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: 20190001326
    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: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERYIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Evan D. Brutinel, Joseph D. Rule, Jonathan E. Janoski, Anthony F. Schultz
  • Patent number: 10107471
    Abstract: Light fixtures (100, 200, 400, 500, 600, 700) are provided, including a lighting element (10, 20, 40, 50, 60, 70), an oriented crosslinked semi-crystalline polymer (12, 22, 42, 52, 62, 72) disposed adjacent to or connected to the lighting element, and a control mechanism (14, 24, 44, 64, 74). The control mechanism is in electrical communication with the lighting element (10, 20, 40, 50, 60, 70) and controls an energy output of the lighting element and a temperature of the oriented crosslinked semi-crystalline polymer (12, 22, 42, 52, 62, 72). Typically, when the control mechanism changes the temperature of the oriented crosslinked semi-crystalline polymer, the shape of the polymer changes. A method of making a light fixture (100, 200, 400, 500, 600, 700) is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Tianyu Wu, Joseph D. Rule, Gina M. Albanese
  • Publication number: 20180280591
    Abstract: Compositions containing chlorhexidine gluconate solubilized in hydrophobic vehicles are described. Resin systems containing such chlorhexidine gluconate compositions, including adhesives and articles incorporating such resin systems, including medical articles such as drapes are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2018
    Publication date: October 4, 2018
    Inventors: Vinod P. Menon, Joseph D. Rule, Richard B. Ross, Deena M. Conrad-Vlasak, Katie Fraass Wlaschin
  • Patent number: 10090480
    Abstract: A display film includes a transparent polymeric substrate layer and a transparent aliphatic cross-linked polyurethane layer 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 1% or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael A. Johnson, David Scott Thompson, Catherine A. Leatherdale, John J. Stradinger, Evan L. Breedlove, Steven D. Solomonson, Ryan M. Braun, Kevin R. Schaffer, Peihui Zhang, Joseph D. Rule
  • Publication number: 20180264790
    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: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Publication date: September 20, 2018
    Inventors: Catherine A. Leatherdale, David Scott Thompson, Michael A. Johnson, John J. Stradinger, Evan L. Breedlove, Steven D. Solomonson, Joseph D. Rule
  • Publication number: 20180250099
    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: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Publication date: September 6, 2018
    Inventors: Ming-Lai Lai, Joseph D. Rule
  • Publication number: 20180250176
    Abstract: Absorbent articles are described comprising a first absorbent layer comprising a polymeric foam. In one embodiment, the polyurethane foam comprises the reaction product of a polymeric polyisocyanate component having an equivalent weight of no greater than 250 g/equivalent; and a polyol component. The polyol component comprises one or more polyether polyols such that the polyol component comprises an average equivalent weight ranging from 500 to 2000 g/equivalent; an ethylene oxide content ranging from 15-30 wt.-%; a secondary hydroxyl content of at least 55 wt.-% and less than 80 wt.-% of the total hydroxyl content of the polyol component; and less than 5 wt-% water. Also described are various composites comprising the polyurethane foam described herein in combination with another substrate such as a second absorbent layer, a fluid impervious backsheet, and/or a fluid pervious topsheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Publication date: September 6, 2018
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Joseph D. Rule, Delton R. Thompson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10030791
    Abstract: Articles are provided, having a first substrate and a polymeric structure wrapped around the first substrate at least two full circuits. The polymeric structure has a length, a width and a thickness, and comprises a crosslinked polymeric layer uniaxially oriented in the width direction at a draw ratio of at least 1.2:1. The length is greater than the width. A method is also provided including providing a polymeric structure, wrapping the polymeric structure around a first substrate at least two full circuits, positioning the polymeric structure at least partially within an aperture defined by a second substrate, and subjecting the polymeric structure to an elevated temperature above the transition temperature of the crosslinked polymeric layer and below the degradation temperature of each of the components in the polymeric structure. The thickness of the polymeric structure increases, creating at least a partial joint between the first substrate and the second substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Joseph D. Rule, Sharilyn K. Loushin
  • Publication number: 20180203163
    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: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Publication date: July 19, 2018
    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
  • Patent number: 10016537
    Abstract: Compositions containing chlorhexidine gluconate solubilized in hydrophobic vehicles are described. Resin systems containing such chlorhexidine gluconate compositions, including adhesives and articles incorporating such resin systems, including medical articles such as drapes are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Vinod P. Menon, Joseph D. Rule, Richard B. Ross, Deena M. Conrad-Vlasak, Katie Fraass Wlaschin
  • Patent number: 10005264
    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: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    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
  • Patent number: 9868832
    Abstract: There is provided an article comprising at least a first surface having a first binder layer selected from at least one of linear resins and resins having low cross link densities, where the first binder layer has a first major surface opposite a second major surface; and a plurality of microspheres at least partially embedded in the first major surface of the first binder layer. There is also provided an article comprising a first surface having a first binder layer selected from at least one of linear resins and resins having low cross link densities; and a plurality of microspheres at least partially embedded a the first major surface of the first binder layer, where for at least a portion of the first major surface the plurality of microspheres covers 30% to 50% of that portion, and the microspheres are substantially uniformly spaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Christopher B. Walker, Jr., Joseph D. Rule, Vivek Krishnan, John C. Clark, Steven J. McMan, Toheeb B Alabi, Charlie C. Ho, Ryan E. Marx, Alexander J. Kugel
  • Publication number: 20170365804
    Abstract: A display film includes a transparent polymeric substrate layer and a transparent aliphatic cross-linked polyurethane layer 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 1% or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Michael A. Johnson, David Scott Thompson, Catherine A. Leatherdale, John J. Stradinger, Evan L. Breedlove, Steven D. Solomonson, Ryan M. Braun, Kevin R. Schaffer, Peihui Zhang, Joseph D. Rule
  • Patent number: 9827739
    Abstract: Heat de-bondable optical articles include two optical substrates and a heat de-bondable adhesive article disposed between them. The adhesive article includes a heat-shrinkable substrate and an optically clear adhesive proximate to the heat-shrinkable substrate. Optical articles can be prepared by disposing the heat-shrinkable substrate and the optically clear adhesive between two optical substrates. The optically clear adhesive covers a majority of the surface area of the optical substrates, and the heat-shrinkable substrate is located near the edge of the optical substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Joseph D. Rule, Scott M. Tapio, Audrey S. Sherman, Kevin R. Schaffer, Lan H. Liu, Margot A. Branigan, Ross E. Behling
  • Patent number: 9821529
    Abstract: A heat-debondable adhesive article having two opposing sides is provided that includes a shape-memory polymer sheet in its temporary strained shape that includes a plurality of slits therein and a first adhesive on one opposing side of the polymer sheet and a second adhesive on the other opposing side of the polymer sheet. The provided article, optionally, includes a first substrate in contact with the first adhesive and a second substrate in contact with the second adhesive. The article can be debonded by heating the article to a temperature equal to or greater than a transition temperature for the shape-memory polymer sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Joseph D. Rule, Ross E. Behling, Nicholas A. Lee, Leslie M. LeBow
  • Publication number: 20170281834
    Abstract: Compositions containing chlorhexidine gluconate solubilized in hydrophobic vehicles are described. Resin systems containing such chlorhexidine gluconate compositions, including adhesives and articles incorporating such resin systems, including medical articles such as drapes are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Inventors: Vinod P. Menon, Joseph D. Rule, Richard B. Ross, Deena M. Conrad-Vlasak, Katie Fraass Wlaschin
  • Patent number: 9780318
    Abstract: A display film includes a transparent polymeric substrate layer and a transparent aliphatic cross-linked polyurethane layer 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 1% or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael A. Johnson, David Scott Thompson, Catherine A. Leatherdale, John J. Stradinger, Evan L. Breedlove, Steven D. Solomonson, Ryan M. Braun, Kevin R. Schaffer, Peihui Zhang, Joseph D. Rule
  • Publication number: 20170219183
    Abstract: Light fixtures (100, 200, 400, 500, 600, 700) are provided, including a lighting element (10, 20, 40, 50, 60, 70), an oriented crosslinked semi-crystalline polymer (12, 22, 42, 52, 62, 72) disposed adjacent to or connected to the lighting element, and a control mechanism (14, 24, 44, 64, 74). The control mechanism is in electrical communication with the lighting element (10, 20, 40, 50, 60, 70) and controls an energy output of the lighting element and a temperature of the oriented crosslinked semi-crystalline polymer (12, 22, 42, 52, 62, 72). Typically, when the control mechanism changes the temperature of the oriented crosslinked semi-crystalline polymer, the shape of the polymer changes. A method of making a light fixture (100, 200, 400, 500, 600, 700) is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Inventors: Tianyu Wu, Joseph D. Rule, Gina M. Albanese
  • Patent number: 9713659
    Abstract: Compositions containing chlorhexidine gluconate solubilized in hydrophobic vehicles are described. Resin systems containing such chlorhexidine gluconate compositions, including adhesives and articles incorporating such resin systems, including medical articles such as drapes are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Vinod P. Menon, Joseph D. Rule, Richard B. Ross, Deena M. Conrad-Vlasak, Katie F. Wlaschin
  • Publication number: 20170204234
    Abstract: There is provided an article comprising at least a first surface having a first binder layer selected from at least one of linear resins and resins having low cross link densities, where the first binder layer has a first major surface opposite a second major surface; and a plurality of microspheres at least partially embedded in the first major surface of the first binder layer. There is also provided an article comprising a first surface having a first binder layer selected from at least one of linear resins and resins having low cross link densities; and a plurality of microspheres at least partially embedded a the first major surface of the first binder layer, where for at least a portion of the first major surface the plurality of microspheres covers 30% to 50% of that portion, and the microspheres are substantially uniformly spaced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Publication date: July 20, 2017
    Inventors: Christopher B. Walker, JR., Joseph D. Rule, Vivek Krishnan, John C. Clark, Steven J. McMan, Toheeb B. Alabi, Charlie C. Ho, Ryan E. Marx, Alexander J. Kugel