Patents Assigned to 3M
  • Electrostatic jamming devices and methods of making such devices
    Patent number: 11984823
    Abstract: At least some embodiments of the present disclosure direct to an electrostatic sheet jamming device formed by a sheet having a conductive layer and a dielectric layer. The jamming device includes a first section of the sheet, the first section being separated from the sheet, and a second section of the sheet, the second section being separated from the sheet. The sheet is non-extensible and flexible. The first section and the second section are slidable relative to each other in a first state. The first section and the second section are jammed with each other in a second state when a voltage is applied between a conductive layer of the first section and a conductive layer of the second section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Thomas R.. Corrigan, David J. Rowe, Andrew H. Tilstra
  • Silicone pressure-sensitive adhesive and silicone pressure-sensitive adhesive composition
    Patent number: 11981836
    Abstract: Silicone pressure-sensitive adhesives is the reaction product of a composition including a silanol end group-containing linear organopolysiloxane; a non-functional linear organopolysiloxane; and a silicate resin; wherein the dynamic viscosity of the non-functional linear organopolysiloxane at 25° C. is 100,000 mm2/sec or greater. The silicone pressure-sensitive adhesive has enhanced adhesion while minimizing skin damage and pain during removal of the adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Aizoh Sakurai
  • Deep causal learning for data storage and processing power management
    Patent number: 11983404
    Abstract: Method for active data storage management to optimize use of an electronic memory. The method includes providing signal injections for data storage. The signal injections can include various types of data and sizes of data files. Response signals corresponding with the signal injections are received, and a utility of those signals is measured. Based upon the utility of the response signals, parameters relating to storage of the data is modified to optimize use of long-term high latency passive data storage and short-term low latency active data storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Gilles J. Benoit, Nicholas A. Johnson
  • Coated abrasive articles and methods of making coated abrasive articles
    Patent number: 11981000
    Abstract: A coated abrasive article comprises a backing having first and second opposed major surfaces. A make layer is bonded to the first major surface. Agglomerate grinding aid particles are directly bonded to the make layer. At least a portion of the agglomerate grinding aid particles comprise grinding aid particles retained in a binder, and are arranged according to an open predetermined pattern. Abrasive particles are directly bonded to the make layer in spaces between the agglomerate grinding aid particles. A size layer is directly bonded to the make layer, agglomerate grinding aid particles, and abrasive particles. A method of making a coated abrasive article, in which the agglomerate grinding aid particles are deposited onto a curable make layer precursor prior to depositing abrasive particles onto the curable make layer precursor in spaces between the agglomerate grinding aid particles is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Junting Li, Yuyang Liu, Mark A. Lukowski, Ernest L Thurber, Brian G. Koethe, Ann M. Hawkins, Geoffrey I. Wilson
  • Thermally conductive electromagnetically absorptive material
    Patent number: 11985805
    Abstract: A thermally conductive electromagnetically absorbing material includes a plurality of particles dispersed in a binder. The plurality of particles can have a particle size distribution having at least three peaks, where at least a majority of particles within a half width at half maximum of one, but not the other ones, of the at least three peaks are at least partially coated with an electromagnetically absorbing coating. The plurality of particles can include pluralities of first and second particles where a total number of the first particles is at most 1% of a total number of the first and second particles and where the first particles are more electromagnetically absorbing than the second particles. Films, molded articles and systems including the thermally conductive electromagnetically absorbing material are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Zhonghua Lu, Badri Veeraraghavan, Joel S. Peiffer, Jeffrey A. Tostenrude, Jaewon Kim, Zulfiqar A. Khan, Jennifer J. Sokol
  • Film comprising polylactic acid polymer suitable for graphic articles
    Patent number: 11981810
    Abstract: An article is described comprising a first film layer comprising polylactic acid polymer (semicrystalline polylactic acid polymer; amorphous polylactic acid polymer; or a mixture thereof); a second (e.g. polyvinyl acetate) polymer having a Tg of at least 25° C.; plasticizer. In some embodiment, the film layer further comprises inorganic pigment and/or hydrolysis stabilizer. In other embodiments, the film has a net melting endotherm, ?Hnm1, of less than 10 J/g. Also described are methods of making a graphic film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ning Zhou, Diane North, Matthew A. Jast
  • Optical connector assembly
    Patent number: 11977261
    Abstract: An optical connector assembly includes first and second optical ferrules. Each of the first and second optical ferrules includes a front portion extending forwardly from a rear portion. The rear portion includes a top side and a bottom side. The bottom side of the rear portion defines a recessed portion. The first and second optical ferrules mate with each other such that the front portion of each of the first and second ferrules is disposed in the recessed portion of the other one of the first and second ferrules. Discrete retainers are assembled to opposite ends of the mated first and second ferrules. Each of the retainers defines a resilient portion resiliently forcing the front portion of one of the first and second mated ferrules against the other one of the first and second optical ferrules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Changbao Ma, Alexander W. Barr, Daniel F. Cronch
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE) with analytical stream processing for safety event detection
    Patent number: 11979696
    Abstract: In some examples, a system includes an article of personal protective equipment (PPE) having at least one sensor configured to generate a stream of usage data; and an analytical stream processing component comprising: a communication component that receives the stream of usage data; a memory configured to store at least a portion of the stream of usage data and at least one model for detecting a safety event signature, wherein the at least one model is trained based as least in part on a set of usage data generated by one or more other articles of PPE of a same type as the article of PPE; and one or more computer processors configured to: detect the safety event signature in the stream of usage data based on processing the stream of usage data with the model, and generate an output in response to detecting the safety event signature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Steven T. Awiszus, Eric C. Lobner, Michael G. Wurm, Kiran S. Kanukurthy, Jia Hu, Matthew J. Blackford, Keith G. Mattson, Ronald D. Jesme, Nathan J. Anderson
  • Ultrasonic coupling device
    Patent number: 11974878
    Abstract: An ultrasonic coupling device. The ultrasonic coupling device includes a hydrogel wherein the hydrogel has a water content of at least 10 wt %; and a near field communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Alexi J. Young, Ronald D. Jesme, Nicholas T. Gabriel
  • Process for making a connecting element for the friction-increasing connection of components, and use of a connecting element
    Patent number: 11976679
    Abstract: Arrays having a support structure and a plurality of connecting elements are described. Each connecting element is associated with at least one holding arm integrally linking the connecting element to at least one of (a) the support structure and (b) one or more of the other connecting elements. The connecting element of these arrays include a metal substrate having joining surfaces on opposite sides, where each joining surface has hard particles fixed on the metal substrate by a binder layer. Processes for producing such arrays and using the connecting elements are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Florian T. Grimm, Werner Kaufenstein, Volker Peterhansl, Roman Rudolph
  • Coextruded polymeric nettings and method of making the same
    Patent number: 11975469
    Abstract: Articles comprising first and second coextruded polymeric nettings are described. The articles comprise a plurality of pairs of first segments comprising a first material. Adjacent first segments are joined together via a second segments comprising second material, wherein the second segments extend past the first major surface of each first adjacent segments. The articles further include an adhesive on at least one of the first or second major surfaces of the first segment. The first segments, second segments, and third material each extend continuously for at least 5 mm in the machine direction, and the first and second materials of adjacent pairs are periodically bonded together in the machine direction. A portion of some of the first segments of the first coextruded polymeric netting are engaged between some of the adjacent first segments of the second coextruded polymeric netting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Ronald W. Ausen, William J. Kopecky, Michael W. Voigt, Naimul Karim, Vasav Sahni
  • Acrylic-epoxy adhesive composition
    Patent number: 11976148
    Abstract: A curable composition comprising: a hydroxy-functional or ether-functional (meth)acrylate copolymer, an epoxy resin; water; a photocatalyst, and optionally a polyvinyl acetal polymer and/or a film-forming polymer. When cured, provides structural bonding adhesives that are curable under high humidity conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Kelly A. Volp, Kathleen S. Shafer, Peter O. Rekow, Jonathan E. Janoski, Thomas Q. Chastek, Bradford L. Ryland, Douglas L. Elmore
  • Jamming device with jamming sheets
    Patent number: 11979098
    Abstract: At least some embodiments of the present disclosure direct to an electrostatic sheet jamming apparatus comprising a first sheet comprising a first conductive layer, the first sheet comprising a set of first features, a first dielectric layer, and a second sheet comprising a second conductive layer and disposed proximate to the first dielectric layer, the second sheet comprising a set of second features. The first dielectric layer is disposed between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer. The first sheet and the second sheet are non-extensible and flexible. The first sheet and the second sheet are movable relative to each other in a first state. The first sheet and the second sheet are jammed with each other in a second state when a voltage is applied between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Thomas R. Corrigan, David J. Rowe, Andrew H. Tilstra, Michael Patrick M. Mandanas
  • Optical film including polymeric optical reflector and discontinuous transparent coating
    Patent number: 11971560
    Abstract: Optical films are described. In particular, optical films including a broadband polymeric multilayer optical reflector and a discontinuous transparent coating disposed on the broadband multilayer optical reflector, where the discontinuous transparent coating includes an array of dots are described. Such films may provide reduced coefficients of friction while still having high specular reflectivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Jeremy O. Swanson, Matthew S. Stay, Matthew R. D. Smith
  • Abrasive particles, method of making abrasive particles, and abrasive articles
    Patent number: 11970650
    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: January 9, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Negus B. Adefris
  • Photopolymerizable compositions and reaction products thereof
    Patent number: 11970596
    Abstract: Polymerizable compositions comprise at least one free-radically or cationically polymerizable compound; and a photoinitiator system, wherein the photoinitiator system comprises a compound represented by the formula: (I) wherein: each R1 independently represents an alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and each R2 independently represents H, an alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, F, Cl, or Br. Polymerized reaction products are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Constantin-Christian A. Voll
  • Partially fluorinated sulfonamide for use in PET films
    Patent number: 11970595
    Abstract: Silicone-free extruded release liner for acrylic adhesives that is stable at high temperatures, has advantageous surface energy characteristics, has minimal impact on adhesive performance, and has minimal environmental impact comprising a composition that includes a thermoplastic polymer and a fluoroadditive represented by the structure (I), wherein X is a meta-substituted or a para-substituted benzene ring and each n is independently a whole number from 0 to 3, inclusive. Methods of preparing the composition, the fluoroadditive, and the release liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Georgiy Teverovskiy, Maria A. Appeaning, Derrick M. Poirier, Troy J. Anderson
  • Wound dressing with welded elastic structure
    Patent number: 11969317
    Abstract: A wound dressing includes an inelastic absorbent layer, an elastic film, and a plurality of welds. The inelastic absorbent layer is configured to absorb wound fluid and has a first side and a second, wound-facing side. The elastic film is configured to elastically stretch when a stretching force is applied to the wound dressing and elastically recover when the stretching force is removed. The plurality of welds fix the elastic film to the first side of the inelastic absorbent layer such that the elastic film and the inelastic absorbent layer elastically stretch and elastically recover as a unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Christopher B. Locke, Benjamin A. Pratt, Alexander Waite
  • Mounting member for wrapping and mounting a pollution control element
    Patent number: 11969709
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mounting member for wrapping and mounting a pollution control element in a casing of a pollution control device, the mounting member comprising: inorganic fiber material; and inorganic particles, wherein the inorganic particles are distributed throughout most of the mat and comprise an average diameter of 800 nm to 15000 nm (DV 50), preferably of 1000 nm to 15000 nm (DV 50) measured according to DIN ISO 13320.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ulrich Kunze, Kerstin Rosen
  • Catalyst
    Patent number: 11973232
    Abstract: Nanoporous oxygen reduction catalyst material comprising at least 90 collectively Pt, Ni, and Ta. The nanoporous oxygen reduction catalyst material is useful, for example, in fuel cell membrane electrode assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Andrew J. L. Steinbach, Andrew T. Haug, Amy Hester, Krzysztof A. Lewinski, Sean M. Luopa, Grant M. Thoma, Jonah D. Erlebacher