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).
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Publication number: 20200319384Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2020Publication date: October 8, 2020Inventors: Lee A. PAVELKA, David W. MEITZ, Joseph A. RICHIE, Thomas V. KUSILEK, Mark W. LEVERTY
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Publication number: 20200199404Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2018Publication date: June 25, 2020Inventors: Jitendra S. RATHORE, Suman K. PATEL, David W. MEITZ, Reema CHATTERJEE
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Patent number: 10598823Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 23, 2017Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: David W. Meitz, Bimal V. Thakkar, David M. Burns, David B. Olson, Lee A. Pavelka
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Patent number: 10094960Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 13, 2014Date of Patent: October 9, 2018Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Reema Chatterjee, Jeffrey A. Peterson, Christopher P. Gerlach, David W. Meitz
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Publication number: 20170254926Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2017Publication date: September 7, 2017Inventors: David W. Meitz, Bimal V. Thakkar, David M. Burns, David B. Olson, Lee A. Pavelka
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Patent number: 9658363Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 30, 2012Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: David W. Meitz, Bimal V. Thakkar, David M. Burns, David B. Olson, Lee A. Pavelka
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Publication number: 20160370514Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2014Publication date: December 22, 2016Inventors: Lee A. Pavelka, David W. Meitz, Joseph A. Richie, Thomas V. Kusilek, Mark W. Leverty
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Publication number: 20160202397Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2014Publication date: July 14, 2016Inventors: Reema Chatterjee, Jeffrey A. Peterson, Christopher P. Gerlach, David W. Meitz
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Publication number: 20140009824Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2012Publication date: January 9, 2014Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: David W. Meitz, Bimal V. Thakkar, David M. Burns, David B. Olson, Lee A. Pavelka
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Patent number: 7410604Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 6, 2003Date of Patent: August 12, 2008Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Stanley C. Erickson, James C. Breister, Gregory H. Van Erem, David W. Meitz, Stephen W. Mohn, Paul DeRoussel
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Patent number: 7364421Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 23, 2005Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties ComapnyInventors: Stanley C. Erickson, James C. Breister, Gregory H. Van Erem, David W. Meitz, Stephen W. Mohn, Paul DeRoussel
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Patent number: 7025847Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 26, 2003Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Eugene H. Carlson, James C. Coderre, Christopher L. Harvey, James E. Lasch, David W. Meitz, Colleen C. Nagel
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Patent number: 6958179Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 18, 2000Date of Patent: October 25, 2005Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Eugene H. Carlson, James C. Coderre, Christopher L. Harvey, James E. Lasch, David W. Meitz, Colleen C. Nagel
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Patent number: 6935756Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 11, 2002Date of Patent: August 30, 2005Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Nelson D. Sewall, Kenneth L. Smith, David W. Meitz, Madeleine B. Fleming, John C. Nelson
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Patent number: 6843571Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 11, 2002Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Nelson D. Sewall, Kenneth L. Smith, David W. Meitz, Madeleine B. Fleming, John C. Nelson
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Publication number: 20040173920Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2003Publication date: September 9, 2004Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Stanley C. Erickson, James C. Breister, Gregory H. Van Erem, David W. Meitz, Stephen W. Mohn, Paul DeRoussel
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Publication number: 20030235674Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2003Publication date: December 25, 2003Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Eugene H. Carlson, James C. Coderre, Christopher L. Harvey, James E. Lasch, David W. Meitz, Colleen C. Nagel
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Publication number: 20030227682Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2002Publication date: December 11, 2003Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Nelson D. Sewall, Kenneth L. Smith, David W. Meitz, Madeleine B. Fleming, John C. Nelson
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Publication number: 20030227683Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2002Publication date: December 11, 2003Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Nelson D. Sewall, Kenneth L. Smith, David W. Meitz, Madeleine B. Fleming, John C. Nelson
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Publication number: 20020012761Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2000Publication date: January 31, 2002Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Eugene H. Carlson, James C. Coderre, Christopher L. Harvey, James E. Lasch, David W. Meitz, Colleen C. Nagel