Patents Assigned to 3M
  • Patent number: 11585762
    Abstract: System and methods used to inspect a moving web (112) include a plurality of image capturing devices (113) that image a portion of the web at an imaging area. The image data captured by each of the image capturing devices at the respective imaging areas is combined to form a virtual camera data array (105) that represents an alignment of the image data associated with each of the imaging areas to the corresponding physical positioning of the imaging areas relative to the web. The image output signals generated by each of the plurality of image capturing devices may be processed by a single image processor, or a number of image processors (114) that is less than the number of image capturing devices. The processor or processors are arranged to generate the image data forming the virtual camera array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Kenneth G. Brittain, Steven P. Floeder
  • Patent number: 11583373
    Abstract: The invention relates to a coloured curable composition for use in an additive manufacturing process, the composition comprising a curable resin composition comprising radiation curable components, a photo initiator, a dye composition comprising a dye D1 and a dye D2, dye D1 having a light absorption maximum within a wave length range from 400 to 530 nm, dye D2 showing a light absorption maximum within a wave length range from 540 to 650 nm. The invention also relates to a 3-dim composite article obtained by processing the curable composition in an additive manufacturing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Gioacchino Raia, Adrian S. Eckert, Malte Korten, Martin Goetzinger
  • Patent number: 11584869
    Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed related to sealant tape. The sealant tape can include a cured product of a sealant composition including a curable liquid that includes a polysulfide, a polythioether, a copolymer thereof, or a combination thereof. The sealant composition also includes a curing agent for curing the curable liquid. Various embodiments provide cured products of the sealant composition, sealant tapes including the cured product, and sealant tapes including any suitable material with an adhesive pattern thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Larry S. Hebert, Michael D. Swan
  • Patent number: 11584113
    Abstract: A composite article includes a multilayer barrier assembly bonded to a substrate, and a top polymer layer bonded to the multilayer barrier assembly opposite the substrate. The multilayer barrier assembly comprises a base polymer layer and a base inorganic barrier layer. The base polymer layer comprises a polymerized reaction product of polymerizable components comprising at least one di(meth)acrylate represented by the formula: Formula (I) Each R1 independently represents H or methyl; each R2 independently represents an alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms; x=0, 1, 2, 3, or 4; and z=0, 1, 2, 3, or 4, with the provisos that at least one of x and z is not zero and 1?x+z?4. Methods of making the same are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Robert S. Clough, Joseph C. Spagnola, Christopher S. Lyons, Mark D. Weigel, Thomas P. Klun
  • Patent number: 11584817
    Abstract: Orthodontic articles and polymerizable resin compositions are described. The orthodontic article comprises a cured composition comprising the reaction product of free-radically polymerizable resin comprising 30 to 70 wt. %, inclusive, of at least one urethane component, and 25 to 70 wt. %, inclusive, of reactive diluent(s) comprising at least one monofunctional (meth)acrylate monomer. The polymerizable resin comprises no greater than 35 wt. % of reactive diluent(s) having a high affinity for water. Reactive diluent(s) such as monofunctional (meth)acrylate monomers having a high affinity for water have low log P values. In one embodiment, the polymerizable resin comprises at least one acidic monomer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Tianyu Wu, Saswata Chakraborty, Benjamin C. MacMurray, Richard J. Pokorny, Thomas P. Klun, Wayne S. Mahoney, Chad M. Amb, Ahmed S. Abuelyaman, Robert S. Clough, John M. Riedesel, James D. Hansen, Ian Dailey, Daniel J. Skamser, Eric W. Nelson, George W. Griesgraber, Dana R. Reed
  • Patent number: 11585966
    Abstract: The disclosure describes asymmetric turning films (ATFs) that may be used in conjunction with multiple light sources in a liquid crystal display assembly to provide multiple different characteristic output distributions of light. In some examples, the ATFs include a structured surface defining a plurality of microstructures having two or more faces with each face configured to reflect light in different directions. The microstructure may define a microstructure axis and an angle gradient characterizing the rotation of the microstructure axis across the structured surface of the ATF.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Epstein, Nicholas A. Johnson, Michael E. Lauters, Shannon L. Siefken, Gary T. Boyd
  • Patent number: 11585990
    Abstract: An optical ferrule includes an optical coupling member with a light redirecting element that redirects input light from a waveguide toward an output window. The optical coupling member has a mating surface configured to slidably mate with a mating optical coupling member along a longitudinal axis of the optical ferrule. The optical ferrule also includes at least one stacking member along a longitudinal edge of the optical coupling member. The stacking member has a distal end extending beyond one of the mating surface and a top surface opposed to the mating surface. The stacking member also has a contact surface opposed to the distal end. The contact surface is configured to rotatably interface with a corresponding distal end of a of an adjacently stacked optical ferrule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael A. Haase, Terry L. Smith
  • Patent number: 11584823
    Abstract: A curable, one-part epoxy/thiol resin composition comprising: an epoxy resin component comprising an epoxy resin having at least two epoxide groups per molecule; a thiol component comprising a polythiol compound having at least two primary thiol groups; a nitrogen-containing catalyst for the epoxy resin; and a substituted barbituric acid soluble in the one-part epoxy/thiol resin composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Michael A. Kropp, Matthew J. Kryger
  • Patent number: 11586039
    Abstract: Vehicle projection assemblies are described. In particular, vehicle projection assemblies within a housing including a projection module, and selective reflective polarizing element are described. Particular selective reflective polarizing elements may enable advantageous configurations for such vehicle projection assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: William F. Edmonds, Matthew B. Johnson, Carl A. Stover
  • Patent number: 11577453
    Abstract: An additive manufacturing system has a light permeable base, a build carrier for holding a workpiece and a light source which is arranged to emit light through the light permeable base. The light permeable base and the build carrier are positionable relative to each other in a build dimension in which the workpiece is built up. The system further has a resin vat in which the light permeable base forms a wall portion thereof. The system further comprises a plurality of resin supplies for supplying different light hardenable resins in direct contact with each other in said vat. The system facilitates the rapid manufacturing of a dental restoration having a color gradation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Malte Korten, Helmar Mayr, Gioacchino Raia, Bernhard Hofmann, Adrian Eckert
  • Patent number: 11576845
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods that include contacting a skin surface with a first liquid composition; and then contacting in the skin surface with a cationic coated article loaded with a second liquid composition, while at least some portion of the first liquid composition remains on the skin surface, wherein one or both of the first liquid composition or the second liquid composition includes acrylate copolymer particles dispersed therein, the acrylate copolymer particles including the reaction product of a reaction mixture, the reaction mixture including monomers, the monomers including from about 5 wt % to about 50 wt % of at least one high Tg monomer where the wt % of the high Tg monomer is with respect to the total weight of the monomers in the reaction mixture; and from about 20 wt % to about 80 wt % of at least one low Tg monomer where the wt % of the low Tg monomer is with respect to the total weight of the monomers in the reaction mixture, wherein the particles have a number average diameter of at lea
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ranjani V. Parthasarathy, Ramesh C. Kumar, Matthew T. Scholz, Steven P. Swanson, Andrew W. Vail, Jerald K. Rasmussen, George W. Griesgraber, Catherine D. Heapy
  • Patent number: 11577458
    Abstract: An additive layer manufacturing method, preferably using selective laser sintering, for manufacturing a solid article, the method including applying a layer of a powder, the powder including at least one powdered (co)polymer, onto a solid substrate in a processing chamber; fusing the powder layer onto the solid substrate; subsequently depositing successive layers of the powder, wherein each successive layer is selectively fused prior to deposition of the subsequent layer of powder so as to form the article. In some embodiments, the powder further includes abrasive particles having a hardness greater than or equal to that of aluminum oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Rifaut, Jens Eichler, Tilo Remhof, Brian D. Goers, Brian A. Shukla, Alexander J. Kugel, Maiken Givot, Michael C. Harper
  • Patent number: 11578240
    Abstract: Adhesive tapes include a plasticized polyvinyl chloride backing, a primer including an ethylene/carbon monoxide-containing terpolymer and a styrene-containing block copolymer and an epoxidized polymer, and an adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Jeffrey O. Emslander, Ann R. Fornof, Rafael Garcia-Ramirez, Jay M. Krieger, Gregg A. Patnode, Robert B. Rosner, Christopher J. Rother, Jose P. de Souza, Jacob D. Young
  • Patent number: 11579452
    Abstract: Projection systems and components thereof are described that are well suited to miniaturization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Erin A. McDowell, Zhisheng Yun
  • Patent number: 11578922
    Abstract: A condensation management apparatus comprises a microstructured film arranged to condense water vapor on an underside of a substantially horizontal surface. The film comprises channels disposed at least on a first major surface and configured to support capillary movement of condensate. The channels have a channel axis substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of the film. A capillary siphon structure of the film comprises a fold in the film, a condensate collection region proximate the fold, and a siphon region between the fold and a condensate release location of the film. At least a portion of a second major surface is attached to the underside of the substantially horizontal surface such that longitudinal openings of the channels of the condensate collection region are oriented towards a direction of gravity and the condensate release location is positioned lower along the direction of gravity than the condensate collection region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Steven P. Swanson, Kurt J. Halverson
  • Patent number: 11578162
    Abstract: Curable compositions, cured compositions, articles containing the curable or cured compositions, and methods of making the articles are provided. More particularly, the curable compositions contain a (meth)acrylate-based polymer having pendant (meth)acryloyl groups, at least one monomer having a single ethylenically unsaturated group, a photoinitiator that includes an acyl phosphine oxide, and a thixotropic agent. The curable compositions can be printed or dispensed, if desired, and the cured compositions are pressure-sensitive adhesives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Jayshree Seth, Mark F. Ellis, Eric W. Nelson, Janet A. Venne, Christopher C. Pope, Matthew H. Wessel
  • Patent number: 11577367
    Abstract: A method of aligning abrasive particles on a substrate. The method comprises providing a substrate. The method also comprises providing abrasive particles. The method also comprises generating a modulated electrostatic field. The modulated electrostatic field is configured to have a first effective direction at a first time and a second effective direction at a second time. The electrostatic field is configured to cause the abrasive particles to align rotationally in both a z-direction and a y-direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Joseph B. Eckel, Ronald D. Jesme, Aaron K. Nienaber
  • Patent number: 11579375
    Abstract: A unitary optical ferrule is molded to include one or more elements for receiving and securing one or more optical waveguides one or more elements for affecting one or more characteristics of light from the optical waveguide while propagating the light within the ferrule. The optical ferrule also includes one or more first alignment features and one or more second alignment features that, when the ferrule is mated with a mating ferrule, each controls alignment of the ferrule with the mating ferrule along three mechanical degrees of freedom. The surface of the optical ferrule can be divided along the thickness axis into a first section and an opposing second section, wherein the first section of the surface includes the receiving and securing elements, the light affecting elements, and the first alignment features and the second section of the surface includes the second alignment features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael A. Haase, Alexander R. Mathews, Terry L. Smith, James M. Nelson
  • Patent number: 11577262
    Abstract: Provided are nozzle assemblies for a spraying apparatus having an outer wall (146) having opposed inner and outer surfaces, a central aperture (136) extending through the outer wall, and a pair of auxiliary apertures (158) disposed on the outer wall (146). Each auxiliary aperture is aligned along a respective auxiliary axis (162) and areas of the inner surface (164) of the outer wall (146) adjacent to the auxiliary apertures (158) are countersunk to define ledges (166) that are axially symmetric about the auxiliary axes (162). These assemblies obviate problems associated with rotatable molding pins and also provide the unexpected advantage of providing axial alignment of the air flow profile as air is emitted from the auxiliary apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: John B. Scheibner, Brian E. Duncan, Elaine M. Yorkgitis, Ryan D. Erickson
  • Patent number: D978443
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Gregory G. Jager, Douglas D. Fletcher, Jason T. Lunn, Eric O. Hemberg, Oscar M. Hemberg, Anders P. Hellberg, Marco D'Adamo