Patents by Inventor Dean A. Ersfeld
Dean A. Ersfeld 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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Patent number: 6280815Abstract: A custom-formable shoe insert is disclosed that comprises (1) a conformable substrate layer, where at least a portion of the substrate layer is impregnated with a storage-stable, settable resin that set after exposure to an activator; and (2) an outer layer that is impervious to the settable resin but at least a portion of which is pervious to the activator.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1999Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Dean A. Ersfeld, Richard E. Anderson, Michael L. Ruegsegger, Kelly T. McGurran, Richard A. Mallo
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Patent number: 6132835Abstract: The present invention provides an article comprising a curable resin and a filler associated with the resin. The incorporation of fillers into the casting materials of the present invention adds substantially to the strength of the cured casting material as well as to the handling properties of the uncured casting tape or bandage. The incorporation of fillers into the casting materials of the present invention also imparts air and vapor porosity to the cured casting materials. If desired articles of the present invention may also incorporate fibers (either individually, bundled, or in the form of a light-weight scrim) to provide increased cohesiveness to the uncured article. Extremely moldable casting tapes are also provided which comprise a highly-filled composite material coated on a light-weight scrim. The casting tapes of this embodiment handle like traditional plaster of Paris casts yet cure to a weight-bearing cast in less than one hour.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1995Date of Patent: October 17, 2000Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Matthew T. Scholz, Jason L. Edgar, Andrew J. Callinan, Dean A. Ersfeld, Worku A. Mindaye, Andrew J. Mahler, Jr.
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Patent number: 6100206Abstract: The present invention provides an article comprising a curable resin and a filler associated with the resin. The incorporation of fillers into the casting materials of the present invention adds substantially to the strength of the cured casting material as well as to the handling properties of the uncured casting tape or bandage. The incorporation of fillers into the casting materials of the present invention also imparts air and vapor porosity to the cured casting materials. If desired articles of the present invention may also incorporate fibers (either individually, bundled, or in the form of a light-weight scrim) to provide increased cohesiveness to the uncured article. Extremely moldable casting tapes are also provided which comprise a highly-filled composite material coated on a light-weight scrim. The casting tapes of this embodiment handle like traditional plaster of Paris casts yet cure to a weight-bearing cast in less than one hour.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 1997Date of Patent: August 8, 2000Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Matthew T. Scholz, Jason L. Edgar, Andrew J. Callinan, Dean A. Ersfeld, Worku A. Mindaye
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Patent number: 6027465Abstract: The present invention provides an article comprising a curable resin and a filler associated with the resin. The incorporation of fillers into the casting materials of the present invention adds substantially to the strength of the cured casting material as well as to the handling properties of the uncured casting tape or bandage. The incorporation of fillers into the casting materials of the present invention also imparts air and vapor porosity to the cured casting materials. If desired articles of the present invention may also incorporate fibers (either individually, bundled, or in the form of a light-weight scrim) to provide increased cohesiveness to the uncured article. Extremely moldable casting tapes are also provided which comprise a highly-filled composite material coated on a light-weight scrim. The casting tapes of this embodiment handle like traditional plaster of Paris casts yet cure to a weight-bearing cast in less than one hour.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1995Date of Patent: February 22, 2000Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Matthew T. Scholz, Jason L. Edgar, Andrew J. Callinan, Dean A. Ersfeld, Worku A. Mindaye, Andrew J. Mahler, Jr.
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Patent number: 5976610Abstract: The present invention provides an article comprising a curable resin and a filler associated with the resin. The incorporation of fillers into the casting materials of the present invention adds substantially to the strength of the cured casting material as well as to the handling properties of the uncured casting tape or bandage. The incorporation of fillers into the casting materials of the present invention also imparts air and vapor porosity to the cured casting materials. If desired articles of the present invention may also incorporate fibers (either individually, bundled, or in the form of a light-weight scrim) to provide increased cohesiveness to the uncured article. Extremely moldable casting tapes are also provided which comprise a highly-filled composite material coated on a light-weight scrim. The casting tapes of this embodiment handle like traditional plaster of Paris casts yet cure to a weight-bearing cast in less than one hour.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 1997Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Matthew T. Scholz, Jason L. Edgar, Andrew J. Callinan, Dean A. Ersfeld, Worku A. Mindaye
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Patent number: 5885234Abstract: An orthopedic casting material is disclosed comprising a water-curable, isocyanate-functional prepolymer. The prepolymer comprises the reaction product of a polyisocyanate and a polyol having an HLB number per hydroxy group less than zero.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 1998Date of Patent: March 23, 1999Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Timothy C. Sandvig, Dean A. Ersfeld, Daniel W. Davis, Steven H. Gotz
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Patent number: 5800899Abstract: An orthopedic casting material is disclosed comprising a water-curable, isocyanate-functional prepolymer. The prepolymer comprises the reaction product of a polyisocyanate and a polyol having an HLB number per hydroxy group less than zero.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1995Date of Patent: September 1, 1998Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Timothy C. Sandvig, Dean A. Ersfeld, Daniel W. Davis, Steven H. Gotz
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Patent number: 5716661Abstract: The present invention provides an article including a curable resin and a filler associated with the resin. The incorporation of fillers into the casting materials of the present invention adds substantially to the strength of the cured casting material as well as to the handling properties of the uncured casting tape or bandage. The incorporation of fillers into the casting materials of the present invention also imparts air and vapor porosity to the cured casting materials. If desired articles of the present invention may also incorporate fibers (either individually, bundled, or in the form of a light-weight scrim) to provide increased cohesiveness to the uncured article. Extremely moldable casting tapes are also provided which comprise a highly-filled composite material coated on a light-weight scrim. The casting tapes of this embodiment handle like traditional plaster of Paris casts yet cure to a weight-bearing cast in less than one hour.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1995Date of Patent: February 10, 1998Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Mathew T. Scholz, Jason L. Edgar, Andrew J. Callinan, Dean A. Ersfeld, Worku A. Mindaye, Andrew J. Mahler, Jr.
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Patent number: 5439438Abstract: A protective covering of nonwoven fabric for an orthopedic cast, wound dressing or other bandage is disclosed. The covering is adapted to fit loosely about the bandage to be protected and is capable of being heat-shrunk at a relatively low temperature to closely cover the bandage. The covering is permeable to water vapor and air, it may be treated with a surface active agent to provide superior water and soil repellency, and it may be provided in various colors or with various decorative designs.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 1994Date of Patent: August 8, 1995Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Dean A. Ersfeld, Timothy C. Sandvig, John F. Reed, Paul E. Hansen
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Patent number: 5364693Abstract: The present invention provides a water-curable resin composition for use in an orthopedic cast composed of a water-reactive liquid organometallic compound having at least one hydrolyzable group per molecule and a viscosity of no greater than about 100,000 centipoise under ambient conditions; and an organic polymer, having a number average molecular weight of at least about 400, mixed with the water-reactive liquid organometallic compound. Preferably, the water-reactive liquid organometallic compound is a compound of the formula (R.sup.1 O).sub.x MR.sup.2.sub.(y-x) wherein: each R.sup.1 is independently a substituted or unsubstituted C.sub.1 -C.sub.100 hydrocarbon group, optionally interrupted in the backbone by 1-50 nonperoxide --O--, --S--, --C(O)--, or --N-- groups; each R.sup.2 is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and a substituted or unsubstituted C.sub.1 -C.sub.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 1993Date of Patent: November 15, 1994Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Dean M. Moren, Dean A. Ersfeld
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Patent number: 5346939Abstract: The present invention provides a water-curable resin composition for use in the preparation of composite materials. The resin composition is composed of a water-reactive liquid organometallic compound having a viscosity of no greater than about 500,000 centipoise under ambient conditions; and a nonreactive organic thermoplastic polymer, having a number average molecular weight of at least about 1,000, mixed with the water-reactive liquid organometallic compound. Preferably, the water-reactive liquid organometallic compound is a compound of the formula (R.sup.1 O).sub.x MR.sup.2.sub.(y-x) wherein: each R.sup.1 is independently a substituted or unsubstituted C.sub.1 -C.sub.100 hydrocarbon group, optionally interrupted in the backbone by 1--10 nonperoxide--O--, --S--, --C(O)--, or --N-- groups; each R.sup.2 is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and a substituted or unsubstituted C.sub.1 -C.sub.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 1993Date of Patent: September 13, 1994Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Dean M. Moren, Dean A. Ersfeld
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Patent number: 5042465Abstract: A method of immobilizing a body part with an improved orthopedic cast or splint having a padding that has been treated with a fluorochemical or silicone. The padding has an apparent surface tension of less than 60 dynes per centimeter and a porosity of less than about 15 seconds. The padding is able to shed water rapidly, thereby providing more comfort for the user.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 1991Date of Patent: August 27, 1991Assignee: Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Anthony J. Campagna, Timothy C. Sandvig, Dean A. Ersfeld, Matthew T. Scholz
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Patent number: 4989593Abstract: An improved orthopedic cast or splint includes a padding that is treated with a fluorochemical or silicone. The padding has an apparent surface tension of less than 60 dynes per centimeter and a porosity of less than about 15 seconds. The padding is able to shed water rapidly, thereby providing more comfort for the user.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 1988Date of Patent: February 5, 1991Assignee: Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Anthony J. Campagna, Timothy C. Sandvig, Dean A. Ersfeld, Matthew T. Scholz
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Patent number: 4856502Abstract: The present invention relates to orthopedic casting materials having reduced tack and methods for preparing and using such orthopedic casting materials, wherein the materials comprise a nonwoven, stretchable fabric which is impregnated with a curable prepolymer resin. The nonwoven fabric comprises fiber bundles and apertures between the fiber bundles, with each of the fiber bundles comprising a plurality of fibers having interstices therebetween. The curable prepolymer resin is impregnated into the nonwoven fabric such that the interstices between the fibers receive the resin, while leaving the apertures between fiber bundles substantially unoccluded. Such orthopedic casting materials are relatively inexpensive and exhibit improved properties.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 1987Date of Patent: August 15, 1989Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Dean A. Ersfeld, Paul E. Hansen, Matthew T. Scholz, Dennis C. Bartizal, Katherine E. Reed, Wayne K. Larson, Timothy C. Sandvig, Richard S. Buckanin
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Patent number: 4841958Abstract: The present invention relates to orthopedic casting materials and methods for preparing and using such orthopedic casting materials, wherein the materials comprise a nonwoven, stretchable fabric which is impregnated with a curable prepolymer resin. The nonwoven fabric comprises fiber bundles and apertures between the fiber bundles, with each of the fiber bundles comprising a plurality of fibers having interstices therebetween. The curable prepolymer resin is impregnated into the nonwoven fabric such that the interstices between the fibers receive the resin, while leaving the apertures between fiber bundles substantially unoccluded. Such orthopedic casting materials are relatively inexpensive and exhibit improved properties.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1987Date of Patent: June 27, 1989Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Dean A. Ersfeld, Paul E. Hansen
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Patent number: 4774937Abstract: A curable resin coated sheet useful as an orthopedic bandage which has reduced tack is provided. The resin coated sheet is pre-lubricated with a lubricant which is (a) bonded to the resin, (b) added to the resin or applied to the surface of the coated sheet, or (c) a combination of (a) and (b). The lubricant is present in an amount to reduce the kinetic coefficient of friction of a surface of the coated sheet to less than 1.2.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1986Date of Patent: October 4, 1988Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Matthew T. Scholz, Dennis C. Bartizal, Katherine E. Reed, Wayne E. Larson, Dean A. Ersfeld, Timothy C. Sandvig, Richard S. Buckanin
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Patent number: 4758448Abstract: An ophthalmic lens and a method for providing a thin coating thereon is disclosed. The coatings render the surfaces of the devices resistant to abrasion and have an SEB abrasion resistance to at least 20 psi. They are optically clear, aberration-free, and provide essentially exactly an optical surface having the desired surface configuration. The coating compositions employed contain reactive ethylenically unsaturated groups and are applied to a mold face and partially reacted. The coated mold is then used to cast the ophthalmic device.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 1985Date of Patent: July 19, 1988Assignee: Signet Armorlite, Inc.Inventors: Timothy C. Sandvig, Dean A. Ersfeld, Eric P. Berg
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Patent number: 4683877Abstract: A casting article and method for forming an orthopedic cast around an animal body part. The article comprises a unitary blank having first and second lateral free edges. The blank is dimensioned and the free edges are shaped to extend the length of the body part and to at least circumferentially envelop the body part. The blank includes a pliant, extensible layer of a foam member, an extensible fabric bonded to the foam member and a curable resin which, upon activation of the resin and closure of the lateral free edges of the blank around the body part, results in the orthopedic cast.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 1985Date of Patent: August 4, 1987Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Dean A. Ersfeld, Timothy C. Sandvig, Diane S. Gobran
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Patent number: 4667661Abstract: A curable resin coated sheet useful as an orthopedic bandage which has reduced tack is provided. The resin coated sheet is pre-lubricated with a lubricant which is (a) bonded to the resin, (b) added to the resin or applied to the surface of the coated sheet, or (c) a combination of (a) and (b). The lubricant is present in an amount to reduce the kinetic coefficient of friction of a surface of the coated sheet to less than 1.2.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 1985Date of Patent: May 26, 1987Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Matthew T. Scholz, Dennis C. Bartizal, Katherine E. Reed, Wayne K. Larson, Dean A. Ersfeld, Timothy C. Sandvig, Richard S. Buckanin
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Patent number: 4544572Abstract: An ophthalmic lens and a method for providing a thin coating thereon is disclosed. The coatings render the surfaces of the devices resistant to abrasion and have an SEB abrasion resistance of at least 20 psi. They are optically clear, aberration-free, and provide essentially exactly an optical surface having the desired surface configuration. The coating compositions employed contain reactive ethylenically unsaturated groups and are applied to a mold face and partially reacted. The coated mold is then used to cast the ophthalmic device.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 1983Date of Patent: October 1, 1985Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Timothy C. Sandvig, Dean A. Ersfeld, Eric P. Berg