Patents by Inventor Thomas V. Kusilek

Thomas V. Kusilek 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: 20200319384
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to retroreflective sheeting including a topcoat and to methods of making such sheeting. In some embodiments, the retroreflective sheeting includes (1) a first major surface that is a structured surface having a structure imparted by a plurality of prismatic cube corner elements; (2) a second major surface opposite the first major surface, the second major surface being substantially planar and including a polycarbonate; and (3) a topcoat adjacent to at least a portion of the second major surface and the topcoat including a solvent-based composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2020
    Publication date: October 8, 2020
    Inventors: Lee A. PAVELKA, David W. MEITZ, Joseph A. RICHIE, Thomas V. KUSILEK, Mark W. LEVERTY
  • Patent number: 9937879
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the formation of high contrast, wavelength independent retroreflective sheeting made by including a light scattering material on at least a portion of the retroreflective sheeting. The light scattering material reduces the brightness of the retroreflective sheeting without substantially changing the appearance of the retroreflective sheeting when viewed under scattered light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Patrick R. Fleming, Thomas J. Dahlin, Thomas V. Kusilek, Robert L. Smithson
  • Publication number: 20160370514
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to retroreflective sheeting including a topcoat and to methods of making such sheeting. In some embodiments, the retroreflective sheeting includes (1) a first major surface that is a structured surface having a structure imparted by a plurality of prismatic cube corner elements; (2) a second major surface opposite the first major surface, the second major surface being substantially planar and including a polycarbonate; and (3) a topcoat adjacent to at least a portion of the second major surface and the topcoat including a solvent-based composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Publication date: December 22, 2016
    Inventors: Lee A. Pavelka, David W. Meitz, Joseph A. Richie, Thomas V. Kusilek, Mark W. Leverty
  • Publication number: 20150353029
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the formation of high contrast, wavelength independent retroreflective sheeting made by including a light scattering material on at least a portion of the retroreflective sheeting. The light scattering material reduces the brightness of the retroreflective sheeting without substantially changing the appearance of the retroreflective sheeting when viewed under scattered light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2015
    Publication date: December 10, 2015
    Inventors: Patrick R. Fleming, Thomas J. Dahlin, Thomas V. Kusilek, Robert L. Smithson
  • Patent number: 9145098
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the formation of high contrast, wavelength independent retroreflective sheeting made by including a light scattering material on at least a portion of the retroreflective sheeting. The light scattering material reduces the brightness of the retroreflective sheeting without substantially changing the appearance of the retroreflective sheeting when viewed under scattered light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Patrick R. Fleming, Thomas J. Dahlin, Thomas V. Kusilek, Robert L. W. Smithson
  • Publication number: 20120195470
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the formation of high contrast, wavelength independent retroreflective sheeting made by including a light scattering material on at least a portion of the retroreflective sheeting. The light scattering material reduces the brightness of the retroreflective sheeting without substantially changing the appearance of the retroreflective sheeting when viewed under scattered light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: Patrick R. Fleming, Thomas J. Dahlin, Thomas V. Kusilek, Robert L.W. Smithson
  • Patent number: 6354521
    Abstract: A quick disconnect and release hose couplings is disclosed where the socket will disconnect and release from a plug if the hose connected to the hose coupling is pulled with sufficient force. A quick disconnect female socket used in the hose coupling includes a body portion and a movable sleeve. The hose coupling includes an end conduit that is adapted for coupling to a hose. The end conduit is connected to an intermediate conduit, and the intermediate conduit is connected to the body portion of the socket. The hose is in fluid communication with the socket through the end conduit and intermediate conduit. The intermediate conduit also permits the end conduit to move relative to the body portion. A mechanical coupling is attached to the end conduit and to the sleeve of the socket such that when the end conduit moves relative to the body portion the mechanical coupling moves the sleeve relative to the body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Thomas V. Kusilek, James P. McAuley
  • Patent number: 6217252
    Abstract: Flame-spray transportation surface marking method employing a binder material selected from the group consisting of acrylic polymers and copolymers, olefin polymers and copolymers having a number average molecular weight greater than about 10,000, urethane polymers and copolymers, curable epoxy resins, ester polymers and copolymers, and blends thereof, together with a particulate topcoat or particulate filler selected from the group consisting of reflective elements, skid-resistant particles, magnetizable particles, and mixtures thereof, wherein the binder adheres directly to the transportation surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Howard R. Tolliver, Suman K. Patel, Thomas V. Kusilek, Nagraj Koneripalli
  • Patent number: 5835271
    Abstract: A retroreflective element that exhibits exceptional wet retroreflectivity, and a method of manufacturing the same. The retroreflective element includes an assembly having a multi-sided retroreflector and a clear thermoplastic. In one embodiment, the clear thermoplastic is at least partially thermally deformed to create a convex retroreflective dome for capturing high incident angle light rays. The retroreflective elements may be used in a pavement marking system, such as attached to pavement marking tape or deposited in pavement marking paint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Larry K. Stump, Thomas V. Kusilek, David C. May, Terry R. Bailey, Louis C. Belisle
  • Patent number: 5750191
    Abstract: A process and retroreflective elements are provided. The process of preparing a retroreflective element includes the steps of (a) combining a bed of optical elements and one or more core elements comprising a thermoplastic material; and (b) agitating the combination of optical elements and core elements for a sufficient period of time and at a sufficient temperature to coat the optical elements onto the core elements to form retroreflective elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Kathleen A. Hachey, Larry K. Stump, Terrance L. Beseup, Thomas V. Kusilek