Patents by Inventor Anthony F. Schultz

Anthony F. Schultz 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).

  • Patent number: 11953706
    Abstract: Wavelength-selective films are visibly apparent under the selective wavelength. Wavelength-selective films typically reflect off axis the selected wavelength and therefore can provide high-contrast against a background when applied in a pattern on a substrate. However, it is difficult to apply unique patterned embedded images from film. Disclosed is a cost-effective method and construction of a patterned wavelength-selective image to a substrate. In the disclosed wavelength-selective image, wavelength-selective film particles are applied to an adhesive pattern to create the wavelength-selective image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Kui Chen-Ho, Kenneth L. Smith, Douglas S. Dunn, Tien Yi T. H. Whiting, John A. Wheatley, Bryan T. Whiting, Taylor J. Kobe, Anthony F. Schultz, Duane D. Fansler, Jonah Shaver
  • Publication number: 20230390991
    Abstract: Presently described are methods of making an article comprising providing a structured film (1100) comprising a thermoformable planar base (212) layer and a structured surface (116, 216) layer disposed on a major surface (1200) of the planar base (212) layer wherein the structured surface (116, 216) layer comprises a different organic polymeric material than the thermoformable planar base (212) layer, and thermoforming the structured film (1100) into a thermoformed article (1000). Also described are thermoformed and thermoformable articles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2021
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    Inventors: Raymond P. Johnston, Jodi L. Connell, Karl J.L. Geisler, Jeffrey L. Solomon, Kristal L. Schutta, Conrad Lather, Ta-Hua Yu, Anthony F. Schultz, Duane D. Fansler, Richard J. Pokorny
  • Publication number: 20230374353
    Abstract: Described herein is a pressure sensitive adhesive composite composition. The composition comprises: a plurality of polymeric microspheres dispersed within a (meth)acrylate-based matrix, wherein the polymeric microspheres are derived from 20-100 wt % of isobornyl (meth)acrylate; and the (meth)acrylate-based matrix comprises an at least partially polymerized reaction product comprising a C4 to C20 (meth)acrylate ester monomer. In some embodiment, these composite pressure sensitive adhesives show good peel adhesion to low surface energy substrates. In some embodiment, these composite pressure sensitive adhesives are optically clear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2021
    Publication date: November 23, 2023
    Inventors: Michael J. Maher, Adam O. Moughton, Jonathan E Janoski, Anthony F . Schultz, Clinton G. Wiener
  • Publication number: 20230364851
    Abstract: A method of thermoforming is described. The method comprises providing a multilayer polymer film comprising at least one first thermoplastic polymer layer having a glass transition temperature (Tg) greater than 60° C. and at least one second polymer layer; and thermoforming the multilayer polymer film into a three-dimensional shape. The second polymer layer can be characterized by one or more properties selected from i) a Tg ranging from 20 to 70° C.; ii) a molecular weight between crosslinks of no greater than 20,000 g/mole; and iii) sufficient crosslinking such that the second polymer layer lacks a thermal melt or softening transition at a temperature up to the decomposition temperature of the second polymer layer. Also described are multilayer films and articles, such as orthodontic aligner and retainer trays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2021
    Publication date: November 16, 2023
    Inventors: Anthony F. Schultz, Ta-Hua Yu, Duane D. Fansler, Karl J.L. Geisler, Bruce R. Broyles, Bhaskar V. Velamakanni, THomas J. Metzler, Jonathan E. Janoski, Richard J. Pokomy, Mark T. Gibson, Ahmed S. Abuelyaman
  • Patent number: 11752731
    Abstract: Articles that include at least one application layer; at least one bead bond layer (10); a layer of optical elements (20) that are partially embedded in the at least one bead bond layer (10); and at least one reflective layer (30) that is located functionally between the layer of optical elements (20) and the bead bond layer (10), wherein the at least one bead bond layer (10), the at least one application layer, or both comprise a cured product of an adhesive compositions that include polymerized units of one or more (meth)acrylate ester monomers derived from an alcohol containing 1 to 14 carbon atoms; at least one of urethane acrylate polymer or at least one acrylic copolymer; and at least one initiator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ying Xia, Tien Yi T. H. Whiting, Shri Niwas, Duane D. Fansler, Carla S. Thomas, Anthony F. Schultz, Alexander J. Kugel, Corinne E. Lipscomb, Mary M. Caruso Dailey, Jonathan E. Janoski
  • Publication number: 20230265318
    Abstract: The double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tape includes a tissue support having a first face and a second face, a first pressure-sensitive adhesive disposed on the first face of the tissue support, and a second pressure-sensitive adhesive disposed on the second face of the tissue support. The first pressure-sensitive adhesive and the second pressure-sensitive adhesive are each crosslinked acrylic-based pressure-sensitive adhesives that are the same or different from each other, and the tissue support is impregnated by the first pressure-sensitive adhesive and the second pressure-sensitive adhesive. The article includes a first substrate and the double-sided pressure-sensitive adhesive tape, in which the first pressure-sensitive adhesive is bonded to a surface of the first substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2021
    Publication date: August 24, 2023
    Inventors: Ramesh C. Lhila, Matthew R.C. Atkinson, Duane D. Fansler, Travis Q. Gregar, Anthony F. Schultz, Nassor A. Shabibi
  • Publication number: 20230220188
    Abstract: A film is described comprises a (meth)acrylic polymer and a polyvinyl acetal (e.g. butyral) resin. In some embodiments, the film has a glass transition temperature (i.e. Tg) ranging from 30° C. to 60° C. In some embodiments, the film has a gel content of at least 20% or greater. In some embodiments, the film has an elongation at break of at least 175%. The film typically comprises photoinitiator as a result of the method by which the film was made. The film may be a monolithic film or a layer of a multilayer film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2023
    Publication date: July 13, 2023
    Inventors: Jonathan E. Janoski, Anthony F. Schultz, Keith R. Lyon, Ronald S. Steelman, Kevin M. Lewandowski, Corinne E. Lipscomb, Terry R. Hobbs, Arlin L. Weikel, Jayshree Seth, Duane D. Fansler, Hidetoshi Abe
  • Patent number: 11629250
    Abstract: A film is described comprising a (meth)acrylic polymer and a polyvinyl acetal (e.g. butyral) resin. In some embodiments, the film has a glass transition temperature (i.e. Tg) ranging from 30° C. to 60° C. In some embodiments, the film has a gel content of at least 20% or greater. In some embodiments, the film has an elongation at break of at least 175%. The film typically comprises photoinitiator as a result of the method by which the film was made. The film may be a monolithic film or a layer of a multilayer film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Jonathan E. Janoski, Anthony F. Schultz, Keith R. Lyon, Ronald S. Steelman, Kevin M. Lewandowski, Corinne E. Lipscomb, Terry R. Hobbs, Arlin L. Weikel, Jayshree Seth, Duane D. Fansler, Hidetoshi Abe
  • Publication number: 20230105298
    Abstract: Articles that include at least one application layer; at least one bead bond layer (10); a layer of optical elements (20) that are partially embedded in the at least one bead bond layer (10); and at least one reflective layer (30) that is located functionally between the layer of optical elements (20) and the bead bond layer (10), wherein the at least one bead bond layer (10), the at least one application layer, or both comprise a cured product of an adhesive compositions that include polymerized units of one or more (meth)acrylate ester monomers derived from an alcohol containing 1 to 14 carbon atoms; at least one of urethane acrylate polymer or at least one acrylic copolymer; and at least one initiator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2018
    Publication date: April 6, 2023
    Inventors: Ying Xia, Tien Yi T. H. Whiting, Shri Niwas, Duane D. Fansler, Carla S. Thomas, Anthony F. Schultz, Alexander J. Kugel, Corinne E. Lipscomb, Mary M. Caruso Dailey, Jonathan E. Janoski
  • Publication number: 20230095033
    Abstract: Charged polymeric webs, such as electret webs, include a thermoplastic resin and a charge-enhancing additive. The additives are substituted heterocyclic thiolate salts. The heterocyclic thiolate salt has 2 nitrogen groups and a third group that may be an NH, N—NH2, O, or S group. The substituent group is an aromatic or heterocyclic aromatic group. The electret webs may be a non-woven fibrous web or a film. The electret webs are suitable for use as filter media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2021
    Publication date: March 30, 2023
    Inventors: Fuming B. Li, Duane D. Fansler, Anthony F. Schultz, John M. Brandner, Nathan E. Schultz, John M. Sebastian
  • Publication number: 20220410045
    Abstract: Charged polymeric webs, such as electret webs, include a thermoplastic resin and a charge-enhancing additive. The additives are a mercapto-benzothiazole salts or mercapto-benzoxazole salts. The electret webs may be a non-woven fibrous web or a film. The electret webs are suitable for use as filter media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2020
    Publication date: December 29, 2022
    Inventors: Fuming B. Li, Anthony F. Schultz, Duane D. Fansler, John M. Brandner, Nathan E. Schultz, John M. Sebastian
  • Publication number: 20220365260
    Abstract: A retroreflective article including a binder layer and a plurality of retroreflective elements. Each retroreflective element includes a transparent microsphere partially embedded in the binder layer and a discontinuous binder-borne reflective layer that is provided by a portion of a fractured binder-borne reflective sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2020
    Publication date: November 17, 2022
    Inventors: Kui Chen-Ho, Graham M. Clarke, Kevin W. Gotrik, Michael A. McCoy, Christopher A. Merton, Aaron M. Nash, Shri Niwas, Anthony F. Schultz, Carla S. Thomas, Tien Yi T.H. Whiting, Ying Xia, Scott J. Jones
  • Patent number: 11397286
    Abstract: A light directing article comprises an acrylic polyvinyl acetal film to protect the optical elements of the light directing article. The acrylic polyvinyl acetal film has a Tg of at least 30° C. and comprises a (meth)acrylic polymer and polyvinyl acetal polymer. The acrylic polyvinyl acetal film is flexible and durable to mechanical deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Todd D. Jones, Bimal V. Thakkar, Duane D. Fansler, Anthony F. Schultz, Jonathan E. Janoski, David C. Lueneburg, Carla S. Thomas, Tien Yi T. H. Whiting, Robert F. Watkins
  • Publication number: 20220113457
    Abstract: The disclosed patterned wavelength-selective material and process for making the patterned wavelength-selective material uses patterned applied adhesive and a structurally weak wavelength-selective material that includes portions that contact the adhesive and break to remain in contact with the adhesive. In one embodiment, the wavelength-selective material comprises an array of sections with cuts at least partially through a wavelength-selective film at each section secured to the adhesive. In another embodiment, the wavelength-selective film comprises a transfer stack of layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2019
    Publication date: April 14, 2022
    Inventors: Kui CHEN-HO, Douglas S. DUNN, Tien Yi T.H. WHITING, Bryan T. WHITING, Taylor J. KOBE, Anthony F. SCHULTZ, Duane D. FANSLER, Jonah SHAVER, John A. WHEATLEY, Susannah C. CLEAR, Daniel J. THEIS, John T. STRAND, Thomas J. METZLER, Kevin W. GOTRIK, Scott J. JONES
  • Publication number: 20220073795
    Abstract: There is provided adhesive compositions comprising a styrenic block copolymer and at least one tackifier, where the at least one tackifier contains non-carbon hetero-atom functionality, and where the adhesive composition is wash durable when bonded to a substrate. There is also provided articles made using these adhesives.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Publication date: March 10, 2022
    Inventors: Tien Yi T.H. Whiting, Ying Xia, Justin M. Bolton, Kui Chen-Ho, Shri Niwas, Jonathan E. Janoski, Anthony F. Schultz, Gregg A. Patnode, Carla S. Thomas, Duane D. Fansler
  • Publication number: 20220055263
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a polymeric membrane. The polymeric membrane includes a first thermoplastic elastomer layer that comprises a styrenic thermoplastic. The thermoplastic elastomer layer has a foam structure. The polymeric membrane can further include an optional second thermoplastic elastomer layer in contact with the first polyolefin layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2019
    Publication date: February 24, 2022
    Inventors: Caitlin E. Meree, Jeffrey P. Kalish, Joshua M. Fishman, Susannah C. Clear, John S. Edwards, Duane D. Fansler, David S. Hays, Anthony F. Schultz, Thomas J. Gilbert, Michael Kempf, Thomas Apeldorn
  • Publication number: 20220056320
    Abstract: There is provided retroreflective articles comprising a binder layer comprising an adhesive composition comprising at least one tackifier and at least one elastomer selected from at least one of natural rubbers and synthetic rubbers, and a layer of optical elements at least partially embedded in a major surface of the binder layer. There are also provided articles of clothing using the presently disclosed retroreflective articles and methods for preparing the retroreflective articles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2019
    Publication date: February 24, 2022
    Inventors: Tien Yi T.H. Whiting, Ying Xia, Justin M. Bolton, Kui Chen-Ho, Shri Niwas, Jonathan E. Janoski, Anthony F, Schultz, Gregg A. Patnode, Carla S. Thomas, Duane D. Fansler
  • Publication number: 20220055264
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a polymeric membrane. The polymeric membrane includes a first thermoplastic elastomer layer. The thermoplastic elastomer is a styrenic thermoplastic. The polymeric membrane can further include an optional second thermoplastic elastomer layer in contact with the first polyolefin layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2019
    Publication date: February 24, 2022
    Inventors: Caitlin E. Meree, Jeffrey P. Kalish, Joshua M. Fishman, Susannah C. Clear, John S. Edwards, Duane D. Fansler, David S. Hays, Anthony F. Schultz, Thomas J. Gilbert
  • Publication number: 20220048231
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a polymeric membrane. The polymeric membrane includes a first thermoplastic elastomer layer. The thermoplastic elastomer layer includes a filler component that is at least about 30 wt % of the thermoplastic elastomer layer. The polymeric membrane can further include an optional second thermoplastic elastomer layer in contact with the first polyolefin layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2019
    Publication date: February 17, 2022
    Inventors: Caitlin E. Meree, Jeffrey P. Kalish, Joshua M. Fishman, Susannah C. Clear, John S. Edwards, Duane D. Fansler, David S. Hays, Anthony F. Schultz, Thomas J. Gilbert
  • Patent number: 11207690
    Abstract: Sample partitioning devices and methods of making and using the same are described. A sample partitioning device includes a first film having an array of discrete stems each extending from a first major surface thereof, and a second film having an array of discrete wells formed into a second major surface thereof. The stems of the first film and the wells of the second film are mated with each other. The mated stems and wells are separable from each other, and during the removal of the stems from the wells, one or more voids are created inside the wells to suction an aqueous test sample into the wells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Evan D. Brutinel, Joseph D. Rule, Jonathan E. Janoski, Anthony F. Schultz