Patents by Inventor Brent R. Hansen

Brent R. Hansen 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: 20220184916
    Abstract: Coextruded polymeric layer having first and second opposed major surfaces, the coextruded polymeric layer comprising foam and the coextruded polymeric layer comprising features extending from or into the first major surface by at least 100 micrometers, the first major surface comprising a first material having a first percent elongation at break, the second major surface comprising a second material having a second percent elongation at break, wherein the first percent elongation at break is greater than 100 percent of the second percent elongation at break. Coextended polymeric layers described herein are useful, for example, in vibration damping applications (e.g., a vibration damping laminate comprising a kinetic spacer comprising the coextruded polymeric layers).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2020
    Publication date: June 16, 2022
    Inventors: David F. Slama, Garth V. Antila, Brent R. Hansen, Caitlin E. Meree
  • Patent number: 11273593
    Abstract: Film articles with dual-sided structures are ones in which both of the major surfaces of the film have a structured surface. The structured film articles have a first major surface and second major surface, where each surface has a plurality of spaced apart protrusions forming a repeating pattern. Each repeating pattern has a major axis, where the major axis is one of the major axes in the translational direction of the repeating pattern. The major axis of the repeating pattern on the second major surface forms an oblique angle with the major axis on the first major surface, where the angle is in the range of 10-90% of the angle of rotational symmetry of the repeating pattern. The structured film is a unitary substrate. The structured film articles are prepared by providing a flowable material composition having two major surfaces and simultaneously contacting the major surfaces with a first microstructuring tool, and a second microstructuring tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Graham M. Clarke, Randy S. Bay, Raymond J. Kenney, Kurt J. Halverson, Brent R. Hansen, Michael R. Plumb
  • Patent number: 11148349
    Abstract: Film articles with dual-sided structures are ones in which both of the major surfaces of the film have a structured surface. The structured film articles have a first major surface and second major surface, where each surface has a plurality of spaced apart protrusions forming a repeating pattern. Each repeating pattern has a major axis, where the major axis is one of the major axes in the translational direction of the repeating pattern. The major axis of the repeating pattern on the second major surface forms an oblique angle with the major axis on the first major surface, where the angle is in the range of 10-90% of the angle of rotational symmetry of the repeating pattern. The structured film is a unitary substrate. The structured film articles are prepared by providing a flowable material composition having two major surfaces and simultaneously contacting the major surfaces with a first microstructuring tool, and a second microstructuring tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Graham M. Clarke, Randy S. Bay, Raymond J. Kenney, Kurt J. Halverson, Brent R. Hansen, Michael R. Plumb
  • Publication number: 20200230911
    Abstract: Polymeric foam layer having a thickness up to 25,700 micrometers, having first and second opposed major surfaces, and comprising foam features extending from or into the first major surface by at least 100 micrometers, and having a Tg in a range from ?125° C. to 150° C., wherein the first and second opposed major surfaces are free of exposed internal porous cells (i.e., less than 10 percent of the surface area of each of the first and second major surface has any exposed porous cells) and wherein at least 40 percent by area of each major surface has an as-cured surface; and methods of making the same. Exemplary uses of polymeric foam layers described herein including a finishing pad for silicon wafers and vibration damping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2018
    Publication date: July 23, 2020
    Inventors: David F. Slama, Garth V. Antila, Brent R. Hansen, Thomas P. Hanschen, Jay M. Jennen, Jeffrey P. Kalish, Duy K. Lehuu, Jason D. McNulty, Caitlin E. Meree, Joseph D. Rule
  • Publication number: 20200139613
    Abstract: Film articles with dual-sided structures are ones in which both of the major surfaces of the film have a structured surface. The structured film articles have a first major surface and second major surface, where each surface has a plurality of spaced apart protrusions forming a repeating pattern. Each repeating pattern has a major axis, where the major axis is one of the major axes in the translational direction of the repeating pattern. The major axis of the repeating pattern on the second major surface forms an oblique angle with the major axis on the first major surface, where the angle is in the range of 10-90% of the angle of rotational symmetry of the repeating pattern. The structured film is a unitary substrate. The structured film articles are prepared by providing a flowable material composition having two major surfaces and simultaneously contacting the major surfaces with a first microstructuring tool, and a second microstructuring tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2020
    Publication date: May 7, 2020
    Inventors: Graham M. Clarke, Randy S. Bay, Raymond J. Kenney, Kurt J. Halverson, Brent R. Hansen, Michael R. Plumb
  • Publication number: 20190270271
    Abstract: Polymeric multilayer films having an array of openings extending between the first and second major surfaces of the film, and a thickness greater than 50 micrometers, wherein the openings each have a series of areas through the openings from the first and second major surfaces ranging from minimum to maximum areas, and wherein the minimum area is not at at least one of the major surfaces. Polymeric multilayer films described herein are useful, for example, for wound dressings and graphics films.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2017
    Publication date: September 5, 2019
    Inventors: David F. Slama, Garth V. Antila, Brent R. Hansen, Graham M. Clarke, Jeffrey O. Emslander, John J. Rogers, Jacob D. Young
  • Patent number: 10316226
    Abstract: Methods of forming laminating adhesive articles include providing a multi-layer article, and a tool with a structured surface. The multi-layer articles include a substrate, an adhesive layer, and a liner or may just include an adhesive layer and a liner. The multi-layer article is placed between the structured surface of the tool and a support surface and the tool is embossed against the liner by applying pressure or a combination of pressure and heat. The embossing causes the structures on the surface of the tool to distort the liner and the adhesive layer but does not distort the substrate. The distortion in the liner is retained upon release of the applied pressure. Upon removal of the liner from the adhesive layer, the structures on the adhesive layer are unstable, but do not immediately collapse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Michael Benton Free, Audrey A. Sherman, Daniel W. Hennen, Brent R. Hansen
  • Patent number: 9962851
    Abstract: Method of making a polymeric multilayer films (115) having an array of openings by coextrusion. Embodiments of polymeric multilayer films made as described herein are useful, for example, filtration and acoustic absorption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: David F. Slama, Garth V. Antila, Brent R. Hansen
  • Publication number: 20170165862
    Abstract: Method of making a polymeric multilayer films (115) having an array of openings by coextrusion. Embodiments of polymeric multilayer films made as described herein are useful, for example, filtration and acoustic absorption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventors: David F. Slama, Garth V. Antila, Brent R. Hansen
  • Publication number: 20170001359
    Abstract: Polymeric multilayer film having first and second generally opposed major surfaces, and comprising first, second, and third layers, an array of blind openings between the first and second major surfaces, and an average thickness, wherein the first, second, and third layers each have a first average thickness excluding any thickness said first, second, and third layers having in any of the blind openings, wherein the first and second layers extend into the first average thickness of the third layer, wherein each of the first, second, and third layers each have a second average thickness (including a thickness of zero) in the blind holes, wherein the second average thickness of the first and third layers are each greater than zero, and wherein the ratio of the first average thickness of the second layer to the second average thickness of the second layer is at least 2.1; and method of making the same. Embodiments of polymeric multilayer film described herein are useful, for example, for acoustic absorption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Publication date: January 5, 2017
    Inventors: David F. Slama, Garth V. Antila, Brent R. Hansen
  • Publication number: 20160229114
    Abstract: Film articles with dual-sided structures are ones in which both of the major surfaces of the film have a structured surface. The structured film articles have a first major surface and second major surface, where each surface has a plurality of spaced apart protrusions forming a repeating pattern. Each repeating pattern has a major axis, where the major axis is one of the major axes in the translational direction of the repeating pattern. The major axis of the repeating pattern on the second major surface forms an oblique angle with the major axis on the first major surface, where the angle is in the range of 10-90% of the angle of rotational symmetry of the repeating pattern. The structured film is a unitary substrate. The structured film articles are prepared by providing a flowable material composition having two major surfaces and simultaneously contacting the major surfaces with a first microstructuring tool, and a second microstructuring tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventors: Graham M. Clarke, Randy S. Bay, Raymond J. Kenney, Kurt J. Halverson, Brent R. Hansen, Michael R. Plumb
  • Patent number: 9381127
    Abstract: Patient support systems and methods for transferring patients and controlling patient temperature. The system can include a non-inflatable and self-supporting platform that can include a first surface and a second surface separated by a distance, a plurality of supporting structures that extends at least partially across the distance between the first surface and the second surface, a plenum, and a plurality of apertures formed through at least one of the first surface and the second surface and in fluid communication with the plenum. The system can further include a fluid source configured to move fluid into the plenum and out the plurality of apertures. A method of transferring a patient can include moving fluid into the plenum and out the plurality of apertures to form a fluid pallet. A method of controlling patient temperature can include moving a temperature-controlled fluid into the plenum and out the plurality of apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Inventors: Matthew T. Scholz, Hatim M. Carim, Brent R. Hansen
  • Publication number: 20160130485
    Abstract: Methods of forming laminating adhesive articles include providing a multi-layer article, and a tool with a structured surface. The multi-layer articles include a substrate, an adhesive layer, and a liner or may just include an adhesive layer and a liner. The multi-layer article is placed between the structured surface of the tool and a support surface and the tool is embossed against the liner by applying pressure or a combination of pressure and heat. The embossing causes the structures on the surface of the tool to distort the liner and the adhesive layer but does not distort the substrate. The distortion in the liner is retained upon release of the applied pressure. Upon removal of the liner from the adhesive layer, the structures on the adhesive layer are unstable, but do not immediately collapse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Inventors: Michael Benton Free, Audrey A. Sherman, Daniel W. Hennen, Brent R. Hansen
  • Publication number: 20160023393
    Abstract: Method of making at least two distinct, separate polymeric films. Embodiments of polymeric multilayer film described herein are useful, for example, for filtration or acoustic absorption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Publication date: January 28, 2016
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: David F. Slama, Garth V. Antila, Steven J. Flanagan, Brent R. Hansen, Thomas P. Hanschen
  • Patent number: 9238203
    Abstract: Described herein are microperforated polymeric films comprising: opposed first and second surfaces separated by a first certain distance (40a); and a plurality of channels perpendicular to the first and second surfaces, wherein a first opening (20a-c) of a channel intersects the first surface and a second opening (22a-c) of the channel intersects the second surface; wherein the diameter of the first opening is larger than the diameter of the second opening and the second openings on the second surface are spaced apart by a second certain distance (50a); wherein the ratio of the first certain distance to the second certain distance is at least 0.25; and further wherein the second surface has an open area of at least 10%. Also described are methods of making and using such microperforated polymeric films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: John B. Scheibner, Brent R. Hansen, David F. Slama
  • Publication number: 20160009048
    Abstract: Polymeric multilayer film having first and second generally opposed major surfaces, an array of openings extending between the first and second major surfaces, and a thickness greater than 125 micrometers, wherein there are at least 30 openings/mm2, and wherein the openings each have a series of areas through the openings from the first and second major surfaces ranging from minimum to maximum areas, and wherein the minimum area is not at at least one of the major surfaces. Embodiments of polymeric multilayer film described herein are useful, for example, for filtration and acoustic absorption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: David F. Slama, Garth V. Antila, Steven J. Flanagan, Brent R. Hansen
  • Publication number: 20160001522
    Abstract: Polymeric multilayer film having first and second generally opposed major surfaces, adjacent first and second layers that are separable from each other, and an array of indentations extending into the first and second layers. Polymeric multilayer film having first and second generally opposed major surfaces, an array of openings extending between the first and second major surfaces, and at least first and second adjacent layers that are separable from each other, wherein the openings each have a series of areas through the openings from the first and second major surfaces ranging from minimum to maximum areas, and wherein the minimum area is not at at least one of the major surface. Embodiments of polymeric multilayer film described herein are useful, for example, for filtration and acoustic absorption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Publication date: January 7, 2016
    Inventors: David F. SLAMA, Garth V. ANTILA, Steven J. FLANAGAN, Brent R. HANSEN, Thomas P. HANSCHEN
  • Publication number: 20150273405
    Abstract: Described herein is a membrane separation module and articles and methods thereof, wherein the membrane separation module has a series of repeating layers, each layer comprising (a) a selectively permeable membrane; and (b) at least one support layer, wherein the support layer comprises a plurality of flow channels and a plurality of rails extending from the support layer, wherein the sides of two adjacent rails form a flow channel, wherein the plurality of rails on the support layer comprise a thermoplastic polymer at the distal end of at least a portion of the plurality of rails, and wherein the distal end of the plurality of rails contacts the selectively permeable membrane to form a bonded stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventors: John W. Henderson, Brady P. Haislet, Brent R. Hansen, Jonathan F. Hester, Gregory M. Jellum, Qihong Nie, John F. Reed, John B. Scheibner, David F. Slama, Steven E. Turch
  • Patent number: 8911829
    Abstract: It has now been determined that an internal optical defect can be eliminated by controlling the relative speed mismatch between the resilient roll and the casting roll in a film extrusion coating process. In particular, slowing down the surface speed of the resilient roll relative to the casting roll when coating a biaxially orientated film was found to remove the optical defect. Conversely, speeding up the surface speed of the resilient roll relative to the casting roll when coating a uniaxially orientated film was found to remove the optical defect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Randy S. Bay, Todd G. Pett, Brent R. Hansen
  • Patent number: 8865091
    Abstract: Sample processing devices that include transmissive layers and control layers to reduce or eliminate cross-talk between process chambers in the processing device are disclosed. The transmissive layers may transmit significant portions of signal light and/or interrogation light while the control layers block significant portions of signal light and/or interrogation light. Methods of manufacturing processing devices that include transmissive layers and control layers are also disclosed. The methods may involve continuous forming processes including co-extrusion of materials to form the transmissive layer and control layer in a processing device, followed by formation of the process chambers in the control layer. Alternatively, the methods may involve extrusion of materials for the control layer, followed by formation of process chambers in the control layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Joel R. Dufresne, Bryan C. Feisel, Theresa J. Gerten, Brent R. Hansen, David D. Nguyen