Patents by Inventor Brian G. Koethe

Brian G. Koethe 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: 20230356362
    Abstract: A method of making a coated abrasive article comprises sequential steps: disposing a curable composition on a major surface of a backing b) adhering abrasive particles to the curable composition; c) at least partially curing the free-radically polymerizable component; and d) at least partially curing the phenolic resin component to provide an at least partially cured composition. The curable composition comprises a phenolic resin component, a free-radically polymerizable component, and an organic polymeric rheology modifier, wherein the organic polymeric rheology modifier comprises an alkali-swellable/soluble polymer, and wherein, on a solid basis, the organic polymeric rheology modifier comprises from 0.001 to 5 weight percent of the phenolic resin component, the free-radically polymerizable component, and the organic polymeric rheology modifier combined. A variant wherein step b) effectively occurs after step c) is also disclosed. Abrasive articles made according to the methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2021
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Inventors: Ernest L. Thurber, Thomas J. Nelson, Gregory P. Sorenson, Junting Li, Daniel M. Lentz, Brian G. Koethe, Jon T. Schwartz, Jing Zhang, Ann M. Hawkins, Geoffrey I. Wilson, Blake R. Rustad, Gregory S. Mueller
  • Patent number: 11505730
    Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed relate to an abrasive article (10). The abrasive article (10 includes a backing (12) defining a major surface. The abrasive article (10) includes an abrasive layer including a plurality of tetrahedral abrasive particles (16) attached to the backing (12). The tetrahedral abrasive particles (16) include four faces joined by six edges terminating at four vertices (40, 42, 44, 46). Each one of the four faces contacts three of the four faces, and a major portion of the tetrahedral abrasive particles (16) have at least one of the vertices (40, 42, 44, 46) oriented in substantially a same direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Laura M. Lara Rodriguez, Chainika Jangu, Scott R. Culler, Negus B. Adefris, Gregory S. Mueller, Jon T. Schwartz, Brian G. Koethe, Robinette S. Alkhas, Ronald D. Apple, Ernest L. Thurber
  • Publication number: 20220339761
    Abstract: A method of making a coated abrasive article includes: depositing precisely-shaped abrasive platelets into precisely-shaped cavities in a production tool; depositing diluent abrasive particles onto the production tool; contacting the precisely-shaped abrasive platelets and the diluent abrasive particles with a curable make layer precursor disposed on a major surface of a backing; separating the tool from the precisely-shaped abrasive platelets and the diluent abrasive particles; and at least partially curing the curable make layer precursor to provide an at least partially cured make layer precursor. Coated abrasive articles preparable by the method are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2020
    Publication date: October 27, 2022
    Inventors: Yuyang Liu, Ann M. Hawkins, Geoffrey I. Wilson, Brian G. Koethe, Ernest L. Thurber, Negus B. Adefris, Junting Li, Fay T. Salmon
  • Publication number: 20220152783
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an abrasive article comprising: a fabric substrate comprising strands forming first void spaces between the strands; a laminate joined to the fabric substrate; a cured resin composition joined to the laminate opposite the fabric substrate; abrasive particles joined to the cured resin composition; and a plurality of second void spaces extending through the laminate coinciding with first void spaces in the fabric substrate. The disclosure also relates to methods of making such abrasive articles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2020
    Publication date: May 19, 2022
    Inventors: Jaime A. Martinez, Caroline E. Morel, Junting Li, Michael J. Annen, Deborah J. Eilers, Daniel A. Billig, Carlos A. Barrios, Monika E. Frendt, Victor A. Cárdenas, Yuyang Liu, Dwight D. Erickson, Brian G. Koethe, Ann M. Hawkins, Jing Zhang
  • Publication number: 20220016747
    Abstract: A coated abrasive article comprises a backing having first and second opposed major surfaces. A make layer is bonded to the first major surface. Agglomerate grinding aid particles are directly bonded to the make layer. At least a portion of the agglomerate grinding aid particles comprise grinding aid particles retained in a binder, and are arranged according to an open predetermined pattern. Abrasive particles are directly bonded to the make layer in spaces between the agglomerate grinding aid particles. A size layer is directly bonded to the make layer, agglomerate grinding aid particles, and abrasive particles. A method of making a coated abrasive article, in which the agglomerate grinding aid particles are deposited onto a curable make layer precursor prior to depositing abrasive particles onto the curable make layer precursor in spaces between the agglomerate grinding aid particles is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2019
    Publication date: January 20, 2022
    Inventors: Junting Li, Yuyang Liu, Mark A. Lukowski, Ernest L. Thurber, Brian G. Koethe, Ann M. Hawkins, Geoffrey I. Wilson
  • Patent number: 10919126
    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: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Geoffrey I. Wilson, Brian G. Koethe, Steven J. Keipert
  • Patent number: 10773361
    Abstract: Methods of making an abrasive article. Abrasive particles are loaded to a distribution tool including a plurality of walls defining a plurality of slots. Each slot 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 and moving relative to the tool. At least a majority of the particles distributed from the tool undergo an orientation sequence in which each particle first enters one of the slots. The particle then passes partially through the slot such that a first portion is beyond the lower side and in contact with the major face, and a second portion within the slot. The sequence then includes the particle remaining in simultaneous contact with one of the walls and the major face for a dwell period while the web moves relative to the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Geoffrey I. Wilson, Mark R. Nyberg, Jeffery S. Thomford, Ernest L. Thurber, Brian G. Koethe, Charles C. Drange, Robert J. Hnatyk, John T. Boden
  • Publication number: 20200223031
    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: March 27, 2020
    Publication date: July 16, 2020
    Inventors: Geoffrey I. Wilson, Brian G. Koethe, Steven J. Keipert
  • Publication number: 20200199425
    Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed relate to an abrasive article (10). The abrasive article (10 includes a backing (12) defining a major surface. The abrasive article (10) includes an abrasive layer including a plurality of tetrahedral abrasive particles (16) attached to the backing (12). The tetrahedral abrasive particles (16) include four faces joined by six edges terminating at four vertices (40, 42, 44, 46). Each one of the four faces contacts three of the four faces, and a major portion of the tetrahedral abrasive particles (16) have at least one of the vertices (40, 42, 44, 46) oriented in substantially a same direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2018
    Publication date: June 25, 2020
    Inventors: Laura M. Lara Rodriguez, Chainika Jangu, Scott R. Culler, Negus B. Adefris, Gregory S. Mueller, Jon T. Schwartz, Brian G. Koethe, Robinette S. Alkhas, Ronald D. Apple, Ernest L. Thurber
  • Patent number: 10603766
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Geoffrey I. Wilson, Brian G. Koethe, Steven J. Keipert
  • Publication number: 20180318983
    Abstract: Methods of making an abrasive article. Abrasive particles are loaded to a distribution tool including a plurality of walls defining a plurality of slots. Each slot 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 and moving relative to the tool. At least a majority of the particles distributed from the tool undergo an orientation sequence in which each particle first enters one of the slots. The particle then passes partially through the slot such that a first portion is beyond the lower side and in contact with the major face, and a second portion within the slot. The sequence then includes the particle remaining in simultaneous contact with one of the walls and the major face for a dwell period while the web moves relative to the tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Inventors: Geoffrey I. Wilson, Mark R. Nyberg, Jeffery S. Thomford, Ernest L. Thurber, Brian G. Koethe, Charles C. Drange, Robert J. Hnatyk, John T. Boden
  • 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
  • Patent number: 9849563
    Abstract: An abrasive article comprises abrasive particles adhered to a substrate by a binder material comprising an at least partially cured resole phenolic resin and an aliphatic tack modifier. The amount of resole phenolic resin comprises from 60 to 98 weight percent of the combined weight of the resole phenolic resin and the aliphatic tack modifier. A method of making the abrasive article is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ernest L. Thurber, Rebecca A. Putans, Scott R. Culler, John T. Boden, Brian G. Koethe, Brant A. Moegenburg, Thomas J. Nelson, Aaron K. Nienaber, Wayne W. Maurer, Ibrahim A. El-Hedok, Albert I. Everaerts, Joseph B. Eckel, Mahfuza B. Ali
  • Patent number: 9676078
    Abstract: A method of applying particles to a backing having a make layer on one of the backing's opposed major surfaces. The method including the steps of: supporting the particles on a feeding member having a feeding surface such that the particles settle into one or more layers on the feeding surface; the feeding surface and the backing being arranged in a non-parallel manner; and translating the particles from the feeding surface to the backing and attaching the particles to the make layer by an electrostatic force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Louis S. Moren, Brian G. Koethe, John T. Boden
  • Publication number: 20170129075
    Abstract: An abrasive article comprises abrasive particles adhered to a substrate by a binder material comprising an at least partially cured resole phenolic resin and an aliphatic tack modifier. The amount of resole phenolic resin comprises from 60 to 98 weight percent of the combined weight of the resole phenolic resin and the aliphatic tack modifier. A method of making the abrasive article is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventors: Ernest L. Thurber, Rebecca A. Putans, Scott R. Culler, John T. Boden, Brian G. Koethe, Brant A. Moegenburg, Thomas J. Nelson, Aaron K. Nienaber, Wayne W. Maurer, Ibrahim A. El-Hedok, Albert I. Everaerts, Joseph B. Eckel, Mahfuza B. Ali
  • Publication number: 20150224629
    Abstract: A method of applying particles to a backing having a make layer on one of the backing's opposed major surfaces. The method including the steps of: supporting the particles on a feeding member having a feeding surface such that the particles settle into one or more layers on the feeding surface; the feeding surface and the backing being arranged in a non-parallel manner; and translating the particles from the feeding surface to the backing and attaching the particles to the make layer by an electrostatic force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2015
    Publication date: August 13, 2015
    Inventors: Louis S. Moren, Brian G. Koethe, John T. Boden
  • Patent number: 9040122
    Abstract: A method of applying particles to a backing having a make layer on one of the backing's opposed major surfaces. The method including the steps of: supporting the particles on a feeding member having a feeding surface such that the particles settle into one or more layers on the feeding surface; the feeding surface and the backing being arranged in a non-parallel manner; and translating the particles from the feeding surface to the backing and attaching the particles to the make layer by an electrostatic force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Louis S. Moren, Brian G. Koethe, John T. Boden
  • Patent number: 9001286
    Abstract: An optical device has a first film (200) that has a first side and a second side. When illuminated by light (204) at the first side, the first film is characterized by a first fraction of broadly diffused transmitted light (206) and a second fraction of narrowly diffused transmitted light (208). A second film (202) is disposed to the second side of the first film. The second film has at least one free surface that diverts light. In some embodiments, the first film has a diffuse scattering optical density between 0.5 and 3. The device finds use in spreading and making light uniform in a backlight in a display such as a liquid crystal display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Epstein, Stephen J. Etzkorn, Eric W. Nelson, Mark D. Gehisen, Brian G. Koethe
  • Patent number: 8869740
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of applying particles to a coated backing. A first layer of particles is created over a second layer of particles on a support surface and the first layer of particles is different in at least one property from the second layer of particles. A coated backing is positioned above the first and second layer of particles. An electrostatic field is applied simultaneously to the first and second layer of particles such that the first layer of particles closer to the coated backing are preferentially attracted to the coated backing first before the second layer of particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Louis S. Moren, Brian G. Koethe, Ernest L. Thurber