Patents by Inventor Steven P. Swanson

Steven P. Swanson has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20230408394
    Abstract: An optical element includes a porous layer with a network of a plurality of interconnected voids. The porous layer is optically diffusive to at least one wavelength of light when the network of interconnected voids is substantially free of fluid. The porous layer of the optical element undergoes a detectable optical change upon fluid ingress into the network or egress from the network of interconnected voids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2023
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Inventors: John A. Wheatley, William B. Kolb, Audrey A. Sherman, Mark A. Roehrig, Alan R. Dombrowski, Kurt J. Halverson, Steven P. Swanson, Del R. Lawson, Cory M. Arthur
  • Patent number: 11827864
    Abstract: A wipe article includes a substrate, a cationic coating disposed on a surface of the substrate, distributed throughout the substrate, or both. The cationic coating contains a guanidinyl-containing polymer that is crosslinked and bound to the substrate. The substrate includes sponge, nonwoven fabric, or woven fabric. The wipes are useful for removing microorganisms from a microorganism-contaminated surface and also for reducing re-contamination of the cleaned surface or transfer to another surface of the removed microorganisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Steven P. Swanson, Jerald K. Rasumssen, George W. Griesgraber, Andrew W. Vail, Andrew S. Waller
  • Publication number: 20230347355
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides articles including an adhesive layer; a film layer bonded to the adhesive layer having a microstructured surface including numerous capillary channels; and a cover layer disposed on the capillary channels and attached to the adhesive layer. The adhesive layer is hydrophobic and includes an aperture for fluid (e.g., sweat) collection from a skin surface. The film layer also includes an aperture that overlaps the adhesive layer aperture to direct collected fluid to the capillary channels of the microstructured surface, which have a hydrophilic surface. Optionally at least one indicator chemistry can be present in the channels to facilitate optical (e.g., visual) determination of total fluid volume and/or concentration of at least one analyte in the fluid as a function of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2020
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Inventors: Steven P. Swanson, Kurt J. Halverson, Alexander C. Eldredge
  • Patent number: 11768145
    Abstract: An optical element includes a porous layer with a network of a plurality of interconnected voids. The porous layer is optically diffusive to at least one wavelength of light when the network of interconnected voids is substantially free of fluid. The porous layer of the optical element undergoes a detectable optical change upon fluid ingress into the network or egress from the network of interconnected voids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: John A. Wheatley, William B. Kolb, Audrey A. Sherman, Mark A Roehrig, Alan R. Dombrowski, Kurt J. Halverson, Steven P. Swanson, Del R. Lawson, Cory M. Arthur
  • Publication number: 20230285629
    Abstract: An article. The article includes more than 50 wt % collagen matrix, wherein the collagen matrix has a pH value from 2 to 6; wherein the article is a wound dressing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2021
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Inventors: Bryan A. Baker, Caleb T. Nelson, Steven P. Swanson
  • Publication number: 20230255831
    Abstract: An article. The article includes a nonwoven having a pH value from 2 to 6; wherein the article is a wound dressing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2021
    Publication date: August 17, 2023
    Inventors: Bryan A. Baker, Caleb T. Nelson, Steven P. Swanson
  • Publication number: 20230227763
    Abstract: A device for growing microorganisms. The device can include a self-supporting, water-proof substrate having an inner-facing surface and an outer-facing surface; a cover sheet having an inner-facing surface and an outer-facing surface, the cover sheet adhered to at least a portion of the substrate; a microstructured surface on the inner-facing surface of the coversheet, wherein the microstructured surface comprises a plurality of microstructures; a substantially dry, gelling agent and a substantially dry, microbial growth nutrient composition disposed on the microstructured surface of the microstructured film or on a portion of the inner-facing surface of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2021
    Publication date: July 20, 2023
    Applicant: NEOGEN FOOD SAFETY US HOLDCO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Alexi J. Young, Kurt Jonathan Halverson, Steven P. Swanson, Evan Douglas Brutinel, Caleb Timothy Nelson
  • Publication number: 20230110368
    Abstract: A method of removing calculus from a tooth is described comprising: applying aqueous compositions A and B to the tooth surface, wherein the composition A comprises hydrogen peroxide or a precursor thereto and composition B comprises catalase and a stabilizer comprising hydroxyl groups; and removing at least a part of the calculus from the tooth surface. Preferred stabilizers include dipropylene glycol and 1,3 propane diol. Also described are aqueous compositions and kits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2022
    Publication date: April 13, 2023
    Inventors: Petra L. Kohler Riedi, Steven P. Swanson, Paul R. Klaiber
  • Publication number: 20230100885
    Abstract: A wipe article includes a substrate, a cationic coating disposed on a surface of the substrate, distributed throughout the substrate, or both. The cationic coating contains a guanidinyl-containing polymer that is crosslinked and bound to the substrate. The substrate includes sponge, nonwoven fabric, or woven fabric. The wipes are useful for removing microorganisms from a microorganism-contaminated surface and also for reducing re-contamination of the cleaned surface or transfer to another surface of the removed microorganisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2022
    Publication date: March 30, 2023
    Inventors: Steven P. Swanson, Jerald K. Rasumssen, George W. Griesgraber, Andrew W. Vail, Andrew S. Waller
  • Patent number: 11596590
    Abstract: Methods and kids for removing calculus from a tooth. The method can include applying a component A comprising a hydrogen peroxide or a precursor thereto and a component B the comprising a catalase to the tooth, thereby generating oxygen; and removing at least a part of the calculus from the tooth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Tao Gong, Petra L. Kohler Riedi, Evan Koon Lun Yuuji Hajime, Steven P. Swanson
  • Patent number: 11576845
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods that include contacting a skin surface with a first liquid composition; and then contacting in the skin surface with a cationic coated article loaded with a second liquid composition, while at least some portion of the first liquid composition remains on the skin surface, wherein one or both of the first liquid composition or the second liquid composition includes acrylate copolymer particles dispersed therein, the acrylate copolymer particles including the reaction product of a reaction mixture, the reaction mixture including monomers, the monomers including from about 5 wt % to about 50 wt % of at least one high Tg monomer where the wt % of the high Tg monomer is with respect to the total weight of the monomers in the reaction mixture; and from about 20 wt % to about 80 wt % of at least one low Tg monomer where the wt % of the low Tg monomer is with respect to the total weight of the monomers in the reaction mixture, wherein the particles have a number average diameter of at lea
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ranjani V. Parthasarathy, Ramesh C. Kumar, Matthew T. Scholz, Steven P. Swanson, Andrew W. Vail, Jerald K. Rasmussen, George W. Griesgraber, Catherine D. Heapy
  • Patent number: 11578922
    Abstract: A condensation management apparatus comprises a microstructured film arranged to condense water vapor on an underside of a substantially horizontal surface. The film comprises channels disposed at least on a first major surface and configured to support capillary movement of condensate. The channels have a channel axis substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of the film. A capillary siphon structure of the film comprises a fold in the film, a condensate collection region proximate the fold, and a siphon region between the fold and a condensate release location of the film. At least a portion of a second major surface is attached to the underside of the substantially horizontal surface such that longitudinal openings of the channels of the condensate collection region are oriented towards a direction of gravity and the condensate release location is positioned lower along the direction of gravity than the condensate collection region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Steven P. Swanson, Kurt J. Halverson
  • Patent number: 11505769
    Abstract: A wipe article includes a substrate, a cationic coating disposed on a surface of the substrate, distributed throughout the substrate, or both. The cationic coating contains a guanidinyl-containing polymer that is crosslinked and bound to the substrate. The substrate includes sponge, nonwoven fabric, or woven fabric. The wipes are useful for removing microorganisms from a microorganism-contaminated surface and also for reducing re-contamination of the cleaned surface or transfer to another surface of the removed microorganisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Steven P. Swanson, Jerald K. Rasmussen, George W. Griesgraber, Andrew W. Vail, Andrew S. Waller
  • Patent number: 11446219
    Abstract: Methods and kits for removing calculus from a tooth, wherein the method can include applying a component A to the tooth, wherein component A comprises a hydrogen peroxide or a precursor thereto; applying a component B to the tooth, wherein component B comprises a non-enzymatic, hydrogen peroxide decomposition catalyst for generating oxygen gas; wherein components A and B are applied simultaneously or sequentially to the tooth, thereby generating oxygen gas to soften and/or loosen at least part of the calculus on the tooth; and removing at least a part of the calculus from the tooth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Petra L. Kohler Riedi, Evan Koon Lun Yuuji Hajime, Chuntao Cao, Ingo R. Haeberlein, Joel D. Oxman, Steven P. Swanson
  • Publication number: 20220268685
    Abstract: An optical element includes a porous layer with a network of a plurality of interconnected voids. The porous layer is optically diffusive to at least one wavelength of light when the network of interconnected voids is substantially free of fluid. The porous layer of the optical element undergoes a detectable optical change upon fluid ingress into the network or egress from the network of interconnected voids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2020
    Publication date: August 25, 2022
    Inventors: John A. Wheatley, William B. Kolb, Audrey A. Sherman, Mark A. Koehrig, Alan R. Dombrowski, Kurt J. Halverson, Steven P. Swanson, Del R. Lawson, Coey M. Arthur
  • Patent number: 11392899
    Abstract: An article comprises a structure having an outer surface extending along a longitudinal axis. At least a portion of a cross section of the outer surface is convex. Fluid control channels extend along a channel longitudinal axis along at least a portion the convex surface. The channel longitudinal axis makes an angle between 0 and 90 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis of the outer surface. The fluid control channels are configured to allow capillary movement of liquid in the channels and across the convex surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Kurt J. Halverson, Raymond P. Johnston, Caleb T. Nelson, Steven P. Swanson
  • Publication number: 20220212186
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides articles having conformal layers and methods of making such articles. An article includes a first polymeric layer having a substantially planar major surface and an opposing major surface bonded to a second polymeric layer. One major surface of the second polymeric layer is conformal to the first polymeric layer while the opposing major surface defines a cavity having at least one wall. The second polymeric layer also has a channel connecting the cavity to at least one edge of the second polymeric layer or to the planar surface of the first polymeric layer. A surface of the cavity exhibits an advancing contact angle with water of less than 90 degrees. A method includes obtaining a tool having protruding features; disposing a first polymer on the protruding features; disposing a second polymer on the first polymer; and applying compression to the polymeric tooling, the first polymer, and the second polymer at an elevated temperature to form the article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2020
    Publication date: July 7, 2022
    Inventors: Kurt J. Halverson, Steven P. Swanson, Raymond P. Johnston
  • Publication number: 20220213421
    Abstract: A device for growing microorganisms. The device includes a body member comprising a self-supporting, water-proof substrate having upper and lower surfaces; a hydrophobic spacer element adhered to the upper surface of the substrate forming side walls to retain a predetermined amount of liquid in contact with the substrate, wherein the hydrophobic spacer element has a hole therein; a fluid control film in the hole of the hydrophobic spacer element; a cover sheet having an inner-facing surface and an outer-facing surface, the cover sheet adhered to at least a portion of the body member; and a substantially dry, first microbial growth nutrient composition disposed on a portion of the inner surface of the cover sheet; a first adhesive composition adhered to the first microbial growth nutrient composition; and a cold-water-soluble first hydrogel-forming composition adhered to the first adhesive composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Publication date: July 7, 2022
    Inventors: Alexi J. Young, Kurt J. Halverson, Steven P. Swanson, Evan D. Brutinel, Caleb T. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20220175094
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a self-mating fastener that includes a backing having a first side, and a rail element protruding perpendicularly from the first side of the backing. The rail element extends in a longitudinal direction along the backing. The rail element has a base portion attached to the first side of the backing and a cap portion distal from the backing. The cap portion has a cap width that is greater than a width of the base portion and the cap portion overhangs the base portion on opposing sides. The self-mating fastener includes an electrically conductive contact element proximate to the rail element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2020
    Publication date: June 9, 2022
    Inventors: Cory M. Arthur, David T. Buckley, Dylan T. Cosgrove, Kurt J. Halverson, Karl M. Kropp, Audrey A. Sherman, Steven P. Swanson
  • Patent number: 11333393
    Abstract: A condensation management system includes an elongated flexible film configured to be stretched under tension between a first film support and a second film support. The film includes first and second ends that extend laterally across a width of the film. The film includes first and second sides that extend longitudinally between the first and second film ends. The film has a concave surface and an opposing convex surface extending between the first and second sides of the film. Microchannels are disposed in at least one of the concave surface and the convex surface. The microchannels induce a predetermined radius of curvature in the concave and convex surfaces of the film when the film is stretched longitudinally between the first and second film supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Kurt J. Halverson, Steven P. Swanson