Patents Assigned to 3M
  • Exhaust valve shroud for a personal protection respiratory device
    Patent number: 11052208
    Abstract: An exhaust valve shroud for a personal protection respiratory device, the shroud comprising a main body defining an inlet for receiving exhaled air from an exhalation valve, an outlet for emitting exhaled air from the shroud, and a perimeter flow conduit for carrying the exhaled air from the inlet to the outlet, wherein the perimeter flow conduit includes a bifurcated transition section which receives air from the inlet in a substantially forward facing direction and directs the air into first and second substantially downwardly extending flow passages, each of which passages are in communication with the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Desmond T. Curran, Sabeel Ullah, Benjamin H. Cooper
  • Epoxy stabilization using metal nanoparticles and nitrogen-containing catalysts, and methods
    Patent number: 11053348
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a curable, one-part epoxy/thiol resin composition. The composition comprises an epoxy/thiol resin mixture including: an epoxy resin component including an epoxy resin having at least two epoxide groups per molecule, a thiol component including a polythiol compound having at least two primary thiol groups, and a nitrogen-containing catalyst for the epoxy resin. The epoxy/thiol resin mixture further includes metal nanoparticles (e.g., silver nanoparticles, copper nanoparticles, or both), dispersed in the epoxy/thiol resin mixture. The present disclosure provides a method of curing a curable, one-part epoxy/thiol resin composition, including providing a curable, one-part epoxy/thiol resin composition and heating the composition to a temperature of at least 50° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ying Lin, Hassan Sahouani, Guy D. Joly
  • Optical camouflage filters
    Patent number: 11054556
    Abstract: An article includes an optical filter that comprises a wavelength selective reflective layer and at least one wavelength selective absorbing layer. The optical filter has visible transmittance between 400 nm-700 nm of less than about 30% and near infrared transmittance at 830 nm-900 nm greater than about 30%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: John A. Wheatley, Guanglei Du, David T. Yust, Neeraj Sharma, Gilles J. Benoit, Ellison G. Kawakami, Anthony M. Renstrom
  • Optical ferrules
    Patent number: 11054588
    Abstract: An optical ferrule adapted to receive and transmit light is described. The optical ferrule includes first and second alignment features for mating with corresponding alignment features of a mating optical ferrule. One of the first and second alignment features may be compressible or expandable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Michael A. Haase, Alexander R. Mathews, Terry L. Smith
  • Tape system with a longitudinal filament for slitting film
    Patent number: 11052560
    Abstract: A vehicle is wrapped by an adhesive film which is then slit by applying first tape to the vehicle having a longitudinally extending filament carried by the tape at a position spaced from the side edges. A second tape is applied over the film at the first tape body so as to bridge to each side of the filament and pulling the filament so as to tear through the film and the first ad second tapes body with the second tape applying a force to the film acting to reduce tendency of the film to pull away from the object during the cutting by the filament as the filament is pulled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventor: Garry Cyrille Alfred VanDenBerghe
  • Photochromic articles containing a porous material with a photochromic dye and fluid, methods of making and using
    Patent number: 11054558
    Abstract: A photochromic article is provided, containing a structural component, a fluid in contact with the structural component, and a photochromic organic dye in contact with the fluid; and a barrier layer disposed on the structural component to provide a barrier for the fluid and photochromic organic dye. The structural component includes a polymeric material that is porous, includes a plurality of cavities, or a combination thereof. A method of changing a light transmission of a photochromic article is provided. A method of forming a photochromic article is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Adam D. Miller, Donovan G. Weiblen, III, William Blake Kolb, Thomas P. Klun, Richard J. Pokorny
  • Hydrofluorocarboximidate and methods of making and using the same
    Patent number: 11053206
    Abstract: Described herein is an hydrofluorocarboximidate of formula (I) where: RH is a linear or branched alkyl group comprising 1 or 2 carbon atoms and (a) Rf1 and Rf2 are independent-selected from a linear or branched perfluorinated alkyl group comprising 1-8 carbon atoms and optionally comprising at least one catenated atom selected from oxygen, nitrogen, or combinations thereof; or (b) Rf1 and Rf2 are connected to form a ring structure comprising a total of 4-8 carbon atoms and in addition to the nitrogen atom from the carboximidate the ring structure may optionally comprises at least one catenated atom selected from oxygen, nitrogen, or combinations thereof. A method of making the hydrofluorocarboximidate with improved yield is described as well as various uses for the hydrofluorocarboximidate of Formula (I).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Sean M. Smith
  • Composite granules including polymeric sorbent for aldehydes
    Patent number: 11045787
    Abstract: Composite granules that contain a binder and a polymeric sorbent material for capturing aldehydes such as formaldehyde are provided. Additionally, methods of making the composite granules, methods of using the composite granules to capture aldehydes, and compositions formed by reacting the composite granules with aldehydes are provided. The polymeric sorbent material included in the composite granules is a reaction product of a divinylbenzene/maleic anhydride precursor polymeric material with a nitrogen-containing compound. This reaction results in the formation of nitrogen-containing groups that are covalently attached to the polymeric sorbent. Aldehydes can react with the nitrogen-containing groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Michael W. Kobe, Michael S. Wendland
  • Hydrofluoroolefins and methods of using same
    Patent number: 11046677
    Abstract: A hydro hydrofluoroolefin compound represented by the following general formula (I):(I) Rf1 and Rf2, and Rf3 and Rf4, are (i) independently, linear or branched fluorinated alkyl groups having 1-8 carbon atoms and optionally contain at least one catenated heteroatom selected from O or N; or (ii) are bonded together to form a ring structure having 4-8 carbon atoms and optionally contain one or more catenated heteroatoms selected from O or N. X is CF3, H, or F; and Z is F or H.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventor: Michael J. Bulinski
  • STERILIZATION PROCESS MANAGEMENT
    Publication number: 20210193307
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a system including an image capture device and a computing device configured to receive a test image from the image capture device corresponding to a first surgical instrument, determine an identity type of the first surgical instrument using the test image in a machine vision technique, determine whether the first surgical instrument is flagged, and perform at least one operation in response to whether the first surgical instrument is flagged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2020
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: JUDY J. MA, G. MARCO BOMMARITO, AMELIA FISH, ROTHANAK CHHOUN, CHRISTINA M. DIMEO, MANEESH SHRIVASTAV
  • Sensor module for a protective head top
    Patent number: 11039652
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes a retrofit sensor module for use with a protective head top with a helmet and a visor. The sensor module includes a sensor housing and an attachment mechanism. The sensor housing encloses a head presence sensor to sense when the protective head top is being worn. The sensor housing also encloses a position sensor to sense the position of the visor relative to the helmet. The retrofit sensor module further comprises an attachment mechanism secured to the housing. The attachment mechanism mates with a first hinge component of a hinge assembly in the protective head top to removably install the sensor module into the protective head top, wherein the hinge assembly allows the visor to move relative to the helmet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Marc A. Egeland, Steven T. Awiszus, Charles P. Jents, Benjamin A. Johnson, Kiran S. Kanukurthy, James E. Nash, Milo G. Oien-Rochat
  • Modular spray gun lid assemblies and methods of design and use
    Patent number: 11040361
    Abstract: A spray gun cup lid is disclosed comprising a modular lid base and a modular liquid outlet that is formed independently of the modular lid base and is connected at an interface to the modular lid base. The modular liquid outlet comprises an outlet connection member to allow connection to a compatible spray gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Dominic M. Pitera, Stephan C. P. Joseph, Scott D. Gullicks
  • Electrically switchable shutter
    Patent number: 11039579
    Abstract: A device includes a connected array of cells formed in a stack of flexible sheets. Each pair of adjacent sheets in the stack includes a first sheet and a second sheet bonded together at multiple bond locations. Each sheet has an electrically conductive layer disposed on an electrically non-conductive layer, the conductive layer comprising an electrically conductive non-metal material. Each pair of adjacent sheets in the stack is arranged so that the non-conductive layer of each first sheet is between the conductive layers of the first and second sheets. The cells of the array reversibly transition between an open state and a closed state in response to an electric potential having a magnitude greater than a threshold value applied between the conductive layers of the first and second sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Ranjith Divigalpitiya, Lorne A. Whitehead
  • Methods and systems for manifestation and transmission of follow-up notifications
    Patent number: 11043306
    Abstract: A method for manifestation and transmission of follow-up notifications includes determining whether a document indicates a follow-up action associated with content in the document. The method includes generating at least one alert including an indication of the follow-up action. The method includes manifesting the at least one alert to at least one user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Gilan El Saadawi
  • Causal analytics for powertrain management
    Patent number: 11040721
    Abstract: Methods for management of a powertrain system in a vehicle. The methods receive data or signals from multiple sensors associated with the vehicle. Optimum thresholds for classifications of the sensor data can be changed based injecting signals into the powertrain system and receiving responsive signals. Expected priorities for the sensor signals can be altered based upon attributes of the signals and confirming actual priorities for the signals. Look-up tables for engine management can be modified based upon injecting signals into the powertrain system and measuring a utility of the responsive signals. The methods can thus dynamically alter and modify data for powertrain management, such as look-up tables, during vehicle operation under a wide range of conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Gilles J. Benoit, Brian E. Brooks, Ryan C. Shirk, Michael E. Nelson, Craig R. Schardt
  • Abrasive rotary tool with abrasive agglomerates
    Patent number: 11040429
    Abstract: An abrasive rotary tool includes a tool shank defining an axis of rotation for the rotary tool, and an abrasive external working surface. The abrasive external working surface includes a resin, and a plurality of porous ceramic abrasive composites dispersed in the resin, the porous ceramic abrasive composites including individual abrasive particles dispersed in a porous ceramic matrix. At least a portion of the porous ceramic matrix comprises glassy ceramic material. A ratio of the average porous ceramic abrasive composite size to the average individual abrasive particle size is no greater than 15 to 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Bruce A. Sventek, David G. Baird, Adam J. Painter, Tammy J. Engfer, Dennis J. Stapleton, John J. Gagliardi
  • Dual curable thiol-ene composition, comprising a polythiol, an unsaturated compound, a photoinitiator and an organic hydroperoxide, as well as a cross-linked polymer sealant prepared therefrom for use in aerospace
    Patent number: 11041049
    Abstract: A dual curable thiol-ene composition comprising a polythiol, an unsaturated compound, a photoinitiator, an organic hydroperoxide (thermal initiator) and optionally a nitrogen-containing base, such as e.g. an N-heterocyclic compound (together with the organic hydroperoxide a redox initiator system). A cross-linked polymer prepared therefrom. A method of making such a polymer. A cured sealant comprising such a polymer. The sealant is preferably for use in aerospace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: William H. Moser, Erik M. Townsend, Brian S. Lam, Jonathan D. Zook, Susan E. DeMoss, Sheng Ye, Andrew R. Davis, Michael D. Swan
  • Systems and methods for predicting HVAC filter change
    Patent number: 11040301
    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: August 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Andrew R. Fox, Eric C. Lobner, Theresa M. Meyer, Brian J. Stankiewicz
  • Lightguides with asymmetric light extracting structures
    Patent number: 11041985
    Abstract: A lightguide defines an optical axis and has an optical absorption coefficient of at least 0.02 cm?1 at a wavelength of 500 nm. The light guide includes a plurality of discrete light extracting structures, each with a first surface configured to extract light propagating in a first direction along the light guide, a second surface configured to extract light propagating in a second direction along the light guide, and a light extraction efficiency of less than 2%. The first surface and the second surface in each of the light extracting structures making an angle with each other larger than 90 degrees; the angle between the first and second surfaces of at least one of the light extracting structures being different from the angle between the first and second surfaces of at least another one of the light extracting structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Fei Lu
  • MEDICAL TUBING ORGANIZER
    Publication number: 20210178056
    Abstract: A tubing organizer is described herein. The tubing organizer comprising a cellular sheet comprising a base sheet having a first major surface and a second major surface, a top sheet periodically connected to the second major surface of the base sheet forming an array of fluid filled cells, wherein the fluid filled cells are separated by gutters, and an adhesive layer disposed on the first major surface of the base sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2020
    Publication date: June 17, 2021
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: SIMON S. FUNG, MITCHELL A. F. JOHNSON, KRISTOPHER E. HUNTER