Molded brush segment

US5903951A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company · US

Inventors

• Richard Ionta · Woodbury, US
• Donna W. Bange · Eagan, US
• David E. Johnson · Maplewood, US
• Mara E. Liepa · Windom, US
• Richard M. Pihl · Cottage Grove, US
• David C. Roeker · Hudson, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 30, 1996
• Grant date: May 18, 1999
• Expiry date: Oct 30, 2016

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B29L2031/42
• WIPO field: Machine tools
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A molded brush segment having a plurality of integrally molded bristles extending from a generally planar center portion. The brush segment is molded from a moldable polymer such a thermoset polymer, thermoplastic polymer, or thermoplastic elastomer. The moldable polymer preferably includes a plurality of organic or inorganic abrasive particles interspersed throughout at least the bristles, and can be interspersed throughout the brush segment. The molded brush segments can be generally circular, with the bristles extending radially outward in the plane defined by the central portion. A plurality of brush segments can be combined to form a brush assembly. Also disclosed is a method of making a molded abrasive brush and a method of refining a workpiece surface with a molded abrasive brush.