Showing papers by "3M published in 2001"

Article support using stretch releasing adhesives

Abstract: An article support adapted for adhering to a substrate is described. The article support preferably includes a base member, a stretch release adhesive tape adhered to that base member, and some mechanism for gripping the stretch release adhesive tape. These items are arranged so that when the base member is adhered to the substrate by the stretch release adhesive tape, the base member can be removed by pulling on the gripping means at an acute angle from the surface of the substrate. Gripping means which resist disassociation from the stretch release adhesive tape during the removal of the base from the substrate are disclosed, including handle types. The base member can be generic, suitable for attaching various types of support members via, for example, complimentary dovetail slides. In such cases, provision such as a latch can be made to temporarily lock the support member to the base member. The article support can be provided so that when the support member is removed from the base member, the gripping mechanism engages the support member to automatically stretch the tape and remove the base member from the substrate.

Abrasive article with integrally molded front surface protrusions containing a grinding aid

Abstract: An abrasive article including (i) a backing, (ii) a plurality of grinding aid-containing protrusions integrally molded on the first surface of the backing, wherein the first surface of the backing is contoured by the protrusions so as to define a plurality of peaks and valleys, and (iii) a coating of abrasive particles adhered to the contoured first surface of the first backing so as to cover at least a portion of both the peaks and the valleys.

High efficiency reflector for directing collimated light into light guides

Abstract: A reflector for reflecting light from an elongate light source into the input end of a light guide having a diameter “D” The light source is inserted through the narrow end of a collimating reflector which has a wide end with a diameter exceeding “D” through which light is emitted into the guide The wide end of an output reflector circumferentially surrounds the collimating reflector's wide end The output reflector's narrow end circumferentially surrounds the light guide's input end The wide end of an input reflector circumferentially surrounds the collimating reflector's narrow end The reflectors are cylindrically symmetrical about a common axis Light passing from the light source to the collimating reflector is reflected, producing an output beam whose width varies as a function of distance along the axis The light guide's input end is positioned along the axis to minimize the width of the output light beam

Storage and delivery of gases in pressurized microbubbles

Abstract: An article comprises a containment means comprising pressurized gas-filled microbubbles, the gas being controllably releasable on demand by fracturing the microbubbles. The article of the invention is useful as a fuel or oxidant storage and delivery system to supply electrochemical power devices, such as fuel cells and chemical batteries, particularly those used in portable power applications. Specific applications include a fuel source for a hydrogen/air fuel cell to replace rechargeable batteries used in portable computers, camcorders and the like, or for powering remote sensing devices.

Jet plasma process and apparatus for deposition of coatings and the coatings thereof

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the formation of an organic coating on a substrate. The method includes: providing a substrate in a vacuum; providing at least one vaporized organic material comprising at least one component from at least one source, wherein the vaporized organic material is capable of condensing in a vacuum of less than about 130 Pa; providing a plasma from at least one source other than the source of the vaporized organic material; directing the vaporized organic material and the plasma toward the substrate; and causing the vaporized organic material to condense and polymerize on the substrate in the presence of the plasma to form an organic coating.

Method for applying a coating material to sheets

Abstract: of EP0879713Individual sheets of, for example, paper are coated by feeding the sheets in succession through a coating station (11) in which a primer material and a low adhesion backsize material are applied to opposite sides of the sheets. The sheets are then deposited on a conveyor so that they are overlapped to form a pseudo-web of sheets.

Rapid read-out biological sterilisation indicator

Abstract: not available for EP0745138Abstract of corresponding document: WO9521936The present specification describes a method of determining effectiveness of a sterilization process which includes the steps of i) contacting a sample to be sterilized and a biological indicator comprising microbial spores with a sterilant to give exposed spores, ii) contacting the exposed spores with a medium selected to germinate the spores, iii) determining a rate of germination of the exposed spores to determine the effectiveness of the sterilization process. The germination rate of the exposed spores may be readily determined using spectrophotometric techniques with or without staining of germinated spores. The present method is applicable for different types of known sterilants including but not limited to steam, ethylene oxide, radiation, heat, sodium hypochlorite, polyvinylpyrrolidone-iodine, sodium dichlorocyanurate, low temperature steam-formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde and hydrogen peroxide, hydrogen peroxide plasma or mixtures thereof. The specification also describes a biological indicator system which uses the present method.

Fastener member for use as an insert and method for connecting such a fastener member with a molded object

Abstract: not available for EP0912364Abstract of corresponding document: WO9802331To provide a fastener member used for an insert-mold, capable of being fixedly secured to a predetermined position on an object to be molded while a curve or bend of a base thereof is corrected when the fastener member is placed in a mold. Means for solving the problems: the fastener member (10) is provided with a generally flat strip-shaped base (16), a plurality of engaging elements (18) standing upright from a major surface (12) of the base (16), and a connecting element (20) provided on a back surface (14) of the base (16). The base (16) has a pair of first edges (22) extending in the longitudinal direction and a pair of second edges (24) extending in the transverse direction and shorter than the first edges (22). A thin extension (26) having a thickness smaller than the base (16) projects from the respective first edge (22) in the transverse direction throughout substantially the entire length thereof. When the fastener member (10) is placed as an insert in a supporting recess of the mold, the thin extensions (26) elastically bend by the contact with an inner side wall of the recess to bias the base (16) downward of the recess. Thereby, the curve of the base (16) is corrected.