Patents by Inventor Kathryn R. Bretscher

Kathryn R. Bretscher 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).

  • Patent number: 11697185
    Abstract: An abrasive article includes a first abrasive element, a second abrasive element, a resilient element having first and second major surfaces, and a carrier. The first element and the second abrasive element each comprises a first major surface and a second major surface. At least the first major surfaces of the first and second abrasive elements comprise a plurality of precisely shaped features. The abrasive elements comprise substantially inorganic, monolithic structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Duy K. Lehuu, Noah O. Shanti, Junqing Xie, Kathryn R. Bretscher
  • Publication number: 20200298370
    Abstract: An abrasive article includes a first abrasive element, a second abrasive element, a resilient element having first and second major surfaces, and a carrier. The first element and the second abrasive element each comprises a first major surface and a second major surface. At least the first major surfaces of the first and second abrasive elements comprise a plurality of precisely shaped features. The abrasive elements comprise substantially inorganic, monolithic structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2020
    Publication date: September 24, 2020
    Inventors: Duy K. Lehuu, Noah O. Shanti, Junqing Xie, Kathryn R. Bretscher
  • Patent number: 10710211
    Abstract: An abrasive article includes a first abrasive element, a second abrasive element, a resilient element having first and second major surfaces, and a carrier. The first element and the second abrasive element each comprises a first major surface and a second major surface. At least the first major surfaces of the first and second abrasive elements comprise a plurality of precisely shaped features. The abrasive elements comprise substantially inorganic, monolithic structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Duy K. Lehuu, Noah O. Shanti, Junqing Xie, Kathryn R. Bretscher
  • Patent number: 10265826
    Abstract: A method of forming a recess in a surface of a substrate includes: providing an abrasive article comprising a structured abrasive member disposed along a peripheral surface of a support member, frictionally contacting the structured abrasive layer with a surface of a substrate, longitudinally advancing the structured abrasive layer relative to the surface of the substrate; and rotating at least one of the abrasive article or the substrate relative to the other around a rotational axis perpendicular to the surface of the substrate such that the structured abrasive layer maintains contact with and abrades the surface of the substrate. The structured abrasive member comprises a structured abrasive layer comprising shaped abrasive composites secured to a backing, wherein the backing is proximate to the support member. The shaped abrasive composites comprise abrasive particles retained in a binder material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Bruce A. Sventek, Mitchell L. Nelson, David G. Baird, Kathryn R. Bretscher
  • Patent number: 9956664
    Abstract: An abrasive element precursor includes a green body ceramic element having a first major surface, a second major surface, a plurality of inorganic particles, and a binder. At least the first major surface comprises a plurality of precisely shaped features. The plurality of inorganic particles is at least about 99% carbide ceramic by weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Duy K. Lehuu, Noah O. Shanti, Junqing Xie, Kathryn R. Bretscher, Vincent W. Nehring
  • Publication number: 20160129544
    Abstract: A method of forming a recess in a surface of a substrate includes: providing an abrasive article comprising a structured abrasive member disposed along a peripheral surface of a support member, frictionally contacting the structured abrasive layer with a surface of a substrate, longitudinally advancing the structured abrasive layer relative to the surface of the substrate; and rotating at least one of the abrasive article or the substrate relative to the other around a rotational axis perpendicular to the surface of the substrate such that the structured abrasive layer maintains contact with and abrades the surface of the substrate. The structured abrasive member comprises a structured abrasive layer comprising shaped abrasive composites secured to a backing, wherein the backing is proximate to the support member. The shaped abrasive composites comprise abrasive particles retained in a binder material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Publication date: May 12, 2016
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Bruce A. Sventek, Mitchell L. Nelson, David G. Baird, Kathryn R. Bretscher
  • Publication number: 20160101499
    Abstract: An assembly may include a substrate defining at least one recess and a component located adjacent to the recess and attached to the substrate. In some examples, the recess may be formed by frictionally contacting a structured abrasive layer of an abrasive article with a surface of the substrate, longitudinally advancing the structured abrasive layer relative to the surface of the substrate, and rotating the substrate around a rotational axis substantially perpendicular to the surface of the substrate such that the structured abrasive layer maintains contact with and abrades the surface of the substrate thereby forming the recess therein. In some examples, the recess may be formed in the substrate after the component is attached to the substrate. Moreover, the recess may be formed without using added loose abrasive particles or abrasive slurry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Bruce A Sventek, Kathryn R. Bretscher, David G Baird, Lee A Fain, Mitchell L Nelson
  • Publication number: 20150224625
    Abstract: An abrasive element includes a first major surface and a second major surface. At least the first major surface includes a plurality of precisely shaped features. The abrasive element includes at least about 99% of carbide ceramic by weight and has a porosity of less than about 5%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Publication date: August 13, 2015
    Inventors: Duy K. Lehuu, Noah O. Shanti, Junqing Xie, Kathryn R. Bretscher, Vincent W. Nehring
  • Publication number: 20150209932
    Abstract: An abrasive article includes a first abrasive element, a second abrasive element, a resilient element having first and second major surfaces, and a carrier. The first element and the second abrasive element each comprises a first major surface and a second major surface. At least the first major surfaces of the first and second abrasive elements comprise a plurality of precisely shaped features. The abrasive elements comprise substantially inorganic, monolithic structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Inventors: Duy K. Lehuu, Noah O. Shanti, Junqing Xie, Kathryn R. Bretscher
  • Publication number: 20150209933
    Abstract: An abrasive element precursor includes a green body ceramic element having a first major surface, a second major surface, a plurality of inorganic particles, and a binder. At least the first major surface comprises a plurality of precisely shaped features. The plurality of inorganic particles is at least about 99% carbide ceramic by weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Inventors: Duy K. Lehuu, Noah O. Shanti, Junqing Xie, Kathryn R. Bretscher, Vincent W. Nehring
  • Patent number: 7077649
    Abstract: Dental articles including at least one optical surface formed of a multilayer optical film including layers of at least one strain-induced birefringent material are disclosed. The multilayer optical films included in the dental articles is preferably post-formed into desired non-planar shapes in manners that result in some deformation of the optical stack of the multilayer optical films. A variety of dental implements can be constructed with multilayer optical film including dental mirrors, light guides for use in connection with photo-curing dental materials, and matrix bands for use in molding photo-curing dental restoratives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Kathryn R. Bretscher, Sumita B. Mitra, Olester Benson, Jr., James M. Jonza, William W. Merrill, Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Michael F. Weber, Janis R. Gust
  • Publication number: 20040229187
    Abstract: Dental articles including at least one optical surface formed of a multilayer optical film including layers of at least one strain-induced birefringent material are disclosed. The multilayer optical films included in the dental articles is preferably post-formed into desired non-planar shapes in manners that result in some deformation of the optical stack of the multilayer optical films. A variety of dental implements can be constructed with multilayer optical film including dental mirrors, light guides for use in connection with photo-curing dental materials, and matrix bands for use in molding photo-curing dental restoratives.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Kathryn R. Bretscher, Sumita B. Mitra, Olester Benson, James M. Jonza, William W. Merrill, Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Michael F. Weber, Janis R. Gust
  • Patent number: 6749427
    Abstract: Dental articles including at least one optical surface formed of a multilayer optical film including layers of at least one strain-induced birefringent material are disclosed. The multilayer optical films included in the dental articles is preferably post-formed into desired non-planar shapes in manners that result in some deformation of the optical stack of the multilayer optical films. A variety of dental implements can be constructed with multilayer optical film including dental mirrors, light guides for use in connection with photo-curing dental materials, and matrix bands for use in molding photo-curing dental restoratives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Kathryn R. Bretscher, Sumita B. Mitra, Olester Benson, Jr., James M. Jonza, William W. Merrill, Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Michael F. Weber, Janis R. Gust
  • Patent number: 6217828
    Abstract: The present invention provides an optical fluorescence based sensor for measuring the concentration of a gas (e.g., CO2 or ammonia) in a medium such as blood which has superior dry web sensor performance, enhanced sensor consistency for transparent sensor calibration, improved autoclave stability and rapid rehydration of the sensor. In a preferred embodiment, the sensors of the present invention comprise microcompartments of an aqueous phase having a pH sensitive indicator component and a nonionic amphipathic surfactant within a hydrophobic barrier phase comprising a plurality of dispersed hydrophobic particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Terumo Cardiovascular Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Kathryn R. Bretscher, James A. Baker, Kenneth B. Wood, Mai T. Nguyen, Monica A. Hamer, Christopher J. Rueb
  • Patent number: 6194106
    Abstract: This invention discloses novel surface release layers on temporary image receptors particularly suited to the requirements of liquid electrographic (both electrophotographic and electrostatic) printing on a variety of receptors. The inventive temporary image receptors are comprised of a surface release layer on a photoreceptive or dielectric substrate. The release layers are silicone copolymers which are chemically modified to improve imaging, drying or transfer performance when used in the simplified color electrophotography (SCE) or electrostatic printing processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Kathryn R. Bretscher, Terri L. Butler, Mark C. Berens, James A. Baker, Gay L. Herman, Larry D. Boardman, Gaye K. Lehman
  • Patent number: 6106989
    Abstract: This invention discloses novel surface release layers on temporary image receptors particularly suited to the requirements of liquid electrographic (both electrophotographic and electrostatic) printing on a variety of receptors. The inventive temporary image receptors are comprised of a surface release layer on a photoreceptive or dielectric substrate. The release layers are silicone copolymers which are chemically modified to improve imaging, drying or transfer performance when used in the simplified color electrophotography (SCE) or electrostatic printing processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Kathryn R. Bretscher, Terri L. Butler, Mark C. Berens, James A. Baker, Gay L. Herman, Larry D. Boardman, Gaye K. Lehman
  • Patent number: 6020098
    Abstract: This invention discloses novel surface release layers on temporary image receptors particularly suited to the requirements of liquid electrographic (both electrophotographic and electrostatic) printing on a variety of receptors. The inventive temporary image receptors are comprised of a surface release layer on a photoreceptive or dielectric substrate. The release layers are silicone copolymers which are chemically modified to improve imaging, drying or transfer performance when used in the simplified color electrophotography (SCE) or electrostatic printing processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Kathryn R. Bretscher, Terri L. Butler, Mark C. Berens, James A. Baker, Gay L. Herman, Larry D. Boardman, Gaye K. Lehman
  • Patent number: 5965243
    Abstract: The invention is textured surface release layers for dielectric substrates used in liquid electrostatic imaging processes. The invention also includes means of providing textured release surfaces for dielectric substrates, and a method of liquid electrostatic imaging using textured dielectric substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Terri L. Butler, Kathryn R. Bretscher, Mark C. Berens, James A. Baker, Gaye K. Lehman
  • Patent number: 5928726
    Abstract: A method of modulating coating patterns is disclosed. The method uses the steps of dispensing a composite comprising a carrier fluid layer and a transferring the composite to the substrate, wherein interfacial interaction among the carrier fluid layer, the functional fluid layer, and the substrate generates a patterned coating of the functional layer on the substrate. The coating patterns provide controlled release surfaces for tapes, image receptors, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Terri L. Butler, Kathryn R. Bretscher, Mark C. Berens, James A. Baker, Gaye K. Lehman
  • Patent number: 5733698
    Abstract: The invention is photoconductor construction comprising a release layer which controls the carrier liquid on the surface of the photoreceptor and minimizes beading of toner carrier liquid. According to one embodiment this invention is a photoconductor construction comprising a photoconductor layer applied to an electroconductive substrate, an interlayer applied to the photoconductor layer, and a release layer over the interlayer. The release layer is a swellable polymer. According to another embodiment this invention is a photoconductor construction comprising a polymeric release layer that has a surface with an average roughness, Ra, of at least 10 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Gaye K. Lehman, Claire A. Jalbert, Edward J. Woo, Kathryn R. Bretscher, James A. Baker, Mark C. Berens