Patents by Inventor Bradley W. Eaton

Bradley W. Eaton 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: 20240001415
    Abstract: Films and articles are described comprising a microstructured surface having an array of peak structures and adjacent valleys. For improved cleanability, the valleys preferably have a maximum width ranging from 10 microns to 250 microns and the peak structures have a side wall angle greater than 10 degrees. The peak structures may comprise two or more facets such as in the case of a linear array of prisms or an array of cube-corners elements. The facets form continuous or semi-continuous surfaces in the same direction. The valleys typically lack intersecting walls. Also described are methods of making and methods of use. The microstructured surface of the article can be prepared by various microreplication techniques such as coating, injection molding, embossing, laser etching, extrusion, casting and curing a polymerizable resin; and bonding microstructured film to a surface or article with an adhesive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2022
    Publication date: January 4, 2024
    Inventors: Jodi L. Connell, Raymond P. Johnston, John J. Sullivan, Karl J.L. Geisler, Vivian W. Jones, Gordon A. Kuhnley, Patrick G. Zimmerman, Bradley W. Eaton, Kurt J. Halverson, Brian W. Lueck, Alexandr C. Eldredge, Hyacinth L. Lechuga, Lynn E. Lorimor, Diane R. Wolk, Junia M. Pereira, Caroline M. Yitalo, Linda W. Suszko, Daniel J. Rogers, Bryon A. Mrrill
  • Publication number: 20230405915
    Abstract: Films and articles are described comprising a microstructured surface having an array of peak structures and adjacent valleys. For improved cleanability, the valleys preferably have a maximum width ranging from 10 microns to 250 microns and the peak structures have a side wall angle greater than 10 degrees. The peak structures may comprise two or more facets such as in the case of a linear array of prisms or an array of cube-corners elements. The facets form continuous or semi-continuous surfaces in the same direction. The valleys typically lack intersecting walls. Also described are methods of making and methods of use. The microstructured surface of the article can be prepared by various microreplication techniques such as coating, injection molding, embossing, laser etching, extrusion, casting and curing a polymerizable resin; and bonding microstructured film to a surface or article with an adhesive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2023
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Inventors: Jodi L. Connell, Raymond P. Johnston, John J. Sullivan, Karl J.L. Geisler, Vivian W. Jones, Gordon A. Kuhnley, Patrick G. Zimmerman, Bradley W. Eaton, Kurt J. Halverson, Brian W. Lueck, Alexander C. Eldredge, Hyacinth L. Lechuga
  • Patent number: 11766822
    Abstract: Films and articles are described comprising a microstructured surface having an array of peak structures and adjacent valleys. For improved cleanability, the valleys preferably have a maximum width ranging from 10 microns to 250 microns and the peak structures have a side wall angle greater than 10 degrees. The peak structures may comprise two or more facets such as in the case of a linear array of prisms or an array of cube-corners elements. The facets form continuous or semi-continuous surfaces in the same direction. The valleys typically lack intersecting walls. Also described are methods of making and methods of use. The microstructured surface of the article can be prepared by various microreplication techniques such as coating, injection molding, embossing, laser etching, extrusion, casting and curing a polymerizable resin; and bonding microstructured film to a surface or article with an adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Jodi L. Connell, Raymond P. Johnston, John J. Sullivan, Karl J. L. Geisler, Vivian W. Jones, Gordon A. Kuhnley, Patrick G. Zimmerman, Bradley W. Eaton, Kurt J. Halverson, Brian W. Lueck, Alexander C. Eldredge, Hyacinth L. Lechuga
  • Patent number: 11505894
    Abstract: Articles are provided that include a fibrous substrate and porous polymeric particles. At least 50% of the porous polymeric particles are bound to the fibrous substrate. Methods of making the articles are provided that include providing porous polymeric particles, providing a fibrous substrate, and binding the porous polymeric particles to the fibrous substrate. The articles can be used for fluid management.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ibrahim A. El Hedok, Hassan Sahouani, Jennifer N. Hanson, Bradley W. Eaton
  • Publication number: 20210187819
    Abstract: Films and articles are described comprising a microstructured surface having an array of peak structures and adjacent valleys. For improved cleanability, the valleys preferably have a maximum width ranging from 10 microns to 250 microns and the peak structures have a side wall angle greater than 10 degrees. The peak structures may comprise two or more facets such as in the case of a linear array of prisms or an array of cube-corners elements. The facets form continuous or semi-continuous surfaces in the same direction. The valleys typically lack intersecting walls. Also described are methods of making and methods of use. The microstructured surface of the article can be prepared by various microreplication techniques such as coating, injection molding, embossing, laser etching, extrusion, casting and curing a polymerizable resin; and bonding microstructured film to a surface or article with an adhesive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2021
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Inventors: Jodi L. Connell, Raymond P. Johnston, John J. Sullivan, Karl J.L. Geisler, Vivian W. Jones, Gordon A. Kuhnley, Patrick G. Zimmerman, Bradley W. Eaton, Kurt J. Halverson, Brian W. Lueck, Alexander C. Eldredge, Hyacinth L. Lechuga
  • Publication number: 20210171805
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides adhesive articles that can be removed from surfaces without damage by having reduced or eliminated contribution of a core backing to peel force generated by the adhesive during removal. In some instances, this can be accomplished by a core that loses structural integrity in a direction normal to a plane defined by a major surface. In other instances, the contribution is reduced by compromising the interface between the core and a peelable adhesive layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2021
    Publication date: June 10, 2021
    Inventors: Brett P. Krull, Dawud H. Tan, Bradley W. Eaton
  • Patent number: 10927277
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides adhesive articles that can be removed from surfaces without damage by having reduced or eliminated contribution of a core backing to peel force generated by the adhesive during removal. In some instances, this can be accomplished by a core that loses structural integrity in a direction normal to a plane defined by a major surface. In other instances, the contribution is reduced by compromising the interface between the core and a peelable adhesive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Brett P. Krull, Dawud H. Tan, Bradley W. Eaton
  • Publication number: 20200224060
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides adhesive articles that can be removed from surfaces without damage by having reduced or eliminated contribution of a core backing to peel force generated by the adhesive during removal. In some instances, this can be accomplished by a core that loses structural integrity in a direction normal to a plane defined by a major surface. In other instances, the contribution is reduced by compromising the interface between the core and a peelable adhesive layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Publication date: July 16, 2020
    Inventors: Brett P. Krull, Dawud H. Tan, Bradley W. Eaton
  • Patent number: 10286100
    Abstract: Medical dressings and methods of using same. The medical dressing can include a fluid management article. The fluid management article can include a fibrous substrate and porous polymeric particles. At least 50% of the porous polymeric particles are bound to the fibrous substrate. Methods of using the medical dressings can include applying the medical dressing to the target site, such that the fluid management article is in fluid communication with the target site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Jennifer N. Hanson, Ibrahim A. El-Hedok, Hassan Sahouani, Bradley W. Eaton
  • Publication number: 20190097241
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to electrode assemblies, membrane-electrode assemblies and electrochemical cells and liquid flow batteries produced therefrom. The electrode and membrane-electrode assemblies include (i) a porous electrode having a first major surface with a first surface area, Ae, an opposed second major surface and a plurality of voids; (ii) a discontinuous transport protection layer, comprising polymer, disposed on the first major surface and having a cross-sectional area, Ap, substantially parallel to the first major surface; and (iii) an interfacial region wherein the interfacial region includes a portion of the polymer embedded in at least a portion of the plurality of voids, a portion of the porous electrode embedded in a portion of the polymer or a combination thereof; and wherein 0.02Ae?Ap?0.85Ae and the porous electrode and discontinuous transport protection layer form an integral structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2017
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: Brian T. Weber, Brandon A. Bartling, Onur S. Yordem, Raymond P. Johnston, Andrew T. Haug, John E. Abulu, Gregory M. Haugen, Kazuki Noda, Shunsuke Suzuki, Jimmy M. Le, Blake R. Griffith, Daniel E. Johnson, Bharat R. Acharya, Bradley W. Eaton, Michael D. Romano, Daniel M. Pierpont, David J. Miller, Eric J. Iverson
  • Publication number: 20180108915
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to porous electrodes and electrochemical cells and liquid flow batteries produced therefrom. The disclosure further provides methods of making electrodes. The porous electrodes include polymer, e.g. non-electrically conductive polymer particulate fiber, and an electrically conductive carbon particulate. The non-electrically conductive, polymer particulate fibers may be in the form of a first porous substrate, wherein the first porous substrate is at least one of a woven or nonwoven paper, felt, mat and cloth. The porous electrode may have an electrical resistivity of less than about 100000 ?Ohm·m. The porous electrode may have a thickness from about 10 microns to about 1000 microns. Electrochemical cells and liquid flow batteries may be produced from the porous electrodes of the present disclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Raymond P. Johnston, Onur S. Yordem, Brett J. Sitter, Bradley W. Eaton, Brian T. Weber, Gregory M. Haugen, Bharat R. Acharya, Brandon A. Bartling
  • Publication number: 20180102549
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to porous electrodes, membrane-electrode assemblies, electrode assemblies and electrochemical cells and liquid flow batteries produced therefrom. The disclosure further provides methods of making porous electrodes, membrane-electrode assemblies and electrode assemblies. The porous electrodes include a porous electrode material comprising a polymer and an electrically conductive carbon particulate; and a solid film substrate having a first major surface and a second major surface, wherein the solid film substrate includes a plurality of through holes extending from the first major surface to the second major surface. The porous electrode material is disposed on at least the first major surface and within the plurality of through holes of the solid film substrate. The plurality of through holes with the porous electrode material provide electrical communication between the first major surface and the opposed second major surface of the porous electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Publication date: April 12, 2018
    Inventors: Onur S. Yordem, Brian T. Weber, Brett J. Sitter, Raymond P. Johnston, Bradley W. Eaton, Andrew T. Haug, Gregory M. Haugen, Brandon A. Bartling
  • Publication number: 20180053944
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to porous electrodes, membrane-electrode assemblies, electrode assemblies and electro-chemical cells and liquid flow batteries produced therefrom. The disclosure further provides methods of making porous electrodes, membrane-electrode assemblies and electrode assemblies. The porous electrodes include a porous electrode material comprising a non-electrically conductive, polymer particulate; and an electrically conductive carbon particulate; wherein the electrically conductive carbon particulate is at least one of carbon nanotubes and branched carbon nanotubes. The electrically conductive carbon particulate is adhered directly to the surface of the non-electrically conductive, polymer particulate and at least a portion of the non-electrically conductive polymer particulate surface is fused to form a unitary, porous electrode material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Inventors: Raymond P. Johnston, Onur S. Yordem, Brian T. Weber, Brett J. Sitter, Bradley W. Eaton, Andrew T. Haug, Gregory M. Haugen, Ali E. Ozcam, Brandon A. Bartling, Bharat R. Acharya
  • Publication number: 20180048008
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to porous electrodes, membrane-electrode assemblies, electrode assemblies and electrochemical cells and liquid flow batteries produced therefrom. The disclosure further provides methods of making electrodes, membrane-electrode assemblies and electrode assemblies. The porous electrodes include polymer, e.g. non-electrically conductive polymer particulate fiber, and an electrically conductive carbon particulate. The non-electrically conductive, polymer particulate fibers may be in the form of a first porous substrate, wherein the first porous substrate is at least one of a woven or nonwoven paper, felt, mat and cloth. Membrane-electrode assemblies and electrode assemblies may be produced from the porous electrodes of the present disclosure. Electrochemical cells and liquid flow batteries may be produced from the porous electrodes, membrane-electrode assemblies and electrode assemblies of the present disclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2016
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventors: Raymond P. Johnston, Onur S. Yordem, Brett J. Sitter, Bradley W. Eaton, Brian T. Weber, Gregory M. Haugen, Bharat R. Acharya, Brandon A. Bartling
  • Publication number: 20170327998
    Abstract: Articles are provided that include a fibrous substrate and porous polymeric particles. At least 50% of the porous polymeric particles are bound to the fibrous substrate. Methods of making the articles are provided that include providing porous polymeric particles, providing a fibrous substrate, and binding the porous polymeric particles to the fibrous substrate. The articles can be used for fluid management.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Publication date: November 16, 2017
    Inventors: Ibrahim A. El Hedok, Hassan Sahouani, Jennifer N. Hanson, Bradley W. Eaton
  • Publication number: 20170216476
    Abstract: Medical dressings and methods of using same. The medical dressing can include a fluid management article. The fluid management article can include a fibrous substrate and porous polymeric particles. At least 50% of the porous polymeric particles are bound to the fibrous substrate. Methods of using the medical dressings can include applying the medical dressing to the target site, such that the fluid management article is in fluid communication with the target site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: JENNIFER N. HANSON, IBRAHIM A. EL-HEDOK, HASSAN SAHOUANI, BRADLEY W. EATON
  • Patent number: 9617668
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to nonwoven webs, and multi-component fibers comprising polydiorganosiloxane polyamide as well as method of making microfibers and multi-component fibers comprising a polydiorganosiloxane polyamide copolymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Joon Chatterjee, Donald R. Battles, Matthew T. Scholz, David S. Hays, Bradley W. Eaton, Torrence B. Stahl
  • Publication number: 20160228297
    Abstract: Nonwoven webs are described wherein the web has an inverted MVTR of at least 10,000 g/m2/24 h and a resistance to water penetration of at least 10 min according to EN-20811. In a favored embodiment, the nonwoven web comprises a multi-component fiber. Also described are multi-component fiber comprising a core and outer layer and nonwoven webs comprising such. At least a portion of the outer layer comprises a first melt processable composition comprising a polydiorganosiloxane polyamide copolymer. The core comprises a second melt processable composition that does not comprise a polydiorganosiloxane polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2014
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventors: Junkang J. Liu, Bradley W. Eaton, David S. Hays
  • Publication number: 20140163446
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to nonwoven webs, and multi-component fibers comprising polydiorganosiloxane polyamide as well as method of making microfibers and multi-component fibers comprising a polydiorganosiloxane polyamide copolymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Joon Chatterjee, Donald R. Battles, Matthew T. Scholz, David S. Hays, Bradley W. Eaton, Torrence B. Stahl
  • Publication number: 20140017637
    Abstract: Dental materials are provided in which a conformal coating is disposed on the inner surfaces of a dental composite. The conformal coating can be subsequently surface modified to provide a chemical bond between the compressible component and a hardenable resin, resulting in increased bond strength and reduced bond strength variability. Use of a thin conformal layer can provide a surprising enhancement in bond reliability while minimizing the collateral effect on the handling properties of the unhardened composite. The conformal coating can also improve the compressibility and decrease rebound in the overall dental composite during a bonding procedure and reduce the amount of extractable components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: 3M IINNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: David K. Cinader, Jr., Bill H. Dodge, Bradley W. Eaton