Patents by Inventor Terry R. Hobbs

Terry R. Hobbs 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: 20090137044
    Abstract: The present invention relates to culturing cells utilizing a matrix of microfibrillated thermoplastic polymeric materials. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method of culturing cells. In addition, the invention relates to a biaxially oriented microfibrillated article for culturing cells dispersed in a cell culture medium. The matrix of thermoplastic polymeric materials for culturing cells of this invention finds use in tissue engineering and wound healing applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventors: Mario A. Perez, Terry R. Hobbs, Stephanie J. Moeller
  • Patent number: 7014803
    Abstract: A composite formed of a polymer matrix phase having a reinforcement phase including polymeric microfibers. The microfibers are preferably formed of a highly oriented polymer, having a high modulus value and a large surface area. The large surface area can serve to tightly bind the microfibers to the polymer matrix phase. The microfibers can be provided as a fully- or partially-microfibrillated film, as a non-woven web of entangled microfibers, or as a pulp having free fibers. The microfibers can be embedded in, or impregnated with, a polymer or polymer precursor. Some composite articles are formed from thermoset resins cured about a highly oriented polypropylene microfiber reinforcement phase, providing a strong, tough, moisture resistant article. One composite includes a matrix and reinforcement formed of the same material type and having substantially equal refractive indices, allowing the composite to be optically clear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Mario A. Perez, Michael D. Swan, Terry R. Hobbs, Allen R. Siedle
  • Patent number: 6977113
    Abstract: Microfiber articles and methods and intermediates for their production, the microfiber articles being preferably produced from co-extruded multi-layer films, and the articles having a multi-layer construction that allows selection of the different layers to have different properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Robert S. Kody, Mario A. Perez, John W. Longabach, Kimberley D. Klepzig, John M. Sebastian, Terry R. Hobbs, Matthew J. Michel, Timothy J. Lindquist, Ravi K. Sura
  • Patent number: 6890649
    Abstract: The present invention relates to aliphatic polyester microfibers, films having a microfibrillated surface, and methods of making the same. Microfibers of the invention can be prepared by imparting fluid energy, typically in the form of high-pressure water jets, to a highly oriented, highly crystalline, aliphatic polyester film to liberate microfibers therefrom. Microfibrillated films of the invention find use as tape backings, filters for particulate contaminants, such as face masks and water or air filters, fibrous mats, such as those used for removal of oil from water and those used as wipes, and thermal and acoustical insulation. Microfibers of the invention, when removed from the film matrix may be used in the preparation of woven or nonwoven articles and used as wipes for the removal of debris or dust from a surface. The microfibers and microfibrillated articles of the invention may be biodegradable, rendering them useful for geotextiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Terry R. Hobbs, Philip P. Soo, Mario A. Perez, Christopher K. Haas, Robert S. Kody
  • Publication number: 20040213928
    Abstract: A receptor medium with an oriented film having at least one microfibrillated surface is described. The receptor medium can receive jettable materials, which include inks, adhesives, particulate dispersions, electrically, thermally or magnetically modifiable materials, biological fluids, chemical reagents and combinations thereof. The microfibrillated surface provides good ink receptive properties particularly for solvent based inks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: John M. Sebastian, Jeffrey O. Emslander, Mario A. Perez, Terry R. Hobbs, Robert S. Kody, Caroline M. Ylitalo, Robert D. Taylor, Oh Sang Woo
  • Patent number: 6753080
    Abstract: A receptor medium with an oriented film having at least one microfibrillated surface is described. The receptor medium can receive jettable materials, which include inks, adhesives, particulate dispersions, electrically, thermally or magnetically modifiable materials, biological fluids, chemical reagents and combinations thereof. The microfibrillated surface provides good ink receptive properties particularly for solvent based inks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: John M. Sebastian, Jeffrey O. Ernslander, Mario A. Perez, Terry R. Hobbs, Robert S. Kody, Caroline M. Ylitalo, Robert D. Taylor, Oh Sang Woo
  • Publication number: 20040058140
    Abstract: The present invention relates to aliphatic polyester microfibers, films having a microfibrillated surface, and methods of making the same. Microfibers of the invention can be prepared by imparting fluid energy, typically in the form of high-pressure water jets, to a highly oriented, highly crystalline, aliphatic polyester film to liberate microfibers therefrom. Microfibrillated films of the invention find use as tape backings, filters for particulate contaminants, such as face masks and water or air filters, fibrous mats, such as those used for removal of oil from water and those used as wipes, and thermal and acoustical insulation. Microfibers of the invention, when removed from the film matrix may be used in the preparation of woven or nonwoven articles and used as wipes for the removal of debris or dust from a surface. The microfibers and microfibrillated articles of the invention may be biodegradable, rendering them useful for geotextiles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Terry R. Hobbs, Philip P. Soo, Mario A. Perez, Christopher K. Haas, Robert S. Kody
  • Patent number: 6692823
    Abstract: Described are hydrophilic fibrillated articles that include melt-processable polymer and hydrophilic component such as hydrophilic surfactant or hydrophilic polymer, as well as methods of preparing such articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Robert S. Kody, Mario A. Perez, Thomas P. Klun, Paul D. Graham, Christopher K. Haas, Ravi K. Sura, Diane R. Wolk, Julie S. Prudich, Larry R. Krepski, Terry R. Hobbs, John M. Sebastian, Paul DeRoussel
  • Publication number: 20040012118
    Abstract: A composite formed of a polymer matrix phase having a reinforcement phase including polymeric microfibers. The microfibers are preferably formed of a highly oriented polymer, having a high modulus value and a large surface area. The large surface area can serve to tightly bind the microfibers to the polymer matrix phase. The microfibers can be provided as a fully- or partially-microfibrillated film, as a non-woven web of entangled microfibers, or as a pulp having free fibers. The microfibers can be embedded in, or impregnated with, a polymer or polymer precursor. Some composite articles are formed from thermoset resins cured about a highly oriented polypropylene microfiber reinforcement phase, providing a strong, tough, moisture resistant article. One composite includes a matrix and reinforcement formed of the same material type and having substantially equal refractive indices, allowing the composite to be optically clear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Mario A. Perez, Michael D. Swan, Terry R. Hobbs, Allen R. Siedle
  • Patent number: 6645618
    Abstract: The present invention relates to aliphatic polyester microfibers, films having a microfibrillated surface, and methods of making the same. Microfibers of the invention can be prepared by imparting fluid energy, typically in the form of high-pressure water jets, to a highly oriented, highly crystalline, aliphatic polyester film to liberate microfibers therefrom. Microfibrillated films of the invention find use as tape backings, filters for particulate contaminants, such as face masks and water or air filters, fibrous mats, such as those used for removal of oil from water and those used as wipes, and thermal and acoustical insulation. Microfibers of the invention, when removed from the film matrix may be used in the preparation of woven or nonwoven articles and used as wipes for the removal of debris or dust from a surface. The microfibers and microfibrillated articles of the invention may be biodegradable, rendering them useful for geotextiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Terry R. Hobbs, Philip P. Soo, Mario A. Perez, Christopher K. Haas, Robert S. Kody
  • Patent number: 6630231
    Abstract: A composite formed of a polymer matrix phase having a reinforcement phase including polymeric microfibers. The microfibers are preferably formed of a highly oriented polymer, having a high modulus value and a large surface area. The large surface area can serve to tightly bind the microfibers to the polymer matrix phase. The microfibers can be provided as a fully- or partially-microfibrillated film, as a non-woven web of entangled microfibers, or as a pulp having free fibers. The microfibers can be embedded in, or impregnated with, a polymer or polymer precursor. Some composite articles are formed from thermoset resins cured about a highly oriented polypropylene microfiber reinforcement phase, providing a strong, tough, moisture resistant article. One composite includes a matrix and reinforcement formed of the same material type and having substantially equal refractive indices, allowing the composite to be optically clear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Mario A. Perez, Michael D. Swan, Terry R. Hobbs, Allen R. Siedle
  • Publication number: 20030138612
    Abstract: Described are hydrophilic fibrillated articles comprising melt-processable polymer and hydrophilic component such as hydrophilic surfactant or hydrophilic polymer, as well as methods of preparing such articles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Robert S. Kody, Mario A. Perez, Thomas P. Klun, Paul D. Graham, Christopher K. Haas, Ravi K. Sura, Diane R. Wolk, Julie S. Prudich, Larry R. Krepski, Terry R. Hobbs, John M. Sebastian, Paul DeRoussel
  • Publication number: 20030068481
    Abstract: Described are microfiber articles and methods and intermediates for their production, the microfiber articles being preferably produced from co-extruded multi-layer films, and the articles having a multi-layer construction that allows selection of the different layers to have different properties such that the article can have a desired combination of properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventors: Robert S. Kody, Mario A. Perez, John W. Longabach, Kimberley D. Klepzig, John M. Sebastian, Terry R. Hobbs, Matthew J. Michel, Timothy J. Lindquist, Ravi K. Sura
  • Publication number: 20020192449
    Abstract: The present invention relates to aliphatic polyester microfibers, films having a microfibrillated surface, and methods of making the same. Microfibers of the invention can be prepared by imparting fluid energy, typically in the form of high-pressure water jets, to a highly oriented, highly crystalline, aliphatic polyester film to liberate microfibers therefrom. Microfibrillated films of the invention find use as tape backings, filters for particulate contaminants, such as face masks and water or air filters, fibrous mats, such as those used for removal of oil from water and those used as wipes, and thermal and acoustical insulation. Microfibers of the invention, when removed from the film matrix may be used in the preparation of woven or nonwoven articles and used as wipes for the removal of debris or dust from a surface. The microfibers and microfibrillated articles of the invention may be biodegradable, rendering them useful for geotextiles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Terry R. Hobbs, Philip P. Soo, Mario A. Perez, Christopher K. Haas, Robert S. Kody
  • Publication number: 20010031594
    Abstract: A composite formed of a polymer matrix phase having a reinforcement phase including polymeric microfibers. The microfibers are preferably formed of a highly oriented polymer, having a high modulus value and a large surface area. The large surface area can serve to tightly bind the microfibers to the polymer matrix phase. The microfibers can be provided as a fully- or partially- microfibrillated film, as a non-woven web of entangled microfibers, or as a pulp having free fibers. The microfibers can be embedded in, or impregnated with, a polymer or polymer precursor. Some composite articles are formed from thermoset resins cured about a highly oriented polypropylene microfiber reinforcement phase, providing a strong, tough, moisture resistant article. One composite includes a matrix and reinforcement formed of the same material type and having substantially equal refractive indices, allowing the composite to be optically clear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Mario A. Perez, Michael D. Swan, Terry R. Hobbs, Allen R. Siedle