3m Innovative Properties Company

Other

Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company

Robert D Hamann

Charlie C Ho

Jay M Jennen

Ryan M Braun

Joseph D Rule

Todd D Jones

Bimal V Thakkar

Robert F Watkins

Yongshang Lu

Vijay Rajamani

Ken Egashira

Timothy D Bredahl

Charlie Chia-Tie Ho

Jeremy P Gundale

Dennis L Christ

Donald R Peacock

Timothy J Walker

Michael A Giefer

John J Jaros

Sean P Addison

Trevor A Larson

Ricky L Nelson

Chia Hui Lin

Hsi Shou Kuo

Various embodiments disclosed relate to a surfacing film. The surfacing film includes a base layer. The base layer includes a thermoplastic polyurethane film comprising a reaction product of a reaction mixture of a diisocyanate, a polyester polyol having a melting temperature of at least about 30° C.; and a diol chain extender. There are many reasons to use the surfacing film including easier and more cost effective manufacturing of the surfacing film by directly extruding the base layer by mixing the reaction mixture in an extruder. Another reason to use the surfacing film is that the film has improved resistance to discoloration. Another reason to use the film is that the film shows good toughness.

Extruded polyurethane surface films

The disclosed aliphatic thermoplastic polyurethane composition is well suited for use in thin, flexible light directing articles to impart flexibility, toughness, or protection to the light directing articles that contain optically active elements. The disclosed aliphatic thermoplastic polyurethanes have improved thermostability at higher temperatures. Specifically, the disclosed aliphatic thermoplastic polyurethanes have a cross-over temperature greater than 110&#xb0; C. In one embodiment, the cross-over temperature is greater than 130&#xb0; C. In one embodiment, the cross-over temperature is less than 170&#xb0; C. and a Tg greater than 35&#xb0; C. and less than 70&#xb0; C.

Polyurethane layer for a light directing article

The disclosed aliphatic thermoplastic polyurethane composition is well suited for use in thin, flexible light directing articles to impart flexibility, toughness, or protection to the light directing articles that contain optically active elements. The disclosed aliphatic thermoplastic polyurethanes have improved thermostability at higher temperatures. Specifically, the disclosed aliphatic thermoplastic polyurethanes have a cross-over temperature greater than 110&#xb0; C. In one embodiment, the cross-over temperature is greater than 130&#xb0; C. In one embodiment, the cross-over temperature is less than 170&#xb0; C. and a Tg greater than 35 C and less than 70 C.

Disclosed herein are improved thermoplastic polyurethane compositions, articles, and related methods. These compositions include aliphatic thermoplastic polyurethanes having a hard segment content ranging from 57 percent to 80 percent by weight. The hard coat compositions have a Shore D hardness of at least 70 and can display an Elongation at Break test result at 25 degrees Celsius of at least 150 percent. These materials, when hardened, can serve decorative and/or protective functions while displaying both a high degree of elongation at moderate temperatures and high hardness.

Thermoplastic polyurethane compositions, articles, and methods thereof

A vine supporting device for manipulating the growth, direction, and distribution of vines and other creeping plants is provided. The vine supporting device comprises a base having a top and a bottom. A support pole is mounted in a substantially vertical direction to the top of the base. A plurality of wire mount slots is formed in the top of the base and around a perimeter of the base. A plurality of wire frames are provided with each wire frame having a first end and a second end and the first end releasably securable in one of the wire mount slots. A top cap is positionable on top of the support poles with the second ends of the wire mounts positionable and releasably secured under the top cap. Upon positioning the vine upon the top of the base, the support pole and wire frames control and direct growth of the vine.

Vine stand

An elongate mass of material wrapped by a liner in which the liner is wrapped around the material with the liner inside surface facing the peripheral surface of the material, with first and second regions of the liner extending away from the material with the liner inside surface of the first region in unbonded contact with the liner inside surface of the second region so as to enclose the material with said liner. The material and the center region of the liner together form a core of the wrapped mass of material, and the first and second liner regions together form a tab of the wrapped mass of material. The wrapped mass of material includes a first portion and a second portion and is arranged such that the core of a second portion applies sufficient force to the tab of a first portion so as to maintain the mass of material enveloped by the liner at the first portion. Also presented are methods and apparatus for wrapping and unwrapping such material. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides a cold-flowable material such as a hot-melt pressure sensitive adhesive wrapped in a liner such that the liner is easily removed from the material.

Wrapped material, and method and apparatus for wrapping and unwrapping

Growing community of inventors

Eagan, MN, United States of America

Robert D Hamann