Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Walter N. Kirn
  • Patent number: 6403206
    Abstract: Conformable pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes which comprise a layer of polymeric foam in the backing and may be adhered firmly to a substrate and thereafter removed therefrom after only being stretched at an angle no greater than about 35° from the surface of the substrate. Articles for mounting an object such as a picture to a surface such as a wall comprising a pressure-sensitive adhesive tape of the invention are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: James L. Bries, Michael D. Hamerski
  • Patent number: 6207251
    Abstract: A composite article including a particle-loaded fibrillated polytetrafluoroethylene web with a reinforcing screen or scrim partially embedded therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: William V. Balsimo, Lloyd R. White
  • Patent number: 6132849
    Abstract: Articles having a complex geometric configuration have hydrophilicity imparted to at least a portion of surfaces of the articles while substantially retaining the complex geometric configuration. The hydrophilicity is imparted by an extremely thin, self-interlocking shell of tactic, hydrophilic poly(vinyl alcohol) enveloping the surfaces. A tactic poly(vinyl alcohol) precursor applied to surfaces of the supporting structure is reacted in situ on the surfaces with a hydrolysis reagent to prepare the tactic, hydrophilic poly(vinyl alcohol) shell. The article having the hydrophilic shell is highly resistant to solvent washout. Hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity can be reversibly provided on regio-specific surfaces of the article. Membranes to form permanent and undistorted images, and methods of preparing such images from image-forming substances in receptive media are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: David R. Gagnon
  • Patent number: 6132835
    Abstract: The present invention provides an article comprising a curable resin and a filler associated with the resin. The incorporation of fillers into the casting materials of the present invention adds substantially to the strength of the cured casting material as well as to the handling properties of the uncured casting tape or bandage. The incorporation of fillers into the casting materials of the present invention also imparts air and vapor porosity to the cured casting materials. If desired articles of the present invention may also incorporate fibers (either individually, bundled, or in the form of a light-weight scrim) to provide increased cohesiveness to the uncured article. Extremely moldable casting tapes are also provided which comprise a highly-filled composite material coated on a light-weight scrim. The casting tapes of this embodiment handle like traditional plaster of Paris casts yet cure to a weight-bearing cast in less than one hour.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Matthew T. Scholz, Jason L. Edgar, Andrew J. Callinan, Dean A. Ersfeld, Worku A. Mindaye, Andrew J. Mahler, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6006745
    Abstract: A device for delivering an aerosol comprises a casing member, a valve stem, and a sealing member, wherein the sealing member comprises a thermoplastic elastomer comprising of a copolymer of about 80-95 mole % ethylene and about 5-20 mole % of at least one comonomer wherein the comonomer(s) are 1-butene, 1-hexene, or 1-octene. The device is used with pharmaceutical formulations containing 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane and/or 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane as the propellant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Paul E. Marecki
  • Patent number: 5924983
    Abstract: An electrical conductor and a biomedical electrode using the electrical conductor are disclosed. The electrical conductor has a flexible, non-conductive film and two different carbon-containing coatings on a major surface of the film. The electrical conductor coatings are a low porous carbon-containing coating and a high porous carbon-containing coating. The low porous carbon-containing coating contacts the film and the high porous carbon-containing coating contacts the low porous carbon-containing coating. A tab/pad style of biomedical electrode using the electrical conductor has a field of ionically conductive media containing electrolyte contacting the high porous carbon-containing coating. The electrolyte diffuses into the high porous carbon-containing coating for electrochemical advantages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Shunsuke Takaki, Masanao Shikano
  • Patent number: 5910395
    Abstract: A photosensitive composition is prepared containing a polymer of the formula B(X)(Y) wherein B represents an organic backbone, each X independently is an acidic group or salt thereof and each Y independently is a photocurable group and a photoinitating compound or compounds. Preferably, free-radically polymerizable multi-functional monomer and/or oligomer is added to the photosensitive composition. The photosensitive composition can be coated on a suitable substrate for planographic printing plate applications. Imagewise irradiation causes the light struck regions to photocure, becoming insoluble in aqueous and organic mediums, while the non-light struck regions remain highly soluble/dispersable. Printing plates of this construction do not require processing prior to being run on a press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Minyu Li, James P. Gardner, John E. Kluge, Sumita B. Mitra
  • Patent number: 5907018
    Abstract: The present invention provides an acrylate/silicone pressure-sensitive adhesive tape having improved adhesion to painted surfaces and low temperature performance. The pressure-sensitive adhesive tape comprises:(a) a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer comprising a polymerized pressure sensitive adhesive composition wherein said pressure sensitive adhesive composition comprises:(I) about 25 to about 99 weight percent of polymer of the formula ##STR1## wherein: X, Y, D, R, R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Mieczyslaw H. Mazurek, David J. Kinning, Steven S. Kantner
  • Patent number: 5877267
    Abstract: A method for polymerizing fluorine-containing ethylenically-unsaturated monomer and allylic-hydrogen containing olefin monomer is provided. The method involves the use of fluoroaliphatic-group containing sulfinate. Novel polymers are also disclosed, comprising interpolymerized units derived from tetrafluoroethylene and allylic-hydrogen containing olefin, for example, propylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Michael P. Greuel, Werner M. Grootaert
  • Patent number: 5866249
    Abstract: A pressure-sensitive adhesive comprises an elastomer having a partially oriented and partially crystallized elastomer component. Articles comprising the pressure-sensitive adhesive on a backing or substrate are also disclosed, as are methods of preparing the adhesive and the articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: David J. Yarusso, Patrick D. Hyde
  • Patent number: 5846653
    Abstract: In a PSA tape construction, a primer layer comprising a neutralized rosin that includes acid functionalities and, optionally, an elastomer such as a styrene-butadiene rubber, is included between a tape backing and a poly(.alpha.-olefin) adhesive layer. Bonding of the adhesive layer to the backing is greatly improved, especially during and after high temperature baking of the tape construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Stephen J. Hawkins
  • Patent number: 5840106
    Abstract: Water-based pigmented inks are disclosed. Such inks are formed from water-based dispersions of pigment particles having novel dispersants therein. The dispersions are formed from the reaction product of an alkenyl azlactone with an N-substituted amino acid compound. Subsequent to the reaction, the reaction product is ring-opened using an amine and, optionally, hydrolyzed. The resulting inks are well-suited for use in ink jet and other printing applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Larry R. Krepski, Richard J. Kuo, Prabhakara S. Rao, Terrance P. Smith
  • Patent number: 5840783
    Abstract: The present invention provides a pressure sensitive adhesive comprising the polymerization reaction product of starting materials comprising:(a) 50 to 100 parts by weight of at least one acrylic or methacrylic ester of a non-tertiary alkyl alcohol in which the alkyl group contains 4 to 20 carbon atoms;(b) 0 to 50 parts by weight of at least one reinforcing monomer, copolymerizable with component (a), the sum of (a) and (b) amounting to 100 parts by weight; and(c) 0.1 to 15 parts by weight, per 100 parts by weight of the sum of components (a) and (b), of a substantially soluble chlorinated polyolefin;said starting materials being substantially solvent-free.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Bradley S. Momchilovich, Michael A. Johnson, Paul Hattam, Mark D. Purgett, Albert I. Everaerts, Kevin Kaczorek
  • Patent number: 5840412
    Abstract: Composite films and film laminates comprising at least one elastomeric core and a surrounding nonelastomeric matrix preferably prepared by coextrusion. The film when stretched and allowed to recover will create an elastomeric composite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Leigh E. Wood, Dennis L. Krueger, Michael R. Gorman, Randall L. Alberg
  • Patent number: 5837179
    Abstract: An abrasive filament, including a thermoplastic elastomer having abrasive particles dispersed and adhered therein, exhibits improved life over previously known abrasive-filled polymeric filaments. Methods of making abrasive filaments of the invention, articles including the abrasive filaments, and methods of abrading surfaces using the abrasive articles of the invention are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Copmany
    Inventors: Richard M. Pihl, Duane J. Hayes, Loren L. Barber, Jr., Dennis G. Welygan, R. Eugene Hardwick, Ronald O. Zemke, deceased
  • Patent number: 5837088
    Abstract: A composition comprising: (1) a susceptor of magnetically coupled radio frequency energy comprising a non-magnetic particulate substrate, e.g., an electrically insulative material in particulate form, bearing a thin magnetic coating, e.g., a magnetic inorganic film, and (2) a matrix that is substantially non-reflective of radio frequency energy, e.g., silicone rubber, which matrix can be heated upon the composition's being subjected to magnetically coupled radio frequency energy. It has been discovered that thin magnetic coatings on non-magnetic particles provide energy transfer with induction heaters equal to or better than many commonly used solid susceptor particles. It has also been discovered that the temperature of the composition of this invention can be regulated so as not to exceed a predetermined temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Charlotte M. Palmgren, Craig S. Chamberlain, Brian J. Fish
  • Patent number: 5830311
    Abstract: Corrugating apparatus that includes paddles and an ultrasonic welding device. The paddles are attached at one end to a belt that moves about a path. The paddles extend radially from the belt, and each paddle has a free end that supports a web as the paddles move about the path. The free ends of the paddles are able to move towards each other to cause the web to corrugate. The ultrasonic welding device is located downstream to where the paddles' free ends move towards each other. The ultrasonic welding device has a horn and an anvil, and the anvil includes the free ends of the paddles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: David L. Braun, James E. Steffen
  • Patent number: 5830250
    Abstract: A regenerable gas filter cartridge for filtering particles from an exhaust gas includes a hollow tube having a perforated portion and an open end portion. The perforated portion has a diameter larger than the diameter of the open end portion. A filtering element is disposed on the hollow tube, and the filtering element extends over the larger diameter of the perforated portion and the smaller diameter of the open end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Ryan C. Shirk, Rich L. Bloom, Troy K. Ista
  • Patent number: 5827184
    Abstract: A bioelectrode having a backing, a conductive layer adjacent to the backing, and a layer of conductive adhesive adjacent to the conductive layer. This bioelectrode is designed to have two special configurations. It is originally manufactured in its first configuration wherein the backing forms a sealed protective enclosure for the layer of conductive adhesive. When a physician is ready to apply the electrode to a patient, the electrode is readily converted to its second configuration wherein the layer of conductive adhesive is exposed for contacting and adhering the bioelectrode to the body of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Samuel G. Netherly, Scott A. Burton
  • Patent number: RE36794
    Abstract: Group IV organometallic compounds, e.g. alkylsilane, or alkylsiloxane compounds, are used as chain transfer agent in the radical initiated polymerization of ethylenically unsaturated monomers, to give polymers comprising non-ionic end groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Werner M. Grootaert