Patents by Inventor Joseph D. Rule

Joseph D. Rule 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).

  • Publication number: 20240023350
    Abstract: A solar cell assembly is described that comprises a barrier assembly disposed on or around a photovoltaic cell, wherein the barrier assembly comprises a barrier film and a polyurethane outer protective film layer bonded directly to exposed major surface of the barrier film, wherein the barrier assembly disposed above the photovoltaic cell and the polyurethane outer protective film layer forms a top surface of the solar cell assembly that is exposed to incoming light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2021
    Publication date: January 18, 2024
    Inventors: Joseph D. Rule, Daniel M. Pierpont, Mark D. Weigel, Jay M. Jennen
  • Publication number: 20230414458
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are non-aqueous compositions including: a flowable Part A including at least one resin and Reactant A; and a flowable Part B including at least one resin and Reactant B; wherein at least one of flowable Part A and flowable Part B further includes a free radically polymerizable resin; wherein at least one of flowable Part A and flowable Part B further includes a free radical initiator system; wherein flowable Part A and flowable Part B are capable of being mixed to provide a flowable mixed composition; wherein when flowable Part A and flowable Part B are mixed, Reactant A and Reactant B are capable of interacting to cause a non-free radical reaction within a first staging time to provide a first staged stable consistency for the mixed composition; wherein Reactant A comprises an acid and Reactant B comprises a base, and upon mixing flowable Part A and flowable Part B, the Reactant A acid is capable of reacting with the Reactant B base in an ionic acid-base reaction; and wherein the mixed compo
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2023
    Publication date: December 28, 2023
    Inventors: Gregory A. KOBUSSEN, Ahmed S. Abuelyaman, Paul J. Homnick, Bradley D. Craig, Ying Lin, Hassan Sahouani, Chuntoa Cao, William H. Moser, Kolby L. White, Joseph D. Rule, Joachim Zech
  • Publication number: 20230383048
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to polyurethane comprising a reaction product of a reactive mixture including a polyester polyol, a diol chain extender, a diisocyanate; and a reactive, tertiary amine. The present disclosure further provides polishing layers and polishing pads fabricated therefrom. Additionally, the present disclosure provides polishing systems and polishing methods employing said polishing layers and polishing pads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2021
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Inventors: Joseph D. Rule, Duy K. Lehuu, Jaimie E. Stomberg, Jay M. Jennen
  • Patent number: 11793731
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are non-aqueous compositions including: a flowable Part A including at least one resin and Reactant A; and a flowable Part B including at least one resin and Reactant B; wherein at least one of flowable Part A and flowable Part B further includes a free radically polymerizable resin; wherein at least one of flowable Part A and flowable Part B further includes a free radical initiator system; wherein flowable Part A and flowable Part B are capable of being mixed to provide a flowable mixed composition; wherein when flowable Part A and flowable Part B are mixed, Reactant A and Reactant B are capable of interacting to cause a non-free radical reaction within a first staging time to provide a first staged stable consistency for the mixed composition; wherein Reactant A comprises an acid and Reactant B comprises a base, and upon mixing flowable Part A and flowable Part B, the Reactant A acid is capable of reacting with the Reactant B base in an ionic acid-base reaction; and wherein the mixed compo
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Gregory A. Kobussen, Ahmed S. Abuelyaman, Paul J. Homnick, Bradley D. Craig, Ying Lin, Hassan Sahouani, Chuntao Cao, William H. Moser, Kolby L. White, Joseph D. Rule, Joachim Zech
  • Publication number: 20230211455
    Abstract: A polishing pad includes a textured polishing layer comprising a working surface and a second surface opposite the working surface. The textured polishing layer comprises a polymeric blend comprising thermoplastic urethane in an amount of between 40 and 95 wt. %, and styrenic copolymer in an amount of between 5 and 60 wt. %, based on the total weight of the textured polishing layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2021
    Publication date: July 6, 2023
    Inventors: Joseph D. RULE, Duy K. Lehuu, Eric C. Coad
  • Publication number: 20230158777
    Abstract: A display film includes a transparent glass layer having a thickness of 250 micrometers or less, or in a range from 25 to 100 micrometers. A transparent energy dissipation layer is fixed to the transparent glass layer. The transparent energy dissipation layer has a glass transition temperature of 27 degrees Celsius or less and a Tan Delta peak value of 0.5 or greater, or from 1 to 2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2023
    Publication date: May 25, 2023
    Inventors: Joseph W. Woody, V, David Scott Thompson, Catherine A. Leatherdale, Ryan M. Braun, Michael A. Johnson, Steven D. Solomonson, John J. Stradinger, Lyudmila A. Pekurovsky, Joseph D. Rule, Peter D. Condo
  • Patent number: 11655327
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a polymeric material including a polymerized reaction product of a polymerizable composition including components and has a solids content of 90% or greater. The components include a uretdione-containing material including a reaction product of a diisocyanate reacted with itself; a first hydroxyl-containing compound; an optional second hydroxyl-containing compound having a single OH group, wherein; and an epoxy component. The first hydroxyl-containing compound has more than one OH group and the optional second hydroxyl-containing compound is a primary alcohol or a secondary alcohol. The present disclosure also provides a two-part composition, in which the polymeric material is included in the first part and the second part includes at least one amine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Kolby L. White, Joseph D. Rule, Michael A. Kropp, Matthew J. Kryger, Zachary J. Thompson, Richard B. Ross
  • Patent number: 11631829
    Abstract: A display film includes a transparent polymeric substrate layer and a transparent energy dissipation layer disposed on the transparent polymeric substrate layer. The transparent energy dissipation layer includes cross-linked polyurethane and a polyacrylate polymer. The transparent energy dissipation layer has a glass transition temperature of 27 degrees Celsius or less and a Tan Delta peak value of 0.5 or greater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Karissa L. Eckert, David Scott Thompson, Ryan M. Braun, Catherine A. Leatherdale, Michael A. Johnson, Steven D. Solomonson, Richard J. Pokorny, John J. Stradinger, Kevin R. Schaffer, Joseph D. Rule, Peter D. Condo, Derek W. Patzman
  • Patent number: 11577492
    Abstract: A display film includes a transparent glass layer having a thickness of 250 micrometers or less, or in a range from 25 to 100 micrometers. A transparent energy dissipation layer is fixed to the transparent glass layer. The transparent energy dissipation layer has a glass transition temperature of 27 degrees Celsius or less, a Tan Delta peak value of 0.5 or greater, or from 1 to 2 and a Young's Modulus (E?) greater than 0.9 MPa over a temperature range of ?40 degrees Celsius to 70 degrees Celsius. In a preferred embodiment, the transparent energy dissipation layer comprises a cross-linked polyurethane layer or a cross-linked polyurethane acrylate layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Joseph W. Woody, V, David Scott Thompson, Catherine A. Leatherdale, Ryan M. Braun, Michael A. Johnson, Steven D. Solomonson, John J. Stradinger, Lyudmila A. Pekurovsky, Joseph D. Rule, Peter D. Condo
  • Patent number: 11567239
    Abstract: The disclosed aliphatic thermoplastic polyurethane composition is well suited for use in thin, flexible light directing articles to impart flexibility, toughness, or protection to the light directing articles that contain optically active elements. The disclosed aliphatic thermoplastic polyurethanes have improved thermostability at higher temperatures. Specifically, the disclosed aliphatic thermoplastic polyurethanes have a cross-over temperature greater than 110° C. In one embodiment, the cross-over temperature is greater than 130° C. In one embodiment, the cross-over temperature is less than 170° C. and a Tg greater than 35° C. and less than 70° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Bimal V. Thakkar, Jay M. Jennen, Robert D. Hamann, Ryan M. Braun, Robert F. Watkins, Joseph D. Rule, Todd D. Jones, Charlie C. Ho
  • Publication number: 20220396658
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a two-part composition polymeric material including a first part and a second part. The first part includes an inorganic filler and a polymeric material including a polymerized reaction product of a polymerizable composition including components. The components include a uretdione-containing material including a reaction product of a diisocyanate reacted with itself; a first hydroxyl-containing compound; and an optional second hydroxyl-containing compound having a single OH group. The second part includes a polythiol having an average sulfhydryl group functionality of 2 or greater. Further, a method of adhering two substrates is provided, including obtaining a two-part composition; combining at least a portion of the first part with at least a portion of the second part to form a mixture; disposing at least a portion of the mixture on a first substrate; and contacting a second substrate with the mixture disposed on the first substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Publication date: December 15, 2022
    Inventors: Kolby L. White, Li Yao, Joseph D. Rule, Matthew J. Kryger, Michael A. Kropp
  • Publication number: 20220396659
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a polymeric material including a polymerized reaction product of a polymerizable composition including components and an inorganic filler. The components include a uretdione-containing material including a reaction product of a diisocyanate reacted with itself; a first hydroxyl-containing compound; and an optional second hydroxyl-containing compound having a single OH group. The present disclosure also provides a two-part composition, in which the polymeric material is included in the first part and the second part includes at least one amine. Further, a method of adhering two substrates is provided, including obtaining a two-part composition; combining at least a portion of the first part with at least a portion of the second part to form a mixture; disposing at least a portion of the mixture on a first substrate; and contacting a second substrate with the mixture disposed on the first substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2020
    Publication date: December 15, 2022
    Inventors: Kolby L. White, Li Yao, Joseph D. Rule, Matthew J. Kryger, Michael A Kropp
  • Patent number: 11478335
    Abstract: Continuous adjustment appliances are provided that can store a large number of geometries that can be successively accessed throughout orthodontic treatment, with each geometry can correspond to an arrangement of the patient's teeth. An appliance according to the present disclosure can be stimulated to transition among the myriad geometries, which can include changes to the overall shape of the appliance as well as the position and geometry of the cavities corresponding to a patient's teeth. Methods of creating the continuous adjustment appliances and methods of treatment using the continuous adjustment appliances are also revealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Ming-Lai Lai, Joseph D. Rule
  • Patent number: 11440302
    Abstract: A display film includes a transparent polymeric substrate layer having a 0.2% offset yield stress greater than 110 MPa and a transparent aliphatic cross-linked polyurethane layer having a thickness of 100 micrometers or less disposed on the transparent polymeric substrate layer. The transparent aliphatic cross-linked polyurethane layer has a glass transition temperature in a range from 11 to 27 degrees Celsius and a Tan Delta peak value in a range from 0.5 to 2.5. The display film has a haze value of 2% or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Catherine A. Leatherdale, David Scott Thompson, Michael A. Johnson, John J. Stradinger, Evan L Breedlove, Steven D. Solomonson, Joseph D. Rule, Peter D. Condo
  • Publication number: 20220177303
    Abstract: A nanostructured article includes a substrate; a plurality of first nanostructures disposed on, and extending away from, the substrate; and a covalently crosslinked fluorinated polymeric layer disposed on the plurality of first nanostructures. The plurality of first nanostructures includes polyurethane. The polymeric layer at least partially fills spaces between the first nanostructures to an average minimum height above the substrate of at least 30 nm such that the polymeric layer has a nanostructured surface defined by, and facing away from, the plurality of first nanostructures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2020
    Publication date: June 9, 2022
    Inventors: David S. Thompson, Chad M. Amb, Moses M. David, Richard J. Pokorny, Thomas P. Klun, Jonah Shaver, Joan M. Noyola, Hannah E. Walsh, Jon P. Nietfeld, John A. Wheatley, Joseph D. Rule, Ryan M. Braun, Michael A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 11324640
    Abstract: Compression sleeve (1) for application circumferentially around a human limb (10) to exert therapeutic pressure on the limb. The compression sleeve has a fabric (80), which comprises viscoelastic strands (90) for providing the fabric with viscoelastic properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Guido Hitschmann, Joseph D. Rule, John J. Rogers
  • Patent number: 11306431
    Abstract: Articles are provided, including a substrate having a first major surface, the substrate including a nonwoven material, a woven material, or a foam. The article further includes microcapsules having an outer surface and a plasticizer encapsulated in the microcapsules, where the plurality of microcapsules is attached to the first major surface of the substrate with a polymeric material. A method of making an article is also provided, including providing a substrate having a first major surface and providing microcapsules having an outer surface and a plasticizer encapsulated in the microcapsules. The method further includes attaching the microcapsules to the first major surface of the substrate with a polymeric material, thereby forming a polymeric matrix attached to the first major surface of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Joseph D. Rule, Mary M. Caruso Dailey, Anne N. De Rovere, Lili Qie
  • Patent number: 11292870
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a polymeric material including a reaction product of a polymerizable composition and having a solids content of 90% or greater. The polymerizable composition includes a uretdione-containing material including a reaction product of a diisocyanate reacted with itself, a first hydroxyl-containing compound having a single OH group, and a second hydroxyl-containing compound having more than one OH group. The first hydroxyl-containing compound is a primary alcohol or a secondary alcohol, plus the second hydroxyl-containing compound is a diol and the reaction product contains 0.2 to 0.5, inclusive, of diol equivalents relative to isocyanate equivalents. The present disclosure also provides a two-part composition, in which the polymeric material is included in the first part and the second part includes at least one amine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Joseph D. Rule, Zachary J. Thompson, Michael A. Kropp, Kolby L. White
  • Patent number: 11207690
    Abstract: Sample partitioning devices and methods of making and using the same are described. A sample partitioning device includes a first film having an array of discrete stems each extending from a first major surface thereof, and a second film having an array of discrete wells formed into a second major surface thereof. The stems of the first film and the wells of the second film are mated with each other. The mated stems and wells are separable from each other, and during the removal of the stems from the wells, one or more voids are created inside the wells to suction an aqueous test sample into the wells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Evan D. Brutinel, Joseph D. Rule, Jonathan E. Janoski, Anthony F. Schultz
  • Publication number: 20210388152
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a polymeric material including a polymerized reaction product of a polymerizable composition including components and has a solids content of 90% or greater. The components include a uretdione-containing material including a reaction product of a diisocyanate reacted with itself; a first hydroxyl-containing compound; an optional second hydroxyl-containing compound having a single OH group; an epoxy component; and an accelerator. The first hydroxyl-containing compound has more than one OH group and the optional second hydroxyl-containing compound is a primary alcohol or a secondary alcohol. The present disclosure also provides a two-part composition, in which a polymeric material is included in the first part and the second part includes at least one thiol-containing compound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2019
    Publication date: December 16, 2021
    Inventors: Kolby L. White, Joseph D. Rule, Michael A. Kropp, Matthew J. Kryger, Susan E. DeMoss, Jonathan D. Zook, Zachary J. Thompson