Including Plural Sequential Reaction Stages Patents (Class 422/134)
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Patent number: 6835361Abstract: The present invention provides improved processes and apparatus for reacting high flow rates of one or more gaseous reactants in tubular reactors. The improved processes and apparatus allow such reactions to be carried out with a low pressure drop across the reactor and without excessive erosion due to solid particles carried with or picked up by the gaseous reactants. A process of this invention is basically comprised of the steps of swirling a gaseous reactant which may contain or pick up solid particles in a first annular plenum chamber followed by a second larger diameter annular plenum chamber and then introducing the gaseous reactant and solid particles into a reactor by way of two or more radial slots whereby said gaseous reactant and solid particles are caused to flow into said reactor and are uniformly distributed therein.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2001Date of Patent: December 28, 2004Assignee: Kerr-McGee Chemical LLCInventors: William A. Yuill, Charles A. Natalie
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Publication number: 20040254412Abstract: A process for the production of alkylbenzene includes introducing benzene and an olefin feed into a first alkylation reaction zone in the presence of a first alkylation catalyst under first alkylation reaction conditions to produce a first alkylation effluent containing alkylbenzene and a first alkylation overhead stream. The first alkylation overhead stream is separated into a liquid portion containing benzene and a vapor portion containing unconverted olefin and ethane. A major portion of the unconverted olefin in the vapor portion of the first alkylation overhead stream is absorbed into a de-ethanized aromatic lean oil stream containing benzene and alkylbenzene in an absorption zone to produce a rich oil stream containing olefins and at least some of the ethane.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2003Publication date: December 16, 2004Inventor: Stephen L. Pohl
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Patent number: 6828143Abstract: A modular reactor system and method for synthesizing nanoscale quantities of chemical compounds characterized by a continuous flow reactor under high pressure having uniform temperature throughout the reaction mixture. The apparatus includes a number of generic components such as pumps, flow channels, manifolds, flow restrictors, valves and at least one modular reactor, as small as one nanoliter in volume, where larger quantities can be produced by either using larger nanoscale sized units or adding parallel and serially disposed nanoscale reactor units.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 1996Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: Integrated Chemical Synthesizers, Inc.Inventor: Allen J. Bard
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Publication number: 20040230029Abstract: The present invention is a method of making amide and super plastics including the steps of dissolving hydrocarbon feed materials in a molten metal at temperatures above 400° C. and pressures above 400 kg/cm2; increasing the temperature to above 800° C. and the pressure to above 800 kg/cm2 such that the feed material polymerizes together as an amide plastic; separating the amide plastic from the molten metal; and cooling the amide plastic and extracting amide plastic. Preferably wherein the molten metal is tin and the hydrocarbon feed materials are selected from the group comprised of oil, natural gas, sulfides of; sodium, potassium, magnesium, and zinc, salts of; bromine and chlorine, coal oils, propane, nitrogen, oxygen, urea, and hydrocarbon containing refuse.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2003Publication date: November 18, 2004Inventor: Joseph Mathias
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Patent number: 6818183Abstract: An apparatus and method for carrying out and monitoring the progress and properties of multiple reactions is disclosed. The method and apparatus are especially useful for synthesizing, screening, and characterizing combinatorial libraries, but also offer significant advantages over conventional experimental reactors as well. The apparatus generally includes multiple vessels for containing reaction mixtures, and systems for controlling the stirring rate and temperature of individual reaction mixtures or groups of reaction mixtures. In addition, the apparatus may include provisions for independently controlling pressure in each vessel. In situ monitoring of individual reaction mixtures provides feedback for process controllers, and also provides data for determining reaction rates, product yields, and various properties of the reaction products, including viscosity and molecular weight.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2002Date of Patent: November 16, 2004Assignee: Symyx Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Damian A. Hajduk, Ralph B. Nielsen, Adam Safir, Leonid Matsiev, Eric McFarland, Paul Mansky
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Publication number: 20040225087Abstract: Apparatus for olefin polymerization includes a plurality of shell and tube olefin polymerization reactors, each of which has an olefin polymerization reaction mixture inlet connection and a crude polyolefin product outlet connection. Each reactor is equipped with a recirculation system including a pump arranged to circulate a reaction mixture through the tube side of the reactor independently of the introduction of olefin polymerization reaction mixture into the reactor. The apparatus also includes an inlet reaction mixture distribution manifold and an outlet polymerization reaction mixture collection manifold interconnecting the reactors for operation in parallel. The apparatus also includes catalyst composition and catalyst modifier inlets for each reactor arranged such that a catalyst modifier to may be introduced into each reactor at a rate which is independent of the introduction of catalyst composition.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2003Publication date: November 11, 2004Inventors: C. Edward Baxter, Daniel Herndon, James G. Wakeland, Russel E. Reid, Gilbert Valdez
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Patent number: 6800250Abstract: A polymer synthesizer is disclosed which has a base on which sits a synthesis case, a synthesis block, and a means of moving the synthesis block and supports for a reagent shelf. The synthesis case has a loading station, drain station, and a water tolerant reagent area and a water sensitive reagent dispensing area. The synthesis case has a cover, a first and a second side, a first and a second end, and a bottom side which contacts the base. The bottom side of the synthesis case has a top face in which there are tracks. A synthesis block moves back and forth in the synthesis case and has a top face and an opening in the top face for a synthesis plate with a plurality of wells. The synthesis block also has a collection area under the synthesis plate to drain spent reagents or optionally hold a sample plate. The polymer synthesizer also has a means of moving the synthesis block back and forth in the synthesis case, preferably a pulley, cable and motor.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2000Date of Patent: October 5, 2004Inventors: Scott P. Hunicke-Smith, Robert Guettler, Jimmy Tiansing Koh
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Patent number: 6790620Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for forming a reaction chamber having relatively small volumes. An apparatus comprises two elements and a mechanism for introducing a gas to form a movable aerodynamic seal between the elements. In this manner a chamber having a controllable interior environment is formed. One of the elements may have at least a portion of a device for dispensing reagents sealingly affixed therein. The other element may be adapted for introduction of a support into the interior of the chamber formed by the top and the bottom element. The apparatus may be used in methods for synthesizing biopolymers on a support.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2001Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Jay K. Bass, John F. McEntee, Tim J. Lazaruk, Maryam Mobed-Miremadi, Brent T. Tolosko
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Patent number: 6747107Abstract: Non-Newtonian fluids, such as partially polymerized monomers or solutions of polymer in monomer may be pressure atomized below the surface of an immiscible continuous liquid phase to produce a dispersed phase having a uniform particle size distribution. A dual or customized size distribution can be obtained by imposing a controlled pressure pulsation on a flowing fluid upstream the atomizer inlet. Such dispersion may be further polymerized to produce a uniform or customized bead size product.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Nova Chemical Inc.Inventors: Grazyna Petela, Karel Cornelis Bleijenberg, Jonathan O'Blenes, John Thomas Bressler
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Patent number: 6723826Abstract: An apparatus for continuously producing polybutylene terephthalate, which comprises a first reactor for reacting an aromatic dicarboxylic acid with a glycol, thereby producing an oligomer, a second reactor for polycondensating the oligomer, thereby preparing a low polymerization product, and a third reactor for further polycondensating the low polymerization product, thereby producing a high molecular weight polyester, where the second reactor is a vertical, cylindrical polymerization vessel having a plurality of concentrical partitioned reaction compartments therein, each of the reaction compartments being provided with stirring blades and a heater, and an outlet for volatile matters being provided at the upper part of the vessel. The second reactor contributes to efficient and continuous production of polybutylene terephthalate having a good quality.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2003Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Shuji Yamaguchi, Hidekazu Nakamoto, Susumu Harada, Norifumi Maeda
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Publication number: 20040034180Abstract: Non-Newtonian fluids, such as partially polymerized monomers or solutions of polymer in monomer may be pressure atomized below the surface of an immiscible continuous liquid phase to produce a dispersed phase having a uniform particle size distribution. A dual or customized size distribution can be obtained by imposing a controlled pressure pulsation on a flowing fluid upstream the atomizer inlet. Such dispersion may be further polymerized to produce a uniform or customized bead size product.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2002Publication date: February 19, 2004Applicant: NOVA Chemicals, Inc.Inventors: Grazyna Petela, Karel Cornelis Bleijenberg, Jonathan O'Blenes, John Thomas Bressler
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Patent number: 6670431Abstract: A process/apparatus is disclosed for continuously separating a liquid medium comprising diluent and unreacted monomers from a polymerization effluent comprising diluent, unreacted monomers and polymer solids, comprising a continuous discharge of the polymerization effluent from a slurry reactor through a discharge valve and transfer conduit into a first intermediate pressure flash tank with a conical bottom defined by substantially straight sides inclined at an angle to that of horizontal equal to or greater than the angle of slide of the slurry/polymer solids and an exit seal chamber of such diameter (d) and length (l) as to maintain a desired volume of concentrated polymer solids/slurry in the exit seal chamber such as to form a pressure seal while continuously discharging a plug flow of concentrated polymer solids/slurry bottom product of said first flash tank from the exit seal chamber through a seal chamber exit reducer with inclined sides defined by substantially straight sides inclined at an angle to tType: GrantFiled: February 27, 2003Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents, Inc.Inventors: James A. Kendrick, Thomas W. Towles, Scott Thomas Roger
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Patent number: 6660234Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparation of a substrate containing a plurality of sequences. Photoremovable groups are attached to a surface of a substrate. Selected regions of the substrate are exposed to light so as to activate the selected areas. A monomer, also containing a photoremovable group, is provided to the substrate to bind at the selected areas. The process is repeated using a variety of monomers such as amino acids until sequences of a desired length are obtained. Detection methods and apparatus are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2002Date of Patent: December 9, 2003Assignee: Affymetrix, Inc.Inventors: Luburt Stryer, Stephen P. A. Fodor, J. Leighton Read, Michael C. Pirrung
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Publication number: 20030198578Abstract: A multi-stage transport polymerization (“TP”) reactor useful for making a thin film for the fabrication of integrated circuits. One TP reactor has two distinct heating zones that facilitate the cracking of specific precursor materials. The multi-stage reactor comprises a first low temperature heating zone that heats incoming precursor materials to a temperature that is lower than the “cracking” temperature of the precursor. The second heating zone is maintained at a temperature useful for breaking the chemical bonds of a desired leaving groups in the selected precursor. Specialized heating bodies, which transfer heat to the precursor material in the low and high temperature zones, are used as elements of the invention that can simultaneously decrease the total volume and increase the inside surface area of the TP reactor. Chemistries of precursors used in the multi-stage reactor are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2002Publication date: October 23, 2003Applicant: DIELECTRIC SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Chung J. Lee, Oanh Nguyen, Atul Kumar, Jeff Wu, Michael Solomensky, James Yu Chung Chang, Binh Nguyen
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Patent number: 6630112Abstract: A process for carrying out a reaction on an organic feed, for example dimerization, co-dimerization, oligomerization or metathesis of olefins, as described in which the catalyst is a catalytic metal compound dissolved in a non-aqueous ionic medium which is not or is only slightly miscible with hydrocarbons. The reaction is carried out in a system comprising at least two treatment loops each comprising at least one reaction zone and at least one zone for separating the organic and polar phases between which the polar medium containing the catalytic metal compound, and the organic phase circulate. Fresh polar phase is injected into the second loop and used polar phase is eliminated from the first loop. The hydrocarbon to be transformed is injected into the first loop and the products are withdrawn from the second loop. The invention also concerns a unit for carrying out the process.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2001Date of Patent: October 7, 2003Assignee: Institut Français du PétroleInventors: Helene Olivier, Dominique Commereuc, Alain Forestiere, Francois Hugues
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Patent number: 6630358Abstract: Protein arrays for the parallel, in vitro screening of biomolecular activity are provided. Methods of using the protein arrays are also disclosed. On the arrays, a plurality of different proteins, such as different members of a single protein family, are immobilized on one or more organic thinfilms on the substrate surface. The protein arrays are particularly useful in drug development, proteomics, and clinical diagnostics.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2000Date of Patent: October 7, 2003Assignee: Zyomyx, IncorporatedInventors: Peter Wagner, Dana Ault-Riche, Steffen Nock, Christian Itin
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Publication number: 20030161765Abstract: A process/apparatus is disclosed for continuously separating a liquid medium comprising diluent and unreacted monomers from a polymerization effluent comprising diluent, unreacted monomers and polymer solids, comprising a continuous discharge of the polymerization effluent from a slurry reactor through a discharge valve and transfer conduit into a first intermediate pressure flash tank with a conical bottom defined by substantially straight sides inclined at an angle to that of horizontal equal to or greater than the angle of slide of the slurry/polymer solids and an exit seal chamber of such diameter (d) and length (l) as to maintain a desired volume of concentrated polymer solids/slurry in the exit seal chamber such as to form a pressure seal while continuously discharging a plug flow of concentrated polymer solids/slurry bottom product of the first flash tank from the exit seal chamber through a seal chamber exit reducer with inclined sides defined by substantially straight sides inclined at an angle to thType: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2002Publication date: August 28, 2003Inventors: James Austin Kendrick, Thomas W. Towles, Scott Thomas Roger
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Patent number: 6599981Abstract: This invention relates to a method for manufacturing an olefinic thermoplastic elastomer composition, characterized by disposing specific kneading segment at least at one place of the screw on the occasion of manufacturing an olefinic thermoplastic elastomer composition comprising a polyolefin resin and a crosslinked rubber by dynamic crosslinking with a twin screw extruder.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2001Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.Inventors: Yuichi Itoh, Akira Uchiyama
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Patent number: 6590062Abstract: An apparatus for continuously producing polybutylene terephthalate, which comprises a first reactor for reacting an aromatic dicarboxylic acid with a glycol, thereby producing an oligomer, a second reactor for polycondensating the oligomer, thereby preparing a low polymerization product, and a third reactor for further polycondensating the low polymerization product, thereby producing a high molecular weight polyester, where the second reactor is a vertical, cylindrical polymerization vessel having a plurality of concentrical partitioned reaction compartments therein, each of the reaction compartments being provided with stirring blades and a heater, and an outlet for volatile matters being provided at the upper part of the vessel. The second reactor contributes to efficient and continuous production of polybutylene terephthalate having a good quality.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2002Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Shuji Yamaguchi, Hidekazu Nakamoto, Susumu Harada, Norifumi Maeda
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Publication number: 20030113237Abstract: The present invention relates to polymer synthesizers and methods of using polymer synthesizers. For example, the present invention provides highly efficient, reliable, and safe synthesizers that find use, for example, in high throughput and automated nucleic acid synthesis. The present invention also relates to synthesizer arrays for efficient, safe, and automated processes for the production of large quantities of polymers.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2001Publication date: June 19, 2003Applicant: Third Wave Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Raymond F. Cracauer, Zbigniev Skrzypczynski, Ned D. Reimer
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Patent number: 6558633Abstract: Chemical reaction apparatus, materials and methods are provided for the automatable, efficient synthesis of chemical species and libraries. In accordance with preferred embodiments, chemical droplet generation and direction techniques are employed to prepare oligomers and libraries of chemical species. Reaction assemblies adapted for efficient synthetic employment and for improved collection are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 1994Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: ISIS Pharmaceuticals, Inc.Inventors: David J. Ecker, Oscar Acevedo, Normand Hebert, Peter W. Davis, Jacqueline R. Wyatt, John S. Kiely
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Patent number: 6548026Abstract: An apparatus and method for carrying out and monitoring the progress and properties of multiple reactions is disclosed. The method and apparatus are especially useful for synthesizing, screening, and characterizing combinatorial libraries, but also offer significant advantages over conventional experimental reactors as well. The apparatus generally includes multiple vessels for containing reaction mixtures, and systems for controlling the stirring rate and temperature of individual reaction mixtures or groups of reaction mixtures. In addition, the apparatus may include provisions for independently controlling pressure in each vessel. In situ monitoring of individual reaction mixtures provides feedback for process controllers, and also provides data for determining reaction rates, product yields, and various properties of the reaction products, including viscosity and molecular weight.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 1998Date of Patent: April 15, 2003Assignee: Symyx Technologies, Inc.Inventors: G. Cameron Dales, Johannes A. M. van Beek, Damian A. Hajduk, Ralph B. Nielsen, Paul Mansky
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Patent number: 6544481Abstract: Reaction mixtures which form polyurethane foamed material, with production conditions which are varied during production, e.g. variation of the proportion of foaming agent, variation of the ratio of reaction components, variation of the throughput, or fine adjustment, can be produced by employing an improved apparatus which comprises a depressurisation element (creamer) (10), wherein a perforated plate or sieve plate constructed as a first throttle plate (24), and a second perforated or sieve plate, which is constructed as a throttle plate (26, 27, 28) and which is disposed downstream thereof, are disposed in the creamer (10), wherein the spacing a between these two throttle plates (24, 26) can be varied during operation in accordance with the variable production conditions, and wherein a calming element (29) is disposed after the second throttle plate (26) in the direction of flow.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 1999Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Assignee: Hennecke GmbHInventors: Hans-Michael Sulzbach, Reiner Raffel, Florian Thiebes
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Publication number: 20030009070Abstract: A process for the double bond isomerization of an olefin, which process comprises contacting a feed comprising the olefin with an isomerization catalyst, wherein prior to contacting the feed with the isomerization catalyst one or more components of the feed are pretreated by contacting with a pretreating material which comprises a zeolite which has a pore size of at least 0.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2002Publication date: January 9, 2003Inventors: Michael Joseph Doll, Brendan Dermot Murray
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Publication number: 20020197190Abstract: Propene and, if desired, 1-butene are prepared byType: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2002Publication date: December 26, 2002Inventors: Peter Schwab, Boris Breitscheidel, Carsten Oost, Ralf Schulz, Michael Schulz
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Patent number: 6492483Abstract: The present invention discloses a continuous process and the associated system for upstaging liquid epoxy resins to produce resins with higher molecular weight. The process comprises passing continuously (i) a liquid epoxy resin having a first molecular weight, (ii) a catalyst and (iii) a compound having at least one active hydrogen or reactive functional group capable of reacting with the liquid epoxy resin in the presence of the catalyst, flow through one or more reaction chambers and under conditions effective to produce a stream comprising an upstaged epoxy resin product having a second molecular weight. The second molecular weight is higher than the first molecular weight.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1999Date of Patent: December 10, 2002Assignee: Resolution Performance Products LLCInventors: Simon Ming-Kung Li, Harry Frank, Rupert R. Dominguez
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Publication number: 20020183578Abstract: For the selective production of propylene from an olefinic C4 fraction, a process is implemented that successively comprises:Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2001Publication date: December 5, 2002Applicant: Institut Francais du PetroleInventors: Dominique Commereuc, Christine Travers
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Publication number: 20020182121Abstract: A process/apparatus is disclosed for continuously separating a liquid medium comprising diluent and unreacted monomers from a polymerization effluent comprising diluent, unreacted monomers and polymer solids, comprising a continuous discharge of the polymerization effluent from a slurry reactor through a discharge valve and transfer conduit into a first intermediate pressure flash tank with a conical bottom defined by substantially straight sides inclined at an angle to that of horizontal equal to or greater than the angle of slide of the slurry/polymer solids and an exit seal chamber of such diameter (d) and length (I) as to maintain a desired volume of concentrated polymer solids/slurry in the exit seal chamber such as to form a pressure seal while continuously discharging a plug flow of concentrated polymer solids/slurry bottom product of said first flash tank from the exit seal chamber through a seal chamber exit reducer with inclined sides defined by substantially straight sides inclined at an angle to tType: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2002Publication date: December 5, 2002Applicant: Exxon Chemical Patents, Inc.Inventor: James Austin Kendrick
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Patent number: 6488898Abstract: Provided with a process for preparing acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer by a continuous bulk or solution polymerization including the steps of: (a) separately feeding 70 to 90 parts by volume and 10 to 30 parts by volume based on the total input of a raw material monomer into first and second reactors from a raw material monomer storing section via two feeding sections, wherein an output is issued from the second reactor as much as the input at the same time, (b) polymerizing the mixture of the raw material monomers in each reactor for 1.5 to 2.5 hours at a reaction temperature of 130 to 160° C. and under the pressure of 1.5 to 4 kg/cm2 G to have conversion ratio of 80%; and (c) recycling part of the reaction solution from the first reactor to a separate mixer, mixing discharged solution from the second reactor and part of monomers directly supplied from one feeding section, and recycling the mixture to the first reactor.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2001Date of Patent: December 3, 2002Assignee: LG Chemical Ltd.Inventors: Hyung Sub Lee, Yun Chang Jang
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Patent number: 6476161Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and an apparatus of introducing polymer slurry obtained from a slurry reactor into a gas phase reactor containing a fluidized bed (C, D). According to the present invention, the content of the slurry reactor (R1) is conducted directly to the fluidized bed reactor (R2) as a multiphase stream comprising polymer, active catalyst and reaction medium using at least one feed line (10; 11; 12), and the stream is fed below a first fluidized zone (C) of the gas phase reactor via inlet pipe protruding into the fluidized bed in order to increase the once-through conversion of the process. By means of the invention, the amount of unreacted monomers which needs to be recirculated is minimized and investment and operation costs of the recovery section are greatly reduced.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2000Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Assignee: Borealis Technology OyInventors: Ali Harlin, Jouni Kivelä, Esa Korhonen, Henrik Andtsjö
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Patent number: 6469110Abstract: Described herein is a process and an apparatus for polymerizing propylene. The process comprises carrying out the polymerization in at least one slurry reactor and at least one gas phase reactor without recycling unreacted monomers to the slurry reactor. A polymerization product containing unreacted monomers is recovered from the slurry reactor and volatile components are separated from the product in a separation unit. The polymerization product is recovered from the separation unit and conducted to a first gas phase reactor; and at least a part of the volatile components a recovered from the separation unit and conducted them to a gas phase reactor. At least 10% of the polymer product is produced in the gas phase reactor(s). The invention provides propylene homopolymers and alloys of propylene homopolymers and copolymers having good impact and creep properties.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2000Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Assignee: Borealis Technology OyInventors: Ali Harlin, Kauno Alastalo, Jouni Kivelä, Esa Korhonen
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Patent number: 6461574Abstract: An apparatus for the polymerization of olefin monomers comprising means for forming a fluid stream containing catalyst, means for continuously feeding the fluid stream into an elongated polymerization reactor having at least two successive chambers separated by dividing plates having a diameter slightly smaller than that of the polymerization rector, means for feeding monomers, and an optional catalyst and donor into the polymerization reactor under temperature conditions to polymerize the olefin while maintaining a mixed flow in the chambers to polymerize the monomers and optional comonomer in the fluid, and means for removing the resultant polymer slurry from the polymerization reactor.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2001Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Assignee: Borealis A/SInventors: Esa Korhonen, Pauli Leskinen, Ward Mennes, Fred Bergmann
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Publication number: 20020139712Abstract: A method for the isomerization of a hydrocarbonic charge containing a substantial quantity of paraffin base hydrocarbons with 5 or 6 carbon atoms and a benzene content that is greater than or equal to 2% by weight, in which the charge to be treated passes, in the presence of hydrogen, at a total pressure greater than or equal to 10.105 Pa (10 bars) and at an average temperature ranging between 100 and 200° C., through at least one reactor (5) containing a catalyst. An adjunctive fluid is introduced in the upstream section of the reaction zone; a fluid that at 40° C. and under atmospheric pressure (1.0134.105 Pa), is in a gaseous phase and has a density that is less than or equal to that of the normal-pentane taken into account under the same conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2002Publication date: October 3, 2002Applicant: TOTAL RAFFINAGE DISTRIBUTION S.A.Inventors: Marc Fersing, Pedro Nascimento
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Patent number: 6458916Abstract: An apparatus for continuously producing polybutylene terephthalate, which comprises a first reactor for reacting an aromatic dicarboxylic acid with a glycol, thereby producing an oligomer, a second reactor for polycondensating the oligomer, thereby preparing a low polymerization product, and a third reactor for further polycondensating the low polymerization product, thereby producing a high molecular weight polyester, where the second reactor is a vertical, cylindrical polymerization vessel having a plurality of concentrical partitioned reaction compartments therein, each of the reaction compartments being provided with stirring blades and a heater, and an outlet for volatile matters being provided at the upper part of the vessel. The second reactor contributes to efficient and continuous production of polybutylene terephthalate having a good quality.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2001Date of Patent: October 1, 2002Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Shuji Yamaguchi, Hidekazu Nakamoto, Susumu Harada, Norifumi Maeda
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Patent number: 6441109Abstract: Continuous anionic polymerization and melt-spinning of a polycaprolactam includes forming a reaction mixture by bringing at least two streams of liquid caprolactam respectively containing a polymerization initiator and co-initiator into contact with one another, and then subjecting the reaction mixture to anionic polymerization reaction conditions to obtain a molten polycaprolactam. The molten polycaprolactam is the directly (i.e., without intermediate solidification) transferred to, and extruded through, a fiber-forming orifice of a spinneret to form a fiber thereof. One exemplary system to achieve such continuous anionic polymerization and melt-spinning of polycaprolactam includes a mixer for receiving and mixing at least two streams of liquid caprolactam respectively containing a polymerization initiator and co-initiator, and a reactor and melt-spinning apparatus downstream of the mixer.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1999Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: BASF CorporationInventors: Dominick A. Burlone, Matthew B. Hoyt, Charles F. Helms, Jr., John A. Hodan, Richard Kotek, Carol W. Morgan, Randall A. Sferrazza, Fang A. Wang, Otto M. Ilg, Terry D. Roberts, Ronald G. Morrow
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Patent number: 6419883Abstract: The present invention relates to microdroplets of a solution comprising a solvent having a boiling point of 150° C. or above, a surface tension of 30 dynes/cm or above, and a viscosity of 0.015 g/(cm)(sec). Such microdroplets are useful for the synthesis of chemical species, particularly biopolymers such as oligonucleotides and peptides, as well as arrays of chemical species. Preferably, the solvent has the formula (I): wherein A=O or S; X=O, S or N (C1-C4 alkyl) Y=O, S, N(C1-C4 alkyl) or CH2; and R=C1-C20 straight or branched chain alkyl.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 1998Date of Patent: July 16, 2002Assignee: University of WashingtonInventor: Alan P. Blanchard
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Publication number: 20020081582Abstract: This invention provides method and apparatus for performing chemical and biochemical reactions in solution using in situ generated photo-products as reagent or co-reagent. Specifically, the method and apparatus of the present invention have applications in parallel synthesis of molecular sequence arrays on solid surfaces.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 1999Publication date: June 27, 2002Inventors: XIAOLIAN GAO, XIAOCHUAN ZHOU, ERDOGAN GULARI
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Patent number: 6395559Abstract: A method for single well addressability in a sample processor with row and column feeds. A sample processor or chip has a matrix of reservoirs or wells arranged in columns and rows. Pressure or electrical pumping is utilized to fill the wells with materials. In a preferred embodiment, single well addressability is achieved by deprotecting a single column (row) and coupling each transverse row (column) independently. After the coupling step, the next column (row) is deprotected and then coupling via rows (columns) is performed. Each well can have a unique coupling event. In other embodiments, the chemical events could include, for example, oxidation, reduction or cell lysis.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 1999Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Assignee: Orchid BioSciences, Inc.Inventor: Rolf E. Swenson
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Patent number: 6380367Abstract: A continuous process for the formation of sucrose based polyols is disclosed. The process comprises the steps of continuously forming an aqueous sucrose solution which is continuously combined with a catalyst and an alkylene oxide and flowed through a first spiral reaction tube. The alkylene oxide substantially completely reacting with the aqueous sucrose solution occurs to form a pre-polymer reaction product in the first spiral reaction tube. The pre-polymer reaction product is continuously flowed from the first reaction tube and unreacted water from the pre-polymer reaction product is removed. The water stripped pre-polymer reaction product is continuously flowed through a second spiral reaction tube and additional alkylene oxide is continuously added to the second spiral reaction tube. The alkylene oxide reacts with the pre-polymer reaction product in the second spiral reaction tube to form a polyol.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 1999Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: BASF CorporationInventors: Werner Hinz, Edward Michael Dexheimer
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Patent number: 6375903Abstract: The synthesis of arrays of DNA probes sequences, polypeptides, and the like is carried out using a patterning process on an active surface of a substrate. An image is projected onto the active surface of the substrate utilizing an image former that includes a light source that provides light to a micromirror device comprising an array of electronically addressable micromirrors, each of which can be selectively tilted between one of at least two positions. Projection optics receives the light reflected from the micromirrors along an optical axis and precisely images the micromirrors onto the active surface of the substrate, which may be used to activate the surface of the substrate. The first level of bases may then be applied to the substrate, followed by development steps, and subsequent exposure of the substrate utilizing a different pattern of micromirrors, with further repeats until the elements of a two dimensional array on the substrate surface have an appropriate base bound thereto.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 1999Date of Patent: April 23, 2002Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research FoundationInventors: Francesco Cerrina, Michael R. Sussman, Frederick R. Blattner, Sangeet Singh-Gasson, Roland Green
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Patent number: 6358482Abstract: A facility for converting an olefinic C4 cut to isobutene and propylene comprising, in succession: 1) a zone 1 for selective hydrogenation of olefins in the olefinic C4 cut with simultaneous isomerisation of butene-1 to butene-2, said zone comprising at least one device for introducing the olefinic C4 cut to be converted, at least one device for removing an effluent, and at least one device for introducing hydrogen, said zone also comprising at least one catalyst bed; 2) a separation zone, comprising at least one device for introducing the effluent from zone 1 directly connected to said at least one device for removing an effluent, at least one device for removing a first fraction comprising isobutene and butene-1, and at least one device for removing a second fraction comprising butene-2 and n-butane, wherein the second fraction comprises at most 1% by weight of isobutene and at most 1% by weight of butene-1; 3) a metathesis zone for metathesis of butene-2 with ethylene to produce propylene, wherein the mType: GrantFiled: March 7, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Institut Francais du PetroleInventors: Jean Alain Chodorge, Dominique Commereuc, Jean Cosyns
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Patent number: 6346423Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for producing arrays of polymeric binding agents. In the subject methods, the individual polymers of the array are synthesized using solid phase synthesis techniques on the surface of a substrate. A critical feature of the invention is that one or more locations on the substrate surface are spatially and temporally protected by a protective bubble during the synthesis protocol, where the protective bubble may be produced using any convenient bubble producing means. The bubble producing means may be a component of either a substrate or a structure separate from the substrate. Also provided are the arrays produced by the subject methods, kits for use in practicing the subject methods, and methods of using the arrays in analyte detection assays, including hybridization assays, such as gene discovery, differential gene expression and gene sequencing assays.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 1999Date of Patent: February 12, 2002Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Carol T. Schembri
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Patent number: 6334980Abstract: Miniaturized, self-contained apparatus for conducting bio-chemical reactions and analyses is formed in a compact structure comprising a substrate which includes a plurality of reaction chambers and a plurality of analysis chambers which are in fluid communication with the reaction chambers. Independently controllable heaters and coolers are positioned in thermal contact with the reaction chambers to permit parallel processing of biological samples at different temperature cycles. The apparatus is especially useful for performing and analyzing the results of a polymerase chain reaction.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 1998Date of Patent: January 1, 2002Assignee: Microfab Technologies Inc.Inventors: Donald J. Hayes, David B. Wallace, Christopher J. Frederickson
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Patent number: 6329210Abstract: A scalable synthesis apparatus capable of rapid and efficient oligo synthesis. The apparatus includes a combination of dispensing elements, synthesis elements, and waste removal elements. More specifically, the synthesis elements are, in the preferred embodiment, a series of well-like synthesis locations on a continuous strip, where the strip is moving serially from one dispensing location to the next, and waste from each step is evacuated a vacuum egress element, until an entire oligo has been synthesized. Serial oligo synthesis increases the per hour productivity dramatically over batch synthesis apparatus currently used. The number of dispensing locations can be increased or decreased so that oligos of longer or shorter lengths may be synthesized. Moreover, a tremendous reduction of wasted reagents and oligo surplusage by providing serial synthesis.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1999Date of Patent: December 11, 2001Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Arthur Schleifer
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Patent number: 6326442Abstract: The present invention provides a method for substantially continuously polymerizing olefins comprising: introducing into a first reaction zone a fresh olefin polymerization catalyst; contacting said fresh olefin polymerization catalyst in said first reaction zone with a first vent mixture at a first feed rate and under conditions sufficient to form and avoid melting a polyolefin, wherein first vent mixture comprises unreacted olefins and a diluent vented from a second reaction zone; withdrawing a vent product of unreacted olefins and diluent from said first reaction zone; withdrawing from said first reaction zone a first product mixture comprising said catalyst and said polyolefin; passing said first product mixture to said second reaction zone; contacting said first product mixture in said second reaction zone with a second vent mixture at a second feed rate and under conditions sufficient to form and avoid melting said polyolefin, wherein said second vent mixture comprises a material selected from the groupType: GrantFiled: May 15, 2000Date of Patent: December 4, 2001Assignee: Exxon Mobil Chemical, Inc.Inventors: Russell John Koveal, James John McAlpin, Jeffrey Lawrence Brinen
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Patent number: 6319999Abstract: For the semi-continuous production polyadducts of alkylene oxide by an addition reaction of alkylene oxide on a chain initiator having at least one active hydrogen, there is provided a reactor (1) constituted by a cylindrical body with two diameters, the upper part being of larger diameter than the lower part, heat-exchange means (2) and recycling ducts (13, 15) for the recycling of the reaction mixture from the bottom to the head of the reactor in order to obtain the final desired product, thereby enabling the production to be carried out with greater flexibility and reduced down times.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 1999Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Assignee: Linde AktiengesellschaftInventor: Pasquale Fanelli
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Patent number: 6309608Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the semi-automated synthesis of libraries of organic compounds are disclosed. More specifically, the present invention comprises multi-vessel reaction blocks, accessory components, and complementary workstations designed to facilitate the semi-automated production of libraries of chemical compounds by combinatorial and parallel synthesis techniques. The invention is particularly well suited to the conduct of solid-phase or solution-phase parallel syntheses of single compounds and compound mixtures in a high-throughput manner.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1999Date of Patent: October 30, 2001Inventors: Peng Zhou, Stephen Matson
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Publication number: 20010031226Abstract: An apparatus for the polymerization ofolefin monomers comprising means for forming a fluid stream containing catalyst, means for continuously feeding the fluid stream into an elongated polymerization reactor having at least two successive chambers separated by dividing plates having a diameter slightly smaller than that of the polymerization rector, means for feeding monomers, and an optional catalyst and donor into the polymerization reactor under temperature conditions to polymerize the olefin while maintaining a mixed flow in the chambers to polymerize the monomers and optional comonomer in the fluid, and means for removing the resultant polymer slurry from the polymerization reactor.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2001Publication date: October 18, 2001Inventors: Esa Korhonen, Pauli Leskinen, Ward Mennes, Fred Bergmann
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Patent number: 6290915Abstract: An apparatus and its use for chemical synthesis is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a solid support input and a plurality of reagent inputs, wherein each input is connectable to a main fluid pathway via a respective switchable valve. The apparatus further comprises a reaction chamber that is fluidly connectable to the main fluid pathway by a respective switchable valve downstream of the inputs, and that includes an outlet downstream of a barrier that prevents passage of solid support but allows passage of unbound molecules.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Kalibrant LimitedInventors: Derek Adeyemi Palmer, Martin Thomas French
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Patent number: RE37932Abstract: A supermicrocellular foamed material and a method for producing such material, the material to be foamed such as a polymerplastic material, having a supercritical fluid, such as carbon dioxide in its supercritical state, introduced into the material to form a foamed fluid/material system having a plurality of cells distributed substantially throughout the material. Cell densities lying in a range from about 109 to about 1015 per cubic centimeter of the material can be achieved with the average cell sizes being at least less than 2.0 microns and preferably in a range from about 0.1 micron to about 1.0 micron.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 1996Date of Patent: December 10, 2002Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Daniel F. Baldwin, Nam P. Suh, Chul B. Park, Sung W. Cha