3m Innovative Properties Company

Ramasubramani Kuduva Raman Thanumoorthy

Kurt J Halverson

Kui Chen-Ho

Shri Niwas

Kevin W Gotrik

Raj Rajagopal

Michael A McCoy

Scott J Jones

Ying Xia

Ronald Wayne Ausen

Matthew S Stay

Thomas P Hanschen

William J Kopecky

Ann M Gilman

Vasav Sahni

Daniel M Lentz

Christopher A Merton

Shawn C Dodds

Joshua M Retterath

Michael A Mccoy

A retroreflective article including a binder layer and a plurality of retroreflective elements. Each retroreflective element includes a transparent microsphere partially embedded in the binder layer. At least some of the retroreflective elements include a reflective layer that is a locally-laminated reflective layer that is embedded between the transparent microsphere and the binder layer. At least some of the locally-laminated reflective layers may be localized reflective layers.

Retroreflective article comprising locally-laminated reflective layers

A retroreflective article including a binder layer and a plurality of retroreflective elements. Each retroreflective element includes a transparent microsphere partially embedded in the binder layer. At least some of the retroreflective elements include a reflective layer that is embedded between the transparent microsphere and the binder layer. At least some of the embedded reflective layers are localized reflective layers.

Retroreflective article comprising embedded reflective layers

Coextruded polymeric article comprising first segments each having first and second opposed major surfaces and a thickness, the first segments comprising first material; second segments comprising second material, wherein adjacent first segments are joined together via a second segment, wherein the second segments extend from the second major surface past the first major surface of each first adjacent segment and has a distal end, the second segments having first and second oppose sides; first protrusions each extending from the first side of a second segment and extending no more than to the first major surface of the respective first segment adjacent to the second segment, the first protrusions comprising third material; and second protrusions each extending from the first side of a second segment, contacting the first protrusion extending from the second segment and extending not more than to the distal end of the second segment, the second protrusions comprising fourth material, wherein at least one of the second and third or second and fourth materials are different, and wherein the first segments, second segments, first protrusions, and second protrusions each extend continuously for at least 5 mm. Uses for coextruded polymeric articles described herein include adhesive articles and household cleaning products (e.g., a mop, a duster, a brush, a cleaning cloth, or a lint roller).

Coextruded polymeric article and method of making the same

Coextended polymeric article comprising a layer comprising first and second opposed major surfaces, wherein a plurality of attached projection pairs comprising first and second projections extend from only the first major surface (i.e., the second major surface is free of any projections), wherein each first projection has at least first and second opposed sides and a height from the first major surface to a distal end, wherein each first projection has at least first and second opposed sides and a height from the first major surface to a distal end. Uses for coextruded polymeric articles described herein include adhesive articles and household cleaning products (e.g., a mop, a duster, a brush, a cleaning cloth, or a lint roller).

Systems and methods for concentrating a sample and detecting an analyte of interest. The system can include a sample detection container that can include a microcavity. The microcavity can include a top opening, a base, and a longitudinal axis. The container can further include a wall that extends to the microcavity, wherein at least a portion of the wall located adjacent the top opening of the microcavity has a slope that is oriented at an effective angle &#x3b1; with respect to the longitudinal axis of the microcavity. The effective angle &#x3b1; can be greater than 45 degrees and less than 90 degrees, and at least the portion of the wall located adjacent the top opening of the microcavity that is oriented at the effective angle &#x3b1; can have a length of at least 5 times a transverse dimension of the microcavity.

Systems and methods for sample concentration and detection

Method for detecting an analyte of interest in a sample. The method can include providing a container including a microstructured surface, and centrifuging the container toward the microstructured surface to form a sediment and a supernatant of the sample. Following centrifugation, the container can be inverted to decant at least a portion of the supernatant of the sample from the second portion, such that a concentrate (e.g., including the sediment) of the sample is retained in the microstructured surface. The concentrate can then be interrogated in the microstructured surface for the analyte of interest. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the second portion can be substantially transparent, such that the concentrate can be interrogated from the outside of the container, without requiring that the container be opened prior to interrogation.

Systems and methods for detecting an analyte of interest in a sample using microstructured surfaces

Method for detecting an analyte of interest in a sample. The method can include providing a container comprising a microstructured surface, and centrifuging the container toward the microstructured surface to form a sediment and a supernatant of the sample. Following centrifugation, the container can be inverted to decant at least a portion of the supernatant of the sample from the second portion, such that a concentrate (e.g., comprising the sediment) of the sample is retained in the microstructured surface. The concentrate can then be interrogated in the microstructured surface for the analyte of interest. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the second portion can be substantially transparent, such that the concentrate can be interrogated from the outside of the container, without requiring that the container be opened prior to interrogation.

Systems and methods for detecting an analyte of interest in a sample. The system can include a first container comprising a filter portion. The filter portion can include a filter comprising a filtrand of the sample on a first side of the filter. The system can further include a second container comprising the filter portion coupled to a detection portion comprising a microstructured surface. The method can include providing the first container, coupling the filter portion to the detection portion to form the second container where the first side of the filter faces the microstructured surface, and centrifuging the second container toward the microstructured surface. The method can further include inverting the second container after centrifuging to decant the supernatant from the detection portion, such that a concentrate comprising a sediment of the sample is retained in the microstructured surface, which can be interrogated for an analyte of interest.

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Woodbury, MN, United States of America

Ramasubramani Kuduva Raman Thanumoorthy