abstract: An opaque, oriented polymeric film structure comprising: a core layer comprising a thermoplastic polymeric matrix material wherein the core layer has a first side and a second side, the core layer having a plurality of voids, substantially all or all of the voids being free from a void-initiating particle and at least some of the voids being interconnected with an adjacent void in the polymeric matrix material, the number of voids not containing a void-initiating particle being sufficient to impart a significant degree of opacity to the film structure, wherein the core layer comprises the interior of the film structure; and a first skin layer comprising a thermoplastic polymeric material and an effective amount of a high-melting incompatible additive to suppress cavitation in said first skin layer, wherein the first skin layer is exterior to the first side of the core layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Oil Corporation
    Inventor: Moris Amon
  • Publication number: 20030099820
    Abstract: A dyed polyester film comprising a B/A/B′ type laminate structure wherein B and B′ are clear polyester layers not containing a dye additive or a sublimate forming material and having a thickness LB and LB, and a glass transition TgB and TgB′; A is a dyed polyester layer containing a dye additive and having a thickness LA and a glass transition temperature TgA; wherein the polyester in B, B′ and A is poly(ethylene terephthalate), poly(ethylene naphthalate), polyesters containing sulfonate groups, copolymers of poly(ethylene terephthalate), poly(ethylene naphthalate), or copolymers of poly(ethylene terephthalate) and poly(cyclohexane dimethylene terephthalate). A method of producing the dyed polyester film is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventors: Jehuda Greener, Thomas M. Laney, Fred D. Kelley
  • Publication number: 20030089450
    Abstract: Recently, in terms of improving the yield and production rate of a biaxial-oriented polypropylene pearly synthetic paper, since the inorganic powder itself has an unsteady dispersion property while blended with polypropylene and while the extruder raises its production rate, which causes a shorter period of replacing the filter screen of the extruder; consequently, frequently replacing the filter screen deteriorates the efficiency of production, further obstructs the goal of increasing the yield from being achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventor: Allen Fong-Chin Lin
  • Patent number: 6562476
    Abstract: A clear, multilayer polymeric film that is desirable for thermoforming applications. The film in its various embodiments include two inner layers of nylon and/or a core layer of ethylene vinyl alcohol or ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer sandwiched between the two inner nylon layers. The film also has an outer layer of a heat sealable polymer and may also have an outer layer of nylon. The film is coextruded, blown into a tubular shape, oriented, and cooled by the method of tubular water quenching. The film has various improved physical properties over the prior art, including properties of “memory”, clarity, gloss and low haze.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Pechiney Emballage Flexible Europe
    Inventors: Mary E. Shepard, Scott W. Middleton, Robert J. Blemberg, Jerry F. Jesse
  • Patent number: 6562443
    Abstract: A heat shrinkable film suitable for use in cook-in applications is provided which exhibits a transverse direction free shrink at 50° C. of less than about 2% and a transverse direction free shrink at 57° C. of at least about 3%. The food contact layer includes a polymer having a surface energy of at least about 0.034 J/m2 and a second layer includes at least one member selected from the group consisting of polyester, polyvinylidene chloride, polyamide and polyalkylene carbonate. Preferably, the desired shrink properties are attained by annealing the film under controlled conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Karina Espinel, Ram K. Ramesh
  • Patent number: 6562478
    Abstract: A sealable coextruded film is made from at least one outer layer and from at least one base layer, where the outer layer is composed of a propylene terpolymer comprising from 80 to 99.5 mol % of structural units derived from propylene, from 0.2 to 15 mol % of structural units derived from ethene or from a C4-C6 1-olefin (I) and from 0.3 to 15 mol % of structural units derived from another C4-C12 1-olefin (II) different from the C4-C6 1-olefin (I), and where the propylene terpolymer has been prepared using metallocene catalysts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Basell Polyolefine GmbH
    Inventors: David Fischer, Bernd Lothar Marczinke, Werner Schöne, Franz Langhauser, Wolfgang Bidell, Roland Hingmann, Ulrich Moll, Meinolf Kersting, Günther Schweier, Peter John Vaughan Jones
  • Patent number: 6558808
    Abstract: The disclosed heat-sealable, layered film comprises a polyolefinic base layer and at least one outer layer. The outer layer comprises a propylene-olefin copolymer prepared by means of a metallocene catalyst. The film is prepared by coextruding melts corresponding to the individual layers of the film, taking off the coextruded film over a take-off roll whose temperature is between 10 and 90° C., biaxially stretching and then heat-setting the resulting film, and optionally corona- or flame-treating the film, then winding it up in a wind-up unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Basell Polyolefine GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Dries, Walter Spaleck, Andreas Winter
  • Patent number: 6551686
    Abstract: The invention relates to a biaxially oriented polyester film which has three layers and which, together with very good electromagnetic properties compared with prior art films, has improved abrasion properties. The two sides of the film are built up from at least one base layer B and, applied to this base layer, outer layers A and C, where these outer layers have a defined number of elevations of defined height. The invention also relates to a process for producing the film and to its use as magnetic tape film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Polyester Film GmbH
    Inventors: Joerg Hellmann, Gottfried Hilkert, Wolfram Goerlitz
  • Publication number: 20030064236
    Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-layered biaxially-oriented film, mainly made of a crystallizeable thermoplastic polyester and economically produceable with a high surface quality, i.e. without pinning bubbles and without electric arcing and film breaks, at production speeds of 340 m/min or higher. According to the invention the multi-layered polyester film has an average specific electrical melt resistance over its total thickness which lies within a range from 1.5×107 to 30×107 &OHgr;×cm. The invention also relates to a method of production of the film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventors: Harald Mueller, Ursula Murschall
  • Publication number: 20030059593
    Abstract: A composite film is provided by providing a polypropylene or other base resin layer, laminating a first covering layer of a resin composition (1) comprising the following components (A), (B), (C) and (D) to one side of the base resin layer and a second covering layer of a resin composition (2) comprising the components (A) and (D) to the other side of the base resin layer, which composite film is optionally stretched. The resin composition (2) may contain component (C).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: Takatoshi Sakaguchi, Junichi Kimura, Teruaki Yoshida
  • Patent number: 6534153
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a matte surface film comprising: a base layer comprising a polyolefin; and a matte surface layer comprising a blend of high molecular weight high density polyethylene (HMWHD PE) with at least one incompatible polyolefin. The incompatible polyolefin may be ethylene propylene (EP) copolymers, ethylene butylene propylene (EBP) terpolymers or polypropylene (PP) homopolymers, such as metallocene catalyzed isotactic polypropylene (m-iPP) or metallocene catalyzed syndiotatic polypropylene (m-sPP). The matte surface layer may additionally contain a low molecular weight high density polyethylene or a medium molecular weight high density polyethylene. The film possesses an improved matte appearance and may be used for packaging and label applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Shaw-Chang Chu, George F. Cretekos, John A. Larter, Tien-Kuei Su, John R. Wagner, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6528155
    Abstract: A method for producing an opaque polymeric film comprises: (a) extruding a base layer comprising a polymeric matrix and at least one cavitating agent; (b) coextruding at least one additional layer on at least one side of the base layer; (c) cooling the coextruded multi-layer film; and then (d) orienting the film in at least the machine direction (MD); wherein at least said base layer contains a syndiotactic polystyrene polymer, and wherein said syndiotactic polystyrene polymer is in the form of solid, non-hollow particles during the orienting step (d).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Dan-Cheng Kong, John A. Larter, Eldridge Milford Mount, III
  • Patent number: 6521168
    Abstract: A process for orienting and drawing multiple-layer thermoplastic materials, in particular of a tubular type, wherein a tube exiting from a heating tunnel is brought up to an orienting temperature of a first material having the highest orienting temperature, while the material of the remaining layers is still in a plastic state. The first material is subjected to a first partial drawing process, while the remaining layers plastically deform to follow its expansion. The temperature of the tube is dropped to the orienting temperature of a second layer and a second layer is drawn, while at the same time continuing to draw the previous layer. Steps of dropping the temperature and drawing the second layer are repeated for the subsequent layers, until the maximum allowable degree of drawing is achieved for each layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Tecno Coating Engineering S.r.l.
    Inventor: Claudio Gini
  • Patent number: 6521338
    Abstract: A multilayer stretch film comprises a first layer having cling properties and comprising an homogeneously-branched copolymer of ethylene and a C4-8 &agr;-olefin, the copolymer having a density in the range 0.850 to 0.890 g/cm3, and a second layer having substantially no cling properties and comprising at least 80 wt. % of a low density polyethylene having a density in the range 0.915 to 0.940 g/cm3. Optionally, the film may comprise at least one core layer between the first and second layers. Films of this type are particularly suited to palletisation of loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Mima Films S.C.A.
    Inventor: Xavier Maka
  • Publication number: 20030015819
    Abstract: An elastic web of material has a multiplicity of stems extending from at least one side of the web. The web includes a first continuous layer of elastic material having a first side and a second side and a second layer of material. The second layer of material has a first side which faces the first side of the first layer and a second side from which the stems extend. The first and second layers of material are joined together. The second layer of material can be formed of thermoplastic material or melt processable polymeric material. The first and second layers of material are melt formed. They are joined by coextrusion or lamination to form a multiple layer sheet on which a multiplicity of stems are formed on at least the second layer by a process such as embossing the stems into the heated web using a patterned roll or mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Leon Levitt, Robert D. Kampfer, Michael D. Delmore, Stephen E. Krampe, Brandon T. Berg, Alan J. Sipinen, Mark E. Napierala, Victor P. Thalacker
  • Publication number: 20030012937
    Abstract: The invention relates to a white, flame-resistant, UV-stable, thermoformable, oriented film made from a crystallisable thermoplastic, the thickness of which lies in the range of from 10 &mgr;m to 350 &mgr;m. Said film comprises at least one white pigment, a flame-proofing agent and a UV absorber and is characterized by good stretchability and thermoformability, by good optical and mechanical properties and an economical production. The invention further relates to a method for the production of said film and the use thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Ursula Murschall, Guenther Crass, Ulrich Kern, Klaus Oberlaender
  • Patent number: 6506500
    Abstract: A biaxially oriented polyolefin film having more than one layer and made from a base layer and from at least one outer layer. The base layer include a fatty amide and the outer layer include at least 80% by weight of a linear olefin polymer. The film is suitable, for example, for producing a film laminate by melt extrusion of a polyethylene layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Hoechst Trespaphan GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Rasp, Detlef Klaus Busch
  • Publication number: 20030008152
    Abstract: The present invention provides coextruded or laminated films having at least one layer of a fluoropolymer homopolymer or copolymer, a layer of a cyclic olefin homopolymer or copolymer and an intermediate adhesive layer. Such films have a high moisture barrier property and are substantially transparent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Mingliang Lawrence Tsai, John Blum
  • Publication number: 20030008084
    Abstract: Tubular, biaxially stretched, heat shrinkable multilayer film food casings comprising inner and outer polyamide layers on either side of a core layer of EVOH surrounded by an inner and outer adhesive layer, and a coextrusion process for making the film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventors: Stephen J. Vicik, Amy L. Glawe
  • Patent number: 6500533
    Abstract: A method for producing an opaque polymeric film comprises: (a) extruding a base layer comprising a polymeric matrix and at least one cavitating agent; (b) coextruding at least one additional layer on at least one side of the base layer; (c) cooling the coextruded multi-layer film; and then (d) orienting the film in at least the machine direction (MD); wherein at least said base layer contains polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and polycarbonate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Dan-Cheng Kong, John A. Larter, Eldridge M. Mount, III
  • Patent number: 6495266
    Abstract: The invention discloses methods of improving blocking resistant properties and reducing the coefficient of friction of a multilayer film comprising providing at least one layer of an ethylene-propylene impact copolymer having from about 3% to about 30% by weight ethylene, wherein said copolymer has no more than two peaks in the melting curve within the range from about 110° C. to about 165° C., and wherein said layer is non-heat sealable, to a multilayer film having a core layer comprising polypropylene, high density polyethylene (HDPE) or linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), whereby anti-blocking and coefficient of friction characteristics of said film is improved without necessity of adding an antiblock or slip agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Oil Corporation
    Inventor: Robert A. Migliorini
  • Publication number: 20020187326
    Abstract: A thermoplastic film comprising a core layer comprising a polyolefin wherein the core layer comprises the interior of the film; and a first skin layer comprising a silicone grafted polymer, wherein the first skin layer is exterior to the core layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventor: Dan-Cheng Kong
  • Patent number: 6489019
    Abstract: A co-extruded sheet made from olefin polymer materials includes (1) at least one outer layer of (a) a propylene polymer having a melt flow rate of 0.5-15 dg/min, or a graft copolymer comprising a backbone of a propylene polymer material, to which is graft polymerized a vinyl monomer, and (b) a nucleating agent having a melting point greater than 265° C. and (2) another layer made from (a) about 5% to about 50% of a high melt strength propylene homopolymer or copolymer, and/or about 5% to about 40% of chopped glass fibers, (b). optionally about 5% to about 40% of an inorganic filler, (c) about 2% to about 50% of an olefin polymer composition, and (d) optionally about 5% to about 70% of one or more other olefin polymer materials. When the second layer is reinforced with glass fibers, the stiffness of the sheet is increased while maintaining impact strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Basell Poliolefine Italia S.p.A.
    Inventors: Bakhtiar Alam Shah, Jay S. Rosenthal
  • Patent number: 6482532
    Abstract: Easy-tear, non-halogenated, high-clarity ethylene polymer films are described that do not contain migratory additives and that are useful as a domestic food wrap. These films also exhibit high inherent cling values. In one embodiment, the film is multilayered in which the outer layers comprise a very low density heterogeneously linear polyethylene or a homogeneously branched polyethylene, preferably a substantially linear ethylene polymer, and the inner layer(s) comprise a low density polyethylene. In another embodiment, the film is a monolayer, or multiple layers of the same formula, in which the film comprises a mixture of a very low density heterogeneous linear polyethylene or a homogeneously branched polyethylene, preferably a SLEP, and a LDPE.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Peter C. C. Yap, Shih-Yaw Lai
  • Patent number: 6478999
    Abstract: A manufacturing method of adhesive tape, by preparing a raw material of a biaxially or non-drawn, film or sheet on the back surface of which a release agent has been applied and to the which an adhesive agent has been applied, and subjecting the raw material to uniaxial drawing under heated conditions without deteriorating releasing and adhesive performance of the raw material, thus producing an adhesive tape having high-strength and low-elongation. The obtained adhesive tape has long and narrow bubbles elongated in the uniaxial drawing direction thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Inventors: Seiya Ishizawa, Tomoaki Ishizawa, Kinichi Yazawa, Tetsuo Nagai
  • Publication number: 20020164470
    Abstract: A thermoplastic multi-layer film for forming hermetic seals on packages comprising layer B comprising polypropylene and a softening additive; and layer C comprising a copolymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventor: Michael J. Bader
  • Publication number: 20020160167
    Abstract: A thermoplastic multi-layer film for forming hermetic seals on packages comprising layer A comprising polyethylene, layer B comprising polypropylene, layer C comprising a copolymer, and an adhesion promoting coating applied to layer C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: Michael J. Bader
  • Publication number: 20020160168
    Abstract: The invention relates to a transparent, biaxially oriented polyester film composed of at least one base layer (B) which comprises at least 80% by weight of thermoplastic polyester, and of, applied to this base layer (B), a transparent, high-gloss outer layer (A). The outer layer (A) of the invention comprises a specific pigment system which provides improved winding of the film and leads to a highly transparent film with a high-gloss surface (A). The invention further relates to a process for producing the film. The film may be used as a packaging film, in particular for metalizing or for ceramic coating, or for applications in the industrial sector, e.g. as a substrate for stamping films, and in particular to its use on high-speed packaging machinery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Herbert Peiffer, Martin Mueller-Roosen, Gottfried Hilkert