Patents by Inventor Thu-Van T. Tran
Thu-Van T. Tran 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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Publication number: 20150337176Abstract: Flame retardant adhesive are described. The flame retardant adhesives include at least 93 wt. % an acrylic copolymer. This acrylic copolymer comprises the polymerization reaction product of 50 to 92 wt. % of at least one alkyl (meth)acrylate monomer, 3 to 25 wt. % of at least one nitrogen-containing monomer, and 5 to 25 wt. % of at least one vinyl-functional poly(methacrylate) macromer. Articles incorporating such adhesive are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2013Publication date: November 26, 2015Inventors: Thu-Van T. Tran, Ross E. Behling, Peter J. Harrison, Soyoung Kim
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Publication number: 20150322304Abstract: Methods of forming an adhesive composition including the steps of (a) combining a non-deaerated mixture comprising at least one free radically (co)polymerizable ethylenically-unsaturated material with a sealable packaging, wherein the packaging contains the non-deaerated mixture; (b) sealing the non-deaerated mixture in the packaging to form a sealed packaging; and (c) exposing the non-deaerated mixture in the sealed packaging to a source of ionizing radiation for a time sufficient to initiate (co)polymerization of at least a portion of the at least one free radically (co)polymerizable ethylenically-unsaturated material to form an adhesive composition in the sealed packaging. The (co)polymerization takes place essentially non-adiabatically.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2013Publication date: November 12, 2015Inventors: Daniel J. O'Neal, Sasha B. Myers, Karl Richter, Thu-Van T. Tran, Craig E. Hamer
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Publication number: 20150316693Abstract: Disclosed herein is an optical device having a light source, a viscoelastic lightguide and a retroreflective film suitable for retroreflecting light. Light from the light source enters the viscoelastic lightguide and is transported within the lightguide by total internal reflection. The optical device may have a “front lit” configuration such that light being transported within the lightguide is extracted and retroreflected by the film toward a viewer. The optical device may have a “back lit” configuration such that light being transported within the lightguide is extracted and transmitted through the film toward a viewer. The retroreflective film may comprise beaded retroreflective sheeting such as that used in traffic signs and markings.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2015Publication date: November 5, 2015Inventors: Audrey A. Sherman, Marie A. Boulos, Michael A. Meis, Kevin R. Schaffer, Thu-Van T. Tran
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Publication number: 20150298366Abstract: Methods of (co)polymerizing ethylenically-unsaturated materials, including the steps of providing a mixture of free radically (co)polymerizable ethylenically-unsaturated material in a mold, exposing the mixture in the mold to a source of ionizing radiation for a time sufficient to initiate (co)polymerization of at least a portion of the free radically (co)polymerizable ethylenically-unsaturated material, and allowing the free radically (co)polymerizable ethylenically-unsaturated material to (co)polymerize in the mold while continuing to expose the mixture to the source of ionizing radiation for a time sufficient to yield an at least partially (co)polymerized (co)polymer. The ethylenically-unsaturated materials are selected from vinyl-functional monomers, vinyl-functional oligomers, vinyl-functional macromers, and combinations thereof. The mixture is preferably free of thermally-induced or UV-induced free radical polymerization initiators.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2013Publication date: October 22, 2015Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Karl B. Richter, Sasha B. Myers, Daniel J. O'Neal, Thu-Van T. Tran, Craig E. Hamer
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Publication number: 20150299532Abstract: Methods of (co)polymerizing ethylenically-unsaturated materials, including the steps of providing a non-deaerated mixture of free radically (co)polymerizable ethylenically-unsaturated material in a batch reactor, exposing the non-deaerated mixture to a source of ionizing radiation for a time sufficient to initiate (co)polymerization of at least a portion of the free radically (co)polymerizable ethylenically-unsaturated material, and allowing the free radically (co)polymerizable ethylenically-unsaturated material to (co)polymerize under essentially adiabatic conditions while continuing to expose the mixture to the source of ionizing radiation for a time sufficient to yield an at least partially (co)polymerized (co)polymer. The ethylenically-unsaturated materials are selected from vinyl-functional monomers, vinyl-functional oligomers, vinyl-functional macromers, and combinations thereof. The mixture is preferably free of thermally-induced or UV-induced free radical polymerization initiators.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2013Publication date: October 22, 2015Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Sasha B. Myers, Daniel J. O'Neal, Karl B. Richter, Thu-Van T. Tran, Craig E. Hamer
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Patent number: 9086535Abstract: Disclosed herein is an optical device having a light source, a viscoelastic lightguide and a retroreflective film suitable for retroreflecting light. Light from the light source enters the viscoelastic lightguide and is transported within the lightguide by total internal reflection. The optical device may have a “front lit” configuration such that light being transported within the lightguide is extracted and retroreflected by the film toward a viewer. The optical device may have a “back lit” configuration such that light being transported within the lightguide is extracted and transmitted through the film toward a viewer. The retroreflective film may comprise beaded retroreflective sheeting such as that used in traffic signs and markings.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2009Date of Patent: July 21, 2015Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Audrey A. Sherman, Marie A. Boulos, Michael A. Meis, Kevin R. Schaffer, Thu-Van T. Tran
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Publication number: 20150183975Abstract: This disclosure relates to viscoelastic damping materials and constructions which may demonstrate low temperature performance and adhesion and which may be used in making vibration damping composites. Viscoelastic damping materials and constructions may include polymers or copolymers of monomers according to formula (I): CH 2?CHR1—COOR2 wherein R1 is H, CH3 or CH2CH3 and R2 is a branched alkyl group containing 12 to 32 carbon atoms.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2013Publication date: July 2, 2015Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Jason D. Clapper, Arlin L. Weikel, Thu-Van T. Tran, David A. Gries, Daniel J. Renninger, Kevin M. Lewandowski, Yorinobu Takamatsu
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Publication number: 20150004405Abstract: This disclosure relates to viscoelastic damping materials and constructions which may demonstrate low temperature performance and adhesion and which may be used in making vibration damping composites. Viscoelastic damping materials and constructions may include polymers or copolymers of monomers according to formula I: CH2?CHR1—COOR2 [I] wherein R1 is H, CH3 or CH2CH3 and R2 is a branched alkyl group containing 12 to 32 carbon atoms.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 26, 2012Publication date: January 1, 2015Inventors: Jason D. Clapper, Arlin L. Weikel, Thu-Van T. Tran, Kevin M. Lewandowski, David A. Gries, Daniel J. Renninger
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Patent number: 8836201Abstract: An electroactive polymer device is described that includes at least one layer of a dielectric polymer that is a polymerized product of at least one ethylenically unsaturated nitrogen-containing monomer. Also disclosed is a transducer that includes the electroactive polymer as disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2009Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Vivek Bharti, Thu-Van T. Tran
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Publication number: 20140162058Abstract: Pressure sensitive adhesive tapes having flame retarding properties include a backing and a pressure sensitive adhesive layer. The pressure sensitive adhesive layer includes a (meth)acrylate-based block copolymer, and may also include at least 10% by weight of a halogen-free flame retarding agent. The adhesive layer may contain additional optional additives such as tackifying resins, plasticizers, and the like. The tapes are prepared by coating the flame retarding pressure sensitive adhesive onto the backing, either in solvent or by a solventless process.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2012Publication date: June 12, 2014Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Thu-Van T. Tran, Marie Aloshyna ep Lesuffleur, Richard B. Ross, Eumi Pyun, Anthony R. Plepys, Peter J. Harrison, Jason D. Clapper, Naiyong Jing, Vivek Bharti, Neeraj Sharma
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Publication number: 20140160764Abstract: Disclosed herein is an optical device having a light source, a viscoelastic lightguide and a retroreflective film suitable for retroreflecting light. Light from the light source enters the viscoelastic lightguide and is transported within the lightguide by total internal reflection. The transported light is extracted from the lightguide and retroreflected at a structured surface of the retroreflective film. The optical device may have a “front lit” or a “back lit” configuration depending on the relative positioning of the lightguide and the retroreflective film. The retroreflective film may include prismatic retroreflective sheeting, holographic film or film structured with diffraction gratings. The optical device may be used, for example, as a sign or marking, a license plate assembly, a tail light assembly for vehicles, a security laminate for protection of documents against tampering, or an illumination device.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2014Publication date: June 12, 2014Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Audrey A. Sherman, Marie A. Boulos, Kevin R. Schaffer, Michael A. Meis, Thu-Van T. Tran, Ellen O. Aeling, Soemantri Widagdo
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Publication number: 20140147667Abstract: An adhesive tape that is stretch releasable, articles that contain the adhesive tape, and uses of the adhesive tape are disclosed. The adhesive tapes include a backing layer that is adjacent to at least one pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. The backing layer typically is optically clear and includes a poly(alkylene) copolymer. The pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is a silicone-based adhesive composition. In many embodiments, the adhesive tape is optically clear.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2014Publication date: May 29, 2014Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Michael D. Determan, Albert I. Everaerts, Mark D. Purgett, Thu-Van T. Tran, James L. Bries, Jeffrey O. Emslander, Jayshree Seth
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Publication number: 20140107282Abstract: Pressure sensitive adhesives having flame retarding properties include a (meth)acrylate-based block copolymer, and at least 10% by weight of a halogen-free flame retarding agent. The adhesives may contain additional optional additives such as tackifying resins, plasticizers, and the like. The adhesives are prepared by blending the (meth)acrylate-based block copolymer, and the halogen-free flame retarding agent either in solvent or by a solventless process.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2012Publication date: April 17, 2014Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Thu-Van T. Tran, Marie Aloshyna ep Lesuffleur, Richard B. Ross, Eumi Pyun, Anthony R. Plepys, Peter J. Harrison, Jason D. Clapper, Naiyong Jing, Vivek Bharti, Neeraj Sharma
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Patent number: 8673419Abstract: An adhesive tape that is stretch releasable, articles that contain the adhesive tape, and uses of the adhesive tape are disclosed. The adhesive tapes include a backing layer that is adjacent to at least one pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. The backing layer typically is optically clear and includes a poly(alkylene)copolymer. The pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is a silicone-based adhesive composition. In many embodiments, the adhesive tape is optically clear.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2009Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Michael D. Determan, Albert I. Everaerts, Mark D. Purgett, Thu-Van T. Tran, James L. Bries, Jeffrey O. Emslander, Jayshree Seth
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Patent number: 8651720Abstract: Disclosed herein is an optical device having a light source, a viscoelastic lightguide and a retroreflective film suitable for retroreflecting light. Light from the light source enters the viscoelastic lightguide and is transported within the lightguide by total internal reflection. The transported light is extracted from the lightguide and retroreflected at a structured surface of the retroreflective film. The optical device may have a “front lit” or a “back lit” configuration depending on the relative positioning of the lightguide and the retroreflective film. The retroreflective film may include prismatic retroreflective sheeting, holographic film or film structured with diffraction gratings. The optical device may be used, for example, as a sign or marking, a license plate assembly, a tail light assembly for vehicles, a security laminate for protection of documents against tampering, or an illumination device.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2009Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Audrey A. Sherman, Marie A. Boulos, Kevin R. Schaffer, Michael A. Meis, Thu-Van T. Tran, Ellen O. Aeling, Soemantri Widagdo
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Patent number: 8624468Abstract: An electromechanical article that includes a composite material (110) including a polymer and at least one expanded microsphere having an outer shell of a shell material and a gas contained within the outer shell, wherein the polymer at least partially encapsulates the microsphere and wherein the polymer, shell material and gas all have different dielectric constants. Devices including such articles and methods of making the articles are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2009Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Vivek Bharti, Thu-Van T. Tran
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Patent number: 8557378Abstract: Adhesive tapes, articles containing the adhesive tapes, methods of making the adhesive tapes, and uses of the adhesive tapes are described. The adhesive tape is stretch releasable and can be used to couple two substrates together. The adhesive tape can be removed easily to separate the two substrates for any reason. The adhesive tape includes a backing layer and at least one pressure-sensitive adhesive layer adjacent to the backing layer. The backing layer contains a first acrylic copolymer. Each pressure-sensitive adhesive layer contains a second acrylic copolymer plus inorganic particles that are dispersed or suspended in the second acrylic copolymer.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2009Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Michiko Yamanaka, Michael D. Determan, Albert I. Everaerts, Thu-Van T. Tran, Jayshree Seth
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Publication number: 20130011683Abstract: An optically clear adhesive layer includes a liquid optically clear adhesive having a viscosity of less than about 20 Pa·s at a shear rate of 1 sec?1 and a thixotrope. The optically clear adhesive layer has a haze of about 2% or less, a viscosity of between about 2 and about 30 Pa·s at a shear rate of 10 sec?1, a displacement creep of about 0.2 radians or less when a stress of 10 Pa is applied for about 2 minutes and a recovery time of about 60 seconds or less to reach a delta of 35 degrees after a torque of about 100 microN·m is applied for about 60 seconds at a frequency of 1 Hz and immediately followed by a torque of 80 microN·m at a frequency of 1 Hz. The adhesive layer can be used in an optical assembly to bond a display panel to a substantially transparent substrate. The adhesive layer provides a cleavage strength between glass substrates of about 15 N/mm or less such that the optical assembly can be disassembled with little or no damage to the display panel or the substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2011Publication date: January 10, 2013Inventors: Stanley C. Busman, Sunil K. Pillalamarri, Thu-Van T. Tran, Christopher J. Campbell
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Publication number: 20120100039Abstract: Light-activated antimicrobial devices and articles are disclosed. The devices include a light source and a light-activated antimicrobial article comprising a photosensitizer and a viscoelastic material such as a pressure sensitive adhesive adapted to receive light from the light source. The viscoelastic material may be adapted to transport light by total internal reflection. The photosensitizer may comprise a dye, a metal oxide or a composition that comprises anions that oxidize or react to form a gas. Upon activation of the light source, the photosensitizer absorbs light from the light source such that antimicrobial activity is exhibited. The photosensitizer may be included in the light-activated antimicrobial article or it may be provided as a topical composition that is separate from the article. The light-activated antimicrobial articles and devices may have constructions similar to those of wound dressings.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2010Publication date: April 26, 2012Inventors: Maria A. Appeaning, Audrey A. Sherman, Michael A. Meis, Marie A. Boulos, Kevin D. Landgrebe, Kevin R. Schaffer, Matthew T. Scholz, Thu-Van T. Tran, Narina Y. Stepanova, Caroline M. Ylitalo
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Publication number: 20120064304Abstract: An adhesive tape that is stretch releasable, articles that contain the adhesive tape, and uses of the adhesive tape are disclosed. The adhesive tape includes a backing layer that is adjacent to at least one pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. The backing layer includes a poly(alkylene)copolymer. Each pressure-sensitive adhesive layer includes a polyisobutylene material. The adhesive tapes can be optically clear.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2010Publication date: March 15, 2012Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Vivek Bharti, Thu-Van T. Tran, Jeffrey O. Emslander, Michael D. Determan