Patents by Inventor Eric G. Larson

Eric G. Larson has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20020026752
    Abstract: This invention pertains to an abrasive article comprising precisely shaped particles. The abrasive article may be a coated abrasive article, a bonded abrasive or a nonwoven abrasive article. The precisely shaped particles may further comprise abrasive grits, fillers, grinding aids and lubricants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Applicant: MINNESOTA MINING AND MANUFACTURING COMPANY
    Inventors: SCOTT R. CULLER, JOHN J. GAGLIARDI, THOMAS W. LARKEY, ERIC G. LARSON, LARRY M. MARTIN, JEFFREY W. NELSON
  • Publication number: 20010011108
    Abstract: The present invention involves the use of powder coating methods to form coated abrasives. In one embodiment, the powder is in the form of a multiplicity of binder precursor particles comprising a radiation curable component. In other embodiments, the powder comprises at least one metal salt of a fatty acid and optionally an organic component that may be a thermoplastic macromolecule, a radiation curable component, and/or a thermally curable macromolecule. In either embodiment, the powder exists as a solid under the desired dry coating conditions, but is easily melted at relatively low temperatures and then solidified also at reasonably low processing temperatures. The principles of the present invention can be applied to form make coats, size coats, and/or supersize coats, as desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Publication date: August 2, 2001
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ernest L. Thurber, Eric G. Larson, Gregg D. Dahlke, Robert J. DeVoe, Alan R. Kirk, Mark R. Meierotto, Roy Stubbs
  • Patent number: 6228133
    Abstract: The present invention involves the use of powder coating methods to form coated abrasives. In one embodiment, the powder is in the form of a multiplicity of binder precursor particles comprising a radiation curable component. In other embodiments, the powder comprises at least one metal salt of a fatty acid and optionally an organic component that may be a thermoplastic macromolecule, a radiation curable component, and/or a thermally curable macromolecule. In either embodiment, the powder exists as a solid under the desired dry coating conditions, but is easily melted at relatively low temperatures and then solidified also at reasonably low processing temperatures. The principles of the present invention can be applied to form make coats, size coats, and/or supersize coats, as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ernest L. Thurber, Eric G. Larson, Gregg D. Dahlke, Robert J. DeVoe, Alan R. Kirk, Mark R. Meierotto, Roy Stubbs
  • Patent number: 6120878
    Abstract: Abrasive articles are provided having at least one of a backing material saturated with a saturant, a barrier coat, a make coat, a size coat layer or combinations thereof wherein the saturant and layers consisting essentially of 100% solids radiation-cured resin of one or more vinyl ether monomers and/or oligomers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Robert A. Follensbee, Eric G. Larson
  • Patent number: 5908477
    Abstract: An abrasive article is provided that includes a bond system formed from a binder precursor and about 15% by weight or less of a wax-containing modifier. An abrasive article that includes the bond system exhibits an increase of workpiece surface abraded in a Woodsanding Normal Force Test as compared to an abrasive article including a bond system formed from a composition containing substantially no wax-containing modifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Walter L. Harmer, Don H. Kincaid, Alan R. Kirk, Eric G. Larson
  • Patent number: 5736747
    Abstract: Organic compounds having at least one ethylenically-unsaturated group are described, the organic compounds being suitable for use in coatable compositions as reactive diluents; compounds of the invention preferably have a divalent organic linking moiety devoid of reactive groups other than optional ethylenically-unsaturated groups, and a polar organic moiety and are particularly adept in solubilizing aminoplast resins having radiation-curable pendant groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Ernest L. Thurber, Eric G. Larson, Alan R. Kirk, Gregg D. Dahlke
  • Patent number: 5733648
    Abstract: Organic compounds having at least one ethylenically-unsaturated group are described, the organic compounds being suitable for use in coatable compositions as reactive diluents; compounds of the invention preferably have a divalent organic linking moiety devoid of reactive groups other than optional ethylenically-unsaturated groups, and a polar organic moiety and are particularly adept in solubilizing aminoplast resins having radiation-curable pendant groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Ernest L. Thurber, Eric G. Larson, Alan R. Kirk, Gregg D. Dahlke
  • Patent number: 5710281
    Abstract: Organic compounds having at least one ethylenically-unsaturated group are described, the organic compounds being suitable for use in coatable compositions as reactive diluents; compounds of the invention preferably have a divalent organic linking moiety devoid of reactive groups other than optional ethylenically-unsaturated groups, and a polar organic moiety and are particularly adept in solubilizing aminoplast resins having radiation-curable pendant groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Ernest L. Thurber, Eric G. Larson, Alan R. Kirk, Gregg D. Dahlke
  • Patent number: 5709935
    Abstract: Organic compounds having at least one ethylenically-unsaturated group are described, the organic compounds being suitable for use in coatable compositions as reactive diluents; compounds of the invention preferably have a divalent organic linking moiety devoid of reactive groups other than optional ethylenically-unsaturated groups, and a polar organic moiety and are particularly adept in solubilizing aminoplast resins having radiation-curable pendant groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Ernest L. Thurber, Eric G. Larson, Alan R. Kirk, Gregg D. Dahlke
  • Patent number: 5667842
    Abstract: Abrasive articles made using a coatable, addition polymerizable binder precursor composition are described, as well as methods of making same. The compositions comprise a reactive diluent compound and preferably an addition polymerizable resin, the reactive diluent being an organic compound selected to be especially effective in solubilizing aminoplast resins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Eric G. Larson, Ernest L. Thurber, Alan R. Kirk, Gregg D. Dahlke, Elizabeth C. Edblom, Don H. Kincaid
  • Patent number: 5591239
    Abstract: An open low-density abrasive article comprising in combination:(a) a lofty, open, nonwoven three-dimensional fibrous web formed of a plurality of interentangled randomly-extending polyamide staple fibers including points of intersection and contact between the fibers, the points of intersection and contact between the fibers being bonded together to form a three-dimensionally integrated structure throughout the web, wherein the fibers comprise surfaces and a fiber tenacity of less than 5 g/denier; (b) abrasive particles dispersed throughout the web and securely adhered to the surfaces of the fibers; and (c) resinous material dispersed throughout the web comprising (i) a hard phenolic resin formed as a cured product of a phenolic resin precursor distributed throughout the web and in contact with the fibers, and (ii) a modifier component of the type and in an amount effective to substantially prevent chemical degradation of the fibers while in contact with the phenolic resin precursor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Eric G. Larson, Rufus C. Sanders, Jr., Brent D. Niccum, Walter W. Pawlikowski, Elizabeth C. Edblom
  • Patent number: 5580647
    Abstract: Abrasive articles made using a coatable, addition polymerizable binder precursor composition are described, as well as methods of making same. The compositions comprise a reactive diluent compound and preferably an addition polymerizable resin, the reactive diluent being an organic compound selected to be especially effective in solubilizing aminoplast resins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Eric G. Larson, Ernest L. Thurber, Alan R. Kirk, Gregg D. Dahlke, Elizabeth C. Edblom, Don H. Kincaid
  • Patent number: 5575873
    Abstract: Endless coated abrasive articles having a splice. In general, the coated abrasive articles comprise a backing having abrasive grains bonded thereto by one or more layers of binder. This invention also provides a method of making the splice by using radiation curable adhesives, e.g., acrylated urethanes, and radiation energy to cure the adhesives. The radiation curable splice adhesive essentially solvent-free. Consequently, the time required for the solvent to flash off is eliminated and solvent removal is no longer an environmental concern. By utilizing a source of radiation energy, the splice adhesive can be solidified in less than one minute. Because the splice adhesive is fully solidified, coated abrasive belts can be packaged immediately after the splice is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Jon R. Pieper, Donald C. Heinn, Eric G. Larson, Thomas E. Boettcher
  • Patent number: 5523152
    Abstract: Organic compounds having at least one ethylenically-unsaturated group are described, the organic compounds being suitable for use in coatable compositions as reactive diluents; compounds of the invention preferably have a divalent organic linking moiety devoid of reactive groups other than optional ethylenically-unsaturated groups, and a polar organic moiety and are particularly adept in solubilizing aminoplast resins having radiation-curable pendant groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Ernest L. Thurber, Eric G. Larson, Alan R. Kirk, Gregg D. Dahlke
  • Patent number: 5451446
    Abstract: The invention relates to an abrasive article comprising:(a) a plurality of abrasive grains; and(b) at least one binder for the abrasive grains,wherein the binder comprises a cured epoxy resin containing a polycyclic aryl, polycyclic alkyl, or cycloalkyl structure. The abrasive articles can comprise bonded, non-woven or coated abrasive articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Don H. Kincaid, William J. Schultz, Eric G. Larson
  • Patent number: 5360462
    Abstract: A method for preparing a coated abrasive article wherein the a plurality of abrasive grains are applied to a make coat such that the abrasive grains are substantially a mono-layer. The make coat precursor is a pressure-sensitive adhesive-like or pressure-sensitive adhesive. The make coat precursor is partially cured to approximate a pressure-sensitive adhesive-like layer or when fully cured is a pressure-sensitive adhesive. The make coat precursor has sufficient "tack" to hold the abrasive grains during the application and curing of the size coat, resulting in a substantially monolayer of abrasive grains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Walter L. Harmer, Robert J. DeVoe, Eric G. Larson, Don H. Kincaid, Peggy S. Willett, Jerry W. Williams
  • Patent number: 5314513
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an abrasive article comprising:(a) a flexible substrate having a front side and a back side;(b) at least one layer of abrasive grains bonded to said front side of said substrate by means of a make coat;(c) optionally one or more additional coats selected from the group consisting of a size coat, a supersize coat, a saturant coat, a presize coat, and a backsize coat;wherein at least one of said make, size supersize, saturant, presize, and backsize coats comprises a maleimide binder. The invention also relates to a method of making the abrasive articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Philip Miller, Eric G. Larson, Don H. Kincaid
  • Patent number: 5256170
    Abstract: A method for preparing a coated abrasive article wherein the a plurality of abrasive grains are applied to a make coat such that the abrasive grains are substantially a mono-layer. The make coat precursor is a pressure-sensitive adhesive-like or pressure-sensitive adhesive. The make coat precursor is partially cured to approximate a pressure-sensitive adhesive-like layer or when fully cured is a pressure-sensitive adhesive. The make coat precursor has sufficient "tack" to hold the abrasive grains during the application and curing of the size coat, resulting in a substantially monolayer of abrasive grains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Walter L. Harmer, Robert J. DeVoe, Eric G. Larson, Don H. Kincaid, Peggy S. Willett, Jerry W. Williams
  • Patent number: 5236472
    Abstract: Abrasive products comprising abrasive grains bonded together or bonded to a backing by means of a binder compressing an oligomeric aminoplast resin having on average at least one pendant .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated carbonyl group per oligomeric unit. The oligomeric aminoplast resins polymerize via free radical polymerization at the site of the .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturation. Polymerization is initiated by a source of free radicals. The source of free radicals can be generated by electron beam radiation or by an appropriate curing agent or initiator upon exposure to heat or radiation energy. The coated abrasive of this invention demonstrates improved grinding performance under severe conditions as compared with coated abrasives comprising radiation curable resins heretofore known.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Alan R. Kirk, Eric G. Larson
  • Patent number: 5055113
    Abstract: An abrasive product comprising abrasive grains bonded together or bonded to at least one major surface of a backing sheet, by a binder formed from a precursor comprising an aminoplast resin having on average at least 1.1 pendant .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated carbonyl groups per molecule. The binder is formed by curing the precursor at the .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated site of the carbonyl group, by radiation energy or by heat, in the presence of an appropriate initiator system. The aminoplast resin can also contain pendant amino or hydroxy functional groups, which allow polymerization with condensation curable resins, such as phenolic, melamine, urea, urethane, and furfural resins. Polymerization at the unsaturated site of .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated carbonyl group can be effected either by radiation energy or by heat, and curing at the sites of the amino or hydroxy functional group can be subsequently effected by heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Eric G. Larson, Alan R. Kirk