Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1993-2004
Title: Innovator Profile: Bridget A. Spence from Houston, TX
Introduction: Bridget A. Spence, based in Houston, Texas, is a prolific inventor with a remarkable portfolio of 21 patents. Her innovative contributions primarily focus on the development of advanced materials, particularly in the field of thermoplastic elastomers.
Latest Patents: Among her latest innovations is the patent for a functionalized thermoplastic elastomer produced without a hydrogenation step. This approach utilizes a free radical initiator and a functionalizing monomer with at least one point of unsaturation. The base polymers can be synthesized by copolymerizing an α-olefin, which is capable of producing an amorphous backbone, with a comonomer that provides a "hook" for grafting to a living polystyrene chain. Bridget’s inventive methods also include copolymerizing an α-olefin monomer system with a functional group-rich comonomer, allowing for an anionically polymerizable monomer to grow from the backbone. Additionally, she involves a process for copolymerizing an olefin-terminated polystyrene comonomer. In one variation, she explores the metallation of a conventional EPDM polymer, enabling the growth of a monoalkenyl aromatic compound that is anionically polymerizable from the backbone.
Career Highlights: Bridget currently serves as an inventor at Shell Oil Company, where she applies her expertise in materials science to enhance product development and innovation. Her contributions not only advance the field of thermoplastic elastomers but also significantly impact the company's overall portfolio and competitiveness in the energy sector.
Collaborations: Bridget A. Spence collaborates with notable colleagues, including Ronald J. Hoxmeier and Steven S. Chin, who share her commitment to pushing the boundaries of research and innovation in materials engineering.
Conclusion: Bridget A. Spence is a key figure in the realm of material innovation, with a wealth of patents that showcase her dedication to advancing thermoplastic elastomers. Her work at Shell Oil Company, alongside esteemed colleagues, continues to shape the future of material sciences and inspires ongoing advancements in the industry.
Inventor’s Patent Attorneys refers to legal professionals with specialized expertise in representing inventors throughout the patent process. These attorneys assist inventors in navigating the complexities of patent law, including filing patent applications, conducting patent searches, and protecting intellectual property rights. They play a crucial role in helping inventors secure patents for their innovative creations.