Utilizing Added Agent (e.g., Flux, Plasticizer, Dispersing Agent, Etc.) Patents (Class 264/211)
  • Patent number: 5919410
    Abstract: A method for fiber splitting for conjugated fiber, which includes the steps of i) preparing polymers: charging a first polymer and a second polymer respectively into corresponding extruders and adding a nucleated agent, releasing agent or catalyst into one of the first and second polymers to differentiate crystallinity between the first and the second polymers, or differentiate crystallinity by adjusting viscosities thereof at different temperatures; ii) spinning: the first and second polymers are transferred to a spinning zone and are spun at a winding speed of 3000 to 8000 meters per minute to be conjugated fiber via a spin pack; iii) weaving; and iv) dyeing finishing, and the conjugated fiber is split during the dyeing and finishing step without any physical and chemical treatments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Inventor: Meng-song Jeng
  • Patent number: 5914076
    Abstract: Flow agent particles, Aluminum Oxide C, are blended with metal oxide phosphor particles in an amount less than or equal to 2% by weight of the phosphor particles. The blended particles are finely sifted, through a 10 micron screen, in a sonic-sifting apparatus. The sifted particles are introduced into a carrier resin, thermoplastic polymers such as polyamide, polyester, and polypropylene, during the melt-stage of an extrusion and pelletizing process, to form pellets in an amount of less than or equal to 30% by weight of the polymer. The pellets are fed, via a volumetric color chip feeder, into a melt extrusion unit to form multi-filament phosphorescent textile yarn in an amount of less than or equal to 10% by volume of the polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: The Glo-Tech Corporation
    Inventor: Marc Schloss
  • Patent number: 5911929
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for producing web-shaped plastic foil (19) is described, in which granulate or pulverulent polymer and particulate finer are intermingled, whereafter the mixture is extruded through a die aperture (18) for forming the finished plastic foil. In order to facilitate the intermingling of the above-disclosed starting materials, the granulate or pulverulent polymer is plasticized and de-aired prior to the admixture of the particulate filler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventor: Ake Rosen
  • Patent number: 5910284
    Abstract: A composite film of two layers, including a graphic color layer containing at least 50 wt % thermoplastic polyurethane, at least 10 wt % pigment, and a polyester elastomer, and an adhesive layer containing a thermoplastic adhesive. The color layer contains a non-blooming internal wax lubricant constituting less than about 0.1 wt % of the color layer. A combination including a laminate of two layers, one layer of which contains a polyurethane and the other layer of which includes an amorphous polyester directly adhered to a fabric, the improvement including the layer which contains a polyurethane, having an opaque exposed surface substantially free of surface lubricants. In a process for extruding polyurethane film, the improvement including mixing no more than about 0.1 wt % of a non-blooming internal wax lubricant in the polyurethane, prior to extrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignee: Stahls', Inc.
    Inventor: Donald R. Dressler
  • Patent number: 5908592
    Abstract: A liquid silicone rubber base including (A) an alkenyl-containing organopolysiloxane, (B) a reinforcing silica filler, (C) a mixing assistant in the form of a silanol-containing compound, (E) an organohydrogen polysiloxane, (f) a platinum catalyst and optionally, (D) a wetting auxiliary catalyst is prepared by previously mixing 10-120 parts of component (A) with 1-35 parts of component (C) and 0-35 parts of component (D) to form a premix liquid, mixing the premix liquid with 100 parts of component (B) to form a premix power, and kneading the premix powder with the remainder of component (A). By adding a curing agent of organohydrogenpolysiloxane/platinum catalyst to the liquid silicone rubber base, there is obtained a liquid silicone rubber composition having improved fatigue endurance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Kimura, Takeo Yoshida, Manabu Narumi, Masaya Arakawa
  • Patent number: 5902531
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for melt spinning polymeric yarns, wherein a main melt flow is generated by an extruder and supplied to a spin head. The spin head is enclosed in a heated spinning beam and comprises a mixer, a distributor pump and a plurality of spinnerets. A feed device generates a secondary flow which is supplied to the main melt flow for the purpose of additive admixture. The secondary flow and the main melt flow are combined inside the spinning beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Barmag AG
    Inventors: Peter Berger, Egon Gathmann, Wolfgang Imping, Klaus Schafer, Rahim Gross, Georg Stausberg
  • Patent number: 5891375
    Abstract: The invention provides improvements in processes for film and fiber production involving precipitating cellulose from tertiary amine oxide solutions wherein an ester is incorporated into the solution in an amount sufficient to slow precipitation of the cellulose during separation of the cellulose from the tertiary amine oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Alfacel s.a.
    Inventors: Alan David Stall, Albin F. Turbak
  • Patent number: 5891374
    Abstract: An extruded fiber reinforced cement matrix composite having substantially improved tensile strength with strain hardening behavior and substantially improved tensile strain, and improved flexural properties in three-point bending. The composite is made by mixing cement, water, water soluble binder, and relatively short, discontinuous reinforcing fibers, preferably short poly vinyl alcohol fibers, to provide an extrudable mixture; then extruding the mixture to shape, and curing the cement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Northwestern University
    Inventors: Surendra P. Shah, Yixin Shao, Shashi Marikunte
  • Patent number: 5888434
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing a microporous membrane from an unsulfonated poly(phenylene sulfide) polymer by forming a mixture of an unsulfonated poly(phenylene sulfide) polymer, an amorphous polymer, and optionally a plasticizer, heating the resulting mixture, extruding or optionally casting the mixture into a membrane, controlled cooling (quenching) or coagulating the membrane, and leaching the membrane, while optionally drawing the membrane before, during, and/or after leaching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Robert D. Mahoney, Jiro Kawamoto, Richard A. Lundgard, Mark F. Sonnenschein, Hawk S. Wan, H. Nelson Beck
  • Patent number: 5886075
    Abstract: A process for preparing polyvinylbutyral sheet having a desired uniform adhesivity comprising preparing a blend of polyvinylbutyral and a compatible quantity of a at least one plasticizer and an adhesion control agent, and extruding the blend to form a sheet, the improvement comprising monitoring the acidity of the sheet and adding water to the blend as an agent for controlling the adhesivity of said sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: John J. Keane, Ray V. Foss, Edward W. Hussey
  • Patent number: 5879596
    Abstract: A process for making polyurethaneureas using cryogenic mixing is provided. Such polyurethaneureas are useful for making spandex and, ultimately, various types of clothing. The process involves cooling an isocyanate prepolymer or the like to a temperature of less than about -100.degree. C., forming a powder from the isocyanate prepolymer, adding at least one chain extender and/or chain terminator, and warming the powder to at least about room temperature to produce a polyurethaneurea. Such polyurethaneureas are useful for making spandex and, ultimately, various types of clothing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: David H. Roach
  • Patent number: 5874031
    Abstract: The invention resides in mixing low-pressure gas in a viscous material. The flow of the gas can be easily controlled so that the dispersion of the mixing ratio of the viscous material to the gas may be confined within a small tolerance and fine bubbles may be uniformly distributed in the interior of the viscous material.The gas is mixed in the viscous material by means of a first pump 42, from which a mixture of the gas and the viscous material is delivered. Pressure is applied to the mixture by means of a second pump 51. The gas is distributed in the interior of the viscous material by allowing the mixture under pressure to pass through a conduit assembly 61. The viscous material is foamed when the mixture is discharged from a nozzle 73 through a discharge pipe 71.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignees: Sunstar Engineering Inc., Uni-Sunstar B.V.
    Inventors: Shinji Okuda, Yasuyuki Yoshimoto, Masaharu Takada
  • Patent number: 5871679
    Abstract: A method of disposing of garments after use. The garments, linens, drapes, towels and other useful articles are provided as woven, non-woven, knitted or otherwise formed fabric of thermoplastic polyvinyl alcohol polymer fiber, the fiber being water soluble only at temperatures above approximately 37.degree. C. and preferably above 50.degree. C. After use, the fabric is subjected to water at a sufficient temperature to substantially dissolve the fabric whereupon the water and dissolved fabric are subjected to disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Isolyser Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Travis W. Honeycutt
  • Patent number: 5872159
    Abstract: A method for preparing a material for medical or veterinary use by uniformly mixing a thermoplastic polymer, preferably polyether etherketone (PEEK), at least with tricalcium phosphate (Ca.sub.3 (PO.sub.4).sub.2), and injection or extrusion moulding the resulting mixture under conditions suitable for converting the tricalcium phosphate into calcium hydroxyapatite. tite. The basic mixture preferably comprises a biocompatible metal oxide such as titanium dioxide (TiO.sub.2). The resulting material is useful for making endosseous implants or bone prostheses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignees: Julie Cougoulic, Linda Cougoulic
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Cougoulic
  • Patent number: 5853641
    Abstract: A method for preparing fibers having antimicrobial properties which involves melting a melt-extrudable thermoplastic composition and extruding the molten composition through multiple orifices to form streams of molten composition which are cooled to form fibers. The thermoplastic composition includes a thermoplastic polyolefin and an additive. The additive is an antimicrobial siloxane quaternary ammonium salt which can be either of two general classes: (1) a trisiloxane having a pendent quaternary ammonium group and a molecular weight of from about 600 to about 1,700; and (2) an ABA-type siloxane having a polydispersity of up to about 3.0 and a weight-average molecular weight of from about 800 to about 2,000, in which a central siloxane moiety is terminated at each end by a quaternary ammonium salt group. The anion in general can be any anion which does not adversely affect the thermal stability of the salt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Sinclair Nohr, John Gavin MacDonald
  • Patent number: 5849233
    Abstract: A method of extruding starch under low moisture conditions of 25% or less by weight to form an expanded product is provided and includes feeding inlet starch to an extruder, the starch having a particle size distribution such that 30% or more by weight have a particle size of at least 180 microns. In one embodiment, the inlet feed starch is dried using a continuous belt dryer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: National Starch and Chemical Investment Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Altieri, Norman L. Lacourse, David E. Lueck
  • Patent number: 5849231
    Abstract: Melt extrusion processes involving phosphite stabilized polyolefin compositions subject to solid by-product formation during melt extrusion are improved by the addition of an epoxidized ester of a fatty acid to the composition. The processes involving the improved compositions exhibit reduced levels of screen pack plugging during fiber and film extrusion processes than that achieved with fatty acid salts, such as calcium stearate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: William P. Enlow
  • Patent number: 5833893
    Abstract: Methods of continuously producing sequential lengths of different additive-containing melt-spun filaments include continuously supplying a melt-spinnable polymeric host material to orifices of a spinneret and controllably dosing at least one dispersible additive concentrate system containing a pigment in a liquid nonaqueous polymeric carrier to the melt flow of polymeric host material upstream of the spinneret orifices. In such a manner, a first polymeric mixture of the dispersible additive concentrate system and the polymeric host material is obtained which achieves an additive attribute. During a first time interval, the first mixture is extruded through the spinneret orifices; and thereafter, during a second subsequent time interval, the dosing of the at least one dispersible additive is changed so as to form a second mixture having a second additive attribute different from the first additive attribute while continuously supplying the melt flow of polymeric host material to the spinneret orifices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: BASF Corporation
    Inventors: Frank R. Jones, Stanley A. McIntosh, Gary W. Shore, Karl H. Buchanan, David B. Ledford, Wayne S. Stanko, G. Daniel Gasperson, Charles F. Helms, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5830395
    Abstract: A process for making a substantially uniform composition of short aramid fibers and polymer wherein the fibers are provided with a significant moisture content to improve handling characteristics and are partially dried and opened by shear forces in an extruder before contact with the polymer in the extruder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Giorgio P. Vercesi, Jean Pierre Jakob, Nicolas Cudre-Mauroux
  • Patent number: 5824143
    Abstract: Plasticized inorganic powder batches comprising a cellulosic binder, water, and at least one inorganic powder exhibiting relatively high water affinity are compounded by combining the inorganic powder, prior to any contact with the water or cellulosic binder, with an organic surface treatment agent to decrease the water affinity thereof; subsequent mixing of the treated powder with the water and the cellulosic binder forms a plasticized inorganic powder batch with improved extrusion, molding, or other shaping characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Devi Chalasani, Robert J. Locker, Constance B. Sawyer
  • Patent number: 5824398
    Abstract: This invention relates to polyester/plasticizer blends which are useful as heat-shrinkable films or sheets in low temperature shrink packaging applications. The heat-shrinkable films or sheets comprise a blend of (A) 90 to 99 weight percent of a polyester having a glass transition temperature of 40.degree. C. to 150.degree. C. and an inherent viscosity of 0.5 to 1.2 dL/g and (B) 1 to 10 weight percent of a plasticizer selected from a C.sub.5 to C.sub.35 monoglyceride prepared from the reaction of glycerol and a fatty acid having 4 to 30 carbon atoms, wherein the combined weights of (A) and (B) total 100 percent. The polyester comprises a dicarboxylic acid component comprising repeat units from at least 80 mole percent of an aromatic dicarboxylic acid having 8 to 14 carbon atoms and a diol component comprising repeat units from at least 10 mole percent of 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, based on 100 mole percent dicarboxylic acid and 100 mole percent diol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventor: Wayne Ken Shih
  • Patent number: 5811045
    Abstract: There is provided in accordance with the present invention a process for making a helically crimped conjugate fiber containing at least a first polymeric composition and a second polymeric composition. The first and second polymeric compositions respectively contain different thermoplastic polymers having different solidification periods. The degree of latent helical crimp is controlled by selective addition of a nucleating agent to at least one of the first and second polymeric compositions. Addition of the nucleating agent to the polymeric composition with a faster solidification period increases the latest crimp and addition of the nucleating agent to the polymeric composition with a slower solidification period decreases the latent crimp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Daniel Pike
  • Patent number: 5801206
    Abstract: Disclosed is a concentrate useful as an additive in a polyester composition comprising a polyolefin and a polyfunctional carboxylic acid or polyol branching agent. Also disclosed is a method of preparing a polyester composition having increased melt viscosity and melt strength, and improved impact strength which comprises the steps ofA) melt compounding a polyolefin and a polyfunctional carboxylic acid or polyol branching agent,B) dry blending the melt compounded mixture formed in A) with a polyester, andC) molding or extruding the dry blended mixture formed into B) to form an article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Inventors: Kishan C. Khemani, James W. Mercer, Jr., Richard L. McConnell
  • Patent number: 5800746
    Abstract: Nonaqueous additive systems which includes dispersant-coated pigments physically dispersed in a liquid nonaqueous polymeric carrier are added directly to a melt flow of a polymeric host material prior to spinning. The additive system is most preferably in the form of a particulate paste which can be added in metered amounts (dosed) to a melt flow of the polymeric host material prior to being spun into filaments. By providing a number of additive systems having a number of different additive attributes, and controllably dosing one or more into the melt flow of polymeric material, melt-spun filaments having different additive attributes may be produced on a continuous basis (i.e., without shutting down the spinning operation).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: BASF Corporation
    Inventors: Frank R. Jones, Stanley A. McIntosh, Gary A. Shore, Karl H. Buchanan, David B. Ledford, Wayne S. Stanko, G. Daniel Gasperson, Charles F. Helms, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5795516
    Abstract: A method for fabricating olefin tarpaulins by treating both sides of a base fabric woven from high strength polyester filaments with a coating composition using an extruder followed by compressing the coated polyester fabrics with a calendering roller. The coating composition is obtained by dry-blending or melt-blending LLDPE (linear low density polyethylene) or LDPE (low density polyethylene) in an amount of 15.about.94.5% by weight with an elastomer of ethylene-.alpha.-olefin co-polymer of 5.about.60% by weight which are (i) ethylene propylene rubbers or (ii) co-polymers of ethylene and octene or butene; coloring master batch chip in an amount of 0.5.about.15% by weight obtained by mixing LLDPE or LDPE with pigments or titanium dioxide; and adhesion-preventing master batch chip of 0.about.10% by weight obtained by mixing LLDPE or LDPE with silica or calcium carbonate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Kolon Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Suh H. Cho, Il Y. Kim, Chung S. Kang, Chang B. Jung, Hae J. Lee, Il Y. Jung, Chang G. Kim
  • Patent number: 5786412
    Abstract: There is provided a melt extrudable, moisture curable thermoplastic polymer which is produced from a silane modified elastomeric polymer and which has improved hysteresis, reduced stress decay and improved creep properties. The polymer may be processed into a nonwoven web, film or foam which may be laminated to other materials such as spunbond polyolefin layers and may be used in medical, personal care, feminine hygiene and other applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Ketan N. Shah, Stephen M. Campbell
  • Patent number: 5783620
    Abstract: A thermoplastic resin composition for profile extrusion, comprises: (A1) 50 to 99.5% by weight of a thermoplastic aromatic polycarbonate resin; (A2) 0 to 40% by weight of a thermoplastic resin other than the thermoplastic aromatic polycarbonate resin and an ethylene-based resin or a modified olefin-based resin; (B) 0.5 to 30% by weight of the ethylene-based resin or the modified olefin-based resin; and (C) 0 to 30% by weight of a filler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Engineering-Plastics Corporation
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Hamashima, Michio Nakata, Gorou Shimaoka
  • Patent number: 5779960
    Abstract: This invention pertains to foamed and solid algal plastics and products made therefrom, and methods for making algal plastics. The invention also pertains to algal plastic resin precursors for generating the foamed and solid algal plastics and algal plastic products. The foamed algal plastics comprise a foamed and stabilized filamentous algal fiber matrix having substantial dimensional stability. The foamed algal plastics can be used, for instance, to generate packing materials, such as molded packings or foamed particles packings (e.g. packing peanuts). The solid algal plastics comprise a stabilized filamentous algal fiber matrix having substantial dimensional stability. They can be formed from any plastic forming process, such as molding, extrusion, calendering, casting and thermoforming and can be used to make a wide variety of solid plastics, such as, for example, films, rods, tubes, sheets, containers, and shaped forms, such as golf tees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: International Technology Management Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Laurence Berlowitz-Tarrant, Toshimasa Tukumo, Satya Shivkumar
  • Patent number: 5762734
    Abstract: A method of producing a fiber is provided where a liquefied polymer is divided into at least two streams. The streams are directed separately to a point of recombination, and extruded through, for example, a spinneret, and fiberized to form a single fiber having portions of each stream. The divided polymer streams are treated substantially identically from the point of division to the point of recombination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Mary Lucille DeLucia, Samuel Edward Marmon
  • Patent number: 5760172
    Abstract: A process for preparing a styrenic resin is herein disclosed which comprises the step of volatilizing-extruding a styrenic polymer (SPS) powder having a syndiotactic configuration in the presence of water, an alcohol or an antioxidant by the use of an extruder to obtain pellets. According to this process, the operation of volatilization-extrusion is done in the presence of water, the alcohol or the antioxidant to stably and efficiently prepare the SPS pellets in which yellowing is inhibited, and the operation of the volatilization-extrusion is carried out in the presence of water to stably and efficiently prepare the SPS pellets containing a less amount of a remaining volatile component such as an unreacted monomer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Idemitsu Petrochemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Onodera, Kazuyoshi Fukada, Takashi Saeki
  • Patent number: 5760133
    Abstract: A process for the continuous production of a thermoplastic molding composition containing a mixture of a TPU and a thermoplastic (co)polymer is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Bayer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Herbert Heidingsfeld, Willi Meister, Bernhard Schulte, Wolfgang Brauer, Friedemann Muller, Hans-Georg Hoppe, Hans-Georg Wussow, Jurgen Winkler
  • Patent number: 5756020
    Abstract: A process for producing solution dyed extruded articles from thermoplastic polymer wherein each colorant is contained in a separate color concentrate and each concentrate is fed to an extruder through a separate gravimetric feeder where the concentrates are melt blended with the thermoplastic polymer prior to extruding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: John S. Locke, Paul Sheldon Pearlman, Caroline Tjhen Shibata, Kenneth J. Tadler
  • Patent number: 5753166
    Abstract: A melt extrusion composition made by combining about 99.9 to about 98.5 weight percent of at least one polyester and about 0.1 to about 1.5 weight percent additive provides for a polyester or copolyester non-circular cross-sectional fiber having at least four percent improved shape retention as compared to the same fiber made from a melt extrusion composition without the additive. The additive is present at the air-polymer interfacial surface during melt spinning. A method of making the fiber is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: J. Nelson Dalton, Bobby M. Phillips
  • Patent number: 5750645
    Abstract: A process which combines a calender with a stretching system and a set of heating rolls is provided in this invention to produce films of polypropylene resin of wide thickness range. The polypropylene films which have cavities distributed in the film and on the surfaces are suitable for writing or printing and have a low density. The films have surface qualities of each side of surface within .+-.2.times.10.sup.-6 inch of the average depth of the cavities, .+-.2% of the average of the gloss at 45.degree. angle and .+-.0.02 of the average of coefficient of friction. Such a film is obtained by passing the molded film from the calender through a set of heating rolls at temperatures revealed in this invention before entering the stretching system. The obtained polypropylene film has superior printability, low density and high stiffness, and thus is suitable for use as a paper substitute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Inteplast Corporation
    Inventor: Hwang-Wen Huang
  • Patent number: 5746959
    Abstract: Acrylic fiber with persistent antifungal properties can be prepared by extruding a dope which comprises an acrylic polymer in solution and an antifungal agent through a die into a coagulating bath. The antifungal agent is preferably a neutral organic compound of low solubility in water, for example tolnaftate. The antifungal agent is preferably dispersed in the fiber in the form of fine particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Courtaulds Fibres (Holdings) Limited
    Inventors: Roland Cox, Jonathan Michael Taylor, Julie Ann Thomson
  • Patent number: 5744090
    Abstract: A method of making a conductive fiber in which the conductive fiber is formed from a mixture including at least one fiber forming material and conductive magnetic materials, and the conductive magnetic materials are migrated toward the periphery of the fiber by application of a magnetic field to the fiber. The conductive fibers having the conductive magnetic materials located at the periphery of the fiber are preferably incorporated into an electrostatic cleaning device for use in an electrostatographic printing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Lewis O. Jones, Joseph A. Swift, Ronald F. Ziolo
  • Patent number: 5741519
    Abstract: A process for producing active substance compositions in the form of a solid solution of the active substance in a polymer matrix, which comprises melt extrusion of the active substance in nonionic form together with a polymer and a salt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Joerg Rosenberg, Jorg Breitenbach
  • Patent number: 5741532
    Abstract: An apparatus for melting particulate polymeric material includes a melting grid and a molten polymer reservoir beneath the grid. The apparatus has a lateral cross-sectional contour defined by walls. Further included is a distribution device having upper and lower surfaces and adapted to the contour of the molten polymer reservoir, which device is disposed in the molten polymer reservoir in proximity to the grid. The device has an internal reservoir formed between the upper and lower surfaces; a perimetrical surface joining the upper and lower surfaces and providing the device with height; at least two fluid distribution pores, each having one end in communication with the internal reservoir and another end disposed in the circumferential surface; and an injection tube providing fluid flow communication between the internal reservoir and an external supply of fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: BASF Corporation
    Inventors: Robert L. Lilly, Charles H. Rogers, Zachary G. Shoaf, Wayne L. Conard, Steve C. Parks
  • Patent number: 5741521
    Abstract: A biodegradable or digestible matrix is provided suitable for use as a controlled release of an agriculturally active agent such as insecticides, fungicides, fertilizers, plant growth regulants, etc. The matrix comprises an amylaceous material optionally in association with a synthetic polymer and is formed under elevated temperature and pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignees: Goodman Fielder Limited, Incitec Limited
    Inventors: Adrian Timothy Knight, Thomas Peter Anderson, Mirsad Ahmet Ahmetagic
  • Patent number: 5738935
    Abstract: The invention described both a process for the preparation of a natural fiber and thermoplastic composite and the resulting products therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: FormTech Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Turk, Otto Grill
  • Patent number: 5721307
    Abstract: A method for the preparation of a silicone rubber composition, a liquid polydiorganosiloxane (A), finely powdered silica (B), liquid polyorganosiloxane (C) and water (D) are introduced continuously into the raw material inlet of a biaxial continuous extruding and mixing machine. In the present method the liquid polydiorganosiloxane is introduced into the raw material inlet through the outer lumen of a double lumen tube and the finely powdered silica is introduced into the raw material inlet through the inner lumen of the double lumen tube. As a result, the finely powdered silica can be introduced rapidly without being scattered to the surrounding area and superior mixing of the two substances is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Dow Corning Toray Silicone Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takaki Aoyama, Toyohiko Yamadera
  • Patent number: 5721322
    Abstract: The specification discloses a method and additive for increasing the surface activity of non-polar polymeric materials, and a non-polar polymeric material exhibiting increased surface activity. The invention employs an additive of the formulaA-B-A.sup.1wherein each of the A and A.sup.1 blocks which may be the same or different has a number molecular weight in the range of from about 200 to about 1000 daltons and is selected from the group substituted and unsubstituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, aryl and alkylaryl units derived from one or more esters, organic acids, organic halides or organic acid halides, and units derived from alkyl or aryl isocyanates or ester-amides. The B-block is a polyepichlorohydrin unit derived from a polyepichlorohydrin polyol having at least two terminal hydroxyl groups and having an average molecular weight in the range of from about 400 to about 4000 daltons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Arizona Chemical Company
    Inventors: Xinya Lu, Eric S. Gardiner
  • Patent number: 5719219
    Abstract: There is provided a melt extrudable, moisture curable thermoplastic polymer which is produced from a silane modified elastomeric polymer and which has improved hysteresis, reduced stress decay and improved creep properties. The polymer may be processed into a nonwoven web, film or foam which may be laminated to other materials such as spunbond polyolefin layers and may be used in medical, personal care, feminine hygiene and other applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Ketan N. Shah, Stephen M. Campbell
  • Patent number: 5714258
    Abstract: An improved polyester fiber, polymer composition for producing such fibers by spinning and drawing, and a process for improving the production of fibers from polyester is disclosed wherein an aliphatic diester such as ethylene glycol distearate is incorporated into the polyester resin prior to spinning fibers from the resin in trace amounts of from about 0.01 to about 0.4 percent by weight of the polyester. The composition improves the process of spinning and drawing fibers from the resin and produces superior fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Hoechest Celanese Corporation
    Inventor: F. Holmes Simons
  • Patent number: 5714257
    Abstract: There is provided a melt extrudable, moisture curable thermoplastic polymer which is produced from a silane modified elastomeric polymer and which has improved hysteresis, reduced stress decay and improved creep properties. The polymer may be processed into a nonwoven web, film, fiber or foam which may be laminated to other materials such as spunbond polyolefin layers and may be used in medical, personal care, feminine hygiene and other applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Inventors: Ketan N. Shah, Stephen M. Campbell
  • Patent number: 5711970
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming artificial fibers and a non-woven web therefrom includes a device for generating a substantially continuous fluid stream along a primary axis, at least one extrusion die located adjacent to the continuous fluid stream for extruding a liquefied resin into fibers, a member for entraining the fibers in the primary fluid stream, and a perturbation mechanism for selectively perturbing the flow of fluid in the fluid stream by varying the fluid pressure on either side of the primary axis to produce crimped fibers for forming the non-woven web. The inventive manufacturing method finely tunes non-woven web material characteristics such as tensile strength, porosity, barrier properties, absorbance, and softness by varying the fluid stream perturbation frequency and amplitude. Finally, the inventive apparatus may be implemented in combination with melt-blown, spunbond and coform techniques for producing non-woven webs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Jark Chong Lau, Bryan David Haynes
  • Patent number: 5707737
    Abstract: A cellulose acetate fiber excellent in gloss and feeling, formed from a mixture which consists essentially of (a) 100 parts by weight of cellulose acetate and (b) 5 to 40 parts by weight of a polymer substance which can plasticize the cellulose acetate, wherein, in a cross-sectional form at right angles with the lengthwise direction of the fiber,(i) the cross-sectional form is non-circular,(ii) the cross-sectional form has 1 to 4 axes of symmetry, and(iii) the cross-sectional form has a contour formed of smooth curves or formed of smooth curves and straight lines.The above cellulose acetate fiber can be produced by dry-spinning a spinning dope consisting essentially of(a) 100 parts by weight of cellulose acetate,(b) 5 to 40 parts by weight of a polymer substance which is soluble in solvent and can plasticize the cellulose acetate, and(c) a solvent which can dissolve the above (a) and (b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Teijin Limited
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Mori, Kenkichi Nose
  • Patent number: 5707569
    Abstract: Polar-side-group-containing extrusion adjuvants, such as ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid or ionomer, that counteract the deleterious effect of certain additives such as zinc stearate, used in polyolefins on the performance of fluoropolymer processing aids in polyolefins are taught.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Donnan Edwin Priester, Charles Winfield Stewart
  • Patent number: 5702786
    Abstract: A process is described for improving the hydrocarbon solvent impermeability of polyethylene resin based containers. The process employs a thermal profile during thermal molding, which creates a crystalline barrier adjacent one surface of the container. The barrier enhances impermeability of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Greif Bros. Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald T. Robichaud
  • Patent number: 5702657
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the continuous production of a polyethylene material having high strength and high modulus of elasticity by rolling an ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene film or film like material and then drawing the rolled material, wherein a thermoplastic resin film having incorporated therein at least one additive selected from the group consisting of a coloring agent, a weathering stabilizer, an antistatic agent, a hydrophilicity-imparting agent, an adhesion promoter and a dyeability-imparting agent is laminated to the film material in the rolling step and the resulting polyethylene material is further slit or split as required. This method makes it easy to color the polyethylene material having high strength and high modulus of elasticity and to impart weather resistance and other desirable properties thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignees: Nippon Oil Co., Ltd., Polymer Processing Research Institute Ltd.
    Inventors: Sumio Yoshida, Takashi Komazawa, Kazuhiko Kurihara, Hiroshi Yazawa