3m Innovative Properties Company

Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company

Thomas V Kusilek

Patrick R Fleming

Robert L W Smithson

Lee A Pavelka

Thomas J Dahlin

Larry K Stump

Terry R Bailey

David C May

Suman K Patel

Howard R Tolliver

David W Meitz

Kathleen A Hachey

Louis C Belisle

Nagraj Koneripalli

James P McAuley

Mark W Leverty

Joseph A Richie

Terrance L Beseup

Robert L Smithson

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.

High contrast retroreflective sheeting and license plates

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. Accordingly, pulling on the end conduit or the hose attached to the end conduit will retract the sleeve so as to disconnect and release the hose coupling from the plug.

Quick disconnect and release hose couplings

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.

Wear-resistant transportation surface marking method and materials

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.

Encased retroreflective elements and method for making

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.

Retroreflective elements

Growing community of inventors

River Falls, WI, United States of America

Thomas V Kusilek