Patents Assigned to 3M
  • Electrochemical Device and Method of Making the Same
    Publication number: 20150349313
    Abstract: Electrochemical device (e.g., a capacitive device, a battery, or hybrid device) comprising a configuration of layers comprising at least one combination, wherein each combination comprises a porous particulate separator layer disposed between a first porous electrode layer and a second porous electrode layer, and optionally at least one particulate current collector layer, and a liquid electrolyte, wherein all the combinations, optional particulate current collector layers, and liquid electrolyte are encased in a package, and wherein essentially all the liquid electrolyte is confined within the configuration of layers. Capacitive electrochemical device comprising a first combination comprising a porous particulate separator layer disposed between a first porous electrode layer and a second porous electrode layer, optionally at least one particulate current collector layer, and a liquid electrolyte.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Kenton D. Budd, Daimon K Heller
  • ANTI-SOILING, ABRASION RESISTANT CONSTRUCTIONS AND METHODS OF MAKING
    Publication number: 20150343502
    Abstract: Described herein is a construction comprising a microsphere layer comprising a plurality of microspheres wherein the microspheres comprise glass, ceramic, and combinations thereof; a first polymer layer comprising a first polymer, wherein the plurality of microspheres is partially embedded in the first polymer layer; and an undercoat layer therebetween the microsphere layer and first polymer layer, wherein the undercoat layer comprises a plurality of silica nanoparticles. Also disclosed herein are articles comprising the construction and methods of making thereof. In one embodiment, the constructions of the present disclosure have good anti-soiling and abrasion resistant properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: John C. Clark, Vivek Krishnan, Christopher B. Walker, JR.
  • Medical substance transfer system
    Patent number: 9198831
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid transfer system for transferring a substance from one vessel to another vessel while avoiding leakage of liquid and gas contaminants. The transfer system includes a needle safe design that is facilitated by a housing that shrouds a tip of a fluid transfer cannula such that the cannula tip is not exposed for inadvertent puncture. This feature may also be enhanced by use of a blunt tipped cannula. The fluid transfer system permits multiple access by enabling the easy swabbing of a septum prior to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Bob Rogers
  • Touch location sensing system and method employing sensor data fitting to a predefined curve
    Patent number: 9201556
    Abstract: Methods and devices for determining the location of a touch implement relative to a touch locating sensing device involve developing touch signals at a touch sensor in response to a touch implement on or near the touch surface. Data associated with the touch signals is fitted to a predefined curve. The predefined curve is preferably defined by a charged sphere near a conducting plane, the charged sphere representative of an end of the touch implement and the conducting plane representative of the touch surface. A location of the touch implement is determined relative to the touch surface using the predefined curve to which the data is fitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: M. Benton Free, Bernard O. Geaghan, Karl P. Hauck, Billy Lee Weaver
  • Connector arrangements for shielded electrical cables
    Patent number: 9202609
    Abstract: Various high speed shielded cables are used in combination with a connector assembly. The connector assembly includes a plurality of electrical terminations in electrical contact with the conductor sets of the cable at a first end of the cable, the electrical terminations configured to make electrical contact with corresponding mating electrical terminations of a mating connector and at least one housing configured to retain the plurality of electrical terminations in a planar, spaced apart configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Douglas B. Gundel, William V. Ballard, Alexander W. Barr, Joseph N. Castiglione, William J. Lee, Mark M. Lettang, Jesse A. Mann, Richard J. Scherer, Charles F. Staley
  • Frozen, lightweight curable sealant
    Patent number: 9200181
    Abstract: A uniformly premixed sealant is extruded into a packaging form and allowed to pressure equilibrate prior to freezing. Upon warming the sealant begins to cure. The storage of the preformed sealant formulation under cold conditions arrests the activity of cure catalysts and accelerators mixed therethrough. The sealant is readily extruded into a preform shape containing a lightweight filler. A release film is provided to avoid contact with the sealant preformed in a shape during application to a substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Jonathan D. Zook, Dewey L. Mullins, II, Stephane E. Pyrek, David W. A. Jordan
  • Cationic fluorinated polymer compositions and methods for treating hydrocarbon-bearing formations using the same
    Patent number: 9200102
    Abstract: Fluorinated polymers having first divalent units independently represented by formula (I) or formula (II) and second divalent units containing quaternary ammonium groups. Compositions containing the fluorinated polymer and solvent, methods of treating hydrocarbon-bearing formations using these compositions, and articles treated with the fluorinated polymers are disclosed. A method of making a composition containing the fluorinated polymer is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Jimmie R. Baran, Jr., George G. I. Moore
  • Light assembly
    Patent number: 9200775
    Abstract: Light assembly (10) having reflector (16), light source (18), an outer light cover (12), and a curved transflective surface (15). Embodiments of light assemblies described herein are useful, for example, as signs, backlights, displays, task lighting, luminaire, and vehicle (e.g., cars, trucks, airplanes, etc.) components. Vehicle comprising light assemblies include those where the light assembly is a vehicle tail light assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Stephen K. Eckhardt, Barry S. Carpenter, David A. Ender, David J. Lundin, Mark E. Napierala, Jennifer J. Sahlin, David F. Slama, Karl A. Vick, John A. Wheatley
  • Connector arrangements for shielded electrical cables
    Patent number: 9202608
    Abstract: Various high speed shielded cables are used in combination with a connector assembly. The connector assembly includes a plurality of electrical terminations in electrical contact with the conductor sets of the cable at a first end of the cable, the electrical terminations configured to make electrical contact with corresponding mating electrical terminations of a mating connector and at least one housing configured to retain the plurality of electrical terminations in a planar, spaced apart configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Douglas B. Gundel, William V. Ballard, Alexander W. Barr, Joseph N. Castiglione, William J. Lee, Mark M. Lettang, Jesse A. Mann, Richard J. Scherer, Charles F. Staley
  • Controlled degradation fibers
    Patent number: 9200148
    Abstract: There is provided a controlled degradation fiber and methods of making such controlled degradation fiber, wherein at least one first material and at least one second material are selected such that the fiber has a weight loss of greater than 6 wt. % and less than 60 wt. % based on the total weight of the fiber after one week at 130° C. in the presence of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Yong K. Wu, Michael D. Crandall, Rudolf J. Dams, Michelle M. Hewitt, Ignatius A. Kadoma, Siegmund Papp, Jay M. Jennen, Sasha B. Myers
  • Telecommunications cable inlet device
    Patent number: 9201205
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an inlet device for inserting a plurality of cables containing optical fibers, copper wires or coax cable into port of a telecommunications enclosure. In particular, the exemplary inlet device includes a breakout portion that can be connected to a conduit carrying at least one of the cables to enter the enclosure. Specifically, the inlet device includes housing having a first end and a second end, wherein the housing includes, a compression member attached to the second end of the housing and a break-out portion attached to the compression member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventor: Robert W. Bunte
  • Flexible lighting assembly
    Patent number: 9200763
    Abstract: Flexible lighting assemblies (100) are disclosed. Specifically, flexible lighting assemblies that are made up of a flexible cable (102), a plurality of light emitting diodes (112), and a plurality of transparent light distribution segments (116) that distribute light along the length of the cable by deflectors positioned over the light emitting diodes. The lighting assembly allows for flexible lighting without the glare and non-uniformity problems often associated with flexible lighting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Scott M. Schnobrich, Bing Hao, David A. Ender
  • Articles comprising a fluorochemical surface layer and related methods
    Patent number: 9200175
    Abstract: The invention features an article comprising a reactive substrate that forms a covalent or hydrogen bond with a surface layer. The surface layer of the article comprises the reaction product of at least one monoterminated (per)fluoropolyether (meth)acryl compound and at least one monomer or oligomer having at least two (meth)acryl groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Cheng-Chung Chang, Zai-Ming Qiu, Naiyong Jing
  • Allyl ether-terminated fluoroalkanesulfinic acids, salts thereof, and a method of making the same
    Patent number: 9199929
    Abstract: Described herein are allyl ether-terminated fluoroalkylsulfinic acids and salts thereof and methods of making.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Zai-Ming Qiu
  • FLUOROPOLYMER COMPOSITION INCLUDING AN OLIGOMER HAVING AN ULTRAVIOLET ABSORBING GROUP
    Publication number: 20150337096
    Abstract: A composition that includes a blend of a fluoropolymer and an ultraviolet light-absorbing oligomer. The oligomer has a first divalent unit having a pendent ultraviolet absorbing group and at least one of a second divalent unit that is non-fluorinated or a third divalent unit that is fluorinated. The pendent ultraviolet absorbing group can include a triazine group. The composition can be an extruded film. A method of making such an extruded film is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: David B. Olson, Patricia M. Savu, Timothy J. Hebrink
  • Push-To-Fit Earplug Having An Array of Cavities
    Publication number: 20150335490
    Abstract: The present description provides an earplug. One exemplary earplug described herein includes a stem and a sound attenuating body attached to the stem. The sound attenuating body includes a leading end, a base end, a tip region positioned rearward of the leading end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the leading end and the base end. An array of cavities is positioned within the tip region and spaced around the longitudinal axis and provides a collapsible volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Hamer, Kenneth F. Teeters, Ravi Thomas
  • WHITENING COMPOSITION FOR SELECTIVELY TREATING THE SURFACE OF DENTAL CERAMIC AND RELATED METHODS
    Publication number: 20150336853
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process of selectively treating parts of the surface of a porous dental ceramic comprising the steps of a) providing a composition and a porous dental ceramic having an outer surface, b) applying the composition to only a part of the outer surface of the porous dental ceramic, c) optionally drying the porous dental ceramic, and d) optionally firing the porous dental ceramic, wherein the composition comprises—a liquid being miscible with water, but not being water, —a whitening agent comprising nano-sized metal oxide particles, metal ion containing components or mixtures thereof which precipitate if the composition is adjusted to a pH above 5, —acid, complexing agent or mixture thereof. The invention also relates to a dental ceramic article obtainable by a process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventor: MICHAEL JAHNS
  • RE-INKING ROLLER FOR MICROCONTACT PRINTING IN A ROLL-TO-ROLL PROCESS
    Publication number: 20150336379
    Abstract: A system, including a moving web of material unwound from a support and a stamp mounted on a roller, wherein the stamp includes a base surface and a continuous, regular array of pattern elements having a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape and extending above the base surface, and wherein the stamping elements each have a substantially planar stamping surface. An inking roller with an inking surface at least periodicially contacts the stamping surface of the stamping elements. The inking surface is impregnated with an ink composition including an organosulfur compound having a thiol functional group selected to bind to a major surface of the web material to form a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) thereon according to the array of pattern elements on the stamping surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Tyler J. Rattray, Mikhail L. Pekurovsky, Lyudmila A. Pekurovsky, Matthew H. Frey, Daniel P. Meehan, Jonathan J. O'Hare, Richard W. Greger
  • PLANTAR FASCIA SUPPORT SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20150335460
    Abstract: Low profile, contoured footplates that maintain tension in the plantar fascia without causing undue discomfort to the user are suggested for treatment of plantar fasciitis and other heel pain. The footplates may be ambidextrous and thus used to support either the left and right plantar fascia. The footplates can be used in assemblies for securing the footplate to the wearer's foot, as well as systems for iterative treatment of plantar fasciitis and other heel pain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Edward L. Weaver, II, Sherry A. Hinds, Beth E. Gramza
  • Plunger
    Patent number: D744643
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Stefan Eckstein, Andreas Boehm, Marc Peuker