Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Lorraine R. Sherman
  • Ceramic articles containing silicon carbide
    Patent number: 4883779
    Abstract: A shaped article comprises a ceramic matrix and dispersed therein in the range of 5 to 30 weight percent mechanically added silicon carbide, said article having a modulus of elasticity (E) value of at least 10 percent greater than the inherent elastic modulus value of the fully dense host matrix. The articles are useful as high temperature stable reinforcement materials in composites requiring a high modulus of elasticity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1989
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Jerome W. McAllister, Lien-Huong T. Pham, Harold G. Sowman
  • Fiber reinforced composites with improved glass transition temperatures
    Patent number: 4882370
    Abstract: A fiber reinforced composite structure having a glass transition temperature greater than 150.degree. C. is comprised of:a) reinforcing fiber andb) a curable epoxy resin composition comprising(i) one or more epoxides having more than one epoxide group per molecule, of which epoxides at least 10 percent by weight is a 9,9-bis[4-(2,3-epoxypropoxy)phenyl]fluorene, all of the fluorene epoxy present being free of ortho substitution;(ii) an effective amount of one or more epoxy curing agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1989
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Robert C. Jordan, Gene B. Portelli
  • Process for the acrylamidoacylation of alcohols
    Patent number: 4874822
    Abstract: The present invention provides a dramatically improved process for the preparation of acrylamide and methacrylamide functional monomers, oligomers, and polymers that avoids the use of acidic catalysts which can cause undesired side reactions. The present invention process involves reacting an alkenyl azlactone with a hydroxy functional compound in the presence of a catalytic amount of either a bicyclic amidine or a trivalent phosphorus compound. These efficient basic catalysts provide unexpectedly increased reaction rates under mild conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1989
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Jerald K. Rasmussen, Steven M. Heilmann, Larry R. Krepski, Dean M. Moren
  • Variably crosslinked polymeric supports
    Patent number: 4871824
    Abstract: Azlactone-functional polymer beads are useful reactive supports for the attachment of functional materials to provide novel adduct beads. The adduct beads are useful as complexing agents, catalysts, polymeric reagents, chromatographic supports, and as enzyme- or other biomacromolecule-bearing supports. Novel carboxylate-functional polymer beads, are intermediates in the preparation of the azlactone-functional beads.Azlactone-functional beads have units of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is H or CH.sub.3,R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 independently can be an alkyl group having 1 to 14 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group having 3 to 14 carbon atoms, an aryl group having 5 to 12 ring atoms, an arenyl group having 6 to 26 carbon and 0 to 3 S, N, and nonperoxidic O heteroatoms, or R.sup.2 and R.sup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1989
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Steven M. Heilmann, Jerald K. Rasmussen, Larry R. Krepski, Dean S. Milbrath, Patrick L. Coleman
  • Colloidal metals in monomers or polymers
    Patent number: 4871790
    Abstract: A polymeric composition of matter comprises a polymer having dispersed therein at least one of colloidal metal and metal oxide particles in the submicrometer size range, said composition being aqueous-free and free of aliphatic hydrocarbon polymers and their halogenated derivatives. Methods for preparing the dispersions of the invention are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1989
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: William M. Lamanna, Fred B. McCormick, Robin E. Wright
  • Immobilization of biological cells in polytetrafluoroethylene matrix
    Patent number: 4871671
    Abstract: Articles which are composite structure are prepared which comprise a fibrillated polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) matrix containing enmeshed and immobilized therein viable cells capable of their usual and continuous biochemical and biological performances. The viable cells cells can be animal, bacterial, fungal or yeast. Almost all cells entrapped within said matrix are separated from each other and are unbound within said matrix such that when said matrix is cut the cells of the cut edge are free to escape from the matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1989
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Louis A. Errede, George R. Hunt
  • Biologically active protein immobilized with a polymeric fibrous support
    Patent number: 4855234
    Abstract: A composite article is prepared having in sequence a fibrous support which has been subjected to a surface treatment to provide binding sites thereon, a layer of a protein immobilizer compound, and a biologically active protein such as enzyme. The surface treatment can be carried out by coating the surface with an inorganic oxide or by subjecting the surface to plasma treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Carol E. Hendrickson, Rosa Uy, Arlene J. Mencke
  • Aluminum oxide/aluminum oxynitride/group IVB metal nitride abrasive particles derived from a sol-gel process
    Patent number: 4855264
    Abstract: The present invention provides a nearly fully dense, microcrystalline, composite ceramic abrasive particle comprising grains of alumina, gamma-aluminum oxynitride and, optionally, a Periodic Group IVB metal nitride in the system Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 /ALON/Group IVB metal nitride. In another aspect, two different processes for making an abrasive particle such as an abrasive grit, comprising a multiphase mixture of microcrystalline components in this system using sol gel techniques and pressureless reaction-sintering, are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: James P. Mathers, William P. Wood, Thomas Forester
  • Sulfonate-containing photopolymer systems
    Patent number: 4855384
    Abstract: An isocyanate-terminated sulfocompound is the reaction product of a polyisocyanate and a sulfopolyol or sulfopolyamine which is the reaction product of one mole of a sulfodicarboxylic acid and about two moles of an aliphatic polyol or polyamine having two or more hydroxyl or amino groups attached to a linear chain and having a molecular weight of up to 2000. The sulfocompound can be reacted with ethylenically-unsaturated alcohols, water, polyamines, or polyols, to give ethylenically-unsaturated sulfocompounds, sulfopolyureas or sulfopolyurethanes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1989
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Wayne K. Larson
  • Silyl 2-amidoacetate and silyl 3-amidopropionate compositions and optical fiber made therefrom
    Patent number: 4852969
    Abstract: The present invention provides novel silyl 2-amidoacetates and silyl 3-amidopropionates which are the reaction products of azlactone and silanol reactants. The novel products result from nucleophilic addition of a soluble or insoluble, low or high molecular weight reactant containing one or more silanol groups and a soluble or insoluble, low or high molecular weight reactant containing one or more azlactone groups. The reaction products provide for high adhesion between the siliceous and azlactone reactants, as would be useful as protective coatings particularly on silicon-containing materials. It has been recognized in the present invention that silyl 2-amidoacetates and silyl 3-amidopropionates are useful linkages between silanol and azlactone derived materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1989
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Stefan A. Babirad, Fredrick Bacon, Steven M. Heilmann, Larry R. Krepski, Andrew S. Kuczma, Jerald K. Rasmussen
  • Polypyridinium
    Patent number: 4841021
    Abstract: A novel class of polymers comprises one or more dipyridinium units, having the formula ##STR1## contained within the main polymer backbone where Ar.sup.1, Ar.sup.2, and Ar.sup.3 are aromatic or heteroaromatic nuclei each of which can consist of one ring or two fused or catenated rings having 5 to 12 ring carbon and heteroatoms which can include 1 to 3 unitary heteroatoms selected from S, N and O, R.sup.1 is any divalent organic bridging group, and Z.sup..crclbar. is a counterion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1989
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Alan R. Katritzky, Larry R. Krepski, Jerald K. Rasmussen, Steven M. Heilmann, Richard D. Tarr
  • Copolymers of poly(vinyl trifluoroacetate) or poly(vinyl alcohol)
    Patent number: 4840992
    Abstract: Novel, non-crosslinked copolymers of vinyl trifluoroacetate (VTA) and up to 5 weight percent of the VTA of certain comonomers, such as vinyl eesters, vinyl ethers, or disubstituted ethylene monomers, are disclosed. Solvolysis of these copolymers provides novel water-insoluble, non-crosslinked, poly(vinyl alcohol) copolymers which can be hydrated to copolymers having controllably variable hydrogel properties and high strength. Such poly(vinyl alcohol) copolymers are particularly desirable as ophthalmic devices such as contact lenses, corneal implants and transplant, and intraocular lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1989
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Ronald F. Ofstead
  • Acrylamidoacylated oligomers
    Patent number: 4837290
    Abstract: A composition of matter comprising an acrylamido-acyl or methacrylamido-acyl oligomer derived from at least one nucleophilic oligomer having at least one amino-, hydroxyl-, or thiol-substituted polyoxyalkylene, polyalkyleneimine, polyester, polyolefin, polyacrylate, or polysiloxane oligomer, said nucleophilic oligomer having a molecular weight in the range of 200 to 20,000 is disclosed. Also disclosed are free radically polymerizable monomer-containing compositions containing said oligomers as well as acrylamido- and methacrylamido-acylated polymers which are thermal or photocured products of said oligomers. In addition, a process is disclosed for providing said acrylamido- and methacrylamido-acylated oligomers which are useful, for example, in coatings, films, printing inks, adhesives, and saturants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1989
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Jerald K. Rasmussen, Steven M. Heilmann, Frederick J. Palensky
  • Thermochromic double-complex salts
    Patent number: 4834909
    Abstract: Compositions of matter and methods of preparation are described for water and air stable, square planar transition metal double-complex salts which contain isonitrile ligands derivatized with long chain aliphatic groups. These salts are composed of two metal-containing complex ions: the cation is a tetrakis isonitrile metal ion and the anion is a tetrahalometallate or tetracyanometallate. These double-complex salts exhibit the novel property of thermochromism and are useful as temperature indicators and in imaging applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1989
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Colleen C. Nagel
  • Copolymerizable UV stabilizers
    Patent number: 4831109
    Abstract: This invention describes UV-stabilized step growth polymers such as polyesters, polyurethanes, polycarbonates, and combination thereof. The UV-stabilizing moieties present in these polymers comprise chemically bound, pendant ortho-hydroxydiphenyl ketone based moieties. The polymers are especially useful as protective films and fibers which are highly resistant to ultraviolet (UV) and sunlight degradation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1989
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Sumita B. Mitra, Smarajit Mitra
  • Enzymatic neutralization of hydrogen peroxide
    Patent number: 4829001
    Abstract: A method for disinfecting a medical device comprising the steps of immersing a medical device in a hydrogen peroxide solution for a time sufficient to disinfect said device, decomposing any residual hydrogen peroxide by use of a catalytically effective amount of a protein capable of decomposing hydrogen peroxide, said protein being immobilized on a composite article, said composite article comprising in sequence a support, a layer of protein immobilizer compound, and a biologically active protein. The surface modification treatment is a gelled network of inorganic oxide particles or a plasma treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Arlene J. Mencke, Carol E. Hendrickson, Rosa Uy
  • Vapocheromic double-complex salts
    Patent number: 4826774
    Abstract: Articles comprise transition metal double-complex salts which contain arenyl isonitrile ligands derivatized with long aliphatic chains, the cation being a tetrakis isonitrile platinum ion and the anion being a tetracyanopalladate ion. These double-complex salts exhibit novel vapochromic effects and are useful as personal and badge monitors, threshold monitors, optical waveguide sensors, chemical field effect transistors, and in related monitoring applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1989
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Colleen C. Nagel
  • A method of making bicomponent green and ceramic fibers
    Patent number: 4824623
    Abstract: A continuous, bicomponent, non-vitreous ceramic fiber comprises components existing in a longitudinal side by side relationship wherein each of the components is derived from the different fiber-forming precursor liquid. The precursor liquids are formed into a fiber and gelled or hydrolyzed to provide a bicomponent non-refractory green fiber. Firing the bicomponent green fibers in a reducing atmosphere can provide ceramic/cermet or cermet/cermet fibers wherein each cermet component has a graded composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1989
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: George M. Rambosek
  • Silicone release compositions
    Patent number: 4822687
    Abstract: A composite structure comprises a substrate bearing on one or more surfaces a layer comprising an epoxypolysiloxane in which greater than 20% of the siloxane units are substituted by an oxiranyl group-substituted monovalent, non-cyclic, linear or branched aliphatic group. The composite structures can be adhesive roll and sheet materials in which the novel layer is a release coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1989
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Carl R. Kessel, Stephen W. Bany
  • Method of preparing N-acryloyl-.alpha.-amino acids
    Patent number: RE32952
    Abstract: A novel, one-pot procedure for the preparation of N-acryloyl-.alpha.-amino acids involves the steps of:(i) reacting a ketone, an ammonium salt, and a cyanide salt in water, optionally in the presence of ammonium hydroxide and a co-solvent, to form an aminonitrile;(ii) acryloylating the aminonitrile in aqueous media to afford an acrylamidonitrile; and(iii) hydrolyzing with aqueous acid the acrylamidonitrile to provide the N-acryloyl-.alpha.-amino acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1989
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Larry R. Krepski, Howell K. Smith, II, Jerald K. Rasmussen, Steven M. Heilmann