Formation Of Solid Particulate Material Directly From Molten Or Liquid Mass (e.g., Liquid Comminuting) Patents (Class 264/5)
  • Patent number: 7892461
    Abstract: Description of a method for the production of a pigmented thermoplastic material. The method characterizes that during a first step an aqueous suspension presenting a solid matter contents of approximately 10 to 75% by weight, containing at least one flow enhancer in form of dissolved salt and the pigment, is ground under alkaline conditions in a high energy charging mill by means of grinding bodies having a diameter of 0.2 to 2 mm, and the obtained grinding product is transformed during a second step with a thermoplastic material into the pigmented thermoplastic material by means of a flush process performed by a kneader or extruder, at increased temperature and a pH value of initially 7 or less. In addition, the invention concerns a pigmented thermoplastic material produced according to said method, as well as beneficial applications for production of transparent molded bodies, in particular of fibers, foils, injection moldings and extruded parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Heubach GmbH
    Inventors: Gerard E. Maratta, Rainer Heubach
  • Publication number: 20110028570
    Abstract: A process for making a self-emulsifying granule suitable for use in forming latex emulsions includes contacting a resin with a solid or highly concentrated surfactant, a solid neutralization agent and water in the absence of an organic solvent to form a mixture, melt mixing the mixture, and forming self-emulsifying granules of the melt mixed mixture. Self-emulsifying granules are also provided and configured to form a latex emulsion when added to water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Santiago Faucher, Joo T. Chung, Shigang Qiu, Fumii Higuchi
  • Publication number: 20110020647
    Abstract: This invention provides a process for producing fine PPS resin particles and a dispersion thereof by industrially applicable simple operation. This invention further provides very fine PPS resin particles, and furthermore provides fine PPS resin particles uniform in particle size. This invention is a process for producing fine polyphenylene sulfide resin particles comprising the following steps (a) and (b): (a) A step of heating a polyphenylene sulfide resin in an organic solvent, for obtaining a solution with the polyphenylene sulfide resin dissolved therein (dissolution step) (b) A step of flush-cooling the aforementioned solution, for precipitating the fine particles of the polyphenylene sulfide resin (precipitation step).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventors: Kei Makita, Takae Ono, Toshiya Takahashi, Hiroaki Akasaka, Tomohiro Sakane
  • Patent number: 7875295
    Abstract: A process for the production of a microparticle or a nanoparticle of a chemical compound comprising the steps of providing a solution of said chemical compound in a first liquid; providing a second liquid in which said chemical compound is insoluble or substantially insoluble; combining said liquids in a region of high shear thereby causing formation of said particles; and isolating said particles of said compound. The processing time of a coacervation style process can be reduced and the yield can be substantially increased both by control of the precipitation step which allows for desolvation step to be dispensed with leading to significant process time reduction. The invention also provides a molecular mixing unit comprising an outer body defining a mixing zone; a shear means to provide shear liquid in said mixing zone; at least one fluid inlet means for a first liquid; at least one fluid inlet means for a second liquid and a fluid outlet means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Nanomaterials Technology Pte Ltd
    Inventors: Sung Lai Jimmy Yun, Jian Feng Chen
  • Publication number: 20110006449
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are processes for making a plurality of substantially phase-pure metal oxide particles, the particles comprising a garnet structure, the process comprising: subjecting a dispersion of precursors to a solvothermal treatment to form a garnet intermediate and applying a flow-based thermochemical process to said garnet intermediate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventors: Rajesh Mukherjee, Toshitaka Nakamura, Sheng Li, Brett T. Harding, Amane Mochizuki
  • Patent number: 7863345
    Abstract: A process for producing a microparticulate hardening catalyst, comprising the steps of jetting a liquid composition containing epoxy resin hardening catalyst (A), monomer having an ethylenically unsaturated group (B) and photopolymerization initiator (C) through a minute nozzle into a gas so as to form microparticles; and while the microparticles are floating, irradiating the same with high-energy rays to thereby effect polymerization of the monomer having an ethylenically unsaturated group (B).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Nippon Kayaku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroo Koyanagi, Makoto Uchida, Shigeru Moteki
  • Patent number: 7862751
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for manipulating or formulating a solid substance which melts under pressure of a gas without degrading at a temperature lower than the melting point of the substance at atmospheric pressure including: applying to the substance a liquefied gas or dense gas to melt the substance without degrading the substance; then contacting the molten substance with a carrier fluid, which is at substantially the same pressure as the liquefied gas or dense gas, to form a solution or mixture of at least a part of the molten substance and the carrier fluid; and passing the solution or mixture into a vessel of lower pressure than the pressure of the liquefied gas or dense gas and carrier fluid to form particles of the substance; and particles formed by the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: MAP Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil Russell Foster, Hubert Leonardus Regtop, Fariba Dehghani, Andrian Tandya
  • Publication number: 20100320628
    Abstract: An underwater pelletizer is presented having an electromagnetic clamp that includes an electromagnetic ring body having a series of electromagnets disposed along a contact surface of the electromagnetic ring body. A clamping ring body has a series of mild steel inserts disposed along a contact surface of the clamping ring body, where each mild steel insert is disposed in a position complementary to at least one of the series of electromagnets. The electromagnetic clamp ring has a contact face with a series of electromagnets disposed therein and providing a clamping ring having a contact face with a series of mild steel inserts disposed therein, where the contact face of the clamping ring is configured to engage the contact face of the electromagnetic ring to form a seal and the mild steel inserts are positioned such that each one of the series of electromagnets is adjacent to one of the mild steel inserts when the contact faces of the electromagnetic and clamping rings are engaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventor: George A. Holmes
  • Publication number: 20100314787
    Abstract: A method of producing a granular substance comprising (i) a step of melting a compound of the formula (1): (wherein, R1 and R2 represent each independently a hydrogen atom, alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms or cycloalkyl group having 5 to 8 carbon atoms, R3 represents a hydrogen atom or alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms. X represents a single bond, sulfur atom, oxygen atom, alkylidene group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms or cycloalkylidene group having 5 to 8 carbon atoms) to obtain the melted substance, and (ii) a step of dropping the melted substance obtained in the step (i) into water and recovering the granular substance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY, LIMITED
    Inventor: Kazuhiro KITAMURA
  • Publication number: 20100314788
    Abstract: A system and method for making ultrafine particles are disclosed. A high temperature plasma is generated at an inlet end of a plasma chamber into which precursor materials are introduced. A converging member is located adjacent an outlet end of the plasma chamber. During operation, a substantially constant pressure and/or material flow pattern is maintained to reduce or eliminate fouling of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: Cheng-Hung Hung, Noel R. Vanier
  • Publication number: 20100301013
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for laser ablation. The method comprises providing a substrate from which material is to be ablated and providing an ambient environment for the laser ablation process, comprising supplying a prescribed assist gas in a prescribed delivery configuration. The method further comprises focusing a laser beam onto the substrate to be ablated at a power density above an ablation threshold of the material to remove material from the substrate in a laser material interaction zone at or adjacent to the focal point of the laser; and controlling the supply of the assist gas and the laser power to generate a liquid phase in the laser material interaction zone in which the ablated matter is suspended.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND
    Inventors: Alan Conneely, Helen Howard, Gerard O'Connor, Sedao, Natalie Haustrup
  • Publication number: 20100291374
    Abstract: This invention discloses composite materials utilizing high refractive index materials, their manufacturing methods and their use. Some of the preferred applications are in LED packaging and as deformable fillers in polymers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: AJJER LLC
    Inventors: Murat Akarsu, Anoop Agrawal
  • Publication number: 20100292385
    Abstract: The invention relates to processes for the production of moldings via shaping of thermoplastic molding compositions F with reduced formation of deposit on the shaping mold, and it is essential to the invention that the thermoplastic molding compositions F comprise an amount of from 0 mg/kg to 100 mg/kg (calculated as the total of the mg of Mg and the mg of Ca per kg of thermoplastic molding composition F and determined by means of atomic emission spectrometry using inductively coupled plasma (ICPAES)) of magnesium compounds and/or calcium compounds; the invention further relates to the use of molding compositions F in the inventive processes, and also to moldings which can be produced by the inventive processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: BASF SE
    Inventors: Wolfgang Fischer, Moritz Ehrenstein
  • Publication number: 20100288005
    Abstract: 1.1 The invention relates to a method for producing tables made of mixtures of a plurality of materials, and a method for producing a sulfurous fertilizer. 2.1. The invention relates to a method for producing tablets made of mixtures of a plurality of materials, particularly urea mixtures, having the following steps:—producing a liquid melt of a first material,—adding at least one further material in solid or liquid form to the melt for producing a mixture,—output of drops of the mixture onto a steel belt by means of a drop former having a rotating, perforated outer drum,—solidification of the drops of the mixture on the steel belt into tablets, wherein the at least one additional material is mixed into the liquid melt in liquid form immediately before the drop former or into the liquid melt in solid form upstream of a two-stage heated grinding and mixing unit. 2.2. Use for producing fertilizer, for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventors: Hans-Kurt Schromm, Albert Baeder, Matthias Kleinhans
  • Patent number: 7833444
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a fine particle granulation method capable of granulating fine particles in an extremely easy operation without the need for carrier particles that cannot be reliably isolated and removed or binders that remain as impurities, and of improving the handling properties of these fine particles, and of obtaining fine particles that can be rapidly broken down into primary particles during use. To achieve this object, the fine particle granulation method comprises an agitation step in which fine particles are dispersed in a supercritical fluid, and a spraying step in which the supercritical fluid with the fine particles dispersed therein is subjected to rapid adiabatic expansion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Nara Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Satoru Watano
  • Publication number: 20100286019
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to particulate compositions and methods for making the compositions. It specifically relates to improved spray drying methods that substantially reduce the production of small particles that pose industrial hygiene concerns for factory workers and product consumers. In a composition aspect, the present invention provides an atomized aqueous composition. The composition is formed using a spray-drying apparatus. It includes 0.001 to 0.10 weight percent of a polymer, which is selected from a group consisting of a cellulose-based polymer, a gum, and a synthetic polymer. It further includes at least one polypeptide, which is present in the aqueous composition at a concentration greater than 0.01 weight percent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventors: Herbert B. Scher, Deborah S. Winetzky
  • Patent number: 7828996
    Abstract: The current invention relates to methods of making nano-particles of a material with a narrow polydispersity. The particle materials are active agents, organic compounds, polymers, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Dariush Davalian
  • Patent number: 7828999
    Abstract: A fine particle producing process introduces a material for producing fine particles into a thermal plasma flame to make a vapor-phase mixture and quenches the vapor-phase mixture to form the fine particles. In the process, the material for producing the fine particles is dispersed or dissolved in a dispersion medium or solvent, preferably containing a combustible material to prepare a dispersion such as a slurry, a colloidal solution or a dissolution solution, the dispersion is made into a form of droplets, or the material for producing the fine particles is dispersed with a carrier gas and a combustible material and the dispersion in a droplet form or the dispersed material is introduced into the thermal plasma flame. In the fine particle producing process and apparatus, a gas of an amount sufficient to quench the vapor-phase mixture is supplied toward a tail of the thermal plasma flame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignees: Nisshin Seifun Group Inc., Nisshin Engineering Inc.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Yubuta, Keitaroh Nakamura, Takashi Fujii
  • Publication number: 20100270496
    Abstract: The burned composite metal oxide of the present invention is a burned composite metal oxide which is porous and particulate and which is obtained by subjecting a slurry comprising at least one metal oxide (a), at least one metal compound (b) and a solvent to spray granulation to obtain granules, and burning the granules, the metal oxide (a) selected from the group consisting of a transition metal oxide and an oxide of a metal belonging to 3B, 4B and 5B of a periodic table, the metal compound (b) selected from the group consisting of an alkali metal compound and an alkali earth metal compound, wherein the metal oxide (a) and the metal compound (b) are sparingly soluble in the solvent; the burning is conducted after a heat-maintaining step of heating the granules obtained by the spray granulation at a temperature in a range of ±200° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventors: Kazuo Oki, Minoru Sawai, Hiroaki Kitayama, Takamitsu Saito, Tamaki Miura, Kyoichi Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20100272888
    Abstract: In a method for producing a starting material (M, N, N?) for the production of a wear layer (420), a coating (40) with a composition which corresponds to that of the wear layer (420) which is to be produced is chemically undissolved from its substrate (30) and is detached as a solid body, and that the starting material (M, N, N?) is formed by the layer material (60) of the detached coating (40).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventors: Rene Jabado, Jens Dahl Jensen, Ursus Krüger, Daniel Körtvelyessy, Volkmar Lüthen, Ralph Reiche, Michael Rindler, Raymond Ullrich
  • Publication number: 20100258965
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for producing water-absorbing polymer particles by polymerizing monomers on a continuous conveyor belt, wherein joins of the conveyor belt and/or damage on the conveyor belt surface have been sealed with a sealing composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: BASF SE
    Inventors: Matthias Weismantel, Rüdiger Fung, Leigh R. Blair, Kevin D. Heitzhaus
  • Publication number: 20100258034
    Abstract: In a process for producing a solid pigment preparation in the form of granules which comprises the steps of (a) atomizing a suspension comprising (A0) 30% to 90% by weight of a solvent component based on the overall weight of the suspension; (A1) 2% to 60% by weight of a pigment component based on the overall weight of the suspension; (A2) 0% to 50% by weight of a first filler component based on the overall weight of the suspension, (A3) 10% to 70% by weight of a surface-active additive component based on the sum total of the weights of said components (A1) and (A2), and optionally further components, the sum total of the weight fractions of all components, based on the overall weight, being 100% by weight, in an atomizing apparatus; (b) contacting the droplets formed in step (a) with a gas stream having a predetermined temperature to dry the droplets to obtain granules having a predetermined residual moisture content, and (c) separating the granules from the gas stream, in step (b), before reaching
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: BASF SE
    Inventors: Hans Ulrich Reisacher, Uwe Mauthe
  • Publication number: 20100256266
    Abstract: Stabilizer compositions comprise phosphate of the formula I or II, a phosphite of the formula III, and a phenol of the formula IV as these formulas are defined herein. The stabilizer compositions are useful for stabilizing polymers. Methods for making stabilized polymer compositions involve intermixing the stabilizer compositions and the polymers, e.g., by extruding, pelletizing, and/or molding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: CYTEC TECHNOLOGY CORP.
    Inventors: John Mathew ZENNER, Brent Sanders
  • Publication number: 20100247914
    Abstract: Disclosed are porous silica-based particles having high surface smoothness, a method for producing the porous silica-based particles, and a cosmetic comprising the porous silica-based particles. The porous silica-based particles have an average particle diameter of 0.5 to 30 ?m and have a surface smoothness of a level to such an extent that, when the entire surface of the particle is observed from a photograph thereof taken by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) with a magnifying power of 10,000, a foreign matter attached to the surface thereof can be hardly seen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: JGC CATALYSTS AND CHEMICALS LTD.
    Inventors: Naoyuki Enomoto, Yasutaka Miyoshi, Tsuneo Kawashima, Takumi Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 7803740
    Abstract: Thermoset polymer particles are used in many applications requiring lightweight particles possessing high stiffness, strength, temperature resistance, and/or resistance to aggressive environments. The present invention relates to the use of two different methods, either each by itself or in combination, to enhance the stiffness, strength, maximum possible use temperature, and environmental resistance of such particles. One method is the application of post-polymerization process steps (and especially heat treatment) to advance the curing reaction and to thus obtain a more densely crosslinked polymer network. In general, its main benefits are the enhancement of the maximum possible use temperature and the environmental resistance. The other method is the incorporation of nanofillers, resulting in a heterogenous “nanocomposite” morphology. In general, its main benefits are increased stiffness and strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Sun Drilling Products Corporation
    Inventors: Jozef Bicerano, Robert L. Albright
  • Patent number: 7803741
    Abstract: Thermoset polymer particles are used in many applications requiring lightweight particles possessing high stiffness, strength, temperature resistance, and/or resistance to aggressive environments. The present invention relates to the use of two different methods, either each by itself or in combination, to enhance the stiffness, strength, maximum possible use temperature, and environmental resistance of such particles. One method is the application of post-polymerization process steps (and especially heat treatment) to advance the curing reaction and to thus obtain a more densely crosslinked polymer network. In general, its main benefits are the enhancement of the maximum possible use temperature and the environmental resistance. The other method is the incorporation of nanofillers, resulting in a heterogeneous “nanocomposite” morphology. In general, its main benefits are increased stiffness and strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Sun Drilling Products Corporation
    Inventors: Jozef Bicerano, Robert L. Albright
  • Patent number: 7803742
    Abstract: Thermoset polymer particles are used in many applications requiring lightweight particles possessing high stiffness, strength, temperature resistance, and/or resistance to aggressive environments. The present invention relates to the use of two different methods, either each by itself or in combination, to enhance the stiffness, strength, maximum possible use temperature, and environmental resistance of such particles. One method is the application of post-polymerization process steps (and especially heat treatment) to advance the curing reaction and to thus obtain a more densely crosslinked polymer network. In general, its main benefits are the enhancement of the maximum possible use temperature and the environmental resistance. The other method is the incorporation of nanofillers, resulting in a heterogeneous “nanocomposite” morphology. In general, its main benefits are increased stiffness and strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Sun Drilling Products Corporation
    Inventors: Jozef Bicerano, Robert L. Albright
  • Patent number: 7803295
    Abstract: Nano-scale particles of materials can be produced by vaporizing material and allowing the material to flow in a non-violently turbulent manner into thermal communication with a cooling fluid, thereby forming small particles of the material that can be in the nano-scale size range. A raw material feeder can be configured to feed raw material toward a heater which vaporizes the raw material. The feeder can include a metering device for controlling the flow of raw material toward the heater. A gas source can also be used to cause gas to flow through a portion of the raw material feeder along with the raw material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Quantumsphere, Inc
    Inventor: Ray Douglas Carpenter
  • Publication number: 20100237522
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a resin microparticle aqueous dispersion, which can produce monodisperse resin microparticles, does not cause clogging by a product, does not require a high pressure, and has ahighproductivity. Thus, providedisamethodforproducing a resin microparticle aqueous dispersion, wherein a fluid having at least one kind of resin dissolved in a solvent with which a resin is soluble and compatible and a fluid of an aqueous solvent join together in a thin film fluid formed between processing surfaces arranged opposite so as to be able to approach to and separate from each other, at least one of which rotates relative to the other, whereby resin microparticles are obtained in the thin film fluid by way of separation/emulsification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: M. TECHNIQUE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Masakazu Enomura
  • Publication number: 20100237521
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of pellets of polyamide 6 or copolyamides. The method can include production of a melt of polyamide 6 or copolyamides by means of polymerization, production of pellets from the melt by means of underwater pelletization into a process fluid, removal of the pellets from a site of underwater pelletization in the process fluid, supply of the pellets in the process fluid to an extraction stage, extraction of low-molecular components as extract, and drying of the pellets after extraction, wherein the underwater pelletization stage and the extraction stage take place using the same process fluid. The invention further relates to a device for implementation of such a method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: AUTOMATIK PLASTICS MACHINERY GMBH
    Inventor: Stefan Deiss
  • Publication number: 20100230840
    Abstract: A spray-drying process to prepare a spray-dried powder having: (a) anionic detersive surfactant; (b) from 0 wt % to 10 wt % zeolite builder; (c) from 0 wt % to 10 wt % phosphate builder; (d) optionally from 0 wt % to 10 wt % silicate salt; (e) optionally carbonate salt; (f) optionally polymeric material; and (g) optionally from 0 wt % to 10 wt % water, wherein, the process has the steps of: (i) spraying an aqueous slurry comprising: from (a) anionic detersive surfactant; (b) from 0 wt % to 20 wt % zeolite builder; (c) from 0 wt % to 20 wt % phosphate builder; (d) optionally from 0 wt % to 20 wt % silicate salt; (e) optionally carbonate salt; (f) optionally polymeric material; and (g) water, into a spray-drying zone, wherein the spray-drying zone is under negative pressure and wherein the air inlet air temperature into the spray-drying zone is greater than 150° C.; and (ii) drying the aqueous slurry to form a spray-dried powder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: Rohan Govind Murkunde, Barry Rowland
  • Patent number: 7794793
    Abstract: A method for preparation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) bundles for use in field emission devices (FEDs) includes forming a plurality of carbon nanotubes on a substrate, contacting the carbon nanotubes with a polymer composition comprising a polymer and a solvent, and removing at least a portion of the solvent so as to form a solid composition from the carbon nanotubes and the polymer to form a carbon nanotube bundle having a base with a periphery, and an elevated central region where, along the periphery of the base, the carbon nanotubes slope toward the central region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Brother International Corporation
    Inventor: Kangning Liang
  • Patent number: 7780757
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for producing fine particles. According to the production method, a molten material 1 which has been formed by melting a raw material to be formed into fine particles is supplied in the form of droplets 1a or a jet flow to a liquid coolant 3, and a vapor film formed so as to cover the molten material supplied to the liquid coolant 3 is forcedly broken to promote vapor explosion, thereby forming and cooling fine particles for solidification. The production method and apparatus can readily produce fine particles from a raw material having a high melting point, and can relatively readily produce submicron fine particles—such particles are difficult to produce by mean of the previously developed technique. The method and apparatus can produce amorphous fine particles, or polycrystalline fine particles having a target particle size by regulating conditions for fine particle formation and for cooling-solidification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry
    Inventor: Masahiro Furuya
  • Patent number: 7780988
    Abstract: Homogeneous solid amorphous dispersions of drugs in concentration-enhancing polymers are formed in desirable larger particle sizes with minimal fines by using an atomizer and process conditions capable of producing droplets having an average diameter of at least 50 microns and a D10 of at least 10 microns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Bend Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald A. Beyerinck, Roderick J. Ray, Dan E. Dobry, Dana M. Settell
  • Patent number: 7776242
    Abstract: A method for granulating a flexible polyolefin resin including: melting a flexible polyolefin resin by volatilization after polymerization; cooling the resin to a temperature in a range of the melting point of the resin (Tm-D) ±50° C.; and granulating the cooled resin by an underwater granulation method; the underwater granulation method using cooling water of 30° C. or less in which an antifusion agent is added.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinori Sato, Shoichi Yuzaki
  • Patent number: 7767249
    Abstract: Nanoparticles of a deposited bioactive agent can be obtained by selecting a solvent composition, selecting a deposition substrate, preparing a solution of the bioactive agent in the solvent composition, and applying the solution to a substrate as a plurality of droplets, such that evaporation of the applied solution produces nanoparticles of the bioactive agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Vanessa I. Chinea, Kevin Michael Kane, Orlando Ruiz
  • Publication number: 20100187705
    Abstract: A method for preparing microcapsules using a droplet-based microfluidic chip. Monodisperse microcapsules, which are hollow or can be loaded with a desired material, are prepared using a droplet-based microfluidic chip through the movement of a monomer molecule from the inside of droplets to the interface of droplets, the diffusion of a photoinitiator to the interface of droplets, and the suppression of radical activity by oxygen in droplets. The method involves the use of a simple microfluidic channel and selectively photopolymerizing the shell of the droplets without needing the use of a chemically treated microfluidic channel or a complex microfluidic channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: The Industry & Academic Cooperation in Chungnam National University (IAC)
    Inventors: Chang-Soo LEE, Chang-Hyung CHOI
  • Patent number: 7758778
    Abstract: This invention is directed to an apparatus and method for producing microparticles comprising pharmacologically active agents and biodegradable polymers. The apparatus includes a spinning disk containing a reservoir in the center thereof and a flat inclined surface. The apparatus optionally includes serrations and/or a flat surface beneath the periphery of the disk that is parallel to the rotational axis of the disk. The invention is also directed to a method for producing microparticles containing pharmacologically active agents, using the spinning disk apparatus. Formulations containing ophthalmically active agents are provided. Formulations exhibiting zero order release rates are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: Joseph T. Persyn, Joseph A. McDonough, Neal K. Vail, Darren E. Barlow, Albert M. Zwiener, Eliot M. Slovin
  • Publication number: 20100171230
    Abstract: The process for producing granular sodium percarbonate by fluidized bed buildup granulation comprises the spraying of an aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide and of an aqueous solution of sodium carbonate with at least one multisubstance nozzle with external mixing into a fluidized bed comprising sodium percarbonate particles and simultaneously evaporating water, and is characterized in that the solution of sodium carbonate additionally comprises sodium carbonate and/or sodium percarbonate in suspended form and is passed through a dispersing apparatus for dispersion of solids before being fed to the multisubstance nozzle. The process allows the blockage of the multisubstance nozzle to be avoided and sodium percarbonate dust to be recycled from the offgas stream of the fluidized bed into the granulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: EVONIK DEGUSSA GMBH
    Inventors: Stefan Leininger, Michael Scheibe, Lothar Kaiser, Bertram Trautvetter, Waldemar Hessberger, Marcel Verduyn, Holger Pitsch, Harald Jakob
  • Patent number: 7745512
    Abstract: Polyester compositions are disclosed that include polyester polymers or copolymers having incorporated therein carbon-coated iron particles that improve the reheat properties of the compositions. Processes for making such compositions are also disclosed. The carbon-coated iron particles may be incorporated in the polyester by melt compounding, or may be added at any stage of the polymerization, such as during the melt-phase of the polymerization. A range of particle sizes may be used, as well as a range of particle size distributions. The polyester compositions are suitable for use in packaging made from processes in which a reheat step is desirable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Zhiyong Xia, Stephen Weinhold, Alan Wayne White
  • Patent number: 7740775
    Abstract: A process for preparing particles of a substance comprising contacting a first formulation including a first substance with a first solvent stream and a second solvent stream, thereby causing formation of particles of the first substance, wherein both the first and second solvent streams are in a non-supercritical state, and subjecting the resultant mixture to a separation process which causes separation of the first substance from the first and second solvent streams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Glaxo Group Limited
    Inventors: Mazin Nicola, Neale Gray
  • Publication number: 20100150300
    Abstract: A pellet including a nuclear fuel material for applications in reactors. The pellet has an elongated shape along an axis (z) and includes on an outer radial surface at least one privileged breaking area (R2) for promoting a breaking in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis (z). During a temperature rise of the pellet, the pellet is broken along the privileged breaking areas into several fragments having a smaller slenderness ratio than that of the entire pellet, which contributes to lessen the stresses on the sheath housing such pellets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: ELECTRICITE DE FRANCE
    Inventors: Jean-Christophe Couty, Pascal Esposito
  • Publication number: 20100140821
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for granulating and crystallizing thermoplastic polymers, the granules being contained in a liquid after granulation of a polymer melt and the granules being nucleated in the liquid once the pressure of the liquid is increased and the temperature of the liquid is increased, and the granules being crystallized in the liquid once the pressure of the liquid is again increased and the temperature of the liquid is again increased. According to the invention, the granules are removed from the liquid once the pressure and the temperature of the liquid containing the granules have been reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: AUTOMATIK PLASTICS MACHINERY GMBH
    Inventors: Andreas Doll, Frank Glöckner
  • Publication number: 20100119830
    Abstract: A process for producing odor-inhibiting water-absorbing polymer particles based on ethylenically unsaturated monomers bearing acid groups, wherein the acid groups have been neutralized to an extent of from 40 to 70 mol % and the polymer particles are coated with a condensed tannin and/or a hydrolyzable tannin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: BASF SE
    Inventors: Volker Braig, Thomas Daniel, Axel Jentzsch, Andreas Brockmeyer
  • Publication number: 20100117247
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing nitrate granules includes a first fluidized bed which is supplied with air that has been conditioned to a relative humidity of less than 30% at 40° C. and heated to a temperature of 40° C. to 100° C. One or more spray nozzles are provided for spraying a nitrate melt into the first fluidized bed to form nitrate granules. The apparatus also includes a second fluidized bed which is in direct communication with the first fluidized bed. Nitrate granules formed in the first fluidized bed flow directly to the second fluidized bed where they are cooled to a temperature of less than 60° C. The nitrate granules produced by the apparatus and process of the invention are spherical in shape, hard and dry and do not break down easily during handling. The apparatus according to the invention is compact, capable of very high product rates, and can be operated by one operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: Johannes Petrus Gysbert EYGELAAR
  • Patent number: 7712220
    Abstract: A method of a double starwheel unit in multiple rows with a multi-hole manner, an instrument and the like are disclosed. The double starwheel unit has a sleeve and two starwheel parallel-arranged and connecting the sleeve. The instrument has a plate-like assembly fixture and an orientation mechanism. The plate-like assembly fixture has a plurality of strip-like tools. The method combines the strip-like tools with the plate-like assembly fixture and a plurality of module holes, presses an exterior mold on the starwheel onto upper and lower surfaces of the plate-like assembly fixture, and injects a working fluid to shape the double starwheel units. The strip-like tools are engaged or disengaged by the orientation mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Sine San AIE Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shun-Sheng Cheng
  • Publication number: 20100111984
    Abstract: A method for forming microspheres containing bioactive material, comprising dissolving a polymer matrix, such as albumin or beta-cyclodextrin, in an aqueous medium in a first vessel; contacting the dissolved polymer matrix with a crosslinking agent, such as glutaraldehyde, to crosslink the polymer matrix and the crosslinking agent; neutralizing with sodium bisulfate any excess crosslinking agent remaining after crosslinking is substantially complete; solubilizing in a second vessel a bioactive material in an aqueous solution; mixing the solubilized bioactive material together with the neutralized crosslinked polymer matrix in solution to form a mixture; and, spray drying the mixture to produce nanospheres, whereby substantial bioactivity of the biomaterial is retained upon cellular uptake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: THE CORPORATION OF MERCER UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Martin J. D'Souza
  • Publication number: 20100109177
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for producing plastic granulate, having a granulator which breaks up essentially continuously conveyed plastic mass flow into granulate particles, the granulator (17, 40) comprising a cutting unit (21, 22; 32, 33, 34), whose cutting elements engage on the plastic mass flow when breaking up the plastic, and the device (1, 31) comprising at least one oscillation sensor (24, 25; 60, 61), using which oscillations occurring on the device (1, 31), in particular on the granulator (17, 40), may be detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventor: Frank Garbe
  • Patent number: 7708915
    Abstract: This invention is an improved process to formulate polymeric microspheres/nanospheres and encapsulate therapeutic proteins or other useful substances, and a polymer sphere apparatus. The invention is also methods of purifying protein-containing-polymeric-microspheres from unused polymer, and an apparatus therefore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Trevor P. Castor
  • Patent number: RE41995
    Abstract: There is provided a very thin light guide plate for a surface light source device and a method of manufacturing it without the use of high-precision molding machine. A surface light source device using this light guide plate generates outgoing light having high uniformity. According to the manufacturing method, a light guide plate free from a weld line or warp can be manufactured with good transferring characteristics. The light guide plate is thick on an incident surface 1 side and thin on a lower surface 4 side. At the central portion of an incident surface 1 in a longitudinal direction, a projecting portion obtained by cutting an overhang portion 7 at a position a distance D apart from the incident surface 1 is formed. The cut surface of the projecting portion is not made specular and is kept rough. In molding of the light guide plate, a molten material is supplied from the position of a gate mark 9.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Enplas Corporation
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Ishikawa, Hiroshi Yamazaki