Patents Assigned to 3M
  • Patent number: 8866014
    Abstract: Provided is a dead front cable terminal comprising a cable assembly and connector device in which the cable insulation shield and cable metallic ground of the cable assembly are electrically isolated from the portion of the outer semi-conductive layer of the connecting device that forms part of a chamber in which at least a portion of the cable assembly is located. The terminal is suitable for cross bonding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Carl J. Wentzel, William L. Taylor, Brian C. Inberg
  • Patent number: 8866883
    Abstract: Tools are described for preparing digital dental models for use in dental restoration production processes, along with associated systems and methods. Dental modeling is improved by supplementing views of three-dimensional models with still images of the modeled subject matter. Video data acquired during a scan of the model provides a source of still images that can be displayed alongside a rendered three-dimensional model, and the two views (model and still image) may be synchronized to provide a common perspective of the model's subject matter. This approach provides useful visual information for disambiguating surface features of the model during processing steps such as marking a margin of a prepared tooth surface for a restoration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Janos Rohaly, Robert N. Nazzal, Edward K. Tekeian, Ilya A. Kriveshko, Eric B. Paley
  • Patent number: 8865493
    Abstract: A method of forming a light conversion element includes providing a semiconductor construction having a first photoluminescent element epitaxially grown together with a second photoluminescent element. A first region is etched in the first photoluminescent element from a first side of the semiconductor construction and a second region is etched in the second photoluminescent element from a second side of the semiconductor construction. In some embodiments the wavelength converter is attached to an electroluminescent element, such as a light emitting diode (LED).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Tommie W. Kelley, Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Catherine A. Leatherdale
  • Patent number: 8865091
    Abstract: Sample processing devices that include transmissive layers and control layers to reduce or eliminate cross-talk between process chambers in the processing device are disclosed. The transmissive layers may transmit significant portions of signal light and/or interrogation light while the control layers block significant portions of signal light and/or interrogation light. Methods of manufacturing processing devices that include transmissive layers and control layers are also disclosed. The methods may involve continuous forming processes including co-extrusion of materials to form the transmissive layer and control layer in a processing device, followed by formation of the process chambers in the control layer. Alternatively, the methods may involve extrusion of materials for the control layer, followed by formation of process chambers in the control layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Joel R. Dufresne, Bryan C. Feisel, Theresa J. Gerten, Brent R. Hansen, David D. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8864362
    Abstract: An illumination device is disclosed, having a lightguide optically coupled to a light source and a transducer for supplying power to the light source by converting energy received from a remote transmitter. Energy received from a remote transmitter can comprise radiofrequency waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet light, sunlight, sound waves or heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Audrey A. Sherman, Kevin R. Schaffer, Michael A. Meis, Soemantri Widagdo
  • Patent number: 8865033
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a dental appliance, the process comprising the steps of a) providing a mixture of a liquid, an inorganic binder precursor being able to undergo a sol/gel reaction and a glass or glass ceramic powder, b) casting the mixture into a mold, c) drying the cast mixture in the mold to obtain a machinable dental appliance, d) optionally machining the dental appliance to obtain a dental workpiece, e) optionally removing the dental appliance or dental workpiece from the mold, f) optionally sintering the dental appliance or dental workpiece and to a dental appliance obtainable by such a process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Gallus Schechner, Michael Jahns, Martin Goetzinger
  • Publication number: 20140308884
    Abstract: Provided are abrasive articles in which the make layer, abrasive particle layer, and size layer are coated onto a backing according to a coating pattern characterized by a plurality of discrete islands. The coating pattern has features in which all three components are generally in registration with each other, while providing a pervasive uncoated area extending across the backing. Advantageously, this configuration provides a coated abrasive that displays superior curl-resistance compared with previously disclosed abrasive articles. Moreover, this configuration resists loading, resists de-lamination, has enhanced flexibility, and decreases the quantity of raw materials required to achieve the same level of performance as conventional abrasive articles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Janssen, Deborah J. Eilers, Paul D. Graham
  • Publication number: 20140305968
    Abstract: A device (100) for dispensing a dental material which comprises a spindle drive (10) for driving a piston (111) for extruding the dental material. The spindle drive (10) comprises a pair of threaded spindles and a clasp nut member (20) which is adapted for engaging with anyone of the spindles. The clasp nut member has first and second thread structures (11, 12) which are offset relative to each other by about ½ of the pitch of the thread of the spindle or the thread structures (11, 12) in a dimension of the pitch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventor: Özcan Dönmez
  • Publication number: 20140308477
    Abstract: A textured film, a process for manufacture of the textured film, and a light management stack, a backlight, and a display using the textured film are described. The textured film and process for manufacture thereof, include processes in which the surface texture of the optical film is controlled by incorporation of a patterned coating. The surface texture of a polymeric film, such as a polymeric optical film, is controlled by incorporation of the coating, that can fracture or deform upon stretching the film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Kristopher J. Derks, James E. Lockridge, Adam D. Haag, Jeffrey A. Peterson, Michael J. Schiest
  • Publication number: 20140309314
    Abstract: Polymeric particles are provided that have pores (i.e., free volume or voids). The polymeric particles can be used to store or deliver active agents that are adsorbed in the pores of the polymeric particles. In many embodiments, the active agents are hydrophobic. Reaction mixtures and methods of forming the polymeric particles from the reaction mixtures are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventor: Hassan Sahouani
  • Publication number: 20140305882
    Abstract: Described herein is a liquid filtration device is disclosed comprising a fluid conduit fluidly connecting a fluid inlet to a fluid outlet; and a water filtration medium disposed in the fluid conduit; the water filter medium comprising a metal-containing particulate, wherein the metal-containing particulate comprises a thermolysis product of a metal carboxylate; and methods of removing chloramines from aqueous solutions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Meredith McMurdo Doyle, Mark R. Stouffer, Thomas E. Wood
  • Patent number: 8859040
    Abstract: A method of depositing a conformal coating on a porous non-ceramic substrate requires reactive gases to flow through the substrate so as to leave a conformal coating behind. The process can be used to leave a hydrophilic surface on the interior pores of the substrate, even when the substrate is of a naturally hydrophobic, e.g., olefinic material. The method can be used in a roll-to-roll process, or in a batch process. In some convenient embodiments of the latter case, the batch reactor and the conformally coated substrate or substrates can together go on to be come part of the end product, e.g., a filter body and the filter elements respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Bill H. Dodge
  • Patent number: 8857528
    Abstract: A flame-blocking system includes flame retardant foam having at least one through hole and at least one flame retardant tube passing through the through hole. Both the flame retardant foam and the flame retardant tube comprise graphite, aluminum hydroxide and ammonium phosphate in addition to a base resin. The flame-blocking system prevents flames and toxic gases generated during a fire or a similar accident from being spread through holes through which a wire, a cable or a pipe is installed across a wall of buildings or ships, which can reduce damage to life and property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Won Rock Lee
  • Patent number: D715624
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Craig D. Thompson, Angela L. Pan
  • Patent number: D715625
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Angela L. Pan
  • Patent number: D715626
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Angela L. Pan
  • Patent number: D715627
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Angela L. Pan, Craig D. Thompson
  • Patent number: D715926
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Jun Suzuki, Kazuyoshi Shimizu, Tadato Oritani
  • Patent number: D715948
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Marc Peuker, Helmut Pauser, Stefan Eckstein
  • Patent number: D715950
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Emily K. Vanderheyden, Kristopher W. Clover, Jane E. Harvey Pennaz