Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Gary L. Griswold
  • Nasal dilator with fibrous PSA
    Patent number: 5957126
    Abstract: A nasal dilator comprising a backing substrate having a first face and a second face. On the first face, there is provided a fibrous pressure-sensitive adhesive layer that comprises an entangled web of pressure-sensitive adhesive fibers. The fibrous adhesive layer has a moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) of at least 1000 g/m.sup.2 /day, and an adhesion to skin of at least 20 g/2.5 cm. On the second face of the backing, there is provided a resilient spring which extends along the length of the backing and is attached to at least two end regions of the backing. The fibrous adhesive layer provides for a nasal dilator that can be repeatedly attached to a wearer's nose with minimal levels of skin damage or trauma upon removal and increased levels of comfort while being used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Roger Dwayne Neeser
  • Water-based pigmented inks
    Patent number: 5951749
    Abstract: Water-based pigmented inks are disclosed. Such inks are formed from water-based dispersions of pigment particles having novel dispersants therein. The dispersions are formed from the reaction product of an amino acid compound with a nitrogen reactive compound with subsequent hydrolysis providing the capability of the dispersant to hydrophobically interact with the pigment particles. The resultinginks are well-suited for use in ink jet and other printing applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Larry R. Krepski, Prabhakara S. Rao, Terrance P. Smith, Kenneth D. Wilson, Richard J. Kuo
  • Polymerized microemulsion pressure sensitive adhesive compositions and methods of preparing and using same
    Patent number: 5952398
    Abstract: A polymerized microemulsion pressure sensitive adhesive composition is described. The composition has peel adhesion of at least 3 Newtons/100 mm as measured according to a PSTC-1 Test. The composition preferably has a bicontinuous structure of a continuous phase of a hydrophobic pressure sensitive adhesive polymer and a continuous phase of a hydrophilic polymer. The bulk properties of both polymers are retained in the bicontinuous structure. The composition is prepared from a microemulsion comprising a free-radically ethylenically unsaturated polar amphiphilic or hydrophilic monomer or oligomer in the aqueous phase, a free-radically ethylenically unsaturated hydrophobic monomer, having a glass transition temperature suitable for forming a pressure sensitive adhesive, in the oil phase, water, and surfactant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Timothy M. Dietz, Ying-Yuh Lu, Rosa Uy, Chung I. Young
  • Biomedical electrode having skin-equilibrating adhesive at its perimeter and method for using same
    Patent number: 5947961
    Abstract: A biomedical electrode is disclosed, having a geometry of a perimeter of hydrophilic adhesive exceeding the perimeter of an area containing electrically conductive plate(s). The geometry unexpectedly causes a reduction in edge effect for dispersive electrodes and cardiac stimulation electrodes due the substantial equilibration of the conductive adhesive with epidermis of a patient the electrode contacts for a period of time sufficient to cause such substantial equilibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Samuel G. Netherly
  • Stethoscope chestpiece having two suspended diaphragms
    Patent number: 5945640
    Abstract: A stethoscope has a dual-sided stethoscope head. The stethoscope head includes a body member having first and second opposite sound collecting sides. Each of the first and second sound collecting sides has a suspended diaphragm member. Preferably, one side is specially adapted for use with adult patients while the other side is specially adapted for use with pediatric or thin patients where it is difficult to obtain good surface contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Mary Jo Rossini, Thomas J. Packard
  • Pigmented inks and N-(1,2-dicarboxyethyl)-N-disubstituted sulfosuccinamate dispersants used therewith
    Patent number: 5938830
    Abstract: Pigmented inks are disclosed comprising an aqueous medium, a pigment, and a N-disubstituted sulfosuccinamate dispersant, preferably tetrasodium N-(1,2-dicarboxyethyl)-N-octadecyl sulfosuccinamate. Such dispersants reduce the agglomeration of pigment particles and reduce or eliminate the deposition of foreign substances on heater elements during the jetting process. A variety of pigments, dispersants, humectants, and aqueous media can be used. Such dispersants provide inks with good stability, few kogation problems, long decap times, and no color-to-color bleed, and relatively fast drying times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Richard J. Kuo, Jennifer Jeannette
  • Method for laminating a viral barrier microporous membrane to a nonwoven web to prevent transmission of viral pathogens
    Patent number: 5935370
    Abstract: The invention discloses a method of preventing transmission of viral pathogens between a source of viral pathogens and a target of said viral pathogens comprising positioning between said source and said target a microporous membrane material comprising (1) a thermoplastic polymer or polytetrafluoroethylene and (2) a water- and oil-repellent fluorochemical compound which provides said membrane with oleophobic, hydrophobic and viral barrier properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: #M Innovative Properties Company Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: William K. Weimer, Gretchen E. Keenan, Robert J. Kinney, James S. Mrozinski, Philip D. Radovanovic
  • Finger grip for a fastening system and a method of making the same
    Patent number: 5933927
    Abstract: A finger grip for a mechanical fastener and a method of forming the same. The mechanical fastener has a backing layer of a thermoplastic resin with integral fastening members in a fastening member region and at least one protrusion in a finger grip region. The fastening members define a fastening member volume per unit area. The at least one protrusion defines a finger grip volume per unit area. The finger grip volume per unit area is substantially equal to the fastening member volume per unit area. The backing layer comprises a backing thickness in the fastening member region generally equal to a backing thickness in the finger grip region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Philip Miller, Michael R. Gorman, David P. Rasmussen
  • Stethoscope having microphone therein
    Patent number: 5932849
    Abstract: A stethoscope chestpiece is disclosed having an acoustic-to-electrical transducer residing within the acoustic pathway of the chestpiece. The transducer resides within a mounting that can provide shock attenuation and vibration isolation. The transducer preferably resides within a coaxial position in the acoustic pathway. The chestpiece is useful in a stethoscope which can be electrically connected to auscultation systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Alan P. Dieken
  • Stethoscope chestpiece
    Patent number: 5931792
    Abstract: A stethoscope with a chestpiece which has two microphones oriented at a very obtuse angle to each other. The user of the stethoscope can switch from one microphone to the other with just a slight tilt of the hand. In preferred embodiments, no special action needs to be taken to activate the selected microphone as merely touching it to the patient's body selects it for activation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Thomas J. Packard, Joy A. Packard
  • Modulation of coating patterns in fluid carrier coating processes
    Patent number: 5928726
    Abstract: A method of modulating coating patterns is disclosed. The method uses the steps of dispensing a composite comprising a carrier fluid layer and a transferring the composite to the substrate, wherein interfacial interaction among the carrier fluid layer, the functional fluid layer, and the substrate generates a patterned coating of the functional layer on the substrate. The coating patterns provide controlled release surfaces for tapes, image receptors, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Terri L. Butler, Kathryn R. Bretscher, Mark C. Berens, James A. Baker, Gaye K. Lehman
  • Electrical conductor for biomedical electrodes and biomedical electrodes prepared therefrom
    Patent number: 5924983
    Abstract: An electrical conductor and a biomedical electrode using the electrical conductor are disclosed. The electrical conductor has a flexible, non-conductive film and two different carbon-containing coatings on a major surface of the film. The electrical conductor coatings are a low porous carbon-containing coating and a high porous carbon-containing coating. The low porous carbon-containing coating contacts the film and the high porous carbon-containing coating contacts the low porous carbon-containing coating. A tab/pad style of biomedical electrode using the electrical conductor has a field of ionically conductive media containing electrolyte contacting the high porous carbon-containing coating. The electrolyte diffuses into the high porous carbon-containing coating for electrochemical advantages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Shunsuke Takaki, Masanao Shikano
  • Drape sheets for use in surgical procedures
    Patent number: 5921242
    Abstract: A sheet drape is folded first in one direction into a multilayer strip of material and then in the orthogonal direction into a stack with a first end of the multilayer length located on top of the stack and the second end located within the stack. The drape is unfolded by pulling the first end of the multilayer length in a first direction, to reveal the second end; pulling the second end in the second, opposite, direction (thereby returning to the form of the multilayer strip); and then opening the folds of the multilayer strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Charles L. Newman
  • Liquid toners with hydrocarbon solvents
    Patent number: 5919866
    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: February 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Prabhakara S. Rao, Valdis Mikelsons
  • Hydroalcoholic compositions thickened using surfactant/polymer complexes
    Patent number: 5908619
    Abstract: Hydroalcoholic compositions and methods of preparation are provided. The composition includes a lower alcohol and water in a weight ratio of at least about 20:80 and a thickener system comprising a complex of at least one charged polymer and at least one oppositely charged surfactant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Matthew T. Scholz
  • Radiation-curable acrylate/silicone pressure-sensitive adhesive coated tapes adherable to paint coated substrates
    Patent number: 5907018
    Abstract: The present invention provides an acrylate/silicone pressure-sensitive adhesive tape having improved adhesion to painted surfaces and low temperature performance. The pressure-sensitive adhesive tape comprises:(a) a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer comprising a polymerized pressure sensitive adhesive composition wherein said pressure sensitive adhesive composition comprises:(I) about 25 to about 99 weight percent of polymer of the formula ##STR1## wherein: X, Y, D, R, R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Mieczyslaw H. Mazurek, David J. Kinning, Steven S. Kantner
  • Minimum visibility seam tape and method of joining substrates using the same
    Patent number: 5906696
    Abstract: A minimum visibility seam tape and method of joining at least two substrates with the tape. The substrates joined typically are sign faces or awnings comprising a composite of thermoplastics and a woven scrim. The seam tape is a woven or nonwoven scrim embedded in or coated with a thermoplastic polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: James A. Pontuti, Robert W. Warner, Richard F. Theissen, John A. Nielsen
  • Stethoscope chestpiece
    Patent number: D410285
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Joy A. Packard, Thomas J. Packard
  • Soccer image on an adhesive bandage
    Patent number: D410546
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Companyy
    Inventors: Nancy P. Brogden, Wayne K. Dunshee, Bruce R. Miller, John Rutig, Barry G. Seelig
  • Saw blade retention system
    Patent number: RE36269
    Abstract: A saw blade retention system for retaining a saw blade to a reciprocating saw includes a shaft connected to the saw for reciprocation and having a slot for receiving the saw blade. The saw blade retention system also includes a chuck disposed about the shaft and having a slot aligned with the slot in the shaft in an unlocked position for allowing the saw blade to be disposed in the slot for the shaft. The saw blade retention system further includes a cam-type mechanism for allowing the chuck to rotate angularly relative to the saw blade and shaft to a locked position to prevent the saw blade from exiting the slots and for allowing the chuck to move axially relative to the shaft to prevent axial movement of the saw blade between the chuck and the shaft. Complementary inclined surfaces are provided on the blade and the chuck to center the blade relative to its intended path of reciprocation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: David W. Wright