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).

  • Patent number: 9694538
    Abstract: Articles are provided, having a multilayer structure including (a) a first layer formed from polyolefin and including undercut features formed on and extending from an integral backing; (b) a second layer including an adhesive having a Shore D hardness of greater than 59 when cured; and (c) a third layer including a substrate. The second layer is interlocked with the undercut features, the third layer is adhered to the adhesive, and the second layer is disposed between the first layer and the third layer. A method is also provided including (a) depositing a polyolefin resin into a mold cavity to form a first layer including undercut features; (b) demolding the first layer from the mold cavity at a rate of at least 150 millimeters per minute; (c) applying a curable adhesive to the undercut features to form a second layer attached to the first layer; and (d) attaching a third layer including a substrate to the second layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Joseph D. Rule, Mario A. Perez, Kevin M. Lewandowski, Robert A. Follensbee
  • Publication number: 20170165950
    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: December 15, 2015
    Publication date: June 15, 2017
    Inventors: Catherine A. Leatherdale, David Scott Thompson, Michael A. Johnson, John J. Stradinger, Evan L. Breedlove, Steven D. Solomonson, Joseph D. Rule
  • Publication number: 20170170416
    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: December 15, 2015
    Publication date: June 15, 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: 9650499
    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. For at least a portion of the first major surface, the plurality of micro spheres may cover 30% to 50% of that portion, and the microspheres may be substantially uniformly spaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    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
  • Patent number: 9592161
    Abstract: A method includes contact printing an active composition onto a surface of a release substrate to form a printed surface. The active composition spontaneously dewets the surface of the release substrate to form active deposits on the surface of the release substrate. The active composition comprises an active agent dissolved or dispersed in an aqueous liquid vehicle. A pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is disposed on the printed surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Joseph D. Rule, Jeffrey H. Tokie, Kim B. Saulsbury, Deena M. Conrad-Vlasak, Kanta Kumar
  • Publication number: 20160327074
    Abstract: A dispensing device (100) is configured to dispense polymer fasteners from a strand of oriented shape memory polymer configured to expand laterally and contract longitudinally when heated. The dispensing device includes a strand dispenser (101) arranged to dispense the strand. A strand metering mechanism (102) is operable in conjunction with the strand dispenser to dispense a predetermined length of the strand. A cutting mechanism (103) is configured to cut the strand to form a polymer fastener of predetermined length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Publication date: November 10, 2016
    Inventors: Joseph D. Rule, Sharon Wang
  • Publication number: 20160310327
    Abstract: A medical article and methods of using same. The medical article can include a machine direction (MD) and a cross-machine direction (CMD); a support layer; and a viscoelastic layer. The viscoelastic layer can be coupled to the support layer, and the viscoelastic layer can be discontinuous in the MD and/or the CMD. The viscoelastic layer can recover at least 70% of its deformation after 48 hours at room temperature after being strained to 50% elongation, such that the medical article has a first tensile stiffness T1 at a first strain rate S1, and a second tensile stiffness T1 at a second strain rate Si. The ratio of S1/S2 can be at least 100, and the ratio of T1/T2 can be at least 1.5. The method can include wrapping the medical article around a body part; applying the first strain rate S1; and applying the second strain rate S2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Publication date: October 27, 2016
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: JOSEPH D. RULE, NAIMUL KARIM, JOHN J. ROGERS, GUIDO HITSCHMANN
  • Publication number: 20160305063
    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: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Joseph D. Rule, Mary M. Caruso Dailey, Anne N. De Rovere, Lili Qie
  • Publication number: 20160296678
    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 17, 2016
    Publication date: October 13, 2016
    Inventors: VINOD P. MENON, JOSEPH D. RULE, RICHARD B. ROSS, DEENA M. CONRAD-VLASAK, KATIE F. WLASCHIN
  • Patent number: 9422964
    Abstract: Fasteners for producing double blind joints where the fastener is not visible or accessible are provided. The fasteners comprise a shape memory polymer that may be used to fasten workpieces by heating the fasteners, inducing recovery of the original, permanent shape of the fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Joseph D. Rule, Kevin M. Lewandowski
  • Publication number: 20160221256
    Abstract: Articles are provided, having a multilayer structure including (a) a first layer formed from polyolefin and including undercut features formed on and extending from an integral backing; (b) a second layer including an adhesive having a Shore D hardness of greater than 59 when cured; and (c) a third layer including a substrate. The second layer is interlocked with the undercut features, the third layer is adhered to the adhesive, and the second layer is disposed between the first layer and the third layer. A method is also provided including (a) depositing a polyolefin resin into a mold cavity to form a first layer including undercut features; (b) demolding the first layer from the mold cavity at a rate of at least 150 millimeters per minute; (c) applying a curable adhesive to the undercut features to form a second layer attached to the first layer; and (d) attaching a third layer including a substrate to the second layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Publication date: August 4, 2016
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Joseph D. Rule, Mario A. Perez, Kevin M. Lewandowski, Robert A. Follensbee
  • Patent number: 9370876
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are microstructured articles that can be made by molding. The microstructured articles comprise crosslinked unsaturated polymers formed by ring opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of a monomer composition, the monomer composition comprising a cyclic monomer having at least one reactive double bond. The microstructured articles may be structured in that they comprise at least one microstructured feature having a dimension of less than about 2 mm, or less than about 500 um. The microstructured articles may also comprise a plurality of such microstructured features. Also disclosed herein are methods of making the microstructured articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Joseph D. Rule, Kevin M. Lewandowski
  • Publication number: 20160076673
    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: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Publication date: March 17, 2016
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Joseph D. Rule, Sharilyn K. Loushin
  • Publication number: 20150328360
    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: August 27, 2013
    Publication date: November 19, 2015
    Inventors: VINOD P. MENON, JOSEPH D. RULE, RICHARD B. ROSS, DEENA M. CONRAD-VLASAK, KATIE F. WLASCHIN
  • Publication number: 20150273796
    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: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventors: Joseph D. Rule, Scott M. Tapio, Audrey S. Sherman, Kevin R. Schaffer, Lan H. Liu, Margot A. Branigan, Ross E. Behling
  • Patent number: 9139674
    Abstract: Polymerizable compositions containing rigid and contorted divinyl crosslinkers and polymeric materials prepared from the polymerizable compositions are described. The crosslinkers have a spirobisindane-type structure and can undergo free radical polymerization reactions. Methods of preparing the polymeric materials from the polymerizable compositions are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael S. Wendland, Joseph D. Rule
  • Patent number: 9127101
    Abstract: Presently described are curable compositions comprising a mixture of at least one (e.g. free-radically) polymerizable ionic liquid and at least one other ethylenically unsaturated monomer, oligomer, or polymer. The polymerizable ionic liquid is characterized as having an air to nitrogen curing exotherm ratio of at least 0.70. Also described are articles and methods of making articles from such curable compositions. A monofunctional polymerizable ionic liquid is also described comprising a non-polymerizable substituted imidazolium cationic group and a polymerizable sulfonate anion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Yizhong Wang, Joel D. Oxman, Larry R. Krepski, Peiwang Zhu, Kevin M. Lewandowski, Brian N. Holmes, Richard L. Severance, Joseph D. Rule, Thomas P. Klun
  • Publication number: 20150238444
    Abstract: Chlorhexidine gluconate solubilized in a hydrophobic monoacylglyceride is described. Compositions incorporating such materials, as well as methods of preparing such materials are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Vinod P. Menon, Joseph D. Rule, Richard B. Ross
  • Publication number: 20150232646
    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. For at least a portion of the first major surface, the plurality of micro spheres may cover 30% to 50% of that portion, and the microspheres may be substantially uniformly spaced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Publication date: August 20, 2015
    Inventors: Christopher B. Walker, JR., Joseph D. Rule, Vivek Krishnan, John C. Clark, Steven J. McMan, Bola T. Alabi, Charlie C. Ho, Ryan E. Marx, Alexander J. Kugel
  • Publication number: 20150232592
    Abstract: Polymerizable compositions containing rigid and contorted divinyl crosslinkers and polymeric materials prepared from the polymerizable compositions are described. The crosslinkers have a spirobisindane-type structure and can undergo free radical polymerization reactions. Methods of preparing the polymeric materials from the polymerizable compositions are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Publication date: August 20, 2015
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael S. Wendland, Joseph D. Rule