Patents by Inventor Wendi J. Winkler

Wendi J. Winkler 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: 20200009843
    Abstract: A method of making a microstructured adhesive article that includes (a) providing an article comprising a crosslinked pressure sensitive adhesive layer disposed on a backing; and (b) embossing the surface of the crosslinked pressure sensitive adhesive layer to form a crosslinked pressure sensitive adhesive layer having a microstructured adhesive surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventors: Audrey A. Sherman, Wendi J. Winkler, Mieczyslaw H. Mazurek, Henry Garcia, Daniel Toro
  • Patent number: 10279069
    Abstract: A shape memory polymer article is disclosed. The article may include a surface having a microstructure and it may include a shape memory polymer. The shape memory polymer may include a copolymer network. The copolymer network may be formed from the reaction product of a free radically polymerizable siloxane having greater than one functional free radically polymerizable group and at least one (meth)acrylate monomer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Mieczyslaw H. Mazurek, Robert K. Galkiewicz, Audrey A. Sherman, James R. Starkey, Wendi J. Winkler, Haiyan Zhang, Jeffrey M. Olofson
  • Patent number: 10228507
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an optical device having a light source and a viscoelastic lightguide. Light from the light source enters the viscoelastic lightguide and is transported within the lightguide by total internal reflection. The viscoelastic lightguide may comprise a pressure sensitive adhesive. The optical device may be used in a variety of constructions wherein the device emits light being transported within the viscoelastic lightguide. Constructions include those used for signs, markings, illumination devices, display devices, keypad assemblies and tail light assemblies for vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Audrey A. Sherman, Michael A. Meis, Kevin R. Schaffer, Marie A. Boulos, Soemantri Widagdo, Thu-Van T. Tran, Ellen O. Aeling, Patrick J. Yeshe, Wendi J. Winkler
  • Patent number: 9944835
    Abstract: Non-silicone urea-based adhesives are disclosed which are prepared by the polymerization of reactive oligomers with the general formula X—B—X, where X is an ethylenically unsaturated group and B is a unit free of silicone and containing urea groups. The reactive oligomers can be prepared from polyamines through chain extension reactions using diaryl carbonates followed by capping reactions. Adhesive articles, including optical adhesive articles may be prepared using the disclosed non-silicone urea-based adhesives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Audrey A. Sherman, Wendi J. Winkler, Scott M. Tapio, Robert J. Reuter, James P. DiZio
  • Publication number: 20170227702
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an optical device having a light source and a viscoelastic lightguide. Light from the light source enters the viscoelastic lightguide and is transported within the lightguide by total internal reflection. The viscoelastic lightguide may comprise a pressure sensitive adhesive. The optical device may be used in a variety of constructions wherein the device emits light being transported within the viscoelastic lightguide. Constructions include those used for signs, markings, illumination devices, display devices, keypad assemblies and tail light assemblies for vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Publication date: August 10, 2017
    Inventors: Audrey A. Sherman, Michael A. Meis, Kevin R. Schaffer, Marie A. Boulos, Soemantri Widagdo, Thu-Van T. Tran, Ellen O. Aeling, Patrick J. Yeshe, Wendi J. Winkler
  • Publication number: 20170057211
    Abstract: A method of making a microstructured adhesive article that includes (a) providing an article comprising a crosslinked pressure sensitive adhesive layer disposed on a backing; and (b) embossing the surface of the crosslinked pressure sensitive adhesive layer to form a crosslinked pressure sensitive adhesive layer having a microstructured adhesive surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Inventors: Audrey A. Sherman, Wendi J. Winkler, Mieczyslaw H. Mazurek, Henry Garcia, Daniel Toro
  • Patent number: 9555602
    Abstract: A method of making a microstructured adhesive article that includes (a) providing an article comprising a crosslinked pressure sensitive adhesive layer disposed on a backing; and (b) embossing the surface of the crosslinked pressure sensitive adhesive layer to form a crosslinked pressure sensitive adhesive layer having a microstructured adhesive surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Audrey A. Sherman, Wendi J. Winkler, Mieczyslaw H. Mazurek, Henri Garcia, Daniel Toro
  • Publication number: 20160298000
    Abstract: Methods of making cut adhesive articles are described. The methods involve: providing a crosslinked pressure sensitive adhesive layer disposed on a substrate, embossing a surface of the crosslinked pressure sensitive adhesive layer to form a microstructured crosslinked pressure sensitive adhesive layer having a microstructured adhesive surface, and die cutting the microstructured crosslinked pressure sensitive adhesive layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2016
    Publication date: October 13, 2016
    Inventors: Audrey A. Sherman, Jayshree Seth, Wendi J. Winkler
  • Patent number: 9394466
    Abstract: Methods of making cut adhesive articles are described. The methods involve: providing a crosslinked pressure sensitive adhesive layer disposed on a substrate, embossing a surface of the crosslinked pressure sensitive adhesive layer to form a microstructured crosslinked pressure sensitive adhesive layer having a microstructured adhesive surface, and die cutting the microstructured crosslinked pressure sensitive adhesive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Audrey A. Sherman, Jayshree Seth, Wendi J. Winkler
  • Patent number: 9359531
    Abstract: Temporarily repositionable pressure sensitive adhesive compositions which are blends of a silicone-modified pressure sensitive adhesive component, a high Tg polymer component and a crosslinker are presented. The silicone-modified pressure sensitive adhesive includes a copolymer that is the reaction product of an acidic or basic monomer, a (meth)acrylic or vinyl monomer, and a silicone macromer. The high Tg polymer component contains acid or base functionality such that when mixed, the silicone-modified pressure sensitive adhesive component and the high Tg polymer component form an acid-base interaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Audrey A. Sherman, Wendi J. Winkler
  • Publication number: 20160137893
    Abstract: Non-silicone urea-based adhesives are disclosed which are prepared by the polymerization of reactive oligomers with the general formula X—B—X, where X is an ethylenically unsaturated group and B is a unit free of silicone and containing urea groups. The reactive oligomers can be prepared from polyamines through chain extension reactions using diaryl carbonates followed by capping reactions. Adhesive articles, including optical adhesive articles may be prepared using the disclosed non-silicone urea-based adhesives.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Audrey A. Sherman, Wendi J. Winkler, Scott M. Tapio, Robert J. Reuter, James P. DiZio
  • Patent number: 9285531
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an optical device including a light source and an optical article. The optical article includes a lightguide and a viscoelastic layer disposed on the lightguide. Light emitted by the light source enters the lightguide and is transported within the lightguide by total internal reflection. The viscoelastic layer manages light, for example, at least about 50%, or less than about 10%, of light that enters the lightguide may be extracted. The optical device can be used in a variety of constructions for signs, markings, display devices, keypad assemblies, tail light assemblies and illumination devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Audrey A. Sherman, Michael A. Meis, Marie A. Boulos, Kevin R. Schaffer, Wendi J. Winkler
  • Patent number: 9266989
    Abstract: Non-silicone urea-based adhesives are disclosed which are prepared by the polymerization of reactive oligomers with the general formula X—B—X, where X is an ethylenically unsaturated group and B is a unit free of silicone and containing urea groups. The reactive oligomers can be prepared from polyamines through chain extension reactions using diaryl carbonates followed by capping reactions. Adhesive articles, including optical adhesive articles may be prepared using the disclosed non-silicone urea-based adhesives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Audrey A. Sherman, Wendi J. Winkler, Scott M. Tapio, Robert J. Reuter, James P. DiZio
  • Patent number: 9228117
    Abstract: Optically clear stretch releasing pressure sensitive adhesive films containing a silicone pressure sensitive adhesive composition and a tacky tab are provided. The pressure sensitive adhesive compositions are formed from elastomeric silicone polymer selected from the group consisting of urea-based silicone copolymers, oxamide-based silicone copolymers, amide-based silicone copolymers, urethane-based silicone copolymers, polydiorganosiloxane polymers, or mixtures of these copolymers. The pressure sensitive adhesive compositions may also contain an MQ tackifying resin. The pressure sensitive adhesive compositions may be used to form adhesive articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Audrey A. Sherman, Scott M. Tapio, Wendi J. Winkler
  • Publication number: 20140106267
    Abstract: A method of forming an image having multiple phases is disclosed herein. The method includes forming exposed and unexposed areas, the exposed areas comprising a first polymer network exhibiting first and second phases that are chemically connected and have different refractive indices, the first phase being continuous, and the second phase comprising a plurality of structures dispersed within the first phase, and the unexposed areas comprising a second polymer network comprising third and fourth phases that are chemically connected and have different refractive indices, the third phase being continuous, and the fourth phase comprising a plurality of structures dispersed within the third phase. The first and second polymer networks are chemically connected, and morphology formed by the first and second phases is different than that formed by the third and fourth phases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Mieczyslaw H. Mazurek, Raymond P. Johnston, John E. Potts, Marc D. Radcliffe, Kevin R. Schaffer, Audrey A. Sherman, Wendi J. Winkler
  • Patent number: 8691391
    Abstract: Polydiorganosiloxane polyoxamide, linear, block copolymers and methods of making the copolymers are provided. The method of making the copolymers involves reacting a diamine with a polydiorganosiloxane precursor having oxalylamino groups. The polydioroganosiloxane polyoxamide block copolymers are of the (AB)n type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Audrey A. Sherman, Richard G. Hansen, Wendi J. Winkler, Charles M. Leir, Mieczyslaw H. Mazurek, Karl E. Benson, Mark D. Purgett, Albert I. Everaerts
  • Patent number: 8637226
    Abstract: A method of forming an image having multiple phases is disclosed herein. The method includes forming exposed and unexposed areas, the exposed areas comprising a first polymer network exhibiting first and second phases that are chemically connected and have different refractive indices, the first phase being continuous, and the second phase comprising a plurality of structures dispersed within the first phase, and the unexposed areas comprising a second polymer network comprising third and fourth phases that are chemically connected and have different refractive indices, the third phase being continuous, and the fourth phase comprising a plurality of structures dispersed within the third phase. The first and second polymer networks are chemically connected, and morphology formed by the first and second phases is different than that formed by the third and fourth phases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Mieczyslaw H. Mazurek, Raymond P. Johnston, John E. Potts, Marc D. Radcliffe, Kevin R. Schaffer, Audrey A. Sherman, Wendi J. Winkler
  • Publication number: 20130288053
    Abstract: Polydiorganosiloxane polyoxamide, linear, block copolymers and methods of making the copolymers are provided. The method of making the copolymers involves reacting a diamine with a polydiorganosiloxane precursor having oxalylamino groups. The polydioroganosiloxane polyoxamide block copolymers are of the (AB)n type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Audrey A. Sherman, Richard G. Hansen, Wendi J. Winkler, Charles M. Leir, Mieczyslaw H. Mazurek, Karl E. Benson, Mark D. Purgett, Albert I. Everaerts
  • Patent number: 8492486
    Abstract: Polydiorganosiloxane polyoxamide, linear, block copolymers and methods of making the copolymers are provided. The method of making the copolymers involves reacting a diamine with a polydiorganosiloxane precursor having oxalylamino groups. The polydioroganosiloxane polyoxamide block copolymers are of the (AB)n type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Audrey A. Sherman, Richard G. Hansen, Wendi J. Winkler, Charles M. Leir, Mieczyslaw H. Mazurek, Karl E. Benson, Mark D. Purgett, Albert I. Everaerts
  • Patent number: 8343633
    Abstract: A method of modifying light is disclosed and includes: providing an optical element having an oriented polymer network of a silicone(meth)acrylate copolymer and exhibiting a first phase and a second phase, the first phase and the second phase being chemically connected and having different refractive indices, the first phase being continuous, and the second phase comprising a plurality of structures dispersed within the first phase; illuminating the optical element with light from a light source; and detecting polarized or directionally diffused light transmitted by the optical element. Optical elements including the polymer network and a variety of additional layers are also disclosed, as are optical devices such as prisms, display panels, lenses, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Mieczyslaw H. Mazurek, Robert L. Brott, David J. Kinning, Yufeng Liu, John E. Potts, Kevin R. Schaffer, Audrey A. Sherman, Wendi J. Winkler