Patents by Inventor Brant U. Kolb

Brant U. Kolb 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: 9309370
    Abstract: Described herein is a curable fluoropolymer composition comprising: an amorphous perfluoropolymer; and nanoparticles of zirconium oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Terri A. Shefelbine, Eric W. Adair, Werner M. A. Grootaert, Brant U. Kolb
  • Patent number: 9291752
    Abstract: Retroreflecting optical constructions are disclosed. A disclosed retroreflecting optical construction includes a retroreflecting layer that has a retroreflecting structured major surface, and an optical film that is disposed on the retroreflecting structured major surface of the retroreflecting layer. The optical film has an optical haze that is not less than about 30%. Substantial portions of each two neighboring major surfaces in the retroreflecting optical construction are in physical contact with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: William D. Coggio, John S Huizinga, Michael L. Steiner, Robert F. Watkins, Encai Hao, William B. Kolb, Peiwang Zhu, Michael Benton Free, Brant U. Kolb, Kui Chen-Ho, Paul E. Humpal, Scott M. Tapio, Kenneth L. Smith
  • Patent number: 9273073
    Abstract: Plurality of crystalline, surface modified tin oxide nanoparticles, wherein the particles have a largest dimension up to 20 nm, and wherein the surface modifier comprises at least one of an organic carboxylic acid or anion thereof, including a dispersion comprising the crystalline, surface modified tin oxide nanoparticles and methods to make the same. The crystalline surface modified doped tin oxide nanoparticles are useful, for example, for preparing transparent electrodes, heat mirrors and energy storage devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Neeraj Sharma, Brant U. Kolb, Mark J. Hendrickson
  • Patent number: 9230873
    Abstract: A semiconductor package resin composition of the present invention includes an epoxy resin, a curing agent, inorganic particles, nano-particles surface treated with a silane that contains a photopolymerizable functional group, and a photopolymerization initiator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Kohichiro Kawate, Hiroko Akiyama, Naota Sugiyama, Brant U. Kolb, Eric G. Larson
  • Publication number: 20150329740
    Abstract: A semiconductor package resin composition of the present invention includes an epoxy resin, a curing agent, inorganic particles, nano-particles surface treated with a silane that contains a photopolymerizable functional group, and a photopolymerization initiator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Publication date: November 19, 2015
    Inventors: Kohichiro Kawate, Hiroko Akiyama, Naota Sugiyama, Brant U. Kolb, Eric G. Larson
  • Publication number: 20150238291
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dental mill blank comprising a pre-sintered porous zirconia material, the porous pre-sintered zirconia material showing a N2 adsorption of isotherm type IV according to IUPAC classification, the porous pre-sintered zirconia material having a Vickers hardness from about 25 to about 150, the dental mill blank comprising means for reversible attaching it to a machining device. The invention also relates to a process of producing a zirconia dental article comprising the steps of providing a dental mill blank comprising a porous pre-sintered zirconia material, placing the dental mill blank in a machining device, machining the porous zirconia material and to a dental article obtained by such a process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Holger Hauptmann, Sybille Schmittner, Gallus Schechner, Brant U. Kolb, Andreas Herrmann
  • Patent number: 9102690
    Abstract: Acicular boehmite nanoparticles, methods of making acicular boehmite nanoparticles, and composite materials that contain acicular boehmite nanoparticles are described. The acicular boehmite nanoparticles are prepared in a continuous hydrothermal reactor from a feedstock solution containing a soluble aluminum-containing precursor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Grant F. Tiefenbruck, Brant U. Kolb, Thomas E. Wood
  • Publication number: 20150203650
    Abstract: Aerogel, calcined articles, and crystalline articles comprising ZrO2. Exemplary uses of the crystalline metal oxide articles include dental articles (e.g., restoratives, replacements, inlays, onlays, veneers, full and partial crowns, bridges, implants, implant abutments, copings, anterior fillings, posterior fillings, and cavity liner, and bridge frameworks) and orthodontic appliances (e.g., brackets, buccal tubes, cleats, and buttons).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: July 23, 2015
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Brant U. Kolb, Bryan C. Feisel, Martin Goetzinger, Philip S. Hall, Holger Hauptmann, Mark J. Hendrickson, Kathleen M. Humpal, John W. Longabach, James P. Mathers, Roberta R. Naujok, Paul D. Pennington, Gallus Schechner
  • Publication number: 20150157430
    Abstract: The invention relates to kit of parts comprising a solution, a porous zirconia article, optionally application equipment, the solution comprising cation(s) of non-colouring agent(s) selected from ions of Y, Gd, La, Yb, Tm, Mg, Ca and mixtures thereof, solvent(s) for the ion(s), optionally complexing agent(s), optionally thickening agent(s), optionally organic marker substance(s), optionally additive(s), the porous zirconia article showing a N2 adsorption and/or desorption of isotherm type IV according to IUPAC classification. The invention also relates to a method for enhancing the translucency of a zirconia article comprising the steps of providing a porous zirconia article and a solution, applying the solution to at least a part of the outer surface of the porous zirconia article, optionally drying the porous zirconia article of the preceding step, sintering the porous zirconia article to obtain a zirconia ceramic article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: June 11, 2015
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Holger Hauptmann, Andreas Herrmann, Brant U. Kolb
  • Publication number: 20150079313
    Abstract: Vacuum insulated glass units having layered pillars. The glass units include two glass panes and an edge seal between the glass panes with a substantial vacuum gap between them. A plurality of pillars are located between the glass panes as spacers to maintain the vacuum gap. The pillars have a sintered ceramic, alpha alumina, or zirconia body with a tapered sidewall and a functional layer on a surface of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: MARGARET M. VOGEL-MARTIN, MARTIN B. WOLK, MICHAEL BENTON FREE, OLESTER BENSON, Jr., EVAN L. SCHWARTZ, ROBERT F. KAMRATH, BRANT U. KOLB, KATHLEEN M. HUMPAL, MARK J. HENDRICKSON
  • Patent number: 8969227
    Abstract: Sintered bodies containing zirconia-based ceramic materials and partially sintered bodies that are intermediates in the preparation of the sintered bodies are described. The zirconia-based ceramic material is doped with lanthanum and yttrium. The grain size of the zirconia-based ceramic material can be controlled by the addition of lanthanum. The crystalline phase of the zirconia-based ceramic material can be influenced by the addition of yttrium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: James P. Mathers, Kathleen M. Humpal, Brant U. Kolb, Mark J. Hendrickson, Myles L. Brostrom, Holger Hauptmann
  • Patent number: 8969469
    Abstract: Described herein is a method of coagulating a fluoropolymer latex comprising: providing an amorphous fluoropolymer latex; providing unmodified inorganic nanoparticles; contacting the amorphous fluoropolymer latex with a sufficient amount of unmodified inorganic nanoparticles to coagulate the amorphous fluoropolymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: 3m Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Terri A. Shefelbine, Eric W. Adair, Werner M. Grootaert, Naiyong Jing, Brant U. Kolb
  • Publication number: 20150049384
    Abstract: Retroreflecting optical constructions are disclosed. A disclosed retroreflecting optical construction includes a retroreflecting layer that has a retroreflecting structured major surface, and an optical film that is disposed on the retroreflecting structured major surface of the retroreflecting layer. The optical film has an optical haze that is not less than about 30%. Substantial portions of each two neighboring major surfaces in the retroreflecting optical construction are in physical contact with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: William D. Coggio, John S Huizinga, Michael L. Steiner, Robert F. Watkins, Encai Hao, William B. Kolb, Peiwang Zhu, Michael B. Free, Brant U. Kolb, Kui Chen-Ho, Paul E. Humpal, Scott M. Tapio
  • Publication number: 20150017386
    Abstract: Material comprising sub-micrometer particles dispersed in a polymeric matrix. The materials are useful in article, for example, for numerous applications including display applications (e.g., liquid crystal displays (LCD), light emitting diode (LED) displays, or plasma displays); light extraction; electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, ophthalmic lenses; face shielding lenses or films; window films; antireflection for construction applications, and construction applications or traffic signs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: William Blake Kolb, Brant U. Kolb, Samuel J. Carpenter, Lindsay E. Corcoran, Taylor K. Hodne, Hui Luo, Kari A. McGee, Ta-Hua Yu, Karan Jindal, Naiyong Jing
  • Publication number: 20150011668
    Abstract: Material comprising submicrometer particles dispersed in a polymeric matrix. The materials are useful in article, for example, for numerous applications including display applications (e.g., liquid crystal displays (LCD), light emitting diode (LED) displays, or plasma displays); light extraction; electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, ophthalmic lenses; face shielding lenses or films; window films; antireflection for construction applications; and construction applications or traffic signs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: William B. Kolb, Brant U. Kolb, Samuel J. Carpenter, Lindsay E. Corcoran, Taylor K. Hodne, Hui Luo, Kari A. McGee, Ta-Hua Yu
  • Publication number: 20140323603
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing a nanovoided article, a nanovoided coating, and a low refractive index coating is described. The process includes providing a first solution of a polymerizable material in a solvent; at least partially polymerizing the polymerizable material to form a composition that includes an insoluble polymer matrix and a second solution, wherein the insoluble polymer matrix includes a plurality of nanovoids that are filled with the second solution; and removing a major portion of the solvent from the second solution. An apparatus for the process is also described, and includes a webline, a coating section, a partial polymerization section, and a solvent removal section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: William B. Kolb, Encai Hao, Brant U. Kolb, David L. Phillips
  • Patent number: 8821770
    Abstract: Microstructured films comprising surface modified inorganic oxide particles and polymerizable resins are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Clinton L. Jones, Brant U. Kolb, Taun L. McKenzie, David B. Olson, Nathaniel K. Naismith
  • Publication number: 20140234646
    Abstract: A polymerizable composition includes: from 10x to 50x moles of at least one hydroxy-functional (meth)acrylate ester having a hydroxyl group; from 0. 1x to 25x moles of at least one metal nitrate compound, wherein the at least one metal nitrate compound comprises at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Al, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Ge, Mo, Pd, Ag, Cd, Sn, Sb, Te, Pt, Au, Pb, Bi, and combinations thereof; and from 0.001x to 0.0035x moles of at least one organic compound having a sterically hindered aminooxyl group, wherein x is a positive number. A polymerized composition, article including the polymerized composition, and method of making the article are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventors: Appuswamy Devasenapathi, Brant U. Kolb
  • Patent number: 8808811
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing a nanovoided article, a nanovoided coating, and a low refractive index coating is described. The process includes providing a first solution of a polymerizable material in a solvent; at least partially polymerizing the polymerizable material to form a composition that includes an insoluble polymer matrix and a second solution, wherein the insoluble polymer matrix includes a plurality of nanovoids that are filled with the second solution; and removing a major portion of the solvent from the second solution. An apparatus for the process is also described, and includes a webline, a coating section, a partial polymerization section, and a solvent removal section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: William Blake Kolb, Encai Hao, Brant U. Kolb, David L. Phillips
  • Patent number: 8808549
    Abstract: A method of preparing zirconia-containing nanoparticles and a method of preparing a composite material that includes the zirconia-containing nanoparticles are provided. A method of treating a zirconium carboxylate salt solution to remove alkali metal ions and alkaline earth ions is provided. The treated solution can be used as a feedstock to prepare the zirconia-containing nanoparticles. Additionally, a continuous hydrothermal reactor system is provided that can be used, for example, to prepare the zirconia-containing nanoparticles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Brant U. Kolb, Danny B. Anderson, Robert S. Davidson, Mark J. Hendrickson, James J. Leach, Taun L. McKenzie