Patents by Inventor Todd D. Alband

Todd D. Alband 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: 10410838
    Abstract: An apparatus (9) for plasma treating multiple containers. The apparatus includes a manifold (2) comprising at least a first chamber with multiple outlet openings and multiple hollow, electrically-conductive nozzles (10) for at least one of delivering or exhausting plasma-generating gas. The multiple hollow, electrically-conductive nozzles are connected to the multiple outlet openings and protrude from the manifold. A method of plasma treating multiple containers is also disclosed. The method includes providing a reactor system comprising an apparatus disclosed herein, inserting the multiple hollow, electrically-conductive nozzles into the multiple containers (30), evacuating the multiple containers, grounding the multiple hollow, electrically-conductive nozzles while applying radio frequency power to the multiple containers, providing a gas inside the containers, and generating a plasma. At least one of evacuating or providing the gas is carried out through the hollow, electrically-conductive nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Daniel R. Hanson, Moses M. David, David J. White, Jean A. Kelly, Todd D. Alband
  • Patent number: 8602271
    Abstract: The invention comprises a device for delivering an aerosol comprising a diaphragm comprising a first layer with a compression set of 30% or more and a second layer with a compression set of 20% or less. The invention also comprises a device for delivering an aerosol comprising a diaphragm comprising a first layer comprised of an uncrosslinked thermoplastic elastomer and a second layer comprised of a crosslinked rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Theodore A. Winker, Todd D. Alband
  • Publication number: 20120045590
    Abstract: An apparatus (9) for plasma treating multiple containers. The apparatus includes a manifold (2) comprising at least a first chamber with multiple outlet openings and multiple hollow, electrically-conductive nozzles (10) for at least one of delivering or exhausting plasma-generating gas. The multiple hollow, electrically-conductive nozzles are connected to the multiple outlet openings and protrude from the manifold. A method of plasma treating multiple containers is also disclosed. The method includes providing a reactor system comprising an apparatus disclosed herein, inserting the multiple hollow, electrically-conductive nozzles into the multiple containers (30), evacuating the multiple containers, grounding the multiple hollow, electrically-conductive nozzles while applying radio frequency power to the multiple containers, providing a gas inside the containers, and generating a plasma. At least one of evacuating or providing the gas is carried out through the hollow, electrically-conductive nozzles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventors: Daniel R. Hanson, Moses M. David, David J. White, Jean A. Kelly, Todd D. Alband
  • Patent number: 6036942
    Abstract: An aerosol canister for containing a medicinal aerosol formulation. The canister involves a vial body and a valve ferrule sealed by first and second sealing members to form a chamber that contains the medicinal aerosol formulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Todd D. Alband
  • Patent number: 5775321
    Abstract: A dual seal configuration for an aerosol canister containing a medicinal aerosol formulation. The canister includes a vial body and valve ferrule sealed by first and second sealing members to form a chamber that contains the medicinal aerosol formulation. The dual seal configuration reduces leakage of contents, and is particularly helpful where the formulation includes hydrofluorocarbon propellant and an ethanol cosolvent. The first seal can be selected to be a barrier to the formulation components, while the second seal can be relatively more labile to such components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Todd D. Alband
  • Patent number: 5481058
    Abstract: A process for separating a first component of a composition from a second component of a composition. The process involves contacting the composition with a supercritical fluid comprising 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane or 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane, or a mixture thereof, in the supercritical state under conditions and for a time sufficient to remove the first component from the composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: John A. Blackwell, Daniel T. Chen, Todd D. Alband, Craig A. Perman
  • Patent number: 5082702
    Abstract: Tamper-indicating tape comprising a light transmissive monolayer film having opposing first and second major surfaces. On each surface is printed colored indicia, preferably identical, such that the colored indicia on each surface obscure the colored indicia on the opposing surface when the film has not been split internally, but neither of the colored indicia obscure the other when the film has been split internally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Todd D. Alband