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3M product protects cards from data theft

Last update: November 16, 2008 - 11:09 PM

3M has taken another simple idea, applied a little of its technology and is now offering a new product that will help protect smart cards and e-passports from data theft. 3M ToughShield brand Protective Sleeves resemble the simple paper sleeves in which such cards are often shipped, but the 3M sleeves are lined with a thin, copper-coated conductive polyester. This metallic layer effectively blocks radio frequencies used for unauthorized skimming of RFID-enabled applications. These sleeves were developed using 3M shielding technology used in a wide range of electronic devices.

The inside lining is bonded with a 3M acrylic adhesive to an outside layer made of 3M TufQUIN-brand Inorganic Hybrid Insulating Paper. This material is tear- and water-resistant and withstands wear better than standard materials.

The 3M materials are thin and flexible so consumers can easily use the sleek sleeves to protect e-passports, smartcards, government, state and corporate-issued ID cards, banking and credit cards, and transportation cards. It also has a printable surface so the sleeves can be used as a brand and marketing tool.

New arrangement means quick-drying carpet

You'll no longer have to wait hours at home for your newly cleaned carpets to dry. Tennant Co. and Bissell Homecare Inc. announced a licensing arrangement last week that will give consumers a new product that cleans carpets and leaves them dry in 30 minutes or less.

Tennant has licensed to Bissell a patented Tennant carpet-cleaning technology that is marketed by Tennant under the brand name ReadySpace. Under the brand name Bissell PROdry, a home carpet cleaner, the technology uses a PowerRoller designed to trap, lift and remove dirt from carpet, eliminating excess water saturation.

PROdry cleans carpet using Bissell's deep-cleaning chemical formula, hot tap water, the PowerRoller and suction power. The roller traps dirt from carpet fibers and lifts it into the machine. Sprayers inside the machine then spray the roller, not the carpet, so carpets dry quickly. A powerful vacuum shoe extracts the dirty water into the recovery tank.


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