Patents Assigned to 3M Innovative Properties Company
  • Patent number: 12291602
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a polymerizable composition. The polymerizable composition includes a phthalonitrile resin, a curative, and a polyoxometalate of Formula I: Hn[XM12O40] (I). In Formula (I), M is W or Mo, n is 1 to 6, and X is a heteroatom selected from P, Si, S, Ge, As, Te, or Se. The present disclosure also provides an article. The article includes a polymerization product of the polymerizable composition. Additionally, a method is provided. The method includes mixing a polyoxometalate of Formula I with at least one of a curative or phthalonitrile resin and mixing at least a portion of the curative with at least a portion of the phthalonitrile, thereby forming a polymerizable composition. The method further comprises subjecting the polymerizable composition to a temperature of 180° C. to 250° C., to form an at least partially polymerized article and subjecting the at least partially polymerized article to a temperature of 300° C. to 350° C. to complete polymerization of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2025
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Benjamin J. Anderson
  • Patent number: 12291588
    Abstract: A method of making a crosslinked fluoropolymer is described. The method comprises applying a composition to a substrate, wherein the composition comprises fluoropolymer and a fluorinated solvent, one or more curing agents comprising an ethylenically unsaturated group and an electron donor group or precursor thereof. The method further comprises removing the solvent and curing the fluoropolymer with actinic (e.g. ultraviolet “UV”) radiation. Also described is a composition comprising a fluoropolymer dissolved in a fluorinated solvent, and one or more curing agents comprising an ethylenically unsaturated group and an electron donor group or precursor thereof; and article comprising the crosslinked fluoropolymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2025
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Naiyong Jing, Cheng Gu, Klaus Hintzer, Tho Q. Nguyen, Peter J. Scott
  • Patent number: 12293475
    Abstract: Augmented reality (AR) devices, systems and methods are provided to argument captured images of objects of interest. Image data can be obtained for an object of interest by an imaging device of an ear-worn device worn by a user. Augmenting information is generated to augment onto an image of the object. The augmented image is adjusted based on the detection on whether the object is in a field of view (FOV) of the imaging device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2025
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Lori A. Sjolund, Christopher M. Brown, Glenn E. Casner, Jon A. Kirschhoffer, Kathleen M. Stenersen, Miaoding Dai, Travis W. Rasmussen, Carter C. Hughes
  • Patent number: 12286345
    Abstract: Filter assemblies are disclosed. In particular, filter assemblies including a filter media and an overlay portion covering the filter media are disclosed. Such filter assemblies may provide both acceptable filtering capacity and cleanable visible front surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2025
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Hannah L. Stoughton, Tommie W. Kelley, Windy A. Santa Cruz, Matthew W. Gorrell, John B. Stender, Christine L. McCool, Michael L. Elam, Michael S. Schuffert, Jackson H. Hedden, Frank Tyneski, John M. Vernon
  • Patent number: 12286922
    Abstract: A thermal insulation structure comprising a first member, a second member, a mat material and an inorganic adhesive. The first member comprises a first surface having a temperature potentially reaching 200° C. or higher. The second member comprises a second surface disposed opposite to the first surface of the first member. The mat material is disposed between the first member and the second member. An area is formed on at least one of the first surface and the second surface, with the area including the inorganic adhesive. The inorganic adhesive exhibits adhesiveness upon being heated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2025
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Peter T. Dietz
  • Patent number: 12286396
    Abstract: Described herein is a dicarboxylic acid compound of formula (I): Wherein: R3 comprises an aryl group, R2 is an alkylene group comprising 1 to 6 carbon atoms, n is 0 or 1, R1 is H or CH3, and X is S or NZ, wherein Z is H, an alkyl group comprising 1 to 4 carbon atoms or a phenyl group. Such compounds can be used to modify the surface of inorganic particles. These modified inorganic particles may then be advantageously used in polymerizable resins to increase the refractive index of the resulting composite, while enabling good flow properties of the polymerizable composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2025
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Paul B. Armstrong, Jonathan A. Anim-Addo, Bryan V. Hunt, Evan L. Schwartz
  • Patent number: 12286507
    Abstract: A method of making a (meth)acrylate copolymer having pendent phosphate-containing groups and a pressure-sensitive adhesive that contains the (meth)acrylate copolymer having pendent phosphate-containing groups are provided. The method includes reacting a precursor (meth)acrylate copolymer having pendent carboxylic acid groups with an epoxy-functionalized phosphate compound. The pendent phosphate-containing groups on the reaction product can function as a flame retardant for the pressure-sensitive adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2025
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Eumi Pyun, Hei-Seung Harry Lee
  • Patent number: 12286382
    Abstract: Plurality of granules comprising a ceramic core having an outer surface and a shell on and surrounding the core, wherein the shell comprises ceramic particles bound together with an inorganic binder, the inorganic binder comprising reaction product of at least alkali silicate and hardener, wherein the ceramic particles are present as greater than 50 percent by weight of the shell of the respective granule, based on the total weight of the shell of the respective granule, wherein the shell of each granule has a total porosity in a range from greater than 0 to 60 percent by volume, based on the total volume of the shell of the respective granule, wherein the shell of each granule has a volume of at least 40 volume percent, based on the total volume of the respective granule, and wherein the granules have a minimum Total Solar Reflectance of at least 0.7. The granules are useful, for example, as roofing granules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2025
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Robert P. Brown, Taisiya Skorina, Rebecca L. A. Everman, Jean A Tangeman, Kenton D. Budd
  • Patent number: 12286387
    Abstract: The process produces a fluorinated olefin from a fluorinated copolymer having at least one of sulfonic acid groups, carboxylic acid groups, or salts thereof. The process includes heating the fluorinated copolymer at a first temperature not more than 450° C. to decompose at least one of the sulfonic acid groups, carboxylic acid groups, or salts thereof to form a partially pyrolyzed intermediate and subsequently heating the partially pyrolyzed intermediate at a second temperature of at least 550° C. to produce the fluorinated olefin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2025
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Arne Thaler, Achim Schmidt-Rodenkirchen, Mark W. Muggli, Konstantin Mierdel, Klaus Hintzer, Thorsten Gerdes, Denis Duchesne, Gregg D. Dahlke
  • Patent number: 12286571
    Abstract: Adhesive tape with an extended liner tab. A method of making a tape with an extended liner tab, by (A) providing a release liner-backed double-sided adhesive tape; (B) isolating a tape slug from the adhesive tape; (C) removing the tape slug so as to expose an underlying length of the release liner; and (D) cutting through the release liner so as to form the extended liner tab. Apparatus for performing the method, and release liner-backed double-sided adhesive tape comprising a plurality of spaced apart finite lengths of an adhesive tape and a release liner, with an exposed length of release liner disposed between adjacent lengths of adhesive tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2025
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Benjamin D. Belknap
  • Patent number: 12285867
    Abstract: A dual mounted end-effector system mounted on a motive robot arm for preparing an object surface is described. The system includes a first tool configured to contact and prepare the object surface and a second tool configured to contact and prepare the object surface. The system also includes a force control. The force control is configured to align, in a first state, with the first tool in position to contact and prepare the object surface and, in a second state, with the second tool in a position to contact and prepare the object surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2025
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Aaron K. Nienaber, Brett R. Hemes, Thomas J. Strey, Christie L. Vitale, Nathan J. Herbst, Jonathan B. Arthur
  • Patent number: 12281217
    Abstract: An article (e.g. film, tape or pipe) is described comprising a microstructured surface. The microstructured surface comprises a thermoplastic polymer; and a block copolymer additive comprising a poly(alkylene)oxide block having a molecular weight greater than 250 or 500 g/mole and at least one hydrophobic block. Also described is a method of making such articles. Also described is a triblock copolymer comprising a poly(alkylene oxide) midblock and hydrocarbon end blocks; and compositions comprising a thermoplastic polymer and un to 50 wt. % of the block copolymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2025
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Claire Hartmann-Thompson, Kurt J. Halverson, Raymond P. Johnston
  • Patent number: 12282303
    Abstract: A system and methods for multivariant learning and optimization repeatedly generate self-organized experimental units (SOEUs) based on the one or more assumptions for a randomized multivariate comparison of process decisions to be provided to users of a system. The SOEUs are injected into the system to generate quantified inferences about the process decisions. Responsive to injecting the SOEUs, at least one confidence interval is identified within the quantified inferences, and the SOEUs are iteratively modified based on the at least one confidence interval to identify at least one causal interaction of the process decisions within the system. The causal interaction can be used for testing, diagnosis, and optimization of the system performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2025
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Gilles J. Benoit, Brian E. Brooks, Peter O. Olson, Tyler W. Olson
  • Patent number: 12281199
    Abstract: Polycarbonate polymers comprising non-aromatic cyclic groups bonded with carbonate linking groups are described. A portion of the non-aromatic cyclic groups comprise a substituent having siloxane repeat units. Representative formulas of the substituents having siloxane repeat units include —CH2—CH2—Si(R4)2—(OSi(R4)2—R5, and —CH[Si(R4)2—(OSi(R4)2)m—R5]—CH3; wherein m is the number of siloxane repeat units; and R4 and R5 are independently alkyl, aryl, aralkyl or aralkylene. The polycarbonate polymer C typically comprises a high concentration of carbonate linking group, for example in an amount of at least 85 or 90 mol % or greater N based on the total linking groups of the polymer. Also described are compositions comprising the polycarbonate polymer and methods of making.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2025
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Carl A. Laskowski, Paul B. Armstrong
  • Patent number: 12280917
    Abstract: A system including a polymeric sheet. The polymeric sheet comprises a base sheet having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface and a multiplicity of spaced rails projecting from the first surface of the base sheet. The rails comprise a stem portion attached to and substantially upright from the first surface of the base sheet and a top portion on the distal end of the stem opposite the base sheet. The top portion comprises a first surface opposite the base sheet and a second surface facing the first surface of the base sheet. Additionally, the rails have a length greater than the width of the stems. The first surface of the base sheet, the second surface of the top portion and the surface of the stem defines a cavity with walls, and an adhesive coated on at least a portion of the cavity wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2025
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Michael B. Runge, Vasav Sahni, Ronald W. Ausen, Scott M. Tapio, William J. Kopecky
  • Patent number: 12281241
    Abstract: An adhesive composition is described comprising a polyisobutylene polymer component; and up to 30 wt.-% of at least one aliphatic multifunctional component comprising at least two ethylenically unsaturated groups selected from (meth)acryl or vinyl ether. The monomer comprises a hydrocarbon moiety with greater than 12 contiguous carbon atoms. When the hydrocarbon moiety is branched, the hydrocarbon moiety comprises side chains with at least two carbon atoms. The aliphatic multifunctional component is sufficiently compatible such that crosslinked adhesive composition at a thickness of 20 microns has a haze of less than 3%. Also described are adhesive articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2025
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Vasav Sahni, Jason D. Clapper, John W. McAllister, Albert I. Everaerts, Jacob P. Johnson, Zhong Chen, Ying Zhang, Benjamin J. Bending
  • Patent number: 12282304
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for determining causal models for controlling environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2025
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Brian E. Brooks, Gilles J. Benoit, Peter O. Olson, Tyler W. Olson, Himanshu Nayar, Frederick J. Arsenault, Nicholas A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 12275117
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an attachment hub for attachment to a sander, comprising a quick-release attachment assembly configured for releasable and aligned engagement with a counterpart of a backup pad particularly for an abrasive disc. Furthermore, the invention relates to a backup pad having a disc-like shape and comprising a first major surface and a second major surface, the first major surface configured for direct or indirect attachment of an abrasive disc, and the second major surface configured for facing towards an attachment hub for attachment to a sander, and a mounting portion for aligned engagement with an attachment hub of a sander.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2025
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Paul Larking, Andrew Robert Henry
  • Patent number: 12275884
    Abstract: Shaped ceramic abrasive particles include a first surface having a perimeter having a perimeter comprising at least first and second edges. A first region of the perimeter includes the second edge and extends inwardly and terminates at two corners defining first and second acute interior angles. The perimeter has at most four corners that define acute interior angles. A second surface is disposed opposite, and not contacting, the first surface. A peripheral surface is disposed between and connects the first and second surfaces. The peripheral surface has a first predetermined shape. Methods of making the shaped ceramic abrasive particles, and abrasive articles including them are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2024
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2025
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Negus B. Adefris
  • Patent number: 12275115
    Abstract: A disc changing system for a robotic defect repair system is presented. The system has a first abrasive disc and a second abrasive disc. The first and second abrasive discs are coupled to a liner. The system includes an abrasive disc placement device configured to automatically: remove the first abrasive disc from the liner, transport the first abrasive disc to a robotic tool of the robotic defect repair system, and place the first abrasive disc on a backup pad coupled to the robotic tool. The system also includes an abrasive disc remover configured to automatically remove the first abrasive disc after receiving a removal signal. The system also includes a controller configured to send an instruction to the disc placement device to remove, transport and place the first abrasive disc, instruct the robotic tool to conduct an abrasive operation. The controller is also configured to send the removal signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2025
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Aaron K. Nienaber, Mark W. Orlando, Nathan J. Herbst, Christie L. Vitale, Marc Eberwein, Brett R. Hemes, Jonathan B. Arthur, Thomas J. Strey