Removing A Liquid To Form A Cellular Product Patents (Class 521/64)
  • Patent number: 5416124
    Abstract: Polymeric adsorbent resins having both the high capacity associated with microporosity and the favorable kinetics associated with mesoporosity and macroporosity are useful for the chromatographic separation of organic compounds. These resins are prepared by alkylene bridging haloalkylated, porogen modified, crosslinked copolymers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventor: Richard T. Stringfield
  • Patent number: 5403870
    Abstract: A porous structure of a water-swellable, water-insoluble polymeric material which porous structure possesses improved free swell capacity and is able to demonstrate said improved free swell capacity when in contact with an absorbent material such as a cellulosic fibrous web. Also disclosed is a method of making such a porous polymeric structure. The method comprising the steps of forming an oil-in-water suspension, wherein the water phase contains a water-soluble monomer and a crosslinking agent and the oil phase is a volatile organic compound having a boiling point greater than the boiling point of water. The monomer present in the water phase is polymerized to form a polymeric material having dispersed therein the oil phase. The resultant polymeric material is then dried at a temperature above the boiling point of water, such that the volatile organic compound volatilizes thereby forming pores in the polymeric material, which pores have a diameter of at least about 20 microns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Corporation
    Inventor: James R. Gross
  • Patent number: 5399591
    Abstract: A superabsorbent polymer having improved absorption under pressure and fast absorption rate is obtained by first providing a solution containing carboxylic acid monomers or water soluble salts thereof, and a crosslinking agent. A carbonate blowing agent and a polymerization initiator are added, individually or in combination, to the solution to form a carbonated monomer solution. A polymerization initiator is then added to the carbonated monomer solution which is then polymerized at temperatures ranging from about 0.degree. C. to about 130.degree. C., forming a microcellular hydrogel. The microcellular hydrogel is chopped or ground into gel pieces having a particle diameter ranging from about 0.1 mm to about 5.0 cm. The gel pieces are dried at temperatures ranging from about 85.degree. C. to about 210.degree. C., and are then ground to form a polymer having a particle size of from about 0.05 mm to about 5.0 mm. A mixture is formed from 100 parts by weight of the polymer and about 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: Nalco Chemical Company
    Inventors: Scott J. Smith, Eric J. Lind
  • Patent number: 5399304
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to improving thermoplastic and cross-linked polymeric networks. The inventive method comprises forming the polymeric network under gravitational conditions comprising from about 10.sup.-6 to about 10.sup.-2 g. Three modes of energy transfer have been recognized, inter alia, conduction, convection, and radiation. Polymeric networks formed under microgravity conditions (defined herein as gravitational conditions comprising from about 10.sup.-6 to about 10.sup.-2 g) do not obviate conduction and radiation modes of energy transfer. Convection energy transfer, however, is gravity dependent. Thus, convection currents can be suppressed in thermoplastic and cross-linked polymeric networks during network formation by forming the network under microgravity conditions. Suppression of convection currents reduces the incidences of voids in solvent cast thermoplastic polymeric membranes, which forms yet another aspect of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Vincent D. McGinnis, Jack R. Knox, Frank J. Jelinek, Robert S. Whitmore, Jr.
  • 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: 5393569
    Abstract: A water-permeable and fire-resistant film and the preparing method thereof is disclosed. The water-permeable and fire-resistant film comprises polyurethane resin; a first fire-resistant agent; a second fire-resistant agent, an inorganic fire-resistant agent and an additive agent. The first fire-resistant agent used is selected from the group consisting of paraffine chlorinated, decabromodiphenyl oxide, hexachloro benzene, hexabromo benzene, pentabromo ethyl benzene, pentabromo diphenyl oxide and octabromo diphenyl ether. The second fire-resistant agent used is selected from the group consisting of Sb203 and Sb205. The surface of the film produced is smooth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignee: China Textile Institute
    Inventors: Shin-Chuan Yao, Jong-Fu Wu, Kun-Lin Cheng, Chiu-Hsiung Tsai, Farn-Ping Koong, Kun-Lung Chuang, Shu-Lan Yao, Chin-Liu Liu
  • Patent number: 5387621
    Abstract: Porous, distensible, gel-like membranes which in tubular form are suitable as implants, e.g., vascular prostheses and a process for the preparation thereof is described. The membranes are formed by a spraying, phase-inversion technique which employs thermodynamically unstable polymer solutions and is accomplished by separately spraying the unstable solution and a nonsolvent onto a rotating surface. Prostheses from the highly porous tubular membranes have shown a high degree of patency and completeness of the healing process and are useful for direct implantation in the body or for extracorporeal vascular accesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Assignee: Kontron Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Giorgio Soldani
  • Patent number: 5387207
    Abstract: Relatively thin, collapsed, i.e. unexpanded, polymeric foam materials that, upon contact with aqueous body fluids, expand and absorb such fluids, are disclosed. A process for consistently obtaining such relatively thin, collapsed polymeric foam materials by polymerizing a specific type of water-in-oil emulsion, commonly known as High Internal Phase Emulsions or "HIPE", is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: John C. Dyer, Thomas A. DesMarais, Gary D. LaVon, Keith J. Stone, Gregory W. Taylor, Gerald A. Young
  • Patent number: 5376208
    Abstract: A water-permeable and fire-resistant product and the preparing method thereof is disclosed. The waterpermeable and fire-resistant product is made of a fabric layer and a purous film adhered thereon. The porous film of this invention comprises polyurethane resin; a first fire-resistant agent; a second fire-resistant agent, an inorganic fire-resistant agent and an additive agent. The first fire-resistant agent used is selected from the group consisting of paraffine chlorinated, decabromodiphenyl oxide, hexachloro benzene, hexabromo benzene, pentabromo ethyl benzene, pentabromo diphenyl oxide and octabromo diphenyl ether. The second fire-resistant agent used is selected from the group consisting of Sb2O3 and Sb2O5. The surface of the product produced is smooth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: China Textile Institute
    Inventors: Shin-Chuan Yao, Jong-Fu Wu, Kun-Lin Cheng, Chiu-Hsiung Tsai, Farn-Ping Koong, Kun-Lung Chuang, Shu-Lan Yao, Chin-Liu Liu
  • Patent number: 5372766
    Abstract: Flexible, porous, absorbent polymeric macrostructures having flexibility even after extended periods at elevated temperatures and/or low humidities are disclosed. The macrostructure comprises an interparticle crosslinked aggregate and an effective amount of a suitable plasticizer. The macrostructures are suitable for use, for example, in disposable absorbent articles such as diapers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Donald C. Roe
  • Patent number: 5362761
    Abstract: A process of fabricating a porous silicone product utilizing a silicone emulsion capable of forming an elastomer by removal of water therefrom. The silicone emulsion comprises a water emulsion of an organopolysiloxane, a cross-linking agent, and a curing catalyst. The process comprises the steps of freezing the silicone emulsion, and drying the frozen silicone emulsion, whereby water is sublimed therefrom and the porous silicone product is obtained. The resulting porous silicone product is best utilized as a selective permeable membrane for separation of a liquid component from a liquid solution containing two or more liquid components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Assignees: Lignyte Co., Ltd., Dow Corning Toray Silicone Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadashi Uragami, Yoshiaki Tanaka, Masaru Ozaki, Tatsuya Nakamura
  • Patent number: 5362762
    Abstract: Stable high internal phase water-in-oil emulsions containing polymerizable vinyl monomers, crosslinking monomers and initiators, useful in preparing low density porous crosslinked polymeric foams, are obtained by using a surfactant system containing (a) one or more sorbitan fatty acid ester or saccharide fatty acid ester and (b) a glycerol monofatty acid ester. A higher water to oil ratio water-in-oil emulsions can be formed with the same formulation by using the glycerol monofatty acid ester cosurfactant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Sharon M. Beshouri
  • Patent number: 5360832
    Abstract: A process for producing hollow particles of crosslinked melamine resin having a uniform particles diameter, said process comprising subjecting a water-soluble methyl-etherified-melamine resin precondensate to condensation reaction in the presence of a curing catalyst in an aqueous solution containing a water-soluble polymer with carboxyl groups or water-soluble copolymer of ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid monomer, when the reaction liquid becomes turbid, adding to the reaction mixture a substance which dissolves or swells the melamine resin, and continuing the condensation reaction, if necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Assignee: Honen Corporation
    Inventors: Masami Bito, Satoshi Konishi, Fumimasa Fukazawa
  • Patent number: 5360827
    Abstract: A process for preparation of latex of a hollow polymer which comprises adding a base, in the presence of a monomer, to latex containing carboxy-modified copolymer particles to make the pH of the latex 8 or more; adding a carboxyl group-containing monomer to make the pH of the latex 7 or less; and then polymerizing these monomers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Assignee: Nippon Zeon Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Toda, Yukio Takagishi, Masaru Kaino
  • Patent number: 5360828
    Abstract: Biofoam is a rigid, microcellular organic foam made from organic materials derived from natural products and biological organisms. Starting materials include agar, agarose, gelatin, algin, alginates, gellan gum, and microcrystalline cellulose. The organic material is dissolved in a polar solvent, typically water, and the mixture is gelled. The water in the gel pores is replaced at least once with another solvent to reduce the pore size of the final biofoam. The solvent in the gel pores may be replaced several times. After the final replacement of solvent, the gel is frozen and freeze-dried to form a biofoam. Translucent biofoams are formed by selecting a final solvent that forms very small crystals. A variety of crystalline, fibrous, amorphous, or metallic additives may be incorporated into the foam structure to produce lightweight composite materials with enhanced strength and insulating properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Assignee: Regents of the University of California
    Inventor: Robert L. Morrison
  • Patent number: 5358974
    Abstract: In a process for the preparation of a low density porous crosslinked polymeric material by polymerizing a water-in-oil high internal phase emulsion, curing time of the monomers in the emulsion can be reduced without adversely affecting polymer properties by first advancing one or more of the monomers. All or a portion of the monomers are advanced in the presence of an advancement initiator or a free-radical-producing radiation source for about 5% to about 95% of the time effective to form a solid. Then, a water-in-oil high internal phase emulsion is formed with the advanced monomers and optionally additional monomers or the advanced monomers are added to a water-in-oil high internal phase emulsion containing other monomers. The emulsions containing the advanced monomers are cured. The process provides an improved method to incorporate volatile monomers in the porous polymeric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Thomas F. Brownscombe, Ronald M. Bass, Larry S. Corley
  • Patent number: 5358990
    Abstract: Aqueous coating compositions for forming elastomeric films around active cores (e.g., drugs) comprising a dispersion of pre-crosslinked polyorganosiloxane latex particles, colloidal silica particles, and a water-dispersible organic material (e.g., polyethylene glycol) are disclosed and claimed. The elastomeric films formed by the coating compositions are used to control the rate of release of an active agent in the cores into an aqueous environment. Methods of formulating the coating compositions and active cores coated with the coating compositions are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: Dow Corning Corporation
    Inventors: John T. Woodard, Martin C. Musolf, Patrick J. Miller
  • Patent number: 5352711
    Abstract: Normally hydrophobic foams, such as polyurethane foams and polymerized water-in-oil emulsion foams, are rendered hydrophilic by means of treatment with simple surfactants and hydrophilizing agent salts. Thus, a surfactant-containing foam is treated with a solution of, for example, calcium chloride, and is dried to leave a substantially uniformly distributed residue of hydrated or hydratable calcium chloride on the surfactant-containing internal foam surfaces. In-use, the combination of surfactant and calcium chloride hydrate provides a hydrophilic surface to the foam. Other hydratable calcium or magnesium salts such as magnesium chloride can be used. The resulting hydrophilized foams are suitable for use in absorbent devices, including diapers, sanitary napkins, bandages, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignee: The Proctor & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Thomas A. DesMarais
  • Patent number: 5340842
    Abstract: Stable high internal phase water-in-oil emulsions containing polymerizable vinyl monomers, crosslinking monomers and polymerization initiators are obtained by using saccharide fatty acid esters as surfactants. The amount of surfactants necessary to form stable high internal phase water-in-oil emulsions is decreased by using saccharide fatty acid esters as surfactants. Further, hydrophobic foams can be obtained by using saccharide fatty acid esters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Robert P. Adamski, Maryanne Mores, Pui K. Wong, Diana D. Davis
  • Patent number: 5338766
    Abstract: An improved superabsorbent polymer foam having a morphology to provide improved absorptive properties is disclosed. The foam preferably comprises a superabsorbent polymer formed from a substantially water-soluble, unsaturated monomer having neutralized carboxyl groups and a substantially water-soluble internal crosslinking agent. The monomer and crosslinking agent are expanded in the presence of a substantially water-insoluble blowing agent and a suitable solvent and reacted to form a superabsorbent polymer foam having substantially continuous, intercommunicating channels substantially throughout the foam and a relatively high surface area to mass ratio.Methods for making the foam and absorbent products, members and articles containing the foam are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Dean V. Phan, Paul D. Trokhan
  • Patent number: 5334621
    Abstract: Stable high internal phase water-in-oil emulsions containing polymerizable vinyl monomers, crosslinking monomers and initiators, useful in preparing low density porous crosslinked polymeric foams, are obtained by using a surfactant system containing (a) one or more sorbitan fatty acid ester or saccharide fatty acid ester and (b) a glycerol monofatty acid ester. A higher water to oil ratio water-in-oil emulsions can be formed with the same formulation by using the glycerol monofatty acid ester cosurfactant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Sharon M. Beshouri
  • Patent number: 5331015
    Abstract: Disclosed are absorbent foam materials suitable for use as or in the absorbent cores of absorbent articles, such as diapers which absorb and retain aqueous body fluids. Such foam materials comprise hydrophilic, flexible open-celled structures which are preferably prepared by polymerizing high internal phase (HIPE) water-in-oil emulsions. Such foam materials have a pore volume of from about 12 to 100 mL/g, and a capillary suction specific surface area of from about 0.5 to 5.0 m.sup.2 /g. These materials also exhibit a resistance to compression deflection such that a confining pressure of 5.1 kPa produces after 15 minutes a strain of from about 5% to 95% compression when the material is saturated at 37.degree. C. to its free absorbent capacity with synthetic urine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Thomas A. DesMarais, Keith J. Stone, Hugh A. Thompson, Gerald A. Young, Gary D. LaVon, John C. Dyer
  • Patent number: 5331016
    Abstract: To arrive at an economical method of producing water-expanded polymer resin moldings, it is proposed that a monomer component and a cross-linker on an acrylate basis and/or a PMMA prepolymer be used as resin-forming components of a curable mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: Schock & Co., GmbH
    Inventors: Lothar Frank, deceased, Gunter Hieber
  • Patent number: 5328936
    Abstract: A process for making porous polymeric particles having high surface area includes suspending a discontinuous organic phase in an continuous aqueous phase, wherein the organic phase includes an ethylenically unsaturated monomer, a water soluble phase extender and a surfactant in an amount effective to solubilize the water soluble phase extender in the monomer and wherein the aqueous phase includes a diffusion barrier agent for limiting mass transfer of the phase extender from the organic phase to the aqueous phase, and then polymerizing the ethylenically unsaturated monomer to form the porous polymeric particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: Rohm and Haas Company
    Inventors: Paul J. Leifholtz, Thomas E. Meteyer
  • Patent number: 5328935
    Abstract: A method of making an improved superabsorbent polymer foam having a morphology to provide improved absorptive properties is disclosed. The foam preferably comprises a superabsorbent polymer formed from a substantially water-soluble, unsaturated monomer having neutralized carboxyl groups and a substantially water-soluble internal crosslinking agent. The monomer and crosslinking agent are expanded in the presence of a substantially water-insoluble blowing agent and a suitable solvent and reacted to form a superabsorbent polymer foam having substantially continuous, intercommunicating channels substantially throughout the foam and a relatively high surface area to mass ratio.Absorbent products, members and articles containing the foam are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Dean Van Phan, Paul D. Trokhan
  • Patent number: 5320650
    Abstract: Novel fluorinated aromatic polyimide, polyamide and polyamide-imide gas separation membranes and the process of using such membranes to separate one or more gases from a gaseous mixture is disclosed. The polyimides, polyamides and polyamide-imides are formed from diamines of the formula ##STR1## where Ar' is any aromatic diol moiety and X is independently fluorinated alkyl groups having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, most preferably a trifluoromethyl group, m is an integer from 1 to 4, preferably 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignees: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, L'Air Liquide S.A.
    Inventor: John W. Simmons
  • Patent number: 5314420
    Abstract: A superabsorbent polymer having improved absorption under pressure and fast absorption rate is obtained by first providing a solution containing carboxylic acid monomers or water soluble salts thereof, and a crosslinking agent. A carbonate blowing agent and a polymerization initiator are added, individually or in combination, to the solution to form a carbonated monomer solution. A polymerization initiator is then added to the carbonated monomer solution which is then polymerized at temperatures ranging from about 0.degree. C. to about 130.degree. C., forming a microcellular hydrogel. The microcellular hydrogel is chopped or ground into gel pieces having a particle diameter ranging from about 0.1 mm to about 5.0 cm. The gel pieces are dried at temperatures ranging from about 85.degree. C. to about 210.degree. C., and are then ground to form a polymer having a particle size of from about 0.05 mm to about 5.0 mm. A mixture is formed from 100 parts by weight of the polymer and about 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: Nalco Chemical Company
    Inventors: Scott J. Smith, Eric J. Lind
  • Patent number: 5314923
    Abstract: Isotropic porous polymer beads having a high surface porosity and large pore diameters from about 0.002 to about 5 microns are produced from solutions of a polymer or a copolymer by a thermally-induced phase separation process. The use of mixed solvent-non-solvent combinations as solvents for the polymers, produces high pore content, substantially spherical beads having a morphology ideally suited to the chromatography of large molecules, such as proteins, and for enzyme-binding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: Cytec Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Michael T. Cooke, Laura J. Hiscock
  • Patent number: 5308877
    Abstract: Organic resins with high surface areas and porosities, which are insoluble in organic solvents and contain few or no flexible groups in the resin structure, are disclosed. Also disclosed is a process for making such resins from polyfunctional aryl alkali metal compounds and a second polyfunctional monomer. Such resins are useful as absorbants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Bruce E. Smart, Owen W. Webster
  • Patent number: 5306734
    Abstract: A lightweight absorbent foam is produced using a high internal phase emulsion (HIPE), the production of which incorporates the use of capillary viscosity measurements as an in-line diagnostic for HIPE quality. The in-line diagnostics yield measurements of viscosity slope and amplitude. These measurements offer several advantages for monitoring emulsion quality, including stable high resolution measurement of hardware-independent parameters of the whole flow, without the need for sampling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Ronald M. Bass, Thomas F. Brownscombe
  • Patent number: 5306733
    Abstract: Stable high internal phase water-in-oil emulsions containing polymerizable vinyl monomers, crosslinking monomers and polymerization initiators are obtained by using saccharide fatty acid esters as surfactants. The amount of surfactants necessary to form stable high internal phase water-in-oil emulsions is decreased by using saccharide fatty acid esters as surfactants. Further, hydrophobic foams can be obtained by using saccharide fatty acid esters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Robert P. Adamski, Maryanne Mores, Pui K. Wong, Diana D. Davis
  • Patent number: 5304590
    Abstract: Process of mixing a fugitive plasticizer, e.g., ethylene carbonate, with moist particulate polyacrylonitrile then removing the water enabling adjustment of the melt viscosity for extrusion of the polyacrylonitrile into film, fiber, pellets and shaped articles. Stretching and heating the extruded polyacrylonitrile film or fiber causes the fugitive plasticizer to exude and vaporize from the film or fiber, carrying with it any remaining acrylonitrile monomer. The resulting film or fiber exhibits substantially increased molecular weight, thus enhancing the tensile strength and barrier properties of the polyacrylonitrile product. The process also produces polyacrylonitrile foam products. A novel cross-linking agent for polyacrylonitrile, divinyloxybutane, is disclosed. Thermostabilizing agents for polyacrylonitrile, N-maleimides and stilbene derivatives, are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: Solcas Polymer, Inc.
    Inventors: Edmund H. Merz, Roy A. White, John P. Fouser, Norman Fishman
  • Patent number: 5292777
    Abstract: Normally hydrophobic foams, such as polyurethane foams and polymerized water-in-oil emulsion foams, are rendered hydrophilic by means of treatment with sorbitan monolaurate. Thus, a polymeric foam can be prepared or treated with sorbitan monolaurate and thereafter dried to leave a substantially uniformly distributed residue of sorbitan monolaurate on the internal foam surfaces. The resulting treated foams are rendered hydrophilic and are thus suitable for use in absorbent devices, including diapers, sanitary napkins, bandages, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1994
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Thomas A. DesMarais, Keith J. Stone
  • Patent number: 5290820
    Abstract: In a process for the preparation of a low density porous crosslinked polymeric material by polymerizing a water-in-oil high internal phase emulsion, curing time of the monomers in the emulsion can be reduced without adversely affecting polymer properties by first advancing one or more of the monomers. All or a portion of the monomers are advanced in the presence of an advancement initiator or a free-radical-producing radiation source for about 5% to about 95% of the time effective to form a solid. Then, a water-in-oil high internal phase emulsion is formed with the advanced monomers and optionally additional monomers or the advanced monomers are added to a water-in-oil high internal phase emulsion containing other monomers. The emulsions containing the advanced monomers are cured. The process provides an improved method to incorporate volatile monomers in the porous polymeric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Thomas F. Brownscombe, Ronald M. Bass, Larry S. Corley
  • Patent number: 5280049
    Abstract: This invention relates to a foamed, cellular crosslinked vinyl lactam polymer and to a formed rigid product obtained therefrom having dimensional stability and a high Tg above 150.degree. C. The invention also relates to the method of preparing said molded cellular polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Assignee: ISP Investments Inc.
    Inventors: Philip F. Wolf, Susan Y. Tseng
  • Patent number: 5273824
    Abstract: A cored multi-shell emulsion particle consisting of a core particle, a void layer existing in the exterior of the core particle and a shell layer, each of which has a diameter of .phi., d and D, respectively, and the ratio of .phi., d and D is in the following range..phi./D=0.1-0.6d/D=0.2-0.8 (d>.phi.)The particle exhibits excellent hiding power, brightness, gloss and thermal insulation property as an organic pigment without impairing drying ability and strength of coated layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: Mitsui Toatsu Chemicals, Incorporated
    Inventors: Futoshi Hoshino, Makoto Nakano, Kousuke Someya, Junko Morita, Takeshi Yanagihara, Akihiro Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 5274047
    Abstract: Semipermeable composite membrane, with a porous carrier substrate, whereby said carrier substrate is provided with a polymer network obtained by polycondensation, especially interfacial polymerization, which is built up of at least one reactive polyfunctional monomer or oligomer or prepolymer or polymer, and at least one acid halide containing polymer.The specialty of this semi-permeable composite membrane consists therein that the acid halide containing polymere itself is built up of one or more vinyl containing monomers.The acid halide containing polymer is generally a copolymer of acryloylchloride H.sub.2 C.dbd.CHCOCl or methacryloyl chloride H.sub.2 C.dbd.C(CH13)COCl with one or more vinyl containing monomers.Usually the vinyl containing monomer is an acrylate or an acrylamide or a mixture thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: X-Flow B.V.
    Inventors: Dirk M. Koenhen, Aloysius H. A. Tinnemans
  • Patent number: 5268395
    Abstract: A microcellular carbon foam characterized by a density in the range of about 30 to 1000 mg/cm.sup.3, substantially uniform distribution of cell sizes of diameters less than 100 .mu.m with a majority of the cells being of a diameter of less than about 10 .mu.m, well interconnected strut morphology providing open porosity, and an expanded d(002) X-ray turbostatic spacing greater than 3.50 angstroms. The precursor for the carbon foam is prepared by the phase inversion of polyacrylonitrile in a solution consisting essentially of at least one alkali metal halide and a phase inversion solvent for the polyacrylonitrile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Assignee: Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald F. Simandl, John D. Brown
  • Patent number: 5268224
    Abstract: Disclosed are absorbent foam materials suitable for use as or in the absorbent cores of absorbent articles, such as diapers which absorb and retain aqueous body fluids. Such foam materials comprise hydrophilic, flexible open-celled structures which are preferably prepared by polymerizing high internal phase (HIPE) water-in-oil emulsions. Such foam materials have a pore volume of from about 12 to 100 mL/g, and a capillary suction specific surface area of from about 0.5 to 5.0 m.sup.2 /g. These materials also exhibit a resistance to compression deflection such that a confining pressure of 5.1 kPa produces after 15 minutes a strain of from about 5% to 95% compression when the material is saturated at 37.degree. C. to its free absorbent capacity with synthetic urine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Thomas A. DesMarais, Keith J. Stone, Hugh A. Thompson, Gerald A. Young, Gary D. LaVon, John C. Dyer
  • Patent number: 5264166
    Abstract: An improved asymmetric membrane fashioned from a polyimide for the liquid separation of solvents from lube oil. The membrane is based on a fully imidized polymer based on 5(6)-amino-1-(4'-aminophenyl)-1,3-trimethylindane polymer and benzophenone tetracarboxylic dianhydride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Assignee: W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn.
    Inventors: Lloyd S. White, I-Fan Wang, Bhupender S. Minhas
  • Patent number: 5252619
    Abstract: In a process for the preparation of a low density porous crosslinked polymeric material by polymerizing a water-in-oil high internal phase emulsion, curing time of the monomers in the emulsion can be reduced without adversely affecting polymer properties or substantially affecting the emulsion by carrying out the curing in multiple-stages. The emulsion is first pre-cured at a temperature less than about 65.degree. C. until the emulsion reaches a Rheometrics dynamic shear modulus of at least about 500 and subsequently curing at a temperature above about 70.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Thomas F. Brownscombe, Ronald M. Bass
  • Patent number: 5252621
    Abstract: A polymeric bead has now been developed to act as a support for other entities having a volume mean diameter of up to 250 microns and having a surface provided with pores which form at least 10% by area of the surface. At least one third of the total area of the pores is provided by pores having a larger size of at least 0.4 micron. A method for the manufacture of such polymeric beads involves using a water-in-oil-in-water emulsion technique in which the amount of water used in the preparation of the aqueous phase is not greater than 125 parts by weight per 265 parts by weight of the mixture of the polyester resin and monomer which is used.The porous beads provide an excellent base for carrying enzymes, bacteria and catalysts species useful in a wide range of applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Assignee: Tioxide Group Services Limited
    Inventor: John C. W. Hodge
  • Patent number: 5252620
    Abstract: Supercritical drying has distinct advantages in generating microcellular materials. The dimensional stability of the polymer is not affected on drying because the supercritical process does not go through the two phase path and therefore the effect of capillary forces is absent. This helps in maintaining the morphology of the final polymer structure and better control over cell size.Organic microcellular foams were prepared by polymerizing directly in a near-critical fluid and pursuing the supercritical drying in the same reactor. The critical variables are the choice of a diluent with a strong enough solvent power to stabilize the polymer matrix, but with a low enough critical temperature to permit critical point drying without damage to the polymer matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Assignee: University of Akron
    Inventors: Jarrell R. Elliott, Jr., Gokul Srinivasan, Manish Dhanuka, Ranjan Akhaury
  • Patent number: 5250576
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the continuous preparation of high internal phase emulsions which are suitable for subsequent polymerization into polymeric foam materials that, upon dewatering, act as absorbents for aqueous body fluids. The process involves continuous introduction of a certain type of monomer-containing oil phase and a certain type of electrolyte-containing water phase into a dynamic mixing zone at relatively low water to oil phase ratios. Flow rates are then steadily adjusted to increase the water to oil ratio of the streams fed to the dynamic mixing zone while subjecting the dynamic mixing zone contents to shear agitation which is sufficient to thereby form a high internal phase emulsion that, upon subsequent polymerization, provides a foam having an average cell size of from about 5 to 100 microns. The formation of such a stable high internal phase emulsion is completed by feeding the contents of the dynamic mixing zone to and through a static mixing zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Thomas A. DesMarais, Stephen T. Dick, Thomas M. Shiveley
  • Patent number: 5238973
    Abstract: A process for the preparation of optionally cellular elastic moldings by the reaction injection molding technique in closed molds, in which isocyanate prepolymers A) based ona) polyisocyanates of the diphenylmethane series andb) polyether polyols having a maximum hydroxyl functionality of 2.4 are reacted with a reactive component B) consisting essentially of aromatic, alkyl-substituted diamines, optionally with the addition of auxiliary agents and additives d).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignee: Bayer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Eduard Mayer, Manfred Schmidt, Hans-Joachim Meiners, Andreas Ruckes
  • Patent number: 5232597
    Abstract: A porous hollow fiber of polysulfone suitable for use in filtration such as microfiltration and having a prolonged life, the hollow fiber having an inner surface of a network structure such that approximately circular openings having a minor axial length of 0.1 to 10 .mu.m are present in proximity to each other at intervals of not more than the average minor axial length of the openings, thus providing a surface fraction of openings of 50 to 90%, and/or an outer surface of a structure such that the outer surface region has undergone fibrillation to a high degree to form fibrils oriented in the fiber axial direction at intervals of 0.2 to 3 .mu.m, thus providing a surface fraction of openings of at least 50%. The hollow fiber is prepared by a process characterized in that a polymer substance having an extremely high molecular weight such as polyethylene glycol and polyvinyl pyrrolidone is added to the spinning solution of polysulfone, thereby improving the spinnability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignee: Kanegafuchi Kagaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tamiyuki Eguchi
  • Patent number: 5225448
    Abstract: High molecular weight polyethyleneterephthalate resin is currently being used in vast quantities in manufacturing tire cord and in manufacturing trays for frozen foods which can be heated in either microwave or convection ovens. In some applications polyester resins having ultra-high molecular weights are required. For example, some techniques for producing polyester yarn by solution spinning demand ultra-high molecular weight polyester. Unfortunately, it becomes progressively more difficult and expensive to produce polyester resins having higher and higher molecular weights utilizing standard commercial polymerization techniques. This invention discloses a technique for preparing porous polyester beads which can be solid state polymerized very rapidly to ultra-high molecular weights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Thomas R. Maier, Surendra K. Chawla
  • Patent number: 5214073
    Abstract: A porous, crystallized, aromatic polycarbonate prepolymer is disclosed, which comprises recurring aromatic carbonate units and terminal hydroxyl and aryl carbonate groups, wherein these terminal groups are in a specific molar ratio and has specific number average molecular weight, surface area and crystallinity. The prepolymer can readily be converted by solid-state condensation polymerization to a porous, crystallized, aromatic polycarbonate having excellent properties. The porous, crystallized, aromatic polycarbonate of the present invention can readily be molded to obtain a shaped, porous, crystallized polycarbonate. The porous, crystallized, aromatic polycarbonate and the shaped, porous, crystallized polycarbonate of the present invention have excellent heat resistance and solvent resistance and exhibit advantageously low water absorption so that these are suited for use as a filter material, an adsorbent or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Assignee: Asahi Kasei Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Isaburo Fukawa, Shinsuke Fukuoka, Kyosuke Komiya, Yoro Sasaki
  • Patent number: 5210104
    Abstract: A process for the production of a stable curable water-in-oil high internal phase emulsion containing monomers as the continuous phase is provided by adding an initiator subsequent to formation of a water-in-oil high internal phase emulsion. The process forms uniform stable water-in-oil high internal phase emulsions in a continuous mixing process. These curable water-in-oil high internal phase emulsions are useful for the preparation of low density porous crosslinked polymeric materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Ronald M. Bass, Thomas F. Brownscombe
  • Patent number: 5204377
    Abstract: A porous, crystallized, aromatic polycarbonate prepolymer is disclosed, which comprises recurring aromatic carbonate units and terminal hydroxyl and aryl carbonate groups, wherein these terminal groups are in a specific molar ratio, and has specific number average molecular weight, surface area and crystallinity. The prepolymer can readily be converted by solid-state condensation polymerization to a porous, crystallized, aromatic polycarbonate having excellent properties. The porous, crystallized, aromatic polycarbonate of the present invention can readily be molded to obtain a shaped, porous, crystallized polycarbonate. The porous, crystallized, aromatic polycarbonate and the shaped, porous, crystallized polycarbonate of the present invention have excellent heat resistance and solvent resistance and exhibit advantageously low water absorption so that these are suited for use as a filter material, an adsorbent or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Assignee: Asahi Kasei Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Isaburo Fukawa, Shinsuke Fukuoka, Kyosuke Komiya, Yoro Sasaki