Patents by Inventor Steven H. Gotz

Steven H. Gotz 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).

  • Publication number: 20040138397
    Abstract: Methods of applying a polymer coating to a substrate are disclosed. By disrupting a bank of polymer precursor, a smooth coating of fast setting polymer can be applied to a substrate. Apparatus for applying a polymer coating is also disclosed. In one embodiment, an oscillating dispenser is used to apply polymer precursor onto a dispersive surface. The polymer precursor flows down the surface and is transferred to a moving web. Flowing solvent downwardly through the dispenser can provide efficient cleaning without the need for disassembly or production delays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2004
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Fleming, Michael E. Mehsikomer, David J. Schreifels, Steven H. Gotz
  • Patent number: 6726743
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method for deaerating a liquid layer such as a coating solution using electrostatic forces. A flow of charged particles is created above and moved towards a low conductivity liquid layer. The flow of charged particles causes localized thinning of the liquid layer which facilitates the removal of bubbles of entrained gas from the liquid by bringing those bubbles closer to the exposed surface of the liquid and rupturing them at that surface. This electrostatic deaeration technique is combined with other non-electrostatic liquid layer thinning techniques or degassing techniques to further facilitate removal of bubbles from the liquid in preparation of further processing of the liquid. The liquid layer may be stationary or flowing with respect to the application of charge particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: John W. Louks, Steven H. Gotz, Luther E. Erickson
  • Patent number: 6676754
    Abstract: Methods of applying a polymer coating to a substrate are disclosed. By disrupting a bank of polymer precursor, a smooth coating of fast setting polymer can be applied to a substrate. Apparatus for applying a polymer coating is also disclosed. In one embodiment, an oscillating dispenser is used to apply polymer precursor onto to a dispersive surface. The polymer precursor flows down the surface and is transferred to a moving web. Flowing solvent downwardly through the dispenser can provide efficient cleaning without the need for disassembly or production delays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Fleming, Michael E. Mehsikomer, David J. Schreifels, Steven H. Gotz
  • Publication number: 20030230193
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method for deaerating a liquid layer such as a coating solution using electrostatic forces. A flow of charged particles is created above and moved towards a low conductivity liquid layer. The flow of charged particles causes localized thinning of the liquid layer which facilitates the removal of bubbles of entrained gas from the liquid by bringing those bubbles closer to the exposed surface of the liquid and rupturing them at that surface. This electrostatic deaeration technique is combined with other non-electrostatic liquid layer thinning techniques or degassing techniques to further facilitate removal of bubbles from the liquid in preparation of further processing of the liquid. The liquid layer may be stationary or flowing with respect to the application of charge particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventors: John W. Louks, Steven H. Gotz, Luther E. Erickson
  • Patent number: 5885234
    Abstract: An orthopedic casting material is disclosed comprising a water-curable, isocyanate-functional prepolymer. The prepolymer comprises the reaction product of a polyisocyanate and a polyol having an HLB number per hydroxy group less than zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Timothy C. Sandvig, Dean A. Ersfeld, Daniel W. Davis, Steven H. Gotz
  • Patent number: 5800899
    Abstract: An orthopedic casting material is disclosed comprising a water-curable, isocyanate-functional prepolymer. The prepolymer comprises the reaction product of a polyisocyanate and a polyol having an HLB number per hydroxy group less than zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Timothy C. Sandvig, Dean A. Ersfeld, Daniel W. Davis, Steven H. Gotz
  • Patent number: 5688563
    Abstract: A system controls the flow of a conductive fluid after the fluid is coated onto a substrate by applying an electrostatic force to the coated fluid. The force applied to the fluid can be controlled to counteract the fluid tendency to dewet to a thicker state if significant interfacial surface tension differences exists between the fluid and substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: John W. Louks, Steven H. Gotz