Below are links to recent polymer related patents. These same links are published on the website, www.maropolymeronline.com. Visit this web site for more information on Maro Patent Alerts, or go to the home page of the website and click on the Most Recent Patents. Several days of patent links will be kept on this site in case you missed a day or so. To become a paid subscriber, go the website home page and click on Access.
Greg Koski has developed a website for Blogs on Plastics. I agreed to have an ongoing blog on Patents. I am using these as insights to the future. One of the things I like to do as I select the patents is try to predict where the future action will be. The idea is that the patents are footsteps pointing to the future. I would like to use the Blog to test my selections. This will only work if others comment on my selections.
For those of you who don’t know what Blogs are. A blog is a running commentary by a person with an opportunity for readers to respond. Apparently this is the latest rage so much so that special places were given Bloggers during the last national political conventions. The idea is that Bloggers freely give their honest opinions and is a way for everyone to be an editorialist. This is democracy in action.
However they don’t work if no one participates. I invite all readers of the Alerts to participate. The link to the site is Plastics Blogs and the link to my Blog is Maro Blogs. Try it, you might find it interesting and I look forward to your comments. (RDC)
January/February
Conductive polymer compositions and articles containing same
Abstract
Polymer compositions, which are particularly useful in automotive applications, are described. The polymer composition contain at least one polymer and at least one carbon black having an STSA (statistical thickness surface area) of from about 10 to about 200 m.sup.2 /g, an I.sub.2 No of from about 15 to about 250 mg/g, a tinting strength about 130% or less, a DBPA of from about 20 to about 450 cc/100 g, a CDBP of from about 20 to about 400 cc/100 g, a ratio of I.sub.2 No to STSA of from about 0.4 to about 2.5, a particle size of from about 14 to about 250 nm, and a % volatiles of less than about 5.0%. Articles for automotive applications and other applications, as well as a method for electrostatically painting an article are also disclosed.
Free-flowing polymer composition
Abstract
The present invention relates to substantially free-flowing polymer particles. The polymer particles are those which have a one millimeter penetration temperature of less than about 75.degree. C. as determined by thermal mechanical analysis or an unconfined yield strength of greater than about 15 pounds per square foot (73 kilograms per square meter). The composition also comprises an effective amount of an anti-blocking agent in the presence or absence of a binding agent.
Abstract
The present invention provides an irradiated crosslinked polyethylene containing reduced free radicals, preferably containing substantially no residual free radical. Disclosed is a process of making irradiated crosslinked polyethylene by irradiating the polyethylene in contact with a sensitizing environment at an elevated temperature that is below the melting point, in order to reduce the concentration of residual free radicals to an undetectable level. A process of making irradiated crosslinked polyethylene composition having reduced free radical content, preferably containing substantially no residual free radicals, by mechanically deforming the polyethylene at a temperature that is below the melting point of the polyethylene, optionally in a sensitizing environment, is also disclosed herein.
Dual radiation/thermal cured coating composition
Abstract
Coating composition comprising (a1) radiation curable component that polymerizes upon exposure to actinic radiation comprising at least two functional groups comprising at least one bond that is activatable upon exposure to actinic radiation, optionally, at least one isocyanate-reactive functional group, and optionally, at least one hydroxyl-reactive functional group; (a2) thermally curable binder component that polymerizes upon exposure to heat comprising at least two functional groups that are reactive with functional groups of component (a3), wherein at least 5% by weight based on a nonvolatile weight of component (a2) is component (X) that is a polymer with at least two functional groups (a21), a Tg of less than 0.degree. C., and an equivalent weight of greater than 225; (a3) thermally curable crosslinking component comprising at least two functional groups that are reactive with functional groups of (a2); and (a4) optionally, at least one reactive diluent.
Abstract
A composite structure is disclosed. The structure includes one or several polyurethane layers, a support layer, in particular a textile support layer, as well as an optional adhesive layer placed between these layers. The composite structure is characterized in that at least one of the polyurethane layers contains a polyurethane having the formula (I) ##STR1## wherein O–R.sup.1 –O– is the radical of a polyole with primary and/or secondary hydroxyl functional end groups, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 independently represent an organic radical which includes aliphatic, cyclo-aliphatic, aromatic and/or heterocyclic groups, and n is an integer number between 1 and 50,000. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing the composite structure and its use as imitation leather.
Porous sheet, fiber composite sheet and processes for the production thereof
Abstract
A porous sheet is provided suitable for use as a substitute for natural leather for shoes, clothes, and a fiber composite sheet. The porous sheet is formed of an elastic polymer, has a thickness of 10 to 500 .mu.m, and has 500 to 15,000 fine pores mm.sup.2 inside, the fine pores having an average pore diameter of 1 to 20 .mu.m, and which has a breaking strength of 1 to 15 N/mm.sup.2 and a breaking elongation of 100 to 500%. A fiber composite sheet is also provided, wherein the porous sheet is laminated on a substrate made of a fiber aggregate as a main component.
Extruder die i
njection nozzle
Abstract
An extruder die assembly and method for using same is disclosed which is designed for adaptation to a wide variety of commercial-grade extrusion devices common in the food industry. The extruder die assembly is inserted into an appropriate compartment within an extrusion device such that a first extrudate is directed down a coaxially aligned passageway within the forming section and combined with a fluid additive in the injection section whereupon the resulting food mass is compressed through a converging nozzle bore in the nozzle section to produce an extruded food product. The forming section and injection section are fabricated as a matching set. A novel feature of the invention is an injection nozzle which supplies fluid additives from an exterior pressurized source to a supply port formed in the extruder die assembly. The subject injection nozzle exhibits superior sealing qualities in conjunction with simplicity and flexibility. The minimal affected space required to receive the subject injection nozzle allows a single extruder die assembly to have more than one supply port fashioned therein. Thus, multiple injection nozzles may be used to supply a single extruder die assembly with multiple colors and/or flavors. The injection nozzle of the present invention also exhibits a unique dual seal characteristic, which is particularly effective in conditions involving high temperature. The subject injection nozzle is also highly flexible in that one injection nozzle may be used interchangeably with another (i.e., each injection nozzle is not unique to a particular supply port).
Abstract
The present invention relates to a soft polypropylene resin having a melt index falling in a specific range, prepared by melting and kneading a substantial propylene homopolymer or a propylene copolymer composition each having specific properties in the presence of a radical-generating agent. According to the present invention, capable of being provided at a good productivity is a soft polypropylene resin which is useful as an alternative for a polyvinyl chloride resin in the fields of films, sheets, construction materials and the like and which is excellent in fluidity.
Polyolefin oil resistant film using void initiating solid particles
Abstract
A biaxially oriented polyolefin multilayer film having a skin layer having oil-absorbing voids is disclosed. The film has substantially a small amount of void-initiating particles in the skin layer and typically no fillers in the core layer. Yet the film shows no visible distortion after exposure to food products such as potato chips.
March/April
Horizontally draining, pre-engineered synthetic turf field
Abstract
An artificial turf system that includes a base and a turf assembly. The base is readily constructed, at least in part, from naturally occurring ground elements that are present upon initiation of the construction of the base. The base is constructed to include a drainage mechanism that is disposed near the surface of the base. The turf assembly is laid out upon the base and is constructed to pass fluid, e.g., water, therethrough such that the fluid is specifically directed to the drainage mechanism of the base as it moves through the turf assembly. The turf assembly includes a plurality of layers such as an impermeable moisture barrier layer, a drainage layer, a filtering layer, and a turf mat.
Apparatus for applying foamed coating material to a traveling textile substrate
Abstract
A coater for applying foamed coating material to a traveling textile substrate including a frame, a flush pan, an applicator having an open slot, a pivot shaft journaled in a pair of support arms that are pivotally mounted to the frame and piston-cylinder mechanisms to move the applicator between an operating position wherein the open slot is adjacent the traveling substrate and a flush position wherein the open slot is adjacent the flush pan by pivoting the support arms and rotating the pivot shaft. Foamed coating material is applied by supporting the traveling substrate between two spaced support elements, contacting the traveling substrate with a foam applicator, and forcing a metered amount of foamed material at least partially into the interstices of the textile substrate before the foamed coating material collapses. A metered amount of foamed coating material is applied onto or into a textile substrate regardless of textile substrate structure and regardless of the viscosity of the coating material. The foamed coating material may be flushed from the coater by stopping flow of foamed material through the applicator, moving the applicator to the flush position, and commencing flow of a flushing fluid through the applicator and into the flush pan. Foamed coating material may also be flushed from the applicator by stopping flow of foamed material through the applicator, commencing flow of a flushing foam through the applicator, stopping flow of flushing foam through the applicator, and commencing flow of a flushing fluid through the applicator.
Process of making a dimensionally stable yarn
Abstract
A product includes a dimensionally stable polymeric multifilament yarn having a decitex per fiber count DPF of at least 7.5 and a fatigue strength retention FR, wherein preferred yarns are spun and drawn such that FR increases when DPF increases. Particularly preferred yarns are fabricated from poly(ethylene terephthalate) and have a DPF of between 10 and 20.
Abstract
A solution polymerization process in a series or parallel of two or more reactors at different temperatures is used to prepare a multimodal polyolefin resin of narrow molecular weight distribution. This resin is used to manufacture melt extruded pipe that has an improved performance at elevated temperatures and an improved hydrostatic design.
Corrugated plastic pipe with fastening portion
Abstract
A corrugated plastic pipe with an integral fastening section, whereby the corrugated plastic pipe can be fastened to any object by way of the fastening section.
Combined in-plane shear and multi-axial tension or compression testing apparatus
Abstract
An in-plane shear and multi-axial tension or compression testing apparatus having four-bar linkages pivotable to two sleeves on an opposite vertices with the sleeves of each vertex rotationally attached to each other. Lateral links of each linkage are pivotally attached to load transfer plates in which the plates secure a test specimen. Each linkage is rotatable to the other linkages while the vertices are subjected to a compression or tensile load. The vertices are also capable of rotation by a testing machine for shear testing. During compression or tension of the vertices of the apparatus,
the plates respectfully move toward or away from each other thereby applying compression or tension to the specimen. The bars of one linkage can be rotated with respect to the other, thereby applying torsional loading to the specimen.
Mixtures of thermoplastic elastomers and polar polymers
Abstract
Compositions of elastoplastic ionomeric polymers having hardness below 92 points Shore A. comprising polar elastomers (10-45 wt. %), such as polyacrylic and nitrile rubbers, apolar crystalline polyolefins (15-40 wt. %) and elastoplastic polyolefins (25-75 wt. %). These compositions are used for making single-layer and multilayer laminar products that can be bonded by radio-freqeuncy welding, and manufactured articles possessing antistatic properties.
Thermoplastic resin composition
Abstract
The present invention provides a thermoplastic resin composition comprising (a) 100 parts by weight of a resin selected from the group consisting of polypropylenes and copolymers composed mainly of propylene, (b) 5 to 350 parts by weight of a resin selected from the group consisting of polyethylenes and copolymers composed mainly of ethylene, the resin having been prepared using a single site catalyst, and (c) 5 to 200 parts by weight of an ionomer resin or its ester. The present thermoplastic resin composition is excellent in mechanical properties and heat bonding property to various resins, and causes no bleeding-out of softening agents, thereby the softness of the shaped articles obtained from the composition can be easily controlled. The present invention also provides a laminated article comprising a layer of the resin composition.
Process for the preparation of ep(d)m elastomeric copolymers and terpolymers
Abstract
A process is described for the preparation of elastomeric EP(D)M copolymers and terpolymers, characterized in that it is carried out in the presence of metallocene compounds of general formula (I) having a racemic stereoisomerism ##STR1##.
Modular green roof system, apparatus and methods, including pre-seeded modular panels
Abstract
A modular green roof system includes modular panels (10) providing a surrounded space suitable for supporting live plant growth and adapted for installing onto a roof deck in side-by-side positioning while allowing water flow on the roof thereunder. The panels are filled with growing medium and pre-seeded prior to delivery to the roof site, and delivered in either a preserved condition or a germinated condition. The panels are adapted for interconnecting to adjacent panels, and for connection to an edge finishing/edge termination system (46) and support structure to enable provision of non-panel areas of the green roof, and above-panel structures.
Bag filling apparatus for bagging particulate matter
Abstract
Methods and apparatuses for filling flexible receptacles or bags with bulk or particulate material is provided. In one aspect, an automatic sand bag filling apparatus is disclosed which includes a bulk fill channel which may be placed within the interior of each bag to be filled. The filling apparatus may have a metering device for providing the desired amount of bulk material to the fill channel. The fill channel may be moveable along a fixed path for engaging and advancing a series of interconnected bags. Articulating spreader bars may be provided to support the bag during filling. In one embodiment, the filling apparatus is mounted on a trailer assembly and includes a reservoir for storing the bulk sand. The sand may be transferred from the reservoir to the filling apparatus using augers, conveyors, etc. A preferred construction of a series of interconnected sand bags and a method of making a series of interconnected bags is also disclosed.
Heat weldable roofing membrane
Abstract
A roofing membrane includes a substrate sheet formed of a thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) and a film layer of thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) adhered to at least one surface of the substrate sheet. The TPV preferably includes a copolymer of ethylene and a carbonyl containing monomer dynamically vulcanized in a polyolefin thermoplastic, preferably metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene. A scrim reinforcement layer is optionally embedded in the TPV layer. When installed on a roof substrate, the membrane can be sealed by heat welding the seams of the membrane sheets.
Reinforced membranes for roofing and other applications
Abstract
A reinforced membrane, particularly well suited for use as a membrane in a single ply roofing membrane system, includes first and second thermoplastic olefin ("TPO") sheets and a polypropylene reinforcing mesh or scrim intermediate the first and second thermoplastic olefin sheets and bonded to the first and second thermoplastic olefin sheets.
Abstract
Unique thermoplastic (polypropylene, specifically) monofilament and/or tape fibers and yarns that exhibit heretofore unattained physical properties are provided. Such fibers are basically manufactured through the extrusion of thermoplastic resins that include a certain class of nucleating agent therein, and are able to be drawn at high ratios with such nucleating agents present, that the tenacity and modulus strength are much higher than other previously produced thermoplastic fibers (particularly those produced under commercial conditions), particularly those that also simultaneously exhibit extremely low shrinkage rates. Thus, such fibers require the presence of certain compounds that quickly and effectively provide rigidity to the target thermoplastic (for example, polypropylene), particularly after heat-setting. Generally, these compounds include any structure that nucleates polymer crystals within the target thermoplastic after exposure to sufficient heat to melt the initial pelletized polymer and allowing such an oriented polymer to cool. The compounds must nucleate polymer crystals at a higher temperature than the target thermoplastic without the nucleating agent during cooling. In such a manner, the "rigidifying" nucleator compounds provide nucleation sites for thermoplastic crystal growth. The preferred "rigidifying" compounds include dibenzylidene sorbitol based compounds, as well as less preferred compounds, such as [2.2.1]heptane-bicyclodicarboxylic acid, otherwise known as HPN-68, sodium benzoate, talc, certain sodium and lithium phosphate salts [such as sodium 2,2′-methylene-bis-(4,6-di-tert-butylphenyl)phosphate, otherwise known as NA-11]. Specific methods of manufacture of such inventive thermoplastic fibers, as well as fabric articles made therefrom, are also encompassed within this invention.
Thermoplastic single ply protective covering
Abs
tract
Improved single ply, water proof roof coverings having an extruded pressure sensitive rubber-based adhesive backing for attachment to a substrate such as the roof of a building or a transport vehicle, the adhesive comprising a thermoplastic rubber containing at least 25% butyl rubber in combination with polyisobutylene and low molecular weight polybutene.
Method for seaming wide panels of EPDM membrane to form a composite EPDM roofing membrane 
Abstract
A method and apparatus for continuously seaming cured EPDM membrane to form a composite sheet of predetermined width and indefinite length. The method includes the steps of providing at least two rolls of cured EPDM membrane having longitudinal marginal edges and feeding the cured EPDM membrane from the at least two rolls in a first direction. The longitudinal marginal edges of the cured EPDM membranes are positioned in an overlapping relationship as the cured EPDM membranes are fed in the first direction and then the overlapping longitudinal marginal edges are continuously seamed to form a composite sheet of indefinite length.
Forming System for the Manufacture of Thermoplastic Nonwoven Webs and Laminates
Abstract
A system and methods for collecting and managing air discharged from a melt spinning apparatus. The air management system includes an outer housing defining a first interior space, an intake opening for receiving the discharged air into the first interior space, and an exhaust opening for discharging the air. Positioned within the first interior space is an inner housing defining a second interior space coupled in fluid communication with the exhaust opening and an opening fluidically coupling the first and second interior spaces. The air management system includes a flow control device inside the first interior space that controls the flow of air from the first interior space to the second interior space and an air-directing member outside of the first interior space near the intake opening that extends in a cross-machine direction for dividing the intake opening into two portions in a machine direction.
