Patents by Inventor Bruce B. Wilson
Bruce B. Wilson 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).
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Publication number: 20240118790Abstract: A computer readable media, a method, and a system registering a third party application providing an available communication system between a local user and a remote user identity, storing information related to the available communication system in a first database, obtaining contact information for the remote user identity from the third party application, determining a communication type for the third party application, pairing the remote user identity with a contact, and updating a graphical representation of contact information.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2023Publication date: April 11, 2024Inventors: Jeffrey D. Harris, Joseph H. Engel, Keith Stattenfield, John-Peter E. Cafaro, Colter S. Reed, Bruce M. Stadnyk, James C. Wilson, David A. McLeod, Alexander B. Brown
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Patent number: 8798421Abstract: Polymer fibers are formed with concentric alternating layers of different polymer materials. The layers pairs have cross-sectional thicknesses selected for reflecting light at a selected visible wavelength. A cross-sectional dimension of the core is at least ten times an average of the selected thicknesses of the alternating layers. Some articles formed by the fibers are formed by attaching one fiber to another: the color of the fibers at the point of attachment is different from the colors of the fibers elsewhere. The fibers may be deformed to change its color properties by elongating the cross-section of the polymer fiber along a first cross-sectional axis. In some embodiments, the fibers are polarization sensitive.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2009Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Gregory L. Bluem, Joan M. Frankel, David C. Kramlich, Robert L. Brott, Shandon D. Hart, Lynn E. Lorimor, Patrick R. Fleming, William J. Kopecky, Bruce B. Wilson, James M. Jonza
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Patent number: 8596801Abstract: Retroreflective sheeting includes a body layer having a structured surface with recessed faces forming cube corner cavities. A reflective film is disposed at least on the recessed faces, and a fill material fills the cube corner cavities. The fill material comprises radiation-curable materials, adhesives, or both, and preferably transparent radiation-curable pressure-sensitive adhesives. The fill material preferably forms a continuous layer covering both the recessed faces and upper portions of the structured surface. A transparent cover layer preferably contacts the fill material layer.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2011Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Kenneth L. Smith, Gerald M. Benson, James C. Coderre, Cheryl M. Frey, Bruce B. Wilson
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Patent number: 8481157Abstract: Polymeric fibers along with methods and systems for extruding polymeric fibers are disclosed. The extrusion process preferably involves the delivery of a lubricant separately from a polymer melt stream to each orifice of an extrusion die such that the lubricant preferably encases the polymer melt stream as it passes through the die orifice.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2007Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Bruce B. Wilson, Roger J. Stumo, Stanley C. Erickson, William J. Kopecky, James C. Breister
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Publication number: 20120120491Abstract: Retroreflective sheeting includes a body layer having a structured surface with recessed faces forming cube corner cavities. A reflective film is disposed at least on the recessed faces, and a fill material fills the cube corner cavities. The fill material comprises radiation-curable materials, adhesives, or both, and preferably transparent radiation-curable pressure-sensitive adhesives. The fill material preferably forms a continuous layer covering both the recessed faces and upper portions of the structured surface. A transparent cover layer preferably contacts the fill material layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2011Publication date: May 17, 2012Inventors: Kenneth L. Smith, Gerald M. Benson, James C. Coderre, Cheryl M. Frey, Bruce B. Wilson
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Publication number: 20120108121Abstract: Transparent fluorescent structures comprising a matrix and fluorescent nanoparticles disposed within the matrix. Each fluorescent nanoparticle comprises a substrate nanoparticle having a surface; and one or more fluorescent molecules that fluoresce light. Each fluorescent molecule is bonded to at least one reactive bonding site on the surface of the substrate nanoparticle. The fluorescent molecules are distributed among the substrate nanoparticles such that self-quenching of the fluorescent molecules is eliminated or at least reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2010Publication date: May 3, 2012Inventors: Jimmie R. Baran, JR., Haeen Sykora, Duane D. Fansler, Bruce B. Wilson
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Publication number: 20110096395Abstract: Polymer fibers are formed with concentric alternating layers of different polymer materials. The layers pairs have cross-sectional thicknesses selected for reflecting light at a selected visible wavelength. A cross-sectional dimension of the core is at least ten times an average of the selected thicknesses of the alternating layers. Some articles formed by the fibers are formed by attaching one fiber to another: the color of the fibers at the point of attachment is different from the colors of the fibers elsewhere. The fibers may be deformed to change its color properties by elongating the cross-section of the polymer fiber along a first cross-sectional axis. In some embodiments, the fibers are polarization sensitive.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2009Publication date: April 28, 2011Inventors: Gregory L Bluem, Joan M. Frankel, David C. Kramlich, Robert L. Brott, Shandon D. Hart, Lynn E. Lorimor, Patrick R. Fleming, William J. Kopecky, Bruce B. Wilson, James M. Jonza
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Publication number: 20100230835Abstract: A composite polymer fiber comprises a polymer filler material and a plurality of polymer scattering fibers disposed within the filler material. At least one of the filler material and the scattering fibers is formed of a birefringent material. The refractive indices of the filler material and the scattering fibers can be substantially matched for light incident in a first polarization state on the composite polymer fiber and unmatched for light incident in an orthogonal polarization state. The scattering fibers may be arranged to form a photonic crystal within the composite fiber. The composite fibers may be extruded and may be formed into a yarn, a weave or the like. If the filler material is soluble, it may be washed out of the yarn or weave, and the scattering fibers may then be infiltrated with a resin that is subsequently cured.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2010Publication date: September 16, 2010Inventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Olester Benson, JR., James C. Breister, Robert L. Brott, Yeun-Jong Chou, Patrick R. Fleming, William J. Kopecky, Diane North, Roger J. Stumo, Kristin L. Thunhorst, Bruce B. Wilson
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Patent number: 7738763Abstract: A composite polymer fiber comprises a polymer filler material and a plurality of polymer scattering fibers disposed within the filler material. At least one of the filler material and the scattering fibers is formed of a birefringent material. The refractive indices of the filler material and the scattering fibers can be substantially matched for light incident in a first polarization state on the composite polymer fiber and unmatched for light incident in an orthogonal polarization state. The scattering fibers may be arranged to form a photonic crystal within the composite fiber. The composite fibers may be extruded and may be formed into a yarn, a weave or the like. If the filler material is soluble, it may be washed out of the yarn or weave, and the scattering fibers may then be infiltrated with a resin that is subsequently cured.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2008Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Olester Benson, Jr., James C. Breister, Robert L. Brott, Yeun-Jong Chou, Patrick R. Fleming, William J. Kopecky, Diane North, Roger J. Stumo, Kristin L. Thunhorst, Bruce B. Wilson
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Patent number: 7476352Abstract: Methods and systems for extruding polymeric fibers are disclosed. The extrusion process preferably involves the delivery of a lubricant separately from a polymer melt stream to each orifice of an extrusion die such that the lubricant preferably encases the polymer melt stream as it passes through the die orifice.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2004Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Bruce B. Wilson, Roger J. Stumo, Stanley C. Erickson, William L. Kopecky, James C. Breister
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Patent number: 7452588Abstract: Retroreflective sheeting includes a body layer having a structured surface with recessed faces forming cube corner cavities. A reflective film is disposed at least on the recessed faces, and a fill material fills the cube corner cavities. The fill material comprises radiation-curable materials, adhesives, or both, and preferably transparent radiation-curable pressure-sensitive adhesives. The fill material preferably forms a continuous layer covering both the recessed faces and upper portions of the structured surface. A transparent cover layer preferably contacts the fill material layer.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2001Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Kenneth L. Smith, Gerald M. Benson, James C. Coderre, Cheryl M. Frey, Bruce B. Wilson
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Patent number: 7406239Abstract: A polarizer is formed with an arrangement of polymer fibers substantially parallel within a polymer matrix. The polymer fibers are formed of at least first and second polymer materials. At least one of the polymer matrix and the first and second polymer materials is birefringent, and provides a birefringent interface with the adjacent material. Light is reflected and/or scattered at the birefringent interfaces with sensitivity to the polarization of the light. In some embodiments, the polymer fibers are formed as composite fibers, having a plurality of scattering polymer fibers disposed within a filler to form the composite fiber. In other embodiments, the polymer fiber is a multilayered polymer fiber. The polymer fibers may be arranged within the polymer matrix as part of a fiber weave.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2005Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Richard C. Allen, Olester Benson, Jr., James C. Breister, Yeun-Jong Chou, Patrick R. Fleming, William J. Kopecky, Diane North, Roger J. Stumo, Kristin L. Thunhorst, Bruce B. Wilson, Harold E. Rude
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Publication number: 20080152282Abstract: A composite polymer fiber comprises a polymer filler material and a plurality of polymer scattering fibers disposed within the filler material. At least one of the filler material and the scattering fibers is formed of a birefringent material. The refractive indices of the filler material and the scattering fibers can be substantially matched for light incident in a first polarization state on the composite polymer fiber and unmatched for light incident in an orthogonal polarization state. The scattering fibers may be arranged to form a photonic crystal within the composite fiber. The composite fibers may be extruded and may be formed into a yarn, a weave or the like. If the filler material is soluble, it may be washed out of the yarn or weave, and the scattering fibers may then be infiltrated with a resin that is subsequently cured.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2008Publication date: June 26, 2008Inventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Olester Benson, James C. Breister, Robert L. Brott, Yeun-Jong Chou, Patrick R. Fleming, William J. Kopecky, Diane North, Roger J. Stumo, Kristin L. Thunhorst, Bruce B. Wilson
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Patent number: 7356231Abstract: A composite polymer fiber comprises a polymer filler material and a plurality of polymer scattering fibers disposed within the filler material. At least one of the filler material and the scattering fibers is formed of a birefringent material. The refractive indices of the filler material and the scattering fibers can be substantially matched for light incident in a first polarization state on the composite polymer fiber and unmatched for light incident in an orthogonal polarization state. The scattering fibers may be arranged to form a photonic crystal within the composite fiber. The composite fibers may be extruded and may be formed into a yarn, a weave or the like. If the filler material is soluble, it may be washed out of the yarn or weave, and the scattering fibers may then be infiltrated with a resin that is subsequently cured.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2005Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Olester Benson, Jr., James C. Breister, Robert L. Brott, Yeun-Jong Chou, Patrick R. Fleming, William J. Kopecky, Diane North, Roger J. Stumo, Kristin L. Thunhorst, Bruce B. Wilson
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Publication number: 20080003430Abstract: Particulate-loaded polymer fibers along with methods and systems for extruding polymeric fibers are disclosed. The particulate-loaded polymer fibers have a fiber body that includes a polymeric binder with a plurality of particles distributed within the polymeric binder. Some of the particles are completely encapsulated within the polymeric binder and others may be embedded such that they are partially exposed on the outer surface of the fiber body. The polymers used in the fibers may be of high molecular weight and the encapsulated particles may be preferentially distributed towards the outer surfaces of the fibers.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2006Publication date: January 3, 2008Inventors: Bruce B. Wilson, Roger J. Stumo, Stanley C. Erickson, William J. Kopecky, James C. Breister
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Publication number: 20010033907Abstract: Retroreflective sheeting includes a body layer having a structured surface with recessed faces forming cube corner cavities. A reflective film is disposed at least on the recessed faces, and a fill material fills the cube corner cavities. The fill material comprises radiation-curable materials, adhesives, or both, and preferably transparent radiation-curable pressure-sensitive adhesives. The fill material preferably forms a continuous layer covering both the recessed faces and upper portions of the structured surface. A transparent cover layer preferably contacts the fill material layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2001Publication date: October 25, 2001Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Kenneth L. Smith, Gerald M. Benson, James C. Coderre, Cheryl M. Frey, Bruce B. Wilson, Michele A. Craton, Michael P. Daniels, Roger E. Luehrs
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Publication number: 20010033906Abstract: Retroreflective sheeting includes a body layer having a structured surface with recessed faces forming cube corner cavities. A reflective film is disposed at least on the recessed faces, and a fill material fills the cube corner cavities. The fill material comprises radiation-curable materials, adhesives, or both, and preferably transparent radiation-curable pressure-sensitive adhesives. The fill material preferably forms a continuous layer covering both the recessed faces and upper portions of the structured surface. A transparent cover layer preferably contacts the fill material layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2001Publication date: October 25, 2001Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Kenneth L. Smith, Gerald M. Benson, James C. Coderre, Cheryl M. Frey, Bruce B. Wilson
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Patent number: 6303058Abstract: A method of making a retroreflective article comprising on the top surface thereof a retroreflective sheet that comprises a monolayer of retroreflective elements wherein first portions of the monolayer are arranged in a contoured profile and second portions of the monolayer are arranged a substantially planar position.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1998Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Michele H. Kelley, Terry Bailey, Bruce B. Wilson, John W. Frank, Dave G. Schueler, Thanh-Huong Thi Nguyen, Naoki Nakayama, Larry K. Stump, Dale H. Haunschild
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Patent number: 6280822Abstract: Retroreflective sheeting includes a body layer having a structured surface with recessed faces forming cube corner cavities. A reflective film is disposed at least on the recessed faces, and a fill material fills the cube corner cavities. The fill material comprises radiation-curable materials, adhesives, or both, and preferably transparent radiation-curable pressure-sensitive adhesives. The fill material preferably forms a continuous layer covering both the recessed faces and upper portions of the structured surface. A transparent cover layer preferably contacts the fill material layer.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 1999Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Kenneth L. Smith, Gerald M. Benson, James C. Coderre, Cheryl M. Frey, Bruce B. Wilson, Michele A. Craton, Michael P. Daniels, Roger E. Luehrs
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Patent number: 6261676Abstract: An ultraviolet light absorbing material that resists blooming and migration is made up of a fluoropolymer and an amide functional ultraviolet light absorbing compound, wherein the polymer and the amide functional ultraviolet light absorbing compound are hydrogen bonded to one another. Polymeric films that contain a polymeric matrix and the ultraviolet light absorbing material are useful as the top layer in multilayer constructions such as retroreflective sheetings and conformable marking sheets.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 1999Date of Patent: July 17, 2001Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: David B. Olson, David M. Burns, Bruce B. Wilson