Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm James J. Trussell
  • Patent number: 6004656
    Abstract: A color changeable device that has been partially activated. The device comprises a flexible substrate with a first major surface and a second major surface and an interference color generating laminate on the first major surface. The color generating laminate comprises a first layer and a second layer in intimate contact. When the first and second layers are in intimate contact, the laminate generates an interference color. When the first and second layers are not in intimate contact, the laminate does not generate the interference color. The substrate and laminate include a first permanent deformation causing separation of the first and second layers at a first portion of the device while retaining the first and second layers in intimate contact at a second portion of the device. The device is particularly useful for confirming the authenticity of an article without having to remove the color change device from the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Raymond R. Gosselin, Thomas M. Spielbauer
  • Patent number: 6001202
    Abstract: A method of spin welding a fastener to an article and such an article. In a preferred mode, a method of spin welding a fastener to a surface conditioning treating article is disclosed. The fastener comprises a generally planar base including a first side, a second side, and a drive member extending from the second side. The surface treating article comprises a working surface adapted to treat a workpiece surface, and a back surface, the back surface comprising an open woven scrim. The first side of the fastener base is melt-bonded by the spin weld method to the open woven scrim of the surface treating article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Penttila, Mandel L. Desnick, Gerald R. Porter
  • Patent number: 5996927
    Abstract: A splicing tape (200) comprises a splicing portion (1,2) and an attachment portion (42,48), said attachment portion (42,48) being provided for releasably and self-supportively attaching said splicing tape (200) substantially across the width of a roll of sheet material. A first adhesive layer (2) is provided on a backing (1) extending from one longitudinal edge of the backing (1) across the tape to a first position towards the center of the backing (1), said first adhesive layer (2) being provided for attaching the leading edge of the roll to the splicing tape (200). A second adhesive layer (2) is provided on the backing (1) beginning at or beyond, but not overlapping the first position and extending towards the second longitudinal edge of the backing (1). The second adhesive layer is for attachment to a further sheet material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Hans Julius Weirauch, Max Holderbusch
  • Patent number: 5983434
    Abstract: A rotary bristle tool having a backing with a plurality of bristles extending therefrom. The bristles have a cross section and preferential orientation to control deflection during rotation of the tool. One embodiment is well suited for refining the inside surface of two-way and three-way corners. The backing and bristles are preferably integrally molded. The rotary bristle tool is molded from a moldable polymer such a thermoset polymer, thermoplastic polymer, or thermoplastic elastomer. The rotary bristle tool can include an attachment member molded integrally with the backing. Also disclosed is a method of making a rotary bristle tool and a method of refining a workpiece surface with a rotary bristle tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Marcus L. Eichinger, Dean S. Holmes, David E. Johnson, Dennis W. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5975987
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for knurling a workpiece in which the knurl pattern has an oblique helix angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical workpiece. Also disclosed is a method of molding a molded article with the knurled workpiece to impart the inverse of the knurl pattern onto the molded article, such a molded article, a method of forming a structured abrasive article with the molded article, and such an abrasive article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Timothy L. Hoopman, Stanley B. Collins, James A. Servatius
  • Patent number: 5964181
    Abstract: A critical temperature indicating device is provided. It includes a microporous membrane, an indicating composition containing less than about 10 wt-% water, and means for containing the microporous membrane and the indicating composition. The indicating composition includes: a primary organic component comprising at least one compound that has a freezing point above the critical temperature and does not spontaneously wet out the microporous membrane at a temperature at least about 30.degree. C. above the critical temperature; a modifying component comprising at least one compound that has a freezing point below the critical temperature; and a wetting component comprising at least one compound that has a freezing point below the critical temperature and is capable of spontaneously wetting out the microporous membrane at about the critical temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Rodger J. Pereyra, Russell D. Birkholz, Matthew T. Scholz
  • Patent number: 5964006
    Abstract: A rotary surface treatment tool is attached to a rotational driver with a kit. The surface treatment tool includes a base with a middle portion around a center hole, and one or more attachment knobs are placed on the front side of the middle portion. An attachment plate or retainer nut has a flange which extends radially over the middle portion of the base. The attachment knobs mate with holes in the flange of the retainer nut. The surface treatment tool is tightened onto the shaft by turning the surface treatment tool, with the attachment knob turning the retainer nut and thereby tightening the retainer nut to the threaded shaft. Assembly and tightening without any tools is thus facilitated. The base may be made of a flexible, shape-retaining material, and recesses are provided behind the attachment knobs to permit use with a retainer nut without a mating recess. The surface treatment tool may be a brush having bristles which extend at about 90.degree. to the plane of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Dean S. Holmes, David C. Roeker
  • Patent number: 5962102
    Abstract: A back-up pad for supporting an abrasive article having projecting hooking stems. The back-up pad includes a support member and an engaging means provided on a major surface of the support member for releasable engaging the hooking stems of the abrasive article. The engaging means includes a substrate having a first surface, a second surface, a plurality of loops projecting from the first surface, and an adhesive applied to the second surface. The plurality of loops comprise a continuous strand, the strand including a plurality of loop portions projecting through the substrate from the second side to the first side to thereby form the loops, and a plurality of connecting portions between the loop portions. The substrate is located between the loop portions and connection portions of the strand, and the adhesive adheres the connecting portions of the strand to the second surface of the substrate. Also disclosed is an engaging means for use with a back-up pad, and a method of stitching the engaging means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: William F. Sheffield, John L. Barry, David F. Slama
  • Patent number: 5946991
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for knurling a workpiece in which the knurl pattern includes grooves of at least two different configurations. The apparatus includes a knurl wheel holder that allows angular rotation of the knurl wheel about the holder longitudinal axis while maintaining the knurl wheel point of contact on the longitudinal axis. The apparatus also a knurling wheel that includes teeth of at least two different configurations. Also disclosed is a method of molding a molded article with the knurled workpiece to impart the inverse of the knurl pattern onto the molded article, such a molded article, a method of forming a structured abrasive article with the molded article, and such an abrasive article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Timothy L. Hoopman
  • Patent number: 5931729
    Abstract: An article made by spin welding a fastener to the article. In a preferred mode, a method of spin welding a fastener to a surface conditioning treating article is disclosed. The fastener comprises a generally planar base including a first side, a second side, and a drive member extending from the second side. The surface treating article comprises a working surface adapted to treat a workpiece surface, and a back surface, the back surface comprising an open woven scrim. The first side of the fastener base is melt-bonded by the spin weld method to the open woven scrim of the surface treating article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Penttila, Mandel L. Desnick, Gerald R. Porter
  • Patent number: 5932298
    Abstract: Methods for preparing viscoelastic compositions (e.g., adhesives such as hot melt adhesives) in which a pre-viscoelastic composition (e.g., a pre-adhesive composition) is combined with a packaging material and then polymerized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: John D. Moon
  • Patent number: 5915436
    Abstract: A molded 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 molded brush can include an attaching means molded integrally with the backing. Also disclosed is a method of making a molded brush and a method of refining a workpiece surface with a molded brush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacting Company
    Inventors: David E. Johnson, Lawrence J. Mann, Scott M. Mevissen, Richard M. Pihl, David C. Roeker
  • Patent number: 5908680
    Abstract: A textile pull roll cover is disclosed which has an exterior side with desired frictional characteristics for engagement with an advancing textile web. On its opposite side, the pull roll cover is affixed to a cylindrical outer surface of a textile pull roll by a repositionable pressure sensitive adhesive disposed therebetween. A method for making a textile pull roll is disclosed, as well as a method for changing a pull roll cover using repositionable pressure sensitive adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Louis S. Moren, David E. Johnson, Dennis G. Welygan
  • 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
  • Patent number: D407303
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Robert J. Engberg
  • Patent number: D408601
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Phillip M. Winter, Charles B. Dousette, Jerome M. Fried
  • Hub
    Patent number: D409340
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Phillip M. Winter, Charles B. Dousette, Jerome M. Fried
  • Patent number: D415378
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Jerome M. Fried, David C. Roeker
  • Patent number: D416476
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Robert J. Engberg
  • Patent number: D418745
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Michael S. Berger