Patents by Inventor James C. Coderre
James C. Coderre 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: 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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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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Patent number: 7568807Abstract: A retroreflective article 10 has a body portion 14 and a multitude of cube-corner elements 12 that project from a rear side 20 of the body portion 14. The body portion 14 includes a body layer 18 that contains a light-transmissible polymeric material having an elastic modulus less than 7×108 pascals. The cube-corner elements 12 contain a light transmissible polymeric material having an elastic modulus greater than 16×108 pascals. A retroreflective article of this construction can be highly flexed while maintaining good retroreflective performance.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2006Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Kenneth L. Smith, Tzu-Li J. Huang, James C. Coderre
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Patent number: 7468406Abstract: A durable colored article having fluorescent properties comprises a substantially solventless polyvinyl chloride matrix, a thioxanthene fluorescent dye, and a secondary or tertiary hindered amine light stabilizer having a molecular weight less than about 1000 grams/mole. The invention has the advantage in that it provides a flexible polyvinyl chloride film that exhibits durable fluorescent colors.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2006Date of Patent: December 23, 2008Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Kenneth M. White, Lee A. Pavelka, Vera L. Lightle, James C. Coderre
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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: 7449514Abstract: A durable colored article having fluorescent properties comprises a substantially solventless polyvinyl chloride matrix, a thioxanthene fluorescent dye, and a secondary or tertiary hindered amine light stabilizer having a molecular weight less than about 1000 grams/mole. The invention has the advantage in that it provides a flexible polyvinyl chloride film that exhibits durable fluorescent colors.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2002Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Kenneth M. White, Lee A. Pavelka, Vera L. Lightle, James C. Coderre
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Patent number: 7185993Abstract: A retroreflective article 10 has a body portion 14 and a multitude of cube-corner elements 12 that project from a rear side 20 of the body portion 14. The body portion 14 includes a body layer 18 that contains a light-transmissible polymeric material having an elastic modulus less than 7×108 pascals. The cube-corner elements 12 contain a light transmissible polymeric material having an elastic modulus greater than 16×108 pascals. A retroreflective article of this construction can be highly flexed while maintaining good retroreflective performance.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2002Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Kenneth L. Smith, Tzu-Li J. Huang, James C. Coderre
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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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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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Patent number: 6656571Abstract: Retroreflective sheeting includes a body layer having a structured surface with recessed faces and top surfaces, the recessed faces forming cube corner cavities. The recessed faces have a high specular reflectivity, while the top surfaces have a low specular reflectivity. In some embodiments a substantially continuous film of reflective material covers the structured surface, and a masking substance is provided over the reflective material at the top surfaces. Alternatively, the top surfaces are given a non-smooth surface finish so that the film of reflective material on those portions has a diffuse reflectivity. In other embodiments the film of reflective material is discontinuous, disposed selectively on the recessed faces and not on the top surfaces. A cover layer is also provided, and can bond at least to the top surfaces. Keeping the top surfaces substantially free of reflective material inhibits corrosion and can enhance the bond integrity.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Gerald M. Benson, Kenneth L. Smith, James C. Coderre, Paul E. Humpal, Mark D. Nachbor
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Publication number: 20030104235Abstract: A durable colored article having fluorescent properties comprises a substantially solventless polyvinyl chloride matrix, a thioxanthene fluorescent dye, and a secondary or tertiary hindered amine light stabilizer having a molecular weight less than about 1000 grams/mole. The invention has the advantage in that it provides a flexible polyvinyl chloride film that exhibits durable fluorescent colors.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2002Publication date: June 5, 2003Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Kenneth M. White, Lee A. Pavelka, Vera L. Lightle, James C. Coderre
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Patent number: 6526588Abstract: A durable colored article having fluorescent properties comprises a substantially solventless polyvinyl chloride matrix, a thioxanthene fluorescent dye, and a secondary or tertiary hindered amine light stabilizer having a molecular weight less than about 1000 grams/mole. The invention has the advantage in that it provides a flexible polyvinyl chloride film that exhibits durable fluorescent colors.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2001Date of Patent: March 4, 2003Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Kenneth M. White, Lee A. Pavelka, Vera L. Lightle, James C. Coderre
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Publication number: 20020126382Abstract: A retroreflective article 10 has a body portion 14 and a multitude of cube-corner elements 12 that project from a rear side 20 of the body portion 14. The body portion 14 includes a body layer 18 that contains a light-transmissible polymeric material having an elastic modulus less than 7×108 pascals. The cube-corner elements 12 contain a light transmissible polymeric material having an elastic modulus greater than 16×108 pascals. A retroreflective article of this construction can be highly flexed while maintaining good retroreflective performance.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2002Publication date: September 12, 2002Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Kenneth L. Smith, Tzu-Li J. Huang, James C. Coderre
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Publication number: 20020090530Abstract: A durable colored article having fluorescent properties comprises a substantially solventless polyvinyl chloride matrix, a thioxanthene fluorescent dye, and a secondary or tertiary hindered amine light stabilizer having a molecular weight less than about 1000 grams/mole. The invention has the advantage in that it provides a flexible polyvinyl chloride film that exhibits durable fluorescent colors.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2001Publication date: July 11, 2002Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Kenneth M. White, Lee A. Pavelka, Vera L. Lightle, James C. Coderre
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Patent number: 6406798Abstract: A durable colored article having fluorescent properties comprises a substantially solventless polyvinyl chloride matrix, a thioxanthene fluorescent dye, and a secondary or tertiary hindered amine light stabilizer having a molecular weight less than about 1000 grams/mole. The invention has the advantage in that it provides a flexible polyvinyl chloride film that exhibits durable fluorescent colors.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2000Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Kenneth M. White, Lee A. Pavelka, Vera L. Lightle, James C. Coderre
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Patent number: 6350035Abstract: A retroreflective article 10 has a body portion 14 and a multitude of cube-corner elements 12 that project from a rear side 20 of the body portion 14. The body portion 14 includes a body layer 18 that contains a light-transmissible polymeric material having an elastic modulus less than 7×108 pascals. The cube-corner elements 12 contain a light transmissible polymeric material having an elastic modulus greater than 16×108 pascals. A retroreflective article of this construction can be highly flexed while maintaining good retroreflective performance.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 1995Date of Patent: February 26, 2002Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Kenneth L. Smith, Tzu-Li J. Huang, James C. Coderre
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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
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Patent number: 6325515Abstract: Retroreflective sheeting includes a transparent film, a pigmented layer having pigmented indicia thereon, and a retroreflective cube layer. The cube layer includes a number of cube corner elements bounded by at least two sets of intersecting grooves. A metallic film is disposed on at least some of the cube corner elements. The pigmented layer is interposed between the transparent film and the cube layer, and has pigmented indicia aligned with at least one of the sets of intersecting grooves.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2000Date of Patent: December 4, 2001Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: James C. Coderre, Dennis J. Chirhart, John W. Frank, Stephen A. Johnson, Daniel J. McGurran
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Publication number: 20010046607Abstract: A durable colored article having fluorescent properties comprises a substantially solventless polyvinyl chloride matrix, a thioxanthene fluorescent dye, and a secondary or tertiary hindered amine light stabilizer having a molecular weight less than about 1000 grams/mole. The invention has the advantage in that it provides a flexible polyvinyl chloride film that exhibits durable fluorescent colors.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2000Publication date: November 29, 2001Inventors: Kenneth M. White, Lee A. Pavelka, Vera L. Lightle, James C. Coderre