Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Dale A. Bjorkman
  • Patent number: 5591786
    Abstract: Thermoplastic molding compositions are made from a mixture of thermoplastic material (for example, polycaprolactone), a free-radically polymerizable resin (for example, a urethane diacrylate oligomer), and free-radical initiator (for example, a visible-light cure photoinitiator). The mixture is solid at 38.degree. C., has a melting or softening point that comfortably can be withstood by oral tissues, and can be imprinted with a heat-stable custom shape memory and semi-thermoplastic properties by shaping the composition to a desired shape and then causing or permitting the resin to undergo polymerization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Joel D. Oxman, F. Andrew Ubel, III, Lani S. Kangas
  • Patent number: 5589194
    Abstract: Microcapsules are prepared by dispersing or dissolving an active component or components in a solid matrix-forming material that has been thermally softened to form an encapsulation composition. The encapsulation composition is injected as an intact stream into a quenching liquid to provide solid microcapsules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Alexander C. Tsuei, Lorenz Kogl, III, Daniel B. Pendergrass, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5583178
    Abstract: The present invention provides novel hydrosilation-curable compositions, the cure of which can be monitored visually, comprising: (1) an ethylenic compound; (2) a compound containing silicon-bonded-hydrogen groups; (3) a hydrosilation catalyst; and (4) one or more cure-indicating dyes with light absorption in the visible spectrum that exhibit a color change in the presence of a silicon-bonded-hydrogen compound and a precious metal hydrosilation catalyst. The cure-indicating dye provides the composition with an initial pre-cure color and a different post-cure color. As a result of this change in color, the state of cure of the composition can be visually monitored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Joel D. Oxman, Mark S. Konings, George V. D. Tiers, Kim M. Vogel, Dennis E. Vogel
  • Patent number: 5558516
    Abstract: A method for pretreating a plastic dental appliance having a surface to be bonded to a tooth comprising applying a pretreatment composition comprising i) a polymerizable component, ii) a solvent capable of at least partially solubilizing the plastic dental appliance, and iii) a photoinitiator system to the surface of the dental appliance. Components i) and ii) may be the same or different materials. The polymerizable component of the pretreatment composition is then polymerized by exposure to actinic radiation. The present invention also provides pretreated plastic dental appliances prepared by this method. Optionally, the plastic dental appliance may additionally be precoated with an orthodontic adhesive and packaged accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Jerold S. Horn, James F. Forbes
  • Patent number: 5554030
    Abstract: A method for adhering non-amalgam dental restorative materials to a dental surface comprising the steps of a) etching the dental surface with acid, b) applying a treatment composition comprising an electron donor to the etched dental surface, c) applying a priming solution containing a film-former to the treated dental surface, d) applying a chemically curable dental adhesive to the primed dental surface, and e) applying non-amalgam dental restorative material to the adhesive-coated dental surface. The treatment composition comprises an electron donor compound selected such that the dental restorative has a higher Adhesive Shear Bond Strength than a like method without said electron donor compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Paula D. Ario, Steven M. Aasen
  • Patent number: 5552485
    Abstract: Fluoroaluminosilicate dental cement glasses are treated with an aqueous silanol treating solution and optionally with an additional organic compound. The treated glasses form cements with improved strength. The silanol can be ethylenically-unsaturated and can contain acidic groups, and, if so, is novel in its own right.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Sumita B. Mitra, Scott R. Culler, Bing Wang
  • Patent number: 5545676
    Abstract: Photocurable addition-polymerizable compositions containing a free-radically-polymerizable monomer and a photoinitiator system containing i) an arylidonium salt, ii) a sensitizing compound, and iii) an electron donor having an oxidation potential that is greater than zero and less than or equal to that of p-dimethyoxybenzene (1.32 volts vs. S.C.E.). The compositions cure rapidly and deeply under ultraviolet or visible light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Michael C. Palazzotto, F. Andrew Ubel, III, Joel D. Oxman, M. Zaki Ali
  • Patent number: 5520629
    Abstract: A system for delivering both adhesive strips and transparent dressings to a patient. The adhesive strip or strips are provided with tab means for enhanced handleability and easy removal of the adhesive strip, and are releasably adhered directly to either the release liner or carrier layer of the transparent dressing. Preferably, the tab means is an integral part of one of the layers provided for delivery of the thin film dressing. Specifically, either the release liner or the carrier layer is provided as separately removable portions, and the adhesive strip is attached to the release liner or the carrier layer across the adjoining edge of these portions to allow removal of one portion from the balance of the composite at a time. When one portion is so removed, the adhesive strip is also removed and remains attached to that removed portion. The adhesive strip may then be easily handled for delivery to the desired site on the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Steven B. Heinecke, Donald G. Peterson
  • Patent number: 5512611
    Abstract: The invention provides novel ionomer polymers and cements comprising .beta.-dicarbonyl groups. The invention has particular utility as filling materials for restoring teeth and for cementing inlays and crowns into place in the tooth, providing a base or a lining in a tooth cavity, and as adhesives or sealants. The invention provides ionomer cement systems that achieve increased resistance to water absorption and solubility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Sumita B. Mitra
  • Patent number: 5501727
    Abstract: A curable dental composition comprising an ethylenically unsaturated moiety, an oxidizing agent and metal complexed ascorbic acid is claimed. The incorporation of metal complexed ascorbic acid provides a curable composition that exhibits improved color stability. The metal complexed ascorbic acid is particularly useful as a component of a paste:paste glass ionomer dental cement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Bing Wang, Sumita B. Mitra
  • Patent number: 5487932
    Abstract: A combined fluid storage container and applicator device for viscous fluids comprising a sheet-like impermeable material having overlying symmetrical or asymmetrical portions with a fold line and a temporary seal around the remaining periphery of the device forming a cavity for the fluid, a pad within the cavity and adhered to the sheet, and a separation mechanism for simultaneously applying continuous separating force in multiple directions to open the cavity and expose the pad. Methods of using the device are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Wayne K. Dunshee
  • Patent number: 5468477
    Abstract: Cosmetic compositions are provided containing vinyl-silicone graft or block copolymers of the formula ##STR1##
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Kanta Kumar, Ramesh C. Kumar, Smarajit Mitra
  • Patent number: 5460805
    Abstract: Body powder is provided having microcapsules with a colorant located in or on the shell of said microcapsule. The microcapsules are present in an amount effective to impart color to the body powder when viewed in bulk and to substantially decrease in perceptible color upon rubbing said body powder on the skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Robert A. Davis, Sheila M. Nichols, Howard J. Buttery
  • Patent number: 5453456
    Abstract: Fluoroaluminosilicate dental cement glasses are treated with an aqueous silanol treating solution and optionally with an additional organic compound. The treated glasses form cements with improved strength. The silanol can be ethylenically-unsaturated and can contain acidic groups, and, if so, is novel in its own right.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Sumita B. Mitra, Scott R. Culler, Bing Wang
  • Patent number: 5449399
    Abstract: Writing instruments are provided comprising a) a friction transferable binder comprising a colorant, and b) frangible microcapsules containing a liquid solvent. The writing instrument contains sufficient microcapsules to provide a Coloration Uniformity Percentage (defined herein) of at least about 25%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Alexander C.-R. Tsuei, Daniel B. Pendergrass, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5444035
    Abstract: Laser perforation of all types of paper provides paper having sufficient strength characteristics to survive stresses imposed during handling, such as experienced in sheet feed processes. The paper so perforated is readily separable along the perforation line when separation is desired. Carbonless paper products particularly benefit from use of a laser in perforation. The paper, capsule, and capsule fill material are vaporized during the laser process, thus forming clean holes and leaving little residual material on the paper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Perrington, Robert D. Kampfer
  • Patent number: 5433953
    Abstract: A method for microencapsulating quaternary ammonium salts by interfacial polymerization. The polar component comprises a quaternary ammonium salt, glycerine, triethyleneglycol diamine, a C 4-10 straight or branched aliphatic compound having two primary amine functionalities, and a C 4-10 straight or branched aliphatic compound having at least three primary amine functionalities. The glycerine-immiscible oil component comprises mineral oil, an aliphatic polyisocyanate and a surfactant. The mole equivalent ratios of primary amine to isocyanate in this reaction is about 0.01-3:1. Microcapsules made by this method are unique and provide surprising benefits in durability, elasticity and barrier properties in resistance to leaching of the microcapsule fill material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing
    Inventors: Alexander C. Tsuei, Smarajit Mitra
  • Patent number: 5419958
    Abstract: A sampler for delivery of microencapsulated liquid fragrance material is provided that comprises at least one treated paper sheet defining an enclosed cavity. The paper sheet is at least partially treated with a volatile containment treatment, wherein the volatile liquid containment treatment is water-stable and organic liquid capsule fill-stable. The enclosed cavity is substantially completely defined by treated portion(s) of the sheet. Microcapsules comprising microencapsulated organic liquid capsule fill are disposed within the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Jack W. Charbonneau
  • Patent number: 5415544
    Abstract: A preloaded impression tray (5a), comprising a thermoplastic impression material (7) at least partially enveloped by a shell (1a), the thermoplastic impression material being a plasticized solid and having:(i) a softening point that comfortably can be withstood by oral tissues,(ii) sufficient depth in the shell and fluidity when softened to conform accurately to adult dentition and the gingival margin, and(iii) sufficient strength and flexibility when resolidified in the mouth to permit removal of the impression material from teeth without tearing or undesirable distortion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Joel D. Oxman, F. Andrew Ubel, III, Lani S. Kangas, Todd R. Williams
  • Patent number: RE34958
    Abstract: This invention relates to adhesives, surface modifying compositions, sealing compositions, and topical binder compositions comprising a copolymer having a vinyl polymeric backbone with grafted pendant siloxane polymeric moieties and especially to a method of topically applying such coating to animals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: James E. Garbe, Smarajit Mitra