Patents by Inventor Timothy L. Hoopman

Timothy L. Hoopman 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: 8201865
    Abstract: A pipe gripper device including first and second gripper bodies and a clevis assembly. The gripper bodies each have a head and an arm. The head forms a slot. The arm defines a grip segment proximate a leading end and forms a textured exterior surface. The arms are pivotably coupled and slidably contact one another along corresponding interiors. The clevis assembly includes a clevis mounted to the heads by a pin passing through the respective slots. The gripper device is transitionable between a contracted state and an expanded state by pivoting of the gripper bodies at the corresponding pivot points, with the pin sliding within the slots to define a limit of the expanded state. In the contracted state, the grip segments are readily inserted into a pipe; upon transitioning toward the expanded state, the grip segments engage the pipe interior for application of a pulling force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Inventor: Timothy L. Hoopman
  • Publication number: 20100202837
    Abstract: A pipe gripper device including first and second gripper bodies and a clevis assembly. The gripper bodies each have a head and an arm. The head forms a slot. The arm defines a grip segment proximate a leading end and forms a textured exterior surface. The arms are pivotably coupled and slidably contact one another along corresponding interiors. The clevis assembly includes a clevis mounted to the heads by a pin passing through the respective slots. The gripper device is transitionable between a contracted state and an expanded state by pivoting of the gripper bodies at the corresponding pivot points, with the pin sliding within the slots to define a limit of the expanded state. In the contracted state, the grip segments are readily inserted into a pipe; upon transitioning toward the expanded state, the grip segments engage the pipe interior for application of a pulling force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventor: Timothy L. Hoopman
  • Patent number: 7510462
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a cutting tool assembly used for creating grooves in a microreplication tool is described. The cutting tool assembly includes a mounting structure and multiple diamonds mounted in the mounting structure. For example, first and second tool shanks having first and second diamond tips can be positioned in the mounting structure such that a cutting location of a diamond cutting tip of the first tool shank is a defined distance from a cutting location of a diamond cutting tip of the second tool shank. The defined distance may correspond to an integer number of pitch spacings, and may be accurate to within a tolerance of less than approximately 10 microns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: William J. Bryan, Nelson D. Sewall, Jeffrey E. Clements, Greg E. Schrank, Jennifer L. Trice, Timothy L. Hoopman, Charles N. DeVore
  • Patent number: 7166140
    Abstract: A baffle is disclosed which comprises a plurality of substantially S-shaped baffle members and a frame configured to hold the baffle members substantially parallel to each other. The baffle is configured to separate one or more entrained substances from an air stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Phillips Plastics Corporation
    Inventors: Majid Entezarian, James R. Johnson, Timothy L. Hoopman, Charles S. Brunner, Christopher T. Zirps
  • Patent number: 6959575
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for knurling a workpiece in which the knurl pattern includes grooves of at least two different configurations. The apparatus includes a knurl wheel holder that allows angular rotation of the knurl wheel about the holder longitudinal axis while maintaining the knurl wheel point of contact on the longitudinal axis. The apparatus also includes a knurling wheel that includes teeth of at least two different configurations. Also disclosed is a method of molding a molded article with the knurled workpiece to impart the inverse of the knurl pattern onto the molded article, such a molded article, a method of forming a structured abrasive article with the molded article, and such an abrasive article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Timothy L. Hoopman
  • Patent number: 6581286
    Abstract: An optical film having structures that vary in height along their length where the variations have a nominal period of less than forty times the nominal height of the structures is taught. In some embodiments of the invention the variation is random.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Alan B. Campbell, Sanford Cobb, Jr., Wade D. Kretman, Marvin J. Niezgocki, Timothy L. Hoopman
  • Publication number: 20020057564
    Abstract: An optical film having structures that vary in height along their length where the variations have a nominal period of less than forty times the nominal height of the structures is taught. In some embodiments of the invention the variation is random.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Publication date: May 16, 2002
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Alan B. Campbell, Sanford Cobb, Wade D. Kretman, Marvin J. Niezgocki, Timothy L. Hoopman
  • Patent number: 6386079
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for knurling a workpiece in which the knurl pattern includes grooves of at least two different configurations. The apparatus includes a knurl wheel holder that allows angular rotation of the knurl wheel about the holder longitudinal axis while maintaining the knurl wheel point of contact on the longitudinal axis. The apparatus also includes a knurling wheel that includes teeth of at least two different configurations. Also disclosed is a method of molding a molded article with the knurled workpiece to impart the inverse of the knurl pattern onto the molded article, such a molded article, a method of forming a structured abrasive article with the molded article, and such an abrasive article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Timothy L. Hoopman
  • Patent number: 6354709
    Abstract: An optical film having structures that vary in height along their length where the variations have a nominal period of less than forty times the nominal height of the structures is taught. In some embodiments of the invention the variation is random.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Alan B. Campbell, Sanford Cobb, Jr., Wade D. Kretman, Marvin J. Niezgocki, Timothy L. Hoopman
  • Publication number: 20020028264
    Abstract: The present invention provides master and production tools and method for making these tools. The master tool includes a plurality of three-dimensional shapes upraised from a major surface of the master tool. Each of the shapes is defined by a distinct and discernible boundary including specific dimensions, wherein not all said three-dimensional shapes are identical. The master tool of the present invention can be used to form a production tool containing a plurality of three-dimensional-shaped cavities. The production tool can be used in the manufacture of abrasive articles to shape an abrasive slurry into an array of three-dimensional shaped abrasive composites.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Publication date: March 7, 2002
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Timothy L. Hoopman, Nelson D. Sewall
  • Publication number: 20020009514
    Abstract: The present invention provides master and production tools and method for making these tools. The master tool includes a plurality of three-dimensional shapes upraised from a major surface of the master tool. Each of the shapes is defined by a distinct and discernible boundary including specific dimensions, wherein not all said three-dimensional shapes are identical. The master tool of the present invention can be used to form a production tool containing a plurality of three-dimensional-shaped cavities. The production tool can be used in the manufacture of abrasive articles to shape an abrasive slurry into an array of three-dimensional shaped abrasive composites.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2000
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventors: Timothy L. Hoopman, Nelson D. Sewall
  • Publication number: 20010029770
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for knurling a workpiece in which the knurl pattern includes grooves of at least two different configurations. The apparatus includes a knurl wheel holder that allows angular rotation of the knurl wheel about the holder longitudinal axis while maintaining the knurl wheel point of contact on the longitudinal axis. The apparatus also includes a knurling wheel that includes teeth of at least two different configurations. Also disclosed is a method of molding a molded article with the knurled workpiece to impart the inverse of the knurl pattern onto the molded article, such a molded article, a method of forming a structured abrasive article with the molded article, and such an abrasive article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Timothy L. Hoopman
  • Publication number: 20010023629
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for knurling a workpiece in which the knurl pattern includes grooves of at least two different configurations. The apparatus includes a knurl wheel holder that allows angular rotation of the knurl wheel about the holder longitudinal axis while maintaining the knurl wheel point of contact on the longitudinal axis. The apparatus also includes a knurling wheel that includes teeth of at least two different configurations. Also disclosed is a method of molding a molded article with the knurled workpiece to impart the inverse of the knurl pattern onto the molded article, such a molded article, a method of forming a structured abrasive article with the molded article, and such an abrasive article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Publication date: September 27, 2001
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Timothy L. Hoopman
  • Patent number: 6238611
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for knurling a workpiece in which the knurl pattern includes grooves of at least two different configurations. The apparatus includes a knurl wheel holder that allows angular rotation of the knurl wheel about the holder longitudinal axis while maintaining the knurl wheel point of contact on the longitudinal axis. The apparatus also includes a knurling wheel that includes teeth of at least two different configurations. Also disclosed is a method of molding a molded article with the knurled workpiece to impart the inverse of the knurl pattern onto the molded article, such a molded article, a method of forming a structured abrasive article with the molded article, and such an abrasive article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Timothy L. Hoopman
  • Patent number: 6129540
    Abstract: An abrasive article is provided having a sheet-like structure having a major surface having deployed in fixed position thereon a plurality of abrasive three-dimensional abrasive composites, each of the composites comprising abrasive particles dispersed in a binder and having a precise shape defined by a distinct and discernible boundary which includes specific dimensions, wherein the precise shapes are not all identical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Timothy L. Hoopman, Nelson D. Sewall
  • Patent number: 6076248
    Abstract: The present invention provides a master tool and method for making a master tool. The master tool includes a plurality of precise three-dimensional shapes upraised from the surface of the master tool. Each of the precise shapes is defined by a distinct and discernible boundary including specific dimensions, wherein not all said three-dimensional shapes are identical. The master tool of the present invention can be used to form a production tool containing a plurality of precise three-dimensional-shaped cavities. The production tool can be used in the manufacture of abrasive articles to shape an abrasive slurry into an array of precise three dimensional-shaped abrasive composites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Timothy L. Hoopman, Nelson D. Sewall
  • Patent number: 5975987
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for knurling a workpiece in which the knurl pattern has an oblique helix angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical workpiece. Also disclosed is a method of molding a molded article with the knurled workpiece to impart the inverse of the knurl pattern onto the molded article, such a molded article, a method of forming a structured abrasive article with the molded article, and such an abrasive article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Timothy L. Hoopman, Stanley B. Collins, James A. Servatius
  • Patent number: 5946991
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for knurling a workpiece in which the knurl pattern includes grooves of at least two different configurations. The apparatus includes a knurl wheel holder that allows angular rotation of the knurl wheel about the holder longitudinal axis while maintaining the knurl wheel point of contact on the longitudinal axis. The apparatus also a knurling wheel that includes teeth of at least two different configurations. Also disclosed is a method of molding a molded article with the knurled workpiece to impart the inverse of the knurl pattern onto the molded article, such a molded article, a method of forming a structured abrasive article with the molded article, and such an abrasive article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Timothy L. Hoopman
  • Patent number: 5681217
    Abstract: An abrasive article having sheet-like structure including a major surface extending within an imaginary plane with a plurality of individual three-dimensional abrasive composites deployed in fixed positions thereto in an array, each of the composites has abrasive particles dispersed in a binder and has a substantially precise shape and a distal end, where another imaginary plane extends parallel to and is spaced from the first imaginary plane and intersects the lowest distal end among the composites, wherein any imaginary line drawn within the latter-mentioned imaginary plane in the direction(s) of intended use intersect at least one cross-section among the abrasive composites in the array. The invention also relates to methods for manufacturing such an abrasive article and its usage to refine a work surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Timothy L. Hoopman, Scott R. Culler
  • Patent number: 5672097
    Abstract: An abrasive article is provided having a sheet-like structure having a major surface having deployed in fixed position thereon a plurality of abrasive three-dimensional abrasive composites, each of the composites comprising abrasive particles dispersed in a binder and having a precise shape defined by a distinct and discernible boundary which includes specific dimensions, wherein the precise shapes are not all identical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Timothy L. Hoopman