Todd David Danielson, 63Inman, SC

6423764, Jul 23, 2002

Aug 24, 2000

09/645717

Edward X. Zhao - Moore SC
Todd D. Danielson - Moore SC
Daniel M. Connor - Inman SC
Jason D. Sprinkle - Woodruff SC

Milliken Company - Spartanburg SC

C08J 322

523351, 524190, 524367, 524368, 524601, 528502

Colored polyester plastics produced through the introduction of coloring agents prior to extrusion but after pellet production of the base polymer are provided. As a result, the plastic is melt-extruded and mixed with the coloring agent and subsequently subjected to solid stating wherein the base polymer is accorded an increase in molecular weight and the coloring agent becomes integrated therein. Such a method permits avoidance of introduction of a coloring agent to the polymerization reaction chamber that results in extensive staining (particularly upon a change of desired colors for the next batch of plastic). Such a method also permits avoidance of the introduction of a coloring agent to an injection molding process that results in uneven color dispersion and sub-optimal physical properties within the ultimate article. The inventive procedure produces colored thermoplastics of substantially the same shades and uniformity as with the aforementioned precoloring or masterbatch process.

6559216, May 6, 2003

Aug 21, 2001

09/934376

Xiaodong E. Zhao - Moore SC
Todd D. Danielson - Moore SC
Mary E. Mason - Spartanburg SC
Daniel M. Connor - Inman SC
Eric B. Stephens - Roebuck SC
Jason D. Sprinkle - Woodruff SC
Jusong Xia - Moore SC

Milliken Company - Spartanburg SC

C08K 506

524366, 524367, 524368, 524369, 558401, 568593, 568608, 568657

Novel ultraviolet absorbing compounds that are liquid in nature, are extremely low in color (and thus permit use without the concomitant necessity of adding large amounts of other coloring agents to combat such discoloring), and are highly effective in providing protection in wavelength ranges for which previous attempts at low-color ultraviolet absorbers have failed are provided herein. Such compounds provide such excellent, inexpensive, and beneficial protection from ultraviolet exposure within various media, including, but not limited to, clear thermoplastics. The particular compounds are generally polymeric in nature including various chain lengths of polyoxyalkylenes thereon and are liquid in nature to facilitate handling and introduction within the target media. In addition, such ultraviolet absorbers also exhibit extremely low migratory properties thereby providing long-term protective benefits to the target media as well. This invention also concerns the end products, specific broadly defined types of compounds providing such beneficial characteristics, methods of making such low-color compounds, and methods of producing such clear, UV protected end products.

6595681, Jul 22, 2003

Oct 22, 2001

10/044863

Jimmy D. Chavis - Spartanburg SC
Todd D. Danielson - Moore SC
Frank M. Pitman - Duncan SC

Milliken Co. - Spartanburg SC

B01F 504

3661671, 3661811

An improved procedure and apparatus for introducing liquids within a thermoplastic or thermoset production system are provided. Such an inventive apparatus comprises a storage tank for the desired liquid, a device which connects to a flow channel (such as a manifold or pipe) through which the target thermoplastic or thermoset composition is flowing, and a transfer line connecting the storage tank with the connecting device. The connecting device itself easily attaches and detaches to the flow channel through a spring-loaded or sliding-lock mechanism. Such a novel apparatus permits an ease in changeover from one liquid to another without the need for time-consuming cleaning and without complicated shut-off, removal, and replacement steps. Furthermore, such an apparatus allows for quick start-up, a drastic reduction in time required for changeover, and, with the connecting device being attached directly to the flow channel, a reduction in potential clogging through the unwanted misdirection of thermoplastic or thermoset composition into the connecting device and/or transfer line itself. As noted above, the particular procedure for producing such thermoplastic or thermoset compositions through utilization of such an apparatus is encompassed within this invention as well.

6602447, Aug 5, 2003

Aug 21, 2001

09/934377

Todd D. Danielson - Moore SC
Xiaodong E. Zhao - Moore SC
Mary E. Mason - Spartanburg SC
Daniel M. Connor - Inman SC
Eric B. Stephens - Roebuck SC
Jason D. Sprinkle - Woodruff SC
Jusong Xia - Moore SC

Milliken Company - Spartanburg SC

F21V 904

252589, 359885

Novel ultraviolet absorbing compounds that are liquid in nature, are extremely low in color (and thus permit use without the concomitant necessity of adding large amounts of other coloring agents to combat such discoloring), and are highly effective in providing protection in wavelength ranges for which previous attempts at low-color ultraviolet absorbers have failed are provided herein. Such compounds provide such excellent, inexpensive, and beneficial protection from ultraviolet exposure within various media, including, but not limited to, clear thermoplastics. The particular compounds are generally polymeric in nature including various chain lengths of polyoxyalkylenes thereon and are liquid in nature to facilitate handling and introduction within the target media. In addition, such ultraviolet absorbers also exhibit extremely low migratory properties thereby providing long-term protective benefits to the target media as well.

6733708, May 11, 2004

Apr 17, 2003

10/417948

Jimmy D. Chavis - Spartanburg SC
Todd D. Danielson - Moore SC
Frank M. Pitman - Duncan SC

Milliken Company - Spartanburg SC

D01F 216

264 78, 26432818

An improved procedure and apparatus for introducing liquids within a thermoplastic or thermoset production system are provided. Such an inventive apparatus comprises a storage tank for the desired liquid, a device which connects to a flow channel (such as a manifold or pipe) through which the target thermoplastic or thermoset composition is flowing, and a transfer line connecting the storage tank with the connecting device. The connecting device itself easily attaches and detaches to the flow channel through a spring-loaded or sliding-lock mechanism. Such a novel apparatus permits an ease in changeover from one liquid to another without the need for time-consuming cleaning and without complicated shut-off, removal, and replacement steps. Furthermore, such an apparatus allows for quick start-up, a drastic reduction in time required for changeover, and, with the connecting device being attached directly to the flow channel, a reduction in potential clogging through the unwanted misdirection of thermoplastic or thermoset composition into the connecting device and/or transfer line itself. As noted above, the particular procedure for producing such thermoplastic or thermoset compositions through utilization of such an apparatus is encompassed within this invention as well.

6835333, Dec 28, 2004

May 7, 2002

10/140229

Todd E. Danielson - Moore SC
Jason Sprinkle - Woodruff SC
Daniel Connor - Inman SC
Donnie Hyder - Boiling Springs SC

Milliken Company - Spartanburg SC

G02B 522

252589, 8648, 524242, 524357, 264 124, 264 132, 442131

Combinations of at least two individual colorant compounds that provide effective toning (or bluing) to combat yellowing within polyester articles (such as bottles, containers, and the like) are provided. Such a novel toner combination permits effective neutralization of yellowness while also providing highly desirable low haze and increased brightness due to a sharp absorption peak within the needed range of wavelengths (e. g. , from about 565 to 590 nm) and a narrow half-height band width. Furthermore, such a combination of compounds is preferably liquid in nature and may thus be incorporated within an added ultraviolet absorber solution or shelf-stable dispersion to facilitate addition within target polyesters at various stages of production. The inventive combination bluing agent accords effective neutralization of UV absorber yellowing as well. Methods of production and liquid UV absorber/individual bluing agent formulations are also encompassed within this invention.

6875811, Apr 5, 2005

May 7, 2002

10/140700

Todd D. Danielson - Moore SC, US
Jason Sprinkle - Woodruff SC, US
Daniel Connor - Inman SC, US
Donnie Hyder - Boiling Springs SC, US

Milliken & Company - Spartanburg SC

C08L067/00
C08K005/45

524601, 524 84

Individual compounds that provide effective toning (or bluing) to combat yellowing within polyester articles (such as bottles, containers, and the like) are provided. Such a novel toner permits effective neutralization of yellowness while also providing highly desirable low haze and increased brightness due to a sharp absorption peak within the needed range of wavelengths (e. g. , from about 565 to 590 nm) and a narrow half-height band width. Furthermore, such an individual compound is preferably liquid in nature and may thus be incorporated within an added ultraviolet absorber solution or shelf-stable dispersion to facilitate addition within target polyesters at various stages of production. The particular UV absorbers desired as additives within target polyesters also tend to exhibit certain yellowing effects that require attention as well. The inventive single bluing agent compound thus also accords effective neutralization of such UV absorber yellowing as well.

6891058, May 10, 2005

Jan 3, 2003

10/336081

Xiaodong E. Zhao - Moore SC, US
Todd D. Danielson - Moore SC, US
Mary E. Mason - Spartanburg SC, US
Daniel M. Connor - Inman SC, US
Eric B. Stephens - Roebuck SC, US
Jason D. Sprinkle - Woodruff SC, US
Jusong Xia - Moore SC, US

Milliken & Company - Spartanburg SC

C07C043/00

558401, 568593, 568608, 568657

Novel ultraviolet absorbing compounds that are liquid in nature, are extremely low in color (and thus permit use without the concomitant necessity of adding large amounts of other coloring agents to combat such discoloring), and are highly effective in providing protection in wavelength ranges for which previous attempts at low-color ultraviolet absorbers have failed are provided herein. Such compounds provide such excellent, inexpensive, and beneficial protection from ultraviolet exposure within various media, including, but not limited to, clear thermoplastics. The particular compounds are generally polymeric in nature including various chain lengths of polyoxyalkylenes thereon and are liquid in nature to facilitate handling and introduction within the target media. In addition, such ultraviolet absorbers also exhibit extremely low migratory properties thereby providing long-term protective benefits to the target media as well. This invention also concerns the end products, specific broadly defined types of compounds providing such beneficial characteristics, methods of making such low-color compounds, and methods of producing such clear, UV protected end products.