Patents by Inventor James M. Larson

James M. Larson 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: 8323809
    Abstract: The present invention is an electrolyte membrane comprising an acid and a basic polymer, where the acid is a low-volatile acid that is fluorinated and is either oligomeric or non-polymeric, and where the basic polymer is protonated by the acid and is stable to hydrolysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: James M. Larson, Phat T. Pham, Matthew H. Frey, Steven J. Hamrock, Gregory M. Haugen, William M. Lamanna
  • Publication number: 20110000615
    Abstract: The present invention is an electrolyte membrane comprising an acid and a basic polymer, where the acid is a low-volatile acid that is fluorinated and is either oligomeric or non-polymeric, and where the basic polymer is protonated by the acid and is stable to hydrolysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventors: James M. Larson, Phat T. Pham, Matthew H. Frey, Steven J. Hamrock, Gregory M. Haugen, William M. Lamanna
  • Patent number: 7838138
    Abstract: The present invention is an electrolyte membrane comprising an acid and a basic polymer, where the acid is a low-volatile acid that is fluorinated and is either oligomeric or non-polymeric, and where the basic polymer is protonated by the acid and is stable to hydrolysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: James M. Larson, Phat T. Pham, Matthew H. Frey, Steven J. Hamrock, Gregory M. Haugen, William M. Lamanna
  • Publication number: 20090325030
    Abstract: An electrolyte membrane is formed by an acidic polymer and a low-volatility acid that is fluorinated, substantially free of basic groups, and is either oligomeric or non-polymeric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventors: Steven J. Hamrock, James M. Larson, Phat T. Pham, Matthew H. Frey, Gregory M. Haugen, William M. Lamanna
  • Patent number: 7517604
    Abstract: An electrolyte membrane is formed by an acidic polymer and a low-volatility acid that is fluorinated, substantially free of basic groups, and is either oligomeric or non-polymeric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Steven J. Hamrock, James M. Larson, Phat T. Pham, Matthew H. Frey, Gregory M. Haugen, William M. Lamanna
  • Patent number: 6613106
    Abstract: Membrane electrode assemblies are described that include an ion conductive membrane a catalyst adjacent to the major surfaces of the ion conductive membrane and a porous particle filled polymer membrane adjacent to the ion conductive membrane. The catalyst can be disposed on the major surfaces of the ion conductive membrane. Preferably, the catalyst is disposed in nanostructures. The polymer film serving as the electrode backing layer preferably is processed by heating the particle loaded porous film to a temperature within about 20 degrees of the melting point of the polymer to decrease the Gurley value and the electrical resistivity. The MEAs can be produced in a continuous roll process. The MEAs can be used to produce fuel cells, electrolyzers and electrochemical reactors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Mark K. Debe, James M. Larson, William V. Balsimo, Andrew J. Steinbach, Raymond J. Ziegler
  • Publication number: 20030041444
    Abstract: Membrane electrode assemblies are described that include an ion conductive membrane a catalyst adjacent to the major surfaces of the ion conductive membrane and a porous particle filled polymer membrane adjacent to the ion conductive membrane. The catalyst can be disposed on the major surfaces of the ion conductive membrane. Preferably, the catalyst is disposed in nanostructures. The polymer film serving as the electrode backing layer preferably is processed by heating the particle loaded porous film to a temperature within about 20 degrees of the melting point of the polymer to decrease the Gurley value and the electrical resistivity. The MEAs can be produced in a continuous roll process. The MEAs can be used to produce fuel cells, electrolyzers and electrochemical reactors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Mark K. Debe, James M. Larson, William V. Balsimo, Andrew J. Steinbach, Raymond J. Ziegler
  • Patent number: 6432571
    Abstract: Membrane electrode assemblies are described that include an ion conductive membrane a catalyst adjacent to the major surfaces of the ion conductive membrane and a porous particle filled polymer membrane adjacent to the ion conductive membrane. The catalyst can be disposed on the major surfaces of the ion conductive membrane. Preferably, the catalyst is disposed in nanostructures. The polymer film serving as the electrode backing layer preferably is processed by heating the particle loaded porous film to a temperature within about 20 degrees of the melting point of the polymer to decrease the Gurley value and the electrical resistivity. The MEAs can be produced in a continuous roll process. The MEAs can be used to produce fuel cells, electrolyzers and electrochemical reactors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Mark K. Debe, James M. Larson, William V. Balsimo, Andrew J. Steinbach, Raymond J. Ziegler
  • Patent number: 6428584
    Abstract: Membrane electrode assemblies are described that include an ion conductive membrane a catalyst adjacent to the major surfaces of the ion conductive membrane and a porous particle filled polymer membrane adjacent to the ion conductive membrane. The catalyst can be disposed on the major surfaces of the ion conductive membrane. Preferably, the catalyst is disposed in nanostructures. The polymer film serving as the electrode backing layer preferably is processed by heating the particle loaded porous film to a temperature within about 20 degrees of the melting point of the polymer to decrease the Gurley value and the electrical resistivity. The MEAs can be produced in a continuous roll process. The MEAs can be used to produce fuel cells, electrolyzers and electrochemical reactors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Mark K. Debe, James M. Larson, William V. Balsimo, Andrew J. Steinbach, Raymond J. Ziegler
  • Patent number: 6381308
    Abstract: A portable device for coupling hearing aids to a telephone, whereby the hearing aid/telephone user simultaneously receives a signal transmitted from the device to the user's hearing aid(s) while receiving an audio signal via the telephone handset. The device may inductively couple the telephone to the user's hearing aid(s), or the device may use some other method of wireless communication to couple the telephone to the user's hearing aid(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Inventors: Charles H. Cargo, James M. Larson, Gerald P. Mill
  • Patent number: 6183668
    Abstract: Membrane electrode assemblies are described that include an ion conductive membrane a catalyst adjacent to the major surfaces of the ion conductive membrane and a porous particle filled polymer membrane adjacent to the ion conductive membrane. The catalyst can be disposed on the major surfaces of the ion conductive membrane. Preferably, the catalyst is disposed in nanostructures. The polymer film serving as the electrode backing layer preferably is processed by heating the particle loaded porous film to a temperature within about 20 degrees of the melting point of the polymer to decrease the Gurley value and the electrical resistivity. The MEAs can be produced in a continuous roll process. The MEAs can be used to produce fuel cells, electrolyzers and electrochemical reactors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Mark K. Debe, James M. Larson, William V. Balsimo, Andrew J. Steinbach, Raymond J. Ziegler
  • Patent number: 6171723
    Abstract: Approaches are described for producing porous, polymer electrodes with good characteristics for incorporation into polymer batteries. Two preferred processes are presented. The polymer electrodes can be subjected to additional processing to increase their porosity and electrical conductivity. The polymer electrodes preferably are incorporated into a polymer battery where the components are laminated together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Robert B. Loch, James M. Larson, Brian D. Fredericksen
  • Patent number: 6143216
    Abstract: Approaches are described for producing porous, polymer electrodes with good characteristics for incorporation into polymer batteries. Two preferred processes are presented. The polymer electrodes can be subjected to additional processing to increase their porosity and electrical conductivity. The polymer electrodes preferably are incorporated into a polymer battery where the components are laminated together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Robert B. Loch, James M. Larson, Brian D. Fredericksen
  • Patent number: 6059860
    Abstract: A sorptive article is provided. The sorptive article includes a polyolefin, a wax which is miscible with the polyolefin at the melt temperature of the polyolefin but phase separates on cooling of the article, and sorptive particles distributed in the article. Also provided is a method for removing moisture or other vaporous or liquid material from air or an object in the environment utilizing a novel sorptive article of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: James M. Larson
  • Patent number: 5910378
    Abstract: Membrane electrode assemblies are described that include an ion conductive membrane a catalyst adjacent to the major surfaces of the ion conductive membrane and a porous particle filled polymer membrane adjacent to the ion conductive membrane. The catalyst can be disposed on the major surfaces of the ion conductive membrane. Preferably, the catalyst is disposed in nanostructures. The polymer film serving as the electrode backing layer preferably is processed by heating the particle loaded porous film to a temperature within about 20 degrees of the melting point of the polymer to decrease the Gurley value and the electrical resistivity. The MEAs can be produced in a continuous roll process. The MEAs can be used to produce fuel cells, electrolyzers and electrochemical reactors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Mark K. Debe, James M. Larson, William V. Balsimo, Andrew J. Steinbach, Raymond J. Ziegler
  • Patent number: 5417678
    Abstract: A low profile heat-sealable adsorbent filter for ostomy appliances is provided. The filter comprises a heat-sealable microporous film layer, a filter layer of melt-blown microfibers loaded with adsorbent particles and a cover layer. The microporous film layer provides for rapid release of flatus or other gas in having a Gurley value of less than about 100 seconds/50 cc. The melt-blown microfiber filter web has an estimated service life of about 3 days or more with a web basis weight of about 700 grams/m.sup.2 or less. The low profile filter can be sealed to the outside face of an ostomy appliance with a perimeter seal to provide a filter with no liquid or gas by-pass and no liquid by-pass through the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Nicholas R. Baumann, John L. Roche, James M. Larson, Paul E. Hansen
  • Patent number: 4830910
    Abstract: A low adhesion perfluoropolyether composition is provided. The composition comprises a copolymer prepared from a mixture of at least one monofunctional perfluoropolyether monomer and at least one difunctional perfluoropolyether monomer, each of said monofunctional and difunctional monomers having a molecular weight in the range of about 1500 to 2500.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1989
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: James M. Larson
  • Patent number: 4706570
    Abstract: A crane with an anti-skewing device comprising a platform suspended under a bridge deck by two end truck assemblies supported by runways on a bridge. Each end truck assembly includes two sets of trolleys and an upper load bar interconnects the two sets of trolleys. A lower load bar is suspended from the upper load bar by a kingpin for rotation about a vertical axis. Hinge tubes support the platform on the suspension assembly for pivotal movement in a direction lengthwise of the platform. Each end truck assembly is driven by a variable speed motor. As skewing occurs a mechanical sensing mechanism senses relative movement between lower load bar and the upper load bar and provides a signal to an electronic circuit causing one or both of the motors associated with the end truck assembly on which the sensing mechanism is mounted to increase or decrease the speed of the motor and thereby correct the skew.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1987
    Assignee: Acco Babcock Inc.
    Inventors: Dominik J. Moro, Robert R. Reisinger, James M. Larson, Roscoe E. Kuhn
  • Patent number: 4614667
    Abstract: Composite low surface energy liner provided by an inner layer of insoluble polymer made from a polymerizable, film-forming monomer and an outer layer of insoluble polymer made from a polymerizable perfluoropolyether monomer copolymerizable with said film-forming monomer, which layers are in-situ polymerized. The compposite low surface energy liner is especially useful as a low-adhesion backsize coating in a pressure-sensitive adhesive tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1986
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: James M. Larson, Allen L. Noreen
  • Patent number: 4567073
    Abstract: Composite low surface energy liner provided by an inner layer of insoluble polymer made from a polymerizable, film-forming monomer and an outer layer of insoluble polymer made from a polymerizable perfluoropolyether monomer copolymerizable with said film-forming monomer, which layers are in-situ polymerized. The composite low surface energy liner is especially useful as a low-adhesion backsize coating in a pressure-sensitive adhesive tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1986
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: James M. Larson, Allen L. Noreen