Patents Assigned to 3M Innovative Properties
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Patent number: 11951226Abstract: An ethylene oxide sterilization sensor, and method of use, wherein the sensor includes: a heat-shrinkable film; an acid-functional porous sorbent in thermal contact with the heat-shrinkable film; and an acid having a boiling point above 120° C. and a pKa of no greater than 2.5, wherein the acid is impregnated in or covalently attached to the porous sorbent.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2020Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Michael W. Kobe, Michael S. Wendland, Kelvin J. Witcher, Richard C. Webb
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Patent number: 11955645Abstract: Catalysts comprising a Ta layer having an outer layer with a layer comprising Pt directly thereon, wherein the Ta layer has an average thickness in a range from 0.04 to 30 nanometers, wherein the layer comprising Pt has an average thickness in a range from 0.04 to 50 nanometers, and wherein the Pt and Ta are present in an atomic ratio in a range from 0.01:1 to 10:1. Catalyst described herein are useful, for example, in fuel cell membrane electrode assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2019Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Andrew J. L. Steinbach, Andrew T. Haug, Krzysztof A. Lewinski, Amy E. Hester, Grant M. Thoma, Cedric Bedoya, Zhenhua Zeng, Jeffrey P. Greeley
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Patent number: 11953706Abstract: Wavelength-selective films are visibly apparent under the selective wavelength. Wavelength-selective films typically reflect off axis the selected wavelength and therefore can provide high-contrast against a background when applied in a pattern on a substrate. However, it is difficult to apply unique patterned embedded images from film. Disclosed is a cost-effective method and construction of a patterned wavelength-selective image to a substrate. In the disclosed wavelength-selective image, wavelength-selective film particles are applied to an adhesive pattern to create the wavelength-selective image.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2019Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Kui Chen-Ho, Kenneth L. Smith, Douglas S. Dunn, Tien Yi T. H. Whiting, John A. Wheatley, Bryan T. Whiting, Taylor J. Kobe, Anthony F. Schultz, Duane D. Fansler, Jonah Shaver
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Patent number: 11954939Abstract: An electronic device (200) includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel (204), a cover layer (218), one or more light sources (224), and an optical sensor module (226). The LCD panel (204) receives a contact input associated with a fingerprint of a user. The cover layer (218) includes a first major surface (228) and a second major surface (230) opposite to the first major surface (228), and is disposed on the LCD panel (204). The cover layer (218) defines a first axis (AA?) normal to the first major surface (228). The optical sensor module (226) receives a light from the predetermined fingerprint sensing area (222) to detect the fingerprint. The optical sensor module (226) at least partially overlaps with the predetermined fingerprint sensing area (222) along the plane of the first major surface (228). The optical sensor module (226) defines a second axis (BB?) normal to a surface of the optical sensor module (226).Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2020Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Jingfei Chen, Huijie Xie, Fan Long, Yan Yan Zhang, Zhe Hu
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Patent number: 11952732Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a retro-reflective raised pavement marker (100) and a method of manufacturing (200) thereof. The marker (100) comprises a marker body (1), at least one intermediate frame (6), and at least one retro-reflective lens (7) such that the marker body (1) completely houses the at least one intermediate frame (6) and the at least one retro-reflective lens (7). Further, the manufactured marker (100) is durable, effective and has better retention with the ground surface and better load distribution to the ground.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2019Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Santhosh Kumar Rajendran, Vipulkumar Himatbhai Prajapati, Govindarajan Ganesan
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Patent number: 11953709Abstract: A system may include one or both of a light emitter and a light receiver. The system may include an optical filter adjacent one or both of the light emitter or the light receiver. The optical filter includes a wavelength selective scattering layer. The wavelength selective scattering layer may have a near-infrared scattering ratio of less than about 0.9. The filter may have a visible reflective haze ratio of greater than about 0.5. A method may include disposing the wavelength selective scattering layer adjacent one or both of the light emitter and the light receiver. An article may include the optical filter. The wavelength selective scattering layer may have an average near-infrared scattering of less than 60%, an average visible scattering of greater than 10%, and a difference between the % total visible reflectance and the % diffuse visible reflectance of less than 20.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2021Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Guanglei Du, John A. Wheatley, William B. Kolb, John C. Schultz, Daoyun Song, Luke D. Riveness
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Patent number: 11957032Abstract: The present disclosure provides a display system. The display system includes a backlight configured to emit substantially collimated polarized light from an emission surface thereof. The emitted polarized light is polarized along a polarization direction. The display system further includes a display panel configured to receive an illumination light and form an image. The display system further includes a grating system substantially coextensive in length and width with the display panel and the emission surface. The grating system includes a plurality of substantially parallel elongated features extending along an in-plane first direction and arranged along an orthogonal in-plane second direction. The grating system is configured to receive and transmit an incident polarized light as a first transmitted light having different first and second polarization states in response to different respective first and second signals applied to the grating system.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2023Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Stephen J. Etzkorn, Michael L. Steiner, Kevin W. Gotrik, Luke A. Schroeder, Nicholas A. Johnson, John A. Wheatley
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Patent number: 11948706Abstract: A ribbon cable is described, including a first insulative layer extending along a length and a width of the cable, and a plurality of spaced apart substantially parallel conductors extending along the length of the cable. The insulative layer has opposing top and bottom major surfaces and defines a plurality of spaced apart cavities extending between the top and bottom major surfaces of the first insulative layer. The top major surface of the first insulative layer is deformed in a plurality of spaced apart substantially parallel regions extending along the length, and arranged along the width, of the cable. Each deformed region has a shape of a groove and includes a deformed portion of at least one cavity in the plurality of cavities. Each conductor is disposed within a corresponding deformed region of the insulative layer.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2019Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventor: Douglas B. Gundel
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Patent number: 11949350Abstract: At least some embodiments of the present disclosure direct to a flexible device, comprising a flexible component layer, and a jamming device disposed proximate to the flexible component layer. The jamming device permits the flexible component layer to be bent in a first state. The jamming device is configured to resist bending of the flexible component layer in a second state.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2019Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventor: Thomas R. Corrigan
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Patent number: 11944520Abstract: Systems, kits, methods of manufacturing, and a sealing member for creating a sealed space are described. The sealing member can include a film layer and a first adhesive layer coupled to the film layer. The sealing member can also include a second adhesive layer coupled to the first adhesive layer. A plurality of apertures may extend through the second adhesive layer. Each aperture can expose at least a portion of the first adhesive layer through the second adhesive layer. A plurality of polymer particles may be disposed in the first adhesive layer. The polymer particles can be configured to dissolve in response to interaction with a switching solution.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2020Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Christopher Brian Locke, Timothy Mark Robinson
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Patent number: 11945076Abstract: An article (100) has a polyester film backing (110) and a primer layer (120) including a carboxylated styrene butadiene copolymer crosslinked with a polyfunctional aziridine disposed on a major surface of the polyester film backing (110). Another article includes a polyester backing (110), a primer layer (120) including a carboxylated styrene butadiene copolymer crosslinked with a polyfunctional aziridine disposed on a major surface of the polyester backing (110), and a phenolic layer (140) disposed on the primer layer (120) on a surface opposite the polyester backing (110). The phenolic layer (120) can include abrasive particles (160). Processes for making the articles are also described, as well as methods for abrading a workpiece and improving adhesion between a polyester film backing (110) and a phenolic layer (120) on the polyester backing (110).Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2019Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Amelia W. Koenig, Liming Song, Stephen M. Sanocki, Yu Yang, Yaohua Gao, Aniruddha A. Upadhye, Morgan A. Priolo, Saurabh Batra, Angela S. McLean
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Patent number: 11945149Abstract: Coextruded articles comprising first and second layers each having first and second opposed major surfaces and between the first and second layers a series of first walls providing a series of microchannels, and methods for making the same. Embodiment of coextruded articles described herein are useful, for example, in cushioning applications where high levels of compression are desired.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2019Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Ronald W. Ausen, William J. Kopecky
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Patent number: 11947138Abstract: Broadband visible reflectors are disclosed. In particular, broadband visible reflectors with reduced on-axis blue reflectivity are described. Broadband visible reflectors that appear yellow in reflection are described. Such broadband visible reflectors may be used in backlights and displays.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2021Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Edward J. Kivel, Ryan T. Fabick, Timothy J. Nevitt
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Patent number: 11945944Abstract: The disclosure relates to a curable composition comprising: a polymerizable epoxy-acrylate resin composition having a complex viscosity at 25° C. and 1 Hz frequency of at least about 4500 Pa-s and a probe tack peak force of at least about 300 kPa; and abrasive particles partially or fully embedded in the polymerizable epoxy-acrylate resin composition. The disclosure also relates to cured compositions formed from such curable compositions, wherein the abrasive particles are partially or fully embedded in the cured composition. In addition, the disclosure relates to abrasive articles made from such cured compositions as well as methods for making abrasive articles.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2017Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Kathleen S. Shafer, Rebecca A. Putans, Ernest L. Thurber, Cyrus A. Anderson, Corinne E. Lipscomb, Thomas J. Nelson, Gregory P. Sorenson, Chainika Jangu
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Patent number: 11945900Abstract: The present disclosure provides an orthodontic article including the reaction product of the polymerizable composition. Further, the present disclosure provides polymerizable compositions and methods of making an orthodontic article. The method includes obtaining a polymerizable composition and selectively curing the polymerizable composition to form an orthodontic article. Further, methods are provided, including receiving, by a manufacturing device having one or more processors, a digital object comprising data specifying an orthodontic article; and generating, with the manufacturing device by an additive manufacturing process, the orthodontic article based on the digital object. A system is also provided, including a display that displays a 3D model of an orthodontic article; and one or more processors that, in response to the 3D model selected by a user, cause a 3D printer to create a physical object of an orthodontic article.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2019Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Thomas P. Klun, Zeba Parkar, John M. Riedesel, Richard J. Pokorny, Chad M. Amb, Benjamin R. Coonce, Robert S. Clough, Tianyu Wu, Saswata Chakraborty, Yongshang Lu, Benjamin C. MacMurray, Ahmed S. Abuelyaman, Karl J. L. Geisler, Jodi L. Connell, Ta-Hua Yu
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Patent number: 11947135Abstract: A light control film is described comprising alternating transmissive regions and absorptive regions disposed between a light input surface and a light output surface. The absorptive regions have an aspect ratio of at least 30. In some embodiments, the alternating transmissive regions and absorptive regions have a transmission as measured with a spectrophotometer at a viewing angle of 0 degrees of at least 35, 40, 45, or 50% for a wavelength of the range 320-400 nm (UV) and/or at least 65, 70, 75, or 80% for a wavelength of the range 700-1400 nm (NIR). In another embodiment, the absorptive regions block light at the light input surface and light output surface and the maximum surface area that is blocked is less than 20% of the total alternating transmissive regions and absorptive regions. Also described are various optical communication systems comprising the light control films described herein and methods.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2018Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Daniel J. Schmidt, Caleb T. Nelson, Kevin W. Gotrik, Raymond J. Kenney, John A. Wheatley, Kenneth A. Epstein, Gary T. Boyd, Corey D. Balts
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Patent number: 11946891Abstract: The disclosure describes techniques for detecting a crack or defect in a material.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2021Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventor: David H. Redinger
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Patent number: 11937998Abstract: Various embodiments of a hearing protection device and a method of forming such device are disclosed. The hearing protection device includes a first hearing protector, a second hearing protector, and an elongated connector including a first end that is connected to the first hearing protector and a second end that is connected to the second hearing protector. The device further includes a frangible attachment element disposed between a first portion of the elongated connector and a second portion of the elongated connector that temporarily connects the first portion to the second portion such that the elongated connector is in a compact configuration. The elongated connector is adapted to be disposed in an elongated configuration when the frangible attachment element is broken.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2017Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Feng Cai, Jeffrey L. Hamer
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Patent number: 11937893Abstract: Provided herein is a system and method for mitigating premature light deactivation of light deactivated adhesive drapes. One aspect provides a system comprising a drape, a photosensitive adhesive layer, a release agent, and an optical fiber mesh layer configured as a light pipe, where the system is adapted to be coupled to a tissue site and released therefrom upon or after exposure to an external stimulus such as certain wavelengths of light. Another aspect includes a pipe light pipe, as an alternative to the optical fiber mesh layer. The systems may have a removable blocking layer to prevent the photosensitive adhesive from being exposed to deactivation wavelengths prematurely. Another aspect provides a method for application and removal of a drape using the light pipe to transport or route light to the drape to deactivate the photosensitive adhesive layer and promote easy, clean, and less painful removal of the drape.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2019Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Timothy Mark Robinson, Christopher Brian Locke, Justin Alexander Long, Ashwatha Price
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Patent number: D1021234Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2021Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Mark W. Baldwin, Matthew D. Chaffee