3m Innovative Properties Company

Patrick J Yeshe

Kui Chen-Ho

Frank Thomas Sher

James P Endle

Ellen O Aeling

Audrey A Sherman

Michael Alan Meis

Matthew S Stay

Kevin R Schaffer

Wendi J Winkler

Ross E Behling

Michael J Sykora

Thu-Van T Tran

Marie A Boulos

Matthew R D Smith

Michael R Kesti

Dawud H Tan

Anish Kurian

Soemantri Widagdo

Guy M Kallman

Kaitlin R Mohs

This disclosure describes a composition that includes a bulk diffuser that includes a film having a major surface; the film includes a polymer, and a scattering element. The scattering element includes a silicone bead having a mean particle diameter in a range of 2 micrometers (μm) to 9 μm. The linear density of the film is at least 5.1 W*μm, wherein the linear density equals the product of the mass fraction of the silicone bead (W) and film thickness in micrometers (μm). This disclosure further describes methods of making the film and the bulk diffuser and methods of using the film including, for example, as a bulk diffuser in a sign box.

Bulk diffuser

Modified adhesive layers are prepared by contacting an adhesive layer to a modified microstructured release liner. The modified release liner has a release layer surface with a set of microstructured depressions and a discontinuous pattern of ink material located on the surface of the release layer. A portion of the discontinuous pattern of ink material overlaps with and is located within some of the depressions. The ink material comprises a non-adhesive but adhesively transferrable material, or an adhesive material. Upon removal of the adhesive from the release liner, the ink material transfers to the adhesive surface.

Microstructured release liners for selective transfer of ink to film

An adhesive-backed film with an adhesive layer having thermoplastic or thermoset filaments partially projecting therefrom, to promote fluid egress and repositionability.

Web with adhesive layer having partially embedded filaments

A method of making an adhesive backed web, wherein the adhesive layer of such web has partially embedded filaments projecting therefrom. The filaments may comprise a thermoplastic material or a hot melt adhesive. The filaments are contacted to a major surface of a liner material then pressed partially thereinto. An adhesive layer, as from an adhesive backed film, is then laminated to the filament-containing liner, allowing the adhesive layer to pick up the filaments.

Method of making web with partially embedded fibers

Disclosed herein is an optical device having a light source and a viscoelastic lightguide. Light from the light source enters the viscoelastic lightguide and is transported within the lightguide by total internal reflection. The viscoelastic lightguide may comprise a pressure sensitive adhesive. The optical device may be used in a variety of constructions wherein the device emits light being transported within the viscoelastic lightguide. Constructions include those used for signs, markings, illumination devices, display devices, keypad assemblies and tail light assemblies for vehicles.

Light source and optical article including viscoelastic lightguide disposed on a substrate

Growing community of inventors

Woodbury, MN, United States of America

Patrick J Yeshe