Patents by Inventor John R. Wheeler

John R. Wheeler 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).

  • Patent number: 6939383
    Abstract: Described are methods of making electrodes for electrochemical systems, especially cathodes for lithium polymer batteries, and products prepared from the methods; the methods involve the use of a co-rotating, fully intermeshing twin screw extruder, the extrusion of essentially solvent-free systems, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Brian C. Eastin, Katherine A. Graham, Tony B. Hollobaugh, James A. McDonell, Jeffrey J. Missling, John R. Wheeler
  • Publication number: 20030205835
    Abstract: Described are methods of making electrodes for electrochemical systems, especially cathodes for lithium polymer batteries, and products prepared from the methods; the methods involve the use of a co-rotating, fully intermeshing twin screw extruder, the extrusion of essentially solvent-free systems, or both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Brian C. Eastin, Katherine A. Graham, Tony B. Hollobaugh, James A. McDonell, Jeffrey J. Missling, John R. Wheeler
  • Patent number: 6585846
    Abstract: An apparatus and method provides for rotatably cutting and/or laminating layered structures or sheet material supported by webs. A rotary converting apparatus and method of the present invention converts a web comprising a cathode layered structure and a web comprising an anode layered structure into a series of layered electrochemical cell structures supported by a release liner. Employment of a rotary converting process of the present invention provides, among other benefits, for the creation of a product having a finished size, without need for downstream or subsequent cutting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Eric J. Hanson, John R. Wheeler, Alan P. Miller, David B. Pritchard, Donald G. Peterson, John R. Jacobson, Jeffrey J. Missling, James N. Dobbs, David C. Kramlich
  • Patent number: 6547229
    Abstract: A product stacking apparatus and method employs one or more stations, each including a stationary stacking platform or a conveyor upon which spaced-apart pucks are coupled for travel thereon. A product delivery apparatus drives one or more movable webs to which segmented product sheets are removably affixed. The product delivery apparatus includes one or more rotatable lamination interfaces associated with each of the stations for transferring product sheets from the webs to the pucks on a repetitive basis to produce a stack of product sheets on the respective pucks. Each of the segmented product sheets may define all or a portion of an electrochemical cell, all or a portion of a pad including layers of film or sheet material, wherein a portion of each of the layers is provided with a bonding feature, or all or a portion of a pack comprising layers of medical dressing. A puck need not be in motion during the transfer of the product sheet from the lamination roll to the puck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Eric J. Hanson, John R. Wheeler, Alan P. Miller, David B. Pritchard, Donald G. Peterson, John R. Jacobson, Jeffrey J. Missling, James N. Dobbs, David C. Kramlich
  • Patent number: 4741113
    Abstract: Apparatus for drying or removing adhering substances from the surface of a continuous advancing strand or other substantially non-adsorptive material moving at high speeds which enables the wire to be ink-printed immediately. The air wiper utilizes a compressed-air source to dry the wire, as well as a single vacuum pump for exhaust. Cone deflectors direct the wet air away from the wire and toward the vacuum chamber drainage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1988
    Assignee: Crompton & Knowles Corporation
    Inventors: Fred Burdick, John R. Wheeler, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4595546
    Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a cross-linked extruded elongated product from polyethylene or other suitable polymer. The polymer is fed into the hopper of a screw extrusion machine. The polymer is heated and melted while being conveyed through the barrel of the screw extruder. A liquid silane compound which comprises a modified vinyl functional silane, a free-radical generator, and a condensation catalyst is carefully metered and injected into the melted polymer. The melted polymer and the liquid silane compound are then mixed and blended to obtain a uniform blended mixture thereof. The blended mixture is then extruded through an extrusion die to form an elongated product of a required final shape and the elongated product is then subjected to the action of moisture and heat until the polymer in the elongated product is cross-linked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1986
    Assignee: Crompton & Knowles Corporation
    Inventor: John R. Wheeler, Jr.