Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Gary L. Griswold
  • Water dispersible multi-layer microfibers
    Patent number: 5763065
    Abstract: Multilayer microfibers of at least one layer of a hydrolytically degradable polymer and at least one layer of a water soluble polymer are disclosed. The articles have water resistance during preparation, storage, and use with mammals but are dispersible when submersed in water at conditions of elevated temperature, elevated pH, and during a single commercial laundry cycle. The articles solve both the problem of solid waste disposal prevalent with single use garments and the problem of repeated cleansing and recycling of multiple use garments. Contamination associated with the articles of the invention after their use will be disinfected during the commercial laundry cycle that is utilized to disperse the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Gregg A. Patnode, Denise R. Rutherford, Dietmar Schlei
  • Oil absorbent fibrous granules
    Patent number: 5763083
    Abstract: There is provided a cellulosic-based fiber granule with added non self-associating particulates or fibers. The resulting granule is free-flowing with a densified outer surface and is capable of removing substantially all oil from a flat surface such as a floor. The granule is also capable of being incinerated by being formed substantially of organic materials. Cellulosic plant fibers form at least 10 percent up to 99 percent of the granule. There is also provided a method for forming the incineratable oil an absorbent, free-flowing granules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Michael R. Berrigan
  • Spectroscopic sample holder
    Patent number: 5764355
    Abstract: A device for holding a sample to be spectroscopically analyzed in which the sample is retained within a defined area. The device includes a receiving medium on which the sample is held. When this receiving medium is mounted in a frame (an optional feature), it extends across an aperture in the frame. In/on the receiving medium is a sample confining region that keeps any sample placed on the receiving medium from migrating outside a defined area. By keeping the sample within a defined area, quantitative measurements of the sample can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Inventors: David R. Gagnon, Richard M. Pieper, James E. Aysta
  • Guidance system for a moving person
    Patent number: 5764060
    Abstract: The guidance system of the invention includes at least two spaced, permanently magnetized regions that each produce a magnetic field. The two permanently magnetized regions can be provided at either side of another region that produces a magnetic field of less intensity than the permanently magnetized regions, and in one embodiment, the former region produces no magnetic field. The system may also include portable means for detecting the magnetic fields produced by the permanently magnetized regions, and that sensor may be mounted to a cane for use by a person. In another embodiment, the permanently magnetized regions contrast with either each other or the region that produces a magnetic field of less intensity, or have different surface characteristics, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Bernard A. Gonzalez, Richard L. Patten
  • Crosslinked isocyanate functional polymer supports
    Patent number: 5760152
    Abstract: Insoluble supports are prepared which possess high surface areas and efficiently dispersed isocyanate groups. These reactive supports are useful for covalently binding proteins which preferably are enzymes and provide catalysts for conducting organic reactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Steven M. Heilmann, Gary J. Drtina, Louis C. Haddad, Frederick W. Hyde, Dean M. Moren, Robert A. Pranis
  • Antegrade/retrograde switch for cardioplegia cannulae
    Patent number: 5755686
    Abstract: A switch for selectively directing fluid to either one of two catheters and for inflating a "manually" inflatable balloon of one of the catheters when fluid is directed to that catheter. The switch includes a valve mechanism that is operatively linked with a balloon inflation mechanism such that the balloon is inflated when fluid is directed to that catheter, and the balloon is deflated when fluid is directed to the other catheter. The switch is particularly adapted for use in administering cardioplegia solution to a patient's heart alternatively via an antegrade cardioplegia catheter and a retrograde cardioplegia catheter. A method of use of the switch is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: William G. O'Neill, Nelson L. Huldin, Lawrence R. Jones
  • Method and apparatus for noninvasive prediction of hematocrit
    Patent number: 5755226
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the direct noninvasive prediction of hematocrit in mammalian blood using photoplethysmography techniques and data processing. The method and apparatus also include optional prediction of other analytes of interest: percent oxygen saturation of mammalian blood and methemoglobin of stored blood. The method and apparatus can be used for the immediate, periodic, or continuous noninvasive diagnosis or monitoring of hematocrit levels in mammalian patients without pain to the patient or exposure of the health care practitioner to the blood of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Hatim M. Carim, Orlin B. Knudson, Bruce P. Ekholm, David P. Erickson, William J. Kelliher, Jr., Michael J. Rude
  • Tackified pressure sensitive adhesives
    Patent number: 5756584
    Abstract: A pressure sensitive adhesive that includes:(a) the polymerization product of:(i) 25-98 parts by weight of an acrylic acid ester of a monohydric alcohol whose homopolymer has a T.sub.g less than 0.degree. C.;(ii) 2-75 parts by weight of a non-polar ethylenically unsaturated monomer whose homopolymer has a solubility parameter of no greater than 10.50 and a T.sub.g greater than 15.degree. C.; and(iii) 0-5 parts by weight of a polar ethylenically unsaturated monomer whose homopolymer has a solubility parameter of greater than 10.50 and a T.sub.g greater than 15.degree. C.; and(b) at least one tackifier that is miscible in the polymerization product at room temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Greggory S. Bennett, Christopher A. Haak, Craig A. Gustafson
  • Bi-layer barrier for photoreceptors
    Patent number: 5756246
    Abstract: This invention is a photoreceptor element comprising, in order, an electroconductive support, a photoconductive layer, a barrier, and, preferably, a release layer. The barrier is a two layer system comprising:1) adjacent to the photoconductive layer, a non-conductive, charge blocking layer, and2) over the non-conductive, charge blocking layer, an electrically conductive barrier layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Edward J. Woo, David A. Ender
  • Endoscopic cannulated instrument flushing apparatus for forcing a cleaning solution through an endoscopic cannulated instrument for removal of gross debris
    Patent number: 5755894
    Abstract: An endoscopic instrument cleaning apparatus includes a syringe coupled to a flushing chamber by a form-fitting stopper. A distal, or instrument receiving end of the flushing chamber is inserted into a supply of cleaning fluid and the plunger of the syringe is drawn out to its fully retracted length, thereby filling the syringe and the flushing chamber with cleaning fluid. Then the distal end of an endoscopic instrument is inserted about through an aperture in a stopper having the shape of a conical frustum and is inserted into the flushing chamber to a depth of about 4 inches (10 cm) and the plunger of the syringe is thrust forward to inject pressurized cleaning solution through the endoscopic instrument. In another embodiment, the syringe receiving stopper is recessed within a proximal end of the flush chamber by about 3/8 inches (0.95-1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Michael D. Bowman, Michael J. Armentrout, Drake L. Koch
  • Ablative flashlamp imaging
    Patent number: 5757016
    Abstract: The present invention includes a method of creating a shaped image in a workpiece using a flashlamp, the method comprising positioning a template proximate the workpiece and directing radiation emitted by the flashlamp during a short pulse of less than approximately 100 .mu.sec through the template toward the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Douglas S. Dunn, Jeffrey B. Hill, Andrew J. Ouderkirk
  • Silyl terminated sulfopoly(ester-urethane) compositions
    Patent number: 5756633
    Abstract: Water-dispersible sulfopoly(ester-urethane) compositions which comprise, in their backbone, at least one arylene or alkylene sulfonic acid group or a salt thereof, the polymer being terminated by at least one hydrolyzable silyl group. The compositions of the invention preferably have a sulfonate equivalent weight of about 500 to about 12,000 g/equivalent and a number average molecular weight less than 50,000. Compositions of the invention have utility as durable treatments such as low surface energy coatings that exhibit release towards adhesive materials, grease, and oils.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Wayne K. Larson
  • Perfusion system with perfusion circuit display
    Patent number: 5752931
    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 sensing device adapted to sense a condition and generate a sensing signal relating to the condition, and a controller with an input device for accepting control commands from an operator. The perfusion system also includes a display device for generating visual displays relating to the perfusion system and means coupled to the display device for generating a perfusion circuit image comprising an image of each of the perfusion devices and an image of a fluid conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Richard A. Nazarian, Bradley Keyes, Janelle J. Kozak, Timothy J. Kriewall, Richard A. Griewski
  • Corrugated nonwoven webs of polymeric microfiber
    Patent number: 5753343
    Abstract: A composite structure contains a lofty corrugated nonwoven web of polymeric microfiber that is maintained in a corrugated condition by securing a fabric to the corrugated web at the valleys of the corrugations. The composite structure is made without substantially effecting web loft by (i) introducing the nonwoven web to the ends of a plurality of spaced paddles, (ii) causing the spacing between the ends of the paddles to decrease to corrugate the nonwoven web, and (iii) securing the fabric to the corrugated nonwoven web at the valleys of the corrugations. A composite structure of this construction made by this method provides very good filtration performance, making it particularly suitable for use as a filter in a cup-shaped face mask. The composite structure also is very suitable for use as thermal insulation in apparel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: David L. Braun, James E. Steffen, Raju Venkatapathy
  • Process for preparing liquid toners with hydrocarbon solvents
    Patent number: 5753763
    Abstract: The toner particles of this invention comprise pigment and a resin. The resin comprises a novel polymer formed from ethylenically unsaturated monomers, macromeric moieties that render the resin dispersible in hydrocarbon solvents, and a surface-release promoting moiety. When used for toner particles the polymer further comprises charge directing chelating moieties. The toner particles also include a charge director, preferably a metal cation. The toner particles, when dispersed in a carrier liquid, are useful as liquid toners for electrographic or electrophotographic processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Prabhakara S. Rao, Valdis Mikelsons
  • Blended polycaprolactone thermoplastic molding composition
    Patent number: 5753781
    Abstract: Thermoplastic molding compositions are made from a blend of high molecular weight and low molecular weight polycaprolactones. The blends have lower viscosity, and can have higher modulus, than a composition containing only high molecular weight polycaprolactone. The blends are especially useful for dental impressioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Joel D. Oxman, F. Andrew Ubel, III
  • Retroreflective elements
    Patent number: 5750191
    Abstract: A process and retroreflective elements are provided. The process of preparing a retroreflective element includes the steps of (a) combining a bed of optical elements and one or more core elements comprising a thermoplastic material; and (b) agitating the combination of optical elements and core elements for a sufficient period of time and at a sufficient temperature to coat the optical elements onto the core elements to form retroreflective elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Kathleen A. Hachey, Larry K. Stump, Terrance L. Beseup, Thomas V. Kusilek
  • Vehicle detector system with presence mode counting
    Patent number: 5751225
    Abstract: A detector system filters the effects of periodic noise such as magnetic flux from nearby power lines or other periodic sources. The detector system further adapts in the case that the system incorporates microloops for the inductive sensors. The detector system further counts multiple vehicles while in presence mode. The detector system also logging of vehicle data and system faults.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Mickiel P. Fedde, Kevin W. Klimisch
  • Ink jet printing sheet
    Patent number: 5747148
    Abstract: This invention relates to an ink jet printing sheet having a particle filled ink receptor layer and a particle filled protective penetrant layer. The particles from both the ink receptor layer and protective penetrant layer cause protrusions from the protective penetrant layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: David Warner, Charles C. Lee, Wu-Shyong Li
  • Azeotropic compositions containing perfluorinated cycloaminoether
    Patent number: 5744436
    Abstract: An azeotropic composition includes a perfluorinated cycloaminoether and an organic solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Richard M. Flynn, Daniel R. Vitcak