Patents Assigned to 3M
  • Touch location determination involving multiple touch location processes
    Patent number: 9019209
    Abstract: Touch location determination approaches involving a plurality of touch location techniques are described. Each touch location technique is capable of independently determining a location of a touch within a touch area of the touch sensitive device. The touch location determination made by at least one touch location technique is enhanced using touch location information associated with the touch acquired from one or more other touch location techniques. One touch location technique may use a different type of sensor, signal, and/or algorithm from the one or more other touch location techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Bernard O. Geaghan
  • Variable capacitance sensors and methods of making the same
    Patent number: 9018060
    Abstract: A variable capacitance sensor includes a first conductive electrode comprising electrically interconnected first conductive sheets; a second conductive electrode comprising electrically interconnected second conductive sheets, wherein the first conductive sheets are at least partially interleaved with the second conductive sheets, and wherein the second conductive electrode is electrically insulated from the first conductive electrode; and microporous dielectric material at least partially disposed between and contacting the first conductive sheets and the second conductive sheets. A method of making a variable capacitance sensor by replacing ceramic in a ceramic capacitor with a microporous material is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Stefan H. Gryska, Michael C. Palazzotto
  • Method of Using an Absorptive Sensor Element
    Publication number: 20150109003
    Abstract: A method of using an absorptive sensor element includes: providing the absorptive sensor element, heating the absorptive sensor element to a temperature in a range of from 30° C. to 100° C., exposing the absorptive sensor element to an analyte vapor, and measuring a capacitance-related property of the absorptive sensor element and/or a spectral feature upon reflection of incident light. The absorptive sensor element comprises: a substrate, a first member disposed on the substrate, a second member, and a detection layer comprising a polymer of intrinsic microporosity disposed between and contacting the first member and the second member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Michael C. Palazzotto, Stefan H. Gryska, Myungchan Kang, Michael S. Wendland
  • SOLID STATE LIGHT WITH ENCLOSED LIGHT GUIDE AND INTEGRATED THERMAL GUIDE
    Publication number: 20150109791
    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: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: 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
  • Packaging Tape
    Publication number: 20150111017
    Abstract: There is provided a tape comprising a polypropylene backing having a thickness of at least 0.0254 mm and a synthetic rubber pressure sensitive adhesive having a thickness of at least 0.0229 mm, wherein the tape has a ratio of pressure sensitive adhesive to polypropylene backing thickness of at least 0.7:1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Peter B. Hogerton, Jayshree Seth, Shujun J. Wang
  • DURABLE SOLAR MIRROR FILMS
    Publication number: 20150109693
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to durable solar mirror films, methods of making durable solar mirror films, and constructions including durable solar mirror films. In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a solar mirror film comprising: a multilayer optical film layer including having a coefficient of hygroscopic expansion of less than about 30 ppm per percent relative humidity; and a reflective layer having a coefficient of hygroscopic expansion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Mark B. O'Neill, Andrew J. Henderson, Timothy J. Hebrink, Rajesh K. Katare, Naiyong Jing, Diane North, Eric M. Peterson
  • Filter cartridge with anti-drip feature
    Patent number: 9011686
    Abstract: A filter cartridge is disclosed comprising a housing comprising a terminal end, a connective end, and a longitudinal axis, the connective end comprising a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The filter cartridge further comprises a filtration media disposed within the housing between the terminal end and the connective end and fluidly connecting the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. One of the fluid inlet or the fluid outlet comprises one or more anti-drip capillary channels, the transverse cross-section of the anti-drip capillary channels being elongate in at least one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Richard A. Kirchner, Nathan E. Marks, Jeremy A. Schmoll
  • Web with molded articles on both sides
    Patent number: 9012011
    Abstract: Injection molding parts onto a carrier web located between mold halves, each mold half having a cavity, resulting in molded articles having parts on both sides of the carrier web. Polymer flow into the cavities is assisted by application of ultrasonic energy to the mold. After the molding operation, mold halves are separated, and the carrier web is advanced, or indexed, to a next position for another molding sequence. Articles produced include lenses with part of the carrier web between lens halves, and a carrier web bearing an array of molded parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Dennis E. Ferguson, Satinder K. Nayar, Peter T. Benson, Stanley Rendon, Donald L. Pochardt, James N. Dobbs
  • Magnetomechanical markers for marking stationary assets
    Patent number: 9013274
    Abstract: An article, system and method related to a magnetomechanical marker used to mark stationary assets. Magnetomechanical markers can be arranged in clusters and associated with stationary assets, including assets buried underground. Markers can be associated with an asset by being attached to the asset, arranged in a particular spatial relationship with the asset, or in any other appropriate way. A portable locating device can be used to generate an alternating magnetic field to activate the magnetomechanical marker and thus locate the asset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ziyad H. Doany, Dean M. Dowdle, Michael E. Hamerly, William C. Egbert, Terrence H. Joyce, Jr.
  • Process for forming optically clear conductive metal or metal alloy thin films and films made therefrom
    Patent number: 9012044
    Abstract: A process of forming optically clear conductive metal or metal alloy thin films is provided that includes depositing the metal or metal alloy film on a polycrystalline seed layer that has been deposited directly on a nucleation layer of metal oxide comprising zinc oxide. Also conductive films made by this process are provided. In some embodiments, the metal alloy thin films include silver/gold alloys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Clark I. Bright
  • Expandable face mask with reinforcing netting
    Patent number: 9012013
    Abstract: Herein are disclosed face masks that are provided in a generally flat configuration and are capable of being expanded to a cup-shaped configuration. Such masks comprise at least one porous layer that comprises at least one pleat and that is capable of being expanded by at least partially unfolding the at least one pleat. The mask further comprises reinforcing netting laminated to the outer surface of the porous layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Dean R. Duffy
  • Dental compositions comprising mixture of isocyanurate monomer and tricyclodecane monomer
    Patent number: 9012531
    Abstract: Hardenable compositions are described comprising at least one multifunctional ethylenically unsaturated isocyanurate monomer and at least one multifunctional ethylenically unsaturated tricyclodecane monomer. In favored embodiments, the compositions further comprise filler and are suitable dental restorations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ahmed S. Abuelyaman, Adrian S. Eckert, Sumita B. Mitra, Timothy D. Dunbar, Bradley D. Craig, Chuntao Cao
  • Sealing member for an enclosure
    Patent number: 9012774
    Abstract: Disclosed is an exemplary a re-enterable enclosure for a cable splice. The enclosure includes a cover and a base configured for engagement with the cover, wherein the cover and the base form a cavity for enclosing the cable splice when the base and cover are in a closed position. The enclosure also includes first and second sealing members disposed in the base and the cover. The first sealing member has first and second end portions coupled by a longitudinal member, wherein each end portion includes at least two lobes separated by a gap. The second sealing member includes a third end portion having a protrusion, wherein the protrusion on the third end portion is configured for insertion into the gap between the lobes of one of the first and second end portions of the first sealing member to form an intermating seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Richard L. Simmons
  • Filtering Face-Piece Respirator With Increased Friction Perimeter
    Publication number: 20150101617
    Abstract: A filtering face-piece respirator 10 that includes a harness 14 and a mask body 12 that has a multi-layer filtering structure 16. Present at the perimeter 24 on the interior surface of the mask body 12 is a region having an increased coefficient of friction 44, in relation to the filtering structure 16. This region 44 can be formed by a discontinuous coating of a polymeric material. The region 44 improves the fit of the respirator 10 on the wearer's face, providing a non-slip seal, yet allows moisture laden air to exit from the interior gas space of the mask body 12.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventor: Dean R. Duffy
  • AIR FILTER COMPRISING A MICROPERFORATED FILM, AND METHOD OF USING
    Publication number: 20150101486
    Abstract: Filter media including a microperforated film with tapered microperforations, and a nonwoven web positioned upstream of the microperforated film. Framed air filters incorporating such filter media, and methods of using such filter media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Gustavo H. Castro, Stephen M. Sanocki, David F. Slama
  • Curable polysiloxane composition
    Patent number: 9006357
    Abstract: A curable composition comprises (a) at least one polyorganosiloxane, fluorinated polyorganosiloxane, or combination thereof comprising reactive silane functionality comprising at least two hydroxysilyl moieties; (b) at least one polyorganosiloxane, fluorinated polyorganosiloxane, or combination thereof comprising reactive silane functionality comprising at least two hydrosilyl moieties; and (c) a catalyst composition comprising (1) at least one base selected from amidines, guanidines, phosphazenes, proazaphosphatranes, and combinations thereof, and (2) at least one Lewis acid; wherein at least one of the components (a) and (b) has an average reactive silane functionality of at least three.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Yu Yang, George G. I. Moore, James T. Wolter, Kanta Kumar, Michael A. Semonick, John L. Battiste
  • Dispensing cartridge
    Patent number: 9005178
    Abstract: A dispensing cartridge, particularly for dental impression materials, formed from a plastic material having at least one inlet and at least one outlet, and including a metal reinforcement tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Michael Knee, Dirk Mueller, Ingo W. Wagner
  • Assembly tool and optical fiber connector assembly method
    Patent number: 9004779
    Abstract: An assembly tool is provided for installing an optical fiber in an optical fiber connector having a known length of fiber extending from the connector ferrule after termination of the optical fiber connector. The assembly tool includes a base having a connector mount disposed on a first end thereof and a cradle that holds a shaped ferrule disposed near the second end of the base, such that shaped ferrule is resiliently held within the cradle. The connector mount is configured to receive and secure the optical fiber connector to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Dai Horibe, Tomoyasu Oike, Kenji Kuwahara
  • Substituted imidazoquinolines, imidazopyridines, and imidazonaphthyridines
    Patent number: 9006264
    Abstract: Imidazo-quinoline, -pyridine, and -naphthyridine ring systems (particularly quinolines, tetrahydroquinolines, pyridines, [1,5]naphthyridines, [1,5]tetrahydronaphthyridines) substituted at the 1-position with a cyclic substituent, pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds, methods of making these compounds, and methods of use of these compounds as immunomodulators, for inducing cytokine biosynthesis in animals and in the treatment of diseases including viral and neoplastic diseases are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Doris Stoermer, Joseph F. Dellaria, Jr., David T. Amos, Bernhard M. Zimmermann, Luke T. Dressel, Jason D. Bonk
  • Eyewear temple with slots
    Patent number: D726809
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Glen E. Stanley, Solomon Marini