Patents by Inventor Michael Benton

Michael Benton 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: 10316226
    Abstract: Methods of forming laminating adhesive articles include providing a multi-layer article, and a tool with a structured surface. The multi-layer articles include a substrate, an adhesive layer, and a liner or may just include an adhesive layer and a liner. The multi-layer article is placed between the structured surface of the tool and a support surface and the tool is embossed against the liner by applying pressure or a combination of pressure and heat. The embossing causes the structures on the surface of the tool to distort the liner and the adhesive layer but does not distort the substrate. The distortion in the liner is retained upon release of the applied pressure. Upon removal of the liner from the adhesive layer, the structures on the adhesive layer are unstable, but do not immediately collapse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Michael Benton Free, Audrey A. Sherman, Daniel W. Hennen, Brent R. Hansen
  • Patent number: 10308004
    Abstract: Methods of forming laminating adhesive articles include providing a multi-layer article, an embossing tool with a structured surface, and a support surface tool. The multi-layer articles include a substrate, an adhesive layer, and a liner or may just include an adhesive layer and a liner. The multi-layer article is placed between the structured surface of the embossing tool and the support surface tool. The embossing tool is pressed against the liner and the support surface tool is simultaneously pressed against the substrate by applying pressure or a combination of pressure and heat. The pressing causes the structures on the surface of the embossing tool to distort the liner and the adhesive layer and the support surface tool modifies the surface of the substrate. The distortion in the liner is retained upon release of the applied pressure. Upon removal of the liner from the adhesive layer, the structures on the adhesive layer are unstable, but do not immediately collapse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Frank T. Sher, Michael Benton Free
  • Patent number: 10302823
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to patterned gradient polymer films and methods for making the same, and more particularly to patterned gradient optical films that have regions that include variations in optical properties such as refractive index, haze, transmission, clarity, or a combination thereof. The variation in optical properties can occur across a transverse plane of the film as well as through a thickness direction of the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: William Blake Kolb, Michael Benton Free, Brant U. Kolb, Fei Lu, John A. Wheatley
  • Patent number: 10294394
    Abstract: Multilayer adhesive tapes including at least one microstructured elastomeric layer and at least one layer of a pressure sensitive adhesive disposed on the microstructured elastomeric layer, and articles that include such multilayer adhesive tapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Carlos A. Barrios, Michael Benton Free, Jason D. Clapper, Robert M. Jennings
  • Patent number: 10293370
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing a gradient nanovoided article, a gradient nanovoided coating, and a gradient low refractive index coating is described. The process includes providing a first solution of a polymerizable material in a solvent, and providing a first environment proximate a first region of the coating and a different second environment proximate an adjacent region of the coating. The process further includes at least partially polymerizing the polymerizable material to form a composition that includes an insoluble polymer matrix and a second solution. The insoluble polymer matrix includes a plurality of nanovoids that are filled with the second solution, and a major portion of the solvent from the second solution is removed. A first volume fraction of the plurality of nanovoids proximate the first region of the coating is less than a second volume fraction of the plurality of nanovoids proximate an adjacent of the coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Adam D. Haag, William F. Edmonds, Jason S. Petaja, Eric W. Nelson, William Blake Kolb, Encai Hao, Fei Lu, Michael Benton Free
  • Patent number: 10253551
    Abstract: Pillar delivery films for vacuum insulated glass units are disclosed. The delivery films include a support film or pocket tape, a sacrificial material on the support film, and a plurality of pillars. The pillars are at least partially embedded in the sacrificial material or formed within sacrificial material molds, and the sacrificial material is capable of being removed while leaving the pillars substantially intact. Methods of transferring pillars to a substrate using the pillar delivery films are disclosed. In order to make an insulated glass unit, the delivery films are laminated to a receptor such as a glass pane, and the support film and sacrificial material are removed to leave the pillars remaining on the glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael Benton Free, Martin B. Wolk, Terry O. Collier, Margaret M. Vogel-Martin
  • Patent number: 10254460
    Abstract: A multilayer optical film has a packet of microlayers that selectively reflect light by constructive or destructive interference to provide a first reflective characteristic. At least some of the microlayers are birefringent. A stabilizing layer attaches to and covers the microlayer packet proximate an outer exposed surface of the film. Heating element(s) can physically contact the film to deliver heat to the packet through the stabilizing layer by thermal conduction, at altered region(s) of the film, such that the first reflective characteristic changes to an altered reflective characteristic in the altered region(s) to pattern the film. The stabilizing layer provides sufficient heat conduction to allow heat from the heating elements to change (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Michael Benton Free, Martin B. Wolk, Rolf W. Biernath, Stephen A. Johnson, William W. Merrill, William F. Edmonds, Claire A. Jalbert
  • Publication number: 20190086590
    Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to retroreflective articles and methods of making such articles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Publication date: March 21, 2019
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Smith, Michael Benton Free, Bimal V. Thakkar, Raymond C. Chiu
  • Patent number: 10220600
    Abstract: Transfer films comprising a carrier film, a sacrificial template layer deposed on the carrier film and comprising reentrant forming template features, and a thermally stable backfill layer having a first surface conforming to the reentrant forming template features and forming reentrant features and an opposing planar second surface; and methods of making transfer films are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Martin B. Wolk, Olester Benson, Jr., Terry O. Collier, Michael Benton Free, Adam J. Meuler, Justin P. Meyer, Evan L. Schwartz
  • Publication number: 20190053482
    Abstract: A bait station including a first bait station subassembly and a second bait station subassembly removably-secured to the first bait station subassembly. The first bait station subassembly includes a housing, at least one panel-engaging member and a lid member. The housing has a body defining an axial passage and at least one radial passage in fluid communication with the axial passage. The lid member is hingedly-connected to the housing. The lid member defines a passage. The second bait station subassembly includes a bait spike and a bait spike retainer. The bait spike retainer defines an axial bait spike passage. The bait spike is movably-disposed within the axial bait spike passage of the bait spike retainer and the passage of the lid member. A portion of a bait station is also disclosed. A bait spike assembly is also disclosed. A method is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2017
    Publication date: February 21, 2019
    Inventors: James B. Holland, Michael Benton, Mitchell Rivenbark
  • Publication number: 20190023950
    Abstract: Methods of forming laminating adhesive articles include providing a multi-layer article, and a tool with a structured surface. The multi-layer articles include a substrate, an adhesive layer, and a liner. The multi-layer article is placed between the structured surface of the tool and a support surface that is hard and the tool is embossed against the liner by applying pressure or pressure/heat. The embossing causes the tool structures to distort the liner and the adhesive layer, and causes permanent topological changes in a portion of the adhesive layer, but does not distort the substrate. The distortion in the liner is retained upon release of the applied pressure. The portions of topologically changed adhesive can form convex structures that are permanent. Upon removal of the liner from the adhesive layer, the concave structures on the adhesive layer are unstable, but the convex structures are stable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Inventor: Michael Benton Free
  • Publication number: 20190016086
    Abstract: Article comprising a first, microstructured layer comprising a first material, and having first and second opposed major surfaces, the first major surface being a microstructured surface, and the microstructured surface having peaks and valleys, wherein the peaks are microstructural features each having a height defined by the distance between the peak of the respective microstructural feature and an adjacent valley; and a second layer comprising at least one of a crosslinkable or crosslinked composition, wherein at least a portion of the second major surface of the second layer is directly attached to at least a portion of the first major surface of the first, microstructured layer. Articles described herein are useful, for example, for optical film applications. For example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Solomon, Michael Benton Free, Steven J. McMan, Martin B. Wolk, Elisa M. Cross
  • Publication number: 20180354225
    Abstract: Article comprising a first microstructured layer comprising a first material, and having first and second opposed major surfaces, the first material comprising at least one of a crosslinkable or crosslinked composition, the first major surface being a microstructured surface; a second layer comprising an adhesive material, and having first and second opposed major surfaces, wherein at least a portion of the second major surface of the second layer is directly attached to at least a portion of the first major microstructured surface of the first layer; and a third polymeric layer comprising a third material, and having first and second opposed major surfaces, wherein at least a portion of the second major surface of the third polymeric layer is directly attached to at least a portion of the first major surface of the second layer, and wherein any polymeric material attached either directly or indirectly to the second major surface of the first layer contains no more than 75 percent by volume collectively of no
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Publication date: December 13, 2018
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Solomon, Michael Benton Free, Steven J. McMan, Martin B. Wolk, Elisa M. Cross
  • Publication number: 20180351119
    Abstract: Organic light emitting diode (OLED) devices are disclosed that include a first layer; a backfill layer having a structured first side and a second side; a planarization layer having a structured first side and a second side; and a second layer; wherein the second side of the backfill layer is coincident with and adjacent to the first layer, the second side of the planarization layer is coincident with and adjacent to the second layer, the structured first side of the backfill layer and structured first side of the planarization layer form a structured interface, the refractive index of the backfill later is index matched to the first layer, and the refractive index of the planarization layer is index matched to the second layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Martin B. Wolk, Michael Benton Free, Margaret M. Vogel-Martin, Evan L. Schwartz, Mieczyslaw H. Mazurek, Terry O. Collier
  • Patent number: 10132969
    Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to retroreflective articles and methods of making such articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Smith, Michael Benton Free, Bimal V. Thakkar, Raymond C. Chiu
  • Publication number: 20180313992
    Abstract: A multilayer optical film has a packet of microlayers that selectively reflect light by constructive or destructive interference to provide a first reflective characteristic. At least some of the microlayers are birefringent. A stabilizing layer attaches to and covers the microlayer packet proximate an outer exposed surface of the film. Heating element(s) can physically contact the film to deliver heat to the packet through the stabilizing layer by thermal conduction, at altered region(s) of the film, such that the first reflective characteristic changes to an altered reflective characteristic in the altered region(s) to pattern the film. The stabilizing layer provides sufficient heat conduction to allow heat from the heating elements to change (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2018
    Publication date: November 1, 2018
    Inventors: Michael Benton Free, Martin B. Wolk, Rolf W. Biernath, Stephen A. Johnson, William W. Merrill, William F. Edmonds, Claire A. Jalbert
  • Patent number: 10106707
    Abstract: Methods of forming laminating adhesive articles include providing a multi-layer article, and a tool with a structured surface. The multi-layer articles include a substrate, an adhesive layer, and a liner. The multi-layer article is placed between the structured surface of the tool and a support surface that is hard and the tool is embossed against the liner by applying pressure or pressure/heat. The embossing causes the tool structures to distort the liner and the adhesive layer, and causes permanent topological changes in a portion of the adhesive layer, but does not distort the substrate. The distortion in the liner is retained upon release of the applied pressure. The portions of topologically changed adhesive can form convex structures that are permanent. Upon removal of the liner from the adhesive layer, the concave structures on the adhesive layer are unstable, but the convex structures are stable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Michael Benton Free
  • Publication number: 20180294317
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes nanostructured light extraction color filter laminates, and articles and methods of using nanostructured light extraction color filter laminates for the fabrication of an OLED including a nanostructure, using lamination techniques. Nanostructured OLED devices can exhibit enhanced light extraction efficiency. The methods involve transfer and/or replication of a film, layer, or coating in order to form a nanostructured surface that is in optical contact with the emitting surface of an OLED in, for example, a top emitting or a bottom emitting active matrix OLED (TE-AMOLED or BE-AMOLED) device. The articles having enhanced light extraction efficiency can be of particular use in color-by-white (CBW) OLED displays, which use white-light spectrum OLEDs with a color filter array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2018
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventors: Martin B. Wolk, Seong Taek Lee, Michael Benton Free, Nicholas C. Erickson
  • Patent number: D839380
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: NEOGEN CORPORATION
    Inventors: James B. Holland, Michael Benton, Mitchell Rivenbark
  • Patent number: D851723
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Neogen Corporation
    Inventors: James B. Holland, Michael Benton, Mitchell Rivenbark