Patents by Inventor William C. Unruh
William C. Unruh 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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Patent number: 10456303Abstract: A method of making a mechanical fastening strip and a reticulated mechanical fastening strip are disclosed. The method includes providing a backing having upstanding posts; providing interrupted slits through the backing, the interrupted slits being interrupted by at least one intact bridging region; spreading the slit backing to provide multiple strands separated from each other between at least some of the bridging regions to provide at least one opening; and fixing the multiple strands of the backing in a spread configuration. The reticulated mechanical fastening strip includes multiple strands of a backing attached to each other at bridging regions in the backing and separated from each other between the bridging regions to provide openings. Upstanding posts on each of the multiple strands have bases attached to the backing, and each of the multiple strands has a width that is greater than that of the bases of its attached upstanding posts.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2015Date of Patent: October 29, 2019Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Leigh E. Wood, Thomas J. Gilbert, Mark A. Peltier, Peter Kitzer, Volker Hauschildt, Andreas Urban, William C. Unruh, Kristopher K. Biegler
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Patent number: 10407808Abstract: Herein are disclosed apparatus and methods for impinging fluids, e.g. heated fluids, onto the surface of substrates and then locally removing the impinged fluid. The apparatus may comprise at least first and second fluid delivery outlets that are in diverging relation to each other. The apparatus may comprise at least first and second fluid capture inlets that are locally positioned relative to the first and second fluid delivery outlets, respectively. The apparatus and method may be used e.g. to impinge fluids onto two converging substrates and may be used to heat the surfaces of the substrates so as to facilitate melt-bonding the substrates to each other.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2018Date of Patent: September 10, 2019Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Kristopher K. Biegler, Jorge A. Ferreiro, Michael R. Gorman, Victor F. Panza, Omar A. Parodi, Gabriela F. Serra, William C. Unruh
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Publication number: 20190024275Abstract: Herein are disclosed apparatus and methods for impinging fluids, e.g. heated fluids, onto the surface of substrates and then locally removing the impinged fluid. The apparatus may comprise at least first and second fluid delivery outlets that are in diverging relation to each other. The apparatus may comprise at least first and second fluid capture inlets that are locally positioned relative to the first and second fluid delivery outlets, respectively. The apparatus and method may be used e.g. to impinge fluids onto two converging substrates and may be used to heat the surfaces of the substrates so as to facilitate melt-bonding the substrates to each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2018Publication date: January 24, 2019Inventors: Kristopher K. Biegler, Jorge A. Ferreiro, Michael R. Gorman, Victor F. Panza, Omar A. Parodi, Gabriela F. Serra, William C. Unruh
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Patent number: 10119212Abstract: Herein are disclosed apparatus and methods for impinging fluids, e.g. heated fluids, onto the surface of substrates and then locally removing the impinged fluid. The apparatus may comprise at least first and second fluid delivery outlets that are in diverging relation to each other. The apparatus may comprise at least first and second fluid capture inlets that are locally positioned relative to the first and second fluid delivery outlets, respectively. The apparatus and method may be used e.g. to impinge fluids onto two converging substrates and may be used to heat the surfaces of the substrates so as to facilitate melt-bonding the substrates to each other.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2015Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Kristopher K. Biegler, Jorge A. Ferreiro, Michael R. Gorman, Victor F. Panza, Omar A. Parodi, Gabriela F. Serra, William C. Unruh
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Publication number: 20180229490Abstract: Herein are disclosed apparatus and methods for impinging heated fluids onto the surfaces of substrates to heat the surfaces of the substrates so as to facilitate melt-bonding the substrates to each other to form a laminate. Also are disclosed are laminates in which a fibrous web is bonded to a substrate in a surface-bonded manner and/or is bonded in a loft-retaining manner. The substrate may comprise protrusions on the surface of the substrate opposite the surface that is bonded to the fibrous web.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2018Publication date: August 16, 2018Inventors: Kristopher K. Biegler, Jorge A. Ferreiro, Michael R. Gorman, Victor F. Panza, Omar A. Parodi, Gabriela F. Serra, William C. Unruh
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Patent number: 10000028Abstract: A method of making a mechanical fastening net. The method includes providing a net having strands of polymer and open areas between the strands of polymer and molding a portion of the polymer in the strands of the net into upstanding posts to form the mechanical fastening net. A mechanical fastening net that includes a polymeric backing, a plurality of openings in the polymeric backing, and upstanding posts on at least one of the first or second major surface of the polymeric backing is also disclosed. The polymeric backing has a range of thicknesses ranging from minimum to maximum thickness, and for at least a portion of the polymeric backing, the minimum thickness of the polymeric backing is where it abuts one of the openings.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2013Date of Patent: June 19, 2018Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Thomas P. Hanschen, Ronald W. Ausen, William C. Unruh, William J. Kopecky
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Patent number: 9944764Abstract: A reticulated thermoplastic film includes a backing with openings and discrete elements protruding from the first major surface. There are two discrete elements aligned in a first direction abutting opposite ends of any given opening. In a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, there is one discrete element between the given opening and an adjacent opening aligned in the second direction. Each portion of the backing around the given opening is plastically deformed in its lengthwise direction and typically has higher stretch-induced molecular orientation at its edge adjacent the given opening than at its midpoint. The openings are often retractable. A method of making a reticulated thermoplastic film is also disclosed. The method includes stretching a thermoplastic backing with a plurality of discrete elements in the first direction. Subsequently stretching the backing in the second direction forms a tear in the backing between two adjacent discrete elements.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2013Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Neelakandan Chandrasekaran, Thomas P. Hanschen, Timothy P. Pariseau, William C. Unruh
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Publication number: 20160008181Abstract: A method of making a mechanical fastening strip and a reticulated mechanical fastening strip are disclosed. The method includes providing a backing having upstanding posts; providing interrupted slits through the backing, the interrupted slits being interrupted by at least one intact bridging region; spreading the slit backing to provide multiple strands separated from each other between at least some of the bridging regions to provide at least one opening; and fixing the multiple strands of the backing in a spread configuration. The reticulated mechanical fastening strip includes multiple strands of a backing attached to each other at bridging regions in the backing and separated from each other between the bridging regions to provide openings. Upstanding posts on each of the multiple strands have bases attached to the backing, and each of the multiple strands has a width that is greater than that of the bases of its attached upstanding posts.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2015Publication date: January 14, 2016Inventors: Leigh E. Wood, Thomas J. Gilbert, Mark A. Peltier, Peter Kitzer, Volker Hauschildt, Andreas Urban, William C. Unruh, Kristopher K. Biegler
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Patent number: 9233500Abstract: A die comprising two die cavities, with each capable of supplying polymeric material, and a distribution plate interposed between at least a portion of each of the two die cavities. The distribution plate has a dispensing edge and a plurality of extrusion channels. First and second extrusion channels extend from entrance openings at the first and second die cavities, respectively, to exit openings on the dispensing edge. The exit openings of the first and second extrusion channels are disposed in alternating positions along the dispensing edge. A method of extruding with such a die and an extruded article made therefrom are also disclosed. The method includes co-extruding a first polymeric composition and a second polymeric composition. The extruded article comprises a plurality of longitudinal first stripes of the first polymeric composition alternating with a plurality of longitudinal second stripes of the second polymeric composition.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2011Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Michael R. Gorman, John H. Horns, Anthony B. Ferguson, Thomas J. Rieger, Ronald W. Ausen, William C. Unruh
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Publication number: 20150315732Abstract: Herein are disclosed apparatus and methods for impinging fluids, e.g. heated fluids, onto the surface of substrates and then locally removing the impinged fluid. The apparatus may comprise at least first and second fluid delivery outlets that are in diverging relation to each other. The apparatus may comprise at least first and second fluid capture inlets that are locally positioned relative to the first and second fluid delivery outlets, respectively. The apparatus and method may be used e.g. to impinge fluids onto two converging substrates and may be used to heat the surfaces of the substrates so as to facilitate melt-bonding the substrates to each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2015Publication date: November 5, 2015Inventors: Kristopher K. Biegler, Jorge A. Ferreiro, Michael R. Gorman, Victor F. Panza, Omar A. Parodi, Gabriela F. Serra, William C. Unruh
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Patent number: 9138031Abstract: A method of making a mechanical fastening strip and a reticulated mechanical fastening strip are disclosed. The method includes providing a backing having upstanding posts; providing interrupted slits through the backing, the interrupted slits being interrupted by at least one intact bridging region; spreading the slit backing to provide multiple strands separated from each other between at least some of the bridging regions to provide at least one opening; and fixing the multiple strands of the backing in a spread configuration. The reticulated mechanical fastening strip includes multiple strands of a backing attached to each other at bridging regions in the backing and separated from each other between the bridging regions to provide openings. Upstanding posts on each of the multiple strands have bases attached to the backing, and each of the multiple strands has a width that is greater than that of the bases of its attached upstanding posts.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2011Date of Patent: September 22, 2015Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Leigh E. Wood, Thomas J. Gilbert, Mark A. Peltier, Peter Kitzer, Volker Hauschildt, Andreas Urban, William C. Unruh, Kristopher K. Biegler
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Publication number: 20150239187Abstract: A method of making a mechanical fastening net. The method includes providing a net having strands of polymer and open areas between the strands of polymer and molding a portion of the polymer in the strands of the net into upstanding posts to form the mechanical fastening net. A mechanical fastening net that includes a polymeric backing, a plurality of openings in the polymeric backing, and upstanding posts on at least one of the first or second major surface of the polymeric backing is also disclosed. The polymeric backing has a range of thicknesses ranging from minimum to maximum thickness, and for at least a portion of the polymeric backing, the minimum thickness of the polymeric backing is where it abuts one of the openings.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2013Publication date: August 27, 2015Inventors: Thomas P. Hanschen, Ronald W. Ausen, William C. Unruh, William J. Kopecky
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Patent number: 9096960Abstract: Herein are disclosed apparatus and methods for impinging fluids, e.g. heated fluids, onto the surface of substrates and then locally removing the impinged fluid. The apparatus may comprise at least first and second fluid delivery outlets that are in diverging relation to each other. The apparatus may comprise at least first and second fluid capture inlets that are locally positioned relative to the first and second fluid delivery outlets, respectively. The apparatus and method may be used e.g. to impinge fluids onto two converging substrates and may be used to heat the surfaces of the substrates so as to facilitate melt-bonding the substrates to each other.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2010Date of Patent: August 4, 2015Inventors: Kristopher K. Biegler, Jorge A. Ferreiro, Michael R. Gorman, Victor F. Panza, Omar A. Parodi, Gabriela F. Serra, William C. Unruh
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Publication number: 20140349062Abstract: A reticulated thermoplastic film includes a backing with openings and discrete elements protruding from the first major surface. There are two discrete elements aligned in a first direction abutting opposite ends of any given opening. In a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, there is one discrete element between the given opening and an adjacent opening aligned in the second direction. Each portion of the backing around the given opening is plastically deformed in its lengthwise direction and typically has higher stretch-induced molecular orientation at its edge adjacent the given opening than at its midpoint. The openings are often retractable. A method of making a reticulated thermoplastic film is also disclosed. The method includes stretching a thermoplastic backing with a plurality of discrete elements in the first direction. Subsequently stretching the backing in the second direction forms a tear in the backing between two adjacent discrete elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2013Publication date: November 27, 2014Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Neelakandan Chandrasekaran, Thomas P. Hanschen, Timothy P. Pariseau, William C. Unruh
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Patent number: 8889243Abstract: A method of making a mechanical fastening net. The method includes providing a net having strands of polymer and open areas between the strands of polymer and molding a portion of the polymer in the strands of the net into upstanding posts to form the mechanical fastening net. A mechanical fastening net that includes a polymeric backing, a plurality of openings in the polymeric backing, and upstanding posts on at least one of the first or second major surface of the polymeric backing is also disclosed. The polymeric backing has a range of thicknesses ranging from minimum to maximum thickness, and for at least a portion of the polymeric backing, the minimum thickness of the polymeric backing is where it abuts one of the openings.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2012Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Thomas P. Hanschen, Ronald W. Ausen, William C. Unruh, William J. Kopecky
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Publication number: 20140050883Abstract: A method of making a mechanical fastening net. The method includes providing a net having strands of polymer and open areas between the strands of polymer and molding a portion of the polymer in the strands of the net into upstanding posts to form the mechanical fastening net. A mechanical fastening net that includes a polymeric backing, a plurality of openings in the polymeric backing, and upstanding posts on at least one of the first or second major surface of the polymeric backing is also disclosed. The polymeric backing has a range of thicknesses ranging from minimum to maximum thickness, and for at least a portion of the polymeric backing, the minimum thickness of the polymeric backing is where it abuts one of the openings.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2012Publication date: February 20, 2014Inventors: Thomas P. Hanschen, Ronald W. Ausen, William C. Unruh, William J. Kopecky
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Publication number: 20120308755Abstract: A die comprising two die cavities, with each capable of supplying polymeric material, and a distribution plate interposed between at least a portion of each of the two die cavities. The distribution plate has a dispensing edge and a plurality of extrusion channels. First and second extrusion channels extend from entrance openings at the first and second die cavities, respectively, to exit openings on the dispensing edge. The exit openings of the first and second extrusion channels are disposed in alternating positions along the dispensing edge. A method of extruding with such a die and an extruded article made therefrom are also disclosed. The method includes co-extruding a first polymeric composition and a second polymeric composition. The extruded article comprises a plurality of longitudinal first stripes of the first polymeric composition alternating with a plurality of longitudinal second stripes of the second polymeric composition.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2011Publication date: December 6, 2012Inventors: Michael R. Gorman, John H. Horns, Anthony B. Ferguson, Thomas J. Rieger, Ronald W. Ausen, William C. Unruh
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Publication number: 20120204383Abstract: A method of making a mechanical fastening strip and a reticulated mechanical fastening strip are disclosed. The method includes providing a backing having upstanding posts; providing interrupted slits through the backing, the interrupted slits being interrupted by at least one intact bridging region; spreading the slit backing to provide multiple strands separated from each other between at least some of the bridging regions to provide at least one opening; and fixing the multiple strands of the backing in a spread configuration. The reticulated mechanical fastening strip includes multiple strands of a backing attached to each other at bridging regions in the backing and separated from each other between the bridging regions to provide openings. Upstanding posts on each of the multiple strands have bases attached to the backing, and each of the multiple strands has a width that is greater than that of the bases of its attached upstanding posts.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2011Publication date: August 16, 2012Inventors: Leigh E. Wood, Thomas J. Gilbert, Mark A. Peltier, Peter Kitzer, Volker Hauschildt, Andreas Urban, William C. Unruh, Kristopher K. Biegler
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Patent number: D794181Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2012Date of Patent: August 8, 2017Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Thomas J. Gilbert, Leigh E. Wood, Volker Hauschildt, Andreas Urban, Mark A. Peltier, William C. Unruh, Kristopher K. Biegler
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Patent number: D796033Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2012Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Thomas J. Gilbert, Leigh E. Wood, Volker Hauschildt, Andreas Urban, Mark A. Peltier, William C. Unruh