Patents Assigned to 3M
  • Respirator assembly with air flow direction control
    Patent number: 10391337
    Abstract: A respirator assembly has a shell that defines a breathable air space for a user wearing the respirator assembly. The respirator assembly has an air delivery conduit within the shell for providing air to the breathable air space. The air delivery conduit has an air outlet that is either adjustable in configuration or has a vane associated therewith that is adjustable in position so that the direction of the air exiting the air outlet is controllable between first and second air flow directions. The user is able to control the direction of air exiting the air outlet while the respirator assembly is worn by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Desmond T. Curran, Andrew Murphy, Garry J. Walker
  • Adhesive compositions comprising a silsesquioxane polymer crosslinker, articles and methods
    Patent number: 10392538
    Abstract: A pressure sensitive adhesive composition is described comprising at least one low Tg (meth)acrylic polymer, and at least one silsesquioxane polymer crosslinker comprising a plurality of ethylenically unsaturated groups. The low Tg (meth)acrylic polymer typically has a Tg no greater than 10° C. In some embodiments, the low Tg (meth)acrylic polymer comprises at least 50, 55, 60, 65, or 70 wt-% of polymerized units derived from low Tg ethylenically unsaturated monomer(s). The low Tg ethylenically unsaturated monomer(s) is typically an alkyl (meth)acrylate comprising 4 to 20 carbon atoms. Also described are pressure sensitive adhesive articles and methods of preparing such articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Joon Chatterjee, Jitendra S. Rathore, Babu N. Gaddam
  • MICROBIAL INDICATOR DEVICE FOR USE WITH PROCESS MONITORING SYSTEMS
    Publication number: 20190255208
    Abstract: A microbial indicator device for liquid disinfection comprises a first cavity, a source of biological activity fluidically coupled to the first cavity via a portion of a first fluidic path, a filter membrane positioned in a second fluidic path for a disinfectant, and a first coupling portion fluidically coupled to the source of biologically activity via the second fluidic path. The filter membrane has a first side and a second side, wherein the first side is in fluid communication with the first fluidic path. The filter membrane has a pore size sufficient to retain at least a portion of the source of biological activity on the first side. The device further comprises a frangible container contained in the first cavity, wherein a liquid in the container is in fluid communication with the first cavity when the container is fractured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Publication date: August 22, 2019
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: G. MORCO BOMMARITO, TIMOTHY J. NIES, BARRY W. ROBOLE, ASSUMPTA A. G. BENNAARS-EIDEN, JODI L. CONNELL, TONYA D. BONILLA, TOMOTHY A. KOHMAN, RUTHANN R. DUDA
  • Hollow microneedle with bevel opening
    Patent number: 10384047
    Abstract: An article having at least one microneedle (160, 260) is provided. The microneedle includes a base (162), an elongated body (161) having a central axis (130) and a body diameter (168), a tip portion (166), a first channel (170), and a second channel (176). The tip portion includes a tip (164), a beveled surface (140), and a bevel opening (172) in the beveled surface. The first channel extends axially from the bevel opening through at least a portion of the elongated body and has a first wall that is substantially aligned with the central axis. The second channel extends radially from the first channel to the bevel opening and has a second wall that is oriented substantially orthogonal to the central axis. The first channel and second channel merge to form the bevel opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Ryan Patrick Simmers
  • Retroreflective articles with anti-staining properties
    Patent number: 10386550
    Abstract: Methods for preparing retroreflective articles include providing a thermoplastic polymeric carrier layer, partially embedding transparent microspheres into the surface of the carrier layer so that the beads partially protrude from the surface of the carrier layer, depositing a metal reflective layer on the microspheres, applying a treatment solution to the metal layer, and applying a bead bond layer to the treated metal layer, to form an intermediate article. Upon removal of the carrier layer, the deposited metal layer not in contact with the surface of the microspheres remains present on the carrier layer, to form retroreflective articles with a discontinuous layer of reflective metal disposed only on the surface of the transparent microspheres.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Bruce H. Edwards, Shri Niwas, Cheryl S. Elsbernd
  • Lipidated immune response modifier compound compositions, formulations, and methods
    Patent number: 10383938
    Abstract: The compound N-(4-{[4-amino-2-butyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl]oxy}butyl)octadecanamide is a useful drug compound for enhancing immune response and can be used, for example, as a vaccine adjuvant and a cancer treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Paul D. Wightman
  • Hydrofluoroether olefins and methods of using same
    Patent number: 10385249
    Abstract: A hydrofluoroether compound represented by the following general formula:
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Bulinski, Michael G. Costello, William M. Lamanna, Georgiy Teverovskiy, Kiah A. Smith
  • Compositions, apparatus and methods for capacitive temperature sensing
    Patent number: 10386244
    Abstract: A passive temperature-sensing apparatus, which includes a capacitive sensing element that includes a capacitive sensing composition that includes a ferroelectric ceramic material that exhibits a measurable electrical Curie temperature that is below 30 degrees C. The capacitive sensing composition exhibits a negative slope of capacitance versus temperature over the temperature range of from 30 degrees C. to 150 degrees C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Dipankar Ghosh, Myungchan Kang, Jaewon Kim
  • Polyolefin composition including hollow glass microspheres and method of using the same
    Patent number: 10385193
    Abstract: A composition that includes a polyolefin having first repeating units, hollow glass microspheres, a polyolefin impact modifier that is chemically non-crosslinked and free of polar functional groups, and a compatibilizer comprising the first repeating units and second repeating units, which are the first repeating units modified with polar functional groups. Articles made from the composition and methods of making an article by injection molding the composition are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Baris Yalcin, Ibrahim S. Gunes, Gustavo B. Carvalho, Mark J. Williams
  • Determining conditions of components removably coupled to personal protection equipment
    Patent number: 10387696
    Abstract: Method and system are disclosed for determining conditions of components that are removably coupled to articles of personal protection equipment (PPE) by tracking the components against predetermined criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Michael E. Hamerly, Lawrence J. Ptasienski, Neal A. Rakow, Cristina U. Thomas
  • System and method for controlling curl in multi-layer webs
    Patent number: 10384231
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling curl in multi-layer webs. The method can include providing a coated web, curing the coating to form a multi-layer web, and stretching the web during curing of the coating. Some coatings shrink at least partially when cured such that curing the coating induces a strain in the multi-layer web. Stretching the web occurs during curing to induce an opposing strain that at least partially counteracts the strain induced by curing to form a multi-layer web having a desired curvature. The system can include a curing section configured to cure the coating, and can further include a web stretching section, which can be located proximate the curing section and can be substantially coincident with the curing section, such that the web is stretched while the coating is cured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Ronald P. Swanson, Andrew J. Henderson, James N. Dobbs, Mark J. Zach
  • Tape system with a longitudinal filament for slitting film
    Patent number: 10384362
    Abstract: A vehicle is wrapped by an adhesive film which is then slit by applying first tape to the vehicle having a longitudinally extending filament carried by the tape at a position spaced from the side edges. A second tape is applied over the film at the first tape body so as to bridge to each side of the filament and pulling the filament so as to tear through the film and the first ad second tapes body with the second tape applying a force to the film acting to reduce tendency of the film to pull away from the object during the cutting by the filament as the filament is pulled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventor: Garry Cyrille Alfred VanDenBerghe
  • Temporally multiplexing backlight with asymmetric turning film
    Patent number: 10388230
    Abstract: Backlights are disclosed. More particularly, temporally multiplexed backlights utilizing asymmetric turning films are disclosed. The disclosed backlights are capable of displaying a primary image to on-axis viewers while simultaneously providing a secondary image to off-axis viewers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Nicholas A. Johnson, Kenneth A. Epstein, James M. Hillis, Michael E. Lauters
  • Hybrid cable-to-board connector
    Patent number: 10386589
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a hybrid connector. The connector comprises an insulating housing having parallel rows of first and second terminals disposed in the housing. Each first and second terminal includes a terminal portion configured to make contact with an electrically conductive trace of a circuit board; and a mating portion configured to contact a terminal of a mating connector, the mating portions of the first terminals parallel to and facing the mating portions of the second terminals. The housing defines a cavity formed therein between the mating portions of the first and second terminals, wherein the cavity defining a cavity opening at an external surface of the housing for receiving light therefrom. An optical relay portion is disposed in the cavity, wherein the optical relay portion comprises at least one of an optical transceiver, an optical lens and an optical waveguide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: 3M Innovation Properties Company
    Inventors: Terry L. Smith, Saujit Bandhu, YunLong Qiao, Chin Hua Lim, Barry J. Koch
  • ABRASIVE PARTICLE WITH ENHANCED RETENTION FEATURES
    Publication number: 20190249051
    Abstract: The present inventive subject matter provides an abrasive particle. The abrasive particle can include an elongated body that is defined between opposed first and second ends. Each end defines a substantially planar surface. An axis extends through the first and second ends, and each end has a respective first and second cross-sectional area. At least one of the first and second ends is oriented at an angle relative to the axis that is less than 90 degrees. The elongated body has a variable cross-sectional area centered along the axis. At least one cross-sectional area between the first and second ends represents a local minimum cross-sectional area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventor: Negus B. Adefris
  • Personal hygiene article and container for the same
    Patent number: 10376420
    Abstract: A personal hygiene article includes a chassis with a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent component between the topsheet and the backsheet. At least one portion of the personal hygiene article includes a microporous film having an opaque, microporous region and at least one see-through region of lower porosity within the opaque, microporous region. The microporous film can include a beta-nucleating agent or can have thermally induced phase separation caused by a diluent. A container includes a microporous film enclosing at least one personal hygiene article. The microporous film has an opaque, microporous region and at least one see-through region of lower porosity forming a window within the opaque, microporous region. Methods of making the personal hygiene article and container are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Neelakandan Chandrasekaran, Robert L. W. Smithson, Leigh E. Wood, Timothy V. Stagg
  • Retroreflective articles including optically active areas and optically inactive areas
    Patent number: 10379271
    Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to retroreflective articles and methods of making such articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael Benton Free, Bimal V. Thakkar, Mieczyslaw H. Mazurek, Kenneth L. Smith, Suman K. Patel, William D. Coggio, Mikhail L. Pekurovsky
  • Labial attachment device for use with orthodontic auxiliary and lingual appliance system
    Patent number: 10376341
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an assembly and system allowing for secure use of an orthodontic auxiliary, particularly a bite corrector, with lingually bonded appliance systems. In one aspect, the disclosure features an orthodontic assembly including a banded tube, a force module, a connector coupling the force module to the tube, and an attachment device secured to the labial surface of an anterior tooth and connected to mesial, outer end of the force module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Ralf M. Paehl
  • Covering processing tool and covering processing method
    Patent number: 10381818
    Abstract: A covering processing tool performs a covering process of a cable connection portion and is provided with a first tubular unit extending in an axial direction, a second tubular unit disposed so as to surround the first tubular unit on an outer peripheral side, and a third tubular unit disposed so as to surround the first tubular unit on the outer peripheral side. The second tubular unit is installed on the first tubular unit so when extracting a first diameter expansion holding member of the first tubular unit, by supporting the second tubular unit from an outer peripheral side, relative movement in an axial direction and a circumferential direction of the first tubular unit relative to the second tubular unit is suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Tsunehisa Nakamura
  • Brush
    Patent number: D857399
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Megan E. Renner, Matthew D. Chaffee, Mark W. Baldwin, Michael C. Mooney