Patents by Inventor Caleb T. Nelson

Caleb T. Nelson has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11392899
    Abstract: An article comprises a structure having an outer surface extending along a longitudinal axis. At least a portion of a cross section of the outer surface is convex. Fluid control channels extend along a channel longitudinal axis along at least a portion the convex surface. The channel longitudinal axis makes an angle between 0 and 90 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis of the outer surface. The fluid control channels are configured to allow capillary movement of liquid in the channels and across the convex surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Kurt J. Halverson, Raymond P. Johnston, Caleb T. Nelson, Steven P. Swanson
  • Publication number: 20220221624
    Abstract: Light control films comprise a light input surface and alight output surface opposite the light input surface and alternating transmissive regions and absorptive regions disposed between the light input surface and the light output surface. The absorptive regions have an aspect ratio of at least 30 and are canted in the same direction. The alternating transmissive regions and absorbing regions have a maximum relative transmission at a viewing angle other than 0 degrees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2020
    Publication date: July 14, 2022
    Inventors: Raymond J. Kenney, Owen M. Anderson, Kevin W. Gotrik, Nicholas A. Johnson, Kenneth A. P. Meyer, Caleb T. Nelson, Daniel J. Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20220213421
    Abstract: A device for growing microorganisms. The device includes a body member comprising a self-supporting, water-proof substrate having upper and lower surfaces; a hydrophobic spacer element adhered to the upper surface of the substrate forming side walls to retain a predetermined amount of liquid in contact with the substrate, wherein the hydrophobic spacer element has a hole therein; a fluid control film in the hole of the hydrophobic spacer element; a cover sheet having an inner-facing surface and an outer-facing surface, the cover sheet adhered to at least a portion of the body member; and a substantially dry, first microbial growth nutrient composition disposed on a portion of the inner surface of the cover sheet; a first adhesive composition adhered to the first microbial growth nutrient composition; and a cold-water-soluble first hydrogel-forming composition adhered to the first adhesive composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2020
    Publication date: July 7, 2022
    Inventors: Alexi J. Young, Kurt J. Halverson, Steven P. Swanson, Evan D. Brutinel, Caleb T. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20220019007
    Abstract: A light control film is described comprising alternating transmissive regions and absorptive regions disposed between the light input surface and the light output surface. The absorptive regions have an aspect ratio of at least 30. In some embodiments, an absorptive layer or reflective layer is disposed between the alternating transmissive regions and absorptive regions and the light input surface and/or light output surface. In another embodiment, the alternating transmissive regions comprise an absorptive material. The light control film can exhibit low transmission of visible light and high transmission of near infrared light. Also described is a light detection system comprising such light control films and a microstructured film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2019
    Publication date: January 20, 2022
    Inventors: Daniel J. Schmidt, Caleb T. Nelson, Kevin W. Gotrik, Raymond J. Kenney, Kenneth A. Epstein, Gary T. Boyd, Corey D. Balts, Morgan A. Priolo, John A. Wheatley, Elisa M. Cross
  • Publication number: 20210389503
    Abstract: Nanostructured articles, materials for the nanostructured articles, and intermediate articles for use in making the nanostructured articles. The nanostructured articles can be formed on a flexible film and are useful for optical metasurface applications and possibly other applications. The articles can include nanoreplicated layers or pattern transfer layers of engineered nanostructures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2019
    Publication date: December 16, 2021
    Inventors: Martin B. Wolk, James M. Nelson, Karl K. Stensvad, Henrik B. van Lengerich, Christopher S. Lyons, Moses M. David, Jeffrey L. Solomon, Nicholas C. Erickson, Caleb T. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20210347135
    Abstract: Materials and methods useful in forming nano-scale features on substrates, and articles such as optical films incorporating such nano-scale patterned substrates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Publication date: November 11, 2021
    Inventors: Henrik B. van Lengerich, Karl K. Stensvad, Edwin L. Kusilek, Mathew S. Stay, Caleb T. Nelson, Christopher S. Lyons, Moses M. David, Jeffrey L. Solomon, Martin B. Wolk, Nicholas C. Erickson, James Zhu, James M. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20210333624
    Abstract: A light control film comprises a light input surface and a light output surface opposite the light input surface; alternating transmissive regions and absorptive regions disposed between the light input surface and the light output surface, wherein the absorptive regions comprise a core having a first concentration, C1, of a light absorbing material sandwiched between cladding layers having a second concentration, C2, of the light absorbing material, wherein C2<C1, and wherein the cores have an aspect ratio of at least 20.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2019
    Publication date: October 28, 2021
    Inventors: Daniel J. SCHMIDT, Kevin W. GOTRIK, Nicholas A. JOHNSON, Raymond J. KENNEY, Caleb T. NELSON, Kenneth A. EPSTEIN
  • Patent number: 11079136
    Abstract: A condensation management manifold includes a first portion having a first elongated channel comprising a first condensate flow channel. A second portion of the manifold has second elongated channel comprising a second condensate flow channel. The second portion is configured to nest at least partially within the first portion such that a first surface of a flexible condensate management film is fluidically coupled to the first flow channel and an oppositely oriented second surface of the condensate management film is fluidically coupled to the second flow channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Steven P. Swanson, Kurt J. Halverson, Caleb T. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20210162559
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to abrasive articles including conformable coatings, e.g. a hydrophilic coating, and polishing systems therefrom. The present disclosure provides an abrasive article including a ceramic body having an abrading surface and an opposed second surface, wherein the abrading surface of the ceramic body includes a plurality of engineered features each having a base and a distal end opposite the base and the ceramic body has a Mohs hardness of at least 7.5; a conformable metal oxide coating adjacent to and conforming to the plurality of engineered features, wherein the conformable metal oxide coating includes a first surface; and a conformable polar organic-metallic coating in contact with the first surface of the conformable metal oxide coating, wherein the conformable polar organic-metallic coating includes a chemical compound having at least one metal and an organic moiety having at least one polar functional group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2018
    Publication date: June 3, 2021
    Inventors: Chi-Fan Chen, Justin A. Riddle, Vincent J. Laraia, Caleb T. Nelson, Wen-Hsiang Hsieh, Moses M. David, Naiyong Jing, Jun MA
  • Publication number: 20210161018
    Abstract: Methods of making metal patterns on flexible substrates are provided. Releasable solid layer is selectively formed on a patterned surface of the flexible substrate by applying a liquid solution thereon. Metal patterns on the flexible substrate can be formed by removing the releasable solid layer after metallization. In some cases, the releasable solid layer can be transferred from the patterned surface to a transfer layer where the metal patterns are formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Publication date: May 27, 2021
    Inventors: Henrik B. van Lengerich, Matthew S. Stay, Caleb T. Nelson, David J. Tarnowski, David J. Rowe, Edwin L. Kusilek
  • Publication number: 20210093739
    Abstract: A disinfection system including an enclosed chamber and a source of a disinfecting vapor connected to the enclosed chamber, wherein the disinfecting vapor includes nitric acid. Methods of disinfecting a contaminated article are also described, the methods including placing the contaminated article within an enclosed chamber of a disinfection system and exposing the contaminated article within the enclosed chamber to a source of a disinfecting vapor including nitric acid for an exposure time sufficient to disinfect the contaminated article by achieving a reduction in colony forming units of the disinfected contaminated article relative to the contaminated article. Exposing the contaminated article within the enclosed chamber to the source of the disinfecting vapor may include alternately exposing the contaminated article to the disinfecting vapor for a first time interval, and exposing the contaminated article to a water vapor for a second time interval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2018
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Inventors: Caleb T. Nelson, Drew M. Williamson, Assumpta A.G. Bennaars-Eiden
  • Patent number: 10933151
    Abstract: A system and methods for sterilizing or disinfecting articles, particularly the hollow internal areas of medical instruments are disclosed. The system includes a plasma generator having an electrode, a shield, and a dielectric gap between the electrode and the shield. A source of electrical power is connected to the plasma generator for applying an electron energy density between the electrode and the shield. A source of gas comprising water vapor, oxygen and nitrogen provides a flow of gas between the electrode and the shield, to form a plasma containing acidic and/or oxidizing species. In the exemplary system, the temperature at the shield's surface is <150° C. when the electron energy density is >0.05 eV/molecule of the gas. Also disclosed is a method for disinfecting an article contaminated with a bio-film or spores, by exposing the contaminated article to the plasma for an exposure time sufficient to achieve at least 2-log10 reduction in colony forming units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Caleb T. Nelson, Assumpta A. G. Bennaars-Eiden, Matthew T. Scholz, Petra L. Kohler Riedi, Steven P. Swanson, Nardine S. Abadeer
  • Publication number: 20200400865
    Abstract: A light control film, comprises a light input surface and alight output surface opposite the light input surface. Alternating transmissive regions and absorptive regions are disposed between the light input surface and the light output surface. The absorptive regions have an aspect ratio of at least 30 and the alternating transmissive region and absorptive regions have a relative transmission at a viewing angle of 0 degrees of at least 75%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2018
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventors: Daniel J. SCHMIDT, Caleb T. NELSON, Kevin W. GOTRIK, Raymond J. KENNEY, John A. WHEATLEY, Kenneth A. EPSTEIN, Gary T. BOYD, Corey D. BALTS
  • Publication number: 20200341173
    Abstract: A light control film is described comprising alternating transmissive regions and absorptive regions disposed between a light input surface and a light output surface. The absorptive regions have an aspect ratio of at least 30. In some embodiments, the alternating transmissive regions and absorptive regions have a transmission as measured with a spectrophotometer at a viewing angle of 0 degrees of at least 35, 40, 45, or 50% for a wavelength of the range 320-400 nm (UV) and/or at least 65, 70, 75, or 80% for a wavelength of the range 700-1400 nm (NIR). In another embodiment, the absorptive regions block light at the light input surface and light output surface and the maximum surface area that is blocked is less than 20% of the total alternating transmissive regions and absorptive regions. Also described are various optical communication systems comprising the light control films described herein and methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Publication date: October 29, 2020
    Inventors: Daniel J. Schmidt, Caleb T. Nelson, Kevin W. Gotrik, Raymond J. Kenney, John A. Wheatley, Kenneth A. Epstein, Gary T. Boyd, Corey D. Balts
  • Publication number: 20200326118
    Abstract: A condensation management apparatus comprises a first microstructured film arranged to condense water vapor on a substantially vertical surface of a component. The first film comprises channels disposed on first and second major surfaces of the first film and dimensioned to support capillary movement of condensate. The channels have a channel axis substantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of the first film. The longitudinal axis of the first film is tilted at a tilt angle of at least 4 degrees with respect to an axis normal to a direction of gravity. Openings in the channels are disposed at one or both end edges of the first film. The openings provide condensate release locations of the first film. A second film is disposed over a portion of the first film. The second film attaches the first film to the substantially vertical surface of the component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Publication date: October 15, 2020
    Inventors: Kurt J. Halverson, Steven P. Swanson, Garth V. Antila, Daniel R. Fronek, Caleb T. Nelson, David F. Slama
  • Publication number: 20200316239
    Abstract: A system and methods for sterilizing and drying contaminated articles, particularly medical articles, and more particularly the hollow internal areas of medical instruments or lumens of medical endoscopes. The system includes a plasma generator having an electrode, a shield, and a dielectric gap between the electrode and the shield. A source of electrical power connected to the plasma generator applies an electrode energy density between the electrode and the shield. A source of a sterilizing gas precursor provides a flow of the sterilizing gas precursor through the plasma generator to generate a plasma, thereby forming a sterilizing gas including acidic and/or oxidizing species. The contaminated article is exposed to the sterilizing gas for a time sufficient to achieve a desired degree of sterilization. A turbulent flow of a drying gas is used to dry the contaminated article alternately with the exposure of the contaminated article to the sterilizing gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2018
    Publication date: October 8, 2020
    Inventors: Sarah J. Davis, Caleb T. Nelson, Jodi L. Connell, Joshua D. Erickson, Jeffrey D. Smith, Jay R. Goetz, Nicholas R. Powley, Matthew T. Scholz
  • Publication number: 20200172780
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to abrasive articles including conformable coatings, e.g. a hydrophobic coating, methods of making and polishing systems therefrom. The present disclosure provides an abrasive layer, having a hydrophobic exterior surface, including at least one of (i) a plurality of individual diamond particles and (ii) a plurality of engineered features having a conformable diamond layer and; a conformable hydrophobic layer in contact with and at least partially coating at least one of the plurality of individual diamond particles and the conformable diamond layer and, wherein the conformable hydrophobic layer includes diamond like glass and forms the hydrophobic exterior surface and the contact angle of the hydrophobic exterior surface is greater than 110 degrees.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2018
    Publication date: June 4, 2020
    Inventors: Chi-Fan Chen, Caleb T. Nelson, Moses M. David
  • Publication number: 20200130133
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to abrasive articles including conformable coatings, e.g. a hydrophilic coating, and polishing systems therefrom. The present disclosure provides an abrasive article including a body having an abrading surface and an opposed second surface, wherein the abrading surface of the body includes a plurality of inorganic abrasive particles; a conformable metal oxide coating adjacent to and conforming to the plurality of engineered features, wherein the conformable metal oxide coating includes a first surface; and a conformable polar organic-metallic coating in contact with the first surface of the conformable metal oxide coating, wherein the conformable polar organic-metallic coating includes a chemical compound having at least one metal and an organic moiety having at least one polar functional group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2018
    Publication date: April 30, 2020
    Inventors: Chi-Fan Chen, Justin A. Riddle, Vincent J. Laraia, Caleb T. Nelson, Wen-Hsiang Hsieh, Moses M. David, Naiyong Jing, Jun MA
  • Publication number: 20200080747
    Abstract: A condensation management manifold includes a first portion having a first elongated channel comprising a first condensate flow channel. A second portion of the manifold has second elongated channel comprising a second condensate flow channel. The second portion is configured to nest at least partially within the first portion such that a first surface of a flexible condensate management film is fluidically coupled to the first flow channel and an oppositely oriented second surface of the condensate management film is fluidically coupled to the second flow channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventors: Steven P. Swanson, Kurt J. Halverson, Caleb T. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20190284443
    Abstract: Composite structures that include a first layer including a silicone block copolymer; a transition layer, the transition layer having a first surface contiguous with the first layer and a second opposing surface, the transition layer formed from the silicone block copolymer of the first layer; and a glass-like layer contiguous with the second surface of the transition layer, at least a portion of the glass-like layer formed from the transition layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Publication date: September 19, 2019
    Inventors: Audrey A. Sherman, Claire Hartmann-Thompson, Caleb T. Nelson, John P. Baetzold, Trenton J. Wolter, Martin B. Wolk