Patents by Inventor Mara E. Liepa

Mara E. Liepa 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: 6352471
    Abstract: Abrasive filaments including plastic abrasive particles interspersed in a thermoplastic matrix. The abrasive filaments can comprise monofilaments, coextruded core/sheath filaments, and coated preformed cores. Also disclosed are abrasive brush constructions using a plurality of such abrasive filaments mounted on a suitable substrate, and unitary injection molded abrasive brushes. Also disclosed are methods of making such filaments and brushes, and method of using such brushes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Donna W. Bange, David E. Johnson, Mara E. Liepa, Richard M. Pihl
  • Patent number: 6277160
    Abstract: A method for making an abrasive article having at least two abrasive coatings having different abrasive natures. The abrasive natures can differ, for example, by abrasive particle size, abrasive particle type, abrasive particle shape, filler, surfactant, or coupling agent. In another embodiment, the abrasive article can be a structured abrasive article comprising abrasive composites. In another aspect of the invention, the article can have a coating having a single abrasive nature, where the composites comprising the coating are free of abrasive particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Roy Stubbs, Scott R. Culler, Mara E. Liepa, Donna W. Bange, John D. Haas
  • Patent number: 6080215
    Abstract: A method for making an abrasive article having at least two abrasive coatings having different abrasive natures. The abrasive natures can differ, for example, by abrasive particle size, abrasive particle type, abrasive particle shape, filler, surfactant, or coupling agent. In another embodiment, the abrasive article can be a structured abrasive article comprising abrasive composites. In another aspect of the invention, the article can have a coating having a single abrasive nature, where the composites comprising the coating are free of abrasive particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Roy Stubbs, Scott R. Culler, Mara E. Liepa, Donna W. Bange, John D. Haas
  • Patent number: 5903951
    Abstract: A molded brush segment having a plurality of integrally molded bristles extending from a generally planar center portion. The brush segment is molded from a moldable polymer such a thermoset polymer, thermoplastic polymer, or thermoplastic elastomer. The moldable polymer preferably includes a plurality of organic or inorganic abrasive particles interspersed throughout at least the bristles, and can be interspersed throughout the brush segment. The molded brush segments can be generally circular, with the bristles extending radially outward in the plane defined by the central portion. A plurality of brush segments can be combined to form a brush assembly. Also disclosed is a method of making a molded abrasive brush and a method of refining a workpiece surface with a molded abrasive brush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Richard Ionta, Donna W. Bange, David E. Johnson, Mara E. Liepa, Richard M. Pihl, David C. Roeker