Patents by Inventor Kristin L. Thunhorst
Kristin L. Thunhorst 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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Publication number: 20160039153Abstract: The use of nanoparticles, including surface-modified silica and calcite nanoparticles, as processing aides for pultrusion is described. The methods include combining a resin system containing a resin and the nanoparticles with continuous fibers, pultruding this combination, and at least partially curing the resin. The methods are suitable for use with a wide variety of resins and fibers, and may be used to reduce the pull-force at a fixed fiber volume loading, increase the fiber volume loading, or both. Pultruded parts made by these methods and pultruded parts with high volume loadings of fibers are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2015Publication date: February 11, 2016Inventors: Kristin L. Thunhorst, Emily S. Goenner
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Patent number: 9162398Abstract: The use of nanoparticles, including surface-modified silica and calcite nanoparticles, as processing aides for pultrusion is described. The methods include combining a resin system containing a resin and the nanoparticles with continuous fibers, pultruding this combination, and at least partially curing the resin. The methods are suitable for use with a wide variety of resins and fibers, and may be used to reduce the pull-force at a fixed fiber volume loading, increase the fiber volume loading, or both. Pultruded parts made by these methods and pultruded parts with high volume loadings of fibers are also described.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2011Date of Patent: October 20, 2015Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Kristin L. Thunhorst, Emily S. Goenner
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Patent number: 9145627Abstract: Thermoset polymer composite wires including a multiplicity of substantially continuous fibers embedded in a solidified polymer composite matrix and forming a substantially continuous filament, the solidified polymer composite matrix further including a polymer formed by curing a polymer precursor from a liquid state and a multiplicity of nanoparticles having a median diameter of one micrometer or less substantially uniformly dispersed throughout the polymer composite matrix, and optionally, a corrosion resistant sheath surrounding the substantially continuous filament. In some embodiments, the multiplicity of particles includes surface-modified particles having a core and a surface modifying agent associated with the core and reacted with the polymer cured from a liquid state. Stranded cables including one or more such thermoset polymer composite wires, and methods of making and using such thermoset polymer composite wires and stranded cables are also described.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2011Date of Patent: September 29, 2015Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: David M. Wilson, David R. Mekala, Colin McCullough, Herve E. Deve, Michael F. Grether, Emily S. Goenner, Kristin L. Thunhorst, Per M. Nelson
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Publication number: 20150099833Abstract: Dispersions of nanoparticles in a resin component are described. The nanoparticles have a multimodal particle size distribution including at least a first mode and a second mode. The number average particle diameter of the particles in the first mode is greater than the number average particle size distribution in the second mode. The use of multimodal nanoparticle size distributions and the relative number of particles in the first and second mode to reduce or eliminate particle stacking behavior is also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2014Publication date: April 9, 2015Inventors: Kristin L. Thunhorst, Wendy L. Thompson
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Patent number: 8871853Abstract: Dispersions of nanoparticles in a resin component are described. The nanoparticles have a multimodal particle size distribution including at least a first mode and a second mode. The number average particle diameter of the particles in the first mode is greater than the number average particle size distribution in the second mode. The use of multimodal nanoparticle size distributions and the relative number of particles in the first and second mode to reduce or eliminate particle stacking behavior is also described.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2011Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Kristin L. Thunhorst, Wendy L. Thompson
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Publication number: 20130167502Abstract: Thermoset polymer composite wires including a multiplicity of substantially continuous fibers embedded in a solidified polymer composite matrix and forming a substantially continuous filament, the solidified polymer composite matrix further including a polymer formed by curing a polymer precursor from a liquid state and a multiplicity of nanoparticles having a median diameter of one micrometer or less substantially uniformly dispersed throughout the polymer composite matrix, and optionally, a corrosion resistant sheath surrounding the substantially continuous filament. In some embodiments, the multiplicity of particles includes surface-modified particles having a core and a surface modifying agent associated with the core and reacted with the polymer cured from a liquid state. Stranded cables including one or more such thermoset polymer composite wires, and methods of making and using such thermoset polymer composite wires and stranded cables are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2011Publication date: July 4, 2013Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: David M. Wilson, David R. Mekala, Colin McCullough, Herve E. Deve, Michael F. Grether, Emily S. Goenner, Kristin L. Thunhorst, Per M. Nelson
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Publication number: 20120309870Abstract: Dispersions of nanoparticles in a resin component are described. The nanoparticles have a multimodal particle size distribution including at least a first mode and a second mode. The number average particle diameter of the particles in the first mode is greater than the number average particle size distribution in the second mode. The use of multimodal nanoparticle size distributions and the relative number of particles in the first and second mode to reduce or eliminate particle stacking behavior is also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2011Publication date: December 6, 2012Inventors: Kristin L. Thunhorst, Wendy L. Thompson
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Publication number: 20120071586Abstract: The use of nanoparticles, including surface-modified silica and calcite nanoparticles, as processing aides for pultrusion is described. The methods include combining a resin system containing a resin and the nanoparticles with continuous fibers, pultruding this combination, and at least partially curing the resin. The methods are suitable for use with a wide variety of resins and fibers, and may be used to reduce the pull-force at a fixed fiber volume loading, increase the fiber volume loading, or both. Pultruded parts made by these methods and pultruded parts with high volume loadings of fibers are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2011Publication date: March 22, 2012Inventors: Kristin L. Thunhorst, Emily S. Goenner
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Publication number: 20110309074Abstract: Pressure vessels formed from fiber composites are described. The fiber composites include fibers impregnated with a resin system containing surface-modified nanoparticles dispersed in a curable matrix resin.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2011Publication date: December 22, 2011Inventors: Kristin L. Thunhorst, Emily S. Goenner
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Publication number: 20110149554Abstract: Optical films having structured surfaces are used, inter alia, for managing the propagation of light within a display. As displays become larger, it becomes more important that the film be reinforced so as to maintain rigidity. An optical film of the invention has a first layer comprising inorganic fibers embedded within a polymer matrix. The first layer has a structured surface to provide an optical function to light passing therethrough. The film may have various beneficial optical properties, for example, light that propagates substantially perpendicularly through the first layer may be subject to no more than a certain level of haze or light incident on the film may be subject to a minimum value of brightness gain. Various methods of manufacturing the films are described.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2011Publication date: June 23, 2011Inventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Shandon D. Hart, Olester Benson, JR., Patrick R. Fleming, Kristin L. Thunhorst
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Publication number: 20110088841Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method of impregnating fibrous webs. An apparatus generally includes a volume of liquid curable resin having a liquid surface, and a liquid curable resin (310) saturated roll of fibrous web (320) at least partially submerged in the volume of resin. The apparatus is configured to unwind the liquid curable resin saturated roll of fibrous web such that the fibrous web separates from the roll of fibrous web below the liquid surface and forms a resin impregnated fibrous web.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2008Publication date: April 21, 2011Inventors: Kristin L. Thunhorst, Mikhail L. Pekurovsky
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Publication number: 20110048621Abstract: Methods of forming composite optical film (100) are disclosed. The methods include exposing a composite film to a first energy source (340) to cure the composite film to (321) a first cure state. The composite film includes reinforcing (102) fibers dispersed within a curable resin (104). Then the method includes removing the first energy source from the first cure state composite film and then exposing the first cure state composite film to a second energy source (341) to further cure the composite film to a second cure state. The method includes 10 combining the composite film with an optical element to from the composite optical film.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2008Publication date: March 3, 2011Inventors: Mikhail L. Pekurovsky, Kristin L. Thunhorst, Noreen G. Detwiler, Olester Benson, JR.
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Publication number: 20110043719Abstract: Optical display backlight assemblies having a transmissive optical film affixed to a frame which at least partially surrounds a backlight, are disclosed. The transmissive optical film can provide an increased bending resistance to the frame. The increase in bending resistance of the frame also increases the bending resistance of a display which incorporates the backlight assemblies. The optical film can be in tension after being affixed to the frame, and the tension in the film also can result in a flatter film surface with less sag. The film can be placed in tension prior to being affixed to the frame, the frame can be elastically distorted prior to affixing the film to impart tension to the film, or the film can develop tension by shrinkage after being affixed to the frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2008Publication date: February 24, 2011Inventors: Kristin L. Thunhorst, John A. Wheatley, Shandon D. Hart, Matthew E. Sousa, Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Erik J. Johnson, Jay A. Esch, Nicholas G. Roland, Andrew J. Henderson
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Publication number: 20100230835Abstract: A composite polymer fiber comprises a polymer filler material and a plurality of polymer scattering fibers disposed within the filler material. At least one of the filler material and the scattering fibers is formed of a birefringent material. The refractive indices of the filler material and the scattering fibers can be substantially matched for light incident in a first polarization state on the composite polymer fiber and unmatched for light incident in an orthogonal polarization state. The scattering fibers may be arranged to form a photonic crystal within the composite fiber. The composite fibers may be extruded and may be formed into a yarn, a weave or the like. If the filler material is soluble, it may be washed out of the yarn or weave, and the scattering fibers may then be infiltrated with a resin that is subsequently cured.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2010Publication date: September 16, 2010Inventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Olester Benson, JR., James C. Breister, Robert L. Brott, Yeun-Jong Chou, Patrick R. Fleming, William J. Kopecky, Diane North, Roger J. Stumo, Kristin L. Thunhorst, Bruce B. Wilson
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Patent number: 7738763Abstract: A composite polymer fiber comprises a polymer filler material and a plurality of polymer scattering fibers disposed within the filler material. At least one of the filler material and the scattering fibers is formed of a birefringent material. The refractive indices of the filler material and the scattering fibers can be substantially matched for light incident in a first polarization state on the composite polymer fiber and unmatched for light incident in an orthogonal polarization state. The scattering fibers may be arranged to form a photonic crystal within the composite fiber. The composite fibers may be extruded and may be formed into a yarn, a weave or the like. If the filler material is soluble, it may be washed out of the yarn or weave, and the scattering fibers may then be infiltrated with a resin that is subsequently cured.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2008Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Olester Benson, Jr., James C. Breister, Robert L. Brott, Yeun-Jong Chou, Patrick R. Fleming, William J. Kopecky, Diane North, Roger J. Stumo, Kristin L. Thunhorst, Bruce B. Wilson
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Patent number: 7526164Abstract: A polarizer is formed with an arrangement of polymer fibers substantially parallel within a polymer matrix. The polymer fibers are formed of at least first and second polymer materials. At least one of the polymer matrix and the first and second polymer materials is birefringent, and provides a birefringent interface with the adjacent material. Light is reflected and/or scattered at the birefringent interfaces with sensitivity to the polarization of the light. In some embodiments, the polymer fibers are formed as composite fibers, having a plurality of scattering polymer fibers disposed within a filler to form the composite fiber. In other embodiments, the polymer fiber is a multilayered polymer fiber. The polymer fibers may be arranged within the polymer matrix as part of a fiber weave.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2008Date of Patent: April 28, 2009Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Richard C. Allen, Patrick R. Fleming, Diane North, Andrew T. Ruff, Kristin L. Thunhorst
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Publication number: 20080274293Abstract: A spiral wound fiber that includes birefringent interfaces is useful in different optical devices. One type of wound fiber includes at least first and second material layers. At least one of the layers is polymeric and at least one of the layers is birefringent. The spiral wound fiber may be used alone, or in an optical device. Such an optical device can include the fiber embedded within a matrix or attached to a substrate. The spiral wound fiber can be made by rolling a stack of at least two layers, by coextruding the two layers or by coating a rotating form.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2006Publication date: November 6, 2008Inventors: Shandon D. Hart, William J. Kopecky, Patrick R. Fleming, Kristin L. Thunhorst
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Patent number: 7406239Abstract: A polarizer is formed with an arrangement of polymer fibers substantially parallel within a polymer matrix. The polymer fibers are formed of at least first and second polymer materials. At least one of the polymer matrix and the first and second polymer materials is birefringent, and provides a birefringent interface with the adjacent material. Light is reflected and/or scattered at the birefringent interfaces with sensitivity to the polarization of the light. In some embodiments, the polymer fibers are formed as composite fibers, having a plurality of scattering polymer fibers disposed within a filler to form the composite fiber. In other embodiments, the polymer fiber is a multilayered polymer fiber. The polymer fibers may be arranged within the polymer matrix as part of a fiber weave.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2005Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Richard C. Allen, Olester Benson, Jr., James C. Breister, Yeun-Jong Chou, Patrick R. Fleming, William J. Kopecky, Diane North, Roger J. Stumo, Kristin L. Thunhorst, Bruce B. Wilson, Harold E. Rude
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Publication number: 20080165419Abstract: A polarizer is formed with an arrangement of polymer fibers substantially parallel within a polymer matrix. The polymer fibers are formed of at least first and second polymer materials. At least one of the polymer matrix and the first and second polymer materials is birefringent, and provides a birefringent interface with the adjacent material. Light is reflected and/or scattered at the birefringent interfaces with sensitivity to the polarization of the light. In some embodiments, the polymer fibers are formed as composite fibers, having a plurality of scattering polymer fibers disposed within a filler to form the composite fiber. In other embodiments, the polymer fiber is a multilayered polymer fiber. The polymer fibers may be arranged within the polymer matrix as part of a fiber weave.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2008Publication date: July 10, 2008Inventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Richard C. Allen, Patrick R. Fleming, Diane North, Andrew T. Ruff, Kristin L. Thunhorst
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Publication number: 20080152282Abstract: A composite polymer fiber comprises a polymer filler material and a plurality of polymer scattering fibers disposed within the filler material. At least one of the filler material and the scattering fibers is formed of a birefringent material. The refractive indices of the filler material and the scattering fibers can be substantially matched for light incident in a first polarization state on the composite polymer fiber and unmatched for light incident in an orthogonal polarization state. The scattering fibers may be arranged to form a photonic crystal within the composite fiber. The composite fibers may be extruded and may be formed into a yarn, a weave or the like. If the filler material is soluble, it may be washed out of the yarn or weave, and the scattering fibers may then be infiltrated with a resin that is subsequently cured.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2008Publication date: June 26, 2008Inventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Olester Benson, James C. Breister, Robert L. Brott, Yeun-Jong Chou, Patrick R. Fleming, William J. Kopecky, Diane North, Roger J. Stumo, Kristin L. Thunhorst, Bruce B. Wilson