Patents by Inventor Dennis L. Becker
Dennis L. Becker 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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Patent number: 8227071Abstract: Composite webs having one or more elastic composite structures located on a substrate, methods of manufacturing the composite webs, and articles including the elastic composite structures and substrates are disclosed. The elastic composite structures may preferably include one or more elastic components attached to anchors at two or more locations, wherein the anchors are themselves attached to the substrate. The anchors may preferably be constructed of inelastic polymeric material (and/or exhibit limited to no elasticity in use) and the elastic components may preferably be constructed of elastomeric polymeric material.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2010Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Leigh E. Wood, Randall L. Alberg, Byron M. Jackson, Dennis L. Becker
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Publication number: 20110247184Abstract: Composite webs having one or more polymeric structures located on a substrate, closure systems comprising composite webs, and methods of attaching articles are disclosed. The polymeric structures are formed using thermoplastic compositions and are attached to a surface of a substrate. The polymeric structures include an area that is attached to the substrate and a detached area that is not attached to a surface of a substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2011Publication date: October 13, 2011Inventors: Byron M. Jackson, Leigh E. Wood, Randall L. Alberg, Dennis L. Becker, Roger D. Pavlis
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Patent number: 8034431Abstract: There is provided a laminate of a thermoplastic backing to a fibrous web. This laminate, for example, could be used as a loop laminate for use in a hook and loop fastening system or an intermittently bonded elastic fibrous laminate. The laminate comprises a thermoplastic backing layer, having a first face and a second face. The backing layer has a plurality of projections extending from at least the first face of the backing. A fibrous web is attached to the backing at the location of at least some of the projections. The thermoplastic material of the backing, at the location of the projections, penetrates into the fibrous web encapsulating at least in part fibers of the fibrous web. The fibrous web preferably penetrates into at least some of the projections. The fibrous web is generally not attached, or very lightly attached, to the backing layer over at least some portion of the distance between adjacent projections.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2006Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Jayshree Seth, Leigh E. Wood, Ronald W. Ausen, Randall L. Alberg, Dennis L. Becker, Katherine A. S. Graham, Byron M. Jackson, Janet A. Venne
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Publication number: 20100312219Abstract: Composite webs having one or more elastic composite structures located on a substrate, methods of manufacturing the composite webs, and articles including the elastic composite structures and substrates are disclosed. The elastic composite structures may preferably include one or more elastic components attached to anchors at two or more locations, wherein the anchors are themselves attached to the substrate. The anchors may preferably be constructed of inelastic polymeric material (and/or exhibit limited to no elasticity in use) and the elastic components may preferably be constructed of elastomeric polymeric material.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2010Publication date: December 9, 2010Inventors: Leigh E. Wood, Randall L. Alberg, Byron M. Jackson, Dennis L. Becker
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Patent number: 7799162Abstract: Composite webs having one or more elastic composite structures located on a substrate, methods of manufacturing the composite webs, and articles including the elastic composite structures and substrates are disclosed. The elastic composite structures may preferably include one or more elastic components attached to anchors at two or more locations, wherein the anchors are themselves attached to the substrate. The anchors may preferably be constructed of inelastic polymeric material (and/or exhibit limited to no elasticity in use) and the elastic components may preferably be constructed of elastomeric polymeric material.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2004Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Leigh E. Wood, Randall L. Alberg, Byron M. Jackson, Dennis L. Becker
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Publication number: 20100112274Abstract: Composite webs having one or more polymeric structures located on a substrate, closure systems comprising composite webs, and methods of attaching articles are disclosed. The polymeric structures are formed using thermoplastic compositions and are attached to a surface of a substrate. The polymeric structures include an area that is attached to the substrate and a detached area that is not attached to a surface of a substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2010Publication date: May 6, 2010Inventors: Byron M. Jackson, Leigh E. Wood, Randall L. Alberg, Dennis L. Becker, Roger D. Pavlis
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Publication number: 20100055326Abstract: A method for forming a fasteners is disclosed comprising providing a multiplicity of suitable polymer particles, providing a base with a front surface, and dispersing the particles onto at least one discrete area of the contact release surface, forming a predetermined shape. The dispersed particles are provided in a semiliquid state of a suitable viscosity, at least some of the particles in the discrete areas being in contact with the contact release surface for a time sufficient to transform into preform projections. The method further comprises conducting and fixing the front surface of the base with the terminal ends of at least some of the preform projections and removing the base from the contact release surface to separate the preform projections fixed thereto and form engaging projections projecting from the front surface of the base in the form of a predetermined shape.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2009Publication date: March 4, 2010Inventors: Zhiqun Zhang, Janet A. Venne, Dennis L. Becker, Lori-Ann S. Prioleau
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Patent number: 7669297Abstract: Composite webs having one or more polymeric structures located on a substrate, closure systems comprising composite webs, and methods of attaching articles are disclosed. The polymeric structures are formed using thermoplastic compositions and are attached to a surface of a substrate. The polymeric structures include an area that is attached to the substrate and a detached area that is not attached to a surface of a substrate.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2007Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Byron M. Jackson, Leigh E. Wood, Randall L. Alberg, Dennis L. Becker, Roger D. Pavlis
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Patent number: 7636988Abstract: There is provided a hook fastener comprising a base, where at least one surface has a multiplicity of engaging projections, which projections have a top surface and an attached end that are arranged in a region to form one or more shapes. There is also provided a method for forming the above fastener comprising dispersing onto a contact release surface polymer particles in at least one discrete area forming a predetermined shape and forming preform projections. The front surface of the base is fixed to the terminal ends of at least some of the preform projections and then removed from the contact release surface in the form of the predetermined shape. In an alternative method polymer particles are uniformly dispersed onto a contact release surface using electrostatic attraction and selectively transferred to the base in the predetermined shape by masks or selective adhesion or the like.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2006Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Zhiqun Zhang, Janet A. Venne, Dennis L. Becker, Lori-Ann S. Prioleau
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Publication number: 20090142577Abstract: Composite webs having a structured web attached to a carrier web and methods of manufacturing the composite webs are disclosed. The structured web may include a plurality of structures that protrude from the structured web. The methods may involve delivering a molten polymeric composition onto the outer surface of a forming tool that includes a plurality of depressions formed in the outer surface. The molten polymer enters depressions in the outer surface of the forming tool and is solidified therein such that a plurality of structures are formed in the shape of the depressions. A skin layer of the polymeric composition may extend between the depressions, such that the structured web formed on the forming tool includes a skin layer connecting the structures. The structured web is removed from the forming tool after solidification of the polymeric composition by adhering the structured web to a carrier web using adhesive located between the carrier web and structured web.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2009Publication date: June 4, 2009Inventors: Randall L. Alberg, Dennis L. Becker, Byron M. Jackson, Daniel S. McDonald, Leigh E. Wood
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Publication number: 20090014113Abstract: Composite webs having a structured web attached to a carrier web and methods of manufacturing the composite webs are disclosed. The structured web may include a plurality of structures that protrude from the structured web. The methods may involve delivering a molten polymeric composition onto the outer surface of a forming tool that includes a plurality of depressions formed in the outer surface. The molten polymer enters depressions in the outer surface of the forming tool and is solidified therein such that a plurality of structures are formed in the shape of the depressions. A skin layer of the polymeric composition may extend between the depressions, such that the structured web formed on the forming tool includes a skin layer connecting the structures. The structured web is removed from the forming tool after solidification of the polymeric composition by adhering the structured web to a carrier web using adhesive located between the carrier web and structured web.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2008Publication date: January 15, 2009Inventors: Randall L. Alberg, Dennis L. Becker, Byron M. Jackson, Daniel S McDonald, Leigh E. Wood
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Patent number: 7390451Abstract: Composite webs having one or more polymeric structures located on a substrate, closure systems comprising composite webs, and methods of attaching articles are disclosed. The polymeric structures are formed using thermoplastic compositions and are attached to a surface of a substrate. The polymeric structures include an area that is attached to the substrate and a detached area that is not attached to a surface of a substrate.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2006Date of Patent: June 24, 2008Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Byron M. Jackson, Leigh E. Wood, Randall L. Alberg, Dennis L. Becker, Roger D. Pavlis
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Publication number: 20080070464Abstract: Composite webs having a structured web attached to a carrier web and methods of manufacturing the composite webs are disclosed. The structured web may include a plurality of structures that protrude from the structured web. The methods may involve delivering a molten polymeric composition onto the outer surface of a forming tool that includes a plurality of depressions formed in the outer surface. The molten polymer enters depressions in the outer surface of the forming tool and is solidified therein such that a plurality of structures are formed in the shape of the depressions. A skin layer of the polymeric composition may extend between the depressions, such that the structured web formed on the forming tool includes a skin layer connecting the structures. The structured web is removed from the forming tool after solidification of the polymeric composition by adhering the structured web to a carrier web using adhesive located between the carrier web and structured web.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2006Publication date: March 20, 2008Inventors: Randall L. Alberg, Dennis L. Becker, Byron M. Jackson, Daniel S. McDonald, Leigh E. Wood
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Publication number: 20080060173Abstract: There is provided a hook fastener capable of engaging a suitable loop fabric comprising a base, where at least one surface has a multiplicity of engaging projections having a top surface and an attached end that are arranged in a region to form one or more shapes. A method for forming the above fastener comprises providing a polymer particles and a base. Dispersing onto a contact release surface a multiplicity of polymers particles in at least one discrete area forming a predetermined shape and forming preform projections. The front surface of the base is fixed to the terminal ends of at least some of the preform projections then removed from the contact release surface in the form of the predetermined shape. The alternatively the preform projections can be provided uniformly on the contact release surface and selectively transferred to the base in the predetermined shape by masks or selective adhesion or the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2006Publication date: March 13, 2008Inventors: Zhiqun Zhang, Janet A. Venne, Dennis L. Becker, Lori-Ann S. Prioleau
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Patent number: 7303805Abstract: This invention relates to a low cost loop material for a hook and loop fastener having at least one sheet of flexible nonwoven material intermittently bonded to inelastic oriented film. The invention further relates to methods for producing these loops.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2003Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Jayshree Seth, Dennis L. Becker
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Patent number: 7238314Abstract: Composite webs having one or more polymeric structures located on a substrate, methods of manufacturing the composite webs, and systems for manufacturing the composite webs are disclosed. The polymeric structures are formed using thermoplastic compositions deposited into one or more depressions on a forming tool. The forming tool is maintained at a temperature that is below the melt processing temperature of the thermoplastic composition.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2003Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Byron M. Jackson, Randall L. Alberg, Dennis L. Becker, Roger D. Pavlis, Leigh E. Wood
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Patent number: 7195729Abstract: Composite webs having one or more polymeric structures located on a substrate, closure systems comprising composite webs, and methods of attaching articles are disclosed. The polymeric structures are formed using thermoplastic compositions and are attached to a surface of a substrate. The polymeric structures include an area that is attached to the substrate and a detached area that is not attached to a surface of a substrate.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2003Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Byron M. Jackson, Leigh E. Wood, Randall L. Alberg, Dennis L. Becker, Roger D. Pavlis
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Publication number: 20040178544Abstract: Composite webs having one or more polymeric structures located on a substrate, methods of manufacturing the composite webs, and systems for manufacturing the composite webs are disclosed. The polymeric structures are formed using thermoplastic compositions deposited into one or more depressions on a forming tool. The forming tool is maintained at a temperature that is below the melt processing temperature of the thermoplastic composition.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2003Publication date: September 16, 2004Inventors: Byron M. Jackson, Randall L. Alberg, Dennis L. Becker, Roger D. Pavlis, Leigh E. Wood
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Publication number: 20040180186Abstract: Composite webs having one or more polymeric structures located on a substrate, closure systems comprising composite webs, and methods of attaching articles are disclosed. The polymeric structures are formed using thermoplastic compositions and are attached to a surface of a substrate. The polymeric structures include an area that is attached to the substrate and a detached area that is not attached to a surface of a substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2003Publication date: September 16, 2004Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Byron M. Jackson, Leigh E. Wood, Randall L. Alberg, Dennis L. Becker, Roger D. Pavlis
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Patent number: 5904793Abstract: A method for forming a sheet of loop material in which a sheet of fibers is passed between a first cylindrical forming member having sockets and a second cylindrical forming member having mating posts to generally conform the sheet of fibers to the peripheral surface of the first forming member and retain it there for a distance after which molten thermoplastic material is bonded to it to form a backing layer. Arcuate portions of the sheet of fibers that were in the sockets then projecting from the backing. The formed sheet of fibers is retained along the peripheral surface of the first forming member for said distance by drawing air through those air passageways in the bottoms of the sockets. The first forming member can be heated, and a source of heated air can be supplied to restrict cooling of the first forming member.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 1996Date of Patent: May 18, 1999Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Michael R. Gorman, Nedlin B. Johnson, Dennis L. Becker, Donald W. Folske