Patents by Inventor Robert G. Saunier

Robert G. Saunier 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: 6988941
    Abstract: A back-up pad for supporting an abrasive article is disclosed. The back-up pad includes an engagement assembly bonded to a first major surface. The engagement assembly includes a first region including a plurality of first engagement means having a first durability. The engagement assembly also includes a second region including a plurality of second attachment means having a second durability. The first engagement means have a substantially higher durability than the second engagement means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Robert G. Saunier, James W. Malaske
  • Patent number: 6743085
    Abstract: A holder for an abrasive disc allows for a quick manual change of the abrasive disc. The holder including an uncoupling mechanism that in turn includes a handle comprising a pin and an adjacent hub comprising a partial annular channel. The handle and hub have a limited rotational engagement wherein the pin travels in the channel. When an operator desires to replace an abrasive disc, the operator grasps the handle with one hand and rotates the disc, face plate, and hub, together as a unit, with the other hand. This counter-rotation breaks the tight attachment of the disc on the shaft of the finishing tool, so that disc can be easily unthreaded from the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Peter J. Fritz, Robert G. Saunier, Aleck Block
  • Publication number: 20030096566
    Abstract: A holder for an abrasive disc allows for a quick manual change of the abrasive disc. The holder including an uncoupling mechanism that in turn includes a handle comprising a pin and an adjacent hub comprising a partial annular channel. The handle and hub have a limited rotational engagement wherein the pin travels in the channel. When an operator desires to replace an abrasive disc, the operator grasps the handle with one hand and rotates the disc, face plate, and hub, together as a unit, with the other hand. This counter-rotation breaks the tight attachment of the disc on the shaft of the finishing tool, so that disc can be easily unthreaded from the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Peter J. Fritz, Robert G. Saunier, Aleck Block
  • Patent number: 5679029
    Abstract: A clamp for a dispersive electrode is disclosed. The clamp includes (a) a housing having an exterior surface, an interior surface being formed within the housing for receiving projecting tabs of the electrode, and a slot in the housing disposed between the exterior surface and the interior surface; (b) a mechanism for releasably engaging the tabs at the interior surface; (c) a reinforcement on the releasably engagement means; and (d) a slot on the exterior surface of the housing having a shape matching the reinforcement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Robert G. Saunier, Craig D. Oster