John M David

US Patent:

6520234, Feb 18, 2003

Filed:

May 23, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/576624

Inventors:

Conrad V. Anderson - Minneapolis MN
Brett A. Behnke - Welch MN
John R. David - Stillwater MN
Anne M. DePalma - Chisago City MN
Ronald S. Steelman - Woodbury MN

Assignee:

3M Innovative Properties Company - St. Paul MN

International Classification:

B32B 3120

US Classification:

156361, 156381, 156576, 156574, 156582

Abstract:

Steered vacuum-assisted laminating apparatus and methods of using the same are disclosed. The apparatus includes a vacuum-assisted laminator for applying large format films to substrates where lamination pressure is generated at least partially by a vacuum drawn in a vacuum cavity. The apparatus also includes a steering system to control the vertical position the laminator and a vehicle to move the laminator along the substrate in a desired direction.

US Patent:

6645328, Nov 11, 2003

Filed:

Jan 27, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/351851

Inventors:

Conrad V. Anderson - Minneapolis MN
Brett A. Behnke - Welch MN
John R. David - Stillwater MN
Anne M. DePalma - Chisago City MN
Ronald S. Steelman - Woodbury MN

Assignee:

3M Innovative Properties Company - St. Paul MN

International Classification:

B32B 3120

US Classification:

156 64, 156163, 156286, 156285

Abstract:

Steered vacuum-assisted laminating apparatus and methods of using the same are disclosed. The apparatus includes a vacuum-assisted laminator for applying large format films to substrates where lamination pressure is generated at least partially by a vacuum drawn in a vacuum cavity. The apparatus also includes a steering system to control the vertical position the laminator and a vehicle to move the laminator along the substrate in a desired direction.

US Patent:

6824638, Nov 30, 2004

Filed:

Jul 27, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/626621

Inventors:

Conrad V. Anderson - Minneapolis MN
Brett A. Behnke - Welch MN
John R. David - Stillwater MN
Ronald S. Steelman - Woodbury MN

Assignee:

3M Innovative Properties Company - St. Paul MN

International Classification:

B32B 3100

US Classification:

156229, 156 64, 156 71

Abstract:

Methods of forming composite graphic images on a substrate using a plurality of films that are applied and registered with each other under tension are disclosed. The films may include registration marks distributed along their lengths and those registration marks can be used to vary the tension under which the films are dispensed during application to a substrate. By detecting the registration marks on a film already applied to a substrate and detecting corresponding registration marks on a film being dispensed and applied to the substrate, registration between the different portions of the composite image on the different films can be maintained over the length of the films and, therefore, the length of the resulting composite image. That registration is controlled by varying tension of the film being applied.

US Patent:

7141133, Nov 28, 2006

Filed:

Dec 19, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/325509

Inventors:

Michael R. Kesti - Minneapolis MN, US
Frank T. Sher - St. Paul MN, US
Stephen J. Aden - West St. Paul MN, US
Ronald S. Steelman - Woodbury MN, US
John R. David - Stillwater MN, US

Assignee:

3M Innovative Properties Company - St. Paul MN

International Classification:

B32B 37/10

US Classification:

156212, 156252, 156253, 156286

Abstract:

Methods of applying film to substrates are provided wherein the film matingly conforms to the configuration of the substrate, including areas adjacent protrusions or depressions in the substrate. In certain embodiments, the film is punctured by a probe and a vacuum is applied to the probe in order to aspirate air and urge the film toward a position of compliance with the substrate. Optionally, the film is softened by heat in order to facilitate conformance with the shape of the substrate.

US Patent:

7413626, Aug 19, 2008

Filed:

Jan 12, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/759993

Inventors:

Conrad V. Anderson - Minneapolis MN, US
John R. David - Stillwater MN, US
Ronald S. Steelman - Woodbury MN, US

Assignee:

3M Innovative Properties Company - St. Paul MN

International Classification:

B32B 38/10

US Classification:

156344, 156584

Abstract:

The present invention provides adhesive film removal methods and apparatus. The removal methods and apparatus involve apply tension over the width of the adhesive film, thereby removing the film from the substrate along the release line that extends over the width of the film. The methods and apparatus are particularly useful in removing large-scale graphic films from substrates such as truck trailers, vans, walls, signs and other large surfaces. The tension applied to the adhesive film during removal is preferably uniform across the width of the film, thereby reducing the risk of the film tearing or breaking during removal. The release line is advanced during removal along the length of the film until the entire film is removed from the substrate.

US Patent:

8443710, May 21, 2013

Filed:

Mar 31, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/751254

Inventors:

Norman L. Domholt - Minnetrista MN, US
Richard Reid - Minnetonka MN, US
John David - Mound MN, US
Tyler Andrew Jacobson - Chaska MN, US
Michael R. Thoreson - Mound MN, US

Assignee:

NPC Robotics, Inc. - Mound MN

International Classification:

F41A 27/00

US Classification:

89 4102, 89 3713, 89 4003, 89 4004

Abstract:

The technology herein relates to rotating a second structure, which can be a turret, relative to a first structure, which can be a vehicle. The system can include a motor unit having a motor with a motor gear to rotate a drive shaft and a drive gear. A manual input shaft can also be configured to transmit rotation to the drive shaft. The motor can have a central axis that forms an angle of less than 90 degrees with a plane substantially defined by an outer surface of a gear box coupled to the motor. A mounting bracket is configured to allow mechanical communication between the motor unit and an internal ring gear. The mounting bracket has a mounting frame defining at least a first slide channel. A first motor unit coupler has a slide flange that is slidably received by the mounting frame and receives a motor unit. The internal ring gear can be mounted to a vehicle and a turret can be pivotably disposed within the internal ring gear.

US Patent:

8596828, Dec 3, 2013

Filed:

Jan 6, 2010

Appl. No.:

13/143421

Inventors:

Joseph A. Hoffman - Minneapolis MN, US
John R. David - Stillwater MN, US
Gilles J. Benoit - Minneapolis MN, US

Assignee:

3M Innovative Properties Company - Saint Paul MN

International Classification:

F21V 7/00

US Classification:

36229601, 362235

Abstract:

A lighting element that includes a hollow enclosure, an optical lighting film, reflective interior surfaces, and a partially collimating light source is described. The lighting element can be used as a light block for illuminating light boxes, sign boxes, or luminaries. The lighting element can be rectangular in shape, thin, bright, uniform, energy efficient and lightweight, and can be configured to emit light from one or opposing surfaces. Additional light management elements, such as diffusing films, graphic films and information displays, can be positioned adjacent to the output surface(s) of the lighting element for a variety of applications. Several lighting elements can be tiled together to light larger areas and larger signs.

US Patent:

8601742, Dec 10, 2013

Filed:

Feb 5, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/701180

Inventors:

Norman L. Domholt - Minnetrista MN, US
John David - Mound MN, US
Richard Reid - Minnetonka MN, US

Assignee:

NPC Robotics, Inc. - Mound MN

International Classification:

B60J 5/00

US Classification:

49140, 49324, 60415, 60468

Abstract:

An orientation-independent hydraulic system comprises a dynamic fluid reservoir defining a first volume substantially equal to the volume of the fluid therein, and a hydraulic cylinder in fluid communication with the dynamic fluid reservoir. The hydraulic cylinder has a second volume of hydraulic fluid and a piston rod configured to extend and retract in response to changes in the second volume. A first hydraulic pump is configured to pump hydraulic fluid between the hydraulic cylinder and the dynamic fluid reservoir, thereby moving the piston rod between the extended and retracted positions.