Patents by Inventor Aaron K. Nienaber
Aaron K. Nienaber 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: 20240075578Abstract: A disc changing system for a robotic defect repair system is presented. The system has a first abrasive disc and a second abrasive disc. The first and second abrasive discs are coupled to a liner. The system includes an abrasive disc placement device configured to automatically: remove the first abrasive disc from the liner, transport the first abrasive disc to a robotic tool of the robotic defect repair system, and place the first abrasive disc on a backup pad coupled to the robotic tool. The system also includes an abrasive disc remover configured to automatically remove the first abrasive disc after receiving a removal signal. The system also includes a controller configured to send an instruction to the disc placement device to remove, transport and place the first abrasive disc, instruct the robotic tool to conduct an abrasive operation. The controller is also configured to send the removal signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2023Publication date: March 7, 2024Inventors: Aaron K. Nienaber, Mark W. Orlando, Nathan J. Herbst, Christie L. Vitale, Marc Eberwein, Brett R. Hemes, Jonathan B. Arthur, Thomas J. Strey
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Patent number: 11911791Abstract: According to one embodiment, a solar device, comprises one or more photovoltaic cells disposed in an encapsulant and a light control structure including a louver film having a series of louver structures, wherein each louver structure includes one or more groupings of a plurality magnetizable particles aligned at least in a first orientation dispersed in a binding matrix. The light control structure substantially transmits light incident at a first angle and substantially limits transmission of light incident at a second angle. Each louver structure is spaced apart from an adjacent louver structure, wherein each louver structure is substantially aligned in a plane substantially parallel to an adjacent louver structure.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2019Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Mark B. O'Neill, Gary E. Gaides, Joseph B. Eckel, Aaron K. Nienaber, Ronald D. Jesme, Mark D. Weigel
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Patent number: 11911876Abstract: A system and method for producing an abrasive article includes a production tool configured to provide shaped abrasive particles to a resin coated backing. A first end and a second end of the production tool are spliced together to form a spliced area. The production tool includes a dispensing surface that includes a plurality of cavities formed between the first end and the second end and configured to receive and hold the shaped abrasive particles. The resin coated backing is configured to receive the shaped abrasive particles from the dispensing surface of the production tool and configured to receive further shaped abrasive particles to fill gaps in the shaped abrasive particles caused by an absence of the plurality of cavities in the spliced area.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2019Date of Patent: February 27, 2024Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Thomas J. Nelson, Aaron K. Nienaber, Joseph B. Eckel, Ann M. Hawkins, Amelia W. Koenig
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Patent number: 11850695Abstract: A disc changing system for a robotic defect repair system is presented. The system has a first abrasive disc and a second abrasive disc. The first and second abrasive discs are coupled to a liner. The system includes an abrasive disc placement device configured to automatically: remove the first abrasive disc from the liner, transport the first abrasive disc to a robotic tool of the robotic defect repair system, and place the first abrasive disc on a backup pad coupled to the robotic tool. The system also includes an abrasive disc remover configured to automatically remove the first abrasive disc after receiving a removal signal. The system also includes a controller configured to send an instruction to the disc placement device to remove, transport and place the first abrasive disc, instruct the robotic tool to conduct an abrasive operation. The controller is also configured to send the removal signal.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2020Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Aaron K. Nienaber, Mark W. Orlando, Nathan J. Herbst, Christie L. Vitale, Marc Eberwein, Brett R. Hemes, Jonathan B. Arthur, Thomas J. Strey
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Publication number: 20230405760Abstract: A method of reusing a hub in an abrasive assembly is presented that includes removably coupling the abrasive wheel to a reusable hub. The abrasive wheel has an outer circumference and an inner circumference. The abrasive article has an inner circumference and an outer circumference. The method also includes abrading a worksurface by contacting the abrasive wheel to the worksurface. The reusable hub includes a coupling feature configured to directly couple to the abrasive article. The coupling feature includes an adhesive-free connection between the reusable hub and the abrasive wheel. The direct connection is a removable interlocking between the abrasive wheel and the reusable hub.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2021Publication date: December 21, 2023Inventors: Brett A. Beierman, Maiken Givot, Piotr S. Stach, Jean-Luc Rifaut, Walter Flaschberger, Aaron K. Nienaber
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Publication number: 20230411547Abstract: According to one embodiment, a solar device, comprises one or more photovoltaic cells disposed in an encapsulant and a light control structure including a louver film having a series of louver structures, wherein each louver structure includes one or more groupings of a plurality magnetizable particles aligned at least in a first orientation dispersed in a binding matrix. The light control structure substantially transmits light incident at a first angle and substantially limits transmission of light incident at a second angle. Each louver structure is spaced apart from an adjacent louver structure, wherein each louver structure is substantially aligned in a plane substantially parallel to an adjacent louver structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2023Publication date: December 21, 2023Inventors: Mark B. O'Neill, Gary E. Gaides, Joseph B. Eckel, Aaron K. Nienaber, Ronald D. Jesme, Mark D. Weigel
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Patent number: 11826883Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed relate to an abrasive article. The abrasive article includes a first major surface and an opposed second major surface. Each major surface contacts a peripheral side surface. A central axis extends through the first and second major surfaces. A first layer of abrasive particles is dispersed within the abrasive article according to a first predetermined pattern. Further a second layer of abrasive particles spaced apart from the first layer of abrasive particles and is dispersed within the abrasive article along a according to a second predetermined pattern. A binder material retains the first and second layers of abrasive particles in the abrasive article. A portion of the binder material is located between the first and second layers of abrasive particles. That portion of the binder material is substantially continuous.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2017Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignee: Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Maria C. Castillo, Aaron K. Nienaber, Joseph B. Eckel, Maiken Givot
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Publication number: 20230321687Abstract: An imaging and repair system (100) is presented that includes a first imaging system (110) configured to image and detect a defect on a worksurface. The first imaging system comprises a first camera configured to capture a plurality of first images of the worksurface. The plurality of first images are stored in a data source. The system also includes a second imaging system (110) configured to image and characterize an orange peel of the worksurface in an area proximate the defect. Characterizing the worksurface comprises identifying a delta value of orange peel. The system also includes a defect repair processor configured to select a repair strategy based on a defect type. The system also includes a defect modifier configured to modify the selected repair strategy based on the orange peel characterization of the worksurface. The system also includes a defect repair tool (120) configured to automatically effect the modified repair strategy.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2021Publication date: October 12, 2023Inventors: Jonathan B. Arthur, Aaron K. Nienaber, Nicholas G. Amell, Thomas J. Strey, Erich A. Mielke, Talha Ahsan, Vincent J.L. Chevrier, Thaine W. Fuller, Brett R. Hemes
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Patent number: 11724363Abstract: A method of making a coated abrasive article includes at least four steps. In step a), a web is provided comprising a backing having a make layer precursor disposed thereon. The web moves along a web path in a downweb direction, and the web has a crossweb direction that is perpendicular to the downweb direction. The make layer precursor comprises a first curable binder precursor; In step b) an applied magnetic field is provided. In step c), a mixture of magnetizable non-magnetizable particles is passed through the applied magnetic field and onto the make layer precursor such that the magnetizable and non-magnetizable particles are predominantly deposited onto the web in a drop zone according to a predetermined order. At least one of the magnetizable particles or the non-magnetizable particles comprises abrasive particles. In step d), the make layer precursor is at least partially cured to provide a make layer.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2019Date of Patent: August 15, 2023Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Aaron K. Nienaber, Joseph B. Eckel, Thomas J. Nelson, Ronald D. Jesme, Jaime A. Martinez
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Publication number: 20230211470Abstract: A mold for making abrasive particles is presented. The mold includes a surface and a plurality of cavities extending downward from the surface. Each cavity includes a particle shape portion comprising a polygonal shape and a fracture portion coupled to the particle shape portion. The fracture portion is configured to break from the particle shape portion during a stress event, resulting in a fractured shape abrasive particle.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2021Publication date: July 6, 2023Inventors: Joseph B. Eckel, Thomas J. Nelson, Fay T. Salmon, David T. Buckley, Dominic J. Triana, Alireza Ghaderi, Aaron K. Nienaber, Ronald D. Jesme
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Publication number: 20230150092Abstract: Coated abrasive articles comprises a backing having a major surface with an abrasive layer disposed thereon. The abrasive layer has an outer major surface comprising ridges separated by valleys, wherein the abrasive layer comprises magnetizable particles and abrasive particles in a binder. Each of the ridges is irregularly shaped and is oriented along at least a portion of its length substantially parallel to adjacent ridges. Methods of making the same involving a modulated magnetic field are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2021Publication date: May 18, 2023Inventors: Aaron K. Nienaber, Joseph B. Eckel, Ronald D. Jesme
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Publication number: 20230109976Abstract: A robotic repair unit (400) is presented that includes a removal tool (330, 425) coupled tot he robotic repair unit (400). The removal tool (330, 425) is configured to remove fluid or debris from a worksurface (130). The repair unit (400) also includes a controller (150) configured to control the robotic repair unit (400).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2021Publication date: April 13, 2023Inventors: Aaron K. Nienaber, Christie L. Vitale, Nathan J. Herbst, Brett R. Hemes, Thomas J. Strey, Jonathan B. Arthur, Mark W. Orlando
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Publication number: 20230106312Abstract: A low viscosity polish kit for a robotic repair unit. The kit includes a sealed container containing a low viscosity polish. The sealed container has a coupling mechanism. The kit also includes a connector configured to couple to the coupling mechanism, on a first end, and to a dispenser of a robotic repair unit, on a second end. The sealed container and the connector are single-use articles.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2021Publication date: April 6, 2023Inventors: Aaron K. Nienaber, Christie L. Vitale, Grayce T. Huberty, Paul Larking
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Publication number: 20230108314Abstract: A fluid dispensing system for a robotic repair unit that includes a fluid container. The system also includes a fluid dispenser associated with a robotic repair unit. The system also contains a fluid coupler that connects the polish container to the polish dispenser. The system also contains a mounting mechanism configured to couple the polish container to a robotic repair unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2021Publication date: April 6, 2023Inventors: Aaron K. Nienaber, Christie L. Vitale, Paul Larking, Jonathan B. Arthur, Nathan J. Herbst, Brett R. Hemes, Thomas J. Strey, Scott D. Gullicks
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Patent number: 11607775Abstract: A coated abrasive disc includes a disc backing having an outer circumference. An abrasive layer is disposed on the disc backing. The abrasive layer comprises triangular abrasive platelets secured to a major surface of the disc backing by at least one binder material. The triangular abrasive platelets are outwardly disposed at regularly-spaced points along a spiral pattern extending outwardly toward the outer circumference. Each triangular abrasive platelet has respective top and bottom surfaces connected to each other, and separated by, three sidewalls. On a respective basis, one sidewall of at least 90 percent of the triangular abrasive platelets is disposed facing and proximate to the disc backing, and at least 70 percent of the triangular abrasive platelets are disposed in a recurring sequential orientation having an oscillating Z-axis rotational orientation of the first respective sidewall relative to the tangents to the spiral pattern at regularly-spaced points.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2018Date of Patent: March 21, 2023Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Thomas P. Hanschen, Steven J. Keipert, Joseph B. Eckel, Aaron K. Nienaber, Erin D. Spring, Brant A. Moegenburg, Eric M. Moore, Thomas J. Nelson
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Patent number: 11602822Abstract: A method of making a coated abrasive article is disclosed. A backing has first and second opposed major surfaces. A make layer precursor is disposed on at least a portion of the first major surface. Magnetizable abrasive particles are disposed onto the make layer precursor while under the influence of an applied magnetic field. At least a majority the magnetizable abrasive particles extend away from the make layer precursor in an orientation substantially aligned with the applied magnetic field. Non-magnetizable particles are then disposed onto the make layer precursor while under the influence of the applied magnetic field. At least some of the non-magnetizable particles are disposed between the magnetizable abrasive particles. Then, the make layer precursor is at least partially cured to provide a make layer.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2019Date of Patent: March 14, 2023Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Aaron K. Nienaber, Joseph B. Eckel
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Patent number: 11597860Abstract: Magnetizable abrasive particles are described comprising ceramic particles having outer surfaces comprising a coating of unsintered polyion and magnetic particles bonded to the polyion. In favored embodiments, the magnetic particles have a magnetic saturation of at least 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 or 50 emu/gram. In another embodiment, an abrasive article is described comprising a plurality of magnetizable abrasive particles as described herein retained in a binder material. Also described are method of making magnetizable abrasive particles and methods of making an abrasive article comprising magnetizable abrasive particles.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2017Date of Patent: March 7, 2023Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Adam D. Miller, Sergei Manuilov, Naiyong Jing, Taisiya Skorina, Aaron K. Nienaber, Joseph B. Eckel, Thomas J. Anderson, Thomas J. Nelson, Mark A. Lukowski, Louis S. Moren, Don V. West
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Patent number: 11597059Abstract: A coated abrasive disc includes a disc backing and an abrasive layer disposed thereon. The abrasive layer comprises abrasive elements secured to a major surface of the disc backing by at least one binder material. The abrasive elements are disposed at contiguous intersections of horizontal and vertical lines of a rectangular grid pattern. Each abrasive element has two triangular abrasive platelets, each having respective top and bottom surfaces connected to each other, and separated by, three sidewalls. On a respective basis, one sidewall of the triangular abrasive platelets is disposed facing and proximate to the disc backing. A first portion of the abrasive elements is arranged in alternating first rows wherein the triangular abrasive platelets are disposed lengthwise aligned with the vertical lines. A second portion of the abrasive elements is arranged in alternating second rows wherein the triangular abrasive platelets are disposed lengthwise aligned with the horizontal lines.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2018Date of Patent: March 7, 2023Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Thomas P. Hanschen, Steven J. Keipert, Joseph B. Eckel, Aaron K. Nienaber, Erin D. Spring, Brant A. Moegenburg, Eric M. Moore, Thomas J. Nelson
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Publication number: 20230059388Abstract: A magnetic film includes a plurality of magnetically permeable particles dispersed between opposing first and second major surfaces of the magnetic film. The first and second major surfaces are spaced apart a distance D. The particles are agglomerated so as to form a plurality of substantially continuous layers of particles generally extending along orthogonal first and second directions and arranged along a third direction. Each substantially continuous layer of particles has a length L along the first direction from a first to an opposing second edge of the magnetic film and a width W along the second direction extending from the first to the second major surface. L/D?100.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2021Publication date: February 23, 2023Inventors: Zhonghua Lu, Jeffrey W. McCutcheon, Sergei A. Manuilov, Joseph B. Eckel, Aaron K. Nienaber, Michael S. Graff, Ronald D. Jesme, Charles L. Bruzzone, Steven H. Kong, Shane P. White
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Patent number: D1003959Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2022Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Aaron K. Nienaber, Brett R. Hemes, Thomas J. Strey, Christie L. Vitale, Nathan J. Herbst, Jonathan B. Arthur