Patents Assigned to 3M Innovative Properties Company
  • Patent number: 11979098
    Abstract: At least some embodiments of the present disclosure direct to an electrostatic sheet jamming apparatus comprising a first sheet comprising a first conductive layer, the first sheet comprising a set of first features, a first dielectric layer, and a second sheet comprising a second conductive layer and disposed proximate to the first dielectric layer, the second sheet comprising a set of second features. The first dielectric layer is disposed between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer. The first sheet and the second sheet are non-extensible and flexible. The first sheet and the second sheet are movable relative to each other in a first state. The first sheet and the second sheet are jammed with each other in a second state when a voltage is applied between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Thomas R. Corrigan, David J. Rowe, Andrew H. Tilstra, Michael Patrick M. Mandanas
  • Patent number: 11979696
    Abstract: In some examples, a system includes an article of personal protective equipment (PPE) having at least one sensor configured to generate a stream of usage data; and an analytical stream processing component comprising: a communication component that receives the stream of usage data; a memory configured to store at least a portion of the stream of usage data and at least one model for detecting a safety event signature, wherein the at least one model is trained based as least in part on a set of usage data generated by one or more other articles of PPE of a same type as the article of PPE; and one or more computer processors configured to: detect the safety event signature in the stream of usage data based on processing the stream of usage data with the model, and generate an output in response to detecting the safety event signature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Steven T. Awiszus, Eric C. Lobner, Michael G. Wurm, Kiran S. Kanukurthy, Jia Hu, Matthew J. Blackford, Keith G. Mattson, Ronald D. Jesme, Nathan J. Anderson
  • Patent number: 11975469
    Abstract: Articles comprising first and second coextruded polymeric nettings are described. The articles comprise a plurality of pairs of first segments comprising a first material. Adjacent first segments are joined together via a second segments comprising second material, wherein the second segments extend past the first major surface of each first adjacent segments. The articles further include an adhesive on at least one of the first or second major surfaces of the first segment. The first segments, second segments, and third material each extend continuously for at least 5 mm in the machine direction, and the first and second materials of adjacent pairs are periodically bonded together in the machine direction. A portion of some of the first segments of the first coextruded polymeric netting are engaged between some of the adjacent first segments of the second coextruded polymeric netting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Ronald W. Ausen, William J. Kopecky, Michael W. Voigt, Naimul Karim, Vasav Sahni
  • Patent number: 11976148
    Abstract: A curable composition comprising: a hydroxy-functional or ether-functional (meth)acrylate copolymer, an epoxy resin; water; a photocatalyst, and optionally a polyvinyl acetal polymer and/or a film-forming polymer. When cured, provides structural bonding adhesives that are curable under high humidity conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Kelly A. Volp, Kathleen S. Shafer, Peter O. Rekow, Jonathan E. Janoski, Thomas Q. Chastek, Bradford L. Ryland, Douglas L. Elmore
  • Patent number: 11977261
    Abstract: An optical connector assembly includes first and second optical ferrules. Each of the first and second optical ferrules includes a front portion extending forwardly from a rear portion. The rear portion includes a top side and a bottom side. The bottom side of the rear portion defines a recessed portion. The first and second optical ferrules mate with each other such that the front portion of each of the first and second ferrules is disposed in the recessed portion of the other one of the first and second ferrules. Discrete retainers are assembled to opposite ends of the mated first and second ferrules. Each of the retainers defines a resilient portion resiliently forcing the front portion of one of the first and second mated ferrules against the other one of the first and second optical ferrules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Changbao Ma, Alexander W. Barr, Daniel F. Cronch
  • Patent number: 11974878
    Abstract: An ultrasonic coupling device. The ultrasonic coupling device includes a hydrogel wherein the hydrogel has a water content of at least 10 wt %; and a near field communication device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Alexi J. Young, Ronald D. Jesme, Nicholas T. Gabriel
  • Patent number: 11976679
    Abstract: Arrays having a support structure and a plurality of connecting elements are described. Each connecting element is associated with at least one holding arm integrally linking the connecting element to at least one of (a) the support structure and (b) one or more of the other connecting elements. The connecting element of these arrays include a metal substrate having joining surfaces on opposite sides, where each joining surface has hard particles fixed on the metal substrate by a binder layer. Processes for producing such arrays and using the connecting elements are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Florian T. Grimm, Werner Kaufenstein, Volker Peterhansl, Roman Rudolph
  • Patent number: 11969317
    Abstract: A wound dressing includes an inelastic absorbent layer, an elastic film, and a plurality of welds. The inelastic absorbent layer is configured to absorb wound fluid and has a first side and a second, wound-facing side. The elastic film is configured to elastically stretch when a stretching force is applied to the wound dressing and elastically recover when the stretching force is removed. The plurality of welds fix the elastic film to the first side of the inelastic absorbent layer such that the elastic film and the inelastic absorbent layer elastically stretch and elastically recover as a unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Christopher B. Locke, Benjamin A. Pratt, Alexander Waite
  • Patent number: 11969709
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mounting member for wrapping and mounting a pollution control element in a casing of a pollution control device, the mounting member comprising: inorganic fiber material; and inorganic particles, wherein the inorganic particles are distributed throughout most of the mat and comprise an average diameter of 800 nm to 15000 nm (DV 50), preferably of 1000 nm to 15000 nm (DV 50) measured according to DIN ISO 13320.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ulrich Kunze, Kerstin Rosen
  • Patent number: 11970650
    Abstract: Shaped ceramic abrasive particles include a first surface having a perimeter having a perimeter comprising at least first and second edges. A first region of the perimeter includes the second edge and extends inwardly and terminates at two corners defining first and second acute interior angles. The perimeter has at most four corners that define acute interior angles. A second surface is disposed opposite, and not contacting, the first surface. A peripheral surface is disposed between and connects the first and second surfaces. The peripheral surface has a first predetermined shape. Methods of making the shaped ceramic abrasive particles, and abrasive articles including them are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Negus B. Adefris
  • Patent number: 11971560
    Abstract: Optical films are described. In particular, optical films including a broadband polymeric multilayer optical reflector and a discontinuous transparent coating disposed on the broadband multilayer optical reflector, where the discontinuous transparent coating includes an array of dots are described. Such films may provide reduced coefficients of friction while still having high specular reflectivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Jeremy O. Swanson, Matthew S. Stay, Matthew R. D. Smith
  • Patent number: 11970595
    Abstract: Silicone-free extruded release liner for acrylic adhesives that is stable at high temperatures, has advantageous surface energy characteristics, has minimal impact on adhesive performance, and has minimal environmental impact comprising a composition that includes a thermoplastic polymer and a fluoroadditive represented by the structure (I), wherein X is a meta-substituted or a para-substituted benzene ring and each n is independently a whole number from 0 to 3, inclusive. Methods of preparing the composition, the fluoroadditive, and the release liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Georgiy Teverovskiy, Maria A. Appeaning, Derrick M. Poirier, Troy J. Anderson
  • Patent number: 11973232
    Abstract: Nanoporous oxygen reduction catalyst material comprising at least 90 collectively Pt, Ni, and Ta. The nanoporous oxygen reduction catalyst material is useful, for example, in fuel cell membrane electrode assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Andrew J. L. Steinbach, Andrew T. Haug, Amy Hester, Krzysztof A. Lewinski, Sean M. Luopa, Grant M. Thoma, Jonah D. Erlebacher
  • Patent number: 11970596
    Abstract: Polymerizable compositions comprise at least one free-radically or cationically polymerizable compound; and a photoinitiator system, wherein the photoinitiator system comprises a compound represented by the formula: (I) wherein: each R1 independently represents an alkyl group having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and each R2 independently represents H, an alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, F, Cl, or Br. Polymerized reaction products are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Constantin-Christian A. Voll
  • Publication number: 20240131318
    Abstract: A disinfecting device for a Luer-activated device having a septum is disclosed. The disinfecting device includes a cap, a plunger including a standoff and a face, and a disinfectant. When the Luer-activated device is secured to the disinfecting device, the Luer-activated devices engaged with the standoff but Luer-activated device septum does not contact the standoff or the face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2020
    Publication date: April 25, 2024
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventor: ALAN R. DOMBROWSKI
  • Patent number: 11964073
    Abstract: A multiple-part curable composition, a cured composition formed by combining and reacting the multiple-part curable composition, and a method of providing a cured composition are described. The multiple-part curable composition contains at least a part A and a part B. Part A contains an oxalamido-containing compound while part B contains a derivatized polyethylene imine. The cured composition is an adhesive that is suitable for use as a tissue adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Semra Colak Atan, Grant W. Fahnhorst, Val Vossen, Jerald K. Rasmussen, James P. DiZio, Abigail J. Halmes
  • Patent number: 11966945
    Abstract: Systems and methods for organizing and controlling the display of content, then measuring the effectiveness of that content in modifying behavior, within a particular temporal and special dimension, so as to minimize or eliminate confounding effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Frederick J. Arsenault, Brian E. Brooks
  • Patent number: 11963571
    Abstract: In some examples, a system includes a head-mounted device, a visor that includes a reflective object that is substantially transparent in a visible light spectrum and embodied at a physical surface of the visor, at least one visor attachment assembly that couples the visor to the head-mounted device; at least one optical sensor; and at least one computing device communicatively coupled to the at least one optical sensor, the at least one computing device comprising a memory and one or more computer processors that: receive, from the optical sensor, an indication of light outside of a visible light spectrum that is reflected from the reflective object; determine, based at least in part on the light outside of a visible light spectrum that is reflected from the reflective object, a position of the visor; and perform, based at least in part on the position of the visor, at least one operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Steven T. Awiszus, Kiran S. Kanukurthy, Eric C. Lobner, Robert J. Quintero, Micayla A. Johnson, Milo G. Oien-Rochat, Neeraj Sharma
  • Patent number: 11966204
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for determining causal models for controlling environments. One of the methods includes repeatedly selecting, by a control system for the environment, control settings for the environment based on internal parameters of the control system, wherein: at least some of the control settings for the environment are selected based on a causal model, and the internal parameters include a first set of internal parameters that define a number of previously received performance metric values that are used to generate the causal model for a particular controllable element; obtaining, for each selected control setting, a performance metric value; determining that generating the causal model for the particular controllable element would result in higher system performance; and adjusting, based on the determining, the first set of internal parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Gilles J. Benoit, Brian E. Brooks, Peter O. Olson, Tyler W. Olson, Himanshu Nayar, Frederick J. Arsenault, Nicholas A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 11965120
    Abstract: A method of making a silicone gel adhesive is described comprising providing an acrylic polymer, the acrylic polymer comprising at least 50 wt.-% of polymerized units of C1-C32 (meth)acrylate ester monomer; providing at least one non-functional polydiorganosiloxane, hydroxy-functional polydiorganosiloxane, or a mixture thereof; combining the acrylic polymer and polydiorganosiloxane into a mixture; coating the mixture onto a substrate, and subjecting the mixture to radiation thereby crosslinking the mixture. Also described is a silicone gel adhesive comprising a crosslinked material at least one non-functional polydiorganosiloxane, hydroxy-functional polydiorganosiloxane, or a mixture thereof; and an acrylic polymer comprising at least 50 wt.-% of polymerized units of alkyl (meth)acrylate monomers and a gel content of at least 20 wt.-%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Amanda C. Engler, Kiu-Yuen Tse, Ramesh C. Kumar, Adam R. Wohl