Patents by Inventor Christopher P. Gerlach

Christopher P. Gerlach 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: 20230257620
    Abstract: A release composition comprising a waterborne latex polymer particles comprising the polymerization reaction product of: i) a first monomer having an alkyl group with 12 to 24 carbon atoms, a nitrogen-containing or ester linking group, and a free-radically polymerizable (meth)acryl group; ii) a second free-radically polymerizable monomer having less than 12 carbon atoms; and iii) a free-radically polymerizable surfactant; and an aqueous carrier liquid. Also described is a method of making a release coated article and articles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2021
    Publication date: August 17, 2023
    Inventors: Rohit Gupta, James P. DiZio, Maria O. Miranda, Phillip H. Henna, Christopher P. Gerlach, Anna M. Clausen, Jayshree Seth
  • Publication number: 20220356374
    Abstract: Uncured aqueous composition comprising a blend of (a) a sulfonated polyester, (b) at least one of a self-crosslinking acrylic or a self-crosslinking polyurethane binder, and (c) melamine-formaldehyde crosslinker, wherein the uncured aqueous composition has a free-formaldehyde content not greater than 0.04 part per million formaldehyde as determined by the Formaldehyde Test, and cured composition thereof. Compositions described herein are useful, for example, for making primed film for release liners applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2020
    Publication date: November 10, 2022
    Inventors: Anna M. Clausen, Jeffrey A. Peterson, Maria A. Appeaning, Christopher P. Gerlach
  • Publication number: 20220145141
    Abstract: Article comprising, in order: a first polymeric film having first and second, opposed major surfaces; a first primer layer having first and second opposed, major surfaces on the first major surface of the first polymeric film, wherein for a distance of at least 25 nm starting from the first major surface of the first 5 primer layer toward the second major surface of the first primer layer there is an average Si content, on a theoretical elemental basis, not greater than 15 atomic percent; and a first release layer having first and second opposed, major surfaces, wherein the second major surface of the first release layer is in direct contact with the first major surface of the first primer layer, wherein the first release layer comprises, on a theoretical elemental basis, Si. Articles described herein are useful, for example, as a release liner for 10 casting pressure sensitive adhesives thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2020
    Publication date: May 12, 2022
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Peterson, Maria A. Appeaning, Christopher P. Gerlach, David J. Kinning, Madison P. Bennett, Marie A. Boulos, Anna M. Clausen, Victor Ho, Kevin T. Huseby, Stephen A. Johnson, Scott M. LeBow
  • Publication number: 20220098363
    Abstract: Uncured aqueous composition comprising surfactant and a blend of (a) a first sulfonated polyester having a glass transition temperature not greater than 75° C. that is not sulfonated polyethylene naphthalate, (b) a second, sulfonated polyester that is a sulfonated polyethylene naphthalate, (c) melamine-formaldehyde crosslinker, and (d) an epoxy silane coupling agent; and cured composition thereof. Compositions described herein are useful, for example, for making primed film for release liners applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2020
    Publication date: March 31, 2022
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Peterson, Maria A. Appeaning, Christopher P. Gerlach, David J. Kinning, Madison P. Bennett, Marie A. Boulos, Anna M. Clausen, Victor Ho, Kevin T. Huseby, Stephen A. Johnson, Scott M. LeBow
  • Patent number: 10723918
    Abstract: Articles and laminates include a substrate with a first polyester surface and a second polyester surface, a crosslinked polyurethane-based primer coated on at least the first polyester surface, and an optically clear heat activated adhesive adjacent to the crosslinked polyurethane-based primer. The articles and laminates are prepared by applying a polyurethane-based dispersion and a crosslinker on at least one polyester surface, drying the applied coating, heating while stretching the substrate and the coating to form a crosslinked primer layer on the stretched polyester surface, and applying an optically clear heat activated adhesive onto the crosslinked primer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Bert T. Chien, Christopher P. Gerlach, Gregory F. King, Peggy S. Willett, Christopher A. Haak, Ronald K. Thery
  • Patent number: 10094960
    Abstract: The present application generally relates to retroreflective articles and methods of making retroreflective articles. Some embodiments include a body layer having an elastic modulus of equal to or greater than 1750 MPa, a plurality of truncated cube corner elements, and a polymeric layer between the body layer and the cube corner elements, the polymeric layer having an elastic modulus of less than 1750 MPa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Reema Chatterjee, Jeffrey A. Peterson, Christopher P. Gerlach, David W. Meitz
  • Publication number: 20180265740
    Abstract: Articles and laminates include a substrate with a first polyester surface and a second polyester surface, a crosslinked polyurethane-based primer coated on at least the first polyester surface, and an optically clear heat activated adhesive adjacent to the crosslinked polyurethane-based primer. The articles and laminates are prepared by applying a polyurethane-based dispersion and a crosslinker on at least one polyester surface, drying the applied coating, heating while stretching the substrate and the coating to form a crosslinked primer layer on the stretched polyester surface, and applying an optically clear heat activated adhesive onto the crosslinked primer layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Publication date: September 20, 2018
    Inventors: Bert T. Chien, Christopher P. Gerlach, Gregory F. King, Peggy S. Willett, Christopher A. Haak, Ronald K. Thery
  • Publication number: 20160202397
    Abstract: The present application generally relates to retroreflective articles and methods of making retroreflective articles. Some embodiments include a body layer having an elastic modulus of equal to or greater than 1750 MPa, a plurality of truncated cube corner elements, and a polymeric layer between the body layer and the cube corner elements, the polymeric layer having an elastic modulus of less than 1750 MPa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Publication date: July 14, 2016
    Inventors: Reema Chatterjee, Jeffrey A. Peterson, Christopher P. Gerlach, David W. Meitz
  • Publication number: 20150044456
    Abstract: Articles and laminates include a substrate with a first polyester surface and a second polyester surface, a crosslinked polyurethane-based primer coated on at least the first polyester surface, and an optically clear heat activated adhesive adjacent to the crosslinked polyurethane-based primer. The articles and laminates are prepared by applying a polyurethane-based dispersion and a crosslinker on at least one polyester surface, drying the applied coating, heating while stretching the substrate and the coating to form a crosslinked primer layer on the stretched polyester surface, and applying an optically clear heat activated adhesive onto the crosslinked primer layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Bert T. Chien, Christopher P. Gerlach, Gregory F. King, Peggy S. Willett, Christopher A. Haak, Ronald K. Thery
  • Patent number: 7666968
    Abstract: Acene-thiophene copolymers with attached silylethynyl groups are provided that can be used in electronic devices. The copolymers are often soluble in common organic solvents and can be part of a coating composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Peiwang Zhu, Dennis E. Vogel, Christopher P. Gerlach
  • Patent number: 7667230
    Abstract: Electronic devices that include an acene-thiophene copolymer and methods of making such electronic devices are described. The acene-thiophene copolymer can be used, for example, in a semiconductor layer or in a layer positioned between a first electrode and a second electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Peiwang Zhu, Tzu-Chen Lee, Dennis E. Vogel, Christopher P. Gerlach
  • Patent number: 7608679
    Abstract: Acene-thiophene copolymers are provided that can be used as semiconductor materials in electronic devices. The acene-thiophene copolymers are of Formula I. In Formula I, Ac is a radical of an acene having 2 to 5 fused aromatic rings. The acene can be unsubstituted or substituted with a substituent selected from an alkyl, alkoxy, thioalkyl, aryl, aralkyl, halo, haloalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, heteroalkyl, alkenyl, or combinations thereof. Divalent group Q is selected from Formula III where each R1 and R2 group is independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl, alkoxy, thioalkyl, aryl, aralkyl, halo, haloalkyl, hydroxyalkyl, heteroalkyl, alkenyl, or combinations thereof. The subscript n in Formula I is an integer equal to at least 4. The asterisks in Formula I indicate the location of attachment to another group such as another repeat unit of formula —Ac-Q-.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Peiwang Zhu, Tzu-Chen Lee, Dennis E. Vogel, Christopher P. Gerlach
  • Patent number: 7495251
    Abstract: Electronic devices that include an acene-thiophene copolymer and methods of making such electronic devices are described. More specifically, the acene-thiophene copolymer has attached silylethynyl groups. The copolymer can be used, for example, in a semiconductor layer or in a layer positioned between a first electrode and a second electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Peiwang Zhu, Dennis E. Vogel, Tzu-Chen Lee, Christopher P. Gerlach
  • Publication number: 20080187651
    Abstract: Conductive ink formulations comprising a conductive polymer, metallic nanoparticles and a carrier are described. The formulations are printable on a surface, and annealed to form source and drain electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventors: Tzu-Chen Lee, Brian K. Nelson, Christopher P. Gerlach, Dennis E. Vogel
  • Patent number: 7315042
    Abstract: Semiconductor devices are described that include a semiconductor layer that contains a trans-1,2-bis(acenyl)ethylene compound. The acenyl group is selected from 2-naphtyl, 2-anthracenyl, or 2-tetracenyl. Additionally, methods of making semiconductor devices are described that include depositing a semiconductor layer that contains a trans-1,2-bis(acenyl)ethylene compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Christopher P. Gerlach, Tommie W. Kelley
  • Patent number: 7276395
    Abstract: Acene-thiophene compounds are disclosed that are useful as organic semiconductors. The compounds, when used as the semiconductor layer in organic thin-film transistors exhibit device characteristics, like charge-carrier mobilities and current on/off ratios, that are comparable to those of pentacene. Also described are semiconductor devices comprising at least one compound of the invention; and articles comprising the semiconductor devices such as thin film transistors or transistor arrays, and electroluminescent lamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Christopher P. Gerlach
  • Patent number: 7211679
    Abstract: Semiconductor devices are described that include a semiconductor layer that comprises a perfluoroether acyl oligothiophene compound, preferably an ?,?-bis-perfluoroether acyl oligothiophene compound. Additionally, methods of making semiconductor devices are described that include depositing a semiconductor layer that contains a perfluoroether acyl oligothiophene compound, preferably an ?,?-bis(2-perfluoroether acyl oligothiophene compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Christopher P. Gerlach, David A. Ender, Dennis E. Vogel
  • Patent number: 7151276
    Abstract: Semiconductor devices are described that include a semiconductor layer that comprises a perfluoroether acyl oligothiophene compound, preferably an ?,?-bis-perfluoroether acyl oligothiophene compound. Additionally, methods of making semiconductor devices are described that include depositing a semiconductor layer that contains a perfluoroether acyl oligothiophene compound, preferably an ?,?-bis(2-perfluoroether acyl oligothiophene compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Christopher P. Gerlach, David A. Ender, Dennis E. Vogel
  • Patent number: 7109519
    Abstract: Bis(2-acenyl)acetylene compounds that are useful as organic semiconductors are disclosed. The compounds, when used as the active layer in OTFTs exhibit device characteristics, like charge-carrier mobilities and current on/off ratios, that are comparable to those of pentacene. Also described are semiconductor devices comprising at least one compound of the invention; and articles comprising the semiconductor devices such as thin film transistors or transistor arrays, and electroluminescent lamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Christopher P. Gerlach
  • Patent number: 6998068
    Abstract: Acene-thiophene compounds are disclosed that are useful as organic semiconductors. The compounds, when used as the semiconductor layer in organic thin-film transistors exhibit device characteristics, like charge-carrier mobilities and current on/off ratios, that are comparable to those of pentacene. Also described are semiconductor devices comprising at least one compound of the invention; and articles comprising the semiconductor devices such as thin film transistors or transistor arrays, and electroluminescent lamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Christopher P. Gerlach