Patents by Inventor Robert L. W. Smithson
Robert L. W. Smithson 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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Publication number: 20230219195Abstract: Methods of making polymer bond abrasive articles and their precursors using powder bed jetting are disclosed. Polymer bond abrasive articles prepared by the method include abrasive articles having arcuate or tortuous cooling channels, unitary structured abrasive discs, abrasive segments, shaped abrasive particles, and abrasive wheels.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2023Publication date: July 13, 2023Inventors: Robert L.W. Smithson, Brian D. Goers, Brian A. Shukla, Michael C. Harper
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Patent number: 11623324Abstract: Methods of making polymer bond abrasive articles and their precursors using powder bed jetting are disclosed. Polymer bond abrasive articles prepared by the method include abrasive articles having arcuate or tortuous cooling channels, unitary structured abrasive discs, abrasive segments, shaped abrasive particles, and abrasive wheels.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2017Date of Patent: April 11, 2023Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Robert L. W. Smithson, Brian D. Goers, Brian A. Shukla, Michael C. Harper
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Patent number: 11607841Abstract: A method of forming a vitreous bond abrasive article is presented that includes receiving, by a manufacturing device having one or more processors, a digital object comprising data specifying a plurality of layers of a vitreous bond abrasive article precursor. The vitreous bond abrasive article precursor includes abrasive particles bonded together by a vitreous bond precursor material and an organic compound. The vitreous bond abrasive article precursor further comprises at least one of: at least one tortuous cooling channel extending at least partially through the vitreous bond abrasive article precursor or at least one arcuate cooling channel extending at least partially through the vitreous bond abrasive article precursor. The method also includes generating, with the manufacturing device by an additive manufacturing process, the vitreous bond abrasive article precursor based on the digital object.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2021Date of Patent: March 21, 2023Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Carsten Franke, Maiken Givot, Malte Korten, Robert L. W. Smithson, Brian D. Goers, Negus B. Adefris, Thomas J. Anderson, Brian A. Shukla, Michael C. Harper, Elizaveta Y. Plotnikov
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Patent number: 11602888Abstract: Continuous additive manufacturing apparatuses are provided. An apparatus includes an actinic radiation-transparent substrate having a major surface and an irradiation source configured to direct actinic radiation through the actinic radiation-transparent substrate at predetermined dosages at predetermined locations. The apparatus further includes a means for depositing a composition onto the major surface of the actinic radiation-transparent substrate and a means for conveying the actinic radiation-transparent substrate or the irradiation source with respect to each other.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2016Date of Patent: March 14, 2023Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Carsten Franke, Kenneth L. Smith, Jesse R. Behnke, Robert L. W. Smithson, Lucas D. Crestik, Olester Benson, Jr., Alexander J. Huffman
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Patent number: 11597058Abstract: Methods of making metal bond abrasive articles via powder bed jetting are disclosed. Metal bond abrasive articles prepared by the method include abrasive articles having arcuate or tortuous cooling channels, abrasive segments, abrasive wheels, and rotary dental tools.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2020Date of Patent: March 7, 2023Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Carsten Franke, Brian D. Goers, Robert L. W. Smithson, Negus B. Adefris, Brian A. Shukla, Michael C. Harper, Elizaveta Y. Plotnikov
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Patent number: 11597856Abstract: A continuous method of manufacturing adhesives is provided. The method includes obtaining an actinic radiation-polymerizable adhesive precursor composition disposed on a major surface of an actinic radiation-transparent substrate and irradiating a first portion of the actinic radiation-polymerizable adhesive precursor composition through the actinic radiation-transparent substrate for a first irradiation dosage. The method further includes moving the actinic radiation-transparent substrate and irradiating a second portion of the actinic radiation-polymerizable adhesive precursor composition through the actinic radiation-transparent substrate for a second irradiation dosage. Optionally, the method also includes irradiating a third portion of the actinic radiation-polymerizable adhesive precursor composition through the actinic radiation-transparent substrate prior to moving the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2016Date of Patent: March 7, 2023Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Carsten Franke, Kenneth L. Smith, Jesse R. Behnke, Robert L. W. Smithson, Lucas D. Crestik, Olester Benson, Jr., Alexander J. Huffman, Michael A. Kropp, John P. Baetzold, Serkan Yurt
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Publication number: 20220395961Abstract: The present disclosure provides a polymer bond abrasive article formed of a continuous photocured polymer matrix having abrasive particles retained therein. The photocured polymer matrix includes at least one of an optical brightener or a light absorber, and the polymer bond abrasive article has a three-dimensional shape. An abrasive tool is also provided, including the abrasive article affixed to a shaft or a pad. Further, a method of making the polymer bond abrasive article is provided, including a) obtaining a photocurable composition liquid dispersion; b) selectively curing a portion of the photocurable composition; and repeating steps a) and b) to form the polymer bond abrasive article. The dispersion contains at least one photocurable component; abrasive particles; a photoinitiator; and at least one of an optical brightener or a light absorber.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2020Publication date: December 15, 2022Inventors: Tianyu Wu, Gareth A. Hughes, Bruce A. Sventek, Fabian Stolzenburg, Jing Chen, Gregory A. Kobussen, Robert L.W. Smithson
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Publication number: 20220266421Abstract: A bonded abrasive article is disclosed. The bonded abrasive article has abrasive particles retained within a binder in an active grinding layer. The bonded abrasive article also has an internal reservoir configured to receive a fluid. The bonded abrasive article also has a feature configured to change a property of the fluid. The bonded abrasive article also has a delivery feature configured to deliver to fluid to a contact zone.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2020Publication date: August 25, 2022Inventors: Jean-Luc Rifaut, Robert L.W. Smithson
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Patent number: 11383350Abstract: Metal bond abrasive articles and methods of making metal bond abrasive articles via a focused beam are disclosed. In an aspect, a metal bond abrasive article includes a metallic binder material having abrasive particles retained therein, where the abrasive particles have at least one coating disposed thereon. The coating includes a metal, a metal oxide, a metal carbide, a metal nitride, a metalloid, or combinations thereof, and the at least one coating has an average thickness of 0.5 micrometers or greater. The metal bond abrasive article includes a number of layers directly bonded to each other. Metal bond abrasive articles prepared by the method can include abrasive articles having arcuate or tortuous cooling channels, abrasive segments, abrasive wheels, and rotary dental tools.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2018Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Jean-Luc Rifaut, Badri Veeraraghavan, Tilo Remhof, Brian D. Goers, Andreas M. Geldmacher, Robert L. W. Smithson, Przemyslaw P. Markowicz, Johannes Fink
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Patent number: 11279853Abstract: A method of making an adhesive is provided, including obtaining an actinic radiation-polymerizable adhesive precursor composition disposed against a surface of an actinic radiation-transparent substrate and irradiating a first portion of the actinic radiation-polymerizable adhesive precursor composition through the actinic radiation-transparent substrate for a first irradiation dosage. The method further includes irradiating a second portion of the actinic radiation-polymerizable adhesive precursor composition through the actinic radiation-transparent substrate for a second irradiation dosage. The first portion and the second portion are adjacent to or overlapping with each other and the first irradiation dosage and the second irradiation dosage are not the same. The method forms an integral adhesive having a variable thickness in an axis normal to the surface of the actinic radiation-transparent substrate.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2017Date of Patent: March 22, 2022Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Carsten Franke, Joseph C. Dingeldein, Jay A. Esch, Robert L. W. Smithson, Jayshree Seth, Olester Benson, Jr., Karen J. Calverley, Alexander J. Huffman, Serkan Yurt, Setareh Niknezhad, Michael A. Kropp, John P. Baetzold
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Patent number: 11254841Abstract: A method of making an adhesive is provided, including obtaining an actinic radiation-polymerizable adhesive precursor composition disposed against a surface of an actinic radiation-transparent substrate and irradiating a first portion of the actinic radiation-polymerizable adhesive precursor composition through the actinic radiation-transparent substrate for a first irradiation dosage. The method further includes irradiating a second portion of the actinic radiation-polymerizable adhesive precursor composition through the actinic radiation-transparent substrate for a second irradiation dosage. The first portion and the second portion are adjacent to or overlapping with each other and the first irradiation dosage and the second irradiation dosage are not the same. The method forms an integral adhesive having a variable thickness in an axis normal to the surface of the actinic radiation-transparent substrate.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2016Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Carsten Franke, Joseph C. Dingeldein, Jay A. Esch, Robert L. W. Smithson, Jayshree Seth, Olester Benson, Jr., Karen J. Calverley, Alexander J. Huffman, Serkan Yurt, Setareh Niknezhad, Michael A. Kropp, John P. Baetzold
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Publication number: 20210362297Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of making a vitreous bond abrasive article and a metal bond abrasive article. The methods include sequential steps. Step a) includes a subprocess including sequentially: i) depositing a layer of loose powder particles in a confined region; and ii) selectively applying heat via conduction or irradiation, to heat treat an area of the layer of loose powder particles. The loose powder particles include abrasive particles and organic compound particles, as well as vitreous bond precursor particles or metal particles. The layer of loose powder particles has substantially uniform thickness. Step b) includes independently carrying out step a) a number of times to generate an abrasive article preform comprising the bonded powder particles and remaining loose powder particles. Step c) includes separating remaining loose powder particles from the abrasive article preform.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2021Publication date: November 25, 2021Inventors: Carsten Franke, Maiken Givot, Malte Korten, Robert L.W. Smithson, Brian D. Goers, Negus B. Adefris, Thomas J. Anderson, Brian A. Shukla, Michael C. Harper, Elizaveta Y. Plotnikov
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Publication number: 20210316503Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of making a vitreous bond abrasive article and a metal bond abrasive article. The methods include sequential steps. Step a) includes a subprocess including sequentially: i) depositing a layer of loose powder particles in a confined region; and ii) selectively applying heat via conduction or irradiation, to heat treat an area of the layer of loose powder particles. The loose powder particles include abrasive particles and organic compound particles, as well as vitreous bond precursor particles or metal particles. The layer of loose powder particles has substantially uniform thickness. Step b) includes independently carrying out step a) a number of times to generate an abrasive article preform comprising the bonded powder particles and remaining loose powder particles. Step c) includes separating remaining loose powder particles from the abrasive article preform.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2021Publication date: October 14, 2021Inventors: Carsten Franke, Maiken Givot, Malte Korten, Robert L.W. Smithson, Brian D. Goers, Negus B. Adefris, Thomas J. Anderson, Brian A. Shukla, Michael C. Harper, Elizaveta Y. Plotnikov
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Patent number: 11072115Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of making a vitreous bond abrasive article and a metal bond abrasive article. An abrasive article preform is produced by an additive manufacturing sub-process comprising the deposition of a layer of loose powder particles in a confined region and selective heating via conduction or irradiation to heat treat an area of the layer of loose powder particles. The loose powder particles include abrasive particles and organic compound particles, as well as vitreous bond precursor particles or metal particles. The abrasive article preform produced by additive manufacturing is subsequently heated to provide the vitreous bond abrasive article comprising the abrasive particles retained in a vitreous bond material, or to provide the metal bond abrasive article. Also, the methods include receiving, by an additive manufacturing device having a processor, a digital object specifying data for an abrasive article, and generating the abrasive article with the manufacturing device.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2017Date of Patent: July 27, 2021Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Carsten Franke, Maiken Givot, Malte Korten, Robert L. W. Smithson, Brian D. Goers, Negus B. Adefris, Thomas J. Anderson, Brian A. Shukla, Michael C. Harper, Elizaveta Y. Plotnikov
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Patent number: 11072053Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of making a vitreous bond abrasive article and a metal bond abrasive article. The methods include sequential steps. Step a) includes a subprocess including sequentially: i) depositing a layer of loose powder particles in a confined region; and ii) selectively applying heat via conduction or irradiation, to heat treat an area of the layer of loose powder particles. The loose powder particles include abrasive particles and organic compound particles, as well as vitreous bond precursor particles or metal particles. The layer of loose powder particles has substantially uniform thickness. Step b) includes independently carrying out step a) a number of times to generate an abrasive article preform comprising the bonded powder particles and remaining loose powder particles. Step c) includes separating remaining loose powder particles from the abrasive article preform.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2017Date of Patent: July 27, 2021Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Carsten Franke, Maiken Givot, Malte Korten, Robert L. W. Smithson, Brian D. Goers, Negus B. Adefris, Thomas J. Anderson, Brian A. Shukla, Michael C. Harper, Elizaveta Y. Plotnikov
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Publication number: 20210094149Abstract: Methods of making metal bond abrasive articles via powder bed jetting are disclosed. Metal bond abrasive articles prepared by the method include abrasive articles having arcuate or tortuous cooling channels, abrasive segments, abrasive wheels, and rotary dental tools.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2020Publication date: April 1, 2021Inventors: Carsten Franke, Brian D. Goers, Robert L.W. Smithson, Negus B. Adefris, Brian A. Shukla, Michael C. Harper, Elizaveta Y. Plotnikov
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Patent number: 10888973Abstract: Methods of making metal bond abrasive articles via powder bed jetting are disclosed. Metal bond abrasive articles prepared by the method include abrasive articles having arcuate or tortuous cooling channels, abrasive segments, abrasive wheels, and rotary dental tools.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2016Date of Patent: January 12, 2021Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Carsten Franke, Brian D. Goers, Robert L. W. Smithson, Negus B. Adefris, Brian A. Shukla, Michael C. Harper, Elizaveta Y. Plotnikov
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Patent number: 10709619Abstract: A fastening tape, mechanical fastener, methods of making them, and personal hygiene articles including them are disclosed. The fastening tape includes a tape backing having a fastening portion, an adhesive disposed on the fastening portion, and a release surface for the adhesive. The release surface is a either a release tape attached along one of its edges to the tape backing or a release coating disposed on at least a portion of a surface of the tape backing. At least one of the tape backing or the release surface comprises a microporous film having an opaque, microporous region and at least one see-through region of lower porosity within the opaque, microporous region. The mechanical fastener includes such a microporous film and mechanical fastening elements on at least one surface. The at least one see-through region extends through the thickness of the microporous film.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2014Date of Patent: July 14, 2020Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Neelakandan Chandrasekaran, Robert L. W. Smithson, Timothy V. Stagg
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Patent number: 10687588Abstract: The present invention relates to printed hook components for hook and loop mechanical fasteners, and other components such as on diaper chassis and other personal hygiene articles, and methods for making the same. The hook component comprises an organic polymer, a laser-sensitive agent, and a laser-induced print on the hook component created by the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with the laser-sensitive agent. The hook component can be used in a variety of applications, including mechanical fastening devices for personal hygiene articles such as diapers, adult incontinence pads, and medical gowns.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2015Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Jeffrey O. Emslander, Siegfried R. Gabriel, Michael R. Gorman, Tilo Remhof, Robert L. W. Smithson, Hans-Gerd Vollmers
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Publication number: 20200070311Abstract: Methods of making polymer bond abrasive articles and their precursors using powder bed jetting are disclosed. Polymer bond abrasive articles prepared by the method include abrasive articles having arcuate or tortuous cooling channels, unitary structured abrasive discs, abrasive segments, shaped abrasive particles, and abrasive wheels.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2017Publication date: March 5, 2020Inventors: Robert L.W. Smithson, Brian D. Goers, Brian A. Shukla, Michael C. Harper