Minute Transparent Spheres Patents (Class 359/536)
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Patent number: 6110558Abstract: An article of clothing 10 bearing a retroreflective applique 12 that has a binder layer 14 onto which a retroreflective layer 19 is disposed. The retroreflective layer 19 includes a layer of optical elements 16 and a metal reflective layer 18, and the binder layer 14 includes a thermoplastic copolymer that includes units which contain carboxyl groups. A retroreflective applique, which uses such a binder layer in conjunction with aluminum-coated or silver-coated optical elements, demonstrates very good home laundering durability.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 1998Date of Patent: August 29, 2000Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Britton G. Billingsley, Vera L. Lightle
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Patent number: 6100217Abstract: A retroreflective graphic article bearing a fluorescent legend comprising a retroreflective base sheet, an image layer containing one or more pigments and one or more fluorescent dyes and a dye-receiving layer containing fluorescent dye which migrated from the image layer. Also, a method for making such articles is provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1997Date of Patent: August 8, 2000Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Yoshiyuki Nagaoka
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Patent number: 6074719Abstract: A multi-layer article comprises a fluoropolymer layer comprising interpolymerized units derived from vinylidene fluoride, and a melt-processable, substantially non-fluorinated polymer layer comprising a polyamide, polyimide, polyurethane, or a carboxyl, anhydride, or imide functionalized polyolefin. The non-fluorinated polymer layer further contains an aliphatic di-, or polyamine which provides increased adhesion between the fluoropolymer layer and the non-fluorinated polymer layer.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 1997Date of Patent: June 13, 2000Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Tatsuo Fukushi, Paul J. Wang
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Patent number: 6054208Abstract: Aliphatic polyurethane film forming mixtures, image bearing aliphatic polyurethane films, and image bearing retroreflective sheeting having such image bearing films are described. The image-bearing aliphatic polyurethane films of the invention comprise an aliphatic polyurethane film derived from a film-forming mixture comprising (A) an aliphatic polyurethane, and (B) at least one hydroxy-containing imidazoline surfactant represented by the formula ##STR1## wherein R is an aliphatic group containing from about 10 to about 22 carbon atoms and R.sup.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 1998Date of Patent: April 25, 2000Assignee: Avery Dennison CorporationInventors: Robert K. Rega, George H. Wise
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Patent number: 6030687Abstract: A retroreflective vision control panel which includes an opaque sheet material coated with retroreflective light reflecting particles and a dark opaque color on the reverse side thereof, and an image formed over top the retroreflective particles using colored light permeable translucent inks or films to form an image thereon. The opaque sheet and image have a plurality of perforations spaced therethrough. Translucent light-permeable sheet material is provided on the back side of the panel and overlaid on one or the other side with translucent inks to form a second image. An observer on the front side of the panel will observe one or the other of the images, depending upon the relative intensity of the light incident on the front and back sides of the panel.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 1999Date of Patent: February 29, 2000Inventor: Michael D. Andriash
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Patent number: 6000804Abstract: To provide a retroreflective material which has high utilization efficiency of light and which can give a reflected light to various color tones: the retroreflective material in accordance with the present invention, which comprises synthesizing an incident light by giving a phase contrast to a part of the incident light, and emphasizing a light component of specific wavelength region by interference and returning a colored light that the color tone is different from the incident light to the incident direction of the light, and to provide a hologram reconstructor which reflect the light to the almost the same direction as the incident direction, when the linear light that has regular directionality is irradiated, and which comprises graphic design function, decorating function and high forgery prevention property by using said retroreflective material as the hologram reconstructor: the retroreflective reconstructor in accordance with the present invention laminates said retroreflective material and a holograType: GrantFiled: September 28, 1998Date of Patent: December 14, 1999Assignee: Shiseido Co., Ltd.Inventor: Asa Kimura
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Patent number: 5988822Abstract: Luminous retroreflective sheetings have a transparent cover layer, an optical layer disposed beneath the cover layer, and a reflective layer. The optical layer includes a first polymer layer and a monolayer of beads at least partially embedded therein. The reflective layer is disposed proximate a focal plane of the monolayer of beads. The monolayer of beads includes transparent beads that, in combination with the reflective layer, retroreflect incident light. The monolayer also includes light-emitting beads that emit light under the influence of an applied voltage or ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Processes for making such sheetings are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 1998Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Hidetoshi Abe, Yoshinori Araki
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Patent number: 5988821Abstract: This invention relates to lens type functional retroreflective sheeting having retroreflective regions and visual functionality presenting regions, the retroreflective sheeting comprising:a base sheet consisting of a support comprising a functional resin layer containing a functional pigment having light-storing or fluorescent properties, microspherical lens-embedding regions in which microspherical lenses are densely distributed on the surface of the functional resin layer of the support so as to form a mono-layer, and microspherical lens-free regions in which substantially no microspherical lens is embedded and the functional resin layer is exposed;a transparent protective film disposed above the microspherical lens-bearing surface of the base sheet; andbonds at which said base sheet and said transparent protective film are partly bonded together. This lens type functional retroreflective sheeting not only afford good visibility to viewers positioned in the direction of the light source (e.g.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 1998Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Assignee: Nippon Carbide Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Osamu Tanaka, Kiyohito Hiromitsu, Kunihiro Takao, Katsura Ochi
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Patent number: 5984479Abstract: The present invention discloses lens-type retroreflective sheeting excellent in appearance and having constant thickness and desired retroreflective performance, wherein the transparent microspheres in the retroreflective layer are composed of transparent microspherical lenses (A) having a refractive index of 1.8 or more and transparent microspherical fillers (B) having a refractive index different by at least 5% from the refractive index of the lenses (A).Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1997Date of Patent: November 16, 1999Assignee: Nippon Carbide Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Katsura Ochi, Osamu Tanaka, Makoto Takeda
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Patent number: 5975706Abstract: A reflective plate (10) is disclosed, comprising a substrate (1), a retroreflective sheet (2) adhered to the surface of said substrate and having substantially flat base portions (3) covered with said retroreflective sheet (2), the retroreflective sheeting having retroreflective elements and a light transmissive cover layer; and a plurality of projections (4) covered with said retroreflective sheet and present on the corners of regular polygons that are arranged to form a regularly repeated pattern, wherein the arrangement of the projections (4) satisfies the relationship 0.05<h/P<0.60.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 1998Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventor: Naoki Nakayama
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Patent number: 5959775Abstract: A retroreflective article utilizing a solventless bead bond composition wherein the bead bond composition includes a urethane/acrylate interpenetrating polymer network in which the urethane polymer is a thermoplastic and the acrylate component is a thermoset. The solventless bead bond is applied as a mixture of diisocyanates, diols, multifunctional acrylates and additives and thermally cured to a rubbery, thermoplastic solid. At this point the bead bond can be softened or molded with the application of heat or stored for a period of time without loss of thermoplasticity. Final retroreflective sheeting constructions which possess superior adhesion to acrylics, toughness and high retroreflectance are achieved by curing the multifunctional acrylates with radiation.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1997Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: William D. Joseph, Lee A. Pavelka
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Patent number: 5939168Abstract: A retroreflective vision control panel which includes an opaque sheet material coated with retroreflective light reflecting particles and a dark opaque color on the reverse side thereof, and an image formed over top the retroreflective particles using colored light permeable translucent inks or films to form an image thereon. The opaque sheet and image have a plurality of perforations spaced therethrough. Translucent light-permeable sheet material is provided on the back side of the panel and overlaid on one or the other side with translucent inks to form a second image. An observer on the front side of the panel will observe one or the other of the images, depending upon the relative intensity of the light incident on the front and back sides of the panel.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 1997Date of Patent: August 17, 1999Inventor: Michael D. Andriash
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Patent number: 5917652Abstract: All-ceramic retroreflective elements which may be used in pavement markings comprising an opacified ceramic core and ceramic optical elements partially embedded into the core.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 1998Date of Patent: June 29, 1999Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: James P. Mathers, Kathleen M. Humpal, Roger W. Lange
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Patent number: 5910858Abstract: The present invention provides a retroreflective sheeting having a front surface and a back surface, the retroreflective sheeting retroreflecting light entering through the front surface, wherein the retroreflective sheeting comprises encapsulated-lens retroreflectors. The retroreflective sheeting includes a plurality of indentations in the back surface of the retroreflective sheeting and seal coat at least partially filling the indentations.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 1996Date of Patent: June 8, 1999Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Cheryl M. Frey, Bruce B. Wilson
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Patent number: 5900978Abstract: A material such as fabric, plastic, leather or paper incorporates retroreflective properties which result from the application of metal coated microbeads. Methods for the application of microbeads to various surfaces as well as the formulation of printing inks containing microheads are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 1996Date of Patent: May 4, 1999Assignee: Reflective Technology Industries LimitedInventors: Brian Sagar, Robert Moule
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Patent number: 5896227Abstract: A method for forming retroreflective sheeting comprising a binder layer having a first surface with protrusions thereon and a plurality of retroreflective elements partially embedded in the surface, wherein the method comprises forming the binder layer in a first profile, embedding the retroreflective elements therein, and then activating that binder layer such that it is restored to the first profile via shape memory.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 1997Date of Patent: April 20, 1999Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Naoyuki Toriumi, Michiru Hata
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Patent number: 5889615Abstract: Dual axis retroreflective articles and methods of using them are disclosed. The retroreflective articles may combine dual axis retroreflection with three axis retroreflection to provide a steady glow due to the three axis retroreflective portions of the article and also provide intermittent or flashing retroreflection as the plane of retroreflection from the dual axis retroreflector passes through or near the light source. The retroreflective articles may also include dual axis retroreflective structures in combination with sparkling reflective structures, as well as dual axis retroreflective structures in combination with both three axis retroreflective structures and sparkling reflective structures. Methods of use include moving the dual axis retroreflective structures to obtain intermittent or flashing retroreflection.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 1997Date of Patent: March 30, 1999Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: John F. Dreyer, Kenneth M. White, Vera L. Lightle
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Patent number: 5882771Abstract: The present invention provides a retroreflective sheeting including: optical elements arranged in substantially a monolayer; a spacing layer in which the optical elements are at least partially embedded; a specularly reflecting layer underlying the spacing layer; and a bead bond layer in which the optical elements are at least partially embedded. The bead bond layer includes an aminoplast-crosslinked polymer comprising urethane groups, wherein prior to crosslinking the polymer has a glass transition temperature (Tg) of less than about 0.degree. C.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 1996Date of Patent: March 16, 1999Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Deana A. Klein, Carol-Lynn Spawn
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Patent number: 5880885Abstract: Retroreflective article that provides effective retroreflective brightness at very high entrance angles as well as low entrance angles.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 1996Date of Patent: March 9, 1999Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Terry R. Bailey, Louis C. Belisle, deceased, Larry K. Stump, Gregory F. Jacobs, David G. Schueler, Dale H. Haunschild
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Patent number: 5835271Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 29, 1995Date of Patent: November 10, 1998Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Larry K. Stump, Thomas V. Kusilek, David C. May, Terry R. Bailey, Louis C. Belisle
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Patent number: 5824390Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing retroreflective sheeting useful for marking or the like of signs such as road signs and construction signs; number plates of vehicles such as motorcars and motorcycles; materials for safety such as clothes and life jackets; signboards, etc.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 1995Date of Patent: October 20, 1998Assignee: Nippon Carbide Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Katsura Ochi, Osamu Tanaka, Masaki Yoshizawa
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Patent number: 5820988Abstract: A retroreflective sheeting have a multitude of retroreflective elements that include a layer of optical elements and a reflective element(s) that is positioned functionally behind the optical elements. The retroreflective elements are supported by a polymeric layer, and an adhesive layer positioned below the support layer. The adhesive layer contains a polyurethane crosslinked by at least an isocyanate compound. The polyurethane is polymerized from a component containing a polyol having at least one alkyl side chain in a molecule, and the adhesive has (i) a storage modulus of about 2.times.10.sup.7 to 8.times.10.sup.7 dyne per square centimeter when measured in a tensile mode at a frequency of 35 Hz and 25.degree. C., and (ii) a softening point of about 80.degree. C. to less than 200.degree. C.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1996Date of Patent: October 13, 1998Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Yoshiyuki Nagaoka
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Patent number: 5822120Abstract: A retroreflective element which may be used in pavement markings comprising a core having (a) a central layer having first and second major surfaces and at least one vertical surface, (b) a barrier layer applied to the first major surface, and (c) a barrier layer applied to the second major surface; and a plurality of optical elements embedded in the vertical surface(s) of the central layer.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 1996Date of Patent: October 13, 1998Inventors: Michael C. Palazzotto, Wayne S. Mahoney
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Patent number: 5812317Abstract: An exposed lens retroreflective article 10 has in sequence a layer of microspheres 12, a polymeric intermediate layer 18, a metal reflective layer 16, and a polymeric binder layer 14. Microspheres 12 are partially embedded in the binder layer 14, and the intermediate layer 18 and the metal reflective layer 16 are disposed between the microspheres 12 and the binder layer 14 such that the intermediate layer 18 is in contact with microspheres 12. Retroreflective articles of this construction provide improved laundering durability.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1995Date of Patent: September 22, 1998Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Britton G. Billingsley, Robert J. Fleming
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Patent number: 5784198Abstract: An encapsulated lens retroreflective sheeting that has a bonding layer that consists essentially of a thermoplastic polyurethane resin that has a softening point of 70.degree. C. to 200.degree. C. The bonding layer is sealed to a light transmissible surface protective layer by a multitude of bonds that form spaces between the protective layer and the bonding layer. Retroreflective elements are partially embedded in the bonding layer and interface with air in the spaces. An encapsulated lens retroreflective sheeting of this construction can be adhered to a highly plasticized plastic surface and maintain high adhesion force for an extended duration while at the same time maintaining good retroreflective performance.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 1996Date of Patent: July 21, 1998Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Yoshiyuki Nagaoka
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Patent number: 5777790Abstract: A retroreflective article comprising a monolayer of microspheres partially embedded in and protruding from a binder layer and specular reflector underlying the microspheres, wherein the monolayer of microspheres comprises a mixture of a first class of microspheres having a first refractive index and a second class of microspheres having a second refractive index wherein the second refractive index is higher than the first refractive index. As a result, the sheeting exhibits superior observation angle angularity.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 1996Date of Patent: July 7, 1998Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Toshitaka Nakajima
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Patent number: 5777791Abstract: Retroreflective articles, for example in the form of pavement markers or retroreflective elements, exhibit both wet and dry retroreflectivity by using a plurality of Type A microspheres and a plurality of Type B microspheres partially embedded in a binder layer containing specular pigments. The Type A and Type B microspheres have different average indices of refraction.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 1996Date of Patent: July 7, 1998Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Thomas P. Hedblom
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Patent number: 5759671Abstract: Ultraviolet luminescent retroreflective sheeting includes a retroreflective portion containing retroreflective elements and an ultraviolet luminescent portion to facilitate nighttime viewing by persons not located at or near a source of light being retroreflected by the retroreflective portion. At least part of the ultraviolet luminescent portion is provided as the bonding lines for bonding the transparent cover sheet to the support sheet to form a series of sealed cells in which the retroreflective elements, which may be of the encapsulated lens-type or the encapsulated cube-corner-type, are disposed. The ultraviolet luminescenct portion includes fluorescent agent which emits light when irradiation by ultraviolet irradiation.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 1996Date of Patent: June 2, 1998Assignee: Nippon Carbide Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Osamu Tanaka, Kiyohito Hiromitsu, Hidenori Fushimi
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Patent number: 5738746Abstract: An article of clothing 10 bearing a retroreflective applique 12 that has a binder layer 14 onto which a retroreflective layer 19 is disposed. The retroreflective layer 19 includes a layer of optical elements 16 and a metal reflective layer 18, and the binder layer 14 includes a thermoplastic copolymer that includes units which contain carboxyl groups. A retroreflective applique, which uses such a binder layer in conjunction with aluminum-coated or silver-coated optical elements, demonstrates very good home laundering durability.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1995Date of Patent: April 14, 1998Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Britton G. Billingsley, Vera L. Lightle
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Patent number: 5726803Abstract: The present invention comprises lens-type retroreflective sheeting which is excellent in appearance and having constant thickness and desired retroreflective performance, wherein the transparent microspheres in the retroreflective layer are composed of transparent microspherical lenses (A) having a refractive index of 1.8 or more and transparent microspherical fillers (B) having a refractive index different by at least 5% from the refractive index of the lenses (A).Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 1995Date of Patent: March 10, 1998Assignee: Nippon Carbide Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Katsura Ochi, Osamu Tanaka, Makoto Takeda
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Patent number: 5679435Abstract: A retro-reflective vision control panel which includes an opaque sheet material coated with retro-reflective light reflecting particles and a dark opaque color on the reverse side thereof, and an image formed over top the retro-reflective particles using colored light permeable translucent inks or films to form an image thereon. The opaque sheet and image have a plurality of perforations spaced thereover such that when the light level on the image side of said panel is slightly less than, equal to, or greater than that on the other side, an observer on the image side clearly sees the image while an observer on the other side sees through the panel without seeing any trace whatsoever of the image or design.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 1996Date of Patent: October 21, 1997Inventor: Michael D. Andriash
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Patent number: 5674605Abstract: A retroreflective applique is provided that includes a layer of optical lens elements partially embedded in and protruding from a transfer adhesive layer prepared from ingredients comprising a vinyl plastisol and a substantially nonhydrolyzed aminosilane adhesion promoter; wherein the aminosilane adhesion promoter is used in an amount effective to produce an applique capable of:(a) retaining at least about 60% of its initial retroreflectivity after being laminated to 65/35 polyester/cotton blend fabric (100 g/m.sup.2) at about 174.degree. C. and about 2.8 Kg/cm.sup.2 pressure for about 20 seconds and subjected to home laundering conditions five times; and(b) retaining at least about 40% of its initial retroreflectivity after being laminated to 65/35 polyester/cotton blend fabric (100 g/m.sup.2) at about 174.degree. C. and about 2.8 Kg/cm.sup.2 pressure for about 20 seconds and subjected to home laundering conditions twenty-five times.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1995Date of Patent: October 7, 1997Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Paul E. Marecki
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Patent number: 5673148Abstract: Encapsulated retroreflective element comprising a retroreflective assembly made up of a transparent optical body and a reflective member and essentially completely encapsulated within a dense, substantially transparent oxide coating. Also a method for making such retroreflective elements and articles and compositions comprising such retroreflective elements.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 1994Date of Patent: September 30, 1997Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Geoffrey P. Morris, Kenton D. Budd
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Patent number: 5639530Abstract: Retroreflective articles for life saving devices at sea are described comprising a layer of a pressure-sensitive adhesive made using a solvent-free hot melt process which employs as starting material a tackified non-thermoplastic hydrocarbon elastomer. The process employs a continuous compounding device that has a sequence of alternating conveying and processing zones.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 1995Date of Patent: June 17, 1997Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Gary R. Miron, Thanh-Huong Thi Nguyen
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Patent number: 5621571Abstract: An integrated retroreflective data communication display for visual and electromagnetic communication is described. The display may be configured as an integrated retroreflective electronic license plate, with printed visual information, similar to the information printed on traditional license plates, on retroreflective sheeting. An antenna network is integrated within the license plate for electromagnetic communication and may be connected to external electronic modules. The display may also be configured as an integrated retroreflective electronic road sign, also providing visual and electromagnetic information in a unitary structure.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 1994Date of Patent: April 15, 1997Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Heinrich Bantli, Thomas I. Bradshaw, Stephen W. Mohn, Edmund J. Ring
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Patent number: 5620775Abstract: This invention relates to glass microsphere (bead) coated articles having an upper surface comprising a layer of low refractive index transparent glass microspheres such as those made from recycled ordinary glass. The articles of the invention have an extremely smooth tactile feel and a low friction surface even though they can be prepared from glass microspheres intermixed with abrasive irregularly shaped glass particles. The invention also relates to the method making the bead coated articles of the invention and transfer articles that can be used to make the bead coated articles of the invention.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1995Date of Patent: April 15, 1997Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventor: James D. LaPerre
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Patent number: 5605761Abstract: An article exhibiting durable fluorescent properties comprising a polymeric matrix, dye, and hindered amine light stabilizer, wherein the polymeric matrix is comprised of polycarbonate and the dye is comprised of a dye selected from the group consisting essentially of thioxanthone, perylene imide and/or thioindigoid compounds. The article exhibits durable fluorescence which resists degradation by ultraviolet or visible radiation. The invention is optionally combined with retroreflective elements so that the resultant article has durable fluorescent properties when exposed to sunlight and is also retroreflective. A method of manufacturing an article exhibiting durable fluorescent properties is also disclosed along with a method of increasing the durability of polycarbonate in a dyed system.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 1996Date of Patent: February 25, 1997Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: David M. Burns, Lee A. Pavelka
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Patent number: 5557461Abstract: A novel roadway or similar marker strip having preferably retro-reflective-beaded protuberances in a critical "herringbone"-like pattern that provides a surprising degree of azimuthal uniform omindirectionality of light reflected from the strip.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 1995Date of Patent: September 17, 1996Assignee: BriteLine Industries, Inc.Inventor: Charles W. Wyckoff
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Patent number: 5514441Abstract: Retroreflective sheeting having an aliphatic polyurethane topcoat is described. The aliphatic polyurethane topcoat is obtainable from a mixture comprising (A) an aliphatic polyurethane derived from an aliphatic polyisocyanate and a polyester polyol prepared from a mixture comprising (A-1) a dicarboxylic acid component comprising isophthalic acid as the major dicarboxylic acid; and (A-2) a polyol component; and (B) cellulose acetate butyrate. The mixture also may contain (C) at least one non-reactive solvent, and optionally, (D) one or more surfactants including, for example, hydroxy-containing non-silicone surfactants.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1994Date of Patent: May 7, 1996Assignee: Avery Dennison CorporationInventors: Susan L. Pohto, Richard J. Katona, George H. Wise, Robert K. Rega
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Patent number: 5502593Abstract: A low profile pavement marker having a glass bead type reflector and an inclined top surface is disclosed. Flanges extend from a peripheral surface on the face and from the rear of the reflector for engagement with epoxy for mounting the pavement marker to the road surface. The front face is angled to permit wiping of the glass beads of the reflector. The shell of the pavement marker may be trimmed to be combined with other shells or other reflectors.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 1992Date of Patent: March 26, 1996Assignee: Pac-Tec, Inc.Inventor: Peter Hedgewick
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Patent number: 5474827Abstract: A retroreflective article (100, 200, 300) includes a monolayer of retroreflective elements (120, 220, 320), a binder layer (110, 210, 310), and a compound comprising an aromatic bidentate moiety. The retroreflective elements (120, 220, 320) are partially embedded in the binder layer (110, 210, 310), and the compound is chemically associated with the retroreflective elements (120, 220, 320) to provide extraordinary laundering durability to the retroreflective article (100, 200, 300).Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 1994Date of Patent: December 12, 1995Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Michael D. Crandall, Allen L. Griggs, Peter M. Olofson, Taun L. McKenzie, Theresa M. Watschke
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Patent number: 5468540Abstract: A retroreflective article comprising a transparent base sheet having first and second broad faces, the second face being substantially planar and the first face having an array of substantially hemi-spheroidal microlenses thereon, the microlenses being wider and shorter than portions of true spheres, the shape of the microlenses and thickness of the base sheet being such that collimated light substantially orthogonally incident to the array is focused approximately at the second face, wherein the second face has a coating of a nacreous pigment composition thereon. The article can include an optional layer of adhesive over the reflective layer to permit the article to be adhered to a document as a tamper-indicating, authenticating, and protective overlay. Special images can be formed within the article to enhance the security provided thereby. Also, a method for making such base sheets, and a method for making a forming master.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 1993Date of Patent: November 21, 1995Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Shih-Lai Lu
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Patent number: 5451447Abstract: Retroreflective appliques comprising a monolayer of retroreflective elements partially embedded in and protruding from the front surface of a binder layer and an optional layer of adhesive on the rear surface of the binder layer, wherein the binder layer, the adhesive layer, or both contain a metal-azo dye to camouflage the color of any exposed portions of said binder layer. Appliques comprising micropheres with aluminum reflectors as retroreflective elements and a black metal-azo dye in the binder layer will exhibit a pleasing silver appearance even after portions of the binder layer have been visibly exposed due to degradation of the aluminum reflectors, typically as a result of subjecting the applique to harsh laundering conditions.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1994Date of Patent: September 19, 1995Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Wu-Shyong Li
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Patent number: 5422162Abstract: A conformable marking tape having improved mechanical properties comprises a support base and a top-coat layer, the support base comprising a highly saturated acrylonitrile elastomer grafted with a zinc salt of methacrylic acid. The top-coat layer preferably comprises a polyurethane resin having about 50 to about 65% by weight of rigid segments and about 35 to about 50% by weight of flexible segments. The rigid segments are derived from diisocyanates and aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic chain extenders, and the flexible segments are derived from polymeric compounds having at least two active hydrogen atoms and having weight average molecular weights ranging from about 400 to about 4000.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 1994Date of Patent: June 6, 1995Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Sergio Passarino, Luigi Cazzaniga
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Patent number: 5417515Abstract: A retroreflective article and a method for making same are taught. The retroreflective article comprises transparent microspheres and both specular and diffuse reflective pigments dispersed in a binder layer. The utilization of both types of pigments results in improved retroreflectivity over a greater range of entrance angles than if only one or the other pigment alone were used.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 1994Date of Patent: May 23, 1995Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Kathleen A. Hachey, Thomas P. Hedblom, David C. May
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Patent number: 5387458Abstract: Article comprising an ultraviolet screening screen layer and a color layer containing a defined daylight fluorescent dye dissolved in a defined polymeric matrix. The article exhibits durable fluorescence and resistance to degradation from exposure to sunlight. If desired, the article is retroreflective.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 1994Date of Patent: February 7, 1995Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Lee A. Pavelka, David M. Burns, Raymond P. Johnston, Edward S. Shinbach
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Patent number: 5376431Abstract: Retroreflective sheet material is produced by forming sheet material with closely spaced retroreflective formations on one face and depositing on this face silver and copper atoms having high kinetic energy to provide a reflective metallic deposit comprising a base layer of metallic silver and an overlying layer of metallic copper. An organic protective coating is thereafter applied over the reflective metallic deposit. Light rays passing through the front face of the body enter the retroreflective formations, impinge upon the interface provided by the silver base layer and are retroreflected therefrom. As a result, the sheet material exhibits a bright white appearance in daylight as well as a bright white coloration at night when an incandescent beam impinges thereon.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 1993Date of Patent: December 27, 1994Assignee: Reflexite CorporationInventor: William P. Rowland
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Patent number: 5338595Abstract: Retroreflective appliques comprising a monolayer of retroreflective elements partially embedded in and protruding from the front surface of a binder layer and an optional layer of adhesive on the rear surface of the binder layer, wherein the binder layer, the adhesive layer, or both contain a metal-azo dye to camouflage the color of any exposed portions of said binder layer. Appliques comprising micropheres with aluminum reflectors as retroreflective elements and a black metal-azo dye in the binder layer will exhibit a pleasing silver appearance even after portions of the binder layer have been visibly exposed due to degradation of the aluminum reflectors, typically as a result of subjecting the applique to harsh laundering conditions.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1992Date of Patent: August 16, 1994Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Wu-Shyong Li
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Patent number: 5316838Abstract: A retroreflective sheet comprising a monolayer of retroreflective elements partially embedded in and partially protruding from the front surface of a binder layer and a backing bonded to the back surface of the binder layer wherein the backing is elastic and comprises a highly conformable and deformable nonwoven web comprising melt-blown microfibers having multiple layers of a relatively low modulus material and a high modulus material.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 1993Date of Patent: May 31, 1994Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Michael D. Crandall, Eugene G. Joseph
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Patent number: 5283101Abstract: Retroreflective appliques comprising a monolayer of retroreflective elements partially embedded in and protruding from the front surface of a binder layer and an optional layer of adhesive on the rear surface of the binder layer for securing the applique to a garment, wherein the binder layer comprises an electron-beam cured polymer selected from the group consisting of chlorosulfonated polyethylenes, ethylene copolymers comprising at least about 70 weight percent of polyethylene, and EPDM polymers.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1992Date of Patent: February 1, 1994Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Wu-Shyong Li