Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Kent S. Kokko
  • Patent number: 6946676
    Abstract: Provided is an organic thin film transistor comprising a polymeric layer interposed between a gate dielectric and an organic semiconductor layer. Various homopolymers, copolymers, and functional copolymers are taught for use in the polymeric layer. An integrated circuit comprising a multiplicity of thin film transistors and methods of making a thin film transistor are also provided. The organic thin film transistors of the invention typically exhibit improvement in one or more transistor properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Tommie W. Kelley, Larry D. Boardman, Timothy D. Dunbar, Todd D. Jones, Dawn V. Muyres, Mark J. Pellerite, Terrance P. Smith
  • Patent number: 6911510
    Abstract: Chain transfer agents for controlled radical polymerizations (RAFT) are described. The chain transfer agents have an azlactone or ring-opened azlactone moiety to provide telechelic (co)polymers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Kevin M. Lewandowski, Duane D. Fansler, Michael S. Wendland, Steven M. Heilmann, Babu N. Gaddam
  • Patent number: 6908952
    Abstract: Photoiniferters for controlled radical polymerizations are described. The photoiniferters have an azlactone or ring-opened azlactone moiety to provide telechelic (co)polymers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Kevin M. Lewandowski, Michael S. Wendland, Duane D. Fansler, Steven M. Heilmann, Babu N. Gaddam
  • Patent number: 6906009
    Abstract: The present invention provides a drilling fluid composition and a method of drilling comprising a drilling fluid, which may be oil- or water-based, and a composite microsphere component. The invention drilling fluid composition advantageously reduces the density of a conventional fluid, reduces costs associated with pumping and overcomes problems associated with conventional gas-injection processes. The invention uses conventional drilling and pumping equipment, requires no sea-floor based pumps and may be easily pressure-controlled to maintain the pressure of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Madeline P. Shinbach, Domasius Nwabunma, Hua T. Chan, Andrew S. D'Souza
  • Patent number: 6894133
    Abstract: Initiators for atom transfer radical polymerizations are described. The initiators have an azlactone or ring-opened azlactone moiety to provide telechelic (co)polymers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Kevin M. Lewandowski, Duane D. Fansler, Babu N. Gaddam, Steven M. Heilmann, Larry R. Krepski, Stephen B. Roscoe, Michael S. Wendland
  • Patent number: 6890360
    Abstract: Fluorochemical urethane compositions comprising one or more fluorochemical urethane compounds, and one or more auxiliary compounds for treatment of a fibrous substrate are described. The fluorochemical compositions are capable of improving one or more of the oil- and/or water repellency, stain- and/or soil repellency and stain and/or soil release properties, with improved durability, of the fibrous substrate treated with the fluorochemical composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Linda G. Coté , Mitchell T. Johnson, Larry A. Lien, Richard S. Buckanin
  • Patent number: 6890452
    Abstract: Novel aqueous, acid etch solutions comprising a fluorinated surfactant are provided. The etch solutions are used with a wide variety of substrates, for example, in the etching of silicon oxide-containing substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Parent, Patricia M. Savu, Richard M. Flynn, Zhongxing Zhang, William M. Lamanna, Zai-Ming Qiu, George G. I. Moore
  • Patent number: 6890963
    Abstract: This invention relates to foams made by polymerizing high internal phase emulsions (HIPE) containing polyelectrolytes. The emulsions comprise a continuous oil phase and a co- or discontinuous aqueous phase. The resulting foams are useful as a separations medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Susannah C. Clear, Ranjani V. Parthasarathy, Ravi K. Sura, Philip P. Soo
  • Patent number: 6890649
    Abstract: The present invention relates to aliphatic polyester microfibers, films having a microfibrillated surface, and methods of making the same. Microfibers of the invention can be prepared by imparting fluid energy, typically in the form of high-pressure water jets, to a highly oriented, highly crystalline, aliphatic polyester film to liberate microfibers therefrom. Microfibrillated films of the invention find use as tape backings, filters for particulate contaminants, such as face masks and water or air filters, fibrous mats, such as those used for removal of oil from water and those used as wipes, and thermal and acoustical insulation. Microfibers of the invention, when removed from the film matrix may be used in the preparation of woven or nonwoven articles and used as wipes for the removal of debris or dust from a surface. The microfibers and microfibrillated articles of the invention may be biodegradable, rendering them useful for geotextiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Terry R. Hobbs, Philip P. Soo, Mario A. Perez, Christopher K. Haas, Robert S. Kody
  • Patent number: 6858290
    Abstract: Microporous articles formed by thermally induced phase separation from a diluent in combination with a thermoplastic polymer and a fluorochemical additive providing novel fluid repellent articles. Such articles are useful in clothing, barrier membranes, optical films in electronic devices (such as light reflective and dispersive films), and protective garments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: James S. Mrozinski, Chetan P. Jariwala
  • Patent number: 6849329
    Abstract: Charged, high-strength, high-modulus, melt-processed microfibers, films having a charged, microfibrillated surface, and methods of making the same are described. Charged microfibrillated articles of the invention can be prepared by imparting fluid energy, typically in the form of high-pressure water jets, to a highly oriented, highly crystalline, melt processed film to liberate microfibers or microfibrous flakes therefrom. Microfibrillated articles of the invention find use as tape backings, in the preparation of woven or nonwoven articles, filters for particulate contaminants, such as face masks and water or air filters, fibrous mats, such as those used for removal of oil from water, wipes for dust or debris removal, and thermal and acoustical insulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Mario A. Perez, Diane R. Wolk, Betty Z. Mei, Seyed Abolhassan Angadjivand, Michael D. Swan
  • Patent number: 6841333
    Abstract: Photoacid generator salts comprising photoactive cationic moieties and segmented, highly fluorinated-hydrocarbon anionic moieties are disclosed which provide high photoacid strength and can be tailored for solubility and polarity. The present invention further relates to photoacid generators as they are used in photoinitiated acid-catalyzed processes for uses such as photoresists for microlithography and photopolymerization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: William M. Lamanna, Gregory D. Clark, Richard M. Flynn, Zai-Ming Qiu
  • Patent number: 6841637
    Abstract: Chain transfer agents for controlled radical polymerizations (RAFT) are described. The chain transfer agents have an azlactone or ring-opened azlactone moiety to provide telechelic (co)polymers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Kevin M. Lewandowski, Duane D. Fansler, Michael S. Wendland, Babu N. Gaddam, Steven M. Heilmann
  • Patent number: 6833418
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of preparing an aqueous dispersion of poly(perfluorovinyl ether)homopolymers. The present invention further relates to a method of making an aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion comprising bicomponent particles of poly(perfluorovinyl ether)homopolymers and a second fluoropolymer. The dispersions of the present invention may be used for rendering fibrous substrates oil repellent, water repellent and/or stain repellent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Lian S. Tan, Richard S. Buckanin, E. Steven McAlister
  • Patent number: 6822059
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of preparing an aqueous dispersion of poly(perfluorovinyl ether) homopolymers. The present invention further relates to a method of making an aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion comprising bicomponent particles of poly(perfluorovinyl ether) homopolymers and a second fluoropolymer. The dispersions of the present invention may be used for rendering fibrous substrates oil repellent, water repellent and/or stain repellent without altering the looks and feel of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Richard S. Buckanin, Lian S. Tan, E. Steven McAlister
  • Patent number: 6818716
    Abstract: Photoiniferters for controlled radical polymerizations and telechelic copolymers comprising polymerized units of one or more free radically (co)polymerizable monomers having a first azalactone terminal group and a second dithiocarbamate terminal group are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Michael S. Wendland, Kevin M. Lewandowski, Duane D. Fansler, Babu N. Gaddam, Steven M. Heilmann
  • Patent number: 6808657
    Abstract: A process for preparing a polarizer is described whereby an article comprising an oriented, vinylalcohol polymer film layer, and an acid donor layer comprising a photoacid generator, is exposed to radiant energy at a temperature sufficient to effect a partial dehydration of the vinylalcohol polymer to a vinylalcohol/poly(acetylene) copolymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Duane D. Fansler, Todd D. Jones, Babu N. Gaddam, Robert T. Fitzsimons, Steven M. Heilmann, John J. Cael
  • Patent number: 6803109
    Abstract: Fluorochemical urethane compositions comprising one or more compounds or oligomers having at least on fluorine-containing repeatable unit and at least one fluorine-containing terminal group are described. The compositions are useful as coatings or incorporated as melt additives. The fluorochemical compositions impart oil and water repellency to the substrate. In other aspects, this invention relates to processes for imparting oil and water repellency characteristics to substrates and articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Zai-Ming Qiu, John C. Clark, Wayne W. Fan
  • Patent number: 6802870
    Abstract: A solventless cleaning and treating composition for carpet is described. The composition comprises an aqueous solution of a stainblocking polymer, a silsesquioxane anti-soiling polymer, a surfactant and optionally a sequesting agent or salt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: John C. Chang, Robert F. Deutsch
  • Patent number: 6790491
    Abstract: The invention provides an image receptor medium which comprises a biaxially oriented, melt-processed image receptive film comprising a) an immiscible blend of at least one semicrystalline polymer component and at least one ink absorptive polymer component and b) at least one inorganic filler. The image receptor medium may further comprise one or more additional layers such as support or adhesive layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: John M. Sebastian, Robert D. Taylor, Mary R. Boone, Robert S. Kody, Stephen P. Polski