Patents Assigned to 3M
-
Patent number: 11215764Abstract: A modular optical connector includes a plurality of coupled optical ferrule support modules. Each optical ferrule support module comprises module connecting features configured to couple each ferrule support module with one or more neighboring ferrule support modules of the plurality of ferrule support modules. One or more optical ferrules are disposed and configured to rotate within the ferrule support module. Each optical ferrule includes a first attachment area configured to attach to one or more optical waveguides. One or more passageways are disposed within the ferrule support module. Each passageway is configured to receive the one or more optical waveguides. The passageway comprises a second attachment area configured to attach to the optical waveguides that are attached to the optical ferrule at the first attachment area. The passageway is dimensioned to constrain the optical waveguides to bend within the housing between the first attachment area and the second attachment area.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2020Date of Patent: January 4, 2022Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Terry L. Smith, Michael A. Haase, James M. Nelson, Alexander R. Mathews
-
Patent number: 11217333Abstract: This disclosure includes techniques for analyzing patient data. In one example, a method includes accessing, by a computer system, one or more databases comprising health information, with protected health information, for a plurality of patients, accessing, by the computer system, an analytical model, and receiving, by the computer system via a user interface, instructions to apply the analytical model to health information for each of the plurality of patients. The protected health information is isolated from the user interface to restrict access to the protected health information. The method further includes applying, by the computer system, the analytical model to health information for each of the plurality of patients, and storing a result of the analytical model to the one or more databases.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2018Date of Patent: January 4, 2022Assignee: 3m Innovative Properties CompanyInventor: Richard H. Wolniewicz
-
Patent number: 11208576Abstract: The present invention is an optically clear, curable adhesive including a polyvinylbutyral, a polyurethane (meth)acrylate, and a photoinitiator. The polyvinylbutyral has a dynamic viscosity of between about 9 and about 13 mPa·s and a polyvinyl alcohol weight percent of less than about 18%. The polyurethane (meth)acrylate includes the reaction product of a diol, at least one diisocyanate, and a hydroxyfunctional (meth)acrylate or an isocyanatofunctional (meth)acrylate. When the optically clear, curable adhesive is placed between two transparent substrates and made into a laminate, the laminate has a haze of less than about 6%, a transmission of greater than about 88% and an optical clarity of greater than about 98% when cured. The optically clear, curable adhesive also has a peel adhesion of at least about 100 g/cm based on ASTM 3330 when cured.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2018Date of Patent: December 28, 2021Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Lan Hong Liu, Jianhui Xia, Thomas P. Klun, David A. Kowitz, Audrey A. Sherman
-
Patent number: 11207690Abstract: Sample partitioning devices and methods of making and using the same are described. A sample partitioning device includes a first film having an array of discrete stems each extending from a first major surface thereof, and a second film having an array of discrete wells formed into a second major surface thereof. The stems of the first film and the wells of the second film are mated with each other. The mated stems and wells are separable from each other, and during the removal of the stems from the wells, one or more voids are created inside the wells to suction an aqueous test sample into the wells.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2016Date of Patent: December 28, 2021Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Evan D. Brutinel, Joseph D. Rule, Jonathan E. Janoski, Anthony F. Schultz
-
Patent number: 11207246Abstract: Disclosed herein are curable glass ionomer compositions that include a first paste and a second paste, and methods for using the disclosed compositions. The first paste includes water, a polyacid, and a non acid-reactive filler. The second paste includes water and an acid-reactive filler. At least one of the first paste and the second paste further includes substantially crystalline inorganic fibers. In some embodiments, the water content of the first paste and the second paste of the paste/paste GI composition disclosed herein is less than 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2018Date of Patent: December 28, 2021Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Mark B. Agre, Bradley D. Craig, Michael Jahns, William V. Chiu
-
Patent number: 11209589Abstract: An optical imaging system (100) including an elongated lightguide (105) having pluralities of first and second light extractors (110) forming respective first and second patterns along the length of the lightguide is described. Light extracted by the first light extractors exit the lightguide primarily along a first direction toward a target location (150), and light extracted by the second light extractors exit the lightguide primarily along a second direction different from the first direction. The optical imaging system includes a first reflector (114) for receiving light exiting the lightguide primarily along the second direction and reflecting the received light toward the target location. The first reflector forms a first virtual image (132) of the second pattern behind the first reflector. The first pattern and the first virtual image are visible to a viewer (152) viewing the optical imaging system from the target location.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2017Date of Patent: December 28, 2021Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Tao Liu, Brent A. Hedding, David C. Mercord, Brian W. Ostlie
-
Patent number: 11207810Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems are disclosed including a method of filling a container with substantially only a liquid. The method can include the removal of a gas from the container prior to, during or after the filling of the container with the liquid. According to one embodiment, the container includes an inner liner and a lid. The method includes providing a volume defined by at least the inner liner and the lid of the container. In such embodiment, the liquid can initially be contained within a first portion of the volume and a remaining portion of the volume can contain a gas. The method can include removing substantially all the gas from the volume via one or more ports that communicate with the volume while retaining substantially only the liquid within the volume.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2018Date of Patent: December 28, 2021Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Mark F. Schulz, Brian S. Boothman, Scott D. Gullicks
-
Publication number: 20210393203Abstract: Medical dressings having flexible and conformable borders when attached to skin and devices such as, e.g., catheters, etc. to facilitate strong adhesive securement of the medical dressings to skin over extended periods of time. The medical dressings include a relatively low modulus backing layer paired with a relatively high modulus support material the backing layer, and a tubing slot configured to, e.g., stabilize a catheter other tubing on the skin of a patient. The backing layer may extend outwardly from the support material over a substantial majority of the perimeter of the medical dressing to form a border of adhesive material with elasticity to resist lifting from a patients skin.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2018Publication date: December 23, 2021Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: STEVEN B. HEINECKE, RICHARD L. JACOBSON, KRYSTAL JO SCHEIBEL, YING ZHANG, DONALD G. PETERSON, PHONG V. HA
-
Patent number: 11203704Abstract: Hot melt processable adhesive compositions to mask electronic components include at least one block copolymer, at least one tackifying resin, at least one semi-crystalline polyolefin polymer, at least one plasticizer, and at least one anti-oxidant. The adhesive composition is a hot melt processable pressure sensitive adhesive composition that is thermally stable, such that the composition when disposed on a surface withstands heating to 260° C. without degradation or flowing, remains optically transparent, and after heating to 260° C. remains cleanly removable.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2019Date of Patent: December 21, 2021Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Richard Yufeng Liu, Yi Lin Sim, Chin Teong Ong, Roger A. Grisle, Michael C. Martin, Nathaniel I. Lehn
-
Patent number: 11202694Abstract: A method of making a dental article, has steps of (i) providing a layer of sinter powder, (ii) providing a solidifiable binder to form a circumferential fixation zone (114) which encloses a portion of the powder layer. The method further has the step of repeating steps (i) and (ii) with each fixation zone (114) of one layer being in contact with a fixation zone (114) of an adjacent layer such that a plurality of the fixation zones (114) together form a coherent hollow sleeve (116) extending across the layers. The corresponding plurality of powder portions in combination form a contiguous batch (118) of powder captured in the sleeve. The method facilitates the manufacturing of sintered dental articles.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2016Date of Patent: December 21, 2021Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Malte Korten, Helmar B. Mayr, Gioacchino Raia, Daniel D. Oberpertinger, Martin Goetzinger, Peter Bissinger
-
Patent number: 11202982Abstract: An air filter includes filter media, a sensor, and circuitry coupled to the sensor, the circuitry configured to receive data from the sensor representative of the condition of the filter media and wirelessly transmit such data. The data may be received by a device with a display to use the information to present an indication of the filter media condition to a user.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2020Date of Patent: December 21, 2021Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Jonathan B. Arthur, Karl W. Bloedorn, Jayant Chakravarty, Gene B. Portelli, Dennis M. Glass, Michael A. Meis, Lyle L. Luppes, Daniel W. Hennen, Douglas D. Fletcher, Eric O. Hemberg, Oscar M. Hemberg
-
Patent number: 11204456Abstract: A system may include one or both of a light emitter and a light receiver. The system may include an optical filter adjacent one or both of the light emitter or the light receiver. The optical filter includes a wavelength selective scattering layer. The wavelength selective scattering layer may have a near-infrared scattering ratio of less than about 0.9. The filter may have a visible reflective haze ratio of greater than about 0.5. A method may include disposing the wavelength selective scattering layer adjacent one or both of the light emitter and the light receiver. An article may include the optical filter. The wavelength selective scattering layer may have an average near-infrared scattering of less than 60%, an average visible scattering of greater than 10%, and a difference between the % total visible reflectance and the % diffuse visible reflectance of less than 20.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2017Date of Patent: December 21, 2021Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Guanglei Du, John A. Wheatley, William B. Kolb, John C. Schultz, Daoyun Song, Luke D. Riveness
-
Patent number: 11203185Abstract: Articles comprising a fluoropolymer-containing composition bonded to a silicone polymer-containing composition are described, where at least one of the compositions comprise a partially-fluorinated silane bonding agent. Methods of preparing such articles, and exemplary articles such as fuel hoses are also described.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2018Date of Patent: December 21, 2021Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Michael H. Mitchell, Miguel A. Guerra, Tho Q. Nguyen
-
Patent number: 11198802Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for bonding parts, comprising the following steps (a) Providing a two-component adhesive composition precursor, comprising a first part (A) comprising at least one epoxy curing agent and preferably at least one first dye; a second part (B) comprising at least one second dye different from the at least one first dye and at least one epoxy resin; (b) Mixing part (A) and part (B) of the two-component adhesive composition precursor so as to obtain an adhesive composition; (c) Applying the adhesive composition onto a first part; (d) Applying a second part onto the adhesive composition applied to the first part; and then performing a first curing step at a first temperature, wherein the adhesive composition undergoes a first colour change; or (e) Performing a first curing step at a first temperature, wherein the adhesive composition undergoes a first colour change, and then applying a second part onto the adhesive composition applied to the first part; (f) Perform a second cType: GrantFiled: December 18, 2019Date of Patent: December 14, 2021Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Adrian T. Jung, Mareike Bardts, Dirk Hasenberg
-
Patent number: 11199235Abstract: A multilayer damping material for damping a vibrating surface comprising: at least one constraining layer; at least one dissipating layer; and at least one kinetic spacer layer comprising multiple spacer elements. The kinetic spacer layer is arranged between the constraining layer and the vibrating surface, when used for damping the vibrating surface. Each spacer element has opposite ends. At least one end of each of the multiple spacer elements is embedded in, bonded to, in contact with, or in close proximity to the dissipating layer, such that energy is dissipated within the multilayer damping material, through movement of the at least one end of each of the multiple spacer elements.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2016Date of Patent: December 14, 2021Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Jonathan H. Alexander, Georg Eichhorn, Ronald W. Gerdes, Thomas P. Hanschen, Thomas Herdtie, Taewook Yoo
-
Patent number: 11199654Abstract: An optical system comprises a lightguide having an elongated recess formed therein. The recess divides the lightguide into a first lightguide section a second larger lightguide section. Light extractors are disposed in the second, but not the first, lightguide section for extracting light that would otherwise propagate within and along the second lightguide section via total internal reflection (TIR). The depth of the recess varies along its length. The inclusion of a recess having a depth that varies along its length provides design flexibility in the number and location of light source(s) used by the optical system.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2018Date of Patent: December 14, 2021Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Tao Liu, Yongshang Lu, David C. Mercord, Brian W. Ostlie
-
Patent number: 11200352Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for optimally determining sensor or infrastructure placement in a fluid network, for determining an anomaly of interest in the fluid network, and for determining sensor coverage in a fluid network, which are based on a model of the fluid network represented by a directed graph.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2017Date of Patent: December 14, 2021Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Jennifer F. Schumacher, Saber Taghvaeeyan, Ronald D. Jesme, Andrew P. Bonifas, Nicholas G. Amell, Brock A. Hable, Golshan Golnari
-
Patent number: 11198757Abstract: A composition includes a photolatent amine, camphorquinone, and a coumarin sensitizer. The coumarin sensitizer is triplet photosensitizer and has an absorbance with a wavelength of maximum absorbance in a range from 390 nanometers to 510 nanometers. Compositions that further include a polymerizable material are also disclosed. Polymer networks preparable from such compositions and methods for making the polymer networks are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2017Date of Patent: December 14, 2021Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Robert S. Clough, Sheng Ye, Tao Gong, Jonathan D. Zook, Susan E. DeMoss, Charlie P. Blackwell
-
Patent number: 11193522Abstract: A shear bolt including a head portion and a shaft portion extending along an axis from the head portion is described. The shaft portion has a threaded outer surface and a stepped bore where the stepped bore has a plurality of regions along the axis and a plurality of steps. Each step in the plurality of steps separates adjacent regions in the plurality of regions and an inner diameter of the stepped bore is constant in each region in the plurality of regions and changes discontinuously at each step in the plurality of steps. The inner diameter increases from a first region in the plurality of regions closest to the head portion to a second region in the plurality of regions farthest from the head portion.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2017Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Natarajan Veerapathiran, Sanjay Jha, Rajapanth Srinivasa Murthy Madhava Murthy, Permeet Singh, Manoj Prabhaker Patil
-
Patent number: 11196055Abstract: Nanoporous oxygen reduction catalyst material comprising PtNiAu. The nanoporous oxygen reduction catalyst material is useful, for example, in fuel cell membrane electrode assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2017Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Andrew J. L. Steinbach, Amy E. Hester, Dennis F. Van Der Vliet