Patents by Inventor Ronald S. Steelman

Ronald S. Steelman 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: 20230220188
    Abstract: A film is described comprises a (meth)acrylic polymer and a polyvinyl acetal (e.g. butyral) resin. In some embodiments, the film has a glass transition temperature (i.e. Tg) ranging from 30° C. to 60° C. In some embodiments, the film has a gel content of at least 20% or greater. In some embodiments, the film has an elongation at break of at least 175%. The film typically comprises photoinitiator as a result of the method by which the film was made. The film may be a monolithic film or a layer of a multilayer film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2023
    Publication date: July 13, 2023
    Inventors: Jonathan E. Janoski, Anthony F. Schultz, Keith R. Lyon, Ronald S. Steelman, Kevin M. Lewandowski, Corinne E. Lipscomb, Terry R. Hobbs, Arlin L. Weikel, Jayshree Seth, Duane D. Fansler, Hidetoshi Abe
  • Patent number: 11629250
    Abstract: A film is described comprising a (meth)acrylic polymer and a polyvinyl acetal (e.g. butyral) resin. In some embodiments, the film has a glass transition temperature (i.e. Tg) ranging from 30° C. to 60° C. In some embodiments, the film has a gel content of at least 20% or greater. In some embodiments, the film has an elongation at break of at least 175%. The film typically comprises photoinitiator as a result of the method by which the film was made. The film may be a monolithic film or a layer of a multilayer film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Jonathan E. Janoski, Anthony F. Schultz, Keith R. Lyon, Ronald S. Steelman, Kevin M. Lewandowski, Corinne E. Lipscomb, Terry R. Hobbs, Arlin L. Weikel, Jayshree Seth, Duane D. Fansler, Hidetoshi Abe
  • Patent number: 11248097
    Abstract: Articles useful as graphic films are presented. Specifically, the present disclosure is directed to an article comprising a film layer, the film layer comprising a polymer blend comprising a thermoplastic polyurethane and a polyvinyl butyral, and an adhesive layer adjacent the film layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Ronald S. Steelman, Keith R. Lyon
  • Patent number: 11167523
    Abstract: A film is described comprising a (meth)acrylic polymer and polyvinyl acetal polymer composition, wherein the film comprises a structured layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Jonathan E. Janoski, Carla S. Thomas, Anthony F. Schultz, Tien Y. H. Whiting, Kevin M. Lewandowski, Duane D. Fansler, Keith R. Lyon, Arlin L. Weikel, Evan D. Brutinel, Michael W. Kobe, Taylor J. Kobe, Ronald S. Steelman, Eric D. Shockey, John W. Frank
  • Publication number: 20210070975
    Abstract: A film is described comprising a (meth)acrylic polymer and a polyvinyl acetal (e.g. butyral) resin. In some embodiments, the film has a glass transition temperature (i.e. Tg) ranging from 30° C. to 60° C. In some embodiments, the film has a gel content of at least 20% or greater. In some embodiments, the film has an elongation at break of at least 175%. The film typically comprises photoinitiator as a result of the method by which the film was made. The film may be a monolithic film or a layer of a multilayer film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2020
    Publication date: March 11, 2021
    Inventors: Jonathan E. Janoski, Anthony F. Schultz, Keith R. Lyon, Ronald S. Steelman, Kevin M. Lewandowski, Corinne E. Lipscomb, Terry R. Hobbs, Arlin L. Weikel, Jayshree Seth, Duane D. Fansler, Hidetoshi Abe
  • Patent number: 10870750
    Abstract: A film is described comprising a (meth)acrylic polymer and a polyvinyl acetal (e.g. butyral) resin. In some embodiments, the film has a glass transition temperature (i.e. Tg) ranging from 30° C. to 60° C. In some embodiments, the film has a gel content of at least 20% or greater. In some embodiments, the film has an elongation at break of at least 175%. The film typically comprises photoinitiator as a result of the method by which the film was made. The film may be a monolithic film or a layer of a multilayer film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Jonathan E. Janoski, Anthony F. Schultz, Keith R. Lyon, Ronald S. Steelman, Kevin M. Lewandowski, Corinne E. Lipscomb, Terry R. Hobbs, Arlin L. Weikel, Jayshree Seth, Duane D. Fansler, Hidetoshi Abe
  • Patent number: 10358582
    Abstract: The present application is directed to an acrylic polymer. Specifically, a marking film comprising a film layer which comprises a polymer blend of a first (meth)acrylic polymer having a glass transition temperature of 30 degrees C. to 180 degrees C. and a second (meth)acrylic polymer having a glass transition temperature of over ?80 degrees C. less than 30 degrees C. One from the first and second (meth)acrylic polymers comprises a carboxylic group and another comprises an amide group. The marking film additionally comprises an adhesive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Hidetoshi Abe, Yorinobu Takamatsu, Ronald S. Steelman, Naoyuki Toriumi, Michael P. Daniels
  • Publication number: 20190092936
    Abstract: A film is described comprising a (meth)acrylic polymer and a polyvinyl acetal (e.g. butyral) resin. In some embodiments, the film has a glass transition temperature (i.e. Tg) ranging from 30° C. to 60° C. In some embodiments, the film has a gel content of at least 20% or greater. In some embodiments, the film has an elongation at break of at least 175%. The film typically comprises photoinitiator as a result of the method by which the film was made. The film may be a monolithic film or a layer of a multilayer film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: Jonathan E. Janoski, Anthony F. Schultz, Keith R. Lyon, Ronald S. Steelman, Kevin M. Lewandowski, Corinne E. Lipscomb, Terry R. Hobbs, Arlin L. Weikel, Jayshree Seth, Duane D. Fansler, Hidetoshi Abe
  • Patent number: 10167386
    Abstract: A film is described comprising a (meth)acrylic polymer and a polyvinyl acetal (e.g. butyral) resin. In some embodiments, the film has a glass transition temperature (i.e. Tg) ranging from 30° C. to 60° C. In some embodiments, the film has a gel content of at least 20% or greater. In some embodiments, the film has an elongation at break of at least 175%. The film typically comprises photoinitiator as a result of the method by which the film was made. The film may be a monolithic film or a layer of a multilayer film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Jonathan E. Janoski, Anthony F. Schultz, Keith R. Lyon, Ronald S. Steelman, Kevin M. Lewandowski, Corinne E. Lipscomb, Terry R. Hobbs, Arlin L. Weikel, Jayshree Seth, Duane D. Fansler, Hidetoshi Abe
  • Publication number: 20180304576
    Abstract: A film is described comprising a (meth)acrylic polymer and polyvinyl acetal polymer composition, wherein the film comprises a structured layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Jonathan E. Janoski, Carla S. Thomas, Anthony F. Schultz, Tien Y.H. Whiting, Kevin M. Lewandowski, Duane D. Fansler, Keith R. Lyon, Arlin L. Weikel, Evan D. Brutinel, Michael W. Kobe, Taylor J. Kobe, Ronald S. Steelman, Eric D. Shockey, John W. Frank
  • Patent number: 9855732
    Abstract: An adhesive-applying method is disclosed herein. The method comprises: providing a film comprising pressure sensitive adhesive coated on a major surface thereof; heating the film to a softening point of the film; and pressing the film against a substrate with an application device, the application device comprising a film-contacting portion, the film-contacting portion comprising a foam material and having a thermal conductivity of less than 1.8 BTU in/(hr ft2° F.); wherein the pressure sensitive adhesive on the major surface of the film adheres to the substrate. Application devices and kits that may be used in conjunction with the method are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ronald S. Steelman, John R. David
  • Publication number: 20160289440
    Abstract: A film is described comprising a (meth)acrylic polymer and a polyvinyl acetal (e.g. butyral) resin. In some embodiments, the film has a glass transition temperature (i.e. Tg) ranging from 30° C. to 60° C. In some embodiments, the film has a gel content of at least 20% or greater. In some embodiments, the film has an elongation at break of at least 175%. The film typically comprises photoinitiator as a result of the method by which the film was made. The film may be a monolithic film or a layer of a multilayer film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Publication date: October 6, 2016
    Inventors: Jonathan E. Janoski, Anthony F. Schultz, Keith R. Lyon, Ronald S. Steelman, Kevin M. Lewandowski, Corinne E. Lipscomb, Terry R. Hobbs, Arlin L. Weikel, Jayshree Seth, Duane D. Fansler, Hidetoshi Abe
  • Patent number: 9339997
    Abstract: Methods of adhering graphic film on an irregular substrate are disclosed. The methods includes providing a polymer film composite having two or more layers with at least one layer having a glass transition temperature of at least about 40° C., the polymer film composite having a first side and a second side, and an adhesive layer disposed on the second side. Then the method includes, positioning the adhesive layer against the irregular substrate, heating the polymer film composite, and pressing the heated polymer film against the irregular substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Ronald S. Steelman, John A. Nielsen, Frank T. Sher
  • Patent number: 9308773
    Abstract: The present application is directed to articles useful as graphic films. Specifically, the present application is directed to an article comprising a film layer, the film layer comprising a polymer blend comprising a thermoplastic polyurethane and a cellulose ester, and an ink layer adjacent to at least one surface of the film. In some embodiments, the cellulose ester is a cellulose acetate butyrate. In some embodiments, the cellulose ester is a cellulose acetate propionate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ronald S. Steelman, John A. Nielsen, Keith R. Lyon
  • Patent number: 9303827
    Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to illumination devices, and methods for making the same. The device, in particular, includes a first conductor layer, a first insulator layer disposed on the first conductor layer and having at least one first aperture defined therein through the first insulator layer, a second conductor layer disposed on the first insulator layer and having at least one second aperture defined therein through the second conductor layer and positioned to align with the at least one first aperture, and a light manipulation layer disposed on the second conductor layer and having at least one pair of apertures defined therein through the light manipulation layer including a third aperture and a fourth aperture, where the third aperture is positioned to align with the at least one second and first apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Ellen O. Aeling, John R. David, Michael A. Meis, Ronald S. Steelman
  • Patent number: 9303829
    Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to illumination devices, and methods for making the same. The device, in particular, includes a first conductor layer, a first insulator layer disposed on the first conductor layer and having at least one first aperture defined therein through the first insulator layer, a second conductor layer disposed on the first insulator layer and having at least one second aperture defined therein through the second conductor layer and positioned to align with the at least one first aperture, and a light manipulation layer disposed on the second conductor layer and having at least one pair of apertures defined therein through the light manipulation layer including a third aperture and a fourth aperture, where the third aperture is positioned to align with the at least one second and first apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Ellen O. Aeling, John R. David, Michael A. Meis, Ronald S. Steelman
  • Publication number: 20160075120
    Abstract: An adhesive-applying method is disclosed herein. The method comprises: providing a film comprising pressure sensitive adhesive coated on a major surface thereof; heating the film to a softening point of the film; and pressing the film against a substrate with an application device, the application device comprising a film-contacting portion, the film-contacting portion comprising a foam material and having a thermal conductivity of less than 1.8 BTU/hr-in-ft2-° F.; wherein the pressure sensitive adhesive on the major surface of the film adheres to the substrate. Application devices and kits that may be used in conjunction with the method are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Publication date: March 17, 2016
    Inventors: Ronald S. Steelman, John R. David
  • Publication number: 20160002418
    Abstract: The present application is directed to articles useful as graphic films. Specifically, the present application is directed to an article comprising a film layer, the film layer comprising a polymer blend comprising a thermoplastic polyurethane and a polyvinyl butyral, and an adhesive layer adjacent the film layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Publication date: January 7, 2016
    Inventors: Ronald S. Steelman, Keith R. Lyon
  • Patent number: 9221237
    Abstract: An adhesive-applying method is disclosed herein. The method comprises: providing a film comprising pressure sensitive adhesive coated on a major surface thereof; heating the film to a softening point of the film; and pressing the film against a substrate with an application device, the application device comprising a film-contacting portion, the film-contacting portion comprising a foam material and having a thermal conductivity of less than 1.8 BTU in /(hr ft2 °F.); wherein the pressure sensitive adhesive on the major surface of the film adheres to the substrate. Application devices and kits that may be used in conjunction with the method are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Ronald S. Steelman, John R. David
  • Publication number: 20150000835
    Abstract: An adhesive-applying method is disclosed herein. The method comprises: providing a film comprising pressure sensitive adhesive coated on a major surface thereof; heating the film to a softening point of the film; and pressing the film against a substrate with an application device, the application device comprising a film-contacting portion, the film-contacting portion comprising a foam material and having a thermal conductivity of less than 1.8 BTU/hr-in-ft2-° F.; wherein the pressure sensitive adhesive on the major surface of the film adheres to the substrate. Application devices and kits that may be used in conjunction with the method are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Ronald S. Steelman, John R. David