Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Walter N. Kirn
  • Patent number: 5693446
    Abstract: A method of transferring a high resolution polarizing image from a mass transfer donor element to a receptor element. The transfer can be induced by thermal energy or electromagnetic (optical) energy. In either case, the transferred image will be a high resolution image that exhibits optically anisotropic properties. The polarizing mass transfer donor element comprises a substrate having a polarizing mass transfer layer coated thereon. Optionally, the polarizing mass transfer donor element further comprises a light absorbing material, preferably in the form of a light to heat conversion layer. The polarizing mass transfer donor element can further comprise an adhesive to facilitate transfer of the polarizing mass transfer layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: John S. Staral, William A. Tolbert, Hsin Hsin Chou, Wu Shyong Li
  • Patent number: 5692949
    Abstract: A back-up pad for supporting an abrasive article having projecting hooking stems. The back-up pad includes a support member and an engaging means provided on a major surface of the support member for releasably engaging the hooking stems of the abrasive article. The engaging means includes a substrate having a first surface, a second surface, a plurality of loops projecting from the first surface, and an adhesive applied to the second surface. The plurality of loops comprise a continuous strand, the strand including a plurality of loop portions projecting through the substrate from the second side to the first side to thereby form the loops, and a plurality of connecting portions between the loop portions. The substrate is located between the loop portions and connection portions of the strand, and the adhesive adheres the connecting portions of the strand to the second surface of the substrate. Also disclosed is an engaging means for use with a back-up pad, and a method of stitching the engaging means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: William F. Sheffield, John L. Barry, David F. Slama
  • Patent number: 5693425
    Abstract: The present invention provides a novel multi-arm block copolymer, a novel pressure-sensitive adhesive made from a multi-arm elastomeric block copolymer, and a novel tape made therefrom. The multi-arm block copolymer has the general structure (A-B).sub.m Y(C-D).sub.n wherein A, B, C and D are polymer segments; Y is a residue of a multifunctional coupling agent; and m and n are the number of arms, where m and n are greater than 0 and the sum of m plus n is at least 3. A comprises a random copolymer of a monoalkenylarene and a conjugated diene; B and C comprise either a homopolymer of a conjugated diene or a polymer of two or more conjugated dienes; D comprises either a homopolymer of a monoalkenylarene or a copolymer of a monoalkenylarene and a conjugated diene wherein the Tg of D is greater than the Tg of A; and the weight percent of monoalkenylarene in the block copolymer is 40% or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Jingjing Ma, Mark Kevin Nestegard
  • Patent number: 5693811
    Abstract: A process for preparing 6, 7, 8, 9-tetrahydro-1H-imidazo?4,5-c!quinolin-4-amines is disclosed. The process involves the reduction of a 1H-imidazo?4,5-c!quinolin-4-amine or of a 6H-imidazo?4,5-c!tetrazolo?1,5-a!quinoline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Kyle J. Lindstrom
  • Patent number: 5689833
    Abstract: A respiratory mask is provided with an eye shield having a body portion which is releasably-secured to the mask, and a shield portion which shields the eyes of the wearer. The shield portion is self-supporting on the body portion and, hence, on the mask, and includes a sheet of transparent, eye-shielding, material which can be replaced if it becomes marked or damaged. The shield portion can be pivoted forwards, relative to the mask, so that it is removed from the line of vision of the wearer without affecting the respiratory protection provided by the mask. A valve arrangement in the body portion of the eye shield can divert air from the mask into the shield portion, to remove contaminants from the region around the eyes of the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Peter B. Allen, David Cook, William A. Mittelstadt
  • Patent number: 5690949
    Abstract: The invention discloses a method of preventing transmission of viral pathogens between a source of viral pathogens and a target of said viral pathogens comprising positioning between said source and said target a microporous membrane material comprising (1) a thermoplastic polymer or polytetrafluoroethylene and (2) a water- and oil-repellent fluorochemical compound which provides said membrane with oleophobic, hydrophobic and viral barrier properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: William K. Weimer, Gretchen E. Keenan, Robert J. Kinney, James S. Mrozinski, Philip D. Radovanovic
  • Patent number: 5690705
    Abstract: 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 having 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, within a curing zone, for at least partially curing the binder precursor;(d) introducing the binder precursor into at least a portion of at least two of the cavities;(e) continuously moving the production tool through the curing zone to at least partially cure the binder precursor to provide a solidified, handleable binder;(f) removing the binder from said at least one cavity; and(g) converting the binder into precisely shaped composites.Steps (f) and (g) can be conducted simultaneously. The composites are bonded to a backing to form a coated abrasive article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 5690326
    Abstract: Photographic film sheet picking-up device in a feeding apparatus for feeding such sheets from a station containing at least one sheet to a following station, such as a transport or processing station where the film sheets are to be processed one at a time, wherein such sheet picking-up device comprises rubber suction cups containing at least one antistatic compound selected within the group consisting of a) a metal salt selected within the group consisting of perfluoroalkylsulfonylmethide compounds and perfluoroalkylsulfonylimide compounds, b) a perfluoroalkyl(ene)polyoxyethylene non-ionic type surfactant, c) a modified polyoxyethylenepolysiloxane type surfactant, and a mixture of such compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Dario Ballerini, Marco Notini
  • Patent number: 5691846
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing flexible cube corner retroreflective sheeting comprising the steps of:a) providing a tool having a molding surface;b) applying to the molding surface a volume of a flowable resin composition;c) contacting the resin composition with a first major surface of an overlay film;d) minimizing excess resin composition;e) curing the resin composition to form a sheeting comprising an array of cube corner elements bonded to the overlay film;f) removing the sheeting from the tool; andg) applying mechanical stress to the sheeting so as to cause a fractured separation of substantially each individual cube corner element from surrounding cube corner elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Olester Benson, Jr., Cheryl M. Frey, Jeanine M. Shusta, Susan K. Nestegard, Vera L. Lightle, Kenneth L. Smith, Chester A. Bacon, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5691059
    Abstract: A composite bubbles comprising a silicate glass bubble or a bubble of silicate glass-ceramic having an aluminum nitride coating thereon; and a method of making the same. In another aspect, composite articles (electronic substrate materials) having the composite bubbles therein are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manfacturing Company
    Inventor: Kyung H. Moh
  • Patent number: 5691064
    Abstract: A release film for a part with a pressure-sensitive adhesive attached to the part, in which the part with a pressure-sensitive adhesive attached has adequate adhesion to the release film within the temperature range from normal temperature to a low atmospheric temperature in the winter season is provided. A release film for a part with a pressure-sensitive adhesive attached to the part, which has a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer with a Tg value ranging from -50.degree. C. to -20.degree. C. and a thickness ranging from 3 .mu.m to 50 .mu.m, on a base material, is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Ogata, Shinobu Sato
  • Patent number: 5690780
    Abstract: A polymerizable acrylic composition comprises:(a) at least one acrylic monomer;(b) an effective amount of an organoborane amine complex having the structure: ##STR1## wherein: R.sup.1 is an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms;R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are independently selected from phenyl-containing groups and alkyl groups having 1 to 10 carbon atoms;R.sup.4 is selected from the group consisting of CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 OH and (CH.sub.2).sub.x NH.sub.2 wherein x is an integer greater than 2;R.sup.5 is hydrogen or an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms; andthe nitrogen atom to boron atom ratio is about 1:1 to 1.5:1; and(c) an effective amount of an acid for initiating polymerization of the acrylic monomer.The polymerizable acrylic compositions are especially useful for bonding low surface energy substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Jury V. Zharov, Jury N. Krasnov, deceased
  • Patent number: 5691021
    Abstract: A flame retardant fastener adapted for releasable engagement to a second fastener. A backing layer of the fastener is constructed of a flame retardant polymeric material having an exposed bonding surface and a support surface. A multiplicity of flexible, resilient stem portions extend generally perpendicular to the bonding surface. The distal stem portions have an enlarged head portion located on a distal end of the stem portion. The enlarged head portions have a top surface opposite the distal stem portions and a latching surface opposite the bonding surface. The head portions is disposed to afford movement along different portions of the backing layer and into releasable engagement with the second fastener. A non-flame retardant, pressure sensitive adhesive is applied the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: James J. Kobe
  • Patent number: 5691027
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fastener member having a dual purpose cover sheet. The fastener member includes a base sheet, a plurality of engaging members projecting from the base sheet, a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive on an opposite surface of a base sheet, and a dual purpose cover sheet. The dual purpose cover sheet protects the adhesive layer of a first fastener member, and the engaging members of a second, underlying fastener member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Carey J. Eckhardt, Bradley D. Zinke
  • Patent number: 5690707
    Abstract: Abrasive grain including manganese oxide therein are provided. The inclusion of manganese oxide can be utilized to reduce the transition temperature of transitional alumina(s) to alpha alumina(s), during the formation of the abrasive grain. Further, manganese oxide presence can be utilized to generate sintered abrasive grain having a submicrometer, faceted microstructure. The abrasive grain are useful in abrasive articles such as coated abrasives, three-dimensional, low density abrasives, and bonded abrasives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: William P. Wood, Henry A. Larmie
  • Patent number: 5691065
    Abstract: A polymerizable acrylic composition comprises:(a) at least one acrylic monomer;(b) an effective amount of an organoborane amine complex having the structure: ##STR1## wherein: R.sup.1 is an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms;R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are independently selected from phenyl-containing groups and alkyl groups having 1 to 10 carbon atoms;Rhu 4 is selected from the group consisting of CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 OH and (CH.sub.2).sub.x NH.sub.2 wherein x is an integer greater than 2;R.sup.5 is hydrogen or an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms; andthe nitrogen atom to boron atom ratio is about 1:1 to 1.5:1; and(c) an effective amount of an acid for initiating polymerization of the acrylic monomer.The polymerizable acrylic compositions are especially useful for bonding low surface energy substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Jury V. Zharov, Jury N. Krasnov, deceased
  • Patent number: 5691037
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vibration damped laminate articles having improved force (torque and/or pressure and/or stress) retention, a method of making one article type and novel tools used to make the one article type. The first laminate comprises at least one layer of damping material between at least two substrate layers. At least one deformation area is present in the laminate wherein the substrate(s) are plastically deformed such that they are closer than non-deformed areas of the substrate and wherein the damping material has less mass than in a non-deformed area of the article; the deformation areas providing the areas of good force retention, for an attachment device attached thereto. The second laminate, which is not deformed, contains an additive of sufficient modulus, diameter and loading, in a vibration damping layer to provide improved force retention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey W. McCutcheon, Donald T. Landin
  • Patent number: 5691034
    Abstract: Microtextured elastomeric laminates comprising at least one elastomeric layer and at least one thin skin layer is preferably prepared by coextrusion of the layers followed by stretching the laminate past the elastic limit of the skin layers and then allowing the laminate to recover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Inventors: Dennis L. Krueger, Joseph T. Bartusiak, Thomas P. Hanschen, Karen M. Capik
  • Patent number: 5691026
    Abstract: A fastener arrangement includes a first fastener member having a base sheet and a plurality of engaging members projecting from the base sheet. The fastener arrangement includes a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive on a surface of a base sheet opposite of the engaging members, and a dual purpose cover sheet. The dual purpose cover sheet protects the adhesive layer of the first fastener member, and the engaging members of a second, underlying fastener member. The dual purpose cover is releasably attached to the second fastener member by fusing or by using an adhesive having a first non-tacky consistency and a second tacky consistency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Bradley D. Zinke, Timothy N. Narum
  • Patent number: D386640
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: David F. Wirt, Floyd L. Foslien