Patents Assigned to 3M
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Patent number: 10495792Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to lamina(e) comprising cube corner elements, a tool comprising an assembly of laminae and replicas thereof. The disclosure further relates to retroreflective sheeting.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2018Date of Patent: December 3, 2019Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventor: Kenneth L. Smith
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Patent number: 10495801Abstract: A multilayer optical film has a packet of microlayers that selectively reflect light by constructive or destructive interference to provide a first reflective characteristic. At least some of the microlayers are birefringent. A stabilizing layer attaches to and covers the microlayer packet proximate an outer exposed surface of the film. Heating element(s) can physically contact the film to deliver heat to the packet through the stabilizing layer by thermal conduction, at altered region(s) of the film, such that the first reflective characteristic changes to an altered reflective characteristic in the altered region(s) to pattern the film. The stabilizing layer provides sufficient heat conduction to allow heat from the heating elements to change (e.g.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2019Date of Patent: December 3, 2019Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Michael Benton Free, Martin B. Wolk, Rolf W. Biernath, Stephen A. Johnson, William W. Merrill, William F. Edmonds, Claire A. Jalbert
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Patent number: 10493596Abstract: The method generally involves the steps of filling the cavities in a production tool each with an individual abrasive particle. Aligning a filled production tool and a resin coated backing for transfer of the abrasive particles to the resin coated backing. Transferring the abrasive particles from the cavities onto the resin coated backing and removing the production tool from the aligned position with the resin coated backing. Thereafter the resin layer is cured, a size coat is applied and cured and the coated abrasive article is converted to sheet, disk, or belt form by suitable converting equipment.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2015Date of Patent: December 3, 2019Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Steven J. Keipert, John T. Boden, Scott R. Culler
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Patent number: 10492889Abstract: The present invention is directed to computer-implemented methods of making a transfer tray using rapid prototyping techniques, where the gingival edge of the tray is defined to intersect with at least one receptacle for receiving an orthodontic appliance. This tray configuration helps to minimize the travel distance of the tray when placing the tray over a patient's teeth, while also preserving a high degree of mechanical retention for retaining the appliance until such time that the appliance is bonded to the tooth. Other aspects of the tray and associated methods of bonding are directed to a frangible web that extends over the gingival portion of the receptacle and fractures to facilitate tray removal after bonding.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2016Date of Patent: December 3, 2019Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Sung Kim, Richard E. Raby
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Patent number: 10485706Abstract: A battery-powered electronic device, such as an electronic hearing protector (100) includes a housing (113) enclosing the battery and an electronics assembly powered by the battery, the electronics assembly comprises a processor controlled by updatable software. The device further includes a first electrical contact (119a) that is a ground line; a second electrical contact (119b) that is a data programming line in a first state, and that is a charging voltage line in a second state; and a third electrical contact (119c) that is a clock line in a first state, and that is a charge enable line in the second state. The first, second and third electrical contacts (119a-c) are accessible from outside the housing (113). A switch enclosed by the housing (113) changes the second electrical contact (119b) between the first state and the second state.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2017Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventor: David L. Albean
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Patent number: 10492305Abstract: A composite article includes a conductive layer on at least a portion of a flexible substrate, wherein the conductive layer has a conductive surface. A patterned layer of a low surface energy material is on a first region of the conductive surface. An overcoat layer free of conductive particulates is on a first portion of a second region of the conductive surface unoccupied by the patterned layer. A via is in a second portion of the second region of the conductive surface between an edge of the patterned layer of the low surface energy material and the overcoat layer. A conductive material is in the via to provide an electrical connection to the conductive surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2016Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Matthew S. Stay, Shawn C. Dodds, Ann M. Gilman, Mikhail L. Pekurovsky, Daniel J. Theis, Matthew R. D. Smith
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Patent number: 10487081Abstract: Imidazo[4,5-c] ring compounds, (particularly imidzao[4,5-c]quinolines, 6,7,8,9-tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]quinolines, imidazo[4,5-c]naphthyridines, and 6,7,8,9-tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-c]naphthyridine compounds) having a guanidine substituent at the 1-position, pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds, and methods of making the compounds are disclosed. Methods of use of the compounds as immune response modifiers, for inducing cytokine biosynthesis in animals and in the treatment of diseases including viral and neoplastic diseases are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2018Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: 3M Innovation Properties CompanyInventor: George W. Griesgraber
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Patent number: 10488249Abstract: Various embodiments of a light detection device and a method of using such device are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the light detection device can include a housing including a top surface and a bottom surface, where the housing extends along a housing axis between the top surface and the bottom surface; and a support member connected to the housing and adapted to be selectively moved from a closed position to an open position. The support member is further adapted to maintain the light detection device in an upright position when the bottom surface and the support member are in contact with a working surface and the support member is in the open position.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2016Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Fusu Thao, Giuseppe M. Bommarito, Thomas E. Dewey, Jr., Kathleen M. Stenersen, Beth A. Fritcher, Stephen R. Alexander, Phillip A. Bolea, Michele A. Waldner
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Patent number: 10485473Abstract: A portable sensor for measuring a hydration level of an object in close physical proximity with the sensor includes a portable housing having a total volume of less than about 50 cm3. First circuitry disposed in the housing includes a thermal source, a controller electrically coupled to the thermal source, a temperature sensing element, and a processor coupled to the temperature sensing element. When the object is in close physical proximity with the sensor, the thermal source is energized by the controller with a signal having a known function of time. The object affects a time variation of a temperature of the thermal source, the temperature sensing element senses the affected time variation of the temperature of the thermal source, and the processor determines a hydration level of the object based on a characteristic of the affected time variation of the temperature of the thermal source.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2017Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Andrew P. Bonifas, Ronald D. Jesme, Nicholas T. Gabriel, Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Erin A. McDowell
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Patent number: 10486932Abstract: An apparatus for conveying a web using an engagement cover comprising resilient looped pile engagement surface.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2017Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Kevin B. Newhouse, Bruce E. Tait, John C. Clark
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Patent number: 10486094Abstract: A V-bank filter having a plurality of filter panels having a first side end opposed to a second side end, the plurality of filter panels arranged into one or more V-configurations, and a first flexible side panel joined to the first side ends and a second flexible side panel joined to the second side ends. The V-bank filter having an operating position having a distance, O, between individual filter panels measured at an open end of the one or more V-configurations when in the operating position and a collapsed position having a distance, C, between individual filter panels measured at the open end when in the collapsed position.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2016Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Rajesh K. Katare, Chris T. Gasman, Kenneth J. Snider
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Patent number: 10487180Abstract: Modified poly(diorganosiloxanes), compositions, and articles comprising the same. The modified poly(diorganosiloxanes) can be soluble or dispersable in aqueous media. The articles can have modified poly(diorganosiloxanes) affixed thereto.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2015Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Yu Yang, Katherine A. Gibney, Suresh Iyer, Ingrid N. Haugan, Chetan P. Jariwala, Yifan Zhang
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Patent number: 10488014Abstract: Displays (100) including switchable backlight (110, 200) and front surface films (120) are disclosed. Displays with switchable backlights (110) that use a front surface film (120) to reduce the visibility of a display outside an intended viewing area (112, 226) in ambient light are also disclosed. The switchable backlight (110, 200) has two different output modes with different viewing cones (112, 114; 226, 236) to limit visibility to different angular ranges.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2016Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventor: Nicholas A. Johnson
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Patent number: 10488673Abstract: The present disclosure provides an integrated optical component array and method of making an integrated optical component array useful for projection devices or other optical devices. The integrated optical component array can be a PBS array fabricated such that the individual PBS cubes having several elements can be assembled in a massively parallel manner and then singulated as individual optical components, and can result in a large reduction in manufacturing cost.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2018Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: John D. Le, Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Joseph C. Carls, Cameron T. Murray, Richard J. Ferguson, Cory C. Barum
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Publication number: 20190351211Abstract: A disinfecting cap includes a body comprising an opening, a bottom, and a chamber defined between the opening and the bottom. The chamber is configured to hold a liquid disinfectant. A male post extends from the bottom towards the opening of the body. A wall of the chamber comprises a thread originating proximate the opening and extending into the chamber. At least a portion of the thread has a height that increases as a function of increasing distance from the opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2017Publication date: November 21, 2019Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Alan R. Dombrowski, John C. Detloff
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Patent number: 10478346Abstract: Methods of handling adhesive laminate patches. A first article, passed over a first supporting structure, includes disconnected adhesive laminate patches adhered to a first web, each patch being aligned over and adhered to a tab. A second web can be passed over a second supporting structure that is separated from the first supporting structure by a gap. The first article can be passed over the first supporting structure to lift a leading portion of a first tab and a first patch off of the first web together, such that the first tab facilitates transfer of the first patch across the gap. The first patch can then be adhered to the second web; and the second web can be advanced to transfer the first patch, and first tab, onto the second web to form a second article comprising patches aligned over tabs on the second web.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2015Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventor: Gordon P. Knutson
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Patent number: 10478778Abstract: A composite membrane for selectively separating (e.g., pervaporating) a first fluid (e.g., first liquid such as a high octane compound) from a mixture comprising the first fluid (e.g., first liquid such as a high octane compound) and a second fluid (e.g., second liquid such as gasoline). The composite membrane includes a porous substrate comprising opposite first and second major surfaces, and a plurality of pores. A pore-filling polymer is disposed in at least some of the pores so as to form a layer having a thickness within the porous substrate. The composite membrane further includes at least one of: (a) an ionic liquid mixed with the pore-filling polymer; or (b) an amorphous fluorochemical film disposed on the composite membrane.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2016Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Jinsheng Zhou, Ryan C. Shirk, David Scott Seitz, Moses M. David
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Patent number: 10482703Abstract: An earplug dispensing mechanism defining a longitudinal axis, and including separator and index assemblies. The separator assembly includes a platform, a guide wall and bores. The guide wall projects from the platform to define a well for receiving earplugs. The bores each extend from an entrance opening to an exit opening. The index assembly is rotatably coupled to the separator assembly, and includes a handle, a plate, and a mixing body. The plate is connected to the handle and defines a dispensing aperture. The mixing body has an upper end, a lower end, and an exterior surface defined by a cone portion and a paddle portion. The cone portion tapers in diameter. The paddle portion projects radially from the cone portion at the lower end. The exterior surface is asymmetrical to encourage earplug mixing within the well, and to impede earplugs from entering a bore open to the dispensing aperture.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2015Date of Patent: November 19, 2019Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: David M. Rudek, Ralf F. Korte, Guenter M. Zilligen
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Patent number: D867878Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2018Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventor: Luba V. Pushkar
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Patent number: D867879Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2018Date of Patent: November 26, 2019Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventor: Luba V. Pushkar
