Patents by Inventor Steven J. Keipert

Steven J. Keipert 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: 20200078904
    Abstract: The method generally involves the steps of filling the cavities in a production tool each with an individual abrasive particle. Aligning a filled production tool and a resin coated backing for transfer of the abrasive particles to the resin coated backing. Transferring the abrasive particles from the cavities onto the resin coated backing and removing the production tool from the aligned position with the resin coated backing. Thereafter the resin layer is cured, a size coat is applied and cured and the coated abrasive article is converted to sheet, disk, or belt form by suitable converting equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventors: Steven J. Keipert, John T. Boden, Scott R. Culler
  • Patent number: 10518388
    Abstract: A coated abrasive article maker apparatus including a first web path guiding a production tool such that it wraps a portion of the outer circumference of an abrasive particle transfer roll; a second web path for a resin coated backing guiding the resin coated backing such that it wraps a portion of the outer circumference of the abrasive particle transfer roll with the resin layer positioned facing the dispensing surface of the production tool this is positioned between the resin coated backing and the outer circumference of the abrasive particle transfer roll; and wherein abrasive particles are transferred from cavities in the production tool to the resin coated backing as the resin coated backing and the production tool traverse around the abrasive particle transfer roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Scott R. Culler, John T. Boden, Steven J. Keipert, Negus B. Adefris, Karan Jindal, Aaron K. Nienaber, David L. Morrison, Peter T. Benson, Pratik Pranay, Bradford B. Wright
  • Patent number: 10493596
    Abstract: The method generally involves the steps of filling the cavities in a production tool each with an individual abrasive particle. Aligning a filled production tool and a resin coated backing for transfer of the abrasive particles to the resin coated backing. Transferring the abrasive particles from the cavities onto the resin coated backing and removing the production tool from the aligned position with the resin coated backing. Thereafter the resin layer is cured, a size coat is applied and cured and the coated abrasive article is converted to sheet, disk, or belt form by suitable converting equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Steven J. Keipert, John T. Boden, Scott R. Culler
  • Publication number: 20190262974
    Abstract: In some examples, an abrasive particle transfer system including a production tool comprising a dispensing surface and a back surface opposite the dispensing surface, wherein the production tool has cavities formed therein, wherein, on a respective basis, each of the cavities extends from a first opening at the dispensing surface through the production tool to a second opening at the back surface, and wherein the second opening is smaller than the first opening; abrasive particles removably disposed within at least some of the cavities such that a portion of each particle protrudes from the back surface through the second opening; and a transfer roll having an outer surface, wherein the production tool is guided along a web path such that the portion of the abrasive particles protruding from the back surface of the production tool contacts the outer surface of the abrasive particle transfer roll to displace the abrasive particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Publication date: August 29, 2019
    Inventors: Aaron K. Nienaber, John T. Boden, Joseph B. Eckel, Steven J. Keipert, Michael R. Berrigan
  • Publication number: 20190240810
    Abstract: A coated abrasive article includes a backing, a make layer, crushed abrasive particles, and a size layer. The crushed abrasive particles include: 35 to 100 weight percent of initial crushed abrasive particles having a first composition and first size grade, wherein a majority of the initial crushed abrasive particles are platey crushed abrasive particles, and wherein each platey crushed abrasive particle has a respective length, width, and thickness; and 0 to 65 weight percent of crushed filler particles having a second composition and a second size grade. The first and second compositions and/or size grades are different. The coated abrasive article has a direction of intended use, a majority of the platey crushed abrasive particles of the coated abrasive article are positioned with their thickness oriented substantially parallel to the direction of intended use. A method of making the coated abrasive article is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2019
    Publication date: August 8, 2019
    Inventor: Steven J. Keipert
  • Patent number: 10307889
    Abstract: A coated abrasive article includes a backing, a make layer, crushed abrasive particles, and a size layer. The crushed abrasive particles include: 35 to 100 weight percent of initial crushed abrasive particles having a first composition and first size grade, wherein a majority of the initial crushed abrasive particles are platey crushed abrasive particles, and wherein each platey crushed abrasive particle has a respective length, width, and thickness; and 0 to 65 weight percent of crushed filler particles having a second composition and a second size grade. The first and second compositions and/or size grades are different. The coated abrasive article has a direction of intended use, a majority of the platey crushed abrasive particles of the coated abrasive article are positioned with their thickness oriented substantially parallel to the direction of intended use. A method of making the coated abrasive article is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Steven J. Keipert
  • Patent number: 10245708
    Abstract: A method of making an abrasive article comprises urging a malleable thermosetting melt-flowable composition through openings extending through a porous abrasive member to form an abrasive article precursor; which is heated to form the abrasive article. Multiple abrasive articles may be stacked prior to heating. Methods can be used to fabricate abrasive articles such as grinding wheels and cut-off wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Jacob S. Beveridge, Steven J. Keipert
  • Publication number: 20190091835
    Abstract: The method generally involves the steps of filling the cavities in a production tool each with an individual abrasive particle. Aligning a filled production tool and a resin coated backing for transfer of the abrasive particles to the resin coated backing. Transferring the abrasive particles from the cavities onto the resin coated backing and removing the production tool from the aligned position with the resin coated backing. Thereafter the resin layer is cured, a size coat is applied and cured and the coated abrasive article is converted to sheet, disk, or belt form by suitable converting equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: Scott R. Culler, John T. Boden, Steven J. Keipert, Negus B. Adefris
  • Publication number: 20180169836
    Abstract: Methods of making an abrasive article. Abrasive particles are loaded to a distribution tool including a plurality of strips defining a plurality of channels. Each channel is open to a lower side of the tool. The loaded particles are distributed from the distribution tool to a major face of a backing web below the lower side. At least a majority of the particles distributed from the tool undergo an orientation sequence in which each particle first enters one of the channels. The particle then passes partially through the channel such that a first portion is beyond the lower side and in contact with the major face, and a second portion within the channel. The sequence then includes the particle remaining in simultaneous contact with one of the strips and the major face for a dwell period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Geoffrey I. Wilson, Brian G. Koethe, Steven J. Keipert
  • Publication number: 20180161960
    Abstract: An abrasive article includes a plurality of abrasive particles and the rotational orientation of at least a portion of the abrasive particles about the z-axis varies randomly within a defined range, and the spacing of the abrasive particles along the y-axis varies randomly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Publication date: June 14, 2018
    Inventors: Geoffrey I. Wilson, Brian G. Koethe, Steven J. Keipert
  • Publication number: 20180104793
    Abstract: Methods of making vitreous bond abrasive articles and their precursors using powder bed jetting are disclosed. Vitreous bond abrasive articles prepared by the method include abrasive articles having arcuate or tortuous cooling channels, unitary structured abrasive discs, abrasive segments, shaped abrasive particles, and abrasive wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Carsten Franke, Robert L.W. Smithson, Brian D. Goers, Negus B. Adefris, Maiken Givot, Thomas J. Anderson, Steven J. Keipert
  • Publication number: 20180029194
    Abstract: A coated abrasive article includes a backing, a make layer, crushed abrasive particles, and a size layer. The crushed abrasive particles include: 35 to 100 weight percent of initial crushed abrasive particles having a first composition and first size grade, wherein a majority of the initial crushed abrasive particles are platey crushed abrasive particles, and wherein each platey crushed abrasive particle has a respective length, width, and thickness; and 0 to 65 weight percent of crushed filler particles having a second composition and a second size grade. The first and second compositions and/or size grades are different. The coated abrasive article has a direction of intended use, a majority of the platey crushed abrasive particles of the coated abrasive article are positioned with their thickness oriented substantially parallel to the direction of intended use. A method of making the coated abrasive article is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2016
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventor: Steven J. Keipert
  • Publication number: 20170368667
    Abstract: A coated abrasive article having a plurality of formed ceramic abrasive particles each having a surface feature. The plurality of formed ceramic abrasive particles attached to a flexible backing by a make coat comprising a resinous adhesive forming an abrasive layer. The surface feature having a specified z-direction rotational orientation, and the specified z-direction rotational orientation occurs more frequently in the abrasive layer than would occur by a random z-direction rotational orientation of the surface feature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Steven J. Keipert
  • Patent number: D849066
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Thomas P. Hanschen, Steven J. Keipert, Joseph B. Eckel, Aaron K. Nienaber, Brant A. Moegenburg, Eric M. Moore, Thomas J. Nelson
  • Patent number: D849067
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    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: D862538
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Thomas P. Hanschen, Steven J. Keipert, Joseph B. Eckel, Aaron K. Nienaber, Brant A. Moegenburg, Eric M. Moore, Thomas J. Nelson
  • Patent number: D870782
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    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: D879164
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    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: D879165
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Joseph B. Eckel, Aaron K. Nienaber, Erin D. Spring, Brant A. Moegenburg, Eric M. Moore, Thomas J. Nelson, Thomas P. Hanschen, Steven J. Keipert
  • Patent number: D879166
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Joseph B. Eckel, Aaron K. Nienaber, Erin D. Spring, Brant A. Moegenburg, Eric M. Moore, Thomas J. Nelson, Thomas P. Hanschen, Steven J. Keipert