Patents Represented by Attorney Scott A. Bardell
  • Patent number: 6562911
    Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides curable fluoropolymer compositions comprising fluoropolymer, onium, and alkyl or aryl oxalate-blocked compound as a crosslinking agent. In other aspects, the invention provides methods of making curable fluoropolymer compositions and provides alkyl or aryl oxalate-blocked compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Naiyong Jing, Brant U. Kolb, Robert E. Kolb
  • Patent number: 6558753
    Abstract: Radiation curable inks with moderate amounts of solvent with low surface tension provide unique processability characteristics that allow ink jetted features to be formed and cured with excellent flow, adhesion, dot gain, compatibility, weatherability, and curing characteristics. In a representative printing method, an ink jettable ink composition is provided that includes one or more oligo/resins, a radiation curable, reactive diluent having a surface tension and 1 to 15 weight percent of a solvent component comprising a solvent having a surface tension. The solvent surface tension is no more than about, and preferably at least 2 dynes/cm less than, the surface tension of the reactive diluent. The ink composition is ink jetted onto the substrate to form an ink jetted feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Caroline M. Ylitalo, Richard L. Severance, Ronald K. Thery
  • Patent number: 6541550
    Abstract: The invention provides low temperature thermally activatable water-dispersed adhesive compositions and adhesives made from the compositions by removing water. The adhesive compositions of the invention comprise a mixture of low modulus crystallizing polyester polyurethane, acrylic ester copolymer, one or more hydrophobically-modified associative polyurethanes, and a stabilizer system comprising a combination of carbodiimide and branched primary amino alcohol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Arianne E. McCarthy, Terry J. Rayner
  • Patent number: 6534128
    Abstract: Low viscosity, radiation curable urethane oligomer, preferably a radiation curable polyester urethane oligomer, that can be incorporated into radiation curable ink compositions. Preferred embodiments are suitable for ink jetting applications. The ink jettable embodiments are particularly well-suited for use in piezo ink jet printers. The viscosity characteristics of the compositions are such that conventional solvent is not required in order to satisfy the requisite low ink jet viscosity specifications. The oligomer generally is a reaction product of ingredients comprising an aliphatic polyisocyanate; and a radiation curable, polyester alcohol comprising one or more radiation curable moieties, one or more hydroxyl moieties, and one or more ester moieties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: James G. Carlson, Jeffrey T. Anderson, Caroline M. Ylitalo, Ronald K. Thery, Richard L. Severance, Jennifer L. Lee, Dong Wu, William J. Hunt
  • Patent number: 6531947
    Abstract: A micrometer sized, single-stage, vertical thermal actuator with controlled bending capable of repeatable and rapid movement of a micrometer-sized optical device off the surface of a substrate. The vertical thermal actuator is constructed on a surface of a substrate. At least one hot arm has a first end anchored to the surface and a free end located above the surface. A cold arm has a first end anchored to the surface and a free end. The cold arm is located above the hot arm relative to the surface. The cold arm is adapted to provide controlled bending near the first end thereof. A member mechanically and electrically couples the free ends of the hot and cold arms such that the actuator bends generally at the flexure so that the member moves away from the substrate when current is applied to at least the hot arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Billy L. Weaver, Douglas P. Goetz, Kathy L. Hagen, Mike E. Hamerly, Robert G. Smith, Silva K. Theiss
  • Patent number: 6528169
    Abstract: The invention provides adhesives and adhesive compositions that comprise epoxy resin and non-volatile anhydride. One embodiment further comprises a hydroxyl containing compound that is insoluble in the epoxy resin/anhydride blend at mixing temperatures which reacts with the anhydride at solder reflow temperatures to form a fluxing agent in-situ. Another embodiment further comprises catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Scott B. Charles, Robert J. Kinney, Michael A. Kropp, Roger A. Mader
  • Patent number: 6521325
    Abstract: A receptor medium with a sheet having an optically transmissive microembossed imaging surface as one major surface thereof. The receptor medium can receive jettable materials, which include inks, adhesives, biological fluids, chemical assay reagents, particulate dispersions, waxes, and combinations thereof. The microembossed medium unexpectedly solves such common inkjet printing problems as feathering, banding, and mudcracking in inkjet printing systems by controlling how an inkjet drop contacts and dries on an inkjet receptor medium and also Moire' effects but also provides sufficient optical transmissivity to be useful as overhead transparency media, backlit signage, and the like. Clear lines of demarcation between adjoining colors of a pigmented inkjet image graphic can be obtained without creation of the Moire' effects. Methods of making and using the inkjet receptor medium are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Lori P. Engle, Robert T. Fehr, Patrick R. Fleming, Alan G. Miller, Todd R. Williams, Caroline M. Ylitalo
  • Patent number: 6514363
    Abstract: Surface treating articles and methods for the manufacture of such articles are provided. The articles of the invention comprise a rotatable core; a plurality of surface treating segments, the segments having first ends adjacent the core and second ends opposite the first ends; and a cured, expanded adhesive composition bonding the surface treating segment to the core, the adhesive composition comprising (a) an organic epoxide compound having an epoxide functionality of at least 1, (b) an epoxide hardener, (c) a film-forming material, and (d) a foaming agent; wherein the expanded adhesive provides a substantially continuous bond area extending from the core into and around the first end of the segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Thomas E. Close
  • Patent number: 6500513
    Abstract: The invention provides a two-part adhesive composition making it possible to mutually bond disk substrates within a relatively short time and to produce an optical disk, and an optical disk having a metal film, corrosion of which is restricted under a high-temperature high-humidity condition, and which is produced by using the two-part adhesive composition. A two-part adhesive composition of the invention comprises first and second parts each containing urethane acrylate having a polytetramethylene glycol skeleton and an acrylate having a hydroxyl group in its molecule, wherein the first part further contains a diacyl peroxide and the second part further contains a tertiary amine. Organic peroxide is preferably diacyl peroxide and a setting promoter is preferably a tertiary amine. Either one, or both, of the first and second parts may further contain a photo-polymerization initiator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Sana Fujii, Sumita B. Mitra, Katsuya Takamori, Kazuta Saito
  • Patent number: 6483957
    Abstract: A polarization mode separator separates the optical signal into a first polarized signal and a second differently polarized signal traveling along respective first and second paths. A first variable delay generator located along the first path is adapted to selectively provide a first propagation delay to the first polarized signal. The first variable delay generator includes at least two rotating micro-mirrors and one or more fixed mirrors constructed on a surface of a substrate. A controller is coupled to the first variable delay generator. The controller is adapted to monitor the polarization mode dispersion in the optical signal and to position the rotating micro-mirrors to direct the first polarized signal along one of the plurality of optical paths. A beam combiner combines the first and second signals to form an optical output signal substantially compensated for polarization mode dispersion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Mike E. Hamerly, Robert G. Smith, Terry L. Smith, Silva K. Theiss, Billy L. Weaver
  • Patent number: 6483419
    Abstract: A micrometer sized, single-stage, horizontal and vertical thermal actuator capable of repeatable and rapid movement of a micrometer-sized optical device off the surface of a substrate. The horizontal and vertical thermal actuator is constructed on a surface of a substrate. At least one hot arm has a first end anchored to the surface and a free end located above the surface. A cold arm has a first end anchored to the surface and a free end. The cold arm is located above and laterally offset from the hot arm relative to the surface. The cold arm is adapted to provide controlled bending near the first end thereof. A member mechanically and electrically couples the free ends of the hot and cold arms such that the actuator exhibits horizontal and vertical displacement when current is applied to at least the hot arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Billy L. Weaver, Douglas P. Goetz, Kathy L. Hagen, Mike E. Hamerly, Robert G. Smith, Silva K. Theiss
  • Patent number: 6479219
    Abstract: The polymers of the present invention are characterized by having at least one pendent acetal or ketal functional group in which at least two substituents of the acetal/ketal carbon atom independently comprise at least one silicon atom. The compositions of the present invention are useful as positive working resist compositions, in particular as the top imaging layer in a bilayer resist scheme for use in the manufacture of integrated circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Larry D. Boardman, Carl R. Kessel
  • Patent number: 6479622
    Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides ene-thiol elastomers comprising the reaction product of a polythiol free of hydrophilic groups and having at least two thiol groups and an aromatic, heterocyclic, aliphatic, or cycloaliphatic polyene having at least two reactive unsaturated carbon to carbon bonds. In another aspect, the invention provides ene-thiol elastomer comprising the reaction product of (a) a thiol terminated oligomer comprising the reaction product of a polythiol having two thiol groups and a first polyene or mixture of polyenes having two reactive unsaturated carbon to carbon bonds; and (b) a second polyene or a mixture of polyenes having at least 5 percent functional equivalents of unsaturated carbon to carbon bonds from polyenes having at least three unsaturated carbon to carbon bonds. The ene-thiol elastomers of the invention have a weight increase of not more than 4 weight percent in 15 days at a temperature of 22° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Kathleen B. Gross, William J. Schultz
  • Patent number: 6475253
    Abstract: This invention pertains to a coated, bonded or non-woven abrasive article containing precisely shaped particles and a binder. These precisely shaped particles can contain abrasive grits, fillers, grinding aids and lubricants. The binder is preferably a mixture of a resole phenolic resin and a free radical curable resin, resulting in improved cutting and life span. Also disclosed is a method of forming the coated, bonded or non-woven abrasive article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Scott R. Culler, John J. Gagliardi, Thomas W. Larkey, Eric G. Larson, Larry L. Martin, Jeffrey W. Nelson
  • Patent number: 6475616
    Abstract: An applique is provided that includes a fluoropolymer backing, an adhesive on one of the surfaces of the backing and a urethane coating layer on the other surface of the backing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Timothy M. Dietz, Donald E. Gustafson, Mark D. Weigel
  • Patent number: 6469909
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a package for a micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) device. A flex circuit interconnect subassembly for the package is made by placing a flex circuit on a pad insert, attaching a carrier insert to the pad insert to deflect the lead portions of the flex circuit, and applying a cover insert to the pad insert, after the attachment of the carrier insert, to re-deflect the lead portions of the flex circuit toward the device bond sites. The flex circuit interconnect subassembly may be combined with an electronic device die/carrier subassembly to form a completed electronic device package. The flex circuit interconnect subassembly and the die/carrier subassembly are joined using mechanical interlocking layers. The invention is particularly suited for making such an electronic device die/carrier subassembly which has a MEMS die permanently affixed to a carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Richard L. Simmons
  • Patent number: 6461419
    Abstract: The invention provides curable ink compositions that are inkjet printable and that adhere to a variety of substrates, for example, glass and polymer. The ink compositions of the invention can be formulated so to provide cured inks that are very flexible or very rigid depending upon the desired application. The invention provides a cure-on-demand curable ink composition comprising a homogeneous mixture of at least one of: (a) a compound having 2 reactive silyl groups, and (b) a compound having at least 3 reactive silyl groups; acid generating catalyst; and pigment or pigment chip. The invention also provides methods of making and using the ink compositions and imaged articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Dong Wu, Junkang Liu, Kathleen A. Dennison
  • Patent number: 6455998
    Abstract: A composite material suitable for labeling a substrate. The composite material, which is preferably a ceramic composite, comprises a fired ceramic body and a layer thereon. The fired ceramic body includes a base layer that comprising a glassy phase and a refractory phase, the glassy phase being capable of wetting a substrate at an application temperature. There is sufficient color contrast between the top layer and the fired ceramic body such that a code pattern (e.g., a bar code) present (or formed) is optically discernible. Methods of making and using the same are also taught.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Kyung H. Moh, Daniel Lacave, Bernardus M. Sueoss
  • Patent number: 6451925
    Abstract: The invention relates to compositions useful for bonding fluoropolymer to substantially non-fluorinated polymer. The compositions of the invention comprise a substantially non-fluorinated polymer or a mixture of said polymers, a di- or polyamine, preferably, an aliphatic diamine, and an onium catalyst, preferably, a phosphonium salt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Naiyong Jing
  • Patent number: 6444737
    Abstract: The invention provides stabilizer systems for scavenging acid, minimizing hydrolysis, or both in polymer systems. The invention comprises a combination selected from the group consisting of: branched primary amino alcohol and carbodiimide; branched primary amino alcohol and dihydroxy metal compound; carbodiimide and dihydroxy metal compound; carbodiimide, branched primary amino alcohol, and magnesium oxide; branched primary amino alcohol and magnesium oxide; carbodiimide and magnesium oxide; and a combination of branched primary amino alcohol, carbodiimide, and dihydroxy metal compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Terry J. Rayner