Patents by Inventor Scott R. Culler
Scott R. Culler 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).
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Publication number: 20080160879Abstract: A method of abrading a zirconium-based alloy workpiece including the steps of contacting a zirconium-based alloy workpiece with an abrasive article, wherein the abrasive article includes a flexible waterproof backing having a first surface bearing a cured primer coating; and a plurality of shaped structures, each structure having a distal end spaced from said backing and an attachment end attached to the primer coating on the backing, said shaped structures comprising a mixture of abrasive particles having a Knoop hardness greater than 2,200 kg/mm2 and cured particulate binder, wherein the metal workpiece is contacted with the distal ends of the shaped structures to form an abrading interface; moving the abrasive article relative to the metal workpiece while providing sufficient force between the metal workpiece and the distal ends of the shaped structures of the abrasive article to abrade the metal workpiece; and applying liquid coolant proximate the abrading interface.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Scott W. Peterson, Dennis G. Welygan, Louis S. Moren, Scott R. Culler, Dean H. Mewes
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Publication number: 20080041103Abstract: A process for making inorganic, metal oxide spheres that includes exposing solidified, molded microparticles that include a glass precursor composition to a temperature sufficient to transform the molded microparticles into molten glass and cooling the molten glass to form inorganic, metal oxide spheres.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2006Publication date: February 21, 2008Inventors: David C. Kramlich, John L. Vandenberg, Matthew H. Frey, Scott R. Culler, Kathleen M. Schakel-Carlson
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Patent number: 7300479Abstract: A structured abrasive article, methods of making an abrasive article, and methods of using an abrasive article. The abrasive composites forming the abrasive article have a height of at least 500 micrometers, and the abrasive particles in the composites have an average particle size of at least 40 micrometers, in some embodiments, at least about 85 micrometers. The large topography composites, together with the large ceramic abrasive particles, provides an abrasive article that has a more consistent cut, a longer cutting life, and a more consistent surface finish than conventional make/coat abrasive articles with the same size and type of abrasive particles. Additionally, the large topography composites, together with the large ceramic abrasive particles, provide an abrasive article that has a more consistent cut, a longer cutting life, and a more consistent surface finish than structured abrasive articles having a smaller topography, even with the same abrasive particles.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2003Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: James L. McArdle, Scott R. Culler
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Patent number: 6913824Abstract: A method for making agglomerate particles from a composition comprising at least a radiation curable binder and solid particulates. The method comprises the steps of forcing the composition through a perforated substrate to form agglomerate precursor particles which then separate from the perforated substrate. Then, the particles are irradiated to form soldified, handleable agglomerate particles before being collected.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2003Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Scott R. Culler, James L. McArdle, Jeffrey W. Nelson, John T. Wallace
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Patent number: 6881483Abstract: Ceramic aggregate particles comprising a plurality of solid particulates bonded together by ceramic binding material and methods of providing a plurality of such particles having substantially uniform cross-sectional shape are provided. The ceramic aggregate particles may incorporate a high percentage of solid particulates. The ceramic binding material may closely conform to the outermost surfaces of the solid particulates contained within the ceramic aggregate particle. When abrasive particulates are employed as the solid particulates, abrasive articles can be made which provide consistent high cut rates and consistent surface finish over relatively long periods of time.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2004Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: James L. McArdle, Scott R. Culler, William P. Wood
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Patent number: 6848986Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of making a three-dimensional fixed abrasive article, and a three dimensional fixed abrasive made thereby. The method comprises providing an abrasive composition comprising a plurality of abrasive particles and a binder precursor. The binder precursor comprises a polymerizable material consisting essentially of an ethylenically unsaturated material having one or more terminal functional groups of the same type of reactive functionality, a photoinitiator, and a thermal initiator. The abrasive composition is then applied onto a backing. The method then comprises at least partially curing the binder precursor by activating the photoinitiator, and further curing the binder precursor by activating the thermal initiator to provide a three-dimensional fixed abrasive.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2003Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Philip E. Kendall, Soon C. Park, Wesley J. Bruxvoort, Scott R. Culler, Jerry W. Williams
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Publication number: 20040221515Abstract: Ceramic aggregate particles comprising a plurality of solid particulates bonded together by ceramic binding material and methods of providing a plurality of such particles having substantially uniform cross-sectional shape are provided. The ceramic aggregate particles may incorporate a high percentage of solid particulates. The ceramic binding material may closely conform to the outermost surfaces of the solid particulates contained within the ceramic aggregate particle. When abrasive particulates are employed as the solid particulates, abrasive articles can be made which provide consistent high cut rates and consistent surface finish over relatively long periods of time.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2004Publication date: November 11, 2004Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: James L. McArdle, Scott R. Culler, William P. Wood
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Publication number: 20040026833Abstract: A method for making agglomerate particles from a composition comprising at least a radiation curable binder and solid particulates. The method comprises the steps of forcing the composition through a perforated substrate to form agglomerate precursor particles which then separate from the perforated substrate. Then, the particles are irradiated to form soldified, handleable agglomerate particles before being collected.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2003Publication date: February 12, 2004Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Scott R Culler, James L. McArdle, Jeffrey W. Nelson, John T. Wallace
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Publication number: 20030194961Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of making a three-dimensional fixed abrasive article, and a three dimensional fixed abrasive made thereby. The method comprises providing an abrasive composition comprising a plurality of abrasive particles and a binder precursor. The binder precursor comprises a polymerizable material consisting essentially of an ethylenically unsaturated material having one or more terminal functional groups of the same type of reactive functionality, a photoinitiator, and a thermal initiator. The abrasive composition is then applied onto a backing. The method then comprises at least partially curing the binder precursor by activating the photoinitiator, and further curing the binder precursor by activating the thermal initiator to provide a three-dimensional fixed abrasive.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2003Publication date: October 16, 2003Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Philip E. Kendall, Soon C. Park, Wesley J. Bruxvoort, Scott R. Culler, Jerry W. Williams
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Patent number: 6620214Abstract: Methods for making ceramic aggregate particles comprising forming a plurality of ceramic aggregate precursor particles from a composition by forcing the composition through at least one orifice in a substrate, at least partially curing the ceramic aggregate precursor particles, and heating the ceramic aggregate precursor particles to provide ceramic aggregate particles wherein solid particulates are bonded together by ceramic binder.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2001Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: James L. McArdle, Jeffrey W. Nelson, Scott R. Culler, John T. Wallace
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Patent number: 6521004Abstract: A method for making abrasive agglomerate particles from a composition comprising at least a radiation curable binder and solid particulates. The method comprises the steps of forcing the composition through a perforated substrate to form agglomerate precursor particles which then separate from the perforated substrate. Then, the particles are irradiated to form soldified, handleable agglomerate particles before being collected.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2000Date of Patent: February 18, 2003Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Scott R. Culler, James L. McArdle, Jeffrey W. Nelson, John T. Wallace
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Publication number: 20030017797Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of making a three-dimensional fixed abrasive article, and a three dimensional fixed abrasive made thereby. The method comprises providing an abrasive composition comprising a plurality of abrasive particles and a binder precursor. The binder precursor comprises a polymerizable material consisting essentially of an ethylenically unsaturated material having one or more terminal functional groups of the same type of reactive functionality, a photoinitiator, and a thermal initiator. The abrasive composition is then applied onto a backing. The method then comprises at least partially curing the binder precursor by activating the photoinitiator, and further curing the binder precursor by activating the thermal initiator to provide a three-dimensional fixed abrasive.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2001Publication date: January 23, 2003Inventors: Philip E. Kendall, Soon C. Park, Wesley J. Bruxvoort, Scott R. Culler, Jerry W. Williams
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Patent number: 6475253Abstract: This invention pertains to a coated, bonded or non-woven abrasive article containing precisely shaped particles and a binder. These precisely shaped particles can contain abrasive grits, fillers, grinding aids and lubricants. The binder is preferably a mixture of a resole phenolic resin and a free radical curable resin, resulting in improved cutting and life span. Also disclosed is a method of forming the coated, bonded or non-woven abrasive article.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1999Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Scott R. Culler, John J. Gagliardi, Thomas W. Larkey, Eric G. Larson, Larry L. Martin, Jeffrey W. Nelson
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Publication number: 20020095871Abstract: Methods for making ceramic aggregate particles comprising forming a plurality of ceramic aggregate precursor particles from a composition by forcing the composition through at least one orifice in a substrate, at least partially curing the ceramic aggregate precursor particles, and heating the ceramic aggregate precursor particles to provide ceramic aggregate particles wherein solid particulates are bonded together by ceramic binder.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2001Publication date: July 25, 2002Inventors: James L. McArdle, Jeffrey W. Nelson, Scott R. Culler, John T. Wallace
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Publication number: 20020066233Abstract: Ceramic aggregate particles comprising a plurality of solid particulates bonded together by ceramic binding material and methods of providing a plurality of such particles having substantially uniform cross-sectional shape are provided. The ceramic aggregate particles may incorporate a high percentage of solid particulates. The ceramic binding material may closely conform to the outermost surfaces of the solid particulates contained within the ceramic aggregate particle. When abrasive particulates are employed as the solid particulates, abrasive articles can be made which provide consistent high cut rates and consistent surface finish over relatively long periods of time.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2001Publication date: June 6, 2002Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: James L. McArdle, Scott R. Culler, William P. Wood
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Publication number: 20020026752Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 1999Publication date: March 7, 2002Applicant: MINNESOTA MINING AND MANUFACTURING COMPANYInventors: SCOTT R. CULLER, JOHN J. GAGLIARDI, THOMAS W. LARKEY, ERIC G. LARSON, LARRY M. MARTIN, JEFFREY W. NELSON
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Patent number: 6277160Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 5, 2000Date of Patent: August 21, 2001Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Roy Stubbs, Scott R. Culler, Mara E. Liepa, Donna W. Bange, John D. Haas
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Patent number: 6139594Abstract: An abrasive article is provided that includes a tie coat which improves adhesion between an abrasive layer and a backing in the abrasive article. The tie coat is preferably formed from a tie coat precursor comprising a sulfopoly(ester-urethane) component comprising in its backbone at least one non-terminal arylene or alkylene group comprising a pendant sulfonic acid group or salt thereof having the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is a trivalent aliphatic or aromatic group and M is a cation, said aliphatic or aromatic group being bonded directly to ester groups and wherein the polymer is terminated by at least one hydrolyzable silyl group. Preferably, the abrasive article is a structured abrasive article. Also provided is a method for making an abrasive article.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 1998Date of Patent: October 31, 2000Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Don H. Kincaid, Scott R. Culler, Larry R. Krepski, Daniel E. Mickus
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Patent number: 6080215Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 4, 1998Date of Patent: June 27, 2000Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Roy Stubbs, Scott R. Culler, Mara E. Liepa, Donna W. Bange, John D. Haas
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Patent number: 5958794Abstract: A method of modifying an exposed surface of a semiconductor wafer that includes the steps of:(a) contacting the surface with a fixed abrasive article having a three-dimensional textured abrasive surface that includes a plurality of abrasive particles and a binder in the form of a pre-determined pattern; and(b) relatively moving the wafer and the fixed abrasive article to modify said surface of the wafer.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 1996Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Wesley J. Bruxvoort, Scott R. Culler, Kwok-Lun Ho, David A. Kaisaki, Carl R. Kessel, Thomas P. Klun, Heather K. Kranz, Robert P. Messner, Richard J. Webb, Julia P. Williams