Patents by Inventor Thomas J. Blong

Thomas J. Blong 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: 9803041
    Abstract: Tetrafluoroethene-based fluoropolymers of low gel content, methods of making the fluoropolymers, methods of extruding the fluoropolymers into articles, and extruded articles comprising the fluoropolymers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Harald Kaspar, Klaus Hintzer, Tilman C. Zipplies, Thomas J. Blong
  • Patent number: 9791709
    Abstract: A light control film includes a plurality of spaced apart substantially parallel first light absorbing regions arranged along a first direction, each first light absorbing region having a width and a height, the plurality of first light absorbing regions including nonoverlapping first and second sub-pluralities of the plurality of first light absorbing regions, the first sub-plurality of the plurality of first light absorbing regions having a first viewing angle, the second sub-plurality of the plurality of first light absorbing regions having a different second viewing angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Michael J. Sykora, Robert R. Kieschke, Kenneth L. Smith, Olester Benson, Jr., Gary E. Gaides, Tao Liu, Thomas J. Blong, Gary T. Boyd
  • Patent number: 9740018
    Abstract: A light control film includes a plurality of spaced apart substantially parallel first light absorbing regions arranged along a first direction, each first light absorbing region having a width and a height, the plurality of first light absorbing regions including nonoverlapping first and second sub-pluralities of the plurality of first light absorbing regions, the first sub-plurality of the plurality of first light absorbing regions having a first viewing angle, the second sub-plurality of the plurality of first light absorbing regions having a different second viewing angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Michael J. Sykora, Robert R. Kieschke, Kenneth L. Smith, Olester Benson, Jr., Gary E. Gaides, Tao Liu, Thomas J. Blong, Gary T. Boyd
  • Patent number: 9562168
    Abstract: Presently described are methods of making coating comprising aqueous fluoropolymer latex dispersions, aqueous fluoropolymer coating compositions, coated substrates, and (e.g. backside) films of photovoltaic cells. In one embodiment, the film comprises at least one fluoropolymer comprising repeat units derived from VF, VDF, or a combination thereof; inorganic oxide nanoparticles; and a compound that reacts with the repeat units derived from VF and VDF to crosslink the fluoropolymer and/or couple the fluoropolymer to the inorganic oxide nanoparticles. In another embodiment, the backside film comprises at least one fluoropolymer comprising repeat units derived from VF, VDF, or a combination thereof; and an amino-substituted organosilane ester or ester equivalent crosslinking compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Inventors: Naiyong Jing, Mark W. Muggli, Larry S. Hebert, Kevin M. Hamer, Thomas J. Blong, Michael Juergens, George Van Dyke Tiers, Zhigang Yu, Yaming Wang, Yiwen Chu
  • Publication number: 20160237298
    Abstract: A fluoropolymer coating composition is described comprising an aqueous liquid medium, fluoropolymer particles dispersed in the aqueous liquid medium, and at least one aziridine compound. The aziridine compound comprises at least two aziridine groups (i.e. polyaziridine) or at least one aziridine group and at least one alkoxy silane group. In another embodiment, an article is described comprising a substrate wherein a surface of the substrate comprises a coating comprising fluoropolymer particles; and a reaction product of at least one aziridine compound comprising at least two aziridine groups or at least one aziridine group and at least one alkoxy silane group. The coating can be utilized as a primer for bonding a non-fluorinated substrate to a fluoropolymer film and/or the coating can be used as an (e.g. outer exposed) surface layer. In some embodiments, the article may be the (e.g. backside) film of a photovoltaic module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Naiyong Jing, Kevin M. Hamer, Jeffrey A. Peterson, Thomas J. Blong, Timothy D. Fletcher, Michael Juergens, Mark W. Muggli, Gezahegn D. Damte
  • Publication number: 20160237299
    Abstract: A fluoropolymer coating composition is described comprising an aqueous liquid medium, fluoropolymer particles dispersed in the aqueous liquid medium, and at least one aziridine compound. The aziridine compound comprises at least two aziridine groups (i.e. polyaziridine) or at least one aziridine group and at least one alkoxy silane group. In another embodiment, an article is described comprising a substrate wherein a surface of the substrate comprises a coating comprising fluoropolymer particles; and a reaction product of at least one aziridine compound comprising at least two aziridine groups or at least one aziridine group and at least one alkoxy silane group. The coating can be utilized as a primer for bonding a non-fluorinated substrate to a fluoropolymer film and/or the coating can be used as an (e.g. outer exposed) surface layer. In some embodiments, the article may be the (e.g. backside) film of a photovoltaic module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Naiyong Jing, Kai H. Lochhaas, Kevin M. Hamer, Thomas J. Blong, Timothy D. Fletcher, Zhigang Yu, Michael Juergens
  • Publication number: 20160046822
    Abstract: Presently described are methods of making coating comprising aqueous fluoropolymer latex dispersions, aqueous fluoropolymer coating compositions, coated substrates, and (e.g. backside) films of photovoltaic cells. In one embodiment, the film comprises at least one fluoropolymer comprising repeat units derived from VF, VDF, or a combination thereof; inorganic oxide nanoparticles; and a compound that reacts with the repeat units derived from VF and VDF to crosslink the fluoropolymer and/or couple the fluoropolymer to the inorganic oxide nanoparticles. In another embodiment, the backside film comprises at least one fluoropolymer comprising repeat units derived from VF, VDF, or a combination thereof; and an amino-substituted organosilane ester or ester equivalent crosslinking compound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Publication date: February 18, 2016
    Inventors: Naiyong Jing, Mark W. Muggli, Larry S. Hebert, Kevin M. Hamer, Thomas J. Blong, Michael Juergens, George Van Dyke Tiers, Zhigang Yu, Yaming Wang, Yiwen Chu
  • Patent number: 9221990
    Abstract: Presently described are methods of making coating comprising aqueous fluoropolymer latex dispersions, aqueous fluoropolymer coating compositions, coated substrates, and (e.g. backside) films of photovoltaic cells. In one embodiment, the film comprises at least one fluoropolymer comprising repeat units derived from VF, VDF, or a combination thereof; inorganic oxide nanoparticles; and a compound that reacts with the repeat units derived from VF and VDF to crosslink the fluoropolymer and/or couple the fluoropolymer to the inorganic oxide nanoparticles. In another embodiment, the backside film comprises at least one fluoropolymer comprising repeat units derived from VF, VDF, or a combination thereof; and an amino-substituted organosilane ester or ester equivalent crosslinking compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Naiyong Jing, Mark W. Muggli, Larry S. Hebert, Kevin M. Hamer, Thomas J. Blong, Michael Juergens, George Van Dyke Tiers, Zhigang Yu, Yaming Wang, Yiwen Chu
  • Publication number: 20150240105
    Abstract: Presently described are methods of making coating comprising aqueous fluoropolymer latex dispersions, aqueous fluoropolymer coating compositions, coated substrates, and (e.g. backside) films of photovoltaic cells. In one embodiment, the film comprises at least one fluoropolymer comprising repeat units derived from VF, VDF, or a combination thereof; inorganic oxide nanoparticles; and a compound that reacts with the repeat units derived from VF and VDF to crosslink the fluoropolymer and/or couple the fluoropolymer to the inorganic oxide nanoparticles. In another embodiment, the backside film comprises at least one fluoropolymer comprising repeat units derived from VF, VDF, or a combination thereof; and an amino-substituted organosilane ester or ester equivalent crosslinking compound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Naiyong Jing, Mark W. Muggli, Larry S. Hebert, Kevin M. Hamer, Thomas J. Blong, Michael Juergens, George Van Dyke Tiers, Zhigang Yu, Yaming Wang, Yiwen Chu
  • Publication number: 20150218296
    Abstract: Tetrafluoroethene-based fluoropolymers of low gel content, methods of making the fluoropolymers, methods of extruding the fluoropolymers into articles, and extruded articles comprising the fluoropolymers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Publication date: August 6, 2015
    Inventors: Harald Kaspar, Klaus Hintzer, Tilman C. Zipplies, Thomas J. Blong
  • Publication number: 20150040977
    Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to films capable of use in photovoltaic modules, to films, to methods of use and manufacture of these films, and to photovoltaic cells and/or modules including these films. One exemplary embodiment of such a film is a barrier layer having a moisture vapor transmission rate of less than 3.0 g/m2-day, wherein the barrier layer includes a polyethylene terephthalate having an apparent crystal size of less than 65 angstroms. Another exemplary embodiment of such a film is a multilayer film for use as a backsheet in a photovoltaic module including: a first layer including a fluoropolymer; a second layer including a polyethylene terephthalate having an apparent crystal size of less than 65 angstroms; and a third layer including an olefinic polymer. The first layer and the third layer are bonded to opposing major surfaces of the second layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Karnav D. Kanuga, Kevin M. Hamer, Thomas J. Blong
  • Patent number: 8835749
    Abstract: A solar panel backside film used in solar panel constructions. The film comprises a PET film having a net peak area as measured by differential scanning calorimetry of about ?15 J/g to about 5 J/g measured from the endpoint of the glass transition (Tg) up to 230° C., and an additive to opacify the PET film. A polymeric layer is adhered to the PET film to create a solar panel backside film. The solar panel backside film generally has a reflectivity of 50% or greater at a point in the visible range of light. Additionally, the solar panel backside film, when applied to a solar panel and exposed to 2000 hours at 85° C. and 85% relative humidity, does not result in exfoliation or visible cracks in the PET film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Thomas J. Blong, Robert F. Babb, Peter J. Harrison, Pamela A. Percha
  • Patent number: 8821680
    Abstract: The multilayer film serves as a laminate. In some embodiments, the film is a multilayered structure that, in its base form, encompasses an intermediate layer with first and second outer layer affixed to opposing sides of the intermediate layer. In some embodiments, the first outer layer is a semi-crystalline fluoropolymer. In some embodiments, the intermediate layer includes a polyester and the second outer layer is an olefinic polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Dennis E. Hull, Joseph G. Walton, Maria P. Dillon, David B. Redmond, Mark W. Muggli, Thomas J. Blong
  • Patent number: 8691388
    Abstract: The multilayer film serves as a laminate. The film is a multilayered structure that, in its base form, encompasses an intermediate layer with first and second outer layer affixed to opposing sides of the intermediate layer. The first outer layer is a semi-crystalline fluoropolymer. The intermediate layer includes a polyester and the second outer layer is an olefinic polymer. The layers are bonded together in the noted order to provide the multilayer film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Dennis Hull, Joseph G. Walton, Maria P. Dillon, David B. Redmond, Mark W. Muggli, Thomas J. Blong
  • Patent number: 8609234
    Abstract: The multilayer film serves as a laminate. In some embodiments, the film is a multilayered structure that, in its base form, encompasses an intermediate layer with first and second outer layer affixed to opposing sides of the intermediate layer. In some embodiments, the first outer layer is a semi-crystalline fluoropolymer. In some embodiments, the intermediate layer includes a polyester and the second outer layer is an olefinic polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Dennis E. Hull, Joseph G. Walton, Maria P. Dillon, David B. Redmond, Mark W. Muggli, Thomas J. Blong
  • Patent number: 8337990
    Abstract: The multilayer film serves as a laminate. The film is a multilayered structure that, in its base form, encompasses an intermediate layer with first and second outer layer affixed to opposing sides of the intermediate layer. The first outer layer is a semi-crystalline fluoropolymer. The intermediate layer includes a polyester and the second outer layer is an olefinic polymer. The layers are bonded together in the noted order to provide the multilayer film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Dennis Hull, Joseph G. Walton, Maria P. Dillon, David B. Redmond, Mark W. Muggli, Thomas J. Blong
  • Publication number: 20120313286
    Abstract: The multilayer film serves as a laminate. The film is a multilayered structure that, in its base form, encompasses an intermediate layer with first and second outer layer affixed to opposing sides of the intermediate layer. The first outer layer is a semi-crystalline fluoropolymer. The intermediate layer includes a polyester and the second outer layer is an olefinic polymer. The layers are bonded together in the noted order to provide the multilayer film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventors: Dennis Hull, Joseph G. Walton, Maria P. Dillon, David B. Redmond, Mark W. Muggli, Thomas J. Blong
  • Patent number: 8257824
    Abstract: The multilayer film serves as a laminate. The film is a multilayered structure that, in its base form, encompasses an intermediate layer with first and second outer layer affixed to opposing sides of the intermediate layer. The first outer layer is a semi-crystalline fluoropolymer. The intermediate layer includes a polyester and the second outer layer is an olefinic polymer. The layers are bonded together in the noted order to provide the multilayer film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Dennis Hull, Joseph G. Walton, Maria P. Dillon, David B. Redmond, Mark W. Muggli, Thomas J. Blong
  • Publication number: 20120160322
    Abstract: The multilayer film serves as a laminate. The film is a multilayered structure that, in its base form, encompasses an intermediate layer with first and second outer layer affixed to opposing sides of the intermediate layer. The first outer layer is a semi-crystalline fluoropolymer. The intermediate layer includes a polyester and the second outer layer is an olefinic polymer. The layers are bonded together in the noted order to provide the multilayer film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventors: Dennis Hull, Joseph G. Walton, Maria P. Dillon, David B. Redmond, Mark W. Muggli, Thomas J. Blong
  • Publication number: 20120160323
    Abstract: The multilayer film serves as a laminate. The film is a multilayered structure that, in its base form, encompasses an intermediate layer with first and second outer layer affixed to opposing sides of the intermediate layer. The first outer layer is a semi-crystalline fluoropolymer. The intermediate layer includes a polyester and the second outer layer is an olefinic polymer. The layers are bonded together in the noted order to provide the multilayer film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventors: Dennis Hull, Joseph G. Walton, Maria P. Dillon, David B. Redmond, Mark W. Muggli, Thomas J. Blong