Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Peter L. Olson
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Patent number: 6494418Abstract: A wrist rest assembly for use along the front edge of a device to be operated by a person's hands or fingers, such as in front of a computer keyboard, including an elongate base on which is supported an elongate pad comprising a layer of gel within the covering. The pad has sufficient thickness between its top and bottom surfaces and width between its edges to afford supporting a users wrists on top surface with a portion of the layer of gel beneath and conforming to the supported wrists and to afford significant motion of the top surface of the pad with the supported wrists relative to the bottom surface in a plane generally parallel to the upper surface of the base. The base has a top portion supporting the pad, a bottom portion adapted to be supported on a horizontal surface; and structure that allows the top portion to be supported on the bottom portion with the top surface of the pad at a predetermined one of several different distances above that horizontal surface.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 1998Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Robert J. Wolf, Thomas J. Barnidge, Wayne K. Darvell, Kenneth J. Kirchhoff
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Patent number: 6486782Abstract: A device is disclosed for activating and deactivating magnetic electronic article surveillance (EAS) markers, and particularly those EAS markers that are associated with magnetically recorded media. In one embodiment, the device includes control circuitry comprising a coil, such as a solenoid-type coil, that provides a substantially uniform magnetic field that reliably activates and deactivates the marker, yet doesn't damage the magnetically-recorded media.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2000Date of Patent: November 26, 2002Assignee: 3M Innovative PropertiesInventors: Peter J. Zarembo, Anthony M. Belka
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Patent number: 6448886Abstract: The present invention relates to RFID devices, including handheld RFID devices, and applications for such devices. The devices and applications may be used in connection with items that are associated with an RFID tag, and optionally a magnetic security element. The devices and applications are described with particular reference to library materials such as books, periodicals, and magnetic and optical media.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2001Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Sharon R. Garber, Bernard A. Gonzalez, Mitchell B. Grunes, Richard H. Jackson, Gerald L. Karel, John M. Kruse, Richard W. Lindahl, James E. Nash, Chester Piotrowski, John D. Yorkovich
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Patent number: 6437561Abstract: A detection system determines the position of an object moving along a first direction. The system includes a magnetic field source generating a magnetic field signal and a magnetic field detection system coupled to the object. The detection system includes a source interface module with magnetic field sensors positioned a known distance apart along a second direction different from the first direction. Each sensor detects the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field source and generates a magnetic field signal. A processing module processes the magnetic field intensity signal produced by the source interface module. The processing module generates data for each sensor in the source interface module, which is made up of points representing peak magnetic field and sensor location along the second direction. The points are compared to determine the distance of the object from the magnetic field source along the second direction.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 1999Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Steven R. Bartingale, Mike E. Hamerly, Jeff D. Haagenstad
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Patent number: 6438447Abstract: An article inventory tracking and control system tracks and controls removal of articles from a secured facility. Exemplary facilities in which the system may be useful include libraries, rental stores and retail stores. Each article is marked with an EAS marker to prevent unauthorized removal. In the system, each user of a facility and each article in the facility is uniquely identifiable. Upon receiving the user and article information, the system queries a central database to ensure that the user is a valid user and that the desired transaction is authorized. A receiving compartment is specifically designed to receive a particular type of article, such as a video or audio cassette. Sensors in the receiving compartment ensure that the article is properly placed within the receiving compartment. Proper placement of the article within the receiving compartment ensures that the marker is properly re/desensitized, and also ensures that only one transaction on one article can be performed at a time.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 1998Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Anthony M. Belka, Thomas J. Brace
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Patent number: 6436713Abstract: The invention relates to methods for determining whether or not to discard a sample of oil based on the presence of polar compounds in oil and devices to be used to determine the presence of polar compounds in oil. In a preferred embodiment, a test strip comprising an adsorbent affixed to a backing is spotted with a polar indicator. A sample of oil is positioned on a heat conducting device supporting the test strip and the oil is allowed to migrate over the adsorbent material, thereby displacing the polar indicator in an amount related to the amount of polar compounds in the oil. This displacement is correlated to the amount of polar compounds in the sample.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 1999Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Fidelis C. Onwumere, Robert A. Pranis, Jack G. Truong
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Patent number: 6430299Abstract: A headset assembly includes an electronics housing and a replaceable battery. The battery includes a recessed region for limiting contact between the battery housing and the electrical contacts of the electronics housing. The contacts of the battery include raised regions for concentrating the electrical contact regions between the battery and the electronics housing, and to further clean the electrical contacts of the electronics housing during slideable insertion of the battery into the electronics housing.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2000Date of Patent: August 6, 2002Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Ronald W. Hall, Harry B. Taylor
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Patent number: 6424262Abstract: The present invention relates to RFID devices, including handheld RFID devices, and applications for such devices. The devices and applications may be used in connection with items that are associated with an RFID tag, and optionally a magnetic security element. The devices and applications are described with particular reference to library materials such as books, periodicals, and magnetic and optical media.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2001Date of Patent: July 23, 2002Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Sharon R. Garber, Bernard A. Gonzalez, Mitchell B. Grunes, Richard H. Jackson, Gerald L. Karel, John M. Kruse, Richard W. Lindahl, James E. Nash, Chester Piotrowski, John D. Yorkovich
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Patent number: 6367521Abstract: A dispensing valve cap mountable to a bottle is provided with a first valve part having a tubular portion having an air inlet and a fluid outlet spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the tubular portion to form a constant head valve for dispensing fluid from the bottle. A second valve part of the valve rotatably mounted to the first valve part includes a tubular portion for simultaneously closing both the air inlet and the fluid outlet of the first valve part when fluid dispensing is not desired. The second valve part firther includes an air inlet, and a fluid outlet alignable with the air inlet and the fluid outlet of the tubular portion when fluid dispensing is desired. The dispensing valve cap controls fluid flow from the bottle. The bottle with the valve cap is useable with a dispenser assembly for mixing a concentrated fluid from the bottle with a dilutant. A tamper resistant lock prevents undesired rotation of the second valve part relative to the first valve part.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2001Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: John J. Dyer, Corry P. Gunderson
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Patent number: 6354346Abstract: A dispensing valve cap mountable to a bottle is provided with a first valve part having a tubular portion having an air inlet, the first valve part further including a fluid outlet spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the tubular portion to form a constant head valve for dispensing fluid from the bottle. A second valve part of the valve movably mounted to the first valve part includes a tubular portion for simultaneously closing both the air inlet and the fluid outlet of the first valve part when fluid dispensing is not desired. The second valve part further includes an air inlet alignable with the air inlet of the tubular portion when fluid dispensing is desired. The dispensing valve cap controls fluid flow from the bottle. The bottle with the valve cap is useable with a dispenser assembly for mixing a concentrated fluid from the bottle with a dilutant. A tamper resistant lock prevents undesired rotation of the second valve part relative to the first valve part.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2001Date of Patent: March 12, 2002Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Cathleen M. Arsenault, John J. Dyer
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Patent number: 6335686Abstract: Antenna shelf tape is disclosed for use with items having radio frequency identification elements or tags associated with items of interest.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 1999Date of Patent: January 1, 2002Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Edward D. Goff, Bernard A. Gonzalez, Chester Piotrowski, Ching-Long Tsai
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Patent number: 6321483Abstract: A fly fishing line and a method for the manufacture of the line is described. The line comprises a core and an outer coating disposed around the core, the coating comprising polyvinyl chloride polymer, polytetrafluoroethylene and optionally polyacrylate derived from the polymerization of a polyfunctional polymerizable acrylate monomer. The method comprises coating a core with a plastisol comprising a polyvinyl chloride resin polytetrafluoroethylene, and optionally one or more of the foregoing monomers; exposing the plastisol to conditions providing formation of a polymer derived from the polyvinyl chloride resin and having polytetrafluoroethylene dispersed throughout the polymer.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 1998Date of Patent: November 27, 2001Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Del A. Kauss, Bruce W. Richards
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Patent number: 6288842Abstract: Microlens sheetings with composite images are disclosed, in which the composite image floats above or below the sheeting, or both. The composite image may be two-dimensional or three-dimensional. Methods for providing such an imaged sheeting, including by the application of radiation to a radiation sensitive material layer adjacent the microlenses, are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: 3M Innovative PropertiesInventors: Jeffrey M. Florczak, Robert T. Krasa, Stephen P. Maki, Richard M. Osgood, III
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Patent number: 6284337Abstract: A security laminate comprising (1) a protective layer having a first and a second surface, (2) a pattern of low adhesion coating bonded to a portion of the second surface of the protective layer, (3) at least one emblem bonded to a portion of the low adhesion coating/protective layer composite, (4) an adhesive bonded to the emblem layer/low adhesion coating/protective layer composite, and (5) a primer is not included between the low adhesion coating and emblem layers; wherein the bond between the emblem and the protective layer and the bond between the adhesive layer and protective layer are the most tenacious bonds, and the bond between the low adhesion coating and the protective layer is the least tenacious, whereby the emblems and adhesive layers are damaged in the pattern of the low adhesion coating during delamination. Also, secured documents comprising such security laminates and a method for securing documents utilizing such security laminates.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 1999Date of Patent: September 4, 2001Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Lynn E. Lorimor, Douglas K. Fossum, Frederick J. Fox
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Patent number: 6243026Abstract: For qualification for traffic preemption an area is defined and if the vehicle is in the area it can obtain preemption. The vehicle's position is determined, in one embodiment, by use of differential GPS.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1999Date of Patent: June 5, 2001Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Gary V. Jones, Kevin Judge, James C. Beck, Richard Keegan
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Patent number: 6232870Abstract: The present invention relates to RFID devices, including handheld RFID devices, and applications for such devices. The devices and applications may be used in connection with items that are associated with an RFID tag, and optionally a magnetic security element. The devices and applications are described with particular reference to library materials such as books, periodicals, and magnetic and optical media.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 1999Date of Patent: May 15, 2001Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Sharon R. Garber, Bernard A. Gonzalez, Mitchell B. Grunes, Richard H. Jackson, Gerald L. Karel, John M. Kruse, Richard W. Lindahl, James E. Nash, Chester Piotrowski, John D. Yorkovich
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Patent number: 6210509Abstract: Methods and devices for laminating a sheeted topfilm to a sheeted substrate while achieving substantial control over registration between the topfilm and the substrate and reducing the formation of lamination defects.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 1995Date of Patent: April 3, 2001Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Frank A. Sommerfeldt, James B. Jornlin
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Patent number: D457698Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2000Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventor: Marco Susani
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Patent number: D457994Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2000Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Estrella Cabrero Gomez, Carmen Martin Rivera, Jorge Castillo Sebastian
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Patent number: D465890Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2000Date of Patent: November 19, 2002Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Carmen Martin Rivera, Rafael Cebellan Debon, Estrella Cabrero Gomez