Cellular Product Derived From A -c-c(=x)-x Containing Reactant Wherein X Is A Chalcogen Atom, E.g., Phthalic Acid, Etc. Patents (Class 521/182)
  • Patent number: 5726279
    Abstract: In a process for the preparation of poly-o-hydroxyamides and poly-o-mercaptoamides, a bis-o-aminophenol or a bis-o-aminothiophenol is reacted with a dicarboxylic acid derivative of the following structure: ##STR1## with D=O, S, or NH and where R* is the parent body of the dicarboxylic acid and the groups R.sup.1 through R.sup.4 are H, F, CH.sub.3, or CF.sub.3 (with a maximum of two CH.sub.3 or CF.sub.3 groups).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Recai Sezi, Hellmut Ahne
  • Patent number: 5723510
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a thermoplastic polyester foam sheet comprises forming a roll by overlapping a thermoplastic polyester sheet and a separator on each other and rolling them, impregnating an inert gas into the thermoplastic polyester sheet while the roll is kept in a pressurized inert gas atmosphere, and foaming the thermoplastic polyester sheet by heating it under atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Kabumoto, Naoki Yoshida, Masayasu Ito, Mitsunori Okada
  • Patent number: 5703147
    Abstract: A low density, high temperature resistant insulation material that is very thermally efficient, is easily moldable and is unaffected by water. The insulation material is especially suitable for use in aviation, aerospace and automotive applications. The insulation material contains inorganic fiber; inorganic binder; hydrophilic particulate inorganic material; hydrophobic particulate inorganic material; polymer; and preferably a setting agent and an opacifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Schuller International, Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip Charles Martin, Monroe W. Shumate, William Michael Gregg
  • Patent number: 5698308
    Abstract: Disclosed is a polyester film for use of a laminate with a metal plate comprising a polyester=group resin containing a white pigment having a mean particle diameter of 0.01 to 1.8 .mu.m at a content of 10 to 30% by weight. The film has (a) a void ratio of 4 to 30%, (b) a melting peak temperature of 150.degree. to 245.degree. C., (c) an amount of oligomer of not more than 3% by weight and (d) an orientation degree of 0.7 to 4.0. When the film is laminated on a metal, it can indicate excellent light interruptive property, lamination property, forming property and processing property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Takashi Sumiya, Iwao Tanaka, Kunio Shibatsuji, Hirokazu Kurome, Seiya Sugiura, Wataru Ooe
  • Patent number: 5684061
    Abstract: A bone inducing material comprising a piezoelectric porous membrane having through-holes of an average pore size of about 0.1 to 5 .mu.m is disclosed. When the bone inducing material according to the present invention is used, bone is rapidly regenerated, and new formation of bone occurs. The bone inducing material is particularly useful in the dental field, for example, for treatment of periodontal diseases by GTR method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignees: Kureha Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., Yasunari Uchida, Toshiyuki Ohnishi
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Ohnishi, Nobuhiro Moriyama
  • Patent number: 5684055
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the semi-continuous production of microcellular foam articles. In a preferred embodiment, a roll of polymer sheet is provided with a gas channelling means interleaved between the layers of polymer. The roll is exposed to a non-reacting gas at elevated pressure for a period of time sufficient to achieve a desired concentration of gas within the polymer. The saturated polymer sheet is then separated from the gas channelling means and bubble nucleation and growth is initiated by heating the polymer sheet. After foaming, bubble nucleation and growth is quenched by cooling the foamed polymer sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: University of Washington
    Inventors: Vipin Kumar, Henry G. Schirmer
  • Patent number: 5681865
    Abstract: Low density PET foam is extruded by heating PET resin above the crystalline melt point to melt the resin, combining Heptane as the blowing agent with the PET resin to create a mixture, cooling the mixture to a temperature of less than 538.degree. K., and extruding the foam through a die. The Heptane is about 0.5-5% by weight of the mixture, and preferably about 1-3%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Genpak Corporation
    Inventor: Walter R. Harfmann
  • Patent number: 5677355
    Abstract: A polymeric foam with continuous, open-cell pores containing living cells suitable for medical applications and methods for preparing these foams. The microporous foams are of controlled pore size that may be utilized in a variety of applications. In general, the foams are characterized in that the pores are continuous and open-celled. In preparing the foams, an organic polymer is melted and combined with a selected solid crystalline fugitive compound, that melts above about 25.degree. C. and/or that sublimates at above about 25.degree. C. or can be extracted, to produce a substantially isotropic solution. The solution is cooled under controlled conditions to produce a foam precursor containing the solidified fugitive composition dispersed through a matrix of the organic polymer. Crystals of fugitive composition are then removed by solvent extraction and/or sublimation, or a like process to produce microcellular foams having a continuous, open-cell structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Shalaby W. Shalaby, Susan L. Roweton
  • Patent number: 5665786
    Abstract: Expanded articles have a compressible and resilient body including two biodegradable components. One component preferably is starch or a modified starch. Another component is a water insoluble, synthetic polymer, preferably a hydroxy-functional polyester. The article may be thermoformed, and has exterior surfaces with substantial resistance to moisture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Bradley University
    Inventors: Wayne Xu, William M. Doane
  • Patent number: 5661193
    Abstract: A branched random aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters suitable for foaming has increased melt viscosity and melt strength during extrusion and comprises repeating units of:[-{(O--R.sup.1 --O).sub.a --(CO--R.sup.2 --CO).sub.b }-{(O--R.sup.3 --O).sub.c --(CO--Ar--CO).sub.d }-](BA).sub.x.The mole percent of the acid components and diol components are each based on 100 mole percent. The aliphatic acid residue, --CO--R.sup.2 --CO--, is present in an amount b ranging from 30 to 95 percent and the aromatic acid residue, --CO--Ar--CO--, is present in an amount d ranging from 5 to 70 percent. The diol residues, --O--R.sup.1 --O-- and --O--R.sup.3 --O--, are present in an amount a of 0 to 100 mol percent and in an amount c of 100 to 0 mol percent, respectively. The branching agent, BA, is present in an amount x of 0.01 to 10 weight percent based on the total weight of acid residues, diol residues and branching agent. A foamed article of the branched random aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventor: Kishan Chand Khemani
  • Patent number: 5652276
    Abstract: A foaming resin composition consisting essentially of (A) an organic compound having a carbon-carbon double bond, (B) a compound having an SiH group, and (C) a compound having an OH group is foamed and cured at room temperature or under heat at relatively low temperatures, to obtain hard, semi-hard or soft plastic foam having good weather resistance and good compatibility with coating compositions and adhesives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: Kanegafuchi Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ando, Kensuke Kondo, Naoaki Nakanishi, Hiroshi Ito, Shigeki Hamaguchi, Kazuya Yonezawa
  • Patent number: 5618855
    Abstract: The present invention relates to biodegradable PHA copolymers comprising at least two randomly repeating monomer units. The present invention further relates to a plastic article comprising a biodegradable copolymer, wherein the biodegradable copolymer comprises at least two randomly repeating monomer units (RRMU) wherein the first RRMU has the structure ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is H, or C.sub.1 or C.sub.2 alkyl, and n is 1 or 2; the second RRMU has the structure ##STR2## wherein R.sup.2 is a C.sub.4 -C.sub.19 alkyl or alkenyl; and wherein at least 50% of the RRMUs have the structure of the first RRMU. The present invention further relates to an absorbent article comprising a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet comprising a film comprising a PHA of the present invention and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Isao Noda
  • Patent number: 5605937
    Abstract: A continuous process for making moldable foam beads comprising a non-crosslinked or crosslinked thermoplastic polymer foam are produced by mixing a composition comprising a non-crosslinkable or crosslinkable thermoplastic polymer or a thermoplastic polymer with a crosslinking agent, additives to achieve specific properties, a blowing agent, extruding the admixture under pressure, crosslinking, when applicable, the admixture under pressure, modulating the admixtures temperature to achieve the desired foaming properties, and then expanding the admixture in a zone of lower pressure to form a foam bead that can be molded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Inventor: Dennis A. Knaus
  • Patent number: 5591518
    Abstract: Disclosed is a polyester film for use of a laminate with a metal plate comprising a polyester-group resin containing a white pigment having a mean particle diameter of 0.01 to 1.8 .mu.m at a content of 10 to 30% by weight. The film has (a) a void ratio of 4 to 30%, (b) a melting peak temperature of 150.degree. to 245.degree. C., (c) an amount of oligomer of not more than 3% by weight and (d) an orientation degree of 0.7 to 4.0. When the film is laminated on a metal, it can indicate excellent light interruptive property, lamination property, forming property and processing property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Takashi Sumiya, Iwao Tanaka, Kunio Shibatsuji, Hirokazu Kurome, Seiya Sugiura, Wataru Ooe
  • Patent number: 5589519
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a lightly crosslinked polyolefin foam and articles made therefrom is disclosed. According to the method, a polyolefin resin is lightly crosslinked, mixed with a blowing agent, forwarded as a molten gel admixture through an extruder, cooled, and expelled from a die into a zone of lower pressure, e.g., the atmosphere or a controlled pressure zone, to produce a uniform fine celled expanded shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Inventor: Dennis A. Knaus
  • Patent number: 5571847
    Abstract: Disclosed is a compatibilized carbon black useful in melt processing of plastic material. The carbon black is coated with a compatibilizing agent which enhances the dispersibility of the carbon black in a melt of the plastic material. Further disclosed are processes for making plastic foam structures with the compatibilized carbon black.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Martin K. Hitchcock, Kyung W. Suh, Arnold M. Bartz, Andrew N. Paquet, William G. Stobby
  • Patent number: 5567511
    Abstract: A label for containers comprises a foamed polyester film that has a density of less than 1 g/cm.sup.3. The foamed polyester film may be blown away in air and then floated away in water during the recycle process for containers. After separation from the containers the foamed polyester film may be reclaimed by a chemical process to recover raw materials for polyesters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Wayne K. Shih, Robert J. Turney
  • Patent number: 5567741
    Abstract: A storage stable anaerobic composition which does not require constant aeration with a viscosity between 50,000 to 5,000,000 mPa.s and a volume expansion of between about 1 to 20% due to the creation within the composition by aeration of stable, uniform, microcellular foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Loctite (Ireland) Limited
    Inventors: T. Eisirt Casey, Peter J. Nevin
  • Patent number: 5556895
    Abstract: Disclosed are degradable materials including molded products, laminates, foams, nonwoven materials, adhesives, coatings and films, and particularly packaging films. The materials are made using polydioxaneone polymers comprising at least two different dioxaneone-based repeating units. Preferred polymers are polydioxanediones. First repeating units have less carbon atoms in constituent groups extending from the polymer backbone than second repeating units. Physical characteristics and degradation of the materials can be varied by varying the choice and/or relative proportions of first and second repeating units in the poldioxaneone polymers. Methods for preparing polydioxaneone polymers that can be used in the manufacture of the materials are also discussed, as are suitable monomers and methods for preparing such monomers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: Ecopol LLC
    Inventors: Edward S. Lipinsky, Richard G. Sinclair, James D. Browning, Alex Cheung, Kevin H. Schilling, Dan W. Verser
  • Patent number: 5519066
    Abstract: Disclosed are branched polyester compositions having an I.V. of at least about 0.7 dl/g and a melt viscosity sufficiently high to permit foaming during extrusion or molding operations. These branched polyesters are readily foamable with a wide range of foaming agents to provide low density shaped articles, films, and sheets. The branched polyesters comprise about 80 to about 99.9 wt % of a polyester and about 0.1 to about 20 wt % of an ethylene copolymer containing repeat units of ethylene and of a monomer selected from the group comprising acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, alkyl acrylate, alkyl methacrylate and vinyl alcohol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Richard L. McConnell, Kishan C. Khemani
  • Patent number: 5514726
    Abstract: Polymeric foams with novel chemical compositions are prepared by the condensation of specially-synthesized precursors, which contain (in addition to carbon and hydrogen) one or more of the following elements: oxygen, fluorine, nitrogen (in structures with stable chemical bonds), silicon, boron, phosphorus (in high oxidation states), and certain metals (and/or their oxides and hydroxides). Upon mixing in the proper proportions and/or heating these precursors react rapidly to generate polymeric networks, consisting of heterocyclic crosslink centers, connected with heterochain segments; hydrogen is largely eliminated or replaced by fluorine. These structures possess inherent nonflammability and high thermoxidative stability. Foaming is effected by the gaseous by-products of the condensation reactions, as well as by the addition of foaming agents. The resulting foam products can be formulated to have a wide range of densities and flexibilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Inventors: Gus Nichols, C. D. Armeniades
  • Patent number: 5508316
    Abstract: There are disclosed a resin composition capable of exhibiting a high melt viscoelasticity comprising 100 parts by weight of an aromatic copolyester resin which contains a branching component unit having at least three ester-forming groups in the ratio of 0.01 to 5 moles per 100 moles in total of aromatic dicarboxylic acid units and which has a limiting viscosity of 0.4 to 1.0 dl/g, and 0.05 to 5 parts by weight of a compound having at least two acid anhydride groups in its molecule, and an aromatic polyester resin foamed body produced therefrom and a process for producing the foamed body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Kanegafuchi Kagaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaaki Nakamura, Kenji Mogami, Tadashi Koyama, Tomomi Nakashima, Akiyoshi Somemiya
  • Patent number: 5488074
    Abstract: The invention relates to polyetheresterols obtained by condensation of a polyfunctional carboxylic acid with an alcohol component, wherein the alcohol component comprises a mixture of alkanediols and etherdiols of the formula ##STR1## where m=1 to 3n.gtoreq.3 andR.sup.I, R.sup.II, R.sup.III and R.sup.IV are identical or different and, independently of one another, are hydrogen or C.sub.1 - to C.sub.4 -alkyl,and the ratio between ether and ester groups in the polyetheresterol is in the range from 0.3:1 to 1.5:1, which are suitable, in particular, for the preparation of polyurethanes having reduced fogging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: BASF Schwarzheide GmbH
    Inventors: Gerd Mueller-Hagen, Horst Heinrich, Baerbel Meyer
  • Patent number: 5478868
    Abstract: This invention includes a process for preparing a solid state polymerized poly(ethylene naphthalate) or PEN polymer comprising: (1) preparing a molten PEN polymer with an intrinsic viscosity of from about 0.25 dl/g to about 0.55 dl/g, (2) dispersing an inert gas into the molten PEN polymer to form a foamed PEN polymer with a void fraction of from about 0.10 to about 0.50, (3) forming the foamed PEN polymer into granules, (4) devolatilizing the granular PEN polymer at a temperature of from about 80.degree. C. to about 140.degree. C., (5) crystallizing the devolatilized PEN polymer at a temperature of from about 150.degree. C. to about 260.degree. C., and (6) solid state polymerizing the crystallized PEN polymer at a temperature of from about 235.degree. C. to about 265.degree. C. to form a solid state polymerized PEN product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Ben Duh
  • Patent number: 5475037
    Abstract: A low density foam having a density less than 15 pounds per cubic foot (240 kg/m.sup.3) is formed from an amorphous polyethylene terephthalate polymer. An expandable resin composition is also disclosed, comprising an amorphous polyethylene terephthalate polymer and a blowing agent mixture comprising a low permeability blowing agent and a high solubility blowing agent. Unexpanded and partially expanded foam particles, impregnated with the blowing agent mixture are disclosed. Numerous methods are disclosed for producing lightweight foams from amorphous polyethylene terephthalate polymers. One such method utilizes an Accumulating Extrusion Expansion System which avoids problems experienced with the prior art when attempting to extrusion expand polyesters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Chung P. Park, Gerald A. Garcia, Roby G. Watson
  • Patent number: 5470637
    Abstract: A thermoplastic polyester composition suited for preparing a film or fiber having excellent abrasion resistance, as well as a biaxially oriented polyester film consisting essentially of the polyester composition are disclosed. The thermoplastic polyester according to the present invention is characterized by comprising a thermoplastic polyester (A) and zirconium oxide particles (B) having monoclinic and/or tetragonal crystal structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jun Sakamoto, Minoru Yoshida, Masatoshi Aoyama, Masaru Suzuki, Yukari Nakamori, Iwao Okazaki, Koichi Abe
  • Patent number: 5462973
    Abstract: A method for separating co-mingled polymeric materials, in particular polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is described. The process involves selectively dissolving a supercritical fluid into one of the materials at the appropriate temperature and pressure. Upon rapid reduction of the system pressure, the selected material foams providing a change in density. Under ambient conditions, the polymeric materials having a large density difference can be separated by means of aqueous separation and flotation. The preferred supercritical fluid for the process is carbon dioxide, and PVC is the material into which the supercritical fluid is preferentially dissolved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Hoechst Celanese Corporation
    Inventors: George A. Serad, Theodore S. Thornburg
  • Patent number: 5449701
    Abstract: This invention includes a process for preparing a solid state polymerized poly(ethylene naphthalate)or PEN polymer comprising: (1) preparing a molten PEN polymer with an intrinsic viscosity of from about 0.25 dl/g to about 0.55 dl/g, (2) dispersing an inert gas into the molten PEN polymer to form a foamed PEN polymer with a void fraction of from about 0.10 to about 0.50, (3) forming the foamed PEN polymer into granules, (4) devolatilizing the granular PEN polymer at a temperature of from about 80.degree. C. to about 140.degree. C., (5) crystallizing the devolatilized PEN polymer at a temperature of from about 150.degree. C. to about 260.degree. C., and (6) solid state polymerizing the crystallized PEN polymer at a temperature of from about 235.degree. C. to about 265.degree. C. to form a solid state polymerized PEN product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Ben Duh
  • Patent number: 5447962
    Abstract: Foams comprising innumerable cells dispersed in thermoplastic polymer compositions substantially consisting of polylactic acid or a copolymer of lactic acid and hydroxycarboxylic acid and having degradable characteristics in the natural environment.The foams can be used for containers such as food trays and throw away cups comprising molded sheet foam of a thermoplastic and degradable polymer or heat insulating materials and cushioning materials comprising bulk foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Assignee: Mitsui Toatsu Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Masanobu Ajioka, Katashi Enomoto, Akihiro Yamaguchi, Kazuhiko Suzuki, Takayuki Watanabe, Yasuhiro Kitahara
  • Patent number: 5422377
    Abstract: A process for producing thin microporous polymeric films for a variety of uses. The process utilizes a dense gas (liquified gas or supercritical fluid) selected to combine with a solvent-containing polymeric film so that the solvent is dissolved in the dense gas, the polymer is substantially insoluble in the dense gas, and two phases are formed. A microporous film is obtained by removal of a dense gas-solvent phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventor: James H. Aubert
  • Patent number: 5422381
    Abstract: A foamed cellular material from polyester resins is obtained by extrusion foaming of polyester resins having melt strength higher than 8 centinewton, intrinsic viscosity greater than 0.8 dl/g and complex melt viscosity higher than 25,000 poises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: M. & G. Richerche S.p.A.
    Inventors: Hussain A. K. Al Ghatta, Tonino Severini, Luca Astarita
  • Patent number: 5407966
    Abstract: The present invention relates to thermoplastic foams in which .beta.-ketocarboxylic acids, .beta.-ketocarboxylic acid esters or tert.-butyl esters of organic acids are used as the foaming agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: Bayer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Wolfgang Ebert, Wolfgang Beer, Burkhard Kohler, Jurgen Kirsch, Rolf Dhein, Klaus Horn
  • Patent number: 5405887
    Abstract: A breathable, hydrolyzable, porous film having long-term stability in mechanical properties which is obtained by the process comprising adding from 40 to 250 parts by weight of a finely-powdered filler having an average particle size of from 0.3 to 4 .mu.m to 100 parts by weight of a polylactic acid-based resin composition comprising from 80 to 95% by weight of polylactic acid or a lactic acid-hydroxycarboxylic acid copolymer and from 5 to 20% by weight of a plasticizer comprising a citric acid ester, melting and film-forming the resultant mixture, and successively stretching the thus-obtained film 1.1 times or more at least in the direction of the axis; and which is consequently useful as a material for leakproof films of sanitary materials such as a paper diaper and packaging materials, and does not accumulate as wastes because of hydrolyzability in the natural environment in the case of being abandoned after use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Assignee: Mitsui Toatsu Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenji Morita, Kohichi Uchiki, Hosei Shinoda
  • Patent number: 5399595
    Abstract: Disclosed are foamable copolyester compositions containing 0.5 to 5.0 mole percent of a dicarboxylic acid sulfomonomer which contains at least one metal sulfonate group attached to an aromatic nucleus. These copolyesters possess high melt viscosity and are readily foamable with a wide range of foaming agents to provide low density shaped articles, films, and sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Bobby J. Sublett, Richard L. McConnell
  • Patent number: 5397807
    Abstract: Disclosed is a compatibilized carbon black useful in melt processing of plastic material. The carbon black is coated with a compatibilizing agent which enhances the dispersibility of the carbon black in a melt of the plastic material. Further disclosed are processes for making plastic foam structures with the compatibilized carbon black.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Martin K. Hitchcock, Kyung W. Suh, Arnold M. Bartz, Andrew N. Paquet, William G. Stobby
  • Patent number: 5397572
    Abstract: Resorbable materials and their preparation based on gelling a solution of a single polylactide enantiomer. The gel may be dried to produce solid materials, or may be extracted with a nonsolvent prior to drying to make microporous materials. Physical and mechanical properties of the material may be varied by varying the molecular weight of the gelling polymer, or by blending the gelling solution with other polymers or fillers. The resorbable materials can be used to make biodegradable implantation devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Allan G. A. Coombes, James D. Heckman, Barbara D. Boyan
  • Patent number: 5397828
    Abstract: A biaxially stretched polyester film is disclosed.The biaxially stretched polyester film comprises substantially spherical silica particles of colloidal state having average diameters ranging from approximately 20 nm to approximately 200 nm in amounts ranging from approximately 0.005% to approximately 1.0% by weight based on the total weight of the polyester; and alumina particles having average diameters ranging from approximately 50 nm to approximately 500 nm in amounts ranging from approximately 0.05% to approximately 5.0% by weight, the average diameter of the alumina particles being larger than that of the silica particles.The biaxially stretched film prepared according to the present invention has excellent surface properties such as slip property and abrasion resistance, so that the film may be used for manufacturing final products without scratches and white powders occurring thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Cheil Synthetics Inc.
    Inventors: Dae W. Ihm, Jeong L. Kim, Seung B. Jun
  • Patent number: 5391582
    Abstract: Blends of branched poly(ethylene terephthalate) ("PET") polymer and recycled plastics can be foamed to produce closed cell structures with advantageous densities, cell sizes, cell size distributions, mechanical properties and thermal properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Lawrence C. Muschiatti, Benjamin A. Smillie
  • Patent number: 5391694
    Abstract: Polyester prepolymer granules with open-ended cavities provide greatly improved solid state polymerization rates by improving reaction by-product diffusion characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Ben Duh, William C. T. Tung
  • Patent number: 5378792
    Abstract: The invention relates to foamed polylactide articles obtainable by foaming a mixture of amorphous polylactide granules which contain a blowing agent and of a finely divided polylactide which does not contain a blowing agent, and to a process for producing same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Hans-Josef Sterzel
  • Patent number: 5362763
    Abstract: A foamed cellular material from polyester resins is obtained by extrusion foaming of polyester resins having melt strength higher than 8 centinewton, intrinsic viscosity greater than 0.8 dl/g and complex melt viscosity higher than 25,000 poises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Assignee: M. & G. Ricerche S.p.A.
    Inventors: Hussain A. K. Al Ghatta, Tonino Severini, Luca Astarita
  • Patent number: 5362765
    Abstract: Foamed thin materials such as foamed film and foamed fibrillated materials produced by extruding a composition consisting of 100 parts by weight of aliphatic polyester having a melt viscosity of 1.0.times.10.sup.3 -1.0.times.10.sup.5 poises at a temperature of 190.degree. C. and a shear rate of 100 sec.sup.-1, and having a melting point of 70.degree.-200.degree. C., and 0.2-5 parts by weight of foaming agent. These foamed thin materials has biodegradability, excellent mechanical, insulating, touch and aesthetic properties. They are useful materials as insulating, packaging, oil absorbing materials and filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Assignee: Showa Highpolymer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio Taka, Yuichiro Yasukawa, Tetuya Takahashi, Akira Nakamura, Ryosuke Kamei, Eiichiro Takiyama
  • Patent number: 5360829
    Abstract: A foamed polyester sheet of this invention has uniform fine cells and a high foaming ratio. Particularly, a sheet containing a polycarbonate resin or a polyarylate resin is excellent in high-temperature stability. The foamed polyester sheet of this invention is suited for use requiring a high-temperature stability, such as a container for an electronic oven, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Assignee: Kanebo, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayuki Kawabe, Masaki Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 5348983
    Abstract: The invention relates to foamed polylactide articles obtainable by foaming a mixture of amorphous polylactide granules which contain a blowing agent and of a finely divided polylactide which does not contain a blowing agent, and to a process for producing same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Hans-Josef Sterzel
  • Patent number: 5348985
    Abstract: A process for making thermoplastic polyester foams comprises the steps of subjecting macrocyclic polyester oligomer precursors to initiators and blowing agents at a constant operating temperature in order to produce foams which unexpectedly display low foam densities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Eric J. Pearce, John W. Carbone
  • Patent number: 5340846
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for obtaining polyester articles, including foamed articles, containing low levels of extractable branching agent. The process comprises: (1) forming a molten mixture comprising (i) a major amount of a first resin composition comprising polyester and from 0 up to about 1 wt. % of a compound capable of branching the polyester, and (ii) a minor amount of a second polyester resin composition comprising at least about 50 wt. % polyester resin and greater than about 2 wt. % of a compound capable of branching the polyester, wherein the relative amounts of (i) and (ii) are such that said molten mixture comprises from about 0.1 wt. % to about 1 wt. % of said branching compound; (2) adding a blowing agent to the molten mixture; and (3) extruding the resultant mixture to obtain a foam. The invention is also directed to the second composition used in the above process, and foamed polyester articles obtained from the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: Amoco Corporation
    Inventors: George E. Rotter, John L. Melquist, Weilong Chiang, Boh C. Tsai, John J. Kelly
  • Patent number: 5332626
    Abstract: A process is provided for manufacturing nonwoven, nonbiodegradable tissue ingrowth-inducing, tissue-interfacing substrates with predetermined oriented uniform pore diameter, pore density and pore depth. Pins are inserted to a predetermined depth into a softened thermoplastic substrate or, heated pins are inserted into the substrate, then removed to form the predetermined pore pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Assignee: Vitaphore Corporation
    Inventors: Stanley R. Conston, Glenn C. Buchanan
  • Patent number: 5321052
    Abstract: Foamed thin materials such as foamed film and foamed fibrillated materials produced by extruding a composition consisting of 100 parts by weight of aliphatic polyester having a melt viscosity of 1.0.times.10.sup.3 -1.0.times.10.sup.5 poises at a temperature of 190.degree. C. and a shear rate of 100 sec.sup.-1, and having a melting point of 70.degree.-200.degree. C., and 0.2-5 parts by weight of foaming agent. These foamed thin materials has biodegradability, excellent mechanical, insulating, touch and aesthetic properties. They are useful materials as insulating, packaging, oil absorbing materials and filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: Showa Highpolymer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio Taka, Yuichiro Yasukawa, Tetuya Takahashi, Akira Nakamura, Ryosuke Kamei, Eiichiro Takiyama
  • Patent number: 5314927
    Abstract: A method for producing polyester foamed articles comprising: heating and foaming a resin composition comprising a foaming agent, and an aliphatic polyester having a melt viscosity of 1.0.times.10.sup.3 -1.0.times.10.sup.6 poises at a temperature of 190.degree. C. and a shear rate of 100 sec.sup.-1, and having a melting point of 70.degree.-190.degree. C. Extrusion or forming in a mold using preexpanded beads can be applied. The foamed articles such as insulating boxes and cushioning materials have biodegradability and excellent mechanical properties such as tensile strength and cushioning properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: Showa Highpolymer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Haruhiko Kondo, Mitsuhiro Imaizumi, Ryosuke Kamei, Hideharu Kimura, Eiichiro Takiyama
  • Patent number: 5314925
    Abstract: A process for producing structural aromatic polycarbonate thermoplastic foam is provided which involves gas expansion of a melted aromatic polycarbonate thermoplastic resin composition containing an amount of a polytetrafluoroethylene nucleating agent. The thermoplastic resin compositions provided exhibit an improved uniformity of cell structure in the resultant structural thermoplastic foam as a result of the incorporation of the polytetrafluoroethylene nucleating agent. The process and compositions are useful in the production of structural thermoplastic foam articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ann M. Burnell, Albin P. Berzinis, Timothy M. Conroy, Kim G. Balfour