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).

  • Publication number: 20140217622
    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 9, 2012
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventors: Kohichiro Kawate, Hiroko Akiyama, Naota Sugiyama, Brant U. Kolb, Eric G. Larson
  • Publication number: 20140193612
    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: August 13, 2012
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Inventors: Ta-Hua Yu, Moses M. David, Douglas S. Dunn, Seth M. Kirk, Brant U. Kolb, William Blake Kolb, Mark A. Strobel, Jun-Ying Zhang
  • Publication number: 20140135206
    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: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventors: Neeraj Sharma, Brant U. Kolb, Mark J. Hendrickson
  • Publication number: 20140056778
    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: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Brant U. Kolb, Danny B. Anderson, Robert S. Davidson, Mark J. Hendrickson, James J. Leach, Taun L. McKenzie
  • Publication number: 20140057774
    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: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: James P. Mathers, Kathleen M. Humpal, Brant U. Kolb, Mark J. Hendrickson, Myles L. Brostrom, Holger Hauptmann
  • Patent number: 8647510
    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: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 11, 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
  • Publication number: 20140011933
    Abstract: Described herein is a curable fluoropolymer composition comprising: an amorphous perfluoropolymer; and nano-particles of zirconium oxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Terri A. Shefelbine, Eric W. Adair, Werner M.A. Grootaert, Brant U. Kolb
  • Publication number: 20130323467
    Abstract: Microstructured films comprising surface modified inorganic oxide particles and polymerizable resins are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Clinton L. Jones, Brant U. Kolb, Taun L. McKenzie, David B. Olson, Nathaniel K. Naismith
  • Patent number: 8598058
    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: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: James P. Mathers, Kathleen M. Humpal, Brant U. Kolb, Mark J. Hendrickson, Myles L. Brostrom, Holger Hauptmann
  • Publication number: 20130316137
    Abstract: Microstructured films such as brightness enhancing films. The microstructured film has a polymerized structure comprising the reaction product of the polymerizable resin composition (e.g. having a refractive index of at least 1.58). The cured nanocomposite (e.g. structure) can exhibit improved crack resistance. In some embodiments, the flexibility is expressed in terms of a cylindrical mandrel bend test property (e.g. a mandrel size to failure of less than 6 mm or a mandrel size to failure according to the equation D=1000(T/0.025?T) wherein T is the thickness in millimeters of a (e.g. preformed base layer). In other embodiments, the flexibility is expressed in terms of a tensile and elongation property (e.g. a tensile strength at break of at least 25 MPa and an elongation at break of at least 1.75%).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Brant U. Kolb, Clinton L. Jones, David B. Olson, Taun L. McKenzie, Nathaniel K. Naismith
  • Publication number: 20130299214
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an article having (a) a substrate having a first nanostructured surface that is antireflective when exposed to air and an opposing second surface; and (b) a conductor micropattern disposed on the first surface of the substrate, the conductor micropattern formed by a plurality of traces defining a plurality of open area cells. The micropattern has an open area fraction greater than 80% and a uniform distribution of trace orientation. The traces of the conductor micropattern have a specular reflectance in a direction orthogonal to and toward the first surface of the substrate of less than 50%. Each of the traces has a width from 0.5 to 10 micrometer. The articles are useful in devices such as displays, in particular, touch screen displays useful for mobile hand held devices, tablets and computers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Matthew H. Frey, Ta-Hua Yu, Kari A. McGee, Hui Luo, William B. Kolb, Brant U. Kolb, Moses M. David, Lijun Zu
  • Publication number: 20130302594
    Abstract: Hardcoat and precursor therefore comprising a binder and a mixture of nanoparticles in a range from 40 wt. % to 95 wt. %, based on the total weight of the hardcoat, wherein 10 wt. % to 50 wt. % of the nanoparticles have an average particle diameter in a range from 2 nm to 200 nm and 50 wt. % to 90 wt. % of the nanoparticles have an average particle diameter in a range from 60 nm to 400 nm, and wherein the ratio of average particle diameters of nanoparticles having an average particle diameter in the range from 2 nm to 200 nm to average particle diameters of nanoparticles having an average particle diameter in the range from 60 nm to 400 nm is in a range from 1:2 to 1:200. Hardcoat described herein are useful, for example, for optical displays (e.g., cathode ray tube (CRT), light emitting diode (LED) displays), and of devices such as personal digital assistants (PDAs), cell phones, liquid crystal display (LCD) panels, touch-sensitive screens and removable computer screens; and for body of such devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: Naota Sugiyama, Brant U. Kolb, Lindsay E. Corcoran, Takashi Komatsuzaki, Yorinobu Takamatsu, Saori Ueda, Jiro Hattori
  • Publication number: 20130289188
    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: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Terri A. Shefelbine, Eric W. Adair, Werner M. Grootaert, Naiyong Jing, Brant U. Kolb
  • Patent number: 8534849
    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: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    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, Kenneth L. Smith, Scott M. Tapio
  • Patent number: 8535576
    Abstract: Inorganic nanoparticles having a refractive index of at least 1.60 wherein the nanoparticles are surface modified with a surface treatment comprising a compound comprising a carboxylic acid end group and a C3-C8 ester repeat unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Clinton L. Jones, Brant U. Kolb, Taun L. McKenzie, David B. Olson, Nathan K. Naismith
  • Patent number: 8530572
    Abstract: Microstructured films such as brightness enhancing films, polymerizable resin compositions comprising an organic component and surface modified nanoparticles, and surface modified nanoparticles are described. The microstructured film has a polymerized structure comprising the reaction product of the polymerizable resin composition (e.g. having a refractive index of at least 1.58). The cured nanocomposite (e.g. structure) can exhibit improved crack resistance. In some embodiments, the flexibility is expressed in terms of a cylindrical mandrel bend test property (e.g. a mandrel size to failure of less than 6 mm or a mandrel size to failure according to the equation D=1000(T/0.025?T) wherein T is the thickness in millimeters of a (e.g. preformed base layer). In other embodiments, the flexibility is expressed in terms of a tensile and elongation property (e.g. a tensile strength at break of at least 25 MPa and an elongation at break of at least 1.75%).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Brant U. Kolb, Clinton L. Jones, David B. Olson, Taun L. McKenzie, Nathan K. Naismith
  • Patent number: 8487019
    Abstract: A method of making a filled resin includes providing functionalized particles; and combining and homogenously mixing the functionalized particles with an organic matrix in a vacuum kneader to provide the filled resin so that the functionalized particles comprise at least about 20% by weight of the filled resin. The step of providing functionalized particles can also include providing a feedstock of (i) untreated particles, (ii) a surface treatment agent reactive with the particles, and (iii) solvent, and directing the feedstock through a continuous reactor maintained at a temperature sufficient to react the particles with the surface treatment agent to provide the functionalized particles in less than about 4 hours; and directing the functionalized particles from the continuous reactor directly into the vacuum kneader. In another aspect, the a finished resin comprises at least about 20% by weight of functionalized particles in an organic matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: James M. Nelson, Matthew N. Archibald, Brant U. Kolb, Wendy L. Thompson, William J. Schultz, Steven C. Hackett
  • Patent number: 8394977
    Abstract: A method for the preparation of functionalized particles includes providing a feedstock that includes particles, a surface treatment agent reactive with the particles and solvent. The feedstock is direct through a continuous hydrothermal reactor maintained at a temperature sufficient to react the particles with the surface treatment agents to thereby provide functionalized particles. The method of the invention is capable of providing the functionalized particles in less than about 4 hours.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Grant F. Tiefenbruck, Matthew N. Archibald, James M. Nelson, Wendy L. Thompson, William J. Schultz, Peter D. Condo, Brant U. Kolb, Jimmie R. Baran, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8389074
    Abstract: Microstructured optical films, assemblies of films including at least one microstructured optical film, and (e.g. illuminated) display devices including a single microstructured optical film or assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Clinton L. Jones, Brant U. Kolb, David B. Olson, Emily S. Goenner, Shandon D. Hart, John T. Cowher
  • Publication number: 20130039094
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to patterned gradient polymer films and methods for making the same, and more particularly to patterned gradient optical films that have regions that include variations in optical properties such as refractive index, haze, transmission, clarity, or a combination thereof. The variation in optical properties can occur across a transverse plane of the film as well as through a thickness direction of the film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: William Blake Kolb, Michael Benton Free, Brant U. Kolb, Fei Lu, John A. Wheatley