Patents by Inventor Douglas E. Earl

Douglas E. Earl 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).

  • Polyurethane foam article
    Patent number: 9133296
    Abstract: Herein are disclosed an apparatus and method for reaction injection molding of polyurethane foam. In the method, a recirculation loop containing polyols along with an effective amount of water, and a recirculation loop containing isocyanates, are each partially evacuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Elizabeth A. Sargent, David R. Dow, Grady A Dunham, Douglas E. Earl, Jeffrey P. Lenzendorf
  • POLYURETHANE FOAM ARTICLE
    Publication number: 20140295741
    Abstract: Herein are disclosed an apparatus and method for reaction injection molding of polyurethane foam. In the method, a recirculation loop containing polyols along with an effective amount of water, and a recirculation loop containing isocyanates, are each partially evacuated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Elizabeth A. Sargent, David R. Dow, Grady A. Dunham, Douglas E. Earl, Jeffrey P. Lenzendorf
  • Method of making polyurethane foam
    Patent number: 8784518
    Abstract: Herein are disclosed an apparatus and method for reaction injection molding of polyurethane foam. In the method, a recirculation loop containing polyols along with an effective amount of water, and a recirculation loop containing isocyanates, are each partially evacuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Elizabeth Anna Benson-Sargent, David R. Dow, Grady A. Dunham, Douglas E. Earl, Jeffrey P. Lenzendorf
  • METHOD OF MAKING POLYURETHANE FOAM
    Publication number: 20120180400
    Abstract: Herein are disclosed an apparatus and method for reaction injection molding of polyurethane foam. In the method, a recirculation loop containing polyols along with an effective amount of water, and a recirculation loop containing isocyanates, are each partially evacuated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventors: Elizabeth Anna Benson-Sargent, David R. Dow, Grady A. Dunham, Douglas E. Earl, Jeffrey P. Lenzendorf
  • Method and apparatus for attenuating optical chatter marks on a finished surface
    Patent number: 5512009
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for reducing optical chatter for use with a machine that is adapted to perform an operation on a surface of a workpiece by bringing a rotating roller into contact with the surface as the workpiece is advanced past the roller. The roller of the machine has a central axis and is powered to rotate about the central axis. The apparatus comprises an oscillation inducing device that is operably coupled to the roller for inducing an axial oscillation in the roller. The frequency of the induced oscillation of the roller is substantially greater than the frequency of rotation of the roller. The method for reducing optical chatter comprises the step of imparting axial oscillations to the roller during rotation of the roller, the imparted oscillations being of substantially greater frequency than the frequency of rotation of the roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Douglas E. Earl