Patents by Inventor Alan C. Grotefend

Alan C. Grotefend has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8507616
    Abstract: A pigmented adhesive, halo-free heat transfer label is created when adhesive properties are incorporated into colored inks used to print graphics on labels for items such as apparel. The resulting label has a halo-free graphic applied thereto that eliminates the need for a separate application of adhesive to the label. A pigmented adhesive composition for use with heat transfer type labels includes a hydroxyl-functional polyurethane dispersion, one or more polyurethane dispersions different from the hydroxyl-functional polyurethane dispersion, a blocked cross-linking agent, a catalyst for the blocked cross-linking agent, a pigment dispersion, and an adhesive powder, which are combined prior to the formation of a graphic created using the combined mixture, on the release layer of a substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Weide Victor Yang, Alan C. Grotefend, Michael B. Colella
  • Patent number: 8349427
    Abstract: A dye migration-resistant heat transfer label for application to various fabrics includes a carrier web, a release coat applied to the carrier web and a composition including ink(s) and/or adhesive applied to the release coat. Inks and/or adhesive containing nanoclay are printed and dried to form a storable film on the carrier web. The composition is heat transferred to the fabric and the carrier web is removed. A method for making the label and a method for marking an item are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Alan C. Grotefend
  • Publication number: 20120100316
    Abstract: A pigmented adhesive, halo-free heat transfer label is created when adhesive properties are incorporated into colored inks used to print graphics on labels for items such as apparel. The resulting label has a halo-free graphic applied thereto that eliminates the need for a separate application of adhesive to the label. A pigmented adhesive composition for use with heat transfer type labels includes a hydroxyl-functional polyurethane dispersion, one or more polyurethane dispersions different from the hydroxyl-functional polyurethane dispersion, a blocked cross-linking agent, a catalyst for the blocked cross-linking agent, a pigment dispersion, and an adhesive powder, which are combined prior to the formation of a graphic created using the combined mixture, on the release layer of a substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Weide Victor Yang, Alan C. Grotefend, Michael B. Colella
  • Publication number: 20100028587
    Abstract: A dye migration-resistant heat transfer label for application to various fabrics includes a carrier web, a release coat applied to the carrier web and a composition including ink(s) and/or adhesive applied to the release coat. Inks and/or adhesive containing nanoclay are printed and dried to form a storable film on the carrier web. The composition is heat transferred to the fabric and the carrier web is removed. A method for making the label and a method for marking an item are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventor: Alan C. Grotefend
  • Patent number: 7014895
    Abstract: An ultraviolet post cure heat transfer label for application to an item includes a carrier web, a release coat applied to the carrier web and a composition including a cationic ultraviolet curable ink applied to the release coat. The ink has a solvent in a concentration of at a least about 20 percent by weight of the ink. The ink is dried in a non-UV process to form a storable film on the carrier web. The composition is transferred to the item and the ink is cured, by application of ultraviolet energy, following transfer to the item. A method for making the label and a method for marking an item are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan C. Grotefend, Paul Giusto, Michael B. Colella
  • Patent number: 4234643
    Abstract: A heat release type decalcomania for marking a tennis ball cover comprising a carrier sheet having on one surface thereof a clear film of thermosetting elastomer formed of a siliconized polyester composition and a blocked isocyanate composition which crosslink when heated at a temperature effecting release of the clear film from the carrier sheet and having on the clear film a composite design formed of a first color layer of a polyamide resin having a softening point of about 100.degree. F. (38.degree. C.) and a second color layer of a polyamide resin having a softening point of about 230.degree. F. (110.degree. C.) with both said layers having a low viscosity adapted to penetrate the tennis ball cover when the design is heated to a temperature at which said clear film is released from said carrier strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1978
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1980
    Assignee: The Meyercord Co.
    Inventors: Alan C. Grotefend, Stephen F. Thon