Patents Represented by Attorney Gregory D. Allen
  • Patent number: 6300261
    Abstract: Self-healing articles resistant to oxidizing agents and useful for surface conditioning of sheets, especially metal sheets, are described. The articles comprise a plurality of compacted, stacked non-woven web elements, the web elements each comprising entangled fibers bonded together at points of mutual contact by a bonding agent. The article is resistant to an oxidizing agent or agents, has a Shore A hardness in the range of 70 to 93 and a void volume in the range of 2 to 30 percent. The non-woven articles can be configured into any of a variety of convenient and useful shapes, such as roll shapes, slab or bar shapes. The methods of making these articles are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: John B. Young, Loren L. Barber
  • Patent number: 6287184
    Abstract: This invention encompasses abrasive articles that have a coating, typically made of at least a binder and abrasive particles, selectively removed from a portion of an exposed abrading surface of the article in order to inscribe a detectable marking on the abrasive article. Suitable coated abrasive articles include both articles that have the binder and abrasive particles sequentially coated on a backing as a make coat and deposited abrasive particles as well as articles that have the binder and abrasive particles simultaneously coated on the backing as a slurry coat. Coated abrasive articles that are particularly preferred include articles that have an exposed abrading or abrasive surface that is a textured, three-dimensional surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Louis R. Carpentier, Thomas J. Daul, Alan P. Dimberg, Steven J. Dobrzynski, David A. Kent, Jeffrey D. Vangsness, William J. Whealon
  • Patent number: 6287353
    Abstract: Alpha alumina-based abrasive grain and method of making the same. The abrasive grain can be incorporated into abrasive products such as coated abrasives, bonded abrasives, non-woven abrasives, and abrasive brushes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Ahmet Celikkaya
  • 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: 6277161
    Abstract: Alpha alumina-based abrasive grain. The abrasive grain can be incorporated into abrasive products such as coated abrasives, bonded abrasives, non-woven abrasives, and abrasive brushes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Darren T. Castro, Ahmet Celikkaya, Larry D. Monroe
  • Patent number: 6264710
    Abstract: Alumina-based abrasive material having at least an internal layer is provided. Preferably, the abrasive material results from co-extrusion of at least two different sols. In some preferred processing, steps to provide multiple internal layers are conducted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Dwight D. Erickson
  • Patent number: 6261682
    Abstract: An abrasive article comprising a backing, a plurality of abrasive particles, a binder which adheres the abrasive particles to the backing, and a peripheral coat including an antiloading component is provided. The antiloading component is of the formula (CnH2n+1)—COO—M, wherein n is greater than 17 and M is selected from Group 1 of the Periodic Table, with the proviso that when M is lithium, n is greater than 21. The antiloading component can be included in a coated abrasive article, such as a lapping or structured abrasive article, and a nonwoven abrasive article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties
    Inventor: Kam W. Law
  • Patent number: 6261156
    Abstract: A molded abrasive brush having a backing with a plurality of bristles extending therefrom. The backing and bristles are preferably integrally molded. The brush is molded from a moldable polymer such a thermoset polymer, thermoplastic polymer, or thermoplastic elastomer. The moldable polymer includes a plurality of organic or inorganic abrasive particles interspersed throughout at least the bristles, and can be interspersed throughout the brush. The moldable brush can include an attaching means molded integrally with the backing. 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: June 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: David E. Johnson, Lawrence J. Mann, Scott M. Mevissen, Richard M. Pihl, David C. Roeker
  • Patent number: 6245301
    Abstract: Catalytic converter or diesel particulate filter or trap having edge protectant which reduces erosion of a lateral edge of an intumescent mounting mat when exposed to hot, impinging gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Paul D. Stroom, Gary F. Howorth, Michael T. Schweitzer
  • Patent number: 6206942
    Abstract: Method for making alpha alumina-based abrasive grain, wherein during an impregnation step of the method, alpha alumina-based ceramic precursor particles conchoidally fracture. The abrasive grain can be incorporated into abrasive products such as coated abrasives, bonded abrasives, and non-woven abrasives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: William P. Wood
  • Patent number: 6120026
    Abstract: Game with a privacy member. The game includes a play region and a directional viewing screen. The directional viewing screen covers at least a portion of the play region such that said portion of the play region is viewable therethrough at a first player position, but is not viewable therethrough at a second player position. The game with privacy member in accordance with the present invention allows for enhancement of existing games, as well as for the creation of new games or new play patterns of existing games.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Co.
    Inventors: Leland R. Whitney, Myron K. Jordan, Thomas J. Scanlan, Gregory D. Allen
  • Patent number: 6082876
    Abstract: Hand-holdable toy light tube comprising a handle, a light source and a tube of color shifting film. The light source is preferably disposed within an end of the handle. The tube of color shifting film extends from the end of the handle. During use, light from the light source interacts with the tube of color shifting film, producing a brilliant colored effect. Movement of the handle and thus of the tube of color shifting film produces multiple colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Gary B. Hanson, Michael F. Weber, Andrew J. Ouderkirk
  • Patent number: 6053956
    Abstract: Method for making alpha alumina-based abrasive grain, wherein during an impregnation step of the method, alpha alumina-based ceramic precursor particles conchoidally fracture. The abrasive grain can be incorporated into abrasive products such as coated abrasives, bonded abrasives, and non-woven abrasives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: William P. Wood
  • Patent number: 6053795
    Abstract: A toy or novelty article including an image located thereon, having a reflective "mirror" mode and a transmissive mode, such that a generally opaque material is viewable in the transmissive mode. One preferred embodiment includes a generally opaque material, a first polarizer and a second polarizer. In another aspect, a preferred embodiment, in a first orientation, the first and second polarizers interact to be reflective, and in a second orientation, the first and second polarizers are collectively translucent such that the generally opaque material is viewable therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Leland R. Whitney, Gregory D. Allen
  • Patent number: 6012820
    Abstract: Hand-holdable novelty article comprising a handle, a light source and a plurality of sections of color shifting film. The light source is preferably disposed within an end of the handle. The plurality of sections of color shifting film extend from the end of the handle. During use, light from the light source interacts with the plurality of strands of color shifting film, producing a brilliant colored effect. Movement of the plurality of sections of color shifting film produces multiple colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Compnay
    Inventors: Michael F. Weber, Leland R. Whitney, Olester Benson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6009843
    Abstract: Lightweight, strong, engine valves that incorporate a valve stem made from a refractory monofilament-reinforced, titanium-based metal matrix composite. Advantageously, the composite of the present invention is sufficiently strong so that valve stems incorporating the composite can be hollow for providing significant weight reduction while meeting valve stem strength and stiffness specifications. The valve includes a valve stem comprising a first end, a second end, and EL longitudinal axis extending from the first end to the second end. The valve stem comprises a composite incorporating a titanium-based metal binder matrix and an axially aligned cluster of continuous, refractory monofilaments incorporated in the binder matrix. A valve head is provided at one end of the valve stem, and a valve tip is provided at the other end. The invention also relates to a method of making such valves. The invention further relates to a composite assembly from which such valves may be machined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Christopher J. Griffin, Charles J. Skowronek, James P. Sorensen
  • Patent number: 5999317
    Abstract: Toy or novelty including a first polarizer and a second polarizer movable relative to the first polarizer. In a first mode, the first and second polarizers interact to be reflective, and in a second mode, the first and second polarizers is transmissive. The toy may further include an object or image located adjacent the second polarizer, wherein the object or image is viewable through the first and second polarizers in the second mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Leland R. Whitney
  • Patent number: 5955177
    Abstract: A flexible mat is provided having a nonwoven fabric having first and second major surfaces; and a coating of metal oxide on only a portion of at least one of the major surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Stephen M. Sanocki, John L. Erickson
  • Patent number: 5908478
    Abstract: Method for making alpha alumina-based abrasive grain from a dispersion comprising boehmite, wherein the method involves the impregnation of an alpha alumina-based ceramic precursor material. The abrasive grain can be incorporated into abrasive products such as coated abrasives, bonded abrasives, and non-woven abrasives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: William P. Wood
  • Patent number: 5897928
    Abstract: Methods and articles for reinforcing castable compositions through the use of reinforcing elements maintained in a close-packed alignment in a dispersible containment means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: James F. Sanders, Larry D. Rich, Clifford N. MacDonald, L. Max Hurlocker