Patents by Inventor John W. Louks
John W. Louks 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: 9700912Abstract: Improved apparatus and methods for filtering and applying coating fluids onto substrates. The apparatus and methods are useful for casting embossed sheeting, and in fluid application dies. Improved fluid filtration methods, apparatus, elements and media are also disclosed. An apparatus and method for collection of mist generated in high speed liquid film splitting processes are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2013Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Inventors: William K. Leonard, John W. Louks
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Publication number: 20140000513Abstract: Improved apparatus and methods for filtering and applying coating fluids onto substrates. The apparatus and methods are useful for casting embossed sheeting, and in fluid application dies. Improved fluid filtration methods, apparatus, elements and media are also disclosed. An apparatus and method for collection of mist generated in high speed liquid film splitting processes are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2013Publication date: January 2, 2014Inventors: William K. Leonard, John W. Louks
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Patent number: 6726743Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method for deaerating a liquid layer such as a coating solution using electrostatic forces. A flow of charged particles is created above and moved towards a low conductivity liquid layer. The flow of charged particles causes localized thinning of the liquid layer which facilitates the removal of bubbles of entrained gas from the liquid by bringing those bubbles closer to the exposed surface of the liquid and rupturing them at that surface. This electrostatic deaeration technique is combined with other non-electrostatic liquid layer thinning techniques or degassing techniques to further facilitate removal of bubbles from the liquid in preparation of further processing of the liquid. The liquid layer may be stationary or flowing with respect to the application of charge particles.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2002Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: John W. Louks, Steven H. Gotz, Luther E. Erickson
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Patent number: 6716286Abstract: A system for applying a fluid coating onto a substrate includes forming a fluid wetting line by introducing a stream of fluid onto a first side of the substrate along a laterally disposed fluid-web contact area. An electrical force is created on the fluid from an effective electrical field originating from a location on the second side of the substrate and at a location substantially at and downstream of the fluid contact area. The electrical field can be generated in a highly effective manner relative to the coating fluid by a sharply defined electrode on the second side of the substrate. Ultrasonics combined with electrostatic fields further enhances coating process conditions and coating uniformity.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2002Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: John W. Louks, Sharon Wang, Luther E. Erickson
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Patent number: 6666918Abstract: A system for applying a fluid coating onto a substrate includes forming a fluid wetting line by introducing a stream of fluid onto a first side of the substrate along a laterally disposed fluid-substrate contact area. An electrical force is created on the fluid from an electrical field (originating from electrical charges which are on the second side of the substrate) that is substantially at and downstream of the fluid wetting line. The electrical field can be generated by charges that have been transferred to the second side of the substrate from a remote charge generator.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2002Date of Patent: December 23, 2003Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: John W. Louks, Nancy J. W. Hiebert, Luther E. Erickson, Peter T. Benson
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Publication number: 20030230193Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method for deaerating a liquid layer such as a coating solution using electrostatic forces. A flow of charged particles is created above and moved towards a low conductivity liquid layer. The flow of charged particles causes localized thinning of the liquid layer which facilitates the removal of bubbles of entrained gas from the liquid by bringing those bubbles closer to the exposed surface of the liquid and rupturing them at that surface. This electrostatic deaeration technique is combined with other non-electrostatic liquid layer thinning techniques or degassing techniques to further facilitate removal of bubbles from the liquid in preparation of further processing of the liquid. The liquid layer may be stationary or flowing with respect to the application of charge particles.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2002Publication date: December 18, 2003Inventors: John W. Louks, Steven H. Gotz, Luther E. Erickson
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Publication number: 20030165638Abstract: A method for rigidifying a fiber-based paper substrate for use in the exhaust system of a combustion device. In the method, a green ceramic fiber-based paper substrate is impregnated with an impregnating material. The impregnated substrate is fired to form a rigidified substrate that is suitable for use in the exhaust system of a combustion device. This rigidification process is performed at least once and, preferably, two or more times.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2003Publication date: September 4, 2003Inventors: John W. Louks, Thomas E. Wood, Zhongshu Tan, Elaine M. Yorkgitis, Timothy J. Femrite, Elizabeth M. Schornak, Juan A. Munoz, Paul S. Werner
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Publication number: 20020187277Abstract: A system for applying a fluid coating onto a substrate includes forming a fluid wetting line by introducing a stream of fluid onto a first side of the substrate along a laterally disposed fluid-substrate contact area. An electrical force is created on the fluid from an electrical field (originating from electrical charges which are on the second side of the substrate) that is substantially at and downstream of the fluid wetting line. The electrical field can be generated by charges that have been transferred to the second side of the substrate from a remote charge generator.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2002Publication date: December 12, 2002Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: John W. Louks, Nancy J. W. Hiebert, Luther E. Erickson, Peter T. Benson
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Patent number: 6475572Abstract: A method for applying a fluid coating onto a substrate includes forming a fluid wetting line by introducing a stream of fluid onto a first side of the substrate along a laterally disposed fluid-substrate contact area. An electrical force is created on the fluid from an electrical field (originating from electrical charges which are on the second side of the substrate) that is substantially at and downstream of the fluid wetting line. The electrical field can be generated by charges that have been transferred to the second side of the substrate from a remote charge generator.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2000Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: John W. Louks, Nancy J. W. Hiebert, Luther E. Erickson, Peter T. Benson
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Patent number: 6432347Abstract: Microfibers and microfibrillated articles are prepared by imparting fluid energy to a surface of a highly oriented, highly crystalline, melt-processed polymeric film. The microfibers and microfibrillated articles are useful as tape backings, filters, thermal and acoustical insulation and as reinforcement fibers for polymers or cast building materials such as concrete.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2000Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Mario A. Perez, Michael D. Swan, John W. Louks
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Patent number: 6432532Abstract: Microfibers and microfibrillated articles are provided by imparting fluid energy to a surface of a highly oriented, highly crystalline, melt-processed polymeric film. The microfibers and microfibrillated articles are useful as tape backings, filters, thermal and acoustical insulation and as reinforcement fibers for polymers or cast building materials such as concrete.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2001Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Mario A. Perez, Michael D. Swan, John W. Louks
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Publication number: 20020090463Abstract: A system for applying a fluid coating onto a substrate includes forming a fluid wetting line by introducing a stream of fluid onto a first side of the substrate along a laterally disposed fluid-web contact area. An electrical force is created on the fluid from an effective electrical field originating from a location on the second side of the substrate and at a location substantially at and downstream of the fluid contact area. The electrical field can be generated in a highly effective manner relative to the coating fluid by a sharply defined electrode on the second side of the substrate. Ultrasonics combined with electrostatic fields further enhances coating process conditions and coating uniformity.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2002Publication date: July 11, 2002Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: John W. Louks, Sharon Wang, Luther E. Erickson
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Publication number: 20020058105Abstract: A system for applying a fluid coating onto a substrate includes forming a fluid wetting line by introducing a stream of fluid onto a first side of the substrate along a laterally disposed fluid-substrate contact area. An electrical force is created on the fluid from an electrical field (originating from electrical charges which are on the second side of the substrate) that is substantially at and downstream of the fluid wetting line. The electrical field can be generated by charges that have been transferred to the second side of the substrate from a remote charge generator.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2000Publication date: May 16, 2002Inventors: John W Louks, Nancy J W Hiebert, Luther E Erickson, Peter T Benson
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Patent number: 6368675Abstract: A system for applying a fluid coating onto a substrate includes forming a fluid wetting line by introducing a stream of fluid onto a first side of the substrate along a laterally disposed fluid-web contact area. An electrical force is created on the fluid from an effective electrical field originating from a location on the second side of the substrate and at a location substantially at and downstream of the fluid contact area. The electrical field can be generated in a highly effective manner relative to the coating fluid by a sharply defined electrode on the second side of the substrate. Ultrasonics combined with electrostatic fields further enhances coating process conditions and coating uniformity.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2000Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: John W. Louks, Sharon Wang, Luther E. Erickson
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Publication number: 20010053443Abstract: Microfibers and microfibrillated articles are provided by imparting fluid energy to a surface of a highly oriented, highly crystalline, melt-processed polymeric film. The microfibers and microfibrillated articles are useful as tape backings, filters, thermal and acoustical insulation and as reinforcement fibers for polymers or cast building materials such as concrete.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2001Publication date: December 20, 2001Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Mario A. Perez, Michael D. Swan, John W. Louks
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Patent number: 6110588Abstract: Microfibers and microfibrillated articles are provided by imparting fluid energy to a surface of a highly oriented, highly crystalline, melt-processed polymeric film. The microfibers and microfibrillated articles are useful as tape backings, filters, thermal and acoustical insulation and as reinforcement fibers for polymers or cast building materials such as concrete.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 1999Date of Patent: August 29, 2000Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Mario A. Perez, Michael D. Swan, John W. Louks
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Patent number: 6099670Abstract: A method of high speed bonding at least one material includes applying acoustic energy, using an acoustic horn and an anvil, to the material. The method also includes applying force to at least one of the horn and the anvil to yield a peak pressure between the horn and the anvil of at least 2.068.times.10.sup.7 N/m.sup.2. The acoustic energy and pressure are applied for a time sufficient to create bonds in the material such that the material is sufficiently quenched before reducing the pressure. The method can include applying acoustic energy at an amplitude of vibration selected in combination with the frequency of vibration to yield an acoustic velocity of no greater than 4.72 m/s.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 1998Date of Patent: August 8, 2000Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: John W. Louks, Donald L. Pochardt, Desmond T. Curran, Christopher P. Henderson
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Patent number: 5879494Abstract: A method of forming apertures generally greater than about 0.05 square millimeters in a thin sheet material. The thin sheet material includes a first side and a second side at least one side of the thin sheet material is substantially coated with an adhesive. The method comprises the steps of (a) placing the adhesive-coated thin sheet material on a patterned anvil having a pattern of raised areas wherein the height of the raised areas is equal to or less than the thickness of the thin sheet material and the adhesive; and (b) subjecting the thin sheet material to a sufficient amount of sonic vibrations to aperture the thin sheet material and the adhesive; and whereby the thin sheet material and the adhesive is apertured in a pattern generally the same as the pattern of raised areas on the patterned anvil.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 1998Date of Patent: March 9, 1999Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Randy A. Hoff, John W. Louks, Richard L. Jacobson
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Patent number: 5868338Abstract: A single reel data tape cartridge housing includes a base and a cover. The base includes four outer side walls which are formed with at least one step such that the outer walls step to a decreased thickness toward their free end. The cover includes four outer side walls which are formed with at least one step such that the outer walls step to a decreased thickness toward their free end. The base and cover also include four inner walls which are formed with two steps such that the inner walls step to a decreased thickness toward their free end. The inner and outer walls of the cover complementarily mate with the inner and outer walls of the base. A projection can be placed within pockets in the base and cover to locate the base and cover during assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 1993Date of Patent: February 9, 1999Assignee: Imation Corp.Inventors: Robert C. Martin, G. Phillip Rambosek, William J. Vanderheyden, John W. Louks, Donald L. Pochardt, Satinder K. Nayar
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Patent number: D416323Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 1997Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Christopher P. Henderson, John W. Louks, Donald L. Pochardt, Desmond T. Curran