Patents Assigned to 3M
  • Digitally-painted dental articles
    Patent number: 9271813
    Abstract: A digital painting process provides computer-controlled finishing of dental articles. The process can selectively apply different materials over portions of a dental article in one or more layers to achieve a multi-chromatic finish having a variety of colors, finishes, and surface properties that closely match the appearance and function of human dentition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Naimul Karim, Sumita B. Mitra
  • Polyolefin adhesive material for use in solar modules
    Patent number: 9276151
    Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to films capable of use in electronic device modules and to electronic device modules including such films. The disclosure also generally relates to materials for use in such films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Rahul M. Rasal, Jay M. Jennen, Jeffrey G. Linert, Belma Erdogan-Haug, Robert S. Clough
  • Editing digital notes representing physical notes
    Patent number: 9274693
    Abstract: In one example, a method includes receiving a digital note of a plurality of digital notes generated based on image data comprising a visual representation of a scene that includes a plurality of physical notes such that each of the plurality of digital notes respectively corresponds to a particular physical note of the plurality of physical notes, wherein each of the physical notes includes respective recognizable content. In this example, the method also includes receiving user input indicating a modification to one or more visual characteristics of the digital note. In this example, the method also includes editing, in response to the user input, the one or more visual characteristics of the digital note. In this example, the method also includes outputting, for display, a modified version of the digital note that includes the one or more visual characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard J. Moore, Michael C. Leighton, Guruprasad Somasundaram, Linus Åkerlund, Olof Roland Persson, Héctor M. Aybar López, Diane R. Wolk, Pontus Axelsson, Staffan H. Kjellberg
  • Fuel cell water management via reduced anode reactant pressure
    Patent number: 9276273
    Abstract: A method is provided for operation of a fuel cell with improved water management by maintaining reduced anode pressure relative to cathode pressure, relative to atmospheric pressure, or both. Typically, the fuel cell comprises a membrane electrode assembly comprising nanostructured thin film cathode catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Andrew J. L. Steinbach, Mark K. Debe, Andrew T. Haug
  • Optical fiber connector assembly with printed circuit board stabilization features
    Patent number: 9274291
    Abstract: A plug connector for connecting a cable to a receptacle connector includes a housing (209) comprising an upper housing portion (212) assembled to a lower housing portion (211), the assembled portions defining a cavity (280) within the housing. One or more printed circuit boards (201, 202) are disposed in the housing cavity and a cable (100) is disposed in the housing cavity and connected to printed circuit boards. The assembled upper and lower housing portions define a first housing sidewall comprising an upper sidewall portion (221u) at the upper housing portion and a lower sidewall portion (221b) at the lower housing portion. The upper and lower sidewall portions define a gap (220-1) in the first housing sidewall at an interface between the upper and lower sidewall portions of the first housing sidewall. The gap extends only partially or at least partially along a length of the first housing sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Brian M. Cole, Donald G. Doss
  • Medical articles and methods of making using immiscible material
    Patent number: 9273233
    Abstract: Provided are medical articles (e.g., wound dressings) that include a pressure sensitive adhesive layer and methods of making the medical articles using immiscible materials that increase moisture vapor transmission rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: David R. Holm, Dong-Wei Zhu
  • Fuel cell subassemblies incorporating subgasketed thrifted membranes
    Patent number: 9276284
    Abstract: A fuel cell roll good subassembly is described that includes a plurality of individual electrolyte membranes. One or more first subgaskets are attached to the individual electrolyte membranes. Each of the first subgaskets has at least one aperture and the first subgaskets are arranged so the center regions of the individual electrolyte membranes are exposed through the apertures of the first subgaskets. A second subgasket comprises a web having a plurality of apertures. The second subgasket web is attached to the one or more first subgaskets so the center regions of the individual electrolyte membranes are exposed through the apertures of the second subgasket web. The second subgasket web may have little or no adhesive on the subgasket surface facing the electrolyte membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Eric J. Iverson, Daniel M. Pierpont, Michael A. Yandrasits, Steven J. Hamrock, Stephan J. Obradovich, Donald G. Peterson
  • Method for detecting a target microorganism using two indicator systems in a culture device
    Patent number: 9273340
    Abstract: A method of detecting a target microorganism is disclosed. The method comprises providing a culture device with a selective culture medium and a detection article comprising a first indicator system. The selective culture medium facilitates the growth of an indicator microorganism. When an indicator microorganism is detected in a sample contacted with the culture medium, the detection article is contacted with the culture medium to detect the target microorganism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Takatoshi Moriyama, Patrick A. Mach, Akio Kitahara, Henry J. Lubrant
  • Tin dioxide nanopartcles and method for making the same
    Patent number: 9273073
    Abstract: Plurality of crystalline, surface modified tin oxide nanoparticles, wherein the particles have a largest dimension up to 20 nm, and wherein the surface modifier comprises at least one of an organic carboxylic acid or anion thereof, including a dispersion comprising the crystalline, surface modified tin oxide nanoparticles and methods to make the same. The crystalline surface modified doped tin oxide nanoparticles are useful, for example, for preparing transparent electrodes, heat mirrors and energy storage devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Neeraj Sharma, Brant U. Kolb, Mark J. Hendrickson
  • Curing compositions for fluoropolymers
    Patent number: 9273164
    Abstract: Diaminospirobisindane diols, curable compositions, curative compositions, cured articles, and methods of curing are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Werner M. A. Grootaert, Michael S. Wendland, George W. Griesgraber
  • MULTIPLE ACCELERATOR SYSTEMS FOR EPOXY ADHESIVES
    Publication number: 20160053045
    Abstract: There is provided a one -part curable epoxy composition comprising a heat curable epoxy resin; and a latent curative system in an amount sufficient to cure the epoxy resin, where the latent curative system comprises at least one epoxy resin miscible first curative comprising a latent hardener, selected from dicyandiamide and its derivatives, and two or more latent accelerators selected from at least one of substituted ureas, substituted imidazoles, and combinations thereof. There are also provided adhesive compositions, cured adhesives and articles made using such one-part curable epoxy compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Cyrus A. Anderson, Mary M. Caruso Dailey, Clayton A. George
  • TOUCH PANEL, PREPARING METHOD THEREOF, AND AG-PD-ND ALLOY FOR TOUCH PANEL
    Publication number: 20160057858
    Abstract: Provided is a touch panel comprising: a transparent substrate, a transparent conductive material disposed on the 5 substrate, and a Ag—Pd—Nd alloy layer disposed on the transparent conductive material. Provided are also a preparation method of the touch panel and a display comprising the touch panel. Provided are also a Ag—Pd—Nd alloy for touch panel, comprising: 97.9 to 99.2 weight % of Ag, 0.7 to 1.8 weight % of Pd, and 0.1 to 0.3 weight % of Nd, based on 100 weight % of the alloy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Kihoon Sung, JaeHoon Jeong, Muthu Sebastian, Woo-Young Ahn, Bong Hyun Cho
  • AN ELECTRONIC AC LINE DIMMING CIRCUIT WITH NEAR UNITY POWER FACTOR
    Publication number: 20160057826
    Abstract: The present disclosure features a dimming circuit connected to an AC line, comprising a dimming adjuster circuit, a dimming control circuit, and a transformer circuit. The dimming adjuster circuit comprises a dimming level adjuster and is configured to generate a tracking signal indicative of a setting of the dimming level adjuster. The dimming control circuit is coupled to the dimming adjuster circuit. The dimming control circuit is configured to receive the tracking signal and generate a dimming signal. The transformer circuit is coupled to the dimming control circuit. The transformer circuit is configured to receive the dimming signal and provide power to a lighting assembly in response to the dimming signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Publication date: February 25, 2016
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Martin J. Vos, Gregory G. Jager
  • Method and apparatus for producing a non-uniform coating on a substrate
    Patent number: 9266144
    Abstract: A roll coater can be modified by the addition of one or more needle tubes that supply coating fluid to the roll coater in discrete locations across the face of the coating roll. The needle tubes supply a localized band of coating material onto the coating roll superimposed over the uniform coating layer already present on the surface of the coating roll from an upstream coating pond creating a stripe pattern over the uniform coating layer. By varying the relative speeds of the coating rolls in the coater, the width of the stripe can also be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Gary W. Maier
  • User interface with a composite image that floats
    Patent number: 9268146
    Abstract: User interface having a sensor and a composite interface that floats. Embodiments of user interfaces described herein are useful, for example, as automobile components (e.g., dashboard components), appliance components (e.g., dishwasher components, stove components, oven components, microwave oven components, clothes washer components, and clothes dyer components), medical equipment, elevator buttons, laboratory equipment (e.g., scales), as well as consumer electronics (e.g., entertainment devices and cell phones), automatic teller machines, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Masaru Iwasawa, Kazuhiko Mizuno, Robert L. W. Smithson, Richard L. Rylander
  • Solid state light with enclosed light guide and integrated thermal guide
    Patent number: 9267674
    Abstract: A solid state light having a solid state light source such as LEDs, a light guide having an enclosed interior volume such as a bulb shape without vents, and a thermal guide. The light guide is coupled to the light source for receiving and distributing light from the light source. The thermal guide is at least partially contained within the interior volume with an air gap between a portion of the thermal guide and the light guide. The thermal guide provides for thermal conduction from the light source and dissipating heat through convection and radiation for cooling the light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Raymond P. Johnston, Charles N. Devore, Martin J. Vos, Paul E. Humpal, Robert L. Brott, Kayla A. Hagens, Hamid R. Mortazavi, James F. Poch, Michael A. Meis, Timothy J. Pommer
  • Urea-based pressure-sensitive adhesives
    Patent number: 9266989
    Abstract: Non-silicone urea-based adhesives are disclosed which are prepared by the polymerization of reactive oligomers with the general formula X—B—X, where X is an ethylenically unsaturated group and B is a unit free of silicone and containing urea groups. The reactive oligomers can be prepared from polyamines through chain extension reactions using diaryl carbonates followed by capping reactions. Adhesive articles, including optical adhesive articles may be prepared using the disclosed non-silicone urea-based adhesives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Audrey A. Sherman, Wendi J. Winkler, Scott M. Tapio, Robert J. Reuter, James P. DiZio
  • Hollow microspheres and method of making hollow microspheres
    Patent number: 9266764
    Abstract: There is provided a method for making hollow microspheres by means of dispensing the feed using vibratory energy, preferably ultrasonic energy, hollow microspheres made using the method, and an apparatus for making hollow microspheres.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Gang Qi, Satinder K. Nayar
  • Display screen or portion thereof with graphical user interface
    Patent number: D750105
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael C. Leighton, Johan R. Andersson, Pontus Axelsson, Michael Rotstein
  • Filter cartridge
    Patent number: D750740
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Matt R. Branscomb, Jeffrey M. Maki, Jeremy A. Schmoll, Jon P. Kragness