3m Innovative Properties Company

Tien Yi T H Whiting

Kui Chen-Ho

Duane Douglas Fansler

Anthony F Schultz

Carla S Thomas

John Allen Wheatley

Neeraj Sharma

Caroline M Ylitalo

Douglas Scott Dunn

Steven T Awiszus

Kiran S Kanukurthy

Shri Niwas

Glenn E Casner

Kevin W Gotrik

Ann R Fornof

Suman K Patel

Jonathan E Janoski

James W Howard

Michael A McCoy

Scott J Jones

Brett J Sitter

Travis L Potts

James B Snyder

Ying Xia

Nathaniel K Naismith

James A Thielen

Jonah Shaver

Bryan T Whiting

Payam Khodaparast

Paul L Acito

Charles Allen Shaklee

James L C Werness, Jr

Katja Hansen

Taylor J Kobe

Kenneth L Smith

Kenneth A Epstein

Guanglei Du

Todd D Jones

Alexander J Kugel

Graham M Clarke

Daniel J Theis

Bimal V Thakkar

Susannah C Clear

Corinne Elizabeth Lipscomb

John T Strand

David J Rowe

Mary M Caruso Dailey

Thomas J Metzler

Robert F Watkins

David C Lueneburg

A retroreflective article comprises a binder layer and a plurality of retroreflective elements, each retroreflective element comprising a transparent microsphere partially embedded in the binder layer. At least some of the retroreflective elements comprise a first locally laminated layer and a second locally laminated layer that may be reflective layers. A transfer article comprises a disposable carrier layer in which the retroreflective article is detachably disposed with at least some of the transparent microspheres in contact with the disposable carrier layer.

Retroreflective article comprising multiple locally-laminated layers

The disclosed patterned wavelength-selective material and process for making the patterned wavelength-selective material uses patterned applied adhesive and a structurally weak wavelength-selective material that includes portions that contact the adhesive and break to remain in contact with the adhesive. In one embodiment, the wavelength-selective material comprises an array of sections with cuts at least partially through a wavelength-selective film at each section secured to the adhesive. In another embodiment, the wavelength-selective film comprises a transfer stack of layers.

Patterned wavelength-selective film

Wavelength-selective films are visibly apparent under the selective wavelength. Wavelength-selective films typically reflect off axis the selected wavelength and therefore can provide high-contrast against a background when applied in a pattern on a substrate. However, it is difficult to apply unique patterned embedded images from film. Disclosed is a cost-effective method and construction of a patterned wavelength-selective image to a substrate. In the disclosed wavelength-selective image, wavelength-selective film particles are applied to an adhesive pattern to create the wavelength-selective image.

Patterned wavelength-selective image

Articles that include at least one application layer; at least one bead bond layer (); a layer of optical elements () that are partially embedded in the at least one bead bond layer (); and at least one reflective layer () that is located functionally between the layer of optical elements () and the bead bond layer (), wherein the at least one bead bond layer (), the at least one application layer, or both comprise a cured product of an adhesive compositions that include polymerized units of one or more (meth)acrylate ester monomers derived from an alcohol containing 1 to 14 carbon atoms; at least one of urethane acrylate polymer or at least one acrylic copolymer; and at least one initiator.

Articles having adhesive layers including urethane acrylate polymer or acrylate copolymer

In general, techniques are described for a personal protective equipment (PPE) management system (PPEMS) that uses images of optical patterns embodied on articles of personal protective equipment (PPEs) to identify safety conditions that correspond to usage of the PPEs. In one example, an article of personal protective equipment (PPE) includes a first optical pattern embodied on a surface of the article of PPE; a second optical pattern embodied on the surface of the article of PPE, wherein a spatial relation between the first optical pattern and the second optical pattern is indicative of an operational status of the article of PPE.

Personal protective equipment management system using optical patterns for equipment and safety monitoring

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a composition includes about 5 to about 40 parts by weight of a solute copolymer component. The solute component optionally has one Tor Tof at least 25&#xb0; C. The composition further includes about 60 to about 95 parts by weight of a solvent monomer. The solvent monomer component includes (meth)acrylate monomers and a multifunctional acrylate. The sum of the solute copolymer component and the solvent monomer component is 100 parts by weight. The composition further includes about 5 to about 100 parts of a plasticizer, relative to the 100 parts. The plasticizer component comprises at least one plasticizer comprising an acid group.

Self-wetting adhesive composition

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a composition includes about 5 to about 40 parts by weight of a solute copolymer component. The solute component optionally has one Tor Tof at least 25&#xb0; C. The composition further includes about 60 to about 95 parts by weight of a solvent monomer. The solvent monomer component includes (meth)acrylate monomers and a multifunctional acrylate. The sum of the solute copolymer component and the solvent monomer component is 100 parts by weight. The composition further includes about 5 to about 100 parts of a plasticizer, relative to the 100 parts.

A light directing article comprises an acrylic polyvinyl acetal film to protect the optical elements of the light directing article. The acrylic polyvinyl acetal film has a Tg of at least 30&#xb0; C. and comprises a (meth)acrylic polymer and polyvinyl acetal polymer. The acrylic polyvinyl acetal film is flexible and durable to mechanical deformation.

Acrylic polyvinyl acetal film for a light directing article

Retroreflecting articles are described. In particular, retroreflecting articles including a quarter wave retarder and a retroreflecting layer are described. The retarder is rotationally invariant and the retroreflecting layer is non-depolarizing. Such articles may be useful for sensor-detectable signs, labels, and garments.

Retroreflecting article including retarder

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Saint Paul, MN, United States of America

Tien Yi T H Whiting