Abstract: Medical coding systems receive as input medical terms which coders classify into medical codes, used in the remuneration of medical procedures. A set of applicable medical codes can be determined by intersecting multidimensional data structures associated with the input terms and counting medical codes occupying regions of intersection. If the resulting set contains a single code, it is presented to the coder for verification. If the resulting set contains more than a single code, the coder can be questioned in a variety of ways to access, and select from, terminology options not implied by the originally provided input terms. The interactive process may also use the multidimensional data structures to regulate the order of questions, present decision aids, and select related procedure codes. The interaction concludes when the coder has fully specified the proper code or codes that describe the required procedure or procedures.
Abstract: The disclosed applicator includes an activation region having one or more pinch point levers in the cover of the applicator. Within the cover of the applicator is a deformable body and disposed within the deformable body is a frangible ampoule containing a solution. A user activates the pinch point levers to deform the deformable body and crush the frangible ampoule, releasing the solution. The hinging connection of the pinch point lever reduces the break strength needed in order to crush the ampoule, while the deformable body provides a safe barrier to protect the user against glass shards.
Abstract: Polymeric multilayer film comprising at least two adjacent layers each exhibiting a random network of strands and connective regions. The polymeric multilayer films are useful, for example, for tape and graphic articles.
Abstract: Polymeric multilayer film comprising a layer exhibiting a random network of strands and connective regions that is separable from the remaining polymeric multilayer film. The polymeric multilayer films are useful, for example, for tape and graphic articles.
Abstract: Provided are materials for a formed body comprising hexagonal boron nitride and such formed bodies. Also provided are heat-treated formed body obtained by heat-treating the formed bodies. The invention further relates to processes for making the formed body and the heat-treated formed body.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 21, 2017
Date of Patent:
March 23, 2021
Assignee:
3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
Inventors:
Jan C. Zimmer, Ursula Kayser, Krishna B. Uibel, Christoph Lesniak
Abstract: Lamination transfer films and methods for transferring a structured layer to a receptor substrate. The transfer films include a carrier substrate having a releasable surface, a sacrificial template layer applied to the releasable surface of the carrier substrate and having a non-planar structured surface, and a thermally stable backfill layer applied to the non-planar structured surface of the sacrificial template layer. The sacrificial template layer is capable of being removed from the backfill layer, such as via pyrolysis, while leaving the structured surface of the backfill layer substantially intact.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
August 31, 2017
Date of Patent:
March 23, 2021
Assignee:
3M Innovative Properties Company
Inventors:
Martin B. Wolk, Mieczyslaw H. Mazurek, Sergey Lamansky, Margaret M. Vogel-Martin, Vivian W. Jones, Olester Benson, Jr., Michael Benton Free, Evan L. Schwartz, Randy S. Bay, Graham M. Clarke
Abstract: The invention relates to a kit of parts comprising a Base Paste (B) and a Catalyst Paste (C), Base Paste (B) comprising a cationically hardenable component, Catalyst Paste (C) comprising a starter component suitable to contribute to the hardening of the cationically hardenable compound, the composition obtained when combining the compositions of Base Paste (B) and Catalyst Paste (C) comprising in addition a porous water-adsorbing component and water, the porous water-adsorbing component being selected from molecular sieves, zeolites, silica gel and mixtures thereof, wherein either the porous water-adsorbing component is present in Base Paste (B) and the water is present in Catalyst Paste (C), or the water-adsorbing component is present in Catalyst Paste (C) and the water is present in Base Paste (B).
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 30, 2016
Date of Patent:
March 23, 2021
Assignee:
3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
Inventors:
Joachim Zech, Hendrik Grupp, Christoph Schulte, Andreas R. Maurer, Peter U. Osswald
Abstract: Various embodiments of making an investment casting mold are disclosed. The method includes coating a sacrificial pattern with a prime layer that includes a first refractory slurry and a first refractory stucco; at least partially hardening the prime layer; and coating the prime layer with an intermediate layer that includes a second refractory slurry and a second refractory stucco. The method further includes at least partially hardening the intermediate layer; coating the intermediate layer with a first backup layer that includes a first thixotropic agent, the first thixotropic agent including a first polymer emulsion; coating the first backup layer with a second backup layer that includes a second thixotropic agent, the second thixotropic agent including a second polymer emulsion; and at least partially hardening the first backup layer and the second backup layer.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 6, 2017
Date of Patent:
March 23, 2021
Assignee:
3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
Inventors:
Christopher A. Whitehouse, William S. Snyder, Jr.
Abstract: Optically clear adhesive compositions contain an elastomeric polymer and a low molecular weight polymeric additive. The elastomeric polymer and the low molecular weight polymeric additive form an acid-base interaction. The refractive index of the adhesive composition is higher than the refractive index of the elastomeric polymer. The adhesive composition may also contain additional domains of liquids, polymers, additives or particles that have a higher refractive index than the elastomeric polymer.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 25, 2014
Date of Patent:
March 23, 2021
Assignee:
3M Innovation Properties Company
Inventors:
Audrey A. Sherman, Margot A. Branigan, Craig E. Hamer, Ross E. Behling, Thomas E. Augustine, Karl E. Benson
Abstract: An automatic darkening filter assembly for a welding protector and a welding protector that includes the automatic darkening filter assembly. The automatic darkening filter assembly has a housing that forms an opening in which a switchable light filter is arranged. The switchable light filter is retained by a first and a second resilient gasket that are arranged on opposite sides of the switchable light filter and which each extend circumferentially adjacent a periphery of the switchable light filter. The invention helps maximizing the robustness of the welding protector and facilitates assembly.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 8, 2017
Date of Patent:
March 23, 2021
Assignee:
3M Innovative Properties Company
Inventors:
Johan M. P. Hansson, Kjell A. Hummel, Thomas B. Stenvall, Linus P. Bastman
Abstract: Described herein is a polymerizable composition substantially free of an organic emulsifier, methods of making, and articles thereof. The polymerizable composition comprises: a continuous phase; a polymerizable monomer; an initiator; and inorganic nanoparticles, wherein the inorganic nanoparticles are substantially free of groups that will copolymerize with the polymerizable monomer.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 9, 2011
Date of Patent:
March 23, 2021
Assignee:
3M Innovative Properties Company
Inventors:
Jimmie R. Baran, Jr., Duane D. Fansler, Klaus Hintzer, William J. Hunt, Harald Kaspar, Tilman C. Zipplies
Abstract: Elastic sleeve (1) for electrically insulating a HV/MV power conductor in a power network, comprising a) a shrinkable or expandable elastic sleeve body (10); b) a receiving space (20) in the sleeve body, for receiving the power conductor; c) a cavity (30) formed in the sleeve body; and d) a divider assembly (40), arranged, at least partially, in the cavity and comprising a plurality of discrete impedance elements, operable as a voltage divider for sensing a voltage of an inner conductor of the power conductor.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 23, 2016
Date of Patent:
March 23, 2021
Assignee:
3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
Inventors:
Mark Gravermann, Gunther A. J. Stollwerck, Michael H. Stalder, Gerhard Lohmeier, Bernd Schubert, Rainer Reeken, Jens Weichold
Abstract: An additive manufacturing system has a light permeable base (2), a build carrier (4) for holding a workpiece (100) and a light source (5) which is arranged to emit light through the light permeable base (2). The light permeable base (2) and the build carrier (4) are positionable relative to each other in a build dimension in which the workpiece (100) is built up. The system further has a resin vat (3) in which the light permeable base (2) forms a wall portion thereof. The system further comprises a plurality of resin supplies (13, 15) for supplying different light hardenable resins in direct contact with each other in said vat (3). The system facilitates the rapid manufacturing of a dental restoration having a color gradation.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
December 12, 2016
Date of Patent:
March 23, 2021
Assignee:
3M Innovative Properties Company
Inventors:
Malte Korten, Helmar Mayr, Gioacchino Raia, Bernhard Hofmann, Adrian Eckert
Abstract: An optically clear pressure sensitive adhesive article is described herein that includes a pressure sensitive adhesive film disposed on a substrate. The pressure sensitive adhesive film includes an optically clear adhesive composition formed by polymerizing a mixture of monomers that includes at least one (C1-C18)alkyl (meth)acrylate monomer and at least one polar (meth)acrylate monomer, and surface-modified fumed silica disposed in the optically clear pressure sensitive adhesive composition. The pressure sensitive adhesive film has a haze value in a range of 0 to 5% and a visible light transmittance value of 85 to 100%. Methods for making an optically clear pressure sensitive adhesive article are also described.
Abstract: A system for converting and attaching material strips to a substrate includes a dispenser configured to advance an elongated tape having length l1 and width w1 with l1>w1 relative to a surface of a substrate. A cutting tool cuts the elongated tape transversely along the width w1 of the tape to produce a strip having length l2 and width w2. During the cutting, a portion of the cutting Stool pushes a first surface of the strip against a gripper while cutting the tape. The gripper holds the first surface of the strip against the gripper while moving to position an opposing, second surface of the strip over the surface of the substrate. The gripper releases the strip after positioning the strip.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 21, 2017
Date of Patent:
March 23, 2021
Assignee:
3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
Inventors:
Mark J. Votava, Paul J. Cobian, Jiaying Ma, Waldo L. Lopez, Dagny M. Joffre
Abstract: A connector assembly includes, a housing, a circuit board that includes a conductive front pad and a conductive rear pad electrically connected to the front pad, and a cable that includes an insulated conductor having a conductor surrounded by an insulating material. The conductor has a diameter not greater than 24 AWG. The uninsulated front end of the conductor is terminated at the rear pad and includes a preformed bend. The connector assembly also includes a recess formed in an external surface and on a lateral side of the housing. The recess is designed to receive and house a spring member of a pull tab that is assembled to the housing. The vertical separation between the recess and the circuit board is h, the average thickness of the cable is t, and h?3t. The preformed bend may include first and second portions connected by a substantially flattened joint.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
October 29, 2019
Date of Patent:
March 23, 2021
Assignee:
3M Innovative Properties Company
Inventors:
YunLong Qiao, Saujit Bandhu, Kok Hoe Lee, Vincent Tan
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:
November 2, 2017
Date of Patent:
March 23, 2021
Assignee:
3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
Inventors:
Kenneth A. Epstein, Nicholas A. Johnson, Michael E. Lauters, Shannon L. Siefken, Gary T. Boyd