Patrick Joseph Cowan

Title: Inventor Spotlight: Patrick Joseph Cowan

Introduction

Patrick Joseph Cowan, an inventive mind residing in Hockessin, DE, has made significant contributions to the field of material science through his innovative creations. With a total of five patents to his name, Cowan's work focuses on enhancing the properties and applications of various materials, particularly in construction and biomass processing.

Latest Patents

Cowan's latest patents include two noteworthy inventions. The first is titled "Alkyl hydroxyalkyl cellulose ethers, methods of making, and use in cements and mortars." This patent discloses methods for the preparation of alkyl hydroxyalkyl cellulose ethers and their applications in mortars and cement-based systems. It highlights a hydraulic composition that maintains workability, setting time, strength development, and sag resistance while offering prolonged open time for use in construction. A crucial aspect of this invention is the incorporation of dry mortars containing encapsulated calcium chloride, which is beneficial for preparing mortar materials suitable for cold weather environments.

The second patent focuses on a "Process for treating biomass to derivatize polysaccharides contained therein to increase their accessibility to hydrolysis and subsequent fermentation." This process aims to produce fermentable sugars from biomass, particularly cellulose, thereby making them more accessible for enzymatic degradation. The sugars derived from this method can be fermented to create various target chemicals, including alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, or acids.

Career Highlights

Throughout his career, Patrick Joseph Cowan has worked with Hercules Corporation, among other companies, where he has honed his expertise in material sciences and innovation. His experience in these organizations has allowed him to contribute valuable knowledge to the development of new materials and processes.

Collaborations

Cowan has collaborated with notable coworkers such as Herbert Thompson Conner and Mary Jean Cash. These partnerships have likely aided in fostering innovative ideas and pushing the boundaries of research within their respective fields.

Conclusion

In summary, Patrick Joseph Cowan's contributions to the realms of adhesives, construction materials, and biomass processing underscore his role as an influential inventor. With several patents reflecting his innovative spirit, Cowan continues to make a lasting impact on technology and industry. His work not only addresses current challenges in construction but also paves the way for advancements in the environmental sector through improved biomass utilization.