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).

  • Publication number: 20250025980
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2022
    Publication date: January 23, 2025
    Inventors: Aaron K. Neinaber, Mark w. Orlando, Brett R. Hemes, Xin Dong, Jonathan B. Arthur, Nathan J. Herbst, Rufus C. Sanders
  • Publication number: 20240226965
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2022
    Publication date: July 11, 2024
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20240051082
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2021
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Inventors: Joseph B. Eckel, Orlin B. Knudson, Erin D. Spring, Nathan J. Herbst, Rufus C. Sanders
  • Publication number: 20200030936
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2018
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20200030938
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2018
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 8070862
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 7959694
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: 3m Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ehrich J. Braunschweig, Rufus C. Sanders, Charles J. Studiner, IV, Edward J. Woo
  • Patent number: 7628829
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Edward J. Woo, Thomas W. Rambosek, Seyed A. Angadjivand, Mary B. Donovan, Rufus C. Sanders, Jr., Yeun-Jong Chou
  • Publication number: 20090056548
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20080229672
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventors: Edward J. Woo, Thomas W. Rambosek, Seyed A. Angadjivand, Mary B. Donovan, Rufus C. Sanders, Yeun-Jong Chou
  • Publication number: 20080233850
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventors: Edward J. Woo, Thomas W. Rambosek, Seyed A. Angadjivand, Mary B. Donovan, Rufus C. Sanders, Yeun-Jong Chou
  • Publication number: 20080216414
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: Ehrich J. Braunschweig, Rufus C. Sanders, Charles J. Studiner, Edward J. Woo
  • Patent number: 7393269
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Thomas W. Rambosek, Rufus C. Sanders, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7390244
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    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
  • Patent number: 7338355
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Rufus C. Sanders, Jr., Timothy J. Rowell, Satinder K. Nayar
  • Publication number: 20070287366
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Rufus C. Sanders,, Timothy J. Rowell, Satinder K. Nayar
  • Patent number: 7244170
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: 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
  • Patent number: 6733876
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Kris A. Beardsley, Rufus C. Sanders, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6328773
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Kris A. Beardsley, Rufus C. Sanders, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6007590
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Rufus C. Sanders, Jr.