Solid Polymer Derived From Carboxylic Acid Cyclic Ester, E.g., Lactone, Etc. Patents (Class 525/415)
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Patent number: 7041417Abstract: This invention relates to an image receiving layer (22) of a receiver element (20) for laser-induced thermal transfer imaging processes. The image receiving layer (22) is made from a formulation containing a caprolactone polymer and a cellulose ester. The invention is, typically, useful in proofing and color filter applications.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2003Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and CompanyInventor: Harvey Walter Taylor, Jr.
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Patent number: 7030263Abstract: A method of preparing a carbamate or urea-functional compound is described comprising the step of reacting a lactone or hydroxy carboxylic acid with a compound (A) comprising a carbamate or urea group or a group that can be converted to a carbamate or urea group, and an active hydrogen group capable of reacting with the hydroxy carboxylic acid or in a ring-opening reaction with a lactone. The compound thus prepared is useful in curable compositions.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2002Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Assignee: BASF CorporationInventors: Brian D. Bammel, John D. McGee, Walter H. Ohrbom, Todd A. Seaver, Gregory G. Menovcik, Paul J. Harris, John W. Rehfuss
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Patent number: 7026437Abstract: An absorbable crystalline, monocentric polyaxial copolymer comprising a central carbon or nitrogen atom and at least three axes, each of which includes an amorphous flexible component adjacent and originating from the central atom and a rigid, crystallizable component extending outwardly from the amorphous, flexible component is disclosed along with the use of such copolymer in medical devices which may contain a bioactive agent. The present invention also relates to a suture, stents, stent mantles and sealing devices made from the polyaxial copolymer.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2003Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: Poly-Med, INCInventors: Shalaby W. Shalaby, Dan Åkerfeldt, Fredrik Preiniz, Per Egnelöv, Torbjörn Mathisen
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Patent number: 7026496Abstract: The present invention relates to a complex having the formula (I) wherein M is selected from Sn(II), Sn(IV), Al(III) and Mg(II); each of R1 and R2 is independently hydrocarbyl; R3 is H or hydrocarbyl; and X is a linker group. A further aspect of the invention relates to the use of said complex as a polymerisation initiator, particularly in the polymerisation of lactides.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2001Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: Imperial College Innovations LimitedInventors: Vernon Charles Gibson, Edward Leslie Marshall, Andrew Peter Dove
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Patent number: 7019106Abstract: A process for producing a lactic acid polymer of 15,000 to 50,000 in weight-average molecular weight, the content of polymeric materials having not more than about 5,000 in weight-average molecular weight therein being not more than about 5% by weight, characterized by hydrolyzing a high molecular weight lactic acid polymer, placing the resultant solution comprising the hydrolyzed product under a condition capable of precipitating the objective lactic acid polymer, separating the precipitated lactic acid polymer and collecting them. The lactic acid polymer is useful as a matrix for sustained-release preparations. The sustained-release microcapsule preparation encapsulating a physiologically active substance can fully prevent the initial excessive release of the physiologically active substance from the microcapsules and keep a stable release rate over a long period of time.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2001Date of Patent: March 28, 2006Assignees: Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd., Takeda Pharmaceutical Company LimitedInventors: Kohei Yamamoto, Tsutomu Tani, Takashi Aoki, Yoshio Hata
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Patent number: 6974856Abstract: Disclosed are block copolymers represented by the following general formula (I) wherein AI represents a hydroxyl group or an organic residue derived from an anionic polymerization initiator, R represents a hydrogen atom or an acyl group, NP represents a residue derived from a nucleophilic reagent, m is an integer of 2 to 20,000, and n is an integer of 1 to 20,000.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2000Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Nanocarrier Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazunori Kataoka, Yukio Nagasaki, Yoshitsugu Akiyama
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Patent number: 6929955Abstract: The present invention relates to an interactive system comprising at least one active surface of plastic from monomers containing at least one structural element derived from a carbon dioxide (A), and at least one substance associated to a linker with at least one structural element (B) capable of establishing a hydrogen bond, and involving an interaction between the structural elements (A) and (B). That interactive system is suitable for presenting and eliminating substances in liquids.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 1999Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Assignee: Max-Planck-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Wissenschaften e.V., BerlinInventors: Elke Bucha, Götz Nowak
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Thermosetting elastomer composition based on modified polycyanurate with improved thermal resistance
Patent number: 6911500Abstract: The invention concerns a thermosetting elastomer composition based on modified polycyanurate with improved thermal resistance obtainable by a polymerization method in the presence of a catalyst (D) of a mixture comprising at least: (A) a cyanate, (B) a block copolymer consisting of: a) at least a central block (B1) non-miscible with the cyanate and sufficiently long to provide the composition with elastomeric character; and b) at least two terminal blocks (B2) located on each side of the central block and comprising groups reactive with the cyanate, each of the blocks (B2) being sufficiently long to be miscible with the cyanate; and (C) a mineral filler reactive with the cyanate, in proportions such that the ratio r is not less than 5, but remains less than a threshold value to avoid phase inversion, said method comprising steps which consist in: I) mixing (A), (B), (C) and (D) until a homogeneous mixture is obtained at a temperature higher than the melting point of (A) and of (B) but lower than about 130° C.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2001Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: MerylitheInventors: Francoise Mechin, Jean-Pierre Pascault, Stéphanie Lambour, Jacques Ferrand -
Patent number: 6890560Abstract: The present invention provides an anionic group-containing amphiphilic block copolymer that is biocompatible and biodegradable and, when used as a drug carrier for a cationic drug, provides several advantages such as increased blood concentration and improved stability of the drug.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2002Date of Patent: May 10, 2005Assignee: Samyang CorporationInventors: Min-Hyo Seo, In-Ja Choi, Han-Uk Kong
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Patent number: 6861479Abstract: Production of a porous layer includes using a composition which includes a first polymer component and a second polymer component, the first polymer component being polyhydroxyamide and/or polybenzoxazole and stable at a temperature at which the second polymer component decomposes and volatilizes. If the composition is heated to the decomposition temperature of the second polymer component, the second component volatilizes and a porous layer that contains the first component remains.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2002Date of Patent: March 1, 2005Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventor: Recai Sezi
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Patent number: 6830747Abstract: Biocompatible biodegradable polymer or copolymer is capped at one end and has free hydroxyl at the other end. The free hydroxyl can be reacted to link a plurality of functional groups some or each of which can be reacted to attach directly or via a spacer molecule a moiety containing an aminoxyl-containing radical or to a moiety comprising other drug molecule residue or a moiety comprising other biologically active agent residue.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2002Date of Patent: December 14, 2004Assignee: Cornell Research Foundation, Inc.Inventors: Meidong Lang, Chih-Chang Chu
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Patent number: 6831149Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for making an absorbable polylactone copolymer prepared in part from about 2 to about 80 mole percent glycolide, which process utilizes a combination of a monofunctional polymerization initiator and a di-functional polymerization initiator, to achieve rates of crystallization of the copolymer of at least about 2 times faster than the rate of crystallization of a copolymer made by a similar process utilizing either the mono-functional or the di-functional polymerization initiator alone. Absorbable polylactone copolymers prepared by such processes and medical devices containing such copolymers are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2002Date of Patent: December 14, 2004Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: Hugh D. Newman, Jr., Sasa Andjelic, Brian M. Kelly, Dennis D. Jamiolkowski, Rao S. Bezwada
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Patent number: 6828412Abstract: A polymer comprising: a polymeric backbone comprising at least one unit having the structure (I), wherein R-R4 comprise groups selected from the group consisting of H, C1-C12 alkyl, C6-C18 aryl, C7-C18 aralkyl, C6-C18 cycloalkyl or any of the group consisting of C1-C12 alkyl, C6-C18 aryl, C7-C18 aralkyl, C6-C18 cycloalkyl substituted, within the carbon chain or appended thereto, with one or more heteroatoms; R and R2 or R and R4 or R and R1 or R2 and R3 may be joined so that with the carbon atom(s) to which they are attached they together form a saturated, partially unsaturated or unsaturated ring system respectively, may have a pendent group which may incorporate a linker unit, (for example a peptide linkage) or a unit having the structure (I); A comprises a proton donating moiety selected from the group consisting of formula (1).Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2002Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: School of Pharmacy, University of LondonInventors: Stephen James Brocchini, Marie-Claude Dubois Clochard
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Patent number: 6825314Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a novel method for effectively producing a cyclic lactic acid oligomer, and a cyclic lactic acid oligomer produced by the method.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2002Date of Patent: November 30, 2004Assignee: Amato Pharmaceutical Products, Ltd.Inventors: Mikio Watanabe, Jiro Takano, Yoshimi Ishihara, Masahiro Murakami
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Patent number: 6825284Abstract: A method for preparing a poly-&agr;-hydroxyacrylate aqueous solution, which comprises reacting a polylactone compound corresponding to poly-&agr;-hydroxyacrylic acid (hereinafter referred to as “PLAC”) with an alkali, wherein the alkali is added dividedly.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2002Date of Patent: November 30, 2004Assignee: Nippon Peroxide Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ryuichi Kayama, Toshio Suzuki
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Patent number: 6797788Abstract: The invention concerns thermoplastic aliphatic polyester compositions characterized by a melt flow index (RMFI) ranging between 1.1 and 2.5. The invention also concerns a method for preparing said compositions which are used for making films, foams, flasks or thermoformed products. The resulting films obtained from said compositions are used for making litter bags, films for agricultural use, packaging films, shrouds, diaper drawers and adhesive films.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2002Date of Patent: September 28, 2004Assignee: SOLVAY (Societe Anonyme)Inventors: Ivan Claeys, Henri Wautier, Dino Manfredi
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Patent number: 6794484Abstract: The present invention is directed to absorbable polylactone copolymers prepared in part from about 2 to about 80 mole percent glycolide, utilizing a combination of a monofunctional polymerization initiator and a di-functional polymerization initiator, to achieve rates of crystallization of the copolymer of at least about 2 times faster than the rate of crystallization of a copolymer made by a similar process utilizing either the mono-functional or the di-functional polymerization initiator alone. Medical devices containing such copolymers are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2002Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.Inventors: Hugh D. Newman, Jr., Sasa Andjelic, Brian M. Kelly, Dennis D. Jamiolkowski, Rao S. Bezwada
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Patent number: 6794485Abstract: An absorbable crystalline, monocentric polyaxial copolymer comprising a central carbon or nitrogen atom and at least three axes, each of which includes an amorphous flexible component adjacent and originating from the central atom and a rigid, crystallizable component extending outwardly from the amorphous, flexible component is disclosed along with the use of such copolymer in medical devices which may contain a bioactive agent. The present invention also relates to a suture, stents, stent mantles and sealing devices made from the polyaxial copolymer.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2002Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: Poly-Med, Inc.Inventors: Shalaby W. Shalaby, Torbjorn Mathisen
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Patent number: 6780813Abstract: The invention relates to an improved method of producing double-metal cyanide (DMC) catalysts for the production of polyether polyols by polyaddition of alkylene oxides to starter compounds containing active hydrogen atoms, in which the DMC catalyst dispersion is produced using a mixing nozzle, preferably a jet disperser. The DMC catalysts produced in this way have an increased activity in polyether polyol production, reduced particle size and narrower particle size distribution.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2002Date of Patent: August 24, 2004Assignee: Bayer AktiengesellschaftInventors: Jörg Hofmann, Bernd Klinksiek, Stephan Ehlers, Thorsten Fechtel, Franz Föhles, Pieter Ooms
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Patent number: 6767987Abstract: This invention provides a hydroxyalkyl(meth)acrylate composition modified by a small amount of lactones in which a proportion of monomers having two or more continuous chains of lactone is less than 50% (area % by GPC). This invention also provides methods for synthesizing such a composition. This invention also provides an acrylic polyol resin comprising the hydroxyalkyl(meth)acrylate composition, a carboxylic group-containing acrylate composition modified by a small amount of lactones, and a polyester unsaturated monomer modified by a small amount of lactones. Uses of these materials in curable resins, coating compositions, and finishing agents are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2001Date of Patent: July 27, 2004Assignee: Daicel Chemical Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Akira Okazaki
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Patent number: 6761970Abstract: A poly(lactic acid) fiber has a strength at 90° C. of equal to or more than 0.8 cN/dtex and exhibits significantly satisfactory mechanical properties at high temperatures as compared with conventional poly(lactic acid) fibers.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2002Date of Patent: July 13, 2004Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.Inventors: Takashi Ochi, Takaaki Sakai, Yuhei Maeda
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Patent number: 6756472Abstract: A process for producing a biodegradable polymer having free carboxyl at the &ohgr;-end charcterized by polymerizing a cyclic ester compound in the presence of a hydroxymonocarboxylic acid derivative having protected carboxyl or a hydroxydicarboxylic acid derivative having protected carboxyl, and then deprotecting the thus obtained polymer having protected carboxyl at the &ohgr;-end. Use of the above process makes it easy to control the molecular weight of the target biodegradable polymer and the content of free carboxyl therein, thereby enabling the efficient production of a polymer having a high purity and being contaminated with littel catalyst remaining therein.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2001Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignee: Takeda Chemical Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Yoshio Hata, Yasutaka Igari
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Patent number: 6753384Abstract: A polyurethane is described which is a reaction product of at least one isocyanate containing material having at least two isocyanate groups and at least one compound having at least two hydrogen atoms capable of reacting with the isocyanate. The compound having the at least two hydrogen atoms contains a hydroxyalkanoate, which is preferably a thermally decomposable or a biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoate. The polyurethane of the present invention can be used in a number of applications and preferably has improved properties such as, but not limited to, improved flexibility and/or improved hydrophobicity. The polyurethanes of the present invention are preferably biodegradable and easily recycled.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2001Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Metabolix, Inc.Inventors: Robert S. Whitehouse, Sean Daughtry, Luhua Zhong
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Patent number: 6747121Abstract: The present invention relates in general to implantable, resorbable copolymers containing L-lactide and glycolide repeat units, and in particular to terpolymers containing L-lactide, glycolide, and one other type of repeat unit selected from the group consisting of D-lactide, D,L-lactide, and &egr;-caprolactone. Medical devices for in vivo implantation applications containing such implantable, resorbable copolymers are also described, as well as methods for making such copolymers and devices.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2001Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Synthes (USA)Inventor: Sylwester Gogolewski
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Patent number: 6740731Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for reducing waste accumulation by using an environmentally degradable disposable material. The disposable material, which includes a hydroxycarboxylic acid-containing polymer, degrades hydrolytically during operative and disposal stages in a controlled manner such that the disposal degradation rate of the material is accelerated relative to the operative degradation rate of the material.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2001Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Assignee: Cargill Dow Polymers LLCInventors: Donald M. Bigg, Richard G. Sinclair, Edward S. Lipinsky, John H. Litchfield, Billy R. Allen
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Patent number: 6720402Abstract: Shape memory polymer compositions, articles of manufacture thereof, and methods of preparation and use thereof are described. The shape memory polymer compositions can hold more than one shape in memory. Suitable compositions include at least one hard segment and at least one soft segment. At least one of the hard or soft segments can contain a crosslinkable group, and the segments can be linked by formation of an interpenetrating network or a semi-interpenetrating network, or by physical interactions of the blocks. Objects can be formed into a given shape at a temperature above the Ttrans of the hard segment, and cooled to a temperature below to Ttrans of the soft segment. If the object is subsequently formed into a second shape, the object can return to its original shape by heating the object above the Ttrans of the soft segment and below the Ttrans of the hard segment.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2002Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: MnemoScience GmbHInventors: Robert S. Langer, Andreas Lendlein
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Patent number: 6720374Abstract: The present invention relates to biodegradable plastics and biodegradable plastic products thereof having flexibility, and more specifically, it aims to provide a plasticizer for providing aliphatic polyester, in particular, polylactic acid with flexibility, an aliphatic polyester composition using the same, a film, a sheet, a bag and the like obtained by molding said composition, that are, with respect to 100 parts by weight of aliphatic polyester, (1) an aliphatic polyester compound which contains polyglycerol acetic ester by 5-50 parts by weight, (2) an aliphatic polyester compound which contains polyglycerol acetic ester and acetic and fatty acid ester of glycerol having a specific structure by 5-50 parts by weight, and (3) flexible products which are obtained by molding the fatty polyester compound indicated in the above (1) or (2) into films, sheets, bags or the like.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2002Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: Riken Vitamin Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuyuki Sashida, Tadashi Hasebe
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Patent number: 6716957Abstract: A bioabsorbable material such as a terpolymer of poly-(L-lactide/D-lactide/glycolide). The material may consist of 85 molar percent L-lactide, 5 molar percent D-lactide, and 10 molar percent glycolide. The material may have a heat of fusion of about 15-25 J/G, tensile strength retention at 26 weeks of incubation of at least about 50%, and tensile strength retention at 52 weeks of incubation of at most about 25%. The material may be used in implantable devices such as bone fixation devices.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2001Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Stryker Technologies CorporationInventor: Deger C. Tunc
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Patent number: 6710135Abstract: A resin composition comprising: 30 to 95 parts by weight of a biodegradable polylactic acid resin (A), and 70 to 5 parts by weight of a specified polyalkylene carbonate (B), providing that the sum of components (A) and (B) is 100 parts by weight. The invention provides an excellent resin composition which is biodegradable, transparent, flexible and has gas barrier properties and which is free from the occurrence of bleedout with the passage of time. Further, the resin composition of the invention is excellent in moldability, so that a variety of molded articles can be produced by various molding techniques and put to practical use. The resultant molded articles, when disposed of after use, exhibit high biodegradability in natural environment.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2002Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.Inventors: Junji Tan, Kazuo Wakimura, Shoji Obuchi
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Patent number: 6703477Abstract: Copolymers of lactide and glycolide with high glycolide content. The average glycolate block length is less then about 3, which allows the copolymer to be soluble in slightly polar solvents such as methylene chloride.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2002Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Alkermes Controlled Therapeutics, Inc. IIInventor: Chiem V. Pham
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Publication number: 20030236357Abstract: Extrusion processability of non-fluorinated melt-processable polymers is improved by introducing a fluoropolymer process aid by means whereby the weight average particle size of the fluoropolymer is greater than 2 microns as it reaches the extruder die entrance.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2003Publication date: December 25, 2003Inventors: George Richard Chapman, Steven Richard Oriani
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Patent number: 6667385Abstract: Polylactic acid is produced from dimers of lactic acid in an energy saving manner by contacting a lactic acid source via an extraction membrane with an amine carrier solvent to extract lactic acid across the membrane. One or two membranes may be used. After extraction, the aminium lactate salt is crystallized, disassociated and purified.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2002Date of Patent: December 23, 2003Assignee: Energenetics International, Inc.Inventors: Sammy Mayfield Pierce, Cecil T. Massie
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Patent number: 6660827Abstract: Crosslinked compositions formed from water-insoluble copolymers are disclosed. These compositions are copolymers having a bioresorbable region, a hydrophilic region and at least two cross-linkable functional groups per polymer chain. Crosslinking of these polymers can be effected in solution in organic solvents or in solvent-free systems. If crosslinking occurs in a humid environment, a hydrogel will form. If crosslinking occurs in a non-humid environment, a xerogel will form which will form a hydrogel when exposed to a humid environment and the resulting crosslinked materials form hydrogels when exposed to humid environments. These hydrogels are useful as components in medical devices such as implantable prostheses. In addition, such hydrogels are useful as delivery vehicles for therapeutic agents and as scaffolding for tissue engineering applications.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2003Date of Patent: December 9, 2003Assignee: Scimed Life Systems, Inc.Inventors: Gary L. Loomis, D. Christian Lentz
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Patent number: 6646103Abstract: The invention concerns a method for obtaining oxacarbonyl polymers comprising steps which consist in: providing at least monomers comprising at least a cyclic oxacarbonyl function, an initiator, and in polymerising or copolymerising said monomers, in bulk or in solution, the initiator being selected among bicyclic guanidine compounds of formula (I) or (II) wherein one and/or the other of the cycles can be substituted, in at least any one of positions 2, 3, 4, 8, 9 and 10 of formula (I) or in at least any one of positions 2, 3, 7 and 8 of formula (II), by at least a radical selected among the alkyl groups with 1 to 6 carbon atoms, the cycloalkyl groups with 5 to 7 carbon atoms, polystyrene hydrocarbon chains.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2001Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: Centre National de la Recherche ScientifiqueInventors: Pierre Le Perchec, Roselyne Baudry, Frédéric Alvarez
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Patent number: 6642346Abstract: This invention is directed to a coating composition used for original equipment manufacturing or refinishing uses in the automotive industry, which coating composition utilizes an acrylic polymer which contains substituted or unsubstituted exomethylene lactones or lactams as a comonomer.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2001Date of Patent: November 4, 2003Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and CompanyInventors: Charles J. Brandenburg, Randal D. King, Larry G. Oien, Peter W. Uhlianuk
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Patent number: 6632891Abstract: A flame-retardant resin composition comprising a phosphazene flame retardant and a polyester resin, wherein the flame retardant is bonded to the molecules of the polyester resin via the ester group thereof, can retain a high flame retardance for a prolonged term with little or no vaporization with time and is excellent in flame retardance, impact resistance, properties and processability.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2000Date of Patent: October 14, 2003Assignee: Otsuka Kagaku Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yuji Tada, Yoichi Nishioka, Tadao Yabuhara, Takashi Kameshima, Shinji Nakano
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Graft copolymers of methylene lactones and process for emulsion polymerization of methylene lactones
Publication number: 20030171522Abstract: This invention discloses resilient, acrylic graft polymers comprising &agr;-methylene lact(one)(am) monomers such as &agr;-methylene-&ggr;-butyrolactone, and blends of such polymers with thermoplastic matrix resins.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2002Publication date: September 11, 2003Inventor: Charles J. Brandenburg -
Patent number: 6602975Abstract: Hydrogels of polymerized and crosslinked macromers comprising hydrophilic oligomers having biodegradable monomeric or oligomeric extensions, which biodegradable extensions are terminated on free ends with end cap monomers or oligomers capable of polymerization and cross linking are described. The hydrophilic core itself may be degradable, thus combining the core and extension functions. Macromers are polymerized using free radical initiators under the influence of long wavelength ultraviolet light, visible light excitation or thermal energy. Biodegradation occurs at the linkages within the extension oligomers and results in fragments which are non-toxic and easily removed from the body. Preferred applications for the hydrogels include prevention of adhesion formation after surgical procedures, controlled release of drugs and other bioactive species, temporary protection or separation of tissue surfaces, adhering of sealing tissues together, and preventing the attachment of cells to tissue surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2001Date of Patent: August 5, 2003Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas SystemInventors: Jeffrey A. Hubbell, Chandrashekhar P. Pathak, Amarpreet S. Sawhney, Neil P. Desai, Jennifer L. Hill
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Patent number: 6600007Abstract: A bromine-containing, hydroxy-functional copolymer is prepared from an initiator that is solid at room temperature and has at least one bromone atom. The initiator is reacted with an effective amount of lactone monomers, optionally in the presence of a catalyst, to establish a bromine-containing, hydroxy-functional copolymer that is a liquid at room temperature. The copolymer of this invention may be used as liquid reactive flame retardant and, in the event the copolymer is polyfunctional, as a crosslinker.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2001Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Southwest Distributing Co.Inventors: Herry (Z-X) Chen, Edward J. Lyszczek
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Patent number: 6592899Abstract: Polymeric compositions having improved capability of solubilizing a drug in a hydrophilic environment to form a solution, comprising: a biodegradable polyester oligomer; and biodegradable AB-type, ABA-type, or BAB-type block copolymers are disclosed. The copolymers are comprised of about 50.1 to 65% by weight of a biodegradable, hydrophobic A polymer block comprising a biodegradable polyester, and about 35 to 49.9% by weight of a hydrophilic B polymer block comprising a polyethylene glycol (PEG), and wherein the block copolymer has a weight averaged molecular weight of between 2400 to 4999. The biodegradable polyester oligomer of said composition is within a range of 0.01% to 30% by weight of the total polymer mixture, and the content of the biodegradable AB-type, ABA-type, or BAB-type block copolymer is within a range of 70% to 99.99% by weight of the total polymer mixture.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2001Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Assignee: Macromed IncorporatedInventors: Kirk Dee Fowers, Gaylen M. Zentner, Chung Shih, Ai-Zhi Piao
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Patent number: 6593399Abstract: A method for preparing an intrinsically conductive copolymer comprising preparing an emulsion latex in a medium; forming a mixture which comprises at least one cyclic heteroatom containing monomer, the emulsion latex in the medium and an additive under first condition effective to maintain the emulsion latex in a first stabilized emulsion state, causing the monomer in the mixture to polymerize under second condition effective to produce the conductive copolymer in a second stabilized emulsion state. Additives include cyclodextrins, partially alkylated cyclodextrins, poly(vinyl alcohol), partially hydrolyzed poly(vinyl acetate), poly(vinyl acetate) and mixtures thereof.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2000Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Assignee: Rohm and Haas CompanyInventors: Edward Ewart La Fleur, Jiun-Chen Way
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Patent number: 6583232Abstract: Bioresorbable blends are presented for use in the manufacture of surgical implants. The blends comprise a bioresorbable copolymer and a further bioresorbable polymer.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2000Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Smith & Nephew PLCInventor: Malcolm W. R. Brown
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Patent number: 6569990Abstract: 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 wherein R1 is H, or C1 or C2 alkyl, and n is 1 or 2; the second RRMU has the structure 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: GrantFiled: November 10, 2000Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventor: Isao Noda
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Publication number: 20030027938Abstract: Polymerization of &agr;-bromomethyl-&agr;-methyl-&bgr;-propiolactone (BMMPL) or &agr;-chloromethyl-&agr;-methyl-&bgr;-propiolactone (CMMPL) yielded thermoplastic homopolymers that upon azidation led to a novel energetic thermoplastic polyester: poly(&agr;-azidomethyl-&agr;-methyl-&bgr;-propiolactone) (PAMMPL). An energetic copolyether-ester thermoplastic elastomer was prepared by using glycidyl azide polymer, a dihydroxyl terminated energetic polymer, as a macroinitiator for the polymerization of BMMPL or CMMPL. The azidation of the resulting copolyether-ester yielded an energetic thermoplastic elastomer that melted at between 80° C. and 85° C. Polymerization of &agr;-dibromomethyl-&bgr;-propiolactone (DBMPL) resulted in a polymer which upon azidation yielded a new energetic polymer that can be used as a binder or into an energetic thermoplastic elastomer synthesis.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2002Publication date: February 6, 2003Inventors: Guy Ampleman, Sylvie Brochu
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Patent number: 6506851Abstract: A golf ball comprising a core and a cover layer wherein the cover is formed of a polyurethane composition comprising a saturated prepolymer comprising an initiated polycaprolactone and a saturated diisocyanate, and a curing agent.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2001Date of Patent: January 14, 2003Assignee: Acushnet CompanyInventor: Shenshen Wu
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Publication number: 20020161134Abstract: The present invention relates to polyethyleneglycol/polylactide (or polyglycolide or polycaprolactone)/polyethyleneglycol triblock copolymers with an enhanced reactivity, and process for their preparation.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2001Publication date: October 31, 2002Applicant: Korea Institute of Science and TechnologyInventors: Young Ha Kim, Soo Hyun Kim, Ki Dong Park, Soo-Hong Lee
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Patent number: 6469133Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the direct synthesis of high melting polymers made from dimeric cyclic esters. In particular, the present invention provides a process for synthesis of polylactic acid (PLA) from racemic materials such as racemic lactide and polymandelide from mandelide. The process further provides racemic metal organic ligand catalysts such as racemic salbinap that catalyzes the polymerization of racemic dimeric cyclic ester monomers to a polylactide stereocomplex. Polymandelide and mixed dimeric cyclic esters are also prepared in the presence of low amounts of water.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2000Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Assignee: Board of Trustees of Michigan State UniversityInventors: Gregory L. Baker, Milton R. Smith, III
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Patent number: 6462143Abstract: This invention relates to a gel-free process for making functionalized polymers. When multi-alkali metal initiators are used to make these polymers anionically, the process comprises anionically polymerizing at least one monomer with a multi-alkali metal initiator in a hydrocarbon solvent, capping the polymer by adding to the polymer a capping agent that reacts with the ends of the polymer chains such that strongly associating chain ends are formed wherein a strongly associating gel is formed, and, finally, adding a trialkyl aluminum compound to the gel. The important characteristic of the capping agent herein is that it will cap the living polymer and will add a functional group to the polymer chain end which will be strongly associating in the hydrocarbon solvent.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 1999Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Assignee: KRATON Polymers US LLCInventors: Carl Lesley Willis, Daniel Earl Goodwin, Robert Charles Bening, Dale Lee Handlin, Jr., John David Wilkey
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Patent number: 6462169Abstract: An absorbable crystalline, monocentric polyaxial copolymer comprising a central carbon or nitrogen atom and at least three axes, each of which includes an amorphous flexible component adjacent and originating from the central atom and a rigid, crystallizable component extending outwardly from the amorphous, flexible component is disclosed along with the use of such copolymer in medical devices which may contain a bioactive agent.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2000Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Assignee: Poly-Med, Inc.Inventor: Shalaby W. Shalaby
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Publication number: 20020143139Abstract: A bromine-containing, hydroxy-functional copolymer is prepared from an initiator that is solid at room temperature and has at least one bromine atom. The initiator is reacted with an effective amount of lactone monomers, optionally in the presence of a catalyst, to establish a bromine-containing, hydroxy-functional copolymer that is a liquid at room temperature. The copolymer of this invention may be used as liquid reactive flame retardant and, in the event the copolymer is polyfunctional, as a crosslinker.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2001Publication date: October 3, 2002Inventors: Herry (Z-X) Chen, Edward J. Lyszczek