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).
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Patent number: 9803041Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 16, 2013Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Harald Kaspar, Klaus Hintzer, Tilman C. Zipplies, Thomas J. Blong
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Patent number: 9791709Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 10, 2017Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: 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
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Patent number: 9740018Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 2, 2016Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: 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
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Patent number: 9562168Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 28, 2015Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Inventors: 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
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Publication number: 20160237298Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2014Publication date: August 18, 2016Inventors: Naiyong Jing, Kevin M. Hamer, Jeffrey A. Peterson, Thomas J. Blong, Timothy D. Fletcher, Michael Juergens, Mark W. Muggli, Gezahegn D. Damte
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Publication number: 20160237299Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2013Publication date: August 18, 2016Inventors: Naiyong Jing, Kai H. Lochhaas, Kevin M. Hamer, Thomas J. Blong, Timothy D. Fletcher, Zhigang Yu, Michael Juergens
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Publication number: 20160046822Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2015Publication date: February 18, 2016Inventors: 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
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Patent number: 9221990Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 14, 2012Date of Patent: December 29, 2015Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: 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
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Publication number: 20150240105Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2012Publication date: August 27, 2015Inventors: 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
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Publication number: 20150218296Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2013Publication date: August 6, 2015Inventors: Harald Kaspar, Klaus Hintzer, Tilman C. Zipplies, Thomas J. Blong
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Publication number: 20150040977Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2013Publication date: February 12, 2015Inventors: Karnav D. Kanuga, Kevin M. Hamer, Thomas J. Blong
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Patent number: 8835749Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 7, 2008Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Thomas J. Blong, Robert F. Babb, Peter J. Harrison, Pamela A. Percha
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Patent number: 8821680Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 20, 2012Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Dennis E. Hull, Joseph G. Walton, Maria P. Dillon, David B. Redmond, Mark W. Muggli, Thomas J. Blong
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Patent number: 8691388Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 9, 2012Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Dennis Hull, Joseph G. Walton, Maria P. Dillon, David B. Redmond, Mark W. Muggli, Thomas J. Blong
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Patent number: 8609234Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 19, 2012Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Dennis E. Hull, Joseph G. Walton, Maria P. Dillon, David B. Redmond, Mark W. Muggli, Thomas J. Blong
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Patent number: 8337990Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 9, 2012Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Dennis Hull, Joseph G. Walton, Maria P. Dillon, David B. Redmond, Mark W. Muggli, Thomas J. Blong
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Publication number: 20120313286Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2012Publication date: December 13, 2012Inventors: Dennis Hull, Joseph G. Walton, Maria P. Dillon, David B. Redmond, Mark W. Muggli, Thomas J. Blong
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Patent number: 8257824Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 9, 2012Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Dennis Hull, Joseph G. Walton, Maria P. Dillon, David B. Redmond, Mark W. Muggli, Thomas J. Blong
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Publication number: 20120160322Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2012Publication date: June 28, 2012Inventors: Dennis Hull, Joseph G. Walton, Maria P. Dillon, David B. Redmond, Mark W. Muggli, Thomas J. Blong
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Publication number: 20120160323Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2012Publication date: June 28, 2012Inventors: Dennis Hull, Joseph G. Walton, Maria P. Dillon, David B. Redmond, Mark W. Muggli, Thomas J. Blong