Patents Assigned to 3M
  • Microemulsions and fluoropolymers made using microemulsions
    Patent number: 9212279
    Abstract: There are provided microemulsions derived from compositions containing oligomeric fluorosulfinic compounds and/or ethylenically unsaturated, polymerizable monomeric fluorosulfinic compounds and to their uses in (co)polymerization processes in aqueous emulsion of fluorinated monomers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Tatsuo Fukushi, Gregg D. Dahlke, Denis Duchesne, Werner M.A. Grootaert, Miguel A. Guerra, Larry A. Last, Peter J. Scott, Zai-Ming Qiu
  • Fluoropolymer coated articles
    Patent number: 9212693
    Abstract: Provided is an article comprising a bearing, wherein the bearing has disposed upon it a fluoropolymer composition. The fluoropolymer composition comprises a fluoropolymer and a pH-dependent surfactant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael C. Dadalas, Klaus Hintzer, Ludwig Mayer, Tilman C. Zipplies, James A. McDonell
  • Method of making alpha, omega-diiodoperfluoroalkanes
    Patent number: 9212119
    Abstract: A method of making ?,?-diiodoperfluoroalkanes includes combining: diatomic iodine, at least one perfluoroalkylene oxide represented by the formula wherein Rf represents a perfluoroalkyl group; and at least one of: a) a first metallic compound comprising nickel, and a second metallic compound comprising molybdenum that is compositionally different from the first metallic compound; or b) a metallic alloy comprising from 50 to 70 percent by weight of nickel and from 20 to 40 percent by weight of molybdenum, based on the total weight of the metallic alloy, thereby producing at least one product represented by the formula I(CF2)nI, wherein n independently represents an integer in the range of from 1 to 11. The total weight of the at least one product wherein n is 3 or greater exceeds the total weight of the at least one product wherein n is 1 or 2 by a factor of at least 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Steven J. Martin, Luke T. Dressel, Aaron E. Hutt, Eric A. Schotz, Terence D. Spawn, Miguel A. Guerra, Tatsuo Fukushi, Jeremy A. Miller, Christopher M. Geise, James A. McDonell
  • Apparatus for spraying liquids, and adapters and liquid reservoirs suitable for use therewith
    Patent number: 9211553
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for spraying a liquid relating to a gravity-fed spray gun are disclosed. Disclosed gravity fed spray guns may comprise a body and an attachment point located at a top portion of the body; and a spray nozzle located at a front portion of the body. An apparatus may further comprise a fluid reservoir configured to contain a fluid to be sprayed through the spray nozzle, the fluid reservoir comprising a container comprising an open end; a lid for cooperative engagement with the open end of the container, the lid comprising a connector to couple the fluid reservoir to the attachment point of the spray gun and an aperture through which the fluid can flow from the fluid reservoir to the spray nozzle in use; and a filter positioned to filter the fluid before reaching the spray nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Stephen C. P. Joseph, Malcolm F. Douglas, Alan F. Butler, David R. Bastow, Jerome E. Salhus, Margaret A. Hartfel
  • COPOLYMERS INCLUDING ULTRAVIOLET ABSORBING GROUPS AND FLUOROPOLYMER COMPOSITIONS INCLUDING THEM
    Publication number: 20150353662
    Abstract: A thermoplastic copolymer that includes a first divalent unit having a pendent ultraviolet absorbing group and a second divalent unit that is fluorinated. A fluoropolymer composition including the thermoplastic copolymer is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: December 10, 2015
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: David B. Olson, Patricia M. Savu, Timothy J. Hebrink
  • Polydiorganosiloxane polyoxamide copolymers
    Patent number: 9206290
    Abstract: Polydiorganosiloxane polyoxamide, linear, block copolymers and methods of making the copolymers are provided. The method of making the copolymers involves reacting a diamine with a precursor having at least one polydiorganosiloxane segment and at least two oxalyamino groups. The polydiorganosiloxane polyoxamide block copolymers are of the (AB)n type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Charles M. Leir, Karl E. Benson, Richard G. Hansen, Mark D. Purgett, Albert I. Everaerts, Audrey A. Sherman
  • Silica coating for enhanced hydrophilicity
    Patent number: 9206335
    Abstract: A coating composition is provided comprising a) an aqueous dispersion, having a pH of less than 7.5, of silica nanoparticles having average particle diameters of 40 nanometers or less, b) an alkoxysilane oligomer; c) a silane coupling agent, and d) optionally a metal ?-diketone complexing agent. The compositions may be used to prepare coated articles wherein the coating is substantially uniform in thickness, durably adheres to the substrate, and provides hydrophilic and/or antireflection surface properties to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovation Properties Company
    Inventors: Patrick J. Hager, Jay S. Schlechte, Elaine M. Yorkgitis, Naiyong Jing
  • Backlight asymmetric light input wedge
    Patent number: 9207384
    Abstract: A backlight is disclosed and includes a visible light transmissive body primarily propagating light by TIR with a light input surface and a light output surface and a light guide portion and a light input portion. The light guide portion has a light reflection surface and a light emission surface. The light input portion has opposing side surfaces that are not parallel. One of the opposing surfaces is co-planar with either the light emission surface or the light reflection surface. A light source is disposed adjacent to the light input surface. The light source emits light into the light input portion. A reflective layer is disposed adjacent to or on the opposing side surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: William J. Bryan, John C. Schultz, Michael A. Meis, Patrick R. Destain
  • Shielded electrical cable
    Patent number: 9208927
    Abstract: A shielded electrical cable includes conductor sets extending along a length of the cable and spaced apart from each other along a width of the cable. First and second shielding films are disposed on opposite sides of the cable and include cover portions and pinched portions arranged such that, in transverse cross section, the cover portions of the films in combination substantially surround each conductor set. An adhesive layer bonds the shielding films together in the pinched portions of the cable. A transverse bending of the cable at a cable location of no more than 180 degrees over an inner radius of at most 2 mm causes a cable impedance of the selected insulated conductor proximate the cable location to vary by no more than 2 percent from an initial cable impedance measured at the cable location in an unbent configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Douglas B. Gundel
  • Digital dentistry
    Patent number: 9208531
    Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein employ a scanning system for capturing highly detailed digital dental models. These models may be used within a dentist's office for a wide array of dental functions including quality control, restoration design, and fitting. These models may also, or instead, be transmitted to dental laboratories that may, alone or in collaboration with the originating dentist or other dental professionals, transform the digital model into a physical realization of a dental hardware item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Joseph Boerjes, Simon K. J. Schiessl, Michael P. Girard, Micah J. Rosenbloom, Eric B. Paley, Edward K. Tekeian, Steven V. Weeks, David E. Altobelli, Douglas M. Johnston, Janos Rohaly
  • Fluorosilicone blend release materials
    Patent number: 9206317
    Abstract: Release compositions comprising a blend of ethylenically unsaturated fluoroorganopolysiloxane polymers and ethylenically unsaturated non-fluorinated organopolysiloxane polymers are described. The release compositions are dispersed in a solvent system and also contain a catalyst and at least one crosslinker. Both fluoroorganohydrogenpolysiloxane and organohydrogenpolysiloxane are described. Release liners and adhesive articles including cured release compositions are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Jayshree Seth, Marie A. Boulos, Zai-Ming Qiu, Janet A. Venne
  • Optical substrate having a plurality of staggered light redirecting features on a major surface thereof
    Patent number: 9207413
    Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to sets of optical waveguides such as optical fiber ribbons, and fiber optic connectors useful for connecting multiple optical fibers. In particular, the disclosure provides an efficient, compact, and reliable optical fiber connector that incorporates a unitary substrate comprising a plurality of staggered light redirecting features on an input surface thereof directing incoming light from optical fibers through the substrate towards optical elements to be coupled with.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: James R. Bylander, Ding Wang
  • Hybrid self illuminated and actively back lit signage for printed graphics
    Patent number: 9208704
    Abstract: Hybrid signage capable of self illumination and having an active backlight. The signage includes a turning film having a structured surface for redirecting light in order to passively illuminate a printed graphic or shaped sign when the backlight is off. In the shaped sign, the shape provides the content, such as letters, to be conveyed to the viewer instead of a graphic. The signage can be actively illuminated when the backlight is on to supplemental the passive illumination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Erik A. Aho, Audrey A. Sherman, Michael A. Meis, Kevin R. Schaffer, Patrick A. Thomas, John C. Schultz, Michael H. Hansberry, William J. Bryan, David A. Harper
  • Electronic stethoscope system for telemedicine applications
    Patent number: 9204856
    Abstract: An electronic stethoscope includes a housing configured for hand-held manipulation, a transducer supported by the housing and configured to sense auscultation signals at a first location, and a headset coupled to the housing and configured to deliver audio corresponding to the auscultation signals through earpieces on the headset. The electronic stethoscope further includes a processor disposed in the housing and configured to convert the auscultation signals to first digital signals representative of the auscultation signals and to wirelessly transmit the first digital signals from the electronic stethoscope via a secure digital network to a second location such that the audio corresponding to the auscultation signals is provided to headsets of one or more additional electronic stethoscopes at the second location in substantial real time with the sensing of the auscultation sounds at the first location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: William Bedingham, Craig D. Oster, Daniel J. Rogers
  • System comprising a rapid prototyping device and a material cartridge, a cartridge, and a method of using the system
    Patent number: 9204945
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed, inter alia, to a system that comprises a rapid prototyping device and a material cartridge. The rapid prototyping device comprises a chamber for building up the object. The cartridge comprises a body into which a channel extends. A support is adapted to be movably arranged within the channel. The cartridge is adapted to be removably placed in the rapid prototyping device, and the rapid prototyping device can move the support of the cartridge. In one embodiment, the system helps minimizing costs in the manufacturing of dental restorations by rapid prototyping techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Malte Korten, Helmar Mayr
  • Dental compositions with fluorescent pigment
    Patent number: 9205029
    Abstract: The invention features a dental composition containing a fluorescent organic pigment, e.g. a hydroxyl substituted aryl guanamine an or a fluorescent compound encapsulated in a thermo plastic or thermo set polymer, in an amount that provides the composition with fluorescence resembling that of natural teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Rajdeep S. Kalgutkar, Gregory A. Kobussen
  • COATING COMPOSITIONS AND MULTI-LAYERED FILMS FOR EASY-TO-CLEAN SURFACES
    Publication number: 20150344704
    Abstract: A coating composition and a multi-layered film, both of which include a fluoropolymer and a water-soluble polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Gaurav Manik, Chetan P. Jariwala, Ruchi Pandey, Prabha Hegde, Sathyanarayanan Gururamakrishnan, Rachita Pradeep
  • EARMUFF ACCOMMODATING WELDING SHIELD
    Publication number: 20150342282
    Abstract: A welding helmet 10 that has a face shield 12 that has a native width NW and that has a lens 14 disposed in the face shield 12. A spreader bar 30 can expand the face shield 12 from its native width NW to an increased width IW to allow the welding shield 10 to easily accommodate earmuffs 16 worn by the welder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Bjorn Daniels, Mats U. Sernfalt, Oskar E. Juhlin
  • Display screen or portion thereof with animated graphical user interface
    Patent number: D745040
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael C. Leighton, Johan R. Andersson, Pontus Axelsson, Michael Rotstein
  • Note dispenser
    Patent number: D745603
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Shuwei Zhang, Gianmauro Vella, Xinchun Tang