US4104205A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Microwave devulcanization of rubber
Assignee: Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co
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Filing: 1976-01-06
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Granted: 1978-08-01
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Expires: 1996-01-06
Abstract
Abstract Elastomer waste may be devulcanized without depolymerization to a material capable of recompounding and revulcanization into a product having physical properties essentially equivalent to the original vulcanizate. Devulcanization is accomplished by application of a controlled dose of microwave energy to sized material, preferably in a continuous process.
Inventors
- 👤 Donald S. Novotny
- 👤 Richard L. Marsh
- 👤 Frank C. Masters
- 👤 David N. Tally
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 01:46
CPC Classifications
C; C08; C08J; C08J11/00; C08J11/04; C08J11/10; C08J11/12; C08J3/00; C08J3/28; H; H05; H05B; H05B6/00; H05B6/64; C08J2321/00; Y; Y02; Y02W; Y02W30/00; Y02W30/50; Y02W30/62; Y10; Y10S; Y10S264/00; Y10S264/46
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
53 words
The method of devulcanizing sulfur-vulcanized elastomer containing polar groups which comprises applying a controlled dose of microwave energy of between 915 and 2450 MHz and between 41 and 177 watt-hours per pound in an amount sufficient to sever substantially all carbon-sulfur and sulfur-sulfur bonds and insufficient to sever significant amount of carbon-carbon bonds.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
53 words
The method of devulcanizing sulfur-vulcanized elastomer containing polar groups which comprises applying a controlled dose of microwave energy of between 915 and 2450 MHz and between 41 and 177 watt-hours per pound in an amount sufficient to sever substantially all carbon-sulfur and sulfur-sulfur bonds and insufficient to sever significant amount of carbon-carbon bonds.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the elastomer is in continuous motion while present in the microwave field.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the elastomer is maintained in continuous motion by means of a steel auger.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the microwave frequency is between 915 and 2450 MHz; the dose is between 75 and 100 watt-hours per pound; and the elastomer temperature is between 450° and 800° F.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
54 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the elastomer is maintained in continuous motion by means of a steel auger while present in the microwave field; the microwave frequency is between 915 and 2450 MHz; the dose is between 41 and 177 watt-hours per pound; and the elastomer temperature is between 450° and 800° F.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the elastomer is ethylene-propylene-diene rubber.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the elastomer is ethylene-propylene-diene rubber.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
11 words
The devulcanized elastomeric product made by the process of claim 1.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
11 words
The devulcanized elastomeric product made by the process of claim 2.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 5 wherein the elastomer is ethylene-propylene-diene rubber.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1981-07-31 | 1982-01-30 | 1982-08-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-07-31 | 1986-01-30 | 1986-08-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-07-31 | 1990-01-30 | 1990-08-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |