Kenneth J Hagen

US Patent:

61309761, Oct 10, 2000

Filed:

Apr 15, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/060727

Inventors:

Joseph A. Hoffman - Minneapolis MN
Duwayne C. Radke - Woodbury MN
Kenneth J. Hagen - Woodbury MN

Assignee:

3M Innovative Properties Company - St. Paul MN

International Classification:

G02B 626
G02B 640
G02B 638
G02B 600

US Classification:

385 56

Abstract:

A coupling system for light conduits in a light distribution system and a light distribution system utilizing the coupling system. The coupling system includes first and second collars. The first collar has a first opening, a first side adapted to couple to an end of the first light conduit, and a second side adapted to operatively engage with a second collar. The second collar has a second opening, a first side adapted to couple to an end of the second light conduit, and a second side adapted to operatively engage with the second side of the first collar. Registration members maintain rotationally and axially alignment of the first and second openings of the first and second collars at a conduit interface. A retaining mechanism maintains axial engagement of the first collar with the second collar.

US Patent:

56603843, Aug 26, 1997

Filed:

Nov 23, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/344462

Inventors:

Melinda K. Kovach - Woodbury MN
Gerald L. Metcalf - Burnsville MN
Stuart J. Wyman - St. Paul MN
Kenneth J. Hagen - Woodbury MN
Norman Herauf - Roseville MN

Assignee:

Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company - St. Paul MN

International Classification:

B65H 100

US Classification:

271145

Abstract:

A container and a method of using the container for storing sheets of material, such as photosensitive materials, enables individual sheets to be transported from the container to an imaging unit by a feed mechanism of the imaging unit. The container fits within the imaging unit to provide a light-tight environment for the photosensitive material. The container includes shiftable walls, including a front ramp which can have a serrated surface to separate sheets. The container also includes a clamping components to allow for the removal of a light-tight bag which encloses the sheets.