Patents by Inventor Rufus C. Sanders
Rufus C. Sanders 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: 20250025980Abstract: A robotic abrading system that includes a robotic tool coupled to a robotic arm. The robotic arm is configured to move the robotic tool into an abrading position with respect to a workpiece. The system also includes a backup pad coupled to the robotic tool. The system also includes a polishing pad coupled to the backup tool. The backup pad or the polishing pad include a heat accumulation reduction mechanism that passively reduces heat accumulation within the backup pad during successive polishing operations.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2022Publication date: January 23, 2025Inventors: Aaron K. Neinaber, Mark w. Orlando, Brett R. Hemes, Xin Dong, Jonathan B. Arthur, Nathan J. Herbst, Rufus C. Sanders
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Publication number: 20240226965Abstract: A wiping system for a robotic repair unit is presented that includes a motive robot arm with a motor, a connection mechanism coupled to the motive robot arm, and a wiping medium coupled to the connection mechanism. The wiping medium includes a base layer and a plurality of features extending from the base layer. The motive robot arm, powered by the motor, moves the wiping medium. The motive robot arm is configured to move the wiping medium toward, or away from, a worksurface. The motive arm is configured to press the wiping medium toward the worksurface during a wiping operation. During the wiping operation, the wiping medium is driven by a wiping motor against the surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2022Publication date: July 11, 2024Inventors: Aaron K. Nienaber, Nathan J. Herbst, Jonathan B. Arthur, Dirk Mueller, Joseph B. Eckel, Udo W. Scheuvens, Rufus C. Sanders, Alireza Ghaderi, Mark W. Orlando
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Publication number: 20240051082Abstract: A sanding system is presented that includes a tool with a motor which, when actuated, drives movement of a drive shaft. The system also includes a backup pad coupled to the drive shaft. The backup pad is configured to receive an abrasive article. Movement of the drive shaft causes movement of the abrasive article. The system also includes a compliant damping unit configured to provide variable compliance for the tool when the abrasive article contacting a worksurface. The system also includes an electronic controller that receives a system operating condition and sends a signal to the compliant damping unit based on the system operating condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2021Publication date: February 15, 2024Inventors: Joseph B. Eckel, Orlin B. Knudson, Erin D. Spring, Nathan J. Herbst, Rufus C. Sanders
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Publication number: 20200030936Abstract: A computing system may send and receive data from a variety of other devices, such as abrading tools and consumable abrasive products. The computing system may use this data for various purposes, such as tracking worker vibration dosage, monitoring inventory, promoting use of personal protective equipment, and other purposes.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2018Publication date: January 30, 2020Inventors: Orlin B. Knudson, Rufus C. Sanders, Joseph B. Eckel, Bradley M. Johnson, Karl M. Kropp, Richard L. Rylander, David H. Redinger, Ronald D. Jesme, Andrew R. Henry, Theo L. Simon, Paul H. R. Jolly, Justin Tungjunyatham, Marc A. Egeland, Michael W. Dolezal, Adam C. Nyland
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Publication number: 20200030938Abstract: A computing system may send and receive data from a variety of other devices, such as abrading tools and consumable abrasive products. The computing system may use this data for various purposes, such as tracking worker vibration dosage, monitoring inventory, promoting use of personal protective equipment, and other purposes.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2018Publication date: January 30, 2020Inventors: Orlin B. Knudson, Rufus C. Sanders, Joseph B. Eckel, Bradley M. Johnson, Karl M. Kropp, Richard L. Rylander, David H. Redinger, Ronald D. Jesme, Andrew R. Henry, Theo L. Simon, Paul H. R. Jolly, Justin Tungjunyatham, Marc A. Egeland, Michael W. Dolezal, Adam C. Nyland
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Patent number: 8070862Abstract: A dust collection device for a sanding tool comprising a bag having a sidewall and a coupler attached to the bag. The sidewall comprising a first filter layer, a second filter layer, and an outer support layer. The first filter layer comprising a plurality of fibrillated electrostatically charged electret fibers forming a nonwoven web; the first filter layer having a total pressure drop between about 0.1 to about 4.0 mm H2O, and the first filter layer having a total basis weight between about 50 to about 450 gram/m2. The second filter layer comprising a melt blown microfiber nonwoven web; the second filter layer having a total pressure drop between about between about 5.5 to about 20.0 mm H2O, and the second filter layer having a total basis weight between about 15 to about 75 grams/m2.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2008Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Edward J. Woo, Seyed A. Angadjivand, Rufus C. Sanders, Jr., Edward L. Manor, Robert A. Harkins, Ehrich J. Bräunschweig, Joseph B. Eckel, Timothy J. Rowell
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Patent number: 7959694Abstract: Abrasive articles, and methods of making abrasive articles by using a laser to convert (e.g., cut) at least a portion of the abrasive coating to form the abrasive article. The method includes laser propagation impinging on the abrasive back side (opposite the abrasive coating) and progressing through to the abrasive side. Such a process inhibits ridging effects around cut regions (e.g., openings) on the front side.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2007Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: 3m Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Ehrich J. Braunschweig, Rufus C. Sanders, Charles J. Studiner, IV, Edward J. Woo
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Patent number: 7628829Abstract: An abrasive article comprises a porous abrasive member, a nonwoven filter medium, and a porous attachment fabric. A plurality of openings in the porous abrasive member cooperates with the nonwoven filter medium to allow the flow of particles from an outer abrasive surface of the porous abrasive member to the porous attachment fabric. Methods of making and using the abrasive articles are included.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2007Date of Patent: December 8, 2009Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Edward J. Woo, Thomas W. Rambosek, Seyed A. Angadjivand, Mary B. Donovan, Rufus C. Sanders, Jr., Yeun-Jong Chou
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Publication number: 20090056548Abstract: A dust collection device for a sanding tool comprising a bag having a sidewall and a coupler attached to the bag. The sidewall comprising a first filter layer, a second filter layer, and an outer support layer. The first filter layer comprising a plurality of fibrillated electrostatically charged electret fibers forming a nonwoven web; the first filter layer having a total pressure drop between about 0.1 to about 4.0 mm H2O, and the first filter layer having a total basis weight between about 50 to about 450 gram/m2. The second filter layer comprising a melt blown microfiber nonwoven web; the second filter layer having a total pressure drop between about between about 5.5 to about 20.0 mm H20, and the second filter layer having a total basis weight between about 15 to about 75 grams/m2.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2008Publication date: March 5, 2009Inventors: Edward J. Woo, Seyed A. Angadjivand, Rufus C. Sanders, JR., Edward L. Manor, Robert A. Harkins, Ehrich J. Braunschweig, Joseph B. Eckel, Timothy J. Rowell
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Publication number: 20080229672Abstract: An abrasive article comprises a porous abrasive member, a nonwoven filter medium, and a porous attachment fabric. A plurality of openings in the porous abrasive member cooperates with the nonwoven filter medium to allow the flow of particles from an outer abrasive surface of the porous abrasive member to the porous attachment fabric. Methods of making and using the abrasive articles are included.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2007Publication date: September 25, 2008Inventors: Edward J. Woo, Thomas W. Rambosek, Seyed A. Angadjivand, Mary B. Donovan, Rufus C. Sanders, Yeun-Jong Chou
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Publication number: 20080233850Abstract: An abrasive article comprises a porous abrasive member, a nonwoven filter medium, a second nonwoven filter medium, and optionally a porous attachment layer. A plurality of openings in the porous abrasive member cooperates with the first nonwoven filter medium to allow the flow of particles from an outer abrasive surface of the porous abrasive member to the second nonwoven filter medium. Methods of making and using the abrasive articles are included.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2007Publication date: September 25, 2008Inventors: Edward J. Woo, Thomas W. Rambosek, Seyed A. Angadjivand, Mary B. Donovan, Rufus C. Sanders, Yeun-Jong Chou
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Publication number: 20080216414Abstract: Abrasive articles, and methods of making abrasive articles by using a laser to convert (e.g., cut) at least a portion of the abrasive coating to form the abrasive article. The method includes laser propagation impinging on the abrasive back side (opposite the abrasive coating) and progressing through to the abrasive side. Such a process inhibits ridging effects around cut regions (e.g., openings) on the front side.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2007Publication date: September 11, 2008Inventors: Ehrich J. Braunschweig, Rufus C. Sanders, Charles J. Studiner, Edward J. Woo
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Patent number: 7393269Abstract: An abrasive filter assembly with an integral dust collection system. The abrasive filter assembly comprises a porous element, a first filter media with channels, a second filter media, and an attachment interface layer. The openings of the porous element cooperate with the channels to allow the flow of particles from the porous element to the second filter media. The porous element can be an abrasive article or an attachment surface for an abrasive article.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2005Date of Patent: July 1, 2008Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Thomas W. Rambosek, Rufus C. Sanders, Jr.
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Patent number: 7390244Abstract: An abrasive article mounting assembly with an integral dust collection system. The abrasive attachment interface is configured to releasably engage and support an abrasive article, such as, for example, a porous abrasive sheet or disc.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2005Date of Patent: June 24, 2008Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Edward J. Woo, Thomas W. Rambosek, Rufus C. Sanders, Jr., Ehrich J. Braunschweig, Seyed A. Angadjivand, Suresh Kalatoor, Curtis J. Schmidt, Charles R. Wald, Donna W. Bange
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Patent number: 7338355Abstract: An abrasive article having an apertured coated abrasive member, filter media, and an attachment interface member is formed by an ultrasonic welding process. The abrasive article is useful for abrading a workpiece.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2006Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Rufus C. Sanders, Jr., Timothy J. Rowell, Satinder K. Nayar
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Publication number: 20070287366Abstract: An abrasive article having an apertured coated abrasive member, filter media, and an attachment interface member is formed by an ultrasonic welding process. The abrasive article is useful for abrading a workpiece.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2006Publication date: December 13, 2007Inventors: Rufus C. Sanders,, Timothy J. Rowell, Satinder K. Nayar
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Patent number: 7244170Abstract: An abrasive article with an integral dust collection system. The abrasive article comprises a porous abrasive layer with openings, a first filter media with channels, a second filter media, and an attachment interface layer. The openings of the porous abrasive layer cooperate with the channels to allow the flow of particles from the abrasive surface to the second filter media.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2005Date of Patent: July 17, 2007Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Co.Inventors: Edward J. Woo, Thomas W. Rambosek, Rufus C. Sanders, Jr., Ehrich J. Braunschweig, Seyed A. Angadjivand, Suresh Kalatoor, Curtis J. Schmidt, Charles R. Wald, Donna W. Bange
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Patent number: 6733876Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible abrasive article containing minimal releaseable amounts of physical and chemical contaminants that may be used to clean surfaces. The abrasive article is made of a foraminous substrate, at least one binder and abrasive particles. Methods of making such abrasive articles are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 1999Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Kris A. Beardsley, Rufus C. Sanders, Jr.
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Patent number: 6328773Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible abrasive article containing minimal releaseable amounts of physical and chemical contaminants that may be used to clean surfaces. The abrasive article is made of a foraminous substrate, at least one binder and abrasive particles. Methods of making such abrasive articles are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 1999Date of Patent: December 11, 2001Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Kris A. Beardsley, Rufus C. Sanders, Jr.
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Patent number: 6007590Abstract: A method for manufacturing a foraminous abrasive article whereby abrasive particles are concentrated in an external surface region of a foraminous substrate. The method includes the steps of: providing a foamable, hardenable, liquid resin composition and a foraminous substrate having an external surface; foaming the resin composition effective to disperse a plurality of gas bubbles throughout the resin composition; applying the foamed resin composition to the external surface of the substrate to form a foam coating layer having an upper surface; applying a plurality of abrasive particles to the upper surface of the foam coating layer; heating the foamed coating layer effective to eliminate the gas bubbles from the foamed coating layer; and hardening the resin composition to attach the abrasive particles to the substrate. The invention also concerns the foraminous abrasive article products of this method.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1997Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventor: Rufus C. Sanders, Jr.