3m Innovative Properties Company

Terumo Cardiovascular Systems Corporation

3m Innovation Properties Company

Gustavo H Castro

Bernard A Gonzalez

Tien T Wu

David Loren Vall

Gerry A Hoffdahl

John W Henderson

William Bedingham

Tushar A Kshirsagar

Stephen M Sanocki

Peter D Hodson

G Marco Bommarito

Patrick A Mach

David F Slama

Scott A Burton

David J Greenleaf

Thomas Herdtle

Christopher R Kokaisel

Paul J Cobian

Cathleen M Arsenault

Jaime B Willoughby

Joseph J Stoffel

Andrew M Bryant

Tera M Nordby

Gary D Mahon

Gregory J Anderson

Antony J Davis

David L Vall

Methods and apparatus including a fiber opening chamber having an open upper end and a lower end, at least one fiber inlet for introducing a multiplicity of fibers into the opening chamber, a first multiplicity of rollers positioned within the opening chamber wherein each roller has a multiplicity of projections extending outwardly from a circumferential surface surrounding a center axis of rotation, at least one gas emission nozzle positioned substantially below the first multiplicity of rollers to direct a gas stream generally towards the open upper end of the opening chamber, and a forming chamber having an upper end and a lower end, wherein the upper end of the forming chamber is in flow communication with the open upper end of the opening chamber, and the lower end of the forming chamber is substantially open and positioned above a collector having a collector surface.

Apparatus and methods for producing nonwoven fibrous webs

Methods and apparatus including a chamber having a substantially open lower end positioned above a collector surface, at least one fiber inlet positioned above the lower end, a first multiplicity of rollers positioned within the chamber wherein each roller has a multiplicity of projections extending outwardly from a circumferential surface surrounding a center axis of rotation, a second multiplicity of rollers positioned within the chamber above the first multiplicity of rollers wherein each of the second multiplicity of rollers has a multiplicity of projections extending outwardly from a circumferential surface surrounding a center axis of rotation, the second multiplicity of rollers positioned so at least a portion of the projections extending outwardly from the circumferential surfaces of each of the second multiplicity of rollers vertically overlaps with at least a portion of the projections extending outwardly from the circumferential surface of at least one of the first multiplicity of rollers.

Methods and apparatus for producing nonwoven fibrous webs

Filter media including a microperforated film with tapered microperforations, and a nonwoven web positioned upstream of the microperforated film. Framed air filters incorporating such filter media, and methods of using such filter media.

Air filter comprising a microperforated film, and method of using

Static mixers and fluid systems incorporating one or more of the static mixers. The static mixers include a mixing structure formed within a body, wherein fluid flowing through the mixing structure defines a downstream direction through the mixing structure. The mixing structure includes a series of Y-shaped channels that cross to provide flowpaths that result in efficient mixing.

Y-cross mixers and fluid systems including the same

A sample acquisition device includes a capillary array configured to draw in a sample and retain the sample by capillary action. The capillary array may be coupled to an elongated member, such as a stem or a hollow tube, which defines a longitudinal axis extending in a first direction. In some embodiments, the capillary array defines a major sample acquisition surface that extends in a second direction different than the first direction. A ratio of the major sample acquisition surface area to maximum volume retained by the capillary array may be selected to minimize physical binding between the capillary array and sample. In some embodiments, the device may include a feedback mechanism to indicate the relative pressure applied to a sample source with the sample acquisition device. In addition, in some embodiments, the sample acquisition device may include a suction source to help draw the sample into the capillary array.

Sample acquisition device

Valve stems for use in an aerosol metering valve are described herein. The valve stems include structures designed to limit the likelihood and extent to which a gasket can intrude into an opening in the valve stem. The valve stems described herein also limit the likelihood and extent of damage to the gasket caused by repeated use of the metering valve.

Valve stem for use in a metering valve of a metered dose inhaler

A novel metering valve having improved flow for delivery of an aerosol formulation is disclosed. Methods of delivering an aerosol formulation using a device comprising the novel metering valve are also disclosed.

Metering valve for a metered dose inhaler having improved flow

A blood pump comprising a pump mechanism having an outer sleeve, an inner sleeve, and an impeller. The pump mechanism is movable between a closed and preferably retracted position wherein one or both of an inlet port and an outlet port are sealed by the inner and/or outer sleeve for inserting the pump mechanism into the heart, and an open and preferably extended position wherein the inlet and outlet ports are open to allow the impeller to pump blood through the ports. The pump mechanism preferably retracts so that it has less length and is more readily maneuvered when it is in its closed position. Also disclosed are a bearing portion received within a cap of the impeller with a flow of lubricating liquid between the bearing portion and cap, and a method of using the pump.

Blood pump

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Cottage Grove, MN, United States of America

Gustavo H Castro