Patents by Inventor Kevin M. Eliason
Kevin M. Eliason 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).
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Publication number: 20220105538Abstract: Provided are devices for coating a contoured surface or a three-dimensional structure, and methods of making and using the same. The devices have geometries that are in point contact with the contoured surface. The geometries are substantially rigid and are provided by a flexible applicator. In this way, the flexible applicator permits conformance to the surface contours, along with rigid point contact that provides uniform and consistent coverage of liquid material. Specifically, the devices comprise a handle and an applicator pliantly affixed to the handle, the applicator comprising a plurality of spaced geometries. The devices meter film-forming coating liquids onto contoured surfaces or three-dimensional structures to form uniform coatings and resulting uniform films.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2021Publication date: April 7, 2022Inventors: Kevin M. Eliason, John I. Escoto, JR., Patrick J. Hager, Stephen C.P. Joseph, Dominic M. Pitera, Steven R. Raphaelson, Larry A. Schleif, Jeffrey J. Schwab
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Patent number: 11235349Abstract: Provided are devices for coating a contoured surface or a three-dimensional structure, and methods of making and using the same. The devices have geometries that are in point contact with the contoured surface. The geometries are substantially rigid and are provided by a flexible applicator. In this way, the flexible applicator permits conformance to the surface contours, along with rigid point contact that provides uniform and consistent coverage of liquid material. Specifically, the devices comprise a handle and an applicator pliantly affixed to the handle, the applicator comprising a plurality of spaced geometries. The devices meter film-forming coating liquids onto contoured surfaces or three-dimensional structures to form uniform coatings and resulting uniform films.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2018Date of Patent: February 1, 2022Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Kevin M. Eliason, John I. Escoto, Jr., Patrick J. Hager, Stephen C. P. Joseph, Dominic M. Pitera, Steven R. Raphaelson, Larry A. Schleif, Jeffrey J. Schwab
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Publication number: 20190022696Abstract: Provided are devices for coating a contoured surface or a three-dimensional structure, and methods of making and using the same. The devices have geometries that are in point contact with the contoured surface. The geometries are substantially rigid and are provided by a flexible applicator. In this way, the flexible applicator permits conformance to the surface contours, along with rigid point contact that provides uniform and consistent coverage of liquid material. Specifically, the devices comprise a handle and an applicator pliantly affixed to the handle, the applicator comprising a plurality of spaced geometries. The devices meter film-forming coating liquids onto contoured surfaces or three-dimensional structures to form uniform coatings and resulting uniform films.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2018Publication date: January 24, 2019Inventors: Kevin M. Eliason, John I. Escoto, JR., Patrick J. Hager, Stephen C.P. Joseph, Dominic M. Pitera, Steven R. Raphaelson, Larry A. Schleif, Jeffrey J. Schwab
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Patent number: 9757755Abstract: A masking strip for masking the interior surfaces of a gap between two substrates to be painted is provided, the strip comprising: a backing having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface having an adhesive region to fix the masking strip to an interior surface of the gap; a gap filler extending from the backing and adapted to prevent paint flow into the gap; wherein the first surface of the backing is also provided with a spacing means adapted to space the backing of the masking strip away from the interior surface of the gap to which the strip is fixed, and wherein the masking strip is pre-formed.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2011Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Kin-Chau Chan, Kevin M. Eliason, Gary N. Brotherton, Colin D. Sinclair, Roy Stubbs, Jeffrey J. Schwab
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Publication number: 20150306621Abstract: A masking strip for masking the interior surfaces of a gap between two substrates to be painted is provided, the strip comprising: a backing having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface having an adhesive region to fix the masking strip to an interior surface of the gap; a gap filler extending from the backing and adapted to prevent paint flow into the gap; wherein the first surface of the backing is also provided with a spacing means adapted to space the backing of the masking strip away from the interior surface of the gap to which the strip is fixed, and wherein the masking strip is pre-formed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2011Publication date: October 29, 2015Inventors: Kin-Chau Chan, Kevin M. Eliason, Gary N. Brotherton, Colin D. Sinclair, Anna B. Baker, Roy Stubbs, Jeffrey J. Schwab
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Publication number: 20150202650Abstract: Provided are devices for coating (300) a contoured surface or a three-dimensional structure, and methods of making and using the same. The devices have geometries (308) that are in point contact with the contoured surface. The geometries are substantially rigid and are provided by a flexible applicator (306). In this way, the flexible applicator permits conformance to the surface contours, along with rigid point contact that provides uniform and consistent coverage of liquid material. Specifically, the devices comprise a handle (304) and an applicator (302) pliantly affixed to the handle, the applicator comprising a plurality of spaced geometries (308). The devices meter film-forming coating liquids onto contoured surfaces or three-dimensional structures to form uniform coatings and resulting uniform films.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2013Publication date: July 23, 2015Inventors: Kevin M. Eliason, John I. Escoto, JR., Patrick J. Hager, Stephen C.P. Joseph, Dominic M. Pitera, Steven R. Raphaelson, Larry A. Schleif, Jeffrey J. Schwab
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Publication number: 20140174667Abstract: A barrier material applicator is disclosed that includes a frame and a roll support member coupled to the frame, the roll support configured to rotatably support a roll of barrier material. The applicator further includes at least two rotatable applicator rollers. A first applicator roller and a second applicator roller are configured to receive a sheet of barrier material from the roll support and apply the barrier material to a substantially planar surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2012Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Kevin M. Eliason, Aaron T. Nunberg
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Patent number: 8399058Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a profiled masking article and method of masking a substrate to be treated or painted that provides a feathered or soft edge between painted and unpainted areas. The masking article described herein may be used as a single strip, or as multiple strips, placed side by side, wherein a strip is removed between treatments of different types. This allows successive treatment layers to completely cover previous layers, thus avoiding defects resulting from exposed layers of material. In an embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a masking article comprising: at least one elongate body (12), said body (12) having a top surface, a bottom surface and at least two lateral surfaces, wherein at least a portion of said body comprises an adhesive material; and a generally planar top portion (14), connected to the body along at least one surface, said top portion (14) having a microstructured surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2006Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Kevin M. Eliason, Jeffrey R. Janssen, Larry R. Lappi, Larry A. Meixner, Michael J. Moszer
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Patent number: 8282753Abstract: A protection sheet and method of protecting a substrate is disclosed. In an embodiment, the protection sheet comprises an adhesive coated nonwoven material. In an embodiment a surface of the protection sheet captures and retains paint overspray, dust, dirt and other contaminants so as to provide a cleaner paint job. In an embodiment the protection sheet may be laminated to a second nonwoven or woven material to allow clean removal after extended use. The protection sheet may be used to protect horizontal or vertical substrates, and is particularly suited to protect the surfaces of a paint booth used in automotive spray-painting operations.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2011Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Inventors: John D. Stelter, Troy K. Ista, Thomas J. Reid, Patrick J. Hager, Kevin M. Eliason
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Publication number: 20120090780Abstract: A protection sheet and method of protecting a substrate is disclosed. In an embodiment, the protection sheet comprises an adhesive coated nonwoven material. In an embodiment a surface of the protection sheet captures and retains paint overspray, dust, dirt and other contaminants so as to provide a cleaner paint job. In an embodiment the protection sheet may be laminated to a second nonwoven or woven material to allow clean removal after extended use. The protection sheet may be used to protect horizontal or vertical substrates, and is particularly suited to protect the surfaces of a paint booth used in automotive spray-painting operations.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2011Publication date: April 19, 2012Inventors: John D. Stelter, Troy K. Ista, Thomas J. Reid, Patrick J. Hager, Kevin M. Eliason
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Patent number: 8105450Abstract: A protection sheet and method of protecting a substrate is disclosed. In an embodiment, the protection sheet comprises an adhesive coated nonwoven material. In an embodiment a surface of the protection sheet captures and retains paint overspray, dust, dirt and other contaminants so as to provide a cleaner paint job. In an embodiment the protection sheet may be laminated to a second nonwoven or woven material to allow clean removal after extended use. The protection sheet may be used to protect horizontal or vertical substrates, and is particularly suited to protect the surfaces of a paint booth used in automotive spray-painting operations.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2008Date of Patent: January 31, 2012Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: John D. Stelter, Troy K. Ista, Thomas J. Reid, Patrick J. Hager, Kevin M. Eliason
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Publication number: 20090095400Abstract: A protection sheet and method of protecting a substrate is disclosed. In an embodiment, the protection sheet comprises an adhesive coated nonwoven material. In an embodiment a surface of the protection sheet captures and retains paint overspray, dust, dirt and other contaminants so as to provide a cleaner paint job. In an embodiment the protection sheet may be laminated to a second nonwoven or woven material to allow clean removal after extended use. The protection sheet may be used to protect horizontal or vertical substrates, and is particularly suited to protect the surfaces of a paint booth used in automotive spray-painting operations.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2008Publication date: April 16, 2009Inventors: John D. Stelter, Troy K. Ista, Thomas J. Reid, Patrick J. Hager, Kevin M. Eliason
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Publication number: 20080248203Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a profiled masking article and method of masking a substrate to be treated or painted that provides a feathered or soft edge between painted and unpainted areas. The masking article described herein may be used as a single strip, or as multiple strips, placed side by side, wherein a strip is removed between treatments of different types. This allows successive treatment layers to completely cover previous layers, thus avoiding defects resulting from exposed layers of material. In an embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to a masking article comprising: at least one elongate body (12), said body (12) having a top surface, a bottom surface and at least two lateral surfaces, wherein at least a portion of said body comprises an adhesive material; and a generally planar top portion (14), connected to the body along at least one surface, said top portion (14) having a microstructured surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2006Publication date: October 9, 2008Inventors: Kevin M. Eliason, Jeffrey R. Janssen, Larry R. Lappi, Larry A. Meixner, Michael J. Moszer
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Patent number: 6883908Abstract: Methods, systems, and compositions that make it possible to form high resolution, pressure sensitive adhesive patterns or films on a wide range of substrates. The compositions generally incorporate a curable, fluid composition (i.e., pressure sensitive adhesive precursor). When cured, a pressure sensitive adhesive is formed. Ink jet printing and subsequent curing allows pressure sensitive adhesive features to be formed with high resolution and tremendous flexibility in the patterns by which adhesive features may be formed. Preferred embodiments of the invention incorporate rheology modifying agents that can be used to promote favorable dot gain and other printing characteristics, the ability to build print thickness, and mechanical properties of resultant cured adhesives.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2001Date of Patent: April 26, 2005Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: James K. Young, Brant U. Kolb, Albert I. Everaerts, Kevin M. Eliason, Diana M. Eitzman, Kejian Chen, John P. Banovetz, Gregory J. Anderson
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Energy curable inks and other compositions incorporating surface modified, nanometer-sized particles
Patent number: 6467897Abstract: Compositions that incorporate relates to compositions that incorporate surface modified, nanometer sized, inorganic oxide particles into energy curable fluids. The surface modification aspect allows the compatibility between the particles and fluid to be controllably adjusted to achieve a wide range of rheological characteristics. For printing, preferred compositions have favorable dot gain and thickness build up. When the composition is cured, the presence of the particles also helps improve physical properties such as hardness, modulus, abrasion resistance, refractive index, and the like. The compositions are particularly well-suited for forming printed, radiation cured features on substrates such as paper, signs, walkways, roadways, motor vehicles, boats, aircraft, furniture, equipment, and the like.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2001Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Dong Wu, Brant U. Kolb, Kevin M. Eliason, Kanta Kumar, Jennifer L. Lee, Bruce A. Nerad, Jessica L. Voss, Caroline M. Ylitalo -
ENERGY CURABLE INKS AND OTHER COMPOSITIONS INCORPORATING SURFACE MODIFIED, NANOMETER-SIZED PARTICLES
Publication number: 20020149659Abstract: Compositions that incorporate relates to compositions that incorporate surface modified, nanometer sized, inorganic oxide particles into energy curable fluids. The surface modification aspect allows the compatibility between the particles and fluid to be controllably adjusted to achieve a wide range of rheological characteristics. For printing, preferred compositions have favorable dot gain and thickness build up. When the composition is cured, the presence of the particles also helps improve physical properties such as hardness, modulus, abrasion resistance, refractive index, and the like. The compositions are particularly well-suited for forming printed, radiation cured features on substrates such as paper, signs, walkways, roadways, motor vehicles, boats, aircraft, furniture, equipment, and the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2001Publication date: October 17, 2002Inventors: Dong Wu, Brant U. Kolb, Kevin M. Eliason, Kanta Kumar, Jennifer L. Lee, Bruce A. Nerad, Jessica L. Voss, Caroline M. Ylitalo -
Publication number: 20020128340Abstract: Methods, systems, and compositions that make it possible to form high resolution, pressure sensitive adhesive patterns or films on a wide range of substrates. The compositions generally incorporate a curable, fluid composition (i.e., pressure sensitive adhesive precursor). When cured, a pressure sensitive adhesive is formed. Ink jet printing and subsequent curing allows pressure sensitive adhesive features to be formed with high resolution and tremendous flexibility in the patterns by which adhesive features may be formed. Preferred embodiments of the invention incorporate rheology modifying agents that can be used to promote favorable dot gain and other printing characteristics, the ability to build print thickness, and mechanical properties of resultant cured adhesives.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2001Publication date: September 12, 2002Inventors: James K. Young, Brant U. Kolb, Albert I. Everaerts, Kevin M. Eliason, Diana M. Eitzman, Kejian Chen, John P. Banovetz, Gregory J. Anderson
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Publication number: 20020056928Abstract: An apparatus and method for seamless closed mold microreplication using a one-piece expandable mold are disclosed. The apparatus includes an expandable mold having a plurality of microstructured features on the inner surface thereof The apparatus also includes a means for elastically expanding the mold in order to remove the finished molded article.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2000Publication date: May 16, 2002Inventors: DAVID J. LUNDIN, KEVIN M. ELIASON
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Patent number: 6379592Abstract: An apparatus and method for seamless closed mold microreplication using a one-piece expandable mold are disclosed. The apparatus includes an expandable mold having a plurality of microstructured features on the inner surface thereof. The apparatus also includes a means for elastically expanding the mold in order to remove the finished molded article. The expandable mold may be used to make seamless articles having microstructured features, such as an illumination device comprising a fiber core having a plurality of microstructured light extraction structures on the surface thereof.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2000Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: David J. Lundin, Kevin M. Eliason
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Patent number: 6077462Abstract: An apparatus and method for seamless closed mold microreplication using a one-piece expandable mold are disclosed. The apparatus includes an expandable mold having a plurality of microstructured features on the inner surface thereof. The apparatus also includes a means for elastically expanding the mold in order to remove the finished molded article. The expandable mold may be used to make seamless articles having microstructured features, such as an illumination device comprising a fiber core having a plurality of microstructured light extraction structures on the surface thereof.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 1998Date of Patent: June 20, 2000Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: David J. Lundin, Kevin M. Eliason