Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Gary L. Griswold
  • Patent number: 5830250
    Abstract: A regenerable gas filter cartridge for filtering particles from an exhaust gas includes a hollow tube having a perforated portion and an open end portion. The perforated portion has a diameter larger than the diameter of the open end portion. A filtering element is disposed on the hollow tube, and the filtering element extends over the larger diameter of the perforated portion and the smaller diameter of the open end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Ryan C. Shirk, Rich L. Bloom, Troy K. Ista
  • Patent number: 5830311
    Abstract: Corrugating apparatus that includes paddles and an ultrasonic welding device. The paddles are attached at one end to a belt that moves about a path. The paddles extend radially from the belt, and each paddle has a free end that supports a web as the paddles move about the path. The free ends of the paddles are able to move towards each other to cause the web to corrugate. The ultrasonic welding device is located downstream to where the paddles' free ends move towards each other. The ultrasonic welding device has a horn and an anvil, and the anvil includes the free ends of the paddles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: David L. Braun, James E. Steffen
  • Patent number: 5830298
    Abstract: There is provided a loop fastening material for engaging a suitable male mechanical fastening element for a backing substrate of an oriented sheet material having a first face and a second face and substantially continuously attached to at least the first face a plurality of discrete, multi-filament transversely expanded yarns, such yarn filaments providing open loop structures. The yarns are expanded by transverse orientation of the backing to which it has been previously attached by extrusion bonding, adhesive bonding or the like. The resulting loop fastener provides a low cost, readily manufactured loop having good fastening properties to hook materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Byron M. Jackson
  • Patent number: 5827184
    Abstract: A bioelectrode having a backing, a conductive layer adjacent to the backing, and a layer of conductive adhesive adjacent to the conductive layer. This bioelectrode is designed to have two special configurations. It is originally manufactured in its first configuration wherein the backing forms a sealed protective enclosure for the layer of conductive adhesive. When a physician is ready to apply the electrode to a patient, the electrode is readily converted to its second configuration wherein the layer of conductive adhesive is exposed for contacting and adhering the bioelectrode to the body of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Samuel G. Netherly, Scott A. Burton
  • Patent number: 5827608
    Abstract: A method of forming a thermoplastic layer on a flexible, two-dimensional substrate is provided. In the steps of the method, a thermoplastic powder is provided having a melt flow index of at least 0.008 grams/10 minutes, the powder is applied to at least one surface of the substrate to form a particle layer, and the coated substrate is subjected to elevated heat and pressure until particle layer is fused into a continuous layer and the continuous layer is bonded to the substrate. The invention also includes a powder for preparing the thermoplastic layer and a method of making the powder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Ernest M. Rinehart, Rafael M. Yasis
  • Patent number: 5824968
    Abstract: An ear tip having a central portion and two end portions is described. The end portions each have ear contacting surfaces that are sized and shaped to contact the ear of the user. The ear tips are easily cleaned. The ear tips also contribute to user comfort and convenience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Thomas J. Packard, Mary Jo Rossini
  • Patent number: 5816707
    Abstract: A composition of matter suitable for use in a reversible thermometer is disclosed which comprises a thermally responsive material capable of being supercooled at least for several minutes, and subject to a change in state from a solid to a liquid substantially at a predetermined temperature; means for visually observing the change in state; and a matrix forming material comprising an amorphous organic compound, the matrix forming material being insoluble in the thermally responsive material; whereby the thermally responsive material is dispersed within the matrix forming material, the composition of matter being reversibly responsive to changes in temperature, and remaining in the liquid state for a time sufficient to permit a user of the composition to observe the change in state. The preferred matrix forming material is polyisobutylene, and the preferred thermally responsive material is a solid solution of ortho-chloronitrobenzene and ortho-bromonitrobenzene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Craig R. Hof
  • Patent number: 5818484
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for maintaining substantially constant vertical distance between the free surface of a printing fluid in a fluid supply and printing mechanism by supporting a container against the force of gravity with a resilient member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Charles C. Lee, Bruce H. Koehler, Jeffrey C. Pederson
  • Patent number: 5815188
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to reduce fogging on electrostatic printing media is disclosed. A negative bias is applied to toning station(s) or vacuum station(s) of the printing apparatus with isolation of that negative bias from the printing media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Speckhard, Jeffrey C. Pederson, Gregory G. Amell
  • Patent number: 5813981
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a biomedical electrode of low profile, multi-layer construction wherein an electrically conductive tab contacts ionically conductive medium through an aperture of an insulative backing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Hatim M. Carim
  • Patent number: 5813972
    Abstract: A medical perfusion system for use in connection with the medical treatment of a patient is provided with a first type of perfusion device in the form of a blood pump adapted to pump blood through a fluid conduit connected to the patient, a second type of perfusion device in the form of a sensor adapted to sense a condition relating to the pumping of blood through the fluid conduit and to generate a sensing signal relating to the condition, and a data communications network for operatively interconnecting the perfusion devices. The perfusion system also includes means for transmitting messages in the form of digital data packets among the perfusion devices over the data communications network and a controller operatively coupled to the perfusion devices via the data communications network, the controller having an input device for accepting pump control commands relating to the blood pump from an operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Richard A. Nazarian, Dirk R. Smith, James R. Watts, Timothy J. Kriewall, Richard A. Griewski
  • Patent number: 5812913
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to improve toner drying on electrostatic printing media is disclosed. A drying apparatus placed between two print stations in a single pass electrostatic printer provides air from two different drying assemblies, one adjacent to one print station and a second adjacent to a second print station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Terry L. Morris, Thomas A. Speckhard, Yoshinori Akichika, Kenneth D. Wilson, Michael E. Kaszynski
  • Patent number: 5807326
    Abstract: A coronary sinus catheter assembly for the retrograde infusion of cardioplegia solutions into the coronary sinus. The assembly comprises a catheter having a balloon with a plurality of segmented annular ribs, and a stylet having a relatively stiff proximal sleeve and a relatively flexible malleable wire extending distally from the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: William G. O'Neill, Christopher M. Boykin, Nelson L. Huldin, Sheila J. Hanson, Walter L. Carpenter, Thomas T. Vaalburg
  • Patent number: 5807368
    Abstract: An elastic film is provided with non-elastic regions and elastic regions formed from a multi-layer film of an elastomeric layer and relatively inelastic layers(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Pamela E. Helmer
  • Patent number: 5805065
    Abstract: A magnetic security marker of an article surveillance system is deactivated by first determining the status of the marker by exposing it to the interrogating field. If the marker is active, a deactivation field is applied to the marker. The marker is again interrogated using the interrogating field and, if an active marker is detected, an incrementally increased deactivation field is applied. The marker is continually interrogated and, as long as an active marker is detected, the intensity of the field is incrementally increased until the field reaches a level effecting deactivation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Werner Schwarz, Josef Graessle, Peter J. Zarembo
  • Patent number: 5800919
    Abstract: Acrylate copolymer pressure sensitive adhesives (PSAs) which incorporate relatively small amounts of a plasticizer are disclosed. The resulting PSAs exhibit improved low temperature performance and minimal effect on other properties, when used as adhesives for graphic marking films. The adhesive system has been found to allow the graphic marking film to be applied at temperatures as low as 20.degree. F. (-7.degree. C.) and to improve the ability of the film to be applied to a substrate without trapping air between the marking film and the substrate. The adhesive system of the marking film also demonstrates resistance to tenting around the compound curved surfaces of rivet heads and corrugations typical of truck trailer sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Kenneth Peacock, Albert I. Everaerts, Kenneth D. Wilson, Stephen J. Galick
  • Patent number: 5800769
    Abstract: There is provided a method for forming a nonwoven electret fiber filter with a nonwoven web of electret fibers needle-punched to an open scrim support. The scrim support material has individual discrete open areas with an average cross-sectional area as viewed from the plane of the filter media of at least 0.25 mm.sup.2, preferably 1.0 mm.sup.2, and a pressure drop across the scrim support, without the filter web, of less than 1.5 mm H.sub.2 O measured at 98.4 meters/min gaseous face velocity. The resulting filter has enhanced lifetimes, a low pressure drop and high filtration efficiencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Inventor: Thomas E. Haskett
  • Patent number: 5800903
    Abstract: Composite films and film laminates comprising at least one elastomeric core and a surrounding nonelastomeric matrix preferably prepared by coextrusion. The film when stretched and allowed to recover will create an elastomeric composite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Leigh E. Wood, Dennis L. Krueger, Michael R. Gorman, Randall L. Alberg
  • Patent number: 5799841
    Abstract: A drip resistant nozzle for a dispenser is described. The drip resistant nozzle includes a flexible, resilient member that moves between several positions during actuation of the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: David F. Wirt
  • Patent number: D397672
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Gregory H. Johnson, Mark J. Ciesko