Patents Represented by Attorney Douglas B. Little
  • Patent number: 8172738
    Abstract: A dead-shaft roller having a shaft and a roll with a fluid circulation passage therein, and at least two bearings support the roll on the shaft. A rotary union is positioned at at least one end of the roll, possibly both. The rotary union has a rotatable sleeve and a non-rotating sleeve. The rotatable sleeve has a fluid conducting path therein, such that the fluid conducting path is in fluid communication with the fluid circulation passage in the roll. The non-rotating sleeve is positioned adjacent and internal to the rotatable sleeve. The non-rotating sleeve has a first fluid port therein such that the fluid conducting path is in fluid communication with the first fluid port at a first fluid transfer zone. At least two air bearings are present, mounted between the rotatable sleeve and the non-rotating sleeve, such that the air bearings are on opposite sides of the first fluid transfer zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Lars A. Smeenk
  • Patent number: 8173079
    Abstract: A method for forming a structured polymeric film having a plurality of longitudinally spaced structured on both sides of the structured polymeric film is described. The method includes: providing a rotatable tool having an outer circumferential surface, the outer circumferential surface including a plurality of tool projections; providing a nip roll having a smooth conformable outer circumferential surface opposed to the outer circumferential surface of the tool; introducing a polymer layer into a nip between the tool and the nip roll; pressing the polymer layer between the tool and the nip roll to form web recesses into a first side of the polymer layer and web projections extending away from an opposing second side of the polymer layer, with the tool projections on the circumferential surface of the tool and form a structured web; and removing the structured web from the tool. Sample processing articles are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Bryan C. Feisel, Carsten Franke, Brent R. Hansen, David F. Slama
  • Patent number: 8021628
    Abstract: A method for forming a structured polymeric film having a plurality of longitudinally spaced structured on both sides of the structured polymeric film is described. The method includes: providing a rotatable tool having an outer circumferential surface, the outer circumferential surface including a plurality of tool projections; providing a nip roll having a smooth conformable outer circumferential surface opposed to the outer circumferential surface of the tool; introducing a polymer layer into a nip between the tool and the nip roll; pressing the polymer layer between the tool and the nip roll to form web recesses into a first side of the polymer layer and web projections extending away from an opposing second side of the polymer layer, with the tool projections on the circumferential surface of the tool and form a structured web; and removing the structured web from the tool. Sample processing articles are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovatice Properties Company
    Inventors: Bryan C. Feisel, Carsten Franke, Brent R. Hansen, David F. Slama
  • Patent number: 8000817
    Abstract: Process controllers, methods, and systems provide for frequency control to account for the effects of periodic disturbances in the feedback signal of closed loop control systems. The frequency components of the feedback signal are determined, including the magnitude and phase of each. Waveforms for each frequency component are generated with substantially the same magnitude and substantially the opposite phase of each frequency component. The waveforms are then summed to produce a compensating waveform that is summed within the output of the control system so that the effects of the periodic disturbances are cancelled from the control system output being provided to the system under control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Kent J. Spindler, Scott D. Thorson, Robert J. Carlin, Steven A. Cinnamon
  • Patent number: 7832567
    Abstract: A liquid supply assembly for use with a spray gun (FIG. 1) comprises a reservoir 9 provided with a drop-in filter 10 for removing solid particles from liquid added to the reservoir 9. The reservoir 9 has a lid 12 with an outlet opening 12E connectable via a spout 16 to the spray gun and a separate inlet opening 12D in which a support collar 27 of the filter 10 is located. The filter 10 comprises a tubular mesh body 10A having an open end and a closed end. The open end is connected to the support collar 27 and the mesh body 10A extends away from the inlet opening 12D within the reservoir 9. The mesh body 10A is sized to pass through the filler opening 12D and has a high flow capacity to permit rapid filling of the reservoir 9. The filter 10 may be left in place when the reservoir 9 is connected to the spray gun and the reservoir 9 may be discarded together with the filter 10 after use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Stephen C. P. Joseph
  • Patent number: 7698116
    Abstract: Manifolds are designed to deliver fluid through multiple orifices of the manifold such that for a given inlet fluid pressure the fluid being output from the multiple orifices has a desired mass flow profile. The desired mass flow profile includes a desired mass flow rate and a desired direction and distribution of flow in three-dimensional space. The manifold is first modeled as a two-dimensional representation to determine manifold parameters necessary to achieve the desired mass flow profile within the two dimensions. Then, the manifold is modeled as a three-dimensional representation based on the parameters previously determined for the two-dimensional representation to determine manifold parameters of the third dimension that are necessary to achieve the desired mass flow profile within the three dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: James C. Breister, Andrew W. Chen, William P. Klinzing, Patrick J. Sager, Douglas C. Sundet, Matthew S. Linabery
  • Patent number: 7682703
    Abstract: A method of selectively and electrolessly depositing a metal onto a substrate having a metallic microstructured surface is disclosed. The method includes forming a self-assembled monolayer on the metallic microstructured surface, exposing the self-assembled monolayer to an electroless plating solution including a soluble form of a deposit metal, and depositing electrolessly the deposit metal selectively on the metallic microstructured surface. Article formed from this method are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Matthew H. Frey, Khanh P. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7615175
    Abstract: The invention is a method of forming extrudate having substantially uniform thickness. A shim is formed which has a thickness variation of less than or equal to about 0.5 mil (13 microns) total indicated runout. This shim is disposed between a first die portion having a first surface and a second die portion having a second surface. A slot is formed between the first surface and the second surface. The slot has a height dimension substantially the same as the shim thickness. Flowable material is extruded through the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: James M. Nelson, Raghunath Padiyath, Robert B. Secor, Mark J. Stevenson, Michael J. Tichy, Robert A. Yapel
  • Patent number: 7381231
    Abstract: Finishing composition substantially free of non-volatile silicone materials and comprises a mixture of abrasive particles and an emulsion, which comprises water, a volatile siloxane, and a lubricant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Richard S. Smith, Lowell W. Holland
  • Patent number: 7311780
    Abstract: A sufficient number of pick-and-place devices (e.g., rolls) whose periods of contact with a substrate are equal or substantially equal to one another are used to form continuous void-free uniform coatings despite the occurrence of unintended or intended coating caliper surges, depressions or voids. The wetted surfaces of the devices contact and re-contact the coating at positions on the substrate that are different from one another. Extremely uniform and extremely thin coatings can be obtained at very high rates of speed. The pick-and-place devices also facilitate drying and reduce the sensitivity of drying ovens to coating caliper surges. Equipment containing the pick-and-place devices is simple to construct, set up and operate, and can easily be adjusted to alter coating thickness and compensate for coating caliper variations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: William K. Leonard, David W. Leonard
  • Patent number: 7166008
    Abstract: Method of curing polymeric compositions using light from an electroluminescent light source. An electroluminescent wire light can be embedded into a curable polymer or adhesive composition and used for curing in circumstances in which UV or visible light from conventional lamps cannot reach the polymer or adhesive to be cured. It may also be used to cure polymer or adhesive coatings of unusual or irregular shapes. An electroluminescent wire light can be embedded in a curable adhesive or polymer compound around an irregular shape of boat hull components, and the emitted light used to cure the adhesive or polymer compound to bond the boat hull components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Robert J. Boettcher
  • Patent number: 7147923
    Abstract: A flexible window is formed by a multi-layer sheet having a transparent flexible base layer and one or more transparent flexible protective layers, wherein the protective layers have a greater abrasion resistance than the base layer. The base layer and the protective layers are formed of substantially plasticizer-free polymeric materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Gary P. Roberts, Patrick J. Hager, Jeffrey R. Janssen
  • Patent number: 7140495
    Abstract: Described is an apparatus for the removal of organic substances and/or nitrogen sources from an aqueous medium by exposing the aqueous medium to the action of microorganisms supported on a gas permeable, water impermeable layer, or on and/or in a three dimensional microbial support layer, that is proximate a gas delivery layer through which gas, preferably, oxygen-containing gas, is supplied to the gas permeable layer such that it diffuses through the gas permeable layer and is supplied to the microorganisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Jonathan F. Hester, Brian E. Spiewak, David R. Holm, Jerald W. Hall, Jr., Seth M. Kirk, Moses M. David, Brinda B. Lakshmi
  • Patent number: 7119377
    Abstract: A layered construction is provided comprising an InP substrate and alternating layers of II-VI and III-V materials. The alternating layers of II-VI and III-V materials are typically lattice-matched or pseudomorphic to the InP substrate. Typically the II-VI material is selected from the group consisting of ZnSe, CdSe, BeSe, MgSe, ZnTe, CdTe, BeTe, MgTe, ZnS, CdS, BeS, MgS and alloys thereof, more typically selected from the group consisting of CdZnSe, CdMgZnSe, BeZnTe, and BeMgZnTe alloys, and is most typically CdxZn1?xSe where x is between 0.47 and 0.57. Typically the III-V material is selected from the group consisting of InAs, AlAs, GaAs, InP, AlP, GaP, InSb, AlSb, GaSb, and alloys thereof, more typically selected from the group consisting of InP, InAlAs, GaInAs, AlInGaAs and GaInAsP alloys, and is most typically InP or InyAl1?yAs where y is between 0.47 and 0.57. In one embodiment, the layered construction forms one or more distributed Bragg reflectors (DBR's).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Xiaoguang Sun, Thomas J. Miller, Michael A. Haase
  • Patent number: 7114621
    Abstract: A layered sheet construction contains at least one gas permeable, liquid water impermeable layer, and a gas delivery layer formed of a corrugated sheet proximate the gas permeable, water impermeable layer. The corrugated sheet has corrugations that form flow channels through which gas can be conveyed to the gas permeable layer. One embodiment of the layered sheet construction includes a gas permeable, liquid water impermeable layer having a surface energy that is below 20 dynes per centimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Jonathan F. Hester, Brian E. Spiewak, James S. Mrozinski, James M. Nelson
  • Patent number: 6986428
    Abstract: The present invention includes a membrane construction for selectively transferring a constituent to or from a fluid. The membrane construction includes a multi-layer fluid impermeable support sheet having a plurality of supports on at least one side of the support sheet that form a plurality of flow channels. At least one layer of the multi-layer support sheet is a bonding layer. A fluid permeable layer extends over the flow channels and is bonded to the plurality of the supports by the bonding layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Jonathan F. Hester, Brian E. Spiewak, Philip D. Radovanovic, Stefan R. Reimann, Robert S. Kody
  • Patent number: 6965198
    Abstract: Pixels for organic light emitting full color display panels are made by simultaneously depositing red, green, and blue dopants such that the blue dopant is dispersed in at least one non-blue subpixel. Another aspect of the method relates to using a shadow mask comprising ribs which, in an angled evaporation method, can correct for parallax.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Michael Albert Haase, Robert Carnes Williams
  • Patent number: 6960642
    Abstract: Fiber, fabric, film, molded or blown article comprising a water- and oil-repellent composition comprising a melt blend of components (a) and (b) in which: (a) comprises a repellency-imparting, fluorochemical composition comprising at least one fluorine-containing aromatic ester oligomer comprising (1) at least two repeat units derived or derivable from the reaction of at least one dicarboxylic acid (or a derivative thereof) and at least one polyol, with the proviso that either the dicarboxylic acid (or derivative) or the polyol (or both) is aromatic or heteroaromatic, and (2) fluorochemical endgroups derived or derivable from the reaction of (i) the dicarboxylic acid (or derivative) and at least one fluorine-containing monoalcohol, or (ii) the polyol and at least one fluorine-containing monocarboxylic acid; and (b) comprises a treatable substrate material; with the proviso that, when the treatable substrate material comprises a mixture of at least two polymers, the mixture is non-stratifying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Chetan P. Jariwala, Thomas P. Klun, Jeffrey G. Linert, Richard M. Stern
  • Patent number: 6949283
    Abstract: Described is a polymeric coextruded multilayer web, the web comprising: at least two layers that are discontinuous in the cross-web direction, each layer comprising a plurality of distinct phases that are substantially continuous in the down-web direction; and at least one layer that is substantially continuous in both the cross-web and down-web directions; wherein said web has an x-axis that is in the cross-web direction of the web, a y-axis that is in the down-web direction of the web and a z-axis that is in the thickness direction of the web, and wherein the substantially continuous layer(s) lacks weld lines in the y-z plane of the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Richard A. Kollaja, Axel Eckstein, Robert M. Floyd
  • Patent number: D535727
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Stephen C. P. Joseph, Neil Delbridge