Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Jeffrey L. Wendt
  • Patent number: 5378251
    Abstract: An abrasive article is presented which includes a backing having a front and back surface, and an abrasive coating bonded to the front surface of the backing. The abrasive coating comprises a homogeneous mixture of a plurality of abrasive particles, a binder and a grinding aid. The binder serves to bond the abrasive coating to the backing and the grinding aid comprises at least 1% by weight of the abrasive coating, but not more than 50% by weight. It is preferred that the abrasive coating consists essentially of a plurality of precisely shaped abrasive composites. Methods of making and using the abrasive articles are also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Scott R. Culler, Gregory A. Berg, Jon R. Pieper, Richard M. Olson
  • Patent number: 5368936
    Abstract: A granular material which includes an inorganic substrate has a ceramic coating which substantially reduces dust generation during processing of the granular material. The ceramic coating comprises the reaction product of an alkali metal silicate and an aluminosilicate, the ceramic coating further including a magnesium complex and an alkali metal chloride. The magnesium complex and alkali metal chloride are dispersed within the coating. It has been found that the use of magnesium chloride alone eliminates the use of oil in preventing dusting of the resultant granule material. Methods of producing such ceramic-coated granular materials are also disclosed, as well as methods of reducing dust generation using magnesium chloride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Ehrich J. Braunschweig, Margaret M. Nauman, Joseph Graham
  • Patent number: 5368668
    Abstract: A stitchbonded absorbent article and method of making same are presented. The article exhibits good hand, repeated washing durability, and absorbency. The article includes first and second layers which are mechanically held together by stitches of yarn, at a stitch density ranging from about 15 to about 35 st/10 cm, and stitch gauge ranging from about 10 to about 40, using a stitching yarn comprising at least two compositionally different fibers having different heat stability being at least partially melt-bonded together at points of mutual contact, the yarn being melt-bonded at least partially to outer surfaces of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Miroslav Tochacek, Donald M. Courteau
  • Patent number: 5368619
    Abstract: Sluuries and binder precursor dispersions suitable for use in producing abrasive articles are presented. Slurries comprise a polymerizable resin which is preferably addition polymerizable, abrasive particles, and modifying particles, wherein the modifying particles are present in an amount sufficient to reduce the viscosity of the slurry. Abrasive articles incorporating cured versions of the slurries and dispersions are presented, as well as methods of making the articles and of reducing sedimentation rate of mineral particles (abrasive or filler).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Scott R. Culler
  • Patent number: 5363604
    Abstract: A low-density non woven abrasive article formed of a multiplicity of continuous, crimped, thermoplastic organic filaments having a portion of the filaments entangled with one another and having an organic thermoset binder which binds at least some of the filaments at points where they contact, performs well as a scouring article. The filaments of the article may further have abrasive particles adhesively bound thereto by the binder. The web of the low-density article is produced by entangling a plurality of substantially parallel, continuous, crimped, thermoplastic organic filaments, preferably by needlepunching, and coating the entangled web with a binder precursor solution or slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Raymond F. Heyer
  • Patent number: 5362566
    Abstract: A coatable composition suitable for reducing dust generation during processing of granular materials consists essentially of a tackifier, an organic oil, and an adhesion agent, the tackifier consisting essentially of an organic material having a glass transition temperature of no less than about 120.degree. C. and a diluent present in sufficient amount to give the tackifier a kinematic viscosity ranging from about 3,000 to about 5,000 centistokes at 100.degree. C. The tackifier is preferably present in the composition at about 0.5 to about 2.0 weight percent of the total weight of the composition, and the adhesion agent is preferably present at about 0.5 to about 5.0 weight percent of the total weight of the composition, with the balance being organic oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Billy L. George, Stefan A. Babirad, Delmon H. Penny
  • Patent number: 5356664
    Abstract: A method of inhibiting algae growth on an asphalt shingle surface exposed to varying humidity using a blend of copper-containing algae-resistant granules and non-algae-resistant granules. The copper-containing algae-resistant granules comprise a substrate granule having at least one inner ceramic coating layer comprising cuprous oxide and a seal coating having a thickness covering the inner layer and which is at time t.sub.o devoid of copper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Sankar B. Narayan, William T. Fay, Billy L. George, Christine A. Sobon, Mark H. Kayser
  • Patent number: 5354808
    Abstract: Ungelled, aqueous dispersions of silane-terminated partially crosslinked polyurethane polymers are described which are the reaction product of A) an isocyanate-containing prepolymer formed from: (i) a molar excess of organic polyisocyanate sufficient to promote substantially equal access to isocyanate groups; (ii) active hydrogen-containing material; (iii) sterically hindered amines; (iv) emulsifying monomer; B) chain-extending monomer; C) an organic compound having a pKb of at most about 7; and D) a silane coupling agent represented by the general formula ASi(OR.sup.2).sub.3 and present in an amount sufficient to partially crosslink the polyurethane resin but insufficient to gel the dispersion, provide advantages over previously known polyurethanes used as surface coatings. The hindered amine allows surface coatings incorporating the polyurethanes to be easily removed by aqueous compositions having pH between about 2 and 5. Methods of making the prepolymers, polymers, and dispersions are also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Fidelis C. Onwumere, Kurt C. Frisch, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5342419
    Abstract: An abrasive composite is presented having a controlled rate of erosion, the composite comprising abrasive particles dispersed in the binder, wherein the binder comprises an addition polymerized resin having clay particles dispersed therein. The abrasive composite may be adhered to various substrates, including paper, cloth, polymeric films, and nonwovens. The clay particles allow the binder, and thus the composite, to controllably erode upon abrasion of a workpiece, thus exposing fresh abrasive particles to the workpiece. Coatable compositions comprising clay particles dispersed in a binder precursor composition, and optionally containing abrasive particles, are also described, as well as methods of making and using the composites and articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Louis D. Hibbard
  • Patent number: 5322711
    Abstract: To inhibit agglomeration of fibrous material during composite preparation and to increase transverse strength, particulates such as whiskers have been attached to the fibrous material. Whiskers can be economically grown on the fibrous material while it is transported lengthwise through a heated gaseous mixture under APCVD conditions and the presence of an agent for catalyzing the formation of whiskers. The fibrous material preferably is a roving or tow of a ceramic or carbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Thomas Gabor, James M. O'Kelly, Chris J. Goodbrake, Joseph H. Eaton
  • Patent number: 5318604
    Abstract: An abrasive article comprising abrasive elements dispersed in a binder matrix, the abrasive elements comprising individual particles of abrasive material, substantially all of which are partially embedded in a metal binder. The abrasive particles, when introduced into an electrolyte bath only during the final stages of an electrodeposition process, are embedded only on a major surface of the metal binder. Methods of making the abrasive elements and the abrasive articles are also presented as aspects of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1994
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Ian Gorsuch, Timothy Lawson
  • Patent number: 5316812
    Abstract: The present invention provides a backing for a coated abrasive article, wherein the backing includes a tough, heat resistant, thermoplastic binder material, and an effective amount of a fibrous reinforcing material distributed throughout the thermoplastic binder material. The tough, heat resistant, thermoplastic binder material and the fibrous reinforcing material together form a hardened composition that will not substantially deform or disintegrate during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: George M. Stout, James G. Homan, John R. Mlinar, Larry R. Wright
  • Patent number: 5316824
    Abstract: Building materials such as concrete can be protected from the growth of algae by being treated with a compound containing tin covalently bonded to a silylating group such that cleavage of the covalent bonds due to hydrolysis or photolysis is minimized, thus making the treatment ecologically safe. One such compound is (n-Bu).sub.3 SnCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 Si(OEt).sub.3. The tin compound can either be incorporated into raw materials from which building materials are to be made, or it can be applied to the finished building materials. When the tin compound is applied to a building material that is algae streaked, the streaking should disappear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Billy L. George, Katherine A. Brown-Wensley
  • Patent number: 5310590
    Abstract: Stitchbonded articles and methods of making same are presented. The articles may be either dual purpose wiping/scrubbing articles or only scrubbing articles. The articles may be constructed to have three dimensional scrubbing surfaces. Both the dual purpose articles and the scrubbing articles comprise thermoplastic nodules melt-bonded to the stitching yarn, and preferably to the fibers of an absorbent material, the nodules providing the primary scrubbing utility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Miroslav Tochacek, Donald M. Couirteau, Vinu Patel
  • Patent number: 5308673
    Abstract: A stitchbonded absorbent article and method of making same are presented. The article exhibits good hand, repeated washing durability, and absorbency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Miroslav Tochacek, Donald M. Courteau
  • Patent number: 5306319
    Abstract: Surface treating articles having varying degree of smear-resistance and their methods of manufacture are presented. One preferred article is characterized by an organic matrix substantially engulfed by a novel, tough, adherent elastomeric resinous binder system comprising the reaction product of either(1) a polyurethane prepolymer, or(2) a polyurethane polymer emulsion with an epoxy-functional material and an amine-functional material in an aqueous system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Subramanian Krishnan, Eugene J. Miller, Mary B. Donovan, Ramona M. Janochoski, Caroline Couvelard
  • Patent number: 5305560
    Abstract: Splices of endless abrasive belts and cones can be formed without emission of organic volatiles by employing as the splicing adhesive an aqueous adhesive dispersion that is a blend of a polyurethane and a polyisocyanate crosslinking agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Glenn E. Roelofs
  • Patent number: 5282900
    Abstract: A nonwoven surface treating article suitable for treating surfaces which include calcium carbonate, such as marble floors, includes an open, lofty, three-dimensional nonwoven web of a plurality of thermoplastic organic fibers, a binder, and abrasive particles having an average particle diameter ranging from about 0.1 micrometer to about 30 micrometers. The abrasive articles of the invention do not rust, as do steel wool pads, and produce a high gloss, durable surface. A system for treating calcium carbonate-containing surfaces is also presented, the system including the articles and an acidic crystallization agent. Methods of treating calcium carbonate-containing surfaces with the system are also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: James A. McDonell, Robert C. Kyle
  • Patent number: 5273559
    Abstract: An abrasive composition and dental articles made from same, the composition including abrasive particles dispersed throughout and entrapped within a polyurea or polyurethane urea matrix which contains soft and hard segments wherein the matrix is made from the polymerization reaction of a polyfunctional amine and a polyfunctional isocyanate. The abrasive dental articles include prophylactic cups and polishing wheels, points and discs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: W. James Hammar, Richard W. Joos
  • Patent number: 5273558
    Abstract: Bonded abrasive compositions, articles incorporating same, and methods of making the compositions and articles are presented, the compositions comprising abrasive particles dispersed throughout and adhered within an elastomeric polyurea matrix. The polyurea matrix is formed from the polymerization reaction product of a polyfunctional amine and an isocyanate. The compositions exhibit excellent smear- and wear-resistance, and may be attached to a variety of backings. One preferred backing is integrally molded to the bonded abrasive composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Leonard E. Nelson, Loc X. Van