Patents by Inventor Mark A. Strobel
Mark A. Strobel 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: 7707963Abstract: A system for forming a multi-layer film, where the system includes a backing support having a surface and a close-coupled unit configured to be disposed adjacent the surface of the backing support. The close-coupled unit includes a corona electrode and a coating die disposed at a downstream location along the surface from the corona electrode.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2006Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Scott L. Ciliske, Gregory F. King, Mark A. Strobel, Joel A. Getschel, Bert T. Chien
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Patent number: 7686996Abstract: An apparatus and methods for flame-perforating films. A preferred embodiment of the apparatus includes a frame, support surface attached to the frame, where the support surface includes a plurality of lowered portions, a burner attached to the frame opposite the support surface, where the burner supports a flame, and where the flame includes a flame tip opposite the burner and a film contacting the support surface, where the flame of the burner is in contact with the film, where the burner is positioned such that the distance between an unimpinged flame tip of the flame and the burner is at least one-third greater than the distance between the film and the burner.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2006Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Mark A. Strobel, Michael J. Ulsh, Joel A. Getschel
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Publication number: 20100068382Abstract: A method for forming an inorganic or hybrid organic/inorganic layer on a substrate, which method comprises applying a metal alkoxide to form a layer atop the substrate and exposing the metal alkoxide layer to heat from a catalytic combustion heater in the presence of water to cure the layer is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2007Publication date: March 18, 2010Inventors: Mark A. Strobel, Michael J. Ulsh, Christopher S. Lyons, Judith M. Invie
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Patent number: 7635264Abstract: Disclosure is made of methods, systems, and apparatus for changing characteristics of noise of premixed flames supported on burners by heating burner passageways by an amount that attenuates combustion noises arising from premixed flames.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2007Date of Patent: December 22, 2009Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Mark A. Strobel, Michael J. Ulsh, Melvyn C. Branch, Domingo Medina, James Pezzuto
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Patent number: 7622064Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and methods for flame-perforating polymeric films with an oxygen-enriched flame. One embodiment of the apparatus includes a frame, a support surface attached to the frame, where the support surface includes a plurality of lowered portions, an oxygen-enrichment system for increasing the amount of oxygen in the combustible mixture, a burner attached to the frame opposite the support surface, where the burner supports a stable flame, and a film contacting the support surface, where the flame of the burner is directed towards the film to cause the film to be perforated. One embodiment of the method of flame perforating a polymeric film includes igniting an oxygen-enriched combustible mixture to form a stable flame, wherein the flame generated by the oxygen-enriched combustible mixture provides more uniform perforations.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2006Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Joel A. Getschel, Mark A. Strobel, Michael J. Ulsh
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Publication number: 20090162802Abstract: Disclosure is made of methods, systems, and apparatus for changing characteristics of noise of premixed flames supported on burners by heating burner passageways by an amount that attenuates combustion noises arising from premixed flames.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2007Publication date: June 25, 2009Inventors: Mark A. Strobel, Michael J. Ulsh, Melvyn C. Branch, Domingo Medina, James Pezzuto
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Publication number: 20090053448Abstract: The invention features protective film constructions that may be used, for example, as a protective floor finish.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2005Publication date: February 26, 2009Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Adriana Paiva, Jeffrey T. Anderson, Roy Wong, Susan K. Yarmey, Mark A. Strobel, Joel A. Getschel, Albert I. Everaerts, Gregory F. King, John T. Brady, Duane D. Fansler, Kanta Kumar, Jeffrey D. Malmer, Mario A. Perez, Deborah A. Strobel, Wendy L. Thompson, Michael C. Palazzotto, Stefan H. Gryska, Sharon Wang, Mikhail L. Pekurovsky, Mark F. Ellis, Edward G. Stewart, Robert M. Jennings, Gerald R.A. Hofmann, Kelly J. Gibbens, Gezahegn D. Damte, Jie Yang
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Publication number: 20090022927Abstract: The disclosure is directed to methods, systems, and apparatus for obtaining flame-perforated films which reduce or eliminate skewing of perforations in such films caused by thermal creep, whereby the film has perforations arranged to provide controlled tear characteristics, especially in both the lengthwise or machine direction (MD), and the crosswise or transverse direction (TD).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2007Publication date: January 22, 2009Inventors: Mark A. Strobel, Michael J. Ulsh, Joel A. Getschel
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Patent number: 7442442Abstract: Methods and systems utilize an atmospheric-pressure nitrogen dielectric-barrier discharge to treat the surface of polymer substances. The atmospheric-pressure nitrogen dielectric-discharge may be maintained with a level of H2O below a pre-defined amount, such as by measuring and controlling the H2O within a treater, to produce a surface treatment for a polymer substance that yields desirable characteristics. Furthermore, the H2O level may be measured and controlled according to a pre-defined amount or according to another parameter such as an analysis of the resulting polymer surface. For example, the polymer surface may be provided with an optimal added nitrogen-to-added oxygen ratio and/or an optimal stability based on washed and unwashed advancing contact angles such as by controlling the H2O level within the treater based on these analyses of the treated polymer.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2004Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Mark A. Strobel, Seth M. Kirk, Joel A. Getschel, Matthew J. Skaruppa
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Patent number: 7402033Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and methods for flame-perforating polymeric films with an oxygen-enriched flame. One embodiment of the apparatus includes a frame, a support surface attached to the frame, where the support surface includes a plurality of lowered portions, an oxygen-enrichment system for increasing the amount of oxygen in the combustible mixture, a burner attached to the frame opposite the support surface, where the burner supports a stable flame, and a film contacting the support surface, where the flame of the burner is directed towards the film to cause the film to be perforated. One embodiment of the method of flame perforating a polymeric film includes igniting an oxygen-enriched combustible mixture to form a stable flame, wherein the flame generated by the oxygen-enriched combustible mixture provides more uniform perforations.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2006Date of Patent: July 22, 2008Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Joel A. Getschel, Mark A. Strobel, Michael J. Ulsh
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Publication number: 20080152837Abstract: A norbornene-based cyclic olefin layer with a curable layer disposed thereon is described. The curable layer may additionally be imparted with a texture. The norbornene-based cyclic olefin films with curable layers can be incorporated into optical bodies which include an optical film, such as an oriented multilayer optical film. In addition, the invention includes a method of coating a curable layer onto a norbornene-based polymer layer or film without requiring a primer layer. Methods of making the norbornene-based cyclic olefin layer containing films are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2008Publication date: June 26, 2008Inventors: Bert T. Chien, Joan M. Strobel, Mark A. Strobel, Clinton L. Jones, Joel A. Getschel, Ellen R. Bosl
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Patent number: 7348066Abstract: A norbornene-based cyclic olefin layer with a curable layer disposed thereon is described. The curable layer may additionally be imparted with a texture. The norbornene-based cyclic olefin films with curable layers can be incorporated into optical bodies which include an optical film, such as an oriented multilayer optical film. In addition, the invention includes a method of coating a curable layer onto a norbornene-based polymer layer or film without requiring a primer layer. Methods of making the norbornene-based cyclic olefin layer containing films are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2005Date of Patent: March 25, 2008Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Bert T. Chien, Joan M. Strobel, Mark A. Strobel, Clinton L. Jones, Joel A. Getschel, Ellen R. Bosl
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Patent number: 7329465Abstract: A norbomene-based cyclic olefin layer with a curable layer disposed thereon is described. The curable layer may additionally be imparted with a texture. The norbomene-based cyclic olefin films with curable layers can be incorporated into optical bodies which include an optical film, such as an oriented multilayer optical film. In addition, the invention includes a method of coating a curable layer onto a norbomene-based polymer layer or film without requiring a primer layer. Methods of making the norbomene-based cyclic olefin layer containing films are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2004Date of Patent: February 12, 2008Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Bert T. Chien, Joan M. Strobel, Mark A. Strobel, Clinton L. Jones, Joel A. Getschel, Ellen R. Bosl
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Patent number: 7160095Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and methods for flame-perforating polymeric films with an oxygen-enriched flame. One embodiment of the apparatus includes a frame, a support surface attached to the frame, where the support surface includes a plurality of lowered portions, an oxygen-enrichment system for increasing the amount of oxygen in the combustible mixture, a burner attached to the frame opposite the support surface, where the burner supports a stable flame, and a film contacting the support surface, where the flame of the burner is directed towards the film to cause the film to be perforated. One embodiment of the method of flame perforating a polymeric film includes igniting an oxygen-enriched combustible mixture to form a stable flame, wherein the flame generated by the oxygen-enriched combustible mixture provides more uniform perforations.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2003Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Joel A. Getschel, Mark A. Strobel, Michael J. Ulsh
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Patent number: 7138169Abstract: A polymeric film having a plurality of perforations, which are specially structured and arranged is described. The polymeric film provides a strong, high-tensile strength material that permits hand tearing of the film along a desired tear path, providing a controlled tear propagation line. The polymeric film may also be incorporated into a multi-layer film having cloth-like properties of strength and tear propagation, and is suitable for use various adhesive tape applications. Methods of making the polymeric film are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2003Date of Patent: November 21, 2006Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Ko Shiota, Joel A. Getschel, Mark A. Strobel, Michael J. Ulsh, Terry R. Ray
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Patent number: 7037100Abstract: An apparatus and methods for flame-perforating films. A preferred embodiment of the apparatus includes a frame, support surface attached to the frame, where the support surface includes a plurality of lowered portions, a burner attached to the frame opposite the support surface, where the burner supports a flame, and where the flame includes a flame tip opposite the burner and a film contacting the support surface, where the flame of the burner is in contact with the film, where the burner is positioned such that the distance between an unimpinged flame tip of the flame and the burner is at least one-third greater than the distance between the film and the burner.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2002Date of Patent: May 2, 2006Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Mark A. Strobel, Michael J. Ulsh, Joel A. Getschel
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Publication number: 20040175527Abstract: A polymeric film having a plurality of perforations, which are specially structured and arranged is described. The polymeric film provides a strong, high-tensile strength material that permits hand tearing of the film along a desired tear path, providing a controlled tear propagation line. The polymeric film may also be incorporated into a multi-layer film having cloth-like properties of strength and tear propagation, and is suitable for use various adhesive tape applications. Methods of making the polymeric film are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2003Publication date: September 9, 2004Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Ko Shiota, Joel A. Getschel, Mark A. Strobel, Michael J. Ulsh, Terry R. Ray
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Patent number: 6780519Abstract: The present invention provides a method of modifying the surface of a polymeric substrate, e.g., to improve the wettability of the polymer film surface and/or alter the metal adhesion properties of the surface of the substrate by exposing the substrate to a flame. The flame is supported by an oxidizer and fuel mixture that includes an effective amount, for modifying the polymeric substrate, of at least one sulfur-containing compound that functions as a fuel substitute. In addition, substrates are provided that have increased wettability or increased metal adhesion performance.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2000Date of Patent: August 24, 2004Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Mark A. Strobel, Christopher S. Lyons, Donald J. McClure, Mark D. Nachbor, John R. Park
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Publication number: 20040070100Abstract: An apparatus and methods for flame-perforating films. A preferred embodiment of the apparatus includes a frame, support surface attached to the frame, where the support surface includes a plurality of lowered portions, a burner attached to the frame opposite the support surface, where the burner supports a flame, and where the flame includes a flame tip opposite the burner and a film contacting the support surface, where the flame of the burner is in contact with the film, where the burner is positioned such that the distance between an unimpinged flame tip of the flame and the burner is at least one-third greater than the distance between the film and the burner.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2002Publication date: April 15, 2004Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Mark A. Strobel, Michael J. Ulsh, Joel A. Getschel
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Patent number: 6585920Abstract: Embossed oriented thermoplastic films and a method of making same are described. The embossed oriented thermoplastic films have substantially the same mechanical properties as unembossed oriented thermoplastic films. The method includes providing an oriented thermoplastic film having first and second major surfaces, softening at least one of the first and second major surfaces to produce a softened surface, embossing the softened surface to produce an embossed oriented thermoplastic film, and cooling the embossed oriented thermoplastic film.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2001Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Joan M. Strobel, Mark A. Strobel, Patrick J. Hager, Ronald S. Kapaun