US5093138A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Glycerin-containing flowable, pressure-compensating material and process for producing same
Assignee: Alden Laboratories Inc
•
Filing: 1990-08-27
•
Granted: 1992-03-03
•
Expires: 2010-08-27
Abstract
Abstract A flowable, pressure-compensating composition is provided comprising a liquid, a material for increasing the viscosity of the liquid and spherical particles. A method for making such composition is also provided. The composition is especially suitable for use in padding devices.
Inventors
- 👤 Terrence M. Drew
- 👤 Chris A. Hanson
- 👤 Alden B. Hanson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 23:50
CPC Classifications
C; C08; C08J; C08J3/00; C08J3/02; C08J3/09; C08J3/091; C08J3/095; A; A41; A41D; A41D13/00; A41D13/05; A41D13/06; A41D31/00; A41D31/04; A41D31/28; A41D31/285; C08J2300/00; C08J2300/10; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T428/00; Y10T428/23; Y10T428/239
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 85
Claim 1
Independent Claim
60 words
A flowable, pressure-compensating composition, comprising: a) a liquid comprising dihydric or trihydric alcohol; b) a material for increasing the viscosity of the liquid; and c) substantially spherical particles having a diameter less than about 300 micrometers; wherein said liquid is present in an amount from about 25 weight percent to about 75 weight percent based on the total composition weight.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
60 words
A flowable, pressure-compensating composition, comprising: a) a liquid comprising dihydric or trihydric alcohol; b) a material for increasing the viscosity of the liquid; and c) substantially spherical particles having a diameter less than about 300 micrometers; wherein said liquid is present in an amount from about 25 weight percent to about 75 weight percent based on the total composition weight.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
A pressure-compensating composition as recited in claim 1, wherein said material is a mineral viscosity-increasing material.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
A pressure-compensating composition as recited in claim 1, wherein said material is present in an amount from about 2 weight percent to about 30 weight percent based on the total composition weight.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
A pressure-compensating composition as recited in claim 2, wherein said mineral viscosity-increasing material is selected from the group consisting of fumed silica, attapulgite clays and mixtures thereof.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
A pressure-compensating composition as recited in claim 1, further comprising a flame retardant.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
A pressure-compensating composition as recited in claim 5, wherein said flame retardant is selected from the group consisting of boric oxide, boric acid, borax and mixtures thereof.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
A pressure-compensating composition as recited in claim 5, wherein said flame retardant is present in an amount from about 5 weight percent to about 15 weight percent based on the total composition weight.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
A pressure-compensating composition as recited in claim 1, further comprising an outer enclosure for containing said composition.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
A pressure-compensating composition as recited in claim 8, wherein said outer enclosure is constructed of a material selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl- and polyurethane-based materials.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
18 words
A pressure-compensating composition as recited in claim 8, wherein said outer enclosure is constructed of a polyvinylchloride material.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
A pressure-compensating composition as recited in claim 8, wherein said outer enclosure is substantially non-flammable.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
82 words
A pressure-compensating composition as recited in claim 1, comprising: a) glycerin in an amount from about 50 weight percent to about 74 weight percent based on the total composition weight; b) material for increasing the viscosity of said liquid in an amount from about 3 weight percent to about 20 weight percent based on the total composition weight; and c) substantially spherical particles in an amount from about 15 weight percent to about 31 weight percent based on the total composition weight.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
12 words
A pressure-compensating composition as recited in claim 1 further comprising a preservative.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
14 words
A pressure-compensating composition as recited in claim 1, further comprising acid, benzoate, and sorbate.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
21 words
A pressure-compensating composition as recited in claim 1, wherein said composition has been treated with heat to kill microorganisms contained therein.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
21 words
A pressure-compensating composition as recited in claim 1, wherein said composition has been subjected to radiation to kill microorganisms contained therein.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
33 words
A pressure-compensating composition as recited in claim 15, wherein said composition has been subjected to heat of approximately 180° F. for between about 30 and about 45 minutes to kill microorganisms contained therein.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
83 words
A flowable, pressure-compensating composition, comprising: a) glycerin in an amount from about 25 weight percent to about 75 weight percent based on the total composition; b) a mineral viscosity-increasing material selected from the group consisting of fumed silica and attapulgite clay in an amount from about 2 weight percent to about 30 weight percent based on the total composition; and c) a flame retardant in an amount from about 5 weight percent to about 15 weight percent based on the total composition weight.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
83 words
A flowable, pressure-compensating composition, comprising: a) glycerin in an amount from about 25 weight percent to about 75 weight percent based on the total composition; b) a mineral viscosity-increasing material selected from the group consisting of fumed silica and attapulgite clay in an amount from about 2 weight percent to about 30 weight percent based on the total composition; and c) a flame retardant in an amount from about 5 weight percent to about 15 weight percent based on the total composition weight.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
96 words
A padding device comprising a flexible enclosure and a flowable, pressure-compensating composition substantially filling said enclosure, said flowable, pressure-compensating composition comprising: a) liquid comprising dihydric or trihydric alcohol being present in an amount from about 25 weight percent to about 75 weight percent based on the total composition weight; b) mineral viscosity-increasing material in an amount from about 2 weight percent to about 50 weight percent based on the total composition weight; and c) substantially spherical particles in an amount from about 15 weight percent to about 31 weight percent based on the total composition weight.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
96 words
A padding device comprising a flexible enclosure and a flowable, pressure-compensating composition substantially filling said enclosure, said flowable, pressure-compensating composition comprising: a) liquid comprising dihydric or trihydric alcohol being present in an amount from about 25 weight percent to about 75 weight percent based on the total composition weight; b) mineral viscosity-increasing material in an amount from about 2 weight percent to about 50 weight percent based on the total composition weight; and c) substantially spherical particles in an amount from about 15 weight percent to about 31 weight percent based on the total composition weight.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
48 words
A padding device as recited in claim 19, wherein said pressure-compensating composition further comprises a flame retardant selected from the group consisting of boric oxide, borax and boric acid, in an amount from about 5 weight percent to about 15 weight percent based on the total composition weight.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
73 words
A process for producing a flowable, pressure-compensating composition, comprising the steps of: a) preparing a first slurry comprising a liquid and a viscosity-increasing agent; b) preparing a second slurry comprising substantially spherical particles; and c) mixing said first slurry and said second slurry until said agent and said spherical particles are distributed throughout said liquid; wherein said composition comprises between about 25 weight percent and about 75 weight percent dihydric or trihydric alcohol.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
73 words
A process for producing a flowable, pressure-compensating composition, comprising the steps of: a) preparing a first slurry comprising a liquid and a viscosity-increasing agent; b) preparing a second slurry comprising substantially spherical particles; and c) mixing said first slurry and said second slurry until said agent and said spherical particles are distributed throughout said liquid; wherein said composition comprises between about 25 weight percent and about 75 weight percent dihydric or trihydric alcohol.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
63 words
A process as recited in claim 21, wherein: a) the amount of said viscosity-increasing agent is in a range of from about 3 weight percent to about 20 weight percent based on the total composition weight; and b) the amount of said particles is in a range from about 0.1 weight percent to about 34 weight percent based on the total composition weight.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
19 words
A process as recited in claim 21, wherein said particles have a size of less than about 300 micrometers.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
14 words
A process as recited in claim 21, further comprising the step of adding acid.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
15 words
A process as recited in claim 21, further comprising the step of adding a preservative.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
19 words
A process as recited in claim 21, further comprising the step of sealing said pressure-compensating composition within an enclosure.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
19 words
A process as recited in claim 26, wherein at least a portion of said enclosure is sealed by heat.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
22 words
A process as recited in claim 26, wherein said enclosure comprises material selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl- and polyurethane-based materials.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
24 words
A process as recited in claim 21, further comprising a step of treating said composition with heat to kill microorganisms contained within said composition.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
22 words
A process as recited in claim 21, further comprising the step of treating said composition with radiation to kill microorganisms contained therein.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
37 words
A process as recited in claim 21, further comprising the step of sterilizing said composition by exposing it to heat of at least about 180° F. for a period of time of at least about 30 minutes.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
22 words
A process as recited in claim 21, wherein said substantially spherical particles have a density less than the density of said liquid.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
22 words
A process as recited in claim 21, wherein said substantially spherical particles have a density greater than the density of said liquid.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
16 words
A process as recited in claim 21, wherein said viscosity-increasing agent comprises a mineral vicosity-increasing agent.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
23 words
A process as recited in claim 21, wherein said viscosity-increasing agent is selected from the group consisting of fumed silica and attapulgite clays.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
16 words
A process as recited in claim 21, wherein said second slurry further comprises a flame retardant.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
26 words
A process as recited in claim 36, wherein said flame retardant is selected from the group consisting of boric oxide, boric acid, borax and mixtures thereof.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
86 words
A flowable, pressure-compensating composition, comprising: a) a liquid comprising water and dihydric or trihydric alcohol; b) a material for increasing the viscosity of said liquid; c) substantially spherical particles having a diameter of less than about 300 micrometers; wherein said alcohol is present in an amount from about 42 weight percent to about 74 weight percent based on the total composition weight and said water is present in an amount from about 1 weight percent to about 8 weight percent based on the total composition weight.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
86 words
A flowable, pressure-compensating composition, comprising: a) a liquid comprising water and dihydric or trihydric alcohol; b) a material for increasing the viscosity of said liquid; c) substantially spherical particles having a diameter of less than about 300 micrometers; wherein said alcohol is present in an amount from about 42 weight percent to about 74 weight percent based on the total composition weight and said water is present in an amount from about 1 weight percent to about 8 weight percent based on the total composition weight.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
27 words
A pressure-compensating composition as recited in claim 38, wherein said material is selected from the group consisting of gums, cellulose-based materials, soluble oxide polymers or mixtures thereof.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
27 words
A pressure-compensating composition as recited in claim 38, wherein said material is selected from the group consisting of guar, agar, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, polyethyleneoxide, and mixtures thereof.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
17 words
A pressure-compensating composition as recited in claim 38, further comprising an outer enclosure for containing said composition.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
28 words
A pressure-compensating composition as recited in claim 41, wherein said outer enclosure is constructed of a material selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl- and polyurethane based materials.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
18 words
A pressure-compensating composition as recited in claim 41, wherein said outer enclosure is constructed of polyvinyl chloride material.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
15 words
A pressure-compensating composition as recited in claim 41, wherein said outer enclosure is substantially non-flammable.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
51 words
A pressure-compensating composition as recited in claim 38, wherein said water is present in an amount from about 2 weight percent to about 6 weight percent and said alcohol is glycerin present in an amount from about 57 weight percent to about 69 weight percent based on the total composition weight.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
12 words
A pressure-compensating composition as recited in claim 38, further comprising a preservative.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
14 words
A pressure-compensating composition as recited in claim 38, further comprising acid, benzoate and sorbate.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
20 words
A pressure-compensating composition as recited in claim 38, wherein said composition has been heat treated to kill microorganisms contained therein.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
21 words
A pressure-compensating composition as recited in claim 38, wherein said composition has been subjected to radiation to kill microorganisms contained therein.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
33 words
A pressure-compensating composition as recited in claim 38, wherein said composition has been subjected to heat of approximately 180° F. for between about 30 and about 45 minutes to kill microorganisms contained therein.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
13 words
A pressure-compensating composition as recited in claim 38, further comprising a flame retardant.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
27 words
A pressure-compensating composition as recited in claim 51, wherein said flame retardant is selected from the group consisting of boric oxide, borax, boric acid and mixtures thereof.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
33 words
A pressure-compensating composition as recited in claim 51, wherein said flame retardant is present in an amount from about 5 weight percent to about 15 weight percent based on the total composition weight.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
109 words
A flowable, pressure-compensating composition, comprising: a) a liquid comprising water in an amount from about 1 weight percent to about 8 weight percent based on the total composition, and glycerin in an amount from about 42 weight percent to about 74 weight percent based on the total composition; b) a material selected from the group consisting of gums, cellulose-based materials, soluble oxide polymers or mixtures thereof, in an amount from about 0.5 weight percent to about 10 weight percent based on the total composition weight; and c) substantially spherical particles in an amount from about 15 weight percent to about 31 weight percent based on the total composition weight.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
109 words
A flowable, pressure-compensating composition, comprising: a) a liquid comprising water in an amount from about 1 weight percent to about 8 weight percent based on the total composition, and glycerin in an amount from about 42 weight percent to about 74 weight percent based on the total composition; b) a material selected from the group consisting of gums, cellulose-based materials, soluble oxide polymers or mixtures thereof, in an amount from about 0.5 weight percent to about 10 weight percent based on the total composition weight; and c) substantially spherical particles in an amount from about 15 weight percent to about 31 weight percent based on the total composition weight.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
120 words
A padding device comprising a flexible enclosure and a flowable, pressure-compensating composition substantially filling said enclosure, said pressure-compensating composition comprising: a) a liquid comprising water in an amount from about 1 weight percent to about 8 weight percent, and dihydric or trihydric alcohol in an amount from about 42 weight percent to about 74 weight percent based on the total composition weight; b) a material selected from the group consisting of guar, agar, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroypropylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, polyethyleneoxide, in an amount from about 0.5 weight percent to about 10 weight percent based on the total composition weight; and c) substantially spherically particles in an amount from about 15 weight percent to about 31 weight percent based on the total composition weight.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
120 words
A padding device comprising a flexible enclosure and a flowable, pressure-compensating composition substantially filling said enclosure, said pressure-compensating composition comprising: a) a liquid comprising water in an amount from about 1 weight percent to about 8 weight percent, and dihydric or trihydric alcohol in an amount from about 42 weight percent to about 74 weight percent based on the total composition weight; b) a material selected from the group consisting of guar, agar, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroypropylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, polyethyleneoxide, in an amount from about 0.5 weight percent to about 10 weight percent based on the total composition weight; and c) substantially spherically particles in an amount from about 15 weight percent to about 31 weight percent based on the total composition weight.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
50 words
A padding device as recited in claim 55, wherein said pressure-compensating composition further comprises a flame retardant selected from the group consisting of boric oxide, borax, boric acid, and mixtures thereof in an amount from about 5 weight percent to about 15 weight percent based on the total composition weight.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
82 words
A process for producing a flowable, pressure-compensating composition, comprising the steps of: a) preparing a first slurry comprising a liquid and a viscosity-increasing agent; b) preparing a second slurry comprising substantially spherical particles; c) mixing said first slurry and said second slurry until said agent and said spherical particles are distributed throughout said liquid; wherein said second slurry comprises water in an amount from about 1 weight percent to about 8 weight percent and said first slurry comprises dihydric or trihydric alcohol.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
82 words
A process for producing a flowable, pressure-compensating composition, comprising the steps of: a) preparing a first slurry comprising a liquid and a viscosity-increasing agent; b) preparing a second slurry comprising substantially spherical particles; c) mixing said first slurry and said second slurry until said agent and said spherical particles are distributed throughout said liquid; wherein said second slurry comprises water in an amount from about 1 weight percent to about 8 weight percent and said first slurry comprises dihydric or trihydric alcohol.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
56 words
A process as recited in claim 57, wherein: a) the amount of said viscosity-increasing agent is in a range from about 0.5 weight percent to about 10 weight percent based on the total composition weight; and b) the amount of said particles is in a range from about 0.1 weight percent to about 34 weight percent.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
19 words
A process as recited in claim 57, wherein said particles have the size of less than about 300 micrometers.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
14 words
A process as recited in claim 57, further comprising the step of adding acid.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
15 words
A process as recited in claim 57, further comprising the step of adding a preservative.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
19 words
A process as recited in claim 57, further comprising the step of sealing said pressure-compensating composition within an enclosure.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
19 words
A process as recited in claim 62, wherein at least a portion of said enclosure is sealed by heat.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
22 words
A process as recited in claim 62, wherein said enclosure comprises material selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl- and polyurethane-based materials.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
24 words
A process as recited in claim 57, further comprising the step of treating said composition with radiation to kill microorganisms contained within said composition.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
24 words
A process as recited in claim 57, further comprising the step of treating said composition with heat to kill microorganisms contained within said composition.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
35 words
A process as recited in claim 66 wherein said step of treating said composition comprises exposing said composition to heat of at least 180° F. for a period of time of at least 30 minutes.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
22 words
A process as recited in claim 57 wherein said substantially spherical particles have a density less than the density of said liquid.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
22 words
A process as recited in claim 57, wherein said substantially spherical particles have a density greater than the density of said liquid.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
29 words
A process as recited in claim 57, wherein said viscosity-increasing agent comprises a material selected from the group consisting of gums, cellulose-based materials, soluble oxide polymers and mixtures thereof.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
29 words
A process as recited in claim 57, wherein said viscosity-increasing agent comprises a material selected from the group consisting of guar, agar, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, polyethyleneoxide, and mixtures thereof.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
28 words
A pressure-compensating composition as recited in claim 18, further comprising from about 0.1 weight percent to about 32 weight percent spherical particles based on the total composition weight.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
56 words
A pressure-compensating composition as recited in claim 18, wherein said glycerin is present in an amount from about 50 weight percent to about 74 weight percent based on the total composition and said mineral viscosity-increasing material is present in an amount from about 4 weight percent to about 15 weight percent based on the total composition.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
18 words
A pressure-compensating composition as recited in claim 18, further comprising a flexible enclosure for containing said pressure-compensating composition.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
108 words
A flowable, pressure-compensating composition, comprising: (a) a liquid comprising water in an amount from about 1 weight percent to about 8 weight percent based on the total composition, and glycerin in an amount from about 25 weight percent to about 75 weight percent based on the total composition; (b) a material selected from the group consisting of gums, cellulose-based materials, soluble oxide, polymers or mixtures thereof, in an amount from about 0.5 weight percent to about 10 weight percent based on the total composition; and (c) a flame retardant in an amount from about 5 weight percent to about 15 weight percent based on the total composition weight.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
108 words
A flowable, pressure-compensating composition, comprising: (a) a liquid comprising water in an amount from about 1 weight percent to about 8 weight percent based on the total composition, and glycerin in an amount from about 25 weight percent to about 75 weight percent based on the total composition; (b) a material selected from the group consisting of gums, cellulose-based materials, soluble oxide, polymers or mixtures thereof, in an amount from about 0.5 weight percent to about 10 weight percent based on the total composition; and (c) a flame retardant in an amount from about 5 weight percent to about 15 weight percent based on the total composition weight.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
17 words
A pressure-compensating composition as recited in claim 75, further comprising a flexible enclosure for containing said composition.
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