Abstract: A weather resistant sign and a method of printing a sign including the steps of providing a sign component and an image definition, applying dry toner powder to surface portions corresponding to the image definition, and fusing the applied toner. Preferably, the fused toner is protected from weather by a transparent protective layer. A toner composition and a computer program for printing are also disclosed.
Abstract: A method for making full color display panel pixels is described. One aspect of the method relates to simultaneously depositing red, green, and blue dopants such that the blue dopant is dispersed in at least one non-blue subpixel. Another aspect of the method relates to using an integrated or removable mask to deposit components. In an angled evaporation method, the mask can correct for parallax.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 21, 2001
Date of Patent:
September 14, 2004
Assignee:
3M Innovative Properties Company
Inventors:
Michael Albert Haase, Robert Carnes Williams
Abstract: A light fiber comprising (a) a tubular clad having a predetermined length and (b) a solid core formed by reacting a filler material with which the clad is filled, the clad and the core being closely contacted with each other by shrinkage of the clad, characterized in that: the clad is expandable under pressure, shrinkage of the clad is initiated before the completion of the reaction of the filler material and is carried out in conformity with volume reduction of the core, which accompanies the reaction of the filler material, and the number of air gap between the clad and the core, which is measured per length of 10 m, is 3 or less.
Abstract: Methods for producing circuit elements the resultant circuit elements, and methods for making circuits therefrom are disclosed. A precursor circuit element includes a first insulating layer with conductor thereon and an electrically conducting member or bump, protruding from the conductor, that provide a shape to one surface of the precursor circuit element. A second insulating layer, including an adhesive, is placed onto the precursor circuit element and assumes the shape of the aforementioned surface of the precursor circuit element.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 20, 2000
Date of Patent:
September 14, 2004
Assignee:
3M Innovative Properties Company
Inventors:
Yu Chen, Joel A. Gerber, Brian E. Schreiber, Joshua W. Smith
Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing microporous films. The method utilizes a casting surface and a condensing surface. The condensing surface is spaced from the casting surface to form a gap. The distance between the surfaces forming the gap is relatively small and is preferably less than 3 cm. A material, capable of forming microporous films through thermally induced phase separation processes, is cast onto the casting surface, preferably through conventional extrusion practices. The material contains at least one evaporative component that generally flashes off upon formation of the microporous material and condenses on the condensing surface.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 21, 2001
Date of Patent:
September 14, 2004
Assignee:
3M Innovative Properties Company
Inventors:
Robert A. Yapel, Shannon K. Hughes, William Blake Kolb
Abstract: Provided is a melt processable fluorothermoplastic composition comprising a major amount of a first semi-crystalline fluorinated copolymer and a minor amount of a second fluoropolymer effective to reduce melt defects in the composition. Each fluoropolymer is selected from four classes. The first class, (a), includes a semi-crystalline perfluorinated copolymer. The second class, (b), includes a fluoropolymer derived from interpolymerized units of at least one essentially perfluorinated monomer and at least one non-fluorinated hydrogen-containing monomer. The third class, (c), includes a fluoropolymer derived from interpolymerized units of at least one partially-fluorinated monomer, and optionally at least one essentially perfluorinated monomer. The second fluoropolymer is selected from a category other than the category in which the first fluoropolymer is selected. The minor component also can include interpolymerized units of a PAVE, and/or a PAOVE.
Abstract: Projection lens systems for use with cathode ray tube (CRT) projection televisions are provided which have positive first lens units (U1) and negative second lens units (U2) where the negative second lens units are customized in terms of at least one optical property for at least two of the colors of light produced by the CRTs with which the units are used. The at least one optical property is not spectral transmission, although the second lens units can also be customized for spectral transmission. As illustrated in FIGS. 1B-1F and FIGS. 8B-8F, such customization of a non-transmissive property provides an effective and cost effective approach for improving the color performance of CRT projection lens systems. Constructions for the positive first lens unit which improve image contrast and reduce manufacturing costs are also provided.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 19, 2001
Date of Patent:
September 14, 2004
Assignee:
3M Innovative Properties Company
Inventors:
Jacob Moskovich, Michael B. Larson, Richard J. Wessling
Abstract: A respiratory protection circuit of the type having an air flow regulator disposed in an air flow path between an air supply and a respirator is improved by including an air flow splitter and a bi-directional valve. The air flow splitter is disposed in the air flow path upstream from the air flow regulator, the splitter dividing the air flow path into first and second downstream flow paths, with the first downstream flow path leading to the respirator. The bi-directional valve is disposed in the second downstream flow path wherein the bi-directional valve prevents excessive downstream air flow therethrough and prevents upstream air flow therethrough.
Abstract: 1-Amino 1H-imidazoquinoline compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds, intermediates, and methods of making and methods of use of these compounds as immunomodulators, for modulating cytokine biosynthesis in animals and in the treatment of diseases including viral and neoplastic diseases are disclosed.
Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for making a substantially cylindrical tool from a substantially planar substrate, wherein the tooling has at least one patterned surface. The resulting tooling includes a patterned surface with a sufficiently strong weld that is capable of producing an article having a pattern surface that has a relatively narrow and preferably cosmetically pleasing seam line. Such articles include retroreflective sheeting, structured abrasive articles, adhesive articles suitable for use in personal care products, and the like.
Type:
Application
Filed:
March 22, 2004
Publication date:
September 9, 2004
Applicant:
3M Innovative Properties Company
Inventors:
Verlyn H. Paulson, Gary J. Geissler, Gerald M. Benson, Chester A. Bacon
Abstract: A reusable mechanical fastening means for a vehicle monitoring system facilitates maintenance and repair of the system. A plurality of carrier sections are connected together by clips. The clips have release tabs to move prongs against a spring force, thereby making the clips manually detachable. Vehicle sensing probes have interference ridges which mate with probe openings in the carrier sections. The carrier sections have open bottoms, and the worker can overcome the locking force of the interference ridge by turning the carrier section over and pressing on the probe through the open bottom. The clips can be attached on multiple planes relative to the carrier sections, minimizing torsional play within the extended support train. The clips and carrier sections are also easily manufacturable.
Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making retroreflective sheeting and other articles prepared from casting a fluid synthetic resin onto a tool having a microstructured surface with a slot die apparatus. The invention further relates to a slot die apparatus.
Type:
Application
Filed:
March 6, 2003
Publication date:
September 9, 2004
Applicant:
3M Innovative Properties Company
Inventors:
Stanley C. Erickson, James C. Breister, Gregory H. Van Erem, David W. Meitz, Stephen W. Mohn, Paul DeRoussel
Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of making microstructured laminae for replication and apparatus. In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to machining V-shaped grooves on individual lamina forming cube-corner microstructures.
Type:
Application
Filed:
March 6, 2003
Publication date:
September 9, 2004
Applicant:
3M Innovative Properties Company
Inventors:
Lars A. Smeenk, Conrad V. Anderson, Nelson D. Sewall, Kenneth L. Smith
Abstract: The present invention provides a method of protecting a subject against UV-induced epidermal neoplasia. Generally, the method includes administering to a subject an IRM compound in an amount effective to provide protection against UV-induced epidermal neoplasia. The present invention also provides compositions that include an IRM compound in an amount effective for providing protection against UV-induced epidermal neoplasia.
Type:
Application
Filed:
March 4, 2004
Publication date:
September 9, 2004
Applicant:
3M Innovative Properties Company
Inventors:
Elaine A. Egging, David M. Hammerbeck, James H. Lee
Abstract: The present invention is directed to lamina(e) comprising cube corner elements, a tool comprising an assembly of laminae and replicas thereof. The invention further relates to retroreflective sheeting.
Abstract: The present invention is directed to lamina(e) comprising cube corner elements, a tool comprising an assembly of laminae and replicas thereof. The invention further relates to retroreflective sheeting.
Abstract: Catalyzing filters and methods for placing catalyst onto filter media, which involve positioning the catalyst at locations on the filter media where materials to be catalyzed will make contact during the filtering process.
Type:
Application
Filed:
March 5, 2003
Publication date:
September 9, 2004
Applicant:
3M Innovative Properties Company
Inventors:
Ryan C. Shirk, Thomas E. Wood, Yuji Ishikami
Abstract: An optical system for use in a head-mounted display is provided which includes a microdisplay (4) and a magnifier (10) for producing a magnified image of the microdisplay for viewing by a human eye. The magnifier (10) includes a diffractive surface and has in order: a first element (1) having a first surface (S1) which is convex in the direction of the long conjugate, a block (3) of optical material, and a second element (2) having a second surface (S2) which is convex in the direction of the short conjugate. The first surface (S1) is preferably the diffractive surface. The magnifier provides a long eye relief, a large exit pupil, and a large field of view with a minimum of components.