Patents Assigned to 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTY COMPANIES
  • Release coating containing thermoplastic silicone-containing polymer
    Patent number: 7737057
    Abstract: An article including: a porous substrate that includes a fibrous material; and a release coating disposed on the fibrous material of the porous substrate; wherein the release coating includes a thermoplastic silicone-containing polymer. A method of making an article, which method includes: providing a porous backing having a first major surface and a second major surface; applying a pressure sensitive adhesive to the first major surface of the porous backing; and applying an aqueous dispersion including a thermoplastic silicone-containing polymer to the second major surface of the porous backing to form a low adhesion backsize.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Stephen W. Bany, James P. DiZio, Patricia J. A. Brandt, Janice R. Manore, Judith A. Green
  • Composite polymer fibers
    Patent number: 7738763
    Abstract: A composite polymer fiber comprises a polymer filler material and a plurality of polymer scattering fibers disposed within the filler material. At least one of the filler material and the scattering fibers is formed of a birefringent material. The refractive indices of the filler material and the scattering fibers can be substantially matched for light incident in a first polarization state on the composite polymer fiber and unmatched for light incident in an orthogonal polarization state. The scattering fibers may be arranged to form a photonic crystal within the composite fiber. The composite fibers may be extruded and may be formed into a yarn, a weave or the like. If the filler material is soluble, it may be washed out of the yarn or weave, and the scattering fibers may then be infiltrated with a resin that is subsequently cured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Olester Benson, Jr., James C. Breister, Robert L. Brott, Yeun-Jong Chou, Patrick R. Fleming, William J. Kopecky, Diane North, Roger J. Stumo, Kristin L. Thunhorst, Bruce B. Wilson
  • Optical fiber cable inlet device
    Patent number: 7738759
    Abstract: An inlet device is described for inserting a cable containing optical fibers into a telecommunications enclosure. The inlet device includes a housing with a strength member securing section configured to fasten at least one strength member to the housing. The inlet device further includes a fiber guide device. The inlet device may be used in a single fiber optical cable assembly or multi-fiber optical cable assembly. A method for preparing a cable assembly is described. A telecommunications enclosure including an inlet device is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Rutesh D. Parikh, William G. Allen
  • THIN FILM TRANSISTORS INCORPORATING INTERFACIAL CONDUCTIVE CLUSTERS
    Publication number: 20100140600
    Abstract: A field effect transistor includes a thin layer of discontinuous conductive clusters between the gate dielectric and the active layer. The active layer can include an organic semiconductor or a blend of organic semiconductor and polymer. Metals, metal oxides, predominantly non-carbon metallic materials, and/or carbon nanotubes may be used to form the layer of conductive clusters. The conductive clusters improve transistor performance and also facilitate transistor fabrication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Robert S. Clough, Tzu-Chen Lee, Dennis E. Vogel, Peiwang Zhu
  • MASKING ARTICLE COMPRISING SKINNED FOAM
    Publication number: 20100139858
    Abstract: An elongate masking article (1) that can be removably-attached to a vehicle for masking a surface to be painted, the article being formed from polymeric foam which, on the external surface of the article, or at least a lengthwise-extending part thereof, comprises an integral skin (7). The position of the integral skin on the article is such that, when the article is attached to a vehicle for masking a surface to be painted, at least a part of the skin will face generally towards the direction from which paint will be applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Malcolm F. Douglas, Martyn V. Hagedorn, Philip S. Hill, Stephen J. Hollowell, Gary N. Brotherton, Colin D. Sinclair
  • LIGHT GUIDE FOR A LIGHTING DEVICE
    Publication number: 20100142226
    Abstract: A lighting device comprises a side-light light guide (12) located in a support (13). To facilitate the location of the light guide (12) in the support (13) and ensure its retention in a predetermined orientation, at least one location feature (11) is formed on/in the light guide for engagement by the support. Advantageously, the/each location feature (11) has no substantial effect on the light output of the light guide through its light-emitting region (18).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Hans-Michael Vogt, Mark Pilhofer, Christoph Michel, Carsten Sambraus, Norbert Schiffer, Ulrich Kunze, Joachim C.R. Licht, Elisabeth Cura
  • Process of forming a microperforated polymeric film for sound absorption
    Patent number: 7731878
    Abstract: A process of forming a microperforated plastic film includes providing a post tool having multiple posts, bringing plastic into contact with the post tool such that the plastic conforms to the shape of the posts, and solidifying the plastic into a solidified plastic film having a plurality of microperforations in the shape of the posts. Another step in the process is displacing any skins formed over the holes after solidifying the plastic. The process may be used to form a film for sound absorption where the posts are shaped and arranged to provide microperforations that provide a particular sound absorption spectrum. In one embodiment, the microperforations each have a narrowest diameter of 20 mils, a narrowest diameter less than a film thickness, and a widest diameter greater than narrowest diameter. The widest diameter may be about 125% or more of the narrowest diameter in an embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Kenneth Brian Wood
  • Prevention of electro-chemical corrosion at charging contacts of a battery-powered handpiece and its charger device
    Patent number: 7733056
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the prevention of electro-chemical corrosion at charging pins, especially of a battery-powered handpiece and its charging station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Martin G. Hartung, Michael Keller
  • Ultrasonic energy system and method including a ceramic horn
    Patent number: 7731823
    Abstract: An acoustic system for applying vibratory energy including a horn connected to an ultrasonic energy source. The horn defines an overall length and wavelength, and at least a leading section thereof is comprised of a ceramic material. The leading section has a length of at least ? the horn wavelength. In one preferred embodiment, an entirety of the horn is a ceramic material, and is mounted to a separate component, such as a waveguide, via an interference fit. Regardless, by utilizing a ceramic material for at least a significant portion of the horn, the ultrasonic system of the present invention facilitates long-term operation in extreme environments such as high temperature and/or corrosive fluid mediums. The present invention is useful for fabrication of metal matrix composite wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Satinder K. Nayar, Ronald W. Gerdes, Michael W. Carpenter, Kamal E. Amin
  • Mold for forming a hearing protective device
    Patent number: 7731487
    Abstract: A mold for forming a foam earplug including a lower mold portion including a lower cavity; and an upper mold portion including an upper cavity and a means for venting a gas during a rising of the foam, wherein the lower and upper mold portions are engageable so as to communicably engage the lower and upper cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Richard Knauer, Alan R. Seville, Robert N. Falco, James Hall, Lori S. Hall, legal representative
  • Light emitting diode (LED) illumination control system and method
    Patent number: 7731371
    Abstract: An LED illumination system includes control circuitry and first, second and third colored LEDs. The control circuitry sequentially drives the first, second and third colored LEDs in a color cycle frame with relative duty cycles having a known relationship that achieves a color balance. The control circuitry also operates to introduce at least one spoke period in the color cycle frame, during which the first, second and third LEDs are driven in a manner that is controlled to provide brightness adjusting light that matches the color balance achieved by the relative duty cycles of the first, second and third LEDs during sequential driving thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Dennis W. Prince
  • Gas diffusion layer incorporating a gasket
    Patent number: 7732083
    Abstract: A gas diffusion layer incorporating a gasket (GIG) is described along with assemblies incorporating the GIG subassembly. Processes for making the GIG and membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) incorporating the GIG are also described. A GIG subassembly includes a gas diffusion layer (GDL) and a gasket bonded to the GDL. The gasket includes a first gasket layer and a second gasket layer. The second gasket layer is formed of a gasket material in contact with the first gasket layer and the GDL. The gasket material of the second gasket layer bonds the GDL to the first gasket layer. An adhesive layer, and optionally a removable adhesive liner, is disposed on a surface of the first gasket layer opposite the second gasket layer. In some MEA configurations, the GDL is disposed within an aperture in the first gasket layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Andrew J. L. Steinbach, Mark K. Debe, Jimmy M. Le, Stephan J. Obradovich, Eric J. Iverson
  • Method, system, and apparatus for modifying surfaces
    Patent number: 7731573
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to method, apparatus, and system for uniformly supporting flexible surface modifying articles during surface modification as well as enabling replacing and repositioning thereof for improving their useful service life as well as improving dust and debris control management.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Allen J. Rivard, Galen A. Fitzel
  • Electrode compositions based on an amorphous alloy having a high silicon content
    Patent number: 7732095
    Abstract: An electrode composition for a lithium ion battery that includes an amorphous alloy having the formula SixMyAlz where x, y, and z represent atomic percent values and (a) x+y+z=100, (b) x?55, (c) y<22, (d) z>0, and (e) M is one or more metals selected from the group consisting of manganese, molybdenum, niobium, tungsten, tantalum, iron, copper, titanium, vanadium, chromium, nickel, cobalt, zirconium, yttrium, and combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Leif Christensen, Mark N. Obrovac
  • Water contact indicator
    Patent number: 7732046
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an adhesive article. The adhesive article comprises a first layer comprising a fluid transport substrate, comprising a low molecular weight hydrophilic polymer resin, the first layer having a first major surface and a second major surface. The adhesive article additionally comprises a second layer comprising a fluid transportable ink, the second layer being associated with the second major surface of the second layer. The adhesive article also comprises an adhesive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Paul R. LaBrosse, Russell D. Birkholz, Mark E. Schwartz
  • Electrical termination device
    Patent number: 7731528
    Abstract: An electrical termination device includes an electrically conductive shield element, an insulator disposed within the shield element, and one or more electrical contacts supported within and electrically isolated from the shield element by the insulator. The insulator includes one or more insulative spacer bars configured to guide the one or more electrical contacts during their insertion into the insulator. The one or more spacer bars may be configured to enable straight pull injection molding of the insulator. The insulator may be positioned away from the one or more electrical contacts along at least a major portion of the length of the one or more electrical contacts in an impedance controlling relationship. The electrical termination device can be included in an electrical connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Steven Feldman, Alexander R. Mathews, James G. Vana, Jr.
  • Scissors
    Patent number: D617166
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Byron E. Trotter, Scott D. Pearson, Martin Broen, Johannes Bayer
  • Scissors
    Patent number: D617167
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Byron E. Trotter, Scott D. Pearson, Martin Broen, Johannes Bayer
  • Water purifier shell
    Patent number: D617435
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Cuiyun Lou, Jerry Zhijun He, Hongqing Lin, Chenji Qian, Biyong Qiu, Brian J. Tubby, Yonggang Lei, Tao Wu
  • Wrist brace
    Patent number: D617464
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Edward L. Weaver, II, Shaelyn D. Benson, Beth E. Gramza, Sherry A. Hinds