Patents by Inventor Joseph B. Eckel

Joseph B. Eckel 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).

  • Patent number: 11911876
    Abstract: A system and method for producing an abrasive article includes a production tool configured to provide shaped abrasive particles to a resin coated backing. A first end and a second end of the production tool are spliced together to form a spliced area. The production tool includes a dispensing surface that includes a plurality of cavities formed between the first end and the second end and configured to receive and hold the shaped abrasive particles. The resin coated backing is configured to receive the shaped abrasive particles from the dispensing surface of the production tool and configured to receive further shaped abrasive particles to fill gaps in the shaped abrasive particles caused by an absence of the plurality of cavities in the spliced area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Thomas J. Nelson, Aaron K. Nienaber, Joseph B. Eckel, Ann M. Hawkins, Amelia W. Koenig
  • Patent number: 11911791
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a solar device, comprises one or more photovoltaic cells disposed in an encapsulant and a light control structure including a louver film having a series of louver structures, wherein each louver structure includes one or more groupings of a plurality magnetizable particles aligned at least in a first orientation dispersed in a binding matrix. The light control structure substantially transmits light incident at a first angle and substantially limits transmission of light incident at a second angle. Each louver structure is spaced apart from an adjacent louver structure, wherein each louver structure is substantially aligned in a plane substantially parallel to an adjacent louver structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Mark B. O'Neill, Gary E. Gaides, Joseph B. Eckel, Aaron K. Nienaber, Ronald D. Jesme, Mark D. Weigel
  • Publication number: 20240051082
    Abstract: A sanding system is presented that includes a tool with a motor which, when actuated, drives movement of a drive shaft. The system also includes a backup pad coupled to the drive shaft. The backup pad is configured to receive an abrasive article. Movement of the drive shaft causes movement of the abrasive article. The system also includes a compliant damping unit configured to provide variable compliance for the tool when the abrasive article contacting a worksurface. The system also includes an electronic controller that receives a system operating condition and sends a signal to the compliant damping unit based on the system operating condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2021
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Inventors: Joseph B. Eckel, Orlin B. Knudson, Erin D. Spring, Nathan J. Herbst, Rufus C. Sanders
  • Publication number: 20240033880
    Abstract: Grinding aid particles for abrasive articles. The grinding aid particles include a core particle having a Mohs hardness of less than 7 and a coating on at least a portion of the surface of the core. The coating comprises a binder and at least one grinding agent. The grinding aid particles can be incorporated in the make coat, size coat and/or supersize coat of an abrasive article to improve abrasive performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2021
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Inventors: Adam D. Miller, Joseph B. Eckel, Ann M. Hawkins, Thomas J. Nelson, Junting Li, Mark A. Lukowski
  • Publication number: 20230411547
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a solar device, comprises one or more photovoltaic cells disposed in an encapsulant and a light control structure including a louver film having a series of louver structures, wherein each louver structure includes one or more groupings of a plurality magnetizable particles aligned at least in a first orientation dispersed in a binding matrix. The light control structure substantially transmits light incident at a first angle and substantially limits transmission of light incident at a second angle. Each louver structure is spaced apart from an adjacent louver structure, wherein each louver structure is substantially aligned in a plane substantially parallel to an adjacent louver structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2023
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Inventors: Mark B. O'Neill, Gary E. Gaides, Joseph B. Eckel, Aaron K. Nienaber, Ronald D. Jesme, Mark D. Weigel
  • Patent number: 11826883
    Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed relate to an abrasive article. The abrasive article includes a first major surface and an opposed second major surface. Each major surface contacts a peripheral side surface. A central axis extends through the first and second major surfaces. A first layer of abrasive particles is dispersed within the abrasive article according to a first predetermined pattern. Further a second layer of abrasive particles spaced apart from the first layer of abrasive particles and is dispersed within the abrasive article along a according to a second predetermined pattern. A binder material retains the first and second layers of abrasive particles in the abrasive article. A portion of the binder material is located between the first and second layers of abrasive particles. That portion of the binder material is substantially continuous.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Maria C. Castillo, Aaron K. Nienaber, Joseph B. Eckel, Maiken Givot
  • Publication number: 20230339073
    Abstract: A method for repositioning an abrasive disc within a repositionable abrasive disc mounting assembly is presented. The method includes mounting the abrasive disc to a repositionable abrasive disc mounting assembly in a first position. The mounting disc assembly includes the abrasive disc coupled to the back-up pad assembly such that the abrasive disc is in contact with a pressure feature of the back-up pad assembly, a drive shaft of a grinding tool, and a fastener that maintains the position of the abrasive disc and the back-up pad coupled to the drive shaft. The method also includes conducting an abrasive operation by activating the grinding tool. The method also includes re-positioning the abrasive disc, with respect to the repositionable abrasive disc mounting assembly, in a second position. The first position includes the abrasive disc in a first position relative to the pressure feature. The second position includes the abrasive disc in a second position relative to the pressure feature assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2021
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Inventors: Joseph B. Eckel, Erin D. Spring, Thomas J. Nelson, Fay T. Salmon, Dominic J. Triana, Jonathan J. O'Hare, Thomas R.J. Corrigan, David T. Buckley, Cory M. Arthur, Alireza Ghaderi
  • Patent number: 11724363
    Abstract: A method of making a coated abrasive article includes at least four steps. In step a), a web is provided comprising a backing having a make layer precursor disposed thereon. The web moves along a web path in a downweb direction, and the web has a crossweb direction that is perpendicular to the downweb direction. The make layer precursor comprises a first curable binder precursor; In step b) an applied magnetic field is provided. In step c), a mixture of magnetizable non-magnetizable particles is passed through the applied magnetic field and onto the make layer precursor such that the magnetizable and non-magnetizable particles are predominantly deposited onto the web in a drop zone according to a predetermined order. At least one of the magnetizable particles or the non-magnetizable particles comprises abrasive particles. In step d), the make layer precursor is at least partially cured to provide a make layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Aaron K. Nienaber, Joseph B. Eckel, Thomas J. Nelson, Ronald D. Jesme, Jaime A. Martinez
  • Publication number: 20230211470
    Abstract: A mold for making abrasive particles is presented. The mold includes a surface and a plurality of cavities extending downward from the surface. Each cavity includes a particle shape portion comprising a polygonal shape and a fracture portion coupled to the particle shape portion. The fracture portion is configured to break from the particle shape portion during a stress event, resulting in a fractured shape abrasive particle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2021
    Publication date: July 6, 2023
    Inventors: Joseph B. Eckel, Thomas J. Nelson, Fay T. Salmon, David T. Buckley, Dominic J. Triana, Alireza Ghaderi, Aaron K. Nienaber, Ronald D. Jesme
  • Publication number: 20230150092
    Abstract: Coated abrasive articles comprises a backing having a major surface with an abrasive layer disposed thereon. The abrasive layer has an outer major surface comprising ridges separated by valleys, wherein the abrasive layer comprises magnetizable particles and abrasive particles in a binder. Each of the ridges is irregularly shaped and is oriented along at least a portion of its length substantially parallel to adjacent ridges. Methods of making the same involving a modulated magnetic field are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2021
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Inventors: Aaron K. Nienaber, Joseph B. Eckel, Ronald D. Jesme
  • Patent number: 11628541
    Abstract: A bonded abrasive wheel is disclosed comprising a plurality of abrasive particles disposed in a binder, a first grinding surface, a second surface opposing the first grinding surface, and an outer circumference. The wheel comprises a rotational axis extending through a central hub and a circuit configured as a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) unit coupled to the abrasive wheel. The circuit comprises an antenna configured to communicate with one or more external devices and comprising a first end and a second end, wherein antenna has a radius of curvature about an axis along at least a portion thereof such that the first end is disposed adjacent to but is spaced from the second end, and an integrated circuit (IC) operably coupled to the antenna and configured to store at least a first data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Joseph B. Eckel, Nicholas T. Gabriel, Ankit Mahajan, Mikhail L. Pekurovsky, Kara A. Meyers, Thomas J. Metzler, Saagar A. Shah
  • Patent number: 11607775
    Abstract: A coated abrasive disc includes a disc backing having an outer circumference. An abrasive layer is disposed on the disc backing. The abrasive layer comprises triangular abrasive platelets secured to a major surface of the disc backing by at least one binder material. The triangular abrasive platelets are outwardly disposed at regularly-spaced points along a spiral pattern extending outwardly toward the outer circumference. Each triangular abrasive platelet has respective top and bottom surfaces connected to each other, and separated by, three sidewalls. On a respective basis, one sidewall of at least 90 percent of the triangular abrasive platelets is disposed facing and proximate to the disc backing, and at least 70 percent of the triangular abrasive platelets are disposed in a recurring sequential orientation having an oscillating Z-axis rotational orientation of the first respective sidewall relative to the tangents to the spiral pattern at regularly-spaced points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Thomas P. Hanschen, Steven J. Keipert, Joseph B. Eckel, Aaron K. Nienaber, Erin D. Spring, Brant A. Moegenburg, Eric M. Moore, Thomas J. Nelson
  • Patent number: 11602822
    Abstract: A method of making a coated abrasive article is disclosed. A backing has first and second opposed major surfaces. A make layer precursor is disposed on at least a portion of the first major surface. Magnetizable abrasive particles are disposed onto the make layer precursor while under the influence of an applied magnetic field. At least a majority the magnetizable abrasive particles extend away from the make layer precursor in an orientation substantially aligned with the applied magnetic field. Non-magnetizable particles are then disposed onto the make layer precursor while under the influence of the applied magnetic field. At least some of the non-magnetizable particles are disposed between the magnetizable abrasive particles. Then, the make layer precursor is at least partially cured to provide a make layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Aaron K. Nienaber, Joseph B. Eckel
  • Patent number: 11597860
    Abstract: Magnetizable abrasive particles are described comprising ceramic particles having outer surfaces comprising a coating of unsintered polyion and magnetic particles bonded to the polyion. In favored embodiments, the magnetic particles have a magnetic saturation of at least 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 or 50 emu/gram. In another embodiment, an abrasive article is described comprising a plurality of magnetizable abrasive particles as described herein retained in a binder material. Also described are method of making magnetizable abrasive particles and methods of making an abrasive article comprising magnetizable abrasive particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Adam D. Miller, Sergei Manuilov, Naiyong Jing, Taisiya Skorina, Aaron K. Nienaber, Joseph B. Eckel, Thomas J. Anderson, Thomas J. Nelson, Mark A. Lukowski, Louis S. Moren, Don V. West
  • Patent number: 11597059
    Abstract: A coated abrasive disc includes a disc backing and an abrasive layer disposed thereon. The abrasive layer comprises abrasive elements secured to a major surface of the disc backing by at least one binder material. The abrasive elements are disposed at contiguous intersections of horizontal and vertical lines of a rectangular grid pattern. Each abrasive element has two triangular abrasive platelets, each having respective top and bottom surfaces connected to each other, and separated by, three sidewalls. On a respective basis, one sidewall of the triangular abrasive platelets is disposed facing and proximate to the disc backing. A first portion of the abrasive elements is arranged in alternating first rows wherein the triangular abrasive platelets are disposed lengthwise aligned with the vertical lines. A second portion of the abrasive elements is arranged in alternating second rows wherein the triangular abrasive platelets are disposed lengthwise aligned with the horizontal lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Thomas P. Hanschen, Steven J. Keipert, Joseph B. Eckel, Aaron K. Nienaber, Erin D. Spring, Brant A. Moegenburg, Eric M. Moore, Thomas J. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20230059388
    Abstract: A magnetic film includes a plurality of magnetically permeable particles dispersed between opposing first and second major surfaces of the magnetic film. The first and second major surfaces are spaced apart a distance D. The particles are agglomerated so as to form a plurality of substantially continuous layers of particles generally extending along orthogonal first and second directions and arranged along a third direction. Each substantially continuous layer of particles has a length L along the first direction from a first to an opposing second edge of the magnetic film and a width W along the second direction extending from the first to the second major surface. L/D?100.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2021
    Publication date: February 23, 2023
    Inventors: Zhonghua Lu, Jeffrey W. McCutcheon, Sergei A. Manuilov, Joseph B. Eckel, Aaron K. Nienaber, Michael S. Graff, Ronald D. Jesme, Charles L. Bruzzone, Steven H. Kong, Shane P. White
  • Publication number: 20230055151
    Abstract: A thermal interface layer includes pluralities of first and second particles dispersed in a polymeric binder at a total loading V in a range of about 40 volume percent to about 70 volume percent. The first and second particles have different compositions. The first particles include one or more of iron or nickel. The second particles include one or more of aluminum, magnesium, silicon, copper, or zinc. The thermal interface layer has a thermal conductivity in a thickness direction of the thermal interface layer in units of W/mK of at least K=5.1?0.17 V+0.002 V2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2021
    Publication date: February 23, 2023
    Inventors: Samuel J. Carpenter, Aaron K. Nienaber, Joseph B. Eckel, Ronald D. Jesme, Jacob P. Podkaminer, Victor Ho, Sebastian Goris, Matthew T. Johnson, Michael S. Graff, Steven H. Kong
  • Publication number: 20230049873
    Abstract: An electrically conductive adhesive layer includes a plurality of particles dispersed between opposing first and second major surfaces of the electrically conductive adhesive layer. The first and second major surfaces are spaced apart a distance D. The particles are agglomerated so as to form a plurality of substantially continuous layers of particles generally extending along orthogonal first and second directions and arranged along a third direction. Each substantially continuous layer of particles has a length L along the first direction from a first to an opposing second edge of the electrically conductive adhesive layer and a width W along the second direction extending from the first to the second major surface. L/D ? 100. At least some of the particles are electrically conductive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2021
    Publication date: February 16, 2023
    Inventors: Zhonghua Lu, Jeffrey W. McCutcheon, Sergei A. Manuilov, Joseph B. Eckel, Aaron K. Nienaber, Michael S. Graff, Ronald D. Jesme, Steven H. Kong, Shane P. White
  • Patent number: 11577367
    Abstract: A method of aligning abrasive particles on a substrate. The method comprises providing a substrate. The method also comprises providing abrasive particles. The method also comprises generating a modulated electrostatic field. The modulated electrostatic field is configured to have a first effective direction at a first time and a second effective direction at a second time. The electrostatic field is configured to cause the abrasive particles to align rotationally in both a z-direction and a y-direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Joseph B. Eckel, Ronald D. Jesme, Aaron K. Nienaber
  • Publication number: 20230038232
    Abstract: Floor finish removal pad assemblies are described. Methods of removing floor finish with floor finish removal pad assemblies are described. In particular, the floor finish removal pad assemblies include a compressible backing pad and a plurality of discontinuously arranged non-rigid coated abrasives or a single discontinuously patterned substantially coextensive coated abrasive. Methods using such floor finish removal pad assemblies may remove floor finish effectively even without the use of chemical strippers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2020
    Publication date: February 9, 2023
    Inventors: Lijun Zu, Joseph B. Eckel, Aaron K. Nienaber, Jaime M. Manalo, Yuyang Liu, Thomas J. Nelson