Patents by Inventor David W. Meitz

David W. Meitz 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: 20200319384
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to retroreflective sheeting including a topcoat and to methods of making such sheeting. In some embodiments, the retroreflective sheeting includes (1) a first major surface that is a structured surface having a structure imparted by a plurality of prismatic cube corner elements; (2) a second major surface opposite the first major surface, the second major surface being substantially planar and including a polycarbonate; and (3) a topcoat adjacent to at least a portion of the second major surface and the topcoat including a solvent-based composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2020
    Publication date: October 8, 2020
    Inventors: Lee A. PAVELKA, David W. MEITZ, Joseph A. RICHIE, Thomas V. KUSILEK, Mark W. LEVERTY
  • Publication number: 20200199404
    Abstract: Coatings containing a silsesquioxane copolymer are described. The silsesquioxane copolymer comprises amino-functional repeat units and non-functional repeat units. Methods for preparing such coatings using hydrolysable silanes are also described. Articles incorporating such coatings, including retroreflective articles are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2018
    Publication date: June 25, 2020
    Inventors: Jitendra S. RATHORE, Suman K. PATEL, David W. MEITZ, Reema CHATTERJEE
  • Patent number: 10598823
    Abstract: The present application generally relates to EAA films including at least one triazine-based ultraviolet absorber. The present application also generally relates to retroreflective sheeting including an EAA film including a triazine-based ultraviolet absorber. One embodiments of the present application relates to a film, comprising poly(ethylene-co-acrylic acid) and a triazine-based UVA. Another embodiment of the present application relates to retroreflective sheeting, comprising: a plurality of cube corner elements; and a body layer adjacent to the cube corner elements, the body layer including poly(ethylene-co-acrylic acid) and a triazine-based UVA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: David W. Meitz, Bimal V. Thakkar, David M. Burns, David B. Olson, Lee A. Pavelka
  • 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: 20170254926
    Abstract: The present application generally relates to EAA films including at least one triazine-based ultraviolet absorber. The present application also generally relates to retroreflective sheeting including an EAA film including a triazine-based ultraviolet absorber. One embodiments of the present application relates to a film, comprising poly(ethylene-co-acrylic acid) and a triazine-based UVA. Another embodiment of the present application relates to retroreflective sheeting, comprising: a plurality of cube corner elements; and a body layer adjacent to the cube corner elements, the body layer including poly(ethylene-co-acrylic acid) and a triazine-based UVA.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Publication date: September 7, 2017
    Inventors: David W. Meitz, Bimal V. Thakkar, David M. Burns, David B. Olson, Lee A. Pavelka
  • Patent number: 9658363
    Abstract: The present application generally relates to EAA films including at least one triazine-based ultraviolet absorber. The present application also generally related to retroreflective sheeting including an EAA film including a triazine-based ultraviolet absorber. One embodiments of the present application relates to a film, comprising poly(ethylene-co-acrylic acid) and a triazine-based UVA. Another embodiment of the present application relates to retroreflective sheeting, comprising: a plurality of cube corner elements; and a body layer adjacent to the cube corner elements, the body layer including poly(ethylene-co-acrylic acid) and a triazine-based UVA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: David W. Meitz, Bimal V. Thakkar, David M. Burns, David B. Olson, Lee A. Pavelka
  • Publication number: 20160370514
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to retroreflective sheeting including a topcoat and to methods of making such sheeting. In some embodiments, the retroreflective sheeting includes (1) a first major surface that is a structured surface having a structure imparted by a plurality of prismatic cube corner elements; (2) a second major surface opposite the first major surface, the second major surface being substantially planar and including a polycarbonate; and (3) a topcoat adjacent to at least a portion of the second major surface and the topcoat including a solvent-based composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Publication date: December 22, 2016
    Inventors: Lee A. Pavelka, David W. Meitz, Joseph A. Richie, Thomas V. Kusilek, Mark W. Leverty
  • 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: 20140009824
    Abstract: The present application generally relates to EAA films including at least one triazine-based ultraviolet absorber. The present application also generally related to retroreflective sheeting including an EAA film including a triazine-based ultraviolet absorber. One embodiments of the present application relates to a film, comprising poly(ethylene-co-acrylic acid) and a triazine-based UVA. Another embodiment of the present application relates to retroreflective sheeting, comprising: a plurality of cube corner elements; and a body layer adjacent to the cube corner elements, the body layer including poly(ethylene-co-acrylic acid) and a triazine-based UVA.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: David W. Meitz, Bimal V. Thakkar, David M. Burns, David B. Olson, Lee A. Pavelka
  • Patent number: 7410604
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making retroreflective sheeting and other articles prepared from casting a fluid synthetic resin onto a tool having a microstructured surface with a slot die apparatus. The invention further relates to a slot die apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Stanley C. Erickson, James C. Breister, Gregory H. Van Erem, David W. Meitz, Stephen W. Mohn, Paul DeRoussel
  • Patent number: 7364421
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making retroreflective sheeting and other articles prepared from casting a fluid synthetic resin onto a tool having a microstructured surface with a slot die apparatus. The invention further relates to a slot die apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Comapny
    Inventors: Stanley C. Erickson, James C. Breister, Gregory H. Van Erem, David W. Meitz, Stephen W. Mohn, Paul DeRoussel
  • Patent number: 7025847
    Abstract: The present invention provides a new sheeting article that may suitably include: a carrier having a first major surface and a second major surface; and a plurality of discrete segments of a sheeting (e.g., a retroreflective sheeting), wherein the sheeting has a first major viewing surface and a second major opposing surface, and the first major viewing surface of the sheeting is preferably removably attached to the second major surface of the carrier. Preferably, the first major surface of the carrier comprises a release surface, the second major opposing surface of the sheeting comprises an adhesive, the article is provided in the form of a roll, and the adhesive surface of the sheeting is adjacent the release surface of an adjacent layer of the roll. In a presently preferred embodiment the present invention provides novel easy-to-use truck conspicuity sheeting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Eugene H. Carlson, James C. Coderre, Christopher L. Harvey, James E. Lasch, David W. Meitz, Colleen C. Nagel
  • Patent number: 6958179
    Abstract: The present invention provides a new sheeting article that may suitably include: a carrier having a first major surface and a second major surface; and a plurality of discrete segments of a sheeting (e.g., a retroreflective sheeting), wherein the sheeting has a first major viewing surface and a second major opposing surface, and the first major viewing surface of the sheeting is preferably removably attached to the second major surface of the carrier. Preferably, the first major surface of the carrier comprises a release surface, the second major opposing surface of the sheeting comprises an adhesive, the article is provided in the form of a roll, and the adhesive surface of the sheeting is adjacent the release surface of an adjacent layer of the roll. In a presently preferred embodiment the present invention provides novel easy-to-use truck conspicuity sheeting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Eugene H. Carlson, James C. Coderre, Christopher L. Harvey, James E. Lasch, David W. Meitz, Colleen C. Nagel
  • Patent number: 6935756
    Abstract: The invention relates to articles comprising a sheeting having a microstructured surface that reflects light in a moiré-like pattern. The invention further relates to methods of making a master and replicas thereof including tooling that results in sheeting having such pattern. A preferred method comprises forming V-shaped grooves in a substrate (e.g. metal plate) wherein the intersections of three grooves form cube-corner elements. The cube-corner elements are formed in such a manner that adjacent parallel grooves have substantially the same groove spacing and groove depth throughout the array. The master as well as corresponding tooling and sheeting preferably have a groove spacing within the range of about 0.0005 inches (0.0127 mm) to about 0.007 inches (0.1778 mm) throughout the array and more preferably a groove spacing of less than about 0.004 inches (0.1016 mm).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Nelson D. Sewall, Kenneth L. Smith, David W. Meitz, Madeleine B. Fleming, John C. Nelson
  • Patent number: 6843571
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods of making a master and replicas thereof including tooling and retroreflective sheeting. The invention further relates to the corresponding master, tooling and in particular retroreflective sheeting. The method comprises forming V-shaped grooves in a substrate (e.g. metal plate) wherein the intersections of three grooves form cube-corner elements. The cube-corner elements are substantially the same size throughout the array. The master as well as corresponding tooling and sheeting preferably have an average groove spacing within the range of about 0.0005 inches (0.0127 mm) to about 0.007 inches (0.1778 mm) throughout the array and more preferably an average groove spacing of less than about 0.004 inches (0.1016 mm).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Nelson D. Sewall, Kenneth L. Smith, David W. Meitz, Madeleine B. Fleming, John C. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20040173920
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making retroreflective sheeting and other articles prepared from casting a fluid synthetic resin onto a tool having a microstructured surface with a slot die apparatus. The invention further relates to a slot die apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Stanley C. Erickson, James C. Breister, Gregory H. Van Erem, David W. Meitz, Stephen W. Mohn, Paul DeRoussel
  • Publication number: 20030235674
    Abstract: The present invention provides a new sheeting article that may suitably include: a carrier having a first major surface and a second major surface; and a plurality of discrete segments of a sheeting (e.g., a retroreflective sheeting), wherein the sheeting has a first major viewing surface and a second major opposing surface, and the first major viewing surface of the sheeting is preferably removably attached to the second major surface of the carrier. Preferably, the first major surface of the carrier comprises a release surface, the second major opposing surface of the sheeting comprises an adhesive, the article is provided in the form of a roll, and the adhesive surface of the sheeting is adjacent the release surface of an adjacent layer of the roll. In a presently preferred embodiment the present invention provides novel easy-to-use truck conspicuity sheeting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Eugene H. Carlson, James C. Coderre, Christopher L. Harvey, James E. Lasch, David W. Meitz, Colleen C. Nagel
  • Publication number: 20030227682
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods of making a master and replicas thereof including tooling and retroreflective sheeting. The invention further relates to the corresponding master, tooling and in particular retroreflective sheeting. The method comprises forming V-shaped grooves in a substrate (e.g. metal plate) wherein the intersections of three grooves form cube-corner elements. The cube-comer elements are substantially the same size throughout the array. The master as well as corresponding tooling and sheeting preferably have an average groove spacing within the range of about 0.0005 inches (0.0127 mm) to about 0.007 inches (0.1778 mm) throughout the array and more preferably an average groove spacing of less than about 0.004 inches (0.1016 mm).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Nelson D. Sewall, Kenneth L. Smith, David W. Meitz, Madeleine B. Fleming, John C. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20030227683
    Abstract: The invention relates to articles comprising a sheeting having a microstructured surface that reflects light in a moiré-like pattern. The invention further relates to methods of making a master and replicas thereof including tooling that results in sheeting having such pattern. A preferred method comprises forming V-shaped grooves in a substrate (e.g. metal plate) wherein the intersections of three grooves form cube-corner elements. The cube-corner elements are formed in such a manner that adjacent parallel grooves have substantially the same groove spacing and groove depth throughout the array. The master as well as corresponding tooling and sheeting preferably have a groove spacing within the range of about 0.0005 inches (0.0127 mm) to about 0.007 inches (0.1778 mm) throughout the array and more preferably a groove spacing of less than about 0.004 inches (0.1016 mm).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Nelson D. Sewall, Kenneth L. Smith, David W. Meitz, Madeleine B. Fleming, John C. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20020012761
    Abstract: The present invention provides a new sheeting article that may suitably include: a carrier having a first major surface and a second major surface; and a plurality of discrete segments of a sheeting (e.g., a retroreflective sheeting), wherein the sheeting has a first major viewing surface and a second major opposing surface, and the first major viewing surface of the sheeting is preferably removably attached to the second major surface of the carrier. Preferably, the first major surface of the carrier comprises a release surface, the second major opposing surface of the sheeting comprises an adhesive, the article is provided in the form of a roll, and the adhesive surface of the sheeting is adjacent the release surface of an adjacent layer of the roll. In a presently preferred embodiment the present invention provides novel easy-to-use truck conspicuity sheeting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Eugene H. Carlson, James C. Coderre, Christopher L. Harvey, James E. Lasch, David W. Meitz, Colleen C. Nagel