Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Robert W. Sprague
  • Acrylate copolymeric fibers
    Patent number: 6083856
    Abstract: The present invention provides fibers and products produced therefrom, including nonwoven webs and adhesive articles. The fibers, which can be multilayer fibers, include a pressure-sensitive adhesive composition comprising an acrylate copolymer comprising copolymerized monomers comprising at least one monofunctional alkyl (meth)acrylate monomer and at least one monofunctional free-radically copolymerizable reinforcing monomer having a homopolymer glass transition temperature higher than that of the alkyl (meth)acrylate monomer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Eugene G. Joseph, Ashish Khandpur, Kenneth C. Williams, Anthony R. Clanton, Steven C. Stickels, Randy A. Hoff
  • Adhesive of epoxy resin and OH-terminated polyester with C.sub.8 -C.sub.30 appended alk(en)yl
    Patent number: 6066699
    Abstract: This invention comprises a two-part epoxy adhesive composition. The composition comprises an epoxy resin having an average epoxide functionality of greater than one and an oligomeric polyester which is on average, terminated by at least two hydroxyl groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Virginia C. Marhevka
  • Composite-prelaminated closure tape system
    Patent number: 6063466
    Abstract: A prelaminated composite tape in a stable roll from which a composite adhesive closure tape tab (20) for disposable articles can be cut, which comprises a support sheet (21) and a mechanical fastener (30), wherein the support sheet (21) has a fastening surface (22) with a bonding layer (24) and a back side surface (23) that is provided with means for increasing the static friction, whereby a first axial extending section (25) of the support sheet (21) has a patch (26) comprising a mechanical fastener (30) disposed on the bonding layer (24), and a second axial extending section (31) of the support sheet has an exposed bonding layer which is attached to the edge portion (14) of the disposable article (10) in the production process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Joerg Otto Paul Tuschy, Axel Johannes Victor Dahm
  • J hook-type hook strip for a mechanical fastener
    Patent number: 6054091
    Abstract: A method of making a hook strip having J-shaped hooks that can be used as a mechanical fastener. The method includes using an initial substrate of material formed as an array of upstanding precursor stems having distal tips at their ends opposite a backing. In addition, a heat source adapted for heating and a mechanism for deforming stem tips is provided. The substrate is positioned relative to the heat source such that a portion of the upstanding stems on the array is heated. Subsequently, the substrate is moved to a position relative to the mechanism for deforming to create a hook strip of J-shaped hooks from the heated portion of the upstanding stems. In addition, an article of manufacture, made in accordance with the method, is provided which includes a hook portion of a hook-and-loop type of mechanical fastener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Philip Miller, William L. Melbye
  • Medicinal aerosol formulations of formoterol
    Patent number: 6054488
    Abstract: A pharmaceutical suspension formulation suitable for aerosol administration having from 0.0025 to 0.1% w/w of micronized Formoterol, or an acid addition salt thereof, from 0.1 to 5.0% w/w ethanol, HFA 134a, HFA 227 or a mixture of HFA 227 and HFA 134a, and optionally a surfactant other than a monoacetylated or diacetylated monoglyceride, the formulation being further characterized in that it exhibits substantially no growth in particle size or change in crystal morphology of the drug over a prolonged period, is substantially and readily redispersible, and upon redispersion does not flocculate so quickly as to prevent reproducible dosing of the drug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Martin J. Oliver, Simon G. Paling, Philip A. Jinks, Sukhbinder K. Jaiswal
  • Aerosol formulation containing a diol-diacid derived dispersing aid
    Patent number: 6042811
    Abstract: A medicinal aerosol formulation containing a particulate drug and a diol/diacid condensate as a dispersing aid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Daniel C. Duan, James S. Stefely, David W. Schultz, Chester L. Leach
  • Method for capping stem fasteners
    Patent number: 6039911
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for capping a headed stem fasteners. The precursor web having a backing with a rear surface, a front surface, and a multiplicity of polymeric stems projecting distally from the front surface of the backing is fed into a variable nip between a heated member opposite a support surface. The support surface has a shape generally conforming to the contour of the heated member. The variable nip compressively engages the polymeric stems between the heated member and the support surface so that distal ends of the polymeric stems are deformed. The heated member can be a heated roll or a heated belt. The support surface may be a curved capping shoe or a belt shaped to create a particular nip profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Philip Miller, Thomas R. LaLiberte
  • Immune response modifier compounds for treatment of TH2 mediated and related diseases
    Patent number: 6039969
    Abstract: Immune response modifier compounds--imidazoquinoline amines, imidazopyridine amines, 6,7-fused cycloalkylimidazopyridine amines, and 1,2-bridged imidazoquinoline amines--are useful for the treatment of TH2 mediated diseases by administering a therapeutically effective amount of such compounds in order to inhibit TH2 immune response, suppress IL-4/IL-5 cytokine induction and eosinophilia, as well as enhance TH1 immune response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Mark A. Tomai, David M. Hammerbeck, Karl F. Swingle
  • Coating composition having anti-reflective and anti-fogging properties
    Patent number: 6040053
    Abstract: A coating composition which imparts anti-reflective and anti-fog properties to substrates coated therewith. The coating composition utilizes an inorganic metal oxide in combination with silane or a siloxane oligomer. The coating compositions are particularly useful in the manufacture of disposable surgical masks and face shields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Matthew T. Scholz, George V. Tiers
  • Medicinal inhalation aerosol formulations containing budesonide
    Patent number: 6039932
    Abstract: A pharmaceutical aerosol formulation, suitable for administration by oral or nasal inhalation, containing a suspension of particulate budesonide, hydrofluoroalkane propellant and, optionally, additional hydrofluoroalkane propellants, surfactant selected from oleic acid, sorbitan oleates and lecithin, and adjuvant have a Kauri-butanol value of at least 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Nayna Govind, Philip A. Jinks, Danna L. Ross, Gary H. Ward
  • Seal configuration for aerosol canister
    Patent number: 6036942
    Abstract: An aerosol canister for containing a medicinal aerosol formulation. The canister involves a vial body and a valve ferrule sealed by first and second sealing members to form a chamber that contains the medicinal aerosol formulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Todd D. Alband
  • Repeatedly usable filter frame and filter for fluid using the same
    Patent number: 6033455
    Abstract: To provide a filter frame which enables a filtering medium to be easily renewed on a site and makes it possible to provide a filter at a low cost.The filter frame comprises a pair of frame elements capable of being integrally coupled together through flange bonding, each frame element comprising a passage portion allowing the passage of a fluid to be filtered and a flange portion outwardly disposed at a peripheral end portion of said passage portion, and that each of said flange portions has at least one bending portion, and said two flange portions, when coupled together, are engaged with each other based upon at least one tongue-in-groove connecting portion with said filtering medium being sandwiched between said flange portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Daisuke Kurashima
  • Container for aerosol formulation
    Patent number: 6030682
    Abstract: A container for aerosols which contains 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane, or a mixture thereof as a propellant, wherein the container has at least one elastomeric sealing member comprising a thermoplastic copolymer of about 80 to about 95 mole percent ethylene and a total of about 5 to about 20 mole percent of one or more comonomers which may be 1-butene, 2-hexene, and 1-octene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Paul E. Marecki
  • Hydroalcoholic compositions for transdermal penetration of pharmaceutical agents
    Patent number: 6019997
    Abstract: Hydroalcoholic compositions useful for the enhancement of the transdermal delivery of a pharmaceutical agent, methods of preparation, transdermal delivery systems, and methods of delivering the pharmaceutical agent are provided. The composition includes a lower alcohol and water in a weight ratio of at least about 20:80, a pharmaceutical agent, and an emulsifier system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing
    Inventors: Matthew T. Scholz, Robert A. Asmus, John C. Hedenstrom
  • Corrugated nonwoven webs of polymeric microfiber
    Patent number: 6010766
    Abstract: A composite structure contains a lofty corrugated nonwoven web of polymeric microfiber that is maintained in a corrugated condition by securing a fabric to the corrugated web at the valleys of the corrugations. The composite structure is made without substantially effecting web loft by (i) introducing the nonwoven web to the ends of a plurality of spaced paddles, (ii) causing the spacing between the ends of the paddles to decrease to corrugate the nonwoven web, and (iii) securing the fabric to the corrugated nonwoven web at the valleys of the corrugations. A composite structure of this construction made by this method provides very good filtration performance, making it particularly suitable for use as a filter in a cup-shaped face mask. The composite structure also is very suitable for use as thermal insulation in apparel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: David L. Braun, James E. Steffen
  • Fibers of polydiorganosiloxane polyurea copolymers
    Patent number: 6007914
    Abstract: The present invention provides fibers and products produced therefrom, including nonwoven webs and adhesive articles. The fibers, which can be multilayer fibers, include a polydiorganosiloxane polyurea copolymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Eugene G. Joseph, Ashish K. Khandpur, Audrey A. Sherman, Mieczyslaw H. Mazurek, Walter R. Romanko
  • Superimposed embossing of capped stem mechanical fastener structures
    Patent number: 6000106
    Abstract: There is provided a method of capping mechanical fasteners from a web having an array of upstanding stems. A heated surface member is positioned opposite a support forming a nip into which the web is fed. The heated surface member has a series of laterally spaced elongated peak and valley structures such that more than one peak and valley structure contacts and deforms each stem structure. The peak and valley groove structures provided asymmetric elongation and deformation of top portion of the stem structures forming hook heads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Robert D. Kampfer, Philip Miller
  • Process for preparing imidazoquinolinamines
    Patent number: 5998619
    Abstract: A process for preparing 1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-4-amines is disclosed. The process involves reacting a 6H-imidazo[4,5-c]tetrazolo[1,5-a]quinoline with triphenylphosphine and hydrolyzing the product thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: John F. Gerster, Kyle J. Lindstrom
  • Durable, low surface energy compounds and articles, apparatuses, and methods for using the same
    Patent number: 5998549
    Abstract: Novel polymeric compounds having pendent fluoroaliphatic groups, pendent organic-solubilizing groups, and pendent groups capable of reacting with an epoxy silane; which have been reacted with an epoxy silane have been discovered. These compounds are easy to apply, abrasion and impact resistant, and provide durable, low surface energy, streak reducing surfaces on coating dies, edge guides, and other coating and fluid contacting surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Thomas M. Milbourn, John F. Kistner, Larry A Lien
  • Cassette for tonometric calibration
    Patent number: 5997818
    Abstract: A cassette for tonometric calibration especially useful for systems that measure one or more blood parameters includes a cassette having an elongated fluid chamber. In one embodiment of the invention, the fluid chamber includes an expansion region that reduces the likelihood of bubble coalescence of the calibration gas. In another embodiment, inner wall sections of the chamber are provided with a hydrophilic surface. Optionally, a fitting is non-releasably coupled to a casing of the cassette and is movable between a first position for closing a calibration gas outlet port and a second position for venting the calibration gas outlet port. In another embodiment, the cassette includes an elongated sparging tube that extends in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Thomas G. Hacker, David J. Franta