Patents by Inventor Bruce A. Nerad

Bruce A. Nerad 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: 20240010856
    Abstract: Provided is a laminate including a plasticizer-containing layer and an ink layer and having excellent adhesion between the plasticizer-containing layer and the ink layer and excellent low-temperature impact resistance, and a radiation curable ink.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2021
    Publication date: January 11, 2024
    Inventors: Katsuya Ono, Bruce A. Nerad
  • Publication number: 20220389246
    Abstract: A radiation curable inkjet ink which has good surface curability even in air, and is capable of providing a cured product having low odor, good flexibility, and low-temperature impact resistance is described. In particular, radiation curable inkjet ink including from 20 to 40 parts by mass of a bifunctional urethane (meth)acrylate oligomer and from 50 to 80 parts by mass of a monofunctional monomer, based on 100 parts by mass of polymerizable components and an ?-hydroxyketone oligomer and a benzophenone compound as photoinitiators are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2020
    Publication date: December 8, 2022
    Inventors: Katsuya Ono, Naota Sugiyama, Yoshihiro Kashihara, Koji Saito, Bruce A. Nerad, Thomas A. Speckhard
  • Publication number: 20200347236
    Abstract: A hardcoat composition is described comprising urethane (meth)acrylate oligomer having first functional groups; an acrylic polymer having second functional groups; wherein the first and second functional groups are capable of forming a hydrogen bond; and optionally nanoparticles. Also described are articles comprising the cured hardcoat described herein disposed on a surface of a substrate, method of using the articles, and methods of making the articles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2019
    Publication date: November 5, 2020
    Inventors: Richard J. Pokorny, Thomas P. Klun, Chad M. Amb, Nicholas L. Untiedt, Matthew V.B. Topeff, Bruce A. Nerad
  • Patent number: 10814640
    Abstract: Ink jet technology is used to deposit an ink stabilizing agent at the time of ink deposition (printing), upon a substrate. The stabilizing agent and the ink mix on the substrate. The amount of stabilizing agent is varied based on the needs of the inks being printed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael R. Kesti, Bruce A. Nerad
  • Publication number: 20170368837
    Abstract: Ink jet technology is used to deposit an ink stabilizing agent at the time of ink deposition (printing), upon a substrate. The stabilizing agent and the ink mix on the substrate. The amount of stabilizing agent is varied based on the needs of the inks being printed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Michael R. Kesti, Bruce A. Nerad
  • Patent number: 9718975
    Abstract: A radiation curable ink composition includes a first 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl compound. The first 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl compound is present in the radiation curable ink composition at a concentration above 0.5 wt %. A hindered amine group of the first 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl compound is substituted with only carbon or hydrogen and is a solid at 20 degrees centigrade and does not include carbon to carbon double bonds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Bruce A. Nerad
  • Publication number: 20150252202
    Abstract: A radiation curable ink composition includes a first 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl compound. The first 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl compound is present in the radiation curable ink composition at a concentration above 0.5 wt %. A hindered amine group of the first 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidinyl compound is substituted with only carbon or hydrogen and is a solid at 20 degrees centigrade and does not include carbon to carbon double bonds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventor: Bruce A. Nerad
  • Publication number: 20130101775
    Abstract: The present application is directed to a multilayer film The film comprises a thermoplastic receptor layer comprising a polyurethane, a thermoplastic core layer on the receptor layer comprising an acidic group or an anhydride group, and a thermoplastic primer layer on the core layer opposite the receptor layer comprising a nitrogen containing polymer. In some embodiments, the multilayer film includes additional layers. For example, an adhesive layer may be on the primer layer opposite the core layer. In another embodiment, a release layer is on the adhesive layer opposite the primer layer. In another embodiment, a liner layer is on the release layer opposite the adhesive layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventors: Kathleen A. Dennison, Bruce A. Nerad, David J. Yarusso, John A. Nielsen
  • Patent number: 7943681
    Abstract: Low viscosity, radiation curable fluid formulations that can be used advantageously as radiation curable, inks. The formulations are easily prepared for use in ink jet systems. The viscosity of the compositions is low enough so that conventional solvent is not required in order to satisfy the requisite low ink jet viscosity specifications. After curing, the compositions form durable, weatherable, abrasion resistant, printed images on a wide variety of porous and nonporous substrates. The formulations are very suitable for outdoor printing applications, especially for printing outdoor graphics onto a variety of surfaces, including vinyl or other polymer films commonly used for signage, retroreflective signage or other retroreflective items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Jennifer L. Lee, Ronald K. Thery, Caroline M. Ylitalo, Richard L. Severance, Dong Wu, Bruce A. Nerad, Verna J. LeMire, James G. Carlson, William J. Hunt
  • Publication number: 20090286049
    Abstract: The present application relates to methods of forming a signage including a radiation curable ink. One exemplary embodiment involves heating at least a portion of a retroreflective article; applying a radiation curable ink to the heated portion of the retroreflective article; and curing the radiation curable ink. In most instances, a heated retroreflective article has a temperate that is greater than room temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventors: Bran W. McFarland, Bruce A. Nerad
  • Publication number: 20090218707
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for the manufacture of coextruded polymeric multilayer optical films. The multilayer optical films have an ordered arrangement of layers of two or more materials having particular layer thicknesses and a prescribed layer thickness gradient throughout the multilayer optical stack. The methods and apparatuses described allow improved control over individual layer thicknesses, layer thickness gradients, indices of refraction, interlayer adhesion, and surface characteristics of the optical films. The methods and apparatuses described are useful for making interference polarizers, mirrors, and colored films that are optically effective over diverse portions of the ultraviolet, visible, and infrared spectra.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventors: Carl A. Stover, Timothy J. Hebrink, Yaoqi Liu, William W. Merrill, Bruce A. Nerad, John A. Wheatley
  • Publication number: 20080287563
    Abstract: Low viscosity, radiation curable fluid formulations that can be used advantageously as radiation curable, inks. The formulations are easily prepared for use in ink jet systems. The viscosity of the compositions is low enough so that conventional solvent is not required in order to satisfy the requisite low ink jet viscosity specifications. After curing, the compositions form durable, weatherable, abrasion resistant, printed images on a wide variety of porous and nonporous substrates. The formulations are very suitable for outdoor printing applications, especially for printing outdoor graphics onto a variety of surfaces, including vinyl or other polymer films commonly used for signage, retroreflective signage or other retroreflective items.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Jennifer L. Lee, Ronald K. Thery, Caroline M. Ylitalo, Richard L. Severance, Dong Wu, Bruce A. Nerad, Verna J. LeMire, James G. Carlson, William J. Hunt
  • Patent number: 7423072
    Abstract: Low viscosity, radiation curable fluid formulations that can be used advantageously as radiation curable, inks. The formulations are easily prepared for use in ink jet systems. The viscosity of the compositions is low enough so that conventional solvent is not required in order to satisfy the requisite low ink jet viscosity specifications. After curing, the compositions form durable, weatherable, abrasion resistant, printed images on a wide variety of porous and nonporous substrates. The formulations are very suitable for outdoor printing applications, especially for printing outdoor graphics onto a variety of surfaces, including vinyl or other polymer films commonly used for signage, retroreflective signage or other retroreflective items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Jennifer L. Lee, Ronald K. Thery, Caroline M. Ylitalo, Richard L. Severance, Dong Wu, Bruce A. Nerad, Verna J. LeMire, James G. Carlson, William J. Hunt
  • Patent number: 7369122
    Abstract: The present invention provides touch panels and touch panel substrates that include spacer dots comprising a nanocomposite material. The present invention also provides methods of ink jet printing spacer dots for touch panel applications. The spacer dots and methods of making spacer dots can lead to spacers that have good durability, have controllable sizes, shapes, and spacings, and have desirable optical properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Elisa M. Cross, Robert S. Moshrefzadeh, Jessica L. Voss-Kehl, Brant U. Kolb, Emily S. Goenner, Brian E. Aufderheide, Michael J. Robrecht, Bruce A. Nerad
  • Patent number: 7341621
    Abstract: An ink set is disclosed that comprises a first ink composition containing a first colorant, and a second ink composition containing a second colorant, wherein the first colorant is different from the second colorant; wherein each ink composition, when printed at 100% fill on the same substrate, produces a color having a hue angle, h°n, and a lightness relative to that of the substrate, ?L*n, according to: h°n=tan?1(b*n/a*n) ?L*n=L*substrate?L*n wherein n=1 or 2 for the first and second ink compositions, respectively; h°1 and h°2 differ from each other by no more than 15°; and ?L*1>?L*2. An ink jet printing method that employs the ink set is also disclosed, as well as a printed image prepared with the ink set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Bruce A. Nerad, Richard L. Rosenberg
  • Patent number: 7140711
    Abstract: Inkjet printing apparatus for use with radiation curable ink includes a sensor for sensing the amount of radiation emitted by a source of radiation. A controller is connected to the sensor and is operable to vary the amount of radiation emitted by the radiation source in accordance with a signal received from the sensor. A drive mechanism moves the source of radiation to a location laterally offset from the substrate where the sensor is positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Bruce A. Nerad, Robin E. Wright, Richard L. Severance, William J. Hunt, Caroline M. Ylitalo
  • Patent number: 6830713
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for the manufacture of coextruded polymeric multilayer optical films. The multilayer optical films have an ordered arrangement of layers of two or more materials having particular layer thicknesses and a prescribed layer thickness gradient throughout the multilayer optical stack. The methods and apparatuses described allow improved control over individual layer thicknesses, layer thickness gradients, indices of refraction, interlayer adhesion, and surface characteristics of the optical films. The methods and apparatuses described are useful for making interference polarizers, mirrors, and colored films that are optically effective over diverse portions of the ultraviolet, visible, and infrared spectra.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Timothy J. Hebrink, Yaoqi J. Liu, William Ward Merrill, Bruce A. Nerad, John A. Wheatley
  • Patent number: 6676869
    Abstract: Described is a method of indirect printing on a thermoplastic film having texture, wherein said method comprises: a) providing a heated thermoplastic melt; b) providing a tool having a molding portion that comprises a texture having a surface and a plurality of cavities in said surface, and that comprises a material having a surface energy sufficient to release ink; c) applying ink to said texture; d) substantially drying or curing said ink; e) contacting said thermoplastic melt with said molding portion having ink applied to it; f) forming a texture in said thermoplastic melt, wherein said texture comprises a plurality of protrusions and an area between said protrusions, that is the inverse of the texture of said molding surface; g) transferring said ink from said molding portion to said thermoplastic melt; h) quenching said thermoplastic melt to form a thermoplastic film; and i) removing said thermoplastic film from said molding portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Brandon T. Berg, Tony B. Hollobaugh, David D. Nguyen, Bruce H. Koehler, Bruce A. Nerad
  • Publication number: 20030118783
    Abstract: Described is a method of indirect printing on a thermoplastic film having texture, wherein said method comprises: a) providing a heated thermoplastic melt; b) providing a tool having a molding portion that comprises a texture having a surface and a plurality of cavities in said surface, and that comprises a material having a surface energy sufficient to release ink; c) applying ink to said texture; d) substantially drying or curing said ink; e) contacting said thermoplastic melt with said molding portion having ink applied to it; f) forming a texture in said thermoplastic melt, wherein said texture comprises a plurality of protrusions and an area between said protrusions, that is the inverse of the texture of said molding surface; g) transferring said ink from said molding portion to said thermoplastic melt; h) quenching said thermoplastic melt to form a thermoplastic film; and i) removing said thermoplastic film from said molding portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventors: Brandon T. Berg, Tony B. Hollobaugh, David D. Nguyen, Bruce H. Koehler, Bruce A. Nerad
  • Patent number: 6569515
    Abstract: A multilayered polymer film is formed with a stack of one or more first optical layers, one or more second optical layers, and one or more non-optical layers. These optical and non-optical layers are typically made using polymer materials, such as polyesters. In one embodiment, the non-optical layers are made from a polyester having a composition which corresponds to the average molar composition of the combination of all of the first and second optical layers. Using this formulation, scrap material from the manufacture of multilayered polymer films may be used to generate the non-optical layers in subsequent films. Alternatively, the non-optical layers of a multilayered polymer film are made using scrap material from prior-manufactured multilayered polymer films with the optional addition of other polymer material which may be either new or recycled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Timothy J. Hebrink, Yaoqui Joe Liu, William W. Merrill, Bruce A. Nerad