Patents Assigned to 3M Innovatives Properties Company
  • Patent number: 12282161
    Abstract: A heads-up display includes a windshield with a standardized wedge profile and an embedded reflective polarizer and a display. The reflective polarizer is disposed between, and spaced apart from, opposing outermost first and second major glass surfaces of the windshield. The heads-up display forms a virtual image for viewing by the eye of a passenger. An image emitted by the display may include a first image ray emitted from a predetermined region of the display and incident on the outermost first major glass surface of the windshield at an angle of incidence greater than about 60 degrees, with at least 90% of the incident first emitted image ray polarized in a plane of incidence of the first emitted image ray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2025
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Stephan J. Pankratz, William F. Edmonds, Matthew B. Johnson, John F. VanDerlofske, III
  • Patent number: 12275038
    Abstract: A method and associated system provides automated abrasive paint repair using automated abrasive paint repair devices that selectively sand, buff, and polish a substrate in response to received instructions generated by a controller. The controller receives coordinates of each identified defect in the substrate along with parameters describing characteristics of each defect, selects a sanding process, a buffing process, and/or a polishing process based on empirically derived rules established by skilled/expert human operators and the received parameters. The controller outputs instructions to cause the automated abrasive paint repair devices to execute the selected sanding process, buffing process, and/or polishing process using the received parameters. The empirically derived rules and parameters may be stored in a lookup table and/or updated by a machine learning module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2025
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Nicholas D. Richardson, Brett R. Hemes, Mark W. Orlando, Juan A. Munoz, Sarah M. Mullins, Matthew H. Purdin
  • Patent number: 12276629
    Abstract: Sensored mixer, comprising a mixing device for mixing two or more components to produce a mixed liquid at a mixer output, and a property sensor for determining a property of a liquid, the property sensor comprising a) a channel comprising a sensing zone through which the liquid flows; b) two electrodes for generating an electric field of one or more sensing frequencies in the sensing zone; c) a data storage device comprising a pre-stored set of calibration data representing calibration impedance responses measured previously at the one or more sensing frequencies and at different property values of the property of an identical liquid; and d) a device to repeatedly i) generate between the electrodes an electric field of in the sensing zone; ii) sense between the electrodes, a response impedance; iii) derive from the response impedance a property value of the property of the liquid, using the pre-stored set of calibration data representing calibration impedance responses, wherein the property sensor is in fluid
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2025
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Benjamin Münstermann, Knut Schumacher, Günter Zilligen, Martin Stottmeister, Robert Bialluch, Michael Bahners, Thomas Keller, Peter Orda, Jörg Hahn, Harald Westkamp, Andreas Backes, Waleri Wischnepolski, David Rudek
  • 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
  • Patent number: 12276845
    Abstract: An optical assembly includes an optical ferrule configured to receive an input light ray through an input location on a major input surface of the optical ferrule along a first direction for coupling to an optical waveguide secured to the optical ferrule, the optical ferrule including a reference location, such that a change in a temperature of the optical assembly causes the input light ray and the input location, but not the reference location, to move respective distances d1 and d2 along a same direction along a same axis, wherein a magnitude of d1-d2 is ?, and a maximum of magnitudes of d1 and d2 is greater than 10 times ?.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2025
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventor: Michael A. Haase
  • 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: 12276821
    Abstract: A reflective polarizing imaging lens includes at least one optical film having an active area that is curved in two orthogonal directions. Edges of the optical film are arranged to form seams between segments of the optical film in the active area of the reflective polarizing imaging lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2024
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2025
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Robert M. Jennings, Jo A. Etter, Susan L. Kent, Erin A. McDowell, Timothy L. Wong, Zhisheng Yun
  • 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: 12274899
    Abstract: A safety harness including first and second shoulder straps and a waist strap and a rigid dorsal force-transfer member with an upper end that is removably connected to the first and second shoulder straps at a dorsal crossing point of the first and second shoulder straps and with a lower end that is removably connected to a dorsal portion of the waist strap. Methods of removably equipping a safety harness with a rigid dorsal force-transfer member, and of removing a rigid dorsal force-transfer member from a safety harness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2025
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Nathan W. Safe, Stephen D. Shaver
  • Patent number: 12269982
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method can comprise: providing a tool that has a first portion that comprises a first material and a second portion that comprises a second material, wherein the second material differs from the first material and the tool is subject to a magnetic field, and wherein the first material and the second material are provided such that the magnetic field is relatively stronger at and adjacent the first portion relative to the magnetic field at and adjacent the second portion; positioning a surface adjacent to the tool so as to be subject to the magnetic field; and disposing magnetizable abrasive particles on the surface, wherein the magnetizable abrasive particles are attracted to an area on the surface adjacent the first portion where the magnetic field is relatively stronger so as to provide for at least one of a desired orientation, placement and alignment of a majority of the magnetizable abrasive particles on the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2025
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Aaron K. Nienaber, Joseph B. Eckel, Thomas J. Nelson, Brian D. Goers, Samad Javid, Ronald D. Jesme, Badri Veeraraghavan, Sheryl A Vanasse
  • Patent number: 12271015
    Abstract: An optical film includes a plurality of alternating first and second polymeric layers, such that the first polymeric layers have a smaller average in-plane index of refraction than the second polymeric layers and the first polymeric layers have a glass transition temperature of at least 107 deg. C. The optical film may be a reflective polarizer. An optical stack includes a linear absorbing polarizer and the reflective polarizer disposed on, and bonded to, the absorbing polarizer. The reflective polarizer has an optical reflectance of at least 60% for a first polarization state and an optical transmittance of at least 60% for an orthogonal second polarization state. When heated at 105 deg. C. for 15 minutes, a difference in shrinkage of the reflective polarizer and the absorbing polarizer along the first and second polarization states is greater than about zero and 0.2%, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2025
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Adam D. Haag, Yi-Chen Chen, Tze Yuan Wang, Hiroki Matsuda, Michelle L. Toy, Ryan J. Eismin, John F. VanDerlofske, III, David J. McDaniel, Matthew B. Johnson
  • Patent number: 12269339
    Abstract: A heads up display (HUD) includes a display source for emitting an emitted image, a windshield and an absorbing polarizer. For substantially normally incident light, the absorbing polarizer substantially transmits the incident light polarized along a pass direction, and substantially absorbs the incident light polarized along a block direction. The emitted image includes at least one image ray that is received and transmitted by the absorbing polarizer toward the windshield at a first location of the absorbing polarizer. The transmitted image ray is received and reflected by the windshield at a second location of the windshield. A first normal line of the absorbing polarizer at the first location is substantially parallel to a projection of the transmitted image ray onto the windshield. Further, the pass direction of the absorbing polarizer at the first location is substantially parallel to a second normal line of the windshield at the second location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2025
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventor: Stephan J. Pankratz
  • Patent number: 12268905
    Abstract: A facemask assembly for a self-contained breathing apparatus includes a facemask configured to be worn by a user, an electronic device connected with the facemask, a microcontroller configured to send signals to the electronic device, an accelerometer coupled with the microcontroller and configured to sense motion of the facemask; and a battery configured to supply power to the electronic device. When motion is detected by the accelerometer, a signal is transmitted to the microcontroller and the microcontroller interprets the electrical signal to selectively adjust the power level supplied to the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2025
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Darin K. Thompson, Ivan M. Delamer
  • Patent number: 12271010
    Abstract: A retroreflective article including a binder layer and a plurality of retroreflective elements. Each retroreflective element includes a transparent microsphere partially embedded in the binder layer. At least some of the retroreflective elements include a reflective layer that is a locally-laminated reflective layer that is embedded between the transparent microsphere and the binder layer. At least some of the locally-laminated reflective layers may be localized reflective layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2025
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Kevin W. Gotrik, Kui Chen-Ho, Scott J. Jones, Michael A McCoy, Christopher A. Merton, Shri Niwas, Ramasubramani Kuduva Raman Thanumoorthy, Ying Xia
  • Patent number: 12269011
    Abstract: A polymer matrix composite comprising a porous polymeric network; and a plurality of functional particles distributed within the polymeric network structure, and wherein the polymer matrix composite has an air flow resistance at 25° C., as measured by the “Air Flow Resistance Test,” of less than 300 seconds/50 cm3/500 micrometers; and wherein the polymer matrix composite has a density of at least 0.3 g/cm3; and methods for making the same. The polymer matrix composites are useful, for example, as filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2025
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Jerald K. Rasmussen, Derek J. Dehn, Clinton P. Waller, Jr., Bharat R. Acharya, Satinder K. Nayar
  • Patent number: 12271969
    Abstract: Augmented reality-based training systems that can dynamically construct and render AR content based on physical attributes of a user to train the user to correctly fit one or more articles of a personal protective equipment (PPE) onto the user's body. In some examples, an AR system includes a display and a computing device having a memory and one or more processors. The memory can include instructions that, when executed by the processors, simulate a fitting of PPE to a worker. The system can capture an image of a worker, select a digital model of the PPE, determine alignment of the PPE to the worker, and output for display augmented reality content that includes a composite image of the worker overlaid with the digital model of the PPE in accordance with the determined alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2025
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Claire R. Donoghue, Christopher P. Henderson, Benjamin W. Watson, Caroline M. Ylitalo, Gautam Singh, Alexandra R. Cunliffe, Deepti Pachauri, Jonathan D. Gandrud
  • Patent number: 12271080
    Abstract: An optical film includes a plurality of first layers disposed on a plurality of polymeric second layers. Each of at least 30% of the first layers includes at least 30% by weight of an inorganic material. For a substantially normally incident light, a blue wavelength range extending from about 420 mn to about 480 m, a green wavelength range extending from about 490 nm to about 560 in, and a red wavelength range extending from about 590 nm to about 670 nm, the optical film and the plurality of second layers have respective average optical reflectances Rof(b) and R2(b) in the blue wavelength range, Rof(g) and R2(g) in the green wavelength range, and Rof(r) and R2(r) in the red wavelength range, where 0?Rof(b)?R2(b)?25%; Rof(g)?R2(g)>30%; and each of Rof(r) and R2(r) is greater than about 60% and |Rof(r)?R2(r)| is less than about 20%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2025
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Gilles J. Benoit, Lin Zhao, Matthew B. Johnson
  • Patent number: 12271162
    Abstract: A system and method of simulating and optimizing industrial and other processes includes a computer that performs multivariate analysis of input variables and output variables to generate a data model of the operation of the process. For industrial applications, the input variables include process variables and the output variables include result variables from the operation of the industrial process. The data model determines contributions to changes in the output or result variables by the respective input or process variables and is provided to a predictive algorithm to identify parameter values for input or process variables expected to have a most significant impact on the output or result variables during performance of the process. The outputs of the predictive algorithm are parameter values that are provided as input or process variables to the industrial process for simulation or performance optimization or product recommendations/optimizations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2025
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Maiken Givot, Mats E. Johansson, Lothar N. Tacke, Lars M. Wistrand, John N. Willcock
  • Patent number: 12269966
    Abstract: Described herein is a latex coating composition comprising particles of polymer and articles therefrom, wherein at least 60% of interpolymerized monomeric units of the polymer are of formula I, wherein R3 is H or CH3, L is an alkylene group comprising 1-4 carbon atoms, R1 and R2 are independently selected from an alkyl group comprising 1 to 3 carbon atoms, n is an integer from 11 to 21, and A is a counter anion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2025
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Clinton G. Wiener, Mahfuza B. Ali, Maria A. Appeaning, Ibrahim A. El Hedok, Phillip H. Henna, Ramesh C. Kumar
  • Patent number: D1070746
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2025
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Jacob P. Vanderheyden, Thomas C. Meier, Michael E. Hamerly