Patents by Inventor Sally J. Bull

Sally J. Bull 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: 6872435
    Abstract: The present invention relates to graphic or informational articles that may be applied to a surface of a translucent or substantially clear substrate so that the image may be viewed through the substrate. The graphic articles of the present invention include a perforated imageable component and a non-perforated attachment component. The imageable component includes an opaque, perforated imageable film layer that accepts an image layer on its first major surface. On the second major surface of the imageable film layer, a perforated, opaque light absorbing film is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Sally J. Bull, David J. Murphy
  • Patent number: 6303203
    Abstract: An optically clear, transparent, protective layer is disclosed for transfer from a release liner (not shown) to an imaged substrate. The layer has a composition including vinyl resin, optional acrylic resin, optional plasticizer, and an optional stabilizer. The layer optionally includes a pressure sensitive adhesive which adheres to the imaged substrate and image with pressure, followed by removal of the release liner. The release liner has a Sheffield smoothness value of from 1 to 10. A method of making is also disclosed. An image may also be present between the protective layer and the pressure sensitive adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: 3M Innovatives Properties Company
    Inventor: Sally J. Bull
  • Publication number: 20010006714
    Abstract: The present invention relates to graphic or informational articles that may be applied to a surface of a translucent or substantially clear substrate so that the image may be viewed through the substrate. The graphic articles of the present invention include a perforated imageable component and a non-perforated attachment component. The imageable component includes an opaque, perforated imageable film layer that accepts an image layer on its first major surface. On the second major surface of the imageable film layer, a perforated, opaque light absorbing film is applied. The attachment component includes a substantially transparent scrim layer of a polymeric film. The scrim layer is un-perforated and includes a pressure sensitive adhesive on its first major surface a heat activated adhesive on its second major surface. After the imageable film layer is imaged, the heat activated adhesive may be used to laminate the attachment component to the imageable component to create a finished graphic article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Publication date: July 5, 2001
    Inventors: Sally J. Bull, David J. Murphy
  • Patent number: 6254711
    Abstract: The present invention relates to graphic or informational articles that may be applied to a surface of a translucent or substantially clear substrate so that the image may be viewed through the substrate. The present invention is an indoor advertising system or kit that includes two components. The first component is a substantially clear, perforated imageable film layer with a perforated adhesive layer on a surface thereof. The second component is a non-perforated colorant transfer component that includes a removable carrier film with at least one color layer on a surface thereof. The present invention further includes a process for making the graphic articles. In the process of the present invention, an image layer is formed on a first major surface of a substantially clear, perforated imageable film layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Sally J. Bull, Ernest M. Rinehart, Kenneth D. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5681660
    Abstract: A transparent, protective layer is disclosed for transfer from a release liner to a imaged substrate. The layer has a composition including vinyl resin, acrylic resin, optional plasticizer, and optional stabilizer. The layer is transferred at melt temperatures to the imaged substrate, followed by removal of the release liner. The melt temperatures do not harm the image or the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Sally J. Bull, Lois A. McCray