Patents Assigned to 3M
  • Patent number: 11543603
    Abstract: An optical ferrule has a different thermal expansion coefficient than a substrate to which a optical device is mounted, the ferrule optically coupling the device to one or more optical fibers. The optical ferrule includes and/or a cradle in which the ferrule is mounted include lateral and longitudinal engagement feature that ensure alignment with the optical device at an operating temperature, the ferrule expanding relative to the substrate when transitioning to the operating temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventor: Michael A. Haase
  • Patent number: 11535579
    Abstract: A hydrofluoroolefin ether represented by the general Formula (I), compositions that include such compounds, and apparatuses and methods for use that include such compositions and compounds, wherein Formula (I) is represented by: Rf—O—CH2CH?CHCH2—O—Rf (I) wherein each Rf group is independently a linear, branched, and/or cyclic perfluoroalkyl group having 2 to 9 carbon atoms and optionally further including 1 to 3 nitrogen and/or oxygen catenary heteroatoms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventor: Sean M. Smith
  • Patent number: 11536886
    Abstract: Rolls of film are described. In particular, rolls of film including multilayer birefringent polarizers having low pass axis variation are described. The multilayer birefringent polarizers have low pass axis variation across a full crossweb width of the roll of film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Kristy A. Gillette, Matthew B. Johnson, Carl A. Stover
  • Patent number: 11535721
    Abstract: A film including: an organic polymeric substrate having a first major surface and a second major surface; an optional acrylic hardcoat layer disposed on the first major surface of the substrate; a siliceous primer layer disposed on the organic polymeric substrate or on the optional acrylic hardcoat layer, wherein the siliceous primer layer includes composite particles including an organic polymer portion and a siliceous portion; and a superhydrophilic surface layer disposed on the siliceous primer layer, wherein the superhydrophilic surface layer includes hydrophilic-functional groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Naiyong Jing, Xue Tian, Jun Ma, Garry W. Lachmansingh
  • Patent number: 11534632
    Abstract: A method of fit testing includes providing a respirator; providing a sensor having a sensing element removably positioned substantially within an interior gas space of the respirator; providing a reader configured to be in wireless communication with the sensor; positioning the respirator over a mouth and a nose of a user while the sensor is positioned substantially within an interior gas space of the respirator; and observing respirator fit assessment data communicated from the sensor to the reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Andrew S. Viner, Richard C. Webb, Nicholas G. Amell, Jessica L. T. Hauge, David R. Stein, Andrew P. Bonifas, Neal A. Rakow, Caroline M. Ylitalo, Joseph P. Kronzer, Claire R. Donoghue, Christopher P. Henderson
  • Patent number: 11534264
    Abstract: The invention relates to a preformed dental composite crown being characterized by its shape and chemical composition, the shape being characterized as follows: having an occlusal top surface and depending buccal, mesial, distal and lingual side surfaces, the side surfaces being connected to each other and forming a crown cervix, the wall thickness of the crown at the crown cervix being lower than 0.6 mm; at least two of opposing depending side surfaces having a concave shape; the chemical composition of the material the preformed dental composite crown is made of being a hardened composition comprising the following components: nano-filler(s) in an amount from 20 to 70 wt. %, resin matrix in an amount from 20 to 75 wt. %, wt. % with respect to the weight of the chemical composition, the resin matrix comprising urethane(meth)acrylate(s) and (meth)acrylate(s) not comprising a urethane moiety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Andreas Herrmann, Gallus Schechner, Reinhold Hecht, Helmar B. Mayr, Malte Korten, Bernhard Hofmann, Gioacchino Raia, Till Meurer
  • Patent number: 11540010
    Abstract: Systems and methods for organizing and controlling the display of content, then measuring the effectiveness of that content in modifying behavior, within a particular temporal and special dimension, so as to minimize or eliminate confounding effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Frederick J. Arsenault, Brian E. Brooks
  • Patent number: 11534892
    Abstract: In methods and systems of making an abrasive article, abrasive particles are loaded to a distribution tool including a plurality of upper walls defining a plurality of spacing slots, and a plurality of lower walls defining a plurality of distribution slots. The spacing slots are open to the distribution slots, which are open to a lower side of the tool. The loaded particles are spaced and distributed from the distribution tool to a major face of a backing web below the lower side and moving relative to the tool in a machine direction. The upper walls space the particles in the machine direction. The particles distributed by the lower walls undergo an orientation sequence in which each particle is oriented into a column aligned along the machine direction. The upper walls can be disposed oblique to the lower walls. The upper and lower walls can have pointed upper portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Yuyang Liu, Junting Li, Geoffrey I. Wilson, Ernest L. Thurber
  • Patent number: 11530339
    Abstract: A graphic sheet is provided that can be affixed with sufficient adhesive force onto wallpaper, a poster, or other substrate having comparatively low strength, and can be easily renewed without damaging the substrate, which is the underlying layer. A graphic sheet of an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a base film layer having a first surface and a second surface situated on an opposite side of the first surface; and a tacky acrylic foam layer disposed on or above the second surface of the base film layer. The acrylic foam layer contains an acrylic polymer having 20 mass % or more of a unit derived from ethyl acrylate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Masami Miura, Yoshinori Araki, Yorinobu Takamatsu
  • Patent number: 11529580
    Abstract: Computer-implemented systems and methods for estimating a replacement status of an HVAC air filter. Outdoor weather data (e.g., outdoor temperature information), is obtained. A Total Runtime Value of the HVAC system is determined based upon the obtained outdoor weather data. Finally, a replacement status of the air filter is estimated as a function of a comparison of the Total Runtime Value with a Baseline Value. By correlating air filter replacement status with an estimated runtime of the HVAC system, a credible predictor of air filter usage is provided. By estimating fan runtime based on easily-obtained outdoor weather data, the methods are readily implemented with any existing HVAC system and do not require installation of sensors or other mechanical or electrical components to the HVAC system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Andrew R. Fox, Eric C. Lobner, Theresa M. Meyer, Brian J. Stankiewicz
  • Patent number: 11530345
    Abstract: A method of making abrasive particles includes: providing a slurry comprising non-colloidal solid particles and a liquid vehicle; forming at least a portion of the slurry into shaped bodies contacting a substrate; at least partially drying the shaped bodies to provide shaped abrasive precursor particles; separating at least a portion of the shaped abrasive precursor particles from the substrate; and converting at least a portion of the shaped abrasive precursor particles into shaped abrasive particles. The shaped abrasive particles comprise alpha alumina having an average crystal grain size of 0.8 to 8 microns and an apparent density that is at least 92 percent of the true density. Each shaped abrasive particle has a respective surface comprising a plurality of smooth sides that form at least four vertexes. Shaped abrasive particles, abrasive articles including them, and methods of using are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Anatoly Z. Rosenflanz, Negus B. Adefris
  • Publication number: 20220395401
    Abstract: The disclosed adhesive medical article has a backing layer having a first major surface and a second major surface opposite to the first major surface. The backing layer has a central portion and an outer circumferential portion. The article further has a pressure sensitive adhesive pattern coating applied onto at least part of the first major surface of the backing layer in such a way as to form a plurality of adhesive coated and adhesive uncoated areas of the backing layer. The adhesive uncoated areas comprise a central collection portion and at least one longitudinal extension radiating from the central collection portion towards the outer circumferential portion of the backing layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2020
    Publication date: December 15, 2022
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: HIRONOBU ISHIWATARI, THOMAS APELDORN, DONALD G. PETERSON, DANIEL T. POPKO, CHRISTOPH T.R. SCHUELL, THOMAS HANNEN, SIEGFRIED K. WELKE, TARJA KÄRPÄNEN, UWE GRAU
  • Patent number: 11523888
    Abstract: An additively manufactured dental crown with a wall having a bottom edge and an occlusal portion joined with the wall opposite the bottom edge. The wall and occlusal portion form an interior surface and an opposing exterior surface. By using additive manufacturing and materials for such, the dental crown can have thin walls with a thickness of less than 300 microns at the thinnest portion of it and can include fine printed features such as identifiers, internal ribs, slots, porous meshes, and retention elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: James D. Hansen, Joseph C. Dingeldein, Gareth A. Hughes, Gopal B. Haregoppa, Bastian P. Kirchner, Till Meurer, Holger Hauptmann
  • Patent number: 11525154
    Abstract: Devices for detecting microorganism strains or target cellular analytes are provided. The device includes a filter holder, the filter holder comprising a tip portion; a nonwoven article disposed on the tip portion of the filter holder; and an adaptor attacked to the filter holder, the adaptor defining an aperture. Methods of detecting microorganisms and/or cellular analytes in a fluid sample using the devices are also provided. The method includes obtaining the device; placing a lumened or cannulated device in fluid communication with the device; and passing a fluid sample suspected of containing at least one microorganism strain or target cellular analyte from the lumened or cannulated device through the device and contacting the nonwoven article. The method further includes contacting the nonwoven article with at least one detection reagent and detecting the presence of the at least one microorganism strain or target cellular analyte concentrated by the nonwoven article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Jobst T. Jaeger, Jeffrey D. Smith, Waleri Wischnepolski, Henning Reuter, Giuseppe M. Bommarito, Manjiri T. Kshirsagar, Scott D. Lehman, Edward I. Stamm, Jr., Guenter M. Zilligen
  • Patent number: 11525949
    Abstract: An example article may include an optical filter and a multilayer stack adjacent the optical filter. The multilayer stack may include a plurality of layers. Each respective layer of the plurality layers may define a respective window edge of a plurality of window edges. The plurality of window edges may define an optical window configured to transmit light through the optical filter. At least a first respective window edge of the plurality of window edges may be stepped relative to at least a second respective window edge of the plurality of window edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Guanglei Du, John A. Wheatley, Yihang Lv, Zhiyong Xu, Jingfei Chen
  • Patent number: 11524071
    Abstract: The compound N-(4-{[4-amino-2-butyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-1-yl]oxy}butyl)octadecanamide is a useful drug compound for enhancing immune response and can be used, for example, as a coronavirus vaccine adjuvant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Paul D. Wightman
  • Patent number: 11525843
    Abstract: A sensor for a separable connector includes a plug body, one or more high voltage capacitors, one or more low voltage capacitors, and a low voltage connection. The plug body includes an insulating resin. The plug body can be inserted into the separable connector to encase a high voltage conductor disposed in the separable connector. The one or more high voltage capacitors are encased by the insulating resin and can be electrically coupled to the separable connector at a first end portion when the plug body is inserted. The one or more low to voltage capacitors are electrically coupled in series to the one or more high voltage capacitors to form a capacitive voltage divider. The low voltage connection provides a low voltage signal corresponding to a high voltage signal present in the separable connector. Signal conditioning electronics or a memory may also be included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Jaylon D. Loyd, Christopher R. Wilson, Carl J. Wentzel
  • Patent number: 11517272
    Abstract: A system and method for simulating orthodontic treatment using augmented reality. An electronic image of a user's face is received from a digital camera, and a region of interest in the image is identified where the region includes the user's teeth. Virtual orthodontic appliances are placed on the user's teeth in the image, and the user's image with the virtual orthodontic appliances is displayed on an electronic display device. The method occurs in real-time to provide the user with the augmented image simulating treatment when or shortly after the image of the user is received. The system and method can display a 3D representation of the user's face augmented with the virtual appliances. The user's augmented image or 3D representation can also be supplemented for display with an image or model of the user's facial anatomy such as an x-ray or a cone beam computed tomography image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Amy Unklesbay, Cody J. Olson, Richard E. Raby
  • Patent number: D972698
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Glen O. Gregerson, Jonathan M. Lise
  • Patent number: D973201
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Cotton, Amanda C. Engler, Richard L. Jacobson, Kimberly A. Schommer, James M. Sieracki, Michael J. Turnbull, Denise J. Ziemann