Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Paul W. Busse
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Patent number: 5633010Abstract: Hydrocolloid adhesive compositions are disclosed comprising a hydrophobic unsaturated aliphatic homopolymer, a compatible tackifier, and at least one hydrocolloid absorbent. The compositions have enhanced resistance to breakdown by body fluids, adjustable absorbency, improved adhesive and cohesive properties, as well as a reduced tendency to leave an adhesive residue after application. Also disclosed are wound dressings, ostomy or prosthesis adhesives, methods of using wound dressings, and methods for forming the hydrocolloid adhesive compositions.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1995Date of Patent: May 27, 1997Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Yen-Lane Chen
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Patent number: 5632668Abstract: A method for polishing an optical quality surface, such an ophthalmic lens, to finish which can accept a hardenable protective coating without using an abrasive slurry or gel, including the steps of: (a) providing an optical lens having a first major surface, the first major surface having an initial Rtm value of greater than 0.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 1996Date of Patent: May 27, 1997Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Gene O. Lindholm, Robert A. Follensbee
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Patent number: 5628952Abstract: Precisely shaped composites and methods for making these composites are disclosed. The method of this invention comprises the steps of:(a) providing a production tool comprising a plurality of cavities;(b) providing a dispensing means capable of introducing a binder precursor comprising a thermosetting resin into the cavities;(c) providing a means, for at least partially curing the binder precursor;(d) introducing said binder precursor into at least a portion of at least two of the cavities;(e) continuously moving the production tool through a curing zone to at least partially cure the binder precursor;(f) removing the solidified binder from the production tool; and(g) converting the solidified binderinto precisely shaped composites. Steps (f) and (g) can be conducted simultaneously. The composites can be bonded together to form a shaped mass, e.g.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1996Date of Patent: May 13, 1997Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Gary L. Holmes, Scott R. Culler, David H. Hardy, William A. Hendrickson, Thomas P. Klun, Kimberly K. Harmon, Robert V. Heiti, Kathryn M. Spurgeon, Charles J. Studiner, III
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Patent number: 5626859Abstract: The present disclosure describes an solid ectoparasite control composition for topical application to the hair coat or fur of a domesticated animal or household pet, such as a dog or cat, to control ectoparasites. The disclosure also describes an applicator package for applying an ectoparasite control composition that is in the form of a molded stick, by rubbing or spreading it on the hair coat of the animal. Methods of making and applying solid ectoparasite control compositions are also described in the present disclosure.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 1995Date of Patent: May 6, 1997Inventors: Joanne A. Fitch, Kanta Kumar, Duane M. Pinault
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Patent number: 5622711Abstract: Hydrocolloid adhesive compositions for use as wound dressings or ostomy/prosthesis adhesives are disclosed. These adhesive compositions are made of a mixture of a hydrophobic, unsaturated, elastomeric homopolymer, a polyisobutylene tackifier and a hydrocolloid absorbent which is cross-linked by 5-200 kGy gamma radiation to provide a cross-linked matrix having a wet integrity value of at least about eighty percent, a shear hold value of at least about 500 min/500 g and a dry cohesive strength which prevents adhesive composition breakage or delamination. Methods of using such wound dressings or ostomy/prosthesis adhesives and methods of making the hydrocolloid adhesive compositions are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 1994Date of Patent: April 22, 1997Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Yen-Lane Chen
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Patent number: 5586926Abstract: Method for texturing a surface of a metallic thin film of a magnetic disk substrate comprising the steps of: (a) frictionally contacting the surface of the metallic thin film with an abrasive article, wherein the abrasive article comprises an abrasive coating including a water-soluble binder and abrasive particles, wherein the abrasive coating is adhesively attached to a flexible foraminous fibrous backing; and (b) abrading the surface of the metallic thin film by moving the metallic thin film and the abrasive article relative to one another with the abrasive coating in contact with an aqueous liquid solution to form scratches in the surface of the metallic thin film, wherein the liquid solution is free of abrasive particles before contact is initiated with the abrasive coating.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 1994Date of Patent: December 24, 1996Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Eric D. Wedell, Darlene N. Strecker
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Patent number: 5583114Abstract: This invention is related to an adhesive composition which may be used to bond or seal tissue in vivo. The adhesive composition is readily formed from a two component mixture which includes a first part of a protein, preferably a serum albumin protein, in an aqueous buffer having a pH in the range of about 8.0-11.0 and a second part of a water-compatible or water-soluble bifunctional crosslinking agent. When the two parts of the mixture are combined, the mixture is initially a liquid which cures in vivo on the surface of tissue in less than about one minute to give a strong, flexible, pliant substantive composition which bonds to the tissue and is absorbed in about four to sixty days. The adhesive composition may be used either to bond tissue, to seal tissue or to prevent tissue adhesions caused by surgery.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 1994Date of Patent: December 10, 1996Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Thomas H. Barrows, Terry W. Lewis, Myhanh T. Truong
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Patent number: 5583213Abstract: The present specification is directed to a novel process to prepare an activated sulfated polysaccharide which may then be used in subsequent reactions or processes to bind the reactive polysaccharide with a nucleophilic agent or an aminated surface. The activating process comprises the steps of initially forming a polysaccharide tetraalkylammonium salt by contacting an aqueous mixture of a sulfated polysaccharide salt with a cation exchange resin to give a polysaccharide free acid and then contacting the polysaccharide free acid with a tetraalkylammonium hydroxide to give the polysaccharide tetraalkylammonium salt, and subsequently forming an activated sulfated polysaccharide by contacting the polysaccharide tetraalkylammonium salt of step i) with a coupling reagent in an aprotic organic solvent at ambient temperatures for a period of time sufficient to form the activated sulfated polysaccharide.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 1995Date of Patent: December 10, 1996Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Masao Yafuso, Robert J. Linhardt
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Patent number: 5573950Abstract: An apparatus for counting microorganism colonies on at least one disposable microorganism culturing medium having a substantially planar substrate. The apparatus is adapted to interact with a cassette holding a number of similar substrates at once. The apparatus includes an imaging device capable of detecting colonies on the substantially planar substrate, a cassette positioning device for moving the cassette so that the substrates supported within the cassette are moved sequentially into a predetermined position relative to the imaging device, and an ejecting device for ejecting a substantially planar substrate in turn from the cassette when that substrate is in the predetermined position from the cassette and into an imaging position adjacent the imaging device. Suitable cassettes and a method for counting colonies on substrates supported within a cassette are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 1994Date of Patent: November 12, 1996Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Josef A. Graessle, Werner R. Schwarz, Theo N. Wildt
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Patent number: 5569461Abstract: A topical composition and related method for disinfecting, cleansing, conditioning and treating skin using a propylene glycol monoester of capric or caprylic acid, a second propylene glycol monoester or capric and/or caprylic acid, a synergist, propylene glycol, a surfactant and a vehicle are provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 1995Date of Patent: October 29, 1996Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Jeffrey F. Andrews
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Patent number: 5549961Abstract: An abrasive article having a sheet-like structure having at least one major surface having deployed thereon a plurality of individual abrasive composites, each abrasive composite comprising a plasticizer and a plurality of abrasive particles dispersed in a binder, wherein said binder is formed by polymerizing a binder precursor and said plasticizer being combined with said binder precursor prior to said polymerizing in an amount of 30 to 70 parts plasticizer per 100 parts by weight of the combined binder precursor and plasticizer. There is also a method of using such as abrasive article to reduce the surface finish of a workpiece and a process of making the abrasive article.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 1995Date of Patent: August 27, 1996Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: John D. Haas, Todd J. Christianson, Wesley J. Bruxvoort
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Patent number: 5532311Abstract: A process for modifying a surface of an article that includes treating the surface with (a) a first water-soluble polyalkylene amine, (b) a water-soluble polymeric anionic compound, and (c) a second water-soluble polyalkylene amine in the absence of crosslinking agents to create a modified surface.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 1995Date of Patent: July 2, 1996Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Larry M. Sirvio, Barbara C. Swenson
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Patent number: 5510246Abstract: Changes in specified indicia of colony growth in the early stages of incubation are monitored to provide the early detection and enumeration of colonies in the growth medium. Data from images collected at different times is processed to enhance the detection of subtle changes in the specified indicia of colony growth and provide an early indication of the number of colonies present in the growth medium.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1994Date of Patent: April 23, 1996Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Scott D. Morgan
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Patent number: 5500273Abstract: Abrasive articles comprising precisely shaped particles are disclosed. The particles are bonded together to form a shaped mass, e.g., a wheel; alternatively, the particles can be bonded to a backing to form a coated abrasive article; or the particles can be bonded into a fibrous, nonwoven substrate to form a non-woven abrasive article.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 1995Date of Patent: March 19, 1996Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Gary L. Holmes, Scott R. Culler, David H. Hardy, William A. Hendrickson, Thomas P. Klun, Kimberly K. Harmon, Robert V. Heiti, Kathryn M. Spurgeon, Charles J. Studiner, III
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Patent number: 5490992Abstract: The present invention is generally related to a product and a process to reduce the microbial contamination of processed meat and is particularly related to a product and a process to disinfect poultry carcasses using a disinfectant composition containing a fatty acid monoester, an acid or chelating agent, and a food grade surfactant. These components may be combined in either an aqueous or nonaqueous vehicle as desired. The present combination is effective against pathogenic and undesired bacteria. Advantageously, the present composition does not detrimentally alter the taste, texture, color, odor or appearance of the processed meat.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 1995Date of Patent: February 13, 1996Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Jeffrey F. Andrews, Janet F. Munson
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Patent number: 5466747Abstract: Graft copolymers comprising a poly-alpha-olefin base polymer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, and compatible mixtures thereof, having grafted thereto an olefinic monomer. The grafted monomer is present in an amount effective to increase the amount of protein that will bind to the graft copolymer as compared with the base polymer. Also disclosed are polymer/protein compositions comprising a graft copolymer having a protein immobilized on the surface thereof, processes for the preparation of the above-described graft copolymers and compositions, methods of immobilizing proteins, and methods of immunoassay based on such immobilization.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 1994Date of Patent: November 14, 1995Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Richard J. Rolando, Patrick L. Coleman, Steven L. Kangas, Thomas A. Kotnour
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Patent number: 5466749Abstract: Graft copolymers comprising a poly-alpha-olefin base polymer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, and compatible mixtures thereof, having grafted thereto an olefinic monomer. The grafted monomer is present in an amount effective to increase the amount of protein that will bind to the graft copolymer as compared with the base polymer.Also disclosed are polymer/protein compositions comprising a graft copolymer having a protein immobilized on the surface thereof, processes for the preparation of the above-described graft copolymers and compositions, methods of immobilizing proteins, and methods of immunoassay based on such immobilization.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 1994Date of Patent: November 14, 1995Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Richard J. Rolando, Patrick L. Coleman, Steven L. Kangas, Thomas A. Kotnour
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Patent number: 5462860Abstract: This invention generally relates to products and processes used to determine the presence of microbes in a sample and particularly relates to a conditioned culture medium which may be used in products and processes to allow early detection and enumeration of such microbes. The conditioned culture medium preferably is a filtered broth made by inoculating viable microbes with gelatin, casein or animal peptones as well as lactose, sodium chloride, bile salts, guar gum and an indicator.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1994Date of Patent: October 31, 1995Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Patrick A. Mach
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Patent number: 5460833Abstract: The present invention is generally related to a product and a process to reduce the microbial contamination of processed meat and is particularly related to a product and a process to disinfect poultry carcasses using a disinfectant composition containing a fatty acid monoester, an acid or chelating agent, and a food grade surfactant. These components may be combined in either an aqueous or nonaqueous vehicle as desired. The present combination is effective against pathogenic and undesired bacteria. Advantageously, the present composition does not detrimentally alter the taste, texture, color, odor or appearance of the processed meat.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 1995Date of Patent: October 24, 1995Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Jeffrey F. Andrews, Janet F. Munson
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Patent number: RE35286Abstract: A device useful for growing aerobic microorganisms, particularly molds. The device employs a relatively small amount of water reconstitutable medium that can be sealed in order to prevent desiccation and contamination of the medium yet still provide an adequate supply of air to the medium, by the use of a membrane underlying the medium, to support the growth of aerobic microorganisms.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 1993Date of Patent: June 25, 1996Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Robert L. Nelson, Paul E. Hansen