Patents Assigned to 3M
  • Patent number: 11001962
    Abstract: Siliconized fibrous webs are described. The siliconized webs include a fibrous web saturated with an electron beam cured silicone composition. Siliconized webs with electron beam cured silicone coating are also described. Methods of preparing both the coated and uncoated siliconized fibrous webs are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Junkang J. Liu, Lang N. Nguyen, Karl B. Richter, Roy Wong, Panu K. Zoller
  • Patent number: 11002630
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for determining sensor or infrastructure placement in a fluid network, for determining an anomaly of interest in the fluid network, and for optimally determining sensor coverage in a fluid network, which are based on a model of the fluid network represented by a directed graph.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Jennifer F. Schumacher, Saber Taghaeeyan, Ronald D. Jesme, Andrew P. Bonifas, Nicholas G. Amell, Brock A. Hable, Golshan Golnari
  • Patent number: 10994158
    Abstract: A powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) with an active heating system. The PAPR includes a powered air component designed to be carried by a user of the PAPR, the powered air component including a fan and a filter, wherein the fan draws air from a user's environment through the filter. The PAPR further includes an electronically controlled active heating element and a control system. The control system varies the power provided to the heating element and further disables the heating element when potential overheating of the heating element is detected. The present invention further includes a heating module for use with a PAPR. The heating module includes an electronically controlled active heating element. The heating element is disabled when the fan in the PAPR is not rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Mats Ulrik Sernfält, Fredrik A. Nisser, Michal S. Szulmanowicz
  • Patent number: 10993781
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to an orthodontic appliance removal device that includes a shaft defining a longitudinal dimension. The shaft includes a shaft proximate end and a shaft distal end, and a lateral portion proximate to the shaft distal end extending transversely away from the shaft in a direction generally orthogonal to the longitudinal dimension. The lateral portion includes a lateral portion proximate end that is adjacent to the shaft distal end, and a lateral portion distal end configured to contact an orthodontic appliance. A handle section is also coupled to the shaft adjacent to the shaft proximate end. In another embodiment, the orthodontic appliance removal device is a multi-tool device which further comprises a seating device for seating an orthodontic appliance and/or a toothbrush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: John W. Cain, Jennifer K. Tully
  • Patent number: 10995454
    Abstract: A method of making nonwoven fibrous materials suitable for use in a pollution control device or as a firestop, where the method comprises: providing a first slurry comprising water, first inorganic fibers, a first organic binder, and a first neutral pH flocculent; removing first waste water from the first slurry; optionally forming a first nonwoven fibrous material from the first slurry; providing a second slurry comprising a quantity of the first waste water, an optional quantity of relatively clean water, second inorganic fibers, a second organic binder, and a second flocculent that is the same and/or a different flocculent than that used in the first slurry; and forming a second nonwoven fibrous material from the second slurry. The addition of the first waste water in the second slurry does not adversely affect the flocculation of the second organic binder in the second slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard P. Merry, Ian R. I. Harding, Gary F. Howorth
  • Patent number: 10998111
    Abstract: A shielded electrical cable includes conductor sets extending along a length of the cable and spaced apart from each other along a width of the cable. First and second shielding films are disposed on opposite sides of the cable and include cover portions and pinched portions arranged such that, in transverse cross section, the cover portions of the films in combination substantially surround each conductor set. An adhesive layer bonds the shielding films together in the pinched portions of the cable. A transverse bending of the cable at a cable location of no more than 180 degrees over an inner radius of at most 2 mm causes a cable impedance of the selected insulated conductor proximate the cable location to vary by no more than 2 percent from an initial cable impedance measured at the cable location in an unbent configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Douglas B. Gundel
  • Patent number: 10996048
    Abstract: Problem: To extract an image including a desired area included in a moire area from an image in which a sheet that includes the moire area has been imaged. An image area extracting device 1 extracts an image area from an image in which a sheet has been imaged provided with a first layer section having a first pattern including a plurality of drawn lines extending in a first direction, a second layer section overlapping the first layer section and including a plurality of drawn lines extending in a second direction that is different from the first direction, and a low adhesion section where adhesive force is lower than that of an adhesive section and an adhesion section arranged on an adhesive surface opposite a surface facing the first layer section and the second layer section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Kazuma Nuno, Yukio Nojiri
  • Patent number: 10994235
    Abstract: A frame assembly for releasably maintaining an air filter. In some embodiments, the frame assembly includes a thermoformed body integrally forming a base, opposing side walls, opposing end walls, and at least one closure sub-assembly. The frame assembly is configured to releasable retain an air filter relative to the base via the closure sub-assembly. In other embodiments, the frame assembly defines, in a flat state, foldable side and end panels at the perimeter edges of a central grid panel; the frame assembly can be transitioned to a final state for receiving an air filter by folding the panels. The frame assemblies of the present disclosure are re-usable, allowing a user to replace a “used” air filter with a “new” air filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Zhiqun Zhang, Andrew R. Fox, Nicolas A. Echeverri, Gary N. Eastlund
  • Patent number: 10995356
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a culture device for enumerating colonies of microorganisms. The device can comprise a base, a coversheet, and a nonporous spacer member disposed therebetween. The spacer member comprises an aperture that defines a growth compartment. Disposed in the growth compartment are a cold water-soluble gelling agent, a dry oxygen-scavenging reagent, a dry buffer system, and an effective amount of a dry carbon dioxide-generating reagent. The buffer system is selected such that, when the growth compartment is hydrated with a predetermined volume of deionized water, an aqueous mixture with a pH less than or equal to 6.35 is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Jason W. Bjork, Evan D. Brutinel, Adam J. Stanenas
  • Patent number: 10995729
    Abstract: A multilayer protective tape for rotor blades of wind energy turbines is provided herein. The protective tape comprising a protective top layer comprising a polymer film, and an adhesive bottom layer. The top layer having a continuous surface (S) that is outwardly curved or outwardly trapezoidal such that the tape has a cross-sectional profile having an inner section between first and second edge lateral sections. The inner section comprises up to 30% of the width of the tape and has a thickness (Ti), while the first and second edge lateral sections have a thickness of T1 and T2, respectively, wherein Ti greater than each of T1 or T2, and the thickness (T1 or T2) of at least one edged lateral section is at most 600 ?m and the thickness of the inner section (Ti) is at least 330 ?m. Also provided is a method for applying the tape to rotor blades and a rotor blade protected by said protective tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Steffen Traser, Bernd Kuehneweg, Christian Claus, Jan D. Forster
  • Patent number: 10994035
    Abstract: A system includes multiple devices configured to emit and detect germicidal radiation. Each of the multiple devices operates in emitting mode when connected to a drive source in a forward bias configuration and operates in detecting mode when disconnected from the drive source or when connected to the drive source in a reverse bias configuration. Cycling circuitry generates a sequence of control signals that control switching circuitry to change the connections of the devices to the drive source in a cycle in which one or more of the multiple devices are switched to detecting mode and senses radiation emitted by one or more of the multiple devices simultaneously operating in emitting mode. Each device operating in detecting mode generates a signal in response to the sensed radiation. Detection circuitry detects signals of the devices operating in detecting mode and generates a detection output in response to the detected signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Rajeev Dhiman, Michael E. Griffin, Robert E. Astle, Michael N. Cormier
  • Patent number: 10997543
    Abstract: In one example, a system includes one or more personal protective equipment (PPE) devices each configured to be worn by a worker, the PPE devices each including one or more sensors that generate activity data indicative of activities of workers operating within one or more work environments. The system also includes a computing device, the computing device configured to: identify, based at least on the activity data, a plurality of clusters of one or more entities, wherein each entity of the entities is associated with one or more of the workers; and output an indication of a difference between performance by a target entity with respect to safety events and performance by the cluster that includes the target entity with respect to safety events.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Nicholas A. Asendorf, Saber Taghvaeeyan, Ronald D. Jesme, Justin M. Johnson, Robert W. Shannon, Robert D. Lorentz, Andrew H. Tilstra, Eric C. Lobner, Steven T. Awiszus, Glenn E. Casner, Kiran S. Kanukurthy
  • Publication number: 20210122945
    Abstract: The disclosed tape strip stack is a stack of tape strips arranged one on top of the other for individual removal of each successive tape strip. Secured to a portion of an adhesive on the tape strip, and on alternating ends between successive tape strips, is a tab. The tab protects the adhesive at an exposed tape strip. In some cases, the tab is a removable release tab. Prior to use, the removable release tab is removed, such that a tape strip with an adhesive surface is available for use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2020
    Publication date: April 29, 2021
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: AUDREY A. SHERMAN, ALEX S. PLASENCIA, KUMARS SAKIZADEH
  • Publication number: 20210122591
    Abstract: The disclosed stack carries individual sheets arranged one on top of the other for individual removal of each successive sheet from the stack. Holding the stack together are individual substrates with an adhesive portion. The adhesive portion on a substrate partially secures to a sheet and partially secures to an underlying substrate on alternating ends of the stack. Therefore, the free end of the sheet can be easily pulled free from the stack, exposing a free end of the next underlying sheet to be easily pulled free from the stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2020
    Publication date: April 29, 2021
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: AUDREY A. SHERMAN, AMANDA C. ENGLER, MICHAEL J. TURNBULL
  • Patent number: 10987684
    Abstract: Nozzle assemblies (10) for spray guns are disclosed. The nozzle assemblies (10) generally include a fluid outlet (100) extending along a fluid axis (102), the fluid outlet (100) including a fluid aperture (104) and a fluid side wall (164) defining the fluid aperture (104), an atomizing aperture (108) adjacent the fluid side wall (164) and at least partially surrounding the fluid axis (102), an atomizing inlet (110) configured to receive a pressurized gas, and an adjustment member (150) located on the nozzle assembly (10) and movable to: (i) an atomizing position such that the atomizing inlet (110) is in communication with the atomizing aperture (108), and (ii) a non-atomizing position such that the atomizing inlet (110) is not in communication with the atomizing aperture (108). The foregoing nozzle assemblies (810) allow dispensing of fluid coating media in both spray and bead patterns with improved ease of cleaning, superior spray performance, and adaptability with existing spray gun platforms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Scott D. Gullicks, Stephen C. P. Joseph
  • Patent number: 10988979
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides lamination transfer films and use of the lamination transfer films, particular in the fabrication of architectural glass elements, such as those used in Insulated Glass Units (IGUs). The lamination transfer films may be used to transfer functional layers and structures. The lamination transfer films may include a support film that can be removed during the transfer process, and the transferred materials are primarily inorganic. The resulting transferred structures on glass generally have high photo- and thermal-stability, and therefore can successfully be applied to the glass surfaces that are interior to the cavity within an IGU. The lamination transfer films can also be patterned such that macroscopic patterns of microoptical elements can be applied on a glass surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Michael Benton Free, Martin B. Wolk, Olester Benson, Jr., Bing Hao, Charles A. Marttila, Craig R. Schardt, Mieczyslaw H. Mazurek, Justin P. Meyer, Manoj Nirmal
  • Patent number: 10987686
    Abstract: Presently described are components of a spray application system. At least one component comprises a liquid repellent surface layer. The liquid repellent surface (e.g. layer) may comprise a porous layer and a lubricant impregnated into pores of the porous layer; a fluoropolymer; a fluorochemical material and an organic polymeric binder; or a fluorochemical material melt additive and a thermoplastic polymeric material component. The component is typically a liquid reservoir, a liquid reservoir liner, a lid for a liquid reservoir or liner, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the component comprises a thermoplastic polymeric material. In some favored embodiments, the component is a removable liquid reservoir or liner. In some favored embodiments, the component is a collapsible liquid reservoir or liner. The spray application system typically further comprises a gravity-fed spray gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Adam J. Meuler, Nicholas L. Untiedt, Stephen C. P. Joseph, Thomas P. Klun, Naiyong Jing, Paul B. Armstrong, David A. Gzik, Cheryl L. S. Elsbernd
  • Patent number: D918339
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Mark F. Schulz, Brian S. Boothman, Scott D. Gullicks, Mark S. Menzenski
  • Patent number: D918483
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES CO.
    Inventors: Linus P. Bastman, Emil R. Eriksson, Erik Oskar Juhlin, Marcus T. R. Wiederkehr, John M. Kruse, Christpher M. Brown, Jon A. Kirschhoffer
  • Patent number: D919045
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Mark F. Schulz, Brian S. Boothman, Scott D. Gullicks