Patents Assigned to 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTY COMPANIES
  • Patent number: 6790578
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: J. Sundar Rajan, Vincent Joseph Mako
  • Patent number: 6790961
    Abstract: A method of preparing intermediates for making 1-substituted, 2-substituted 1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-4-amines is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: John F. Gerster, Stephen L. Crooks, Kyle J. Lindstrom
  • Patent number: 6791258
    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
  • Patent number: 6792186
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Kenji Matsumoto, Kengo Imamura, Shinichi Irie
  • Patent number: 6791036
    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
  • Patent number: 6790404
    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
  • Patent number: 6790912
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Thomas J. Blong
  • Patent number: 6791629
    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
  • Publication number: 20040173215
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Derek S. Baker, Brandon H. Harmon
  • Publication number: 20040176367
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: George W. Griesgraber, Karl J. Manske
  • Publication number: 20040175528
    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
  • Publication number: 20040174273
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Eric R. Cybulski
  • Publication number: 20040173920
    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
  • Publication number: 20040175541
    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
  • Publication number: 20040175336
    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
  • Publication number: 20040174603
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Smith
  • Publication number: 20040174601
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Smith
  • Publication number: 20040176246
    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
  • Publication number: 20040174608
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Jacob Moskovich
  • Patent number: D496024
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Anthony G. Gubbels, Paul F Gergen