Starch Or Derivative Or Farinaceous Meal Or Flour Patents (Class 524/47)
  • Patent number: 7150839
    Abstract: Composition comprising a fluorescent material comprising the mixture of one or more metal salts selected from the group consisting of metal oxides and metal hydroxides; one or more carbohydrate(s) selected from the group consisting of sugar and starch; and one or more organic acid(s), method of preparation comprising mixing the components in the presence of water and then drying, and use of the fluorescent material in paper, plastic, polymer, resin, and paint. The resultant papers, plastics, polymers, resins, and paint have whiteness and brightness due to the fluorescence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Minerals Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Robin L. Saulsbery, Matthew Frederick Slozer
  • Patent number: 7148272
    Abstract: A biodegradable material comprising a mixture of at least one polymer with at least one cereal grain flour and, optionally, one or more acceptable additives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Ulice (S.A.)
    Inventors: Pierre Reynes, Arnaud Messager
  • Patent number: 7135063
    Abstract: Biodegradable starch-based extruded products and methods of manufacturing those products are provided. In particular, extruded starch products processed by compression, stretching or compression and stretching provide excellent flexibility, pliability, dimensional stability, resiliency, abrasion resistance and other properties making them attractive for use as packaging materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Amylex Corporation
    Inventors: Hans G. Franke, Donald R. Bittner
  • Patent number: 7132463
    Abstract: The biodegradable composition of the present invention comprising a matrix of a fibrous powder coated with an acrylate copolymer and a natural polymer dispersed in the matrix, can be advantageously used in manufacturing disposable containers for fast food, e.g., cup noodles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Youl Chon Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Soon-Geun Hwang, Heon-Moo Kim, Sung-Arn Lee, Joo-Yup Eom, Kang-Soo Kim, Sung-Hwan Yoon
  • Patent number: 7122597
    Abstract: Compositions for securing pre-pasted and non-pre-pasted wall coverings to a surface that is to be decorated are provided. The present compositions are aqueous colloidal dispersions or polymeric solutions comprising from about 3% to about 30% solids. The present compositions comprise water, an alkali, from about 2.5% to about 25% by weight of an alkali-soluble, polyvinyl acetate-crotonic acid copolymer, a thickener, and a glycol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Zinsser Co., Inc.
    Inventor: James J. Calienni
  • Patent number: 7101426
    Abstract: An in situ ionic interaction between two additives, one a cationic strength enhancing additive and one an anionic crosslinking additive, is used to improve the mechanical properties of an article formed from a composite material. The composite has a discrete phase bound together with a film of the additives, such as gypsum crystals bound together by a film of substituted starch or cellulose ether.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Innovative Construction and Building Materials, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher D. Tagge, Jacob Freas Pollock, Ken Saito
  • Patent number: 7094817
    Abstract: A biodegradable polymer includes a) 20 to 60% of a mixture of starch and/or a modified starch, b) 8 to 22% of starch plasticisers and processing agents c) 30 to 70% of one or more biodegradable aliphatic polyesters d) 1 to 10% of a layered silicate clay mineral. The silicate mineral is an organoclay which has been formed by reacting clay with an intercalating chemical to compatibilise it with the polymers so that the clay is exfoliated and makes the blend amorphous. The polymers may also include the usual additives including e) from 0 to 20% by weight of a polyol plasticiser f) from 0.1 to 1.5% by weight of a C12–22 fatty acid or salt or a destructing agent preferably urea and/or urea derivatives, and g) from 0 to 12% by weight of added water. The polyester may be modified by reaction with maleic anhydride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Plantic Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Peter Halley, Stewart Mcglashan, John Gralton
  • Patent number: 7077994
    Abstract: Films comprising a blend of polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer and destructured starch are disclosed. Laminates having a first layer comprising a PHA copolymer and a second layer comprising a PHA copolymer/starch blend or thermoplastic starch are also disclosed. Disposable articles comprising the environmentally degradable films or laminates are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Eric Bryan Bond, Isao Noda
  • Patent number: 7074845
    Abstract: A novel filler treatment comprising the preparation of swollen starch-latex compositions, prepared in the presence or absence of co-additives, and the addition of the said composition to a filler suspension, has been developed. Use of the treated filler during papermaking improves filler retention and produces filled papers where addition of the filler has only a minimal negative effect on strength properties. The swollen starch-latex compositions can be prepared in a batch or jet cooker, or by mixing with hot water under controlled conditions (i.e., temperature, pH, mixing, mixing time) in order to make the starch granules swell sufficiently to improve their properties as a filler additive but avoiding excess swelling leading to their rupture. The swollen starch-latex composition is then rapidly mixed with the filler slurry, preferably in a static mixer, and added to the papermaking furnish at a point prior to the headbox of the paper machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Pulp and Paper Research Institute of Canada
    Inventor: Makhlouf Laleg
  • Patent number: 7071249
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to biodegradable compositions containing starch, especially in combination with a polymer containing pendant carboxylic acid groups, a polyolefin homopolymer or copolymer, water, an oil component, and other optional components, including (co)polymers, additives, and/or fillers. These biodegradable compositions may preferably be used in footwear articles and smoking-related filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Inventors: William Ho, Ling-I Chen
  • Patent number: 7071250
    Abstract: A method for producing an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer resin composition, said method comprising: (a) introducing into an extruder an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer having a water content of at least 0.5 wt %; (b) further introducing into said extruder a liquid component comprising an aqueous solution of a resin, an aqueous dispersion of a resin, an aqueous dispersion of inorganic fine particles, or a mixture thereof; (c) subjecting said copolymer and said component to melt-kneading in said extruder; and (d) discharging the resulting ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer resin composition from the extruder. This method improves the dispersibility of a resin and/or inorganic fine particles in the EVOH while suppressing thermal deterioration of the EVOH.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Kuraray Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kawai, Masao Hikasa, Takaharu Kawahara, Toshio Tuboi
  • Patent number: 7071251
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tire having at least one component (e.g. tread) of a rubber composition comprised of a styrene/butadiene elastomer composite comprised of a styrene/butadiene elastomer and a functionalized styrene/butadiene elastomer containing an internal silicon atom therein as a part of the elastomer, and at least one pendent silanol group and/or siloxy group from said silicon atom. Said elastomer composite is comprised of a significant polymodal (e.g. bimodal) molecular weight distribution between said styrene/butadiene elastomer and said functionalized styrene/butadiene elastomer. Said rubber composition contains synthetic, precipitated silica aggregates having hydroxyl groups on their surface which may be pre-treated (hydrophobated) to reduce hydroxyl groups contained on their surface prior to blending with said styrene/butadiene composite. Said rubber composition may contain a dispersion therein of a silica/plasticizer composite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Georges Marcel Victor Thielen, Marc Weydert
  • Patent number: 7053130
    Abstract: Provided is a method for accelerating the biodegradation of aliphatic-aromatic co-polyesters comprising greater than 60 mol percent aromatic acid, based on total diacid in the co-polyester. The method involves contacting at least one hydrolytic enzyme in aqueous solution to the co-polyester.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: E. I . du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: Vasantha Nagarajan
  • Patent number: 7045201
    Abstract: The invention relates to treatment of yarns for use in reinforcement of rubber products. Such treatment comprises application to the yarn of an aqueous emulsion of polyester and/or epoxy adhesive, or an aqueous alkaline dispersion of rubber latex and resorcinol-formaldehyde resin adhesive, wherein said adhesive contains a minor amount of particulate, water insoluble starch composite of starch and water insoluble plasticizer therefor. Such yarns may be in a form of a cord comprised of a plurality of yarns. The invention further relates to such treated yarns. The invention additionally relates to such treated yarns and a composite of rubber and said treated yarns. The invention additionally relates to an article of manufacture such, as for example, a rubber tire, having at least one component comprised of said composite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Filomeno Gennaro Corvasce, Serge Julien Auguste Imhoff, Rene Francois Reuter
  • Patent number: 7045563
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is an additive composition for paper making which is added to the pulp prior to web formation in order to increase the wet strength of the web. The basic component of the composition is a component made from starch, which to its molecular weight has been thinned to a viscosity level of 10 to 400 (5%, 60° C., Brookfield) which by solution cationizing using a quaternary nitrogen compound is cationized to a charge of <4 mEkv/g, the composition containing at least one additional component selected from 1) a starch-based polymer dispersion which contains starch and a monomeric graft copolymer, providing a polymer having a film formation temperature of ?50 to 200° C., and 2) polyamide epichlorhydrin resin (PAAE).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Ciba Specialty Chemicals Corporation
    Inventor: Kari Luukkonen
  • Patent number: 7041369
    Abstract: The present invention relates to starch compositions which contain starch and additives. The starch has a weight average molecular weight ranging from about 1,000 to about 2,000,000. The additives can be plasticizers or diluents. The composition containing the starch and the additive is formed by means of passing the composition through a die to produce fibers, foams or films. These compositions have an extensional viscosity in the range from about 50 to about 20,000 pascal seconds. The starch compositions preferably contain a polymer that is substantially compatible with starch and has a weight-average molecular weight of at least 500,000.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Larry Neil Mackey, Michael David James, Gregory Charles Gordon, John Gerhard Michael, Paul Dennis Trokhan, Valerie Ann Bailey
  • Patent number: 7037959
    Abstract: A polymer composition includes a first component being a hydroxy-functional polymer, a second component being a natural polymer and a third component being a thermoplastic polyester. The first component, second component and third component are compounded to form a polymer composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignees: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Agriculture, Biotechnology Research and Development Corporation
    Inventors: Julious L. Willett, William M. Doane, Donald Garlotta
  • Patent number: 7034068
    Abstract: Aqueous dispersions of water-soluble polymers of N-vinylcarboxamides contain, based on 100 parts of water, (A) from 5 to 80 parts by weight of water-soluble polymer containing N-vinylformamide units and/or N-vinylacetamide units and having particle sizes of from 50 nm to 2 ?m and (B) from 1 to 50 parts by weight of at least one polymeric dispersant which is incompatible with the water-soluble polymers (A) in aqueous solution, which dispersions are prepared by polymerizing (A) from 5 to 80 parts by weight of N-vinylformamide and/or N-vinylacetamide, if desired together with other monoethylenically unsaturated monomers which form water-soluble polymers therewith, and (B) from 1 to 50 parts by weight of at least one polymeric dispersant which is incompatible with the polymers, formed from the monomers (A), in aqueous solution, in 100 parts by weight of water, at from 30 to 95° C. in the presence of from 0.001 to 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anton Negele, Werner Gauweiler, Hubert Meixner, Norbert Mahr, Martin Rübenacker
  • Patent number: 7025821
    Abstract: Non-thermoplastic starch fibers having no melting point and having apparent peak wet tensile stress greater than about 0.2 MegaPascals (MPa). The fibers can be manufactured from a composition comprising a modified starch and a cross-linking agent. The composition can have a shear viscosity from about 1 Pascal·Seconds to about 80 Pascal·Seconds and an apparent extensional viscosity in the range of from about 150 Pascal·Seconds to about 13,000 Pascal·Seconds. The composition can comprise from about 50% to about 75% by weight of a modified starch; from about 0.1% to about 10% by weight of an aldehyde cross-linking agent; and from about 25% to about 50% by weight of water. Prior to cross-linking, the modified starch can have a weight average molecular weight greater than about 100,000 g/mol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Larry Neil Mackey, Gregory Charles Gordon, Lora Lee Buchanan, Stephen Wayne Heinzman, Paul Arlen Forshey
  • Patent number: 7026390
    Abstract: The present invention provides a variety of extended polyacrylic acid based binder compositions comprising a low molecular weight polyacrylic acid (typically hypophosphite or sulfite terminated), a crosslinking agent (such as triethanolamine or glycerol) and one or more water soluble materials, such as lignin, low molecular weight starch and soybean protein. The extended binder composition of the present invention provides a lower cost binder composition without degrading the performance and may be selected to alter one or more characteristics of the basic binder composition such binder wetting, emulsion compatibility, dust suppression and wash water flow properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Owens Corning Fiberglas Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank C. O'Brien-Bernini, Liang Chen, Yadollah Delaviz, Kathleen M. Bullock, William E. Downey
  • Patent number: 7022753
    Abstract: A composition or particle mixture (20) for equalizing radial and lateral forces at the tire/road footprint of a pneumatic tire (11) due to tire/wheel assembly imbalance, non-uniformity of the tire, temporary disturbances in the road surface, or other vibrational effects of the unsprung mass of a vehicle whereby the particle mixture (20) is inserted into the interior of the tire (11). The composition is a dry solid particle mixture (20) wherein the particles are freely flowable and non-tacky at elevated tire temperatures, the particle mixture (20) is essentially devoid of liquid material, and the particle mixture (20) comprises two or more sets of particles wherein each set consists essentially of particles of a predetermined size or size range. The particle mixture (20) exhibits a multimodal particle size distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventor: Robert D. Fogal, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7008984
    Abstract: A furan polymer impregnated wood which comprises wood impregnated with a polymerizable furfural alcohol monomer solution containing at least water, stabilizers, and furfuryl alcohol, and at least one further compound selected from the group consisting of anhydrides, acids and combinations thereof is described. A method for preparing a furan polymer impregnated wood and uses thereof is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Wood Polymer Technologies ASA
    Inventor: Marc H. Schneider
  • Patent number: 7005168
    Abstract: A water-soluble film for packaging a non-liquid product, a package employing the film, and methods of making the same, are disclosed. The film is made from a hydrolyzed copolymer of vinyl acetate and methyl acrylate in a range of from about 30 to about 95 percent by weight, modified starch in a range of from about 4 to about 30 percent by weight, plasticizer in a range of from about 5 to about 30 percent by weight, lubricant/release agent in a range of from about 0.0 to about 1.5 percent by weight, and surfactant in a range of from about 0.01 to about 1.5 percent by weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Monosol, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew P. Verrall, P. Scott Bening, Karen A. Kugler
  • Patent number: 7001939
    Abstract: Wheat starch of the present invention is obtained from endosperm of a seed of wheat which is modified to lack starch granule protein-1 (SGP-1). The wheat starch has an apparent amylose content of about 35% or more. Wheat flour of the present invention is obtained from endosperm of a seed of wheat which is modified to lack SGP-1. Wheat of the present invention is modified to lack SGP-1. The wheat flour and the wheat comprise wheat starch which has an apparent amylose content of about 35% or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences
    Inventor: Makoto Yamamori
  • Patent number: 6992123
    Abstract: A polishing pad of the present invention contains a water-insoluble matrix material comprising a crosslinked polymer such as a crosslinked 1,2-polybutadiene and water-soluble particles dispersed in the material, such as saccharides. The solubility of the water-soluble particles in water is 0.1 to 10 wt % at 25° C., and the amount of water-soluble particles eluted from the pad when the pad is immersed in water is 0.05 to 50 wt % at 25° C. Further, in the polishing pad of the present invention, the solubility of the water-soluble particles in water is 0.1 to 10 wt % at 25° C. at a pH of 3 to 11, and solubility thereof in water at 25° C. at a pH of 3 to 11 is within ±50% of solubility thereof in water at 25° C. at a pH of 7. In addition, the water-soluble particles contain an amino group, an epoxy group, an isocyanurate group, and the like. This polishing pad has good slurry retainability even if using slurries different in pH and also has excellent polishing properties such as a polishing rate and planarity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: JSR Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Shiho, Hiromi Aoi, Kou Hasegawa, Nobuo Kawahashi
  • Patent number: 6984609
    Abstract: A water-soluble granular composition including at least 40% of at least one plant growth regulator, at least one binder, at least one disaccharide and at least one surfactant; as well as methods for making and using the composition are disclosed. The water-soluble granular composition advantageously improves preparation of a solid plant growth regulator formulation for spray application, as such composition swiftly dissolves, is easily metered for application, can be more highly concentrated and is dust-free. A presently preferred water-soluble granular composition includes at least 40% of at least one gibberellin as the plant growth regulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Valent BioSciences Corporation
    Inventors: Bala N. Devisetty, Robert M. Beach, Ricardo A. Menendez, Prem Warrior
  • Patent number: 6962950
    Abstract: Hydrophobic polymers incompatible with starch containing, as a filler, a starch complex dispersed in the polymer matrix in the form of particles with numeric mean dimension of less than 3 microns, bound to the polymer matrix by coupling agents containing groups compatible with the matrix and with the complex, in which the starch complex is characterized by second-derivative IR absorption in the region of 940-952 cm?1 are described or wherein the starch complex is bound to the polymeric matrix through reactive groups contained in the complex capable of being fixed to the polymeric matrix. The starch complex in the case of biodegradable polymers such as the aliphatic or aliphatic aromatic polyesters is formed with complexing agents different from the polymer forming the matrix and from EVOH copolymers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Novamont S.p.A.
    Inventors: Catia Bastioli, Vittorio Bellotti, Alessandro Montino
  • Patent number: 6958369
    Abstract: The invention relates to a component for producing thermoplastically moldable, biodegradable and bright polymer mixtures based on starch, with good dimensional stability in water. The dimensional stability in water and the biodegradability of said component are adjustable and the component can be used for producing sheet materials, semi-finished or finished products, for example for packagings, containers, articles required in horticultural nurseries, and for other purposes. The invention, furthermore, relates to a process for producing the component from polyvinyl acetate and alkali silicate. A suspension of polyvinyl acetate is hydrolized and saponified in the batch process in the presence of catalytic additions such as, in particular glycerol, by adding the alkali silicate and hydroxides at high temperatures. Organosilicates of high homogeneity and fineness are formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Biop Biopolymer Technologies AG
    Inventors: Werner Berger, Lutz Jeromin, Uta Mierau, Guntram Opitz
  • Patent number: 6956070
    Abstract: The present invention provides a water-soluble film which comprises a modified polyvinyl alcohol containing an N-vinylamide monomer unit in an amount of 1 to 10 mole percent, and a carboxyl group and a lactone group in a total amount of 0.020 to 4.0 mole percent in the molecule, and having a degree of polymerization of 300 to 3000, and a degree of hydrolysis of 75 to 99.5 mole percent. Further, the present invention provides a package obtained by packaging an acidic substance, a chlorine-containing compound, or the like using the water-soluble film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Kuraray Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Fujiwara, Shintaro Hikasa, Takanori Isozaki
  • Patent number: 6951895
    Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent composition comprising each of an acidic and a basic material, wherein the absorbent composition exhibits desirable absorbent properties. Specifically, the present invention relates to an absorbent composition comprising either an acidic water-swellable, water-insoluble polymer having a pKa between about 2 to about 12 or a basic water-swellable, water-insoluble polymer having a pKb between about 2 to about 12 and either a basic or an acidic second material. The absorbent composition has the ability to slowly absorb a large quantity of liquid, particularly while under an external pressure. The absorbent composition is useful in disposable absorbent products, such as those disposable absorbent products that are used to absorb bodily liquids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Jian Qin, Palani Raj Ramaswami Wallajapet
  • Patent number: 6946506
    Abstract: Environmentally degradable finely attenuated fibers produced by melt spinning a composition comprising destructurized starch, a biodegradable thermoplastic polymer, and a plasticizer are disclosed. The present invention is also directed to highly attenuated fibers containing thermoplastic polymer microfibrils which are formed within the starch matrix of the finely attenuated fiber. Nonwoven webs and disposable articles comprising the highly attenuated fibers are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Eric Bryan Bond, Jean-Philippe Marie Autran, Larry Neil Mackey, Isao Noda, Hugh Joseph O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 6939536
    Abstract: A composition for treating a keratin based substrate that includes a cosmetically acceptable medium containing a water-soluble interjacent complex. The water-soluble interjacent complex includes a first water-soluble polymer and a second water-soluble polymer formed by polymerizing one or more water-soluble monomers in the presence of the first water-soluble polymer. The water-soluble interjacent complex is characterized in that it forms a solution in water that is free of insoluble polymer particles. The water-soluble interjacent complex is used in a method of treating a keratin based substrate, whereby a cosmetically acceptable medium is applied to the substrate and contains from 0.1-20% by weight of the water-soluble interjacent complex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: WSP Chemicals & Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Shih-Ruey T. Chen, Valentino L. DeVito, Kevin W. Frederick
  • Patent number: 6933335
    Abstract: A thermoplastic polymer blend of a bi-continuous phase structure contains thermoplastic starch, at least one synthetic polymer, and a hydrolysis component on PVAc basis. The starch component of the polymer blend has a molecular weight which is only minimally reduced relative to native starch. The thermoplastic polymer blend is produced by reactive extrusion of a mixture of native starch and at feast one hydrophobic polymer with addition of a hydrolyzed component on polyvinyl acetate basis and of lower polyfunctional alcohols and water in the presence of an acidic catalyst. The thermoplastic polymer blend is used for producing injection molded, deep-drawn, or blow-molded parts, foils or raw materials for fibers as well as material for melt film coatings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Biop Biopolymer Technologies AG
    Inventors: Werner Berger, Lutz Jeromin, Guntram Opitz
  • Patent number: 6933328
    Abstract: A composition suitable for preparing a biodegradable implant, comprising a crosslinkable multifunctional prepolymer having at least two polymerizable end groups, the said composition having a viscosity such that it is deformable at a temperature of 0° to 60° C. into a three-dimensional shape and being crosslinkable within the said temperature range. The prepolymer comprises a hydrophilic region and/or the composition further comprises an effective amount of a mineral biologically-active component delivery system and/or a biocompatible degradable porosity-inducing component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Universiteit Gent
    Inventor: Etienne Honoré Schacht
  • Patent number: 6930139
    Abstract: Coatings for agricultural grade fertilizer particles and industrial grade ammonium nitrate are provided which when applied to particles form a protective film which acts as a barrier to inhibit or prevent hydrocarbon infiltration of the fertilizer particle pores and also to physically separate the fertilizer particles and hydrocarbon materials. In so doing, the coating greatly reduces the efficacy of the fertilizer particles as an oxidizing agent for use in incendiary devices, thereby deterring or preventing the use of agricultural grade fertilizers or industrial grade ammonium nitrate in creating weapons of terror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Specialty Fertilizer Products, LLC
    Inventors: John Larry Sanders, Grigory Mazo, Jacob Mazo
  • Patent number: 6890872
    Abstract: Environmentally degradable finely attenuated fibers produced by melt spinning a composition comprising destructurized starch, a biodegradable thermoplastic polymer, and a plasticizer are disclosed. The present invention is also directed to highly attenuated fibers containing thermoplastic polymer microfibrils which are formed within the starch matrix of the finely attenuated fiber. Nonwoven webs and disposable articles comprising the highly attenuated fibers are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Eric Bryan Bond, Jean-Philippe Marie Autran, Larry Neil Mackey, Isao Noda, Hugh Joseph O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 6878760
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rubber composition which contains starch/plasticizer composite, precipitated silica and carbon black reinforcement together with a coupling agent wherein the coupling agent is an organosilane polysulfide having an average of from about 2 to about 2.6 connecting sulfur atoms in its polysulfidic bridge. The invention provides for a chemical reaction between a coupling agent and silica which is substantially decoupled from a reaction between a coupling agent and starch/plasticizer to form a filler reinforcement network in situ within the elastomer host followed by a subsequent phase mixing of the carbon black therewith. The invention further relates to the resulting rubber composition and articles of manufacture, including tires, having at least one component comprised of said rubber composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Filomeno Gennaro Corvasce, Fernand Antoine Joseph Fourgon
  • Patent number: 6869990
    Abstract: An agricultural solid waste composition contains 81-90% by weight of a powdered agricultural solid waste, 9-15% by weight of water, and 1-4% by weight of a binder. The binder contains 85-95% by weight of a gel material, 2-7% by weight of a sulfate, 2-7% by weight of a stearate, and 0.5-2% by weight of a skin forming agent. The skin forming agent contains 75-85% by weight of the gel material, 6-10% by weight of calcium chloride, and 9-15% by weight of alum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Inventor: Kuo-Chen Yang
  • Patent number: 6867254
    Abstract: Disclosed is a composition comprising a hydrophobic polymer phase and a water-swollen superabsorbent polymer phase. Also disclosed is a two component system for preparing a composition comprising a hydrophobic polymer phase and a water-swollen superabsorbent polymer phase. The first component is an emulsion of the hydrophobic polymer; the second component comprises the superabsorbent polymer; and the first and second components form the composition when mixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: W.R. Grace & Co., - Conn.
    Inventors: Robert A. Wiercinski, Xiudong Sun
  • Patent number: 6855753
    Abstract: Disclosed is an acoustical tile composition in which the conventional starch binder is replaced by a wet-strength resin, such as a polyamine epichlorohydrin resin, can be fabricated into ceiling tiles and panels using conventional water felting processes and equipment with improved efficiency. The acoustical tile compositions, with the polyamine epichlorohydrin resins binder, can be dried significantly faster than comparable compositions containing conventional starch binders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: USG Interiors, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark H. Englert
  • Patent number: 6844380
    Abstract: There is provided a method of preparing a thermoplastic starch and synthetic polymer blend, said method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a starch suspension comprising starch, water and a plasticizer, preferably glycerol; (b) obtaining a thermoplastic starch from the starch suspension by causing gelatinization and plasticization of said starch suspension by exerting heat and pressure on said starch suspension in a first extrusion unit; (c) evaporating and venting off residual water from said thermoplastic starch to obtain a substantially moisture-free thermoplastic starch; (d) obtaining a melt of a synthetic polymer or polymer blend in a second extrusion unit; and (e) combining the melt obtained from step (d) with the substantially moisture-free thermoplastic starch. Also provided are compositions of matter comprising immiscible blends of thermoplastic starches, polymers, and compatibilizers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Polyvalor, Societe en Commandite
    Inventors: Basil D. Favis, Francisco Rodriguez, Bruce A. Ramsay
  • Patent number: 6841597
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mixture of biodegradable polyesters comprising: (A) a polyhydroxy acid of the poly-?-caprolactone type and its copolymers, (B) aliphatic polyester, and (C) a polymer of polylactic acid, in which the concentration of (A) varies with respect to (A+B) in the range between 40 and 70% by weight, and the concentration of (C) with respects to (A+B+C) lies between 2 and 30%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Novamont S.p.A.
    Inventors: Catia Bastioli, Gianfranco Del Tredici, Italo Guanella, Roberto Ponti, Claudio Russo
  • Patent number: 6838511
    Abstract: This invention relates to a pneumatic rubber tire having a circumferential rubber tread of a lug and groove configuration which extends to a substantial portion an adjacent rubber sidewall and is designed to be ground-contacting. Said lug and groove configured portion of said sidewall is of a rubber composition comprised of a blend of cis 1,4-polyisoprene natural rubber and cis 1,4-polybutadiene rubber which contains reinforcement as carbon black, starch/plasticizer composite and aggregates of participated silica together with a coupling agent. Said circumferential rubber tread is of a rubber composition comprised of at least one diene-based rubber together with carbon black reinforcement and is exclusive of starch and precipitated silica.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventor: David John Zanzig
  • Publication number: 20040266944
    Abstract: Disclosed is a composition comprising a hydrophobic polymer phase and a water-swollen superabsorbent polymer phase. Also disclosed is a two component system for preparing a composition comprising a hydrophobic polymer phase and a water-swollen superabsorbent polymer phase. The first component is an emulsion of the hydrophobic polymer; the second component comprises the superabsorbent polymer; and the first and second components form the composition when mixed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: W.R. Grace & Co. - Conn.
    Inventors: Robert A. Wiercinski, Xiudong Sun
  • Patent number: 6833488
    Abstract: A bio-compatible, biodegradable macromolecular water-absorbent polymeric material having a three-dimensional configuration with intermolecular covalent bonds and containing free functional groups selected from OH, SH, NH2, and COOH. The polymer is formed by polymer-polymer inter-coupling interaction between a natural water-soluble polymer A or its derivatives having a molecular weight between 20,000 and 500,000 Da, and a synthetic polymer B in a ratio of A:B of 15:85 to 85:15.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Exotech Bio Solution Ltd.
    Inventors: Mircea Dan Bucevschi, Monica Colt
  • Publication number: 20040254285
    Abstract: A fiberglass non-woven binder composition containing a carboxy-functional copolymer binder crosslinker and a compound capable of forming a hydrogen-bonding complex with the carboxy-functional copolymer binder. The binder composition provides a strong, yet flexible bond that allows a compressed fiberglass mat to easily expand once the compression is released. The binder composition is capable of being cured at lower cure temperatures than those binders prepared using conventional crosslinkers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: Klein A. Rodrigues, Daniel B. Solarek
  • Patent number: 6831119
    Abstract: An additive/process aid for polymeric materials such as rubber elastomers comprises a mixture of gray slate flour, corn starch, a liquid polyester resin or an epoxy resin, calcium carbonate and silica gel or a fatty acid. The additive/process aid facilitates the processing and enhances the physical properties of the rubber elastomer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Don-B Corporation
    Inventors: Donald Brown, Harvey Kaufman
  • Publication number: 20040249021
    Abstract: The biodegradable composition of the present invention comprising a matrix of a fibrous powder coated with an acrylate copolymer and a natural polymer dispersed in the matrix, can be advantageously used in manufacturing disposable containers for fast food, e.g., cup noodles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventors: Soon-Geun Hwang, Heon-Moo Kim, Sung-Arn Lee, Joo-Yup Eom, Kang-Soo Kim, Sung-Hwan Yoon
  • Patent number: 6828362
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a conductive polymer composition which exhibits PTC characteristics (PTC composition) and a PTC device comprising it, wherein the PTC composition comprises: a) at least one crystalline olefin-based polymer and at least one ionomer; and, b) electrically conductive particles which have been dispersed in polymer matrix formed by a). The PTC composition according to the present invention has an enhanced adhesion to electrodes, which minimizes contact resistance and increases the maximum working current (hold current). The PTC device comprising the PTC composition can be used as a circuit protection device which protects circuit from overflowing and which holds initial resistance value although it is reused after multiple short circuit have taken place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Shinwha Intertek Corp.
    Inventors: Yong-In Lee, Hyun-Nam Cho, Jong-Hawk Kim
  • Publication number: 20040242731
    Abstract: The present invention includes compositions suitable for tire treads or sidewalls and other articles where abrasion resistance and flexibility are desirable. The invention includes a tire tread or sidewall made by combining a filler; a sulfur cure system; optionally at least one secondary rubber; and at least one halogenated terpolymer of C4 to C8 isoolefin derived units, C4 to C14 multiolefin derived units, and p-alkylstyrene derived units. Examples of suitable fillers include carbon black, silica, and combinations thereof. The present invention also includes a method of producing an elastomeric terpolymer composition comprising combining in a diluent C4 to C8 isoolefin monomers, C4 to C14 multiolefin monomers, and p-alkylstyrene monomers in the presence of a Lewis acid and at least one initiator to produce the terpolymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Walter Harvey Waddell, David Yen-Lung Chung