Patents by Inventor Charles D. Hoyle

Charles D. Hoyle 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: 20220375683
    Abstract: A magnetic film assembly includes a coil having a plurality of turns defining a first major boundary surface of the coil, such that when energized, the coil generates an in-plane magnetic field component in a region of interest in air proximate and substantially parallel to the first major boundary surface, the in-plane magnetic field component having a magnetic field strength H that varies between a maximum Hmax and about 10% of Hmax in the region of interest in air; and a magnetic layer disposed on the coil so as to include the region of interest, such that when energized, the coil generates a magnetic field inducing an in-plane magnetic flux density B in the magnetic layer in the region of interest that varies less than about 5% in the region of interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2020
    Publication date: November 24, 2022
    Inventors: Zohaib Hameed, Milo G. Oien-Rochat, Charles L. Bruzzone, Charles D. Hoyle, Michael D. Benson, Jennifer J. Sokol, Jung Ju Suh
  • Patent number: 11435616
    Abstract: Optical constructions are disclosed. A disclosed optical construction includes a reflective polarizer layer, and an optical film that is disposed on the reflective polarizer layer. The optical film has an optical haze that is not less than about 50%. Substantial portions of each two neighboring major surfaces in the optical construction are in physical contact with each other. The optical construction has an axial luminance gain that is not less than about 1.2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Encai Hao, Fei Lu, William Blake Kolb, Brian W. Ostlie, Adam D. Haag, Michael Benton Free, William D. Coggio, Michael L. Steiner, Soemantri Widagdo, Kui Chen-Ho, Lan H. Liu, Robert F. Kamrath, Scott M. Tapio, John A. Wheatley, Charles D. Hoyle, Michael F. Weber
  • Publication number: 20220183153
    Abstract: A patterned article includes a unitary polymeric layer and a plurality of electrically conductive elements embedded at least partially in the unitary polymeric layer. Each electrically conductive element includes a conductive seed layer having a top major surface and an opposite bottom major surface in direct contact with the unitary polymeric layer, and includes a metallic body disposed on the top major surface of the conductive seed layer. The metallic body has a bottom major surface and at least one sidewall. The bottom major surface contacts the conductive seed layer. Each sidewall is in direct contact with the unitary polymeric layer and extends from the bottom major surface of the metallic body toward or to, but not past, a top major surface of the unitary polymeric layer. The conductive elements may be electrically isolated from one another. Processes for making the patterned article are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2020
    Publication date: June 9, 2022
    Inventors: Raymond P. Johnston, John J. Sullivan, Matthew C. Messina, Charles D. Hoyle, Jaewon Kim, Haiyan Zhang, Matthew S. Stay, Robert A. Sainati, Kevin W. Gotrik, Kenneth A.P. Meyer, Gregory L. Abraham, Joseph C. Carls, Douglas S. Dunn
  • Publication number: 20220003904
    Abstract: Multilayer optical film comprising at least a plurality of alternating first and second optical layers. Embodiments of the multilayer optical film are useful, for example, in UV-C shield, UV-C light collimator, and UV-C light concentrator applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2019
    Publication date: January 6, 2022
    Inventors: Timothy J. Hebrink, Stephen P. Maki, Charles D. Hoyle, Joel D. Oxman, Matthew T. Scholz, Justin M. Mazzoni, Michael E. Griffin, Anna C. Hamlin
  • Publication number: 20200233268
    Abstract: Optical constructions are disclosed. A disclosed optical construction includes a reflective polarizer layer, and an optical film that is disposed on the reflective polarizer layer. The optical film has an optical haze that is not less than about 50%. Substantial portions of each two neighboring major surfaces in the optical construction are in physical contact with each other. The optical construction has an axial luminance gain that is not less than about 1.2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2020
    Publication date: July 23, 2020
    Inventors: Encai HAO, Fei LU, William Blake KOLB, Brian W. OSTLIE, Adam D. HAAG, Michael Benton FREE, William D. COGGIO, Michael L. STEINER, Soemantri WIDAGDO, Kui CHEN-HO, Lan H. LIU, Robert F. KAMRATH, Scott M. TAPIO, John A. WHEATLEY, Charles D. HOYLE, Michael F. WEBER
  • Patent number: 10649274
    Abstract: Optical constructions are disclosed. A disclosed optical construction includes a reflective polarizer layer, and an optical film that is disposed on the reflective polarizer layer. The optical film has an optical haze that is not less than about 50%. Substantial portions of each two neighboring major surfaces in the optical construction are in physical contact with each other. The optical construction has an axial luminance gain that is not less than about 1.2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Encai Hao, Fei Lu, William Blake Kolb, Brian W. Ostlie, Adam D. Haag, Michael Benton Free, William D. Coggio, Michael L. Steiner, Soemantri Widagdo, Kui Chen-Ho, Lan H. Liu, Robert F. Kamrath, Scott M. Tapio, John A. Wheatley, Charles D. Hoyle, Michael F. Weber
  • Patent number: 10422941
    Abstract: An optical film including a collimating reflective polarizer and a structured layer disposed on a major surface of the collimating reflective polarizer. The structured layer includes a plurality of three-dimensional structures on an outer major surface of the structured layer facing away from the collimating reflective polarizer. The three-dimensional structures have a surface normal having an angle relative to a plane of the optical film that is in a range of about 35 degrees to about 55 degrees over at least 50 percent of a surface area of the three-dimensional structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Charles D. Hoyle, Gilles J. Benoit, Timothy J. Nevitt
  • Patent number: 10037850
    Abstract: A multilayer film capacitor having a composite stack disposed between two electrodes where the composite stack includes at least one thermoplastic conductive layer and at least one thermoplastic insulating layer. The total thickness of the conductive layers is at least 3 times the total thickness of the insulating layers. The conductive layers may include a thermoplastic polymer blended with conductive particles at a concentration higher than a percolation threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Timothy J. Nevitt, Onur S. Yordem, David T. Yust, Charles D. Hoyle
  • Publication number: 20180039011
    Abstract: An optical film including a collimating reflective polarizer and a structured layer disposed on a major surface of the collimating reflective polarizer. The structured layer includes a plurality of three-dimensional structures on an outer major surface of the structured layer facing away from the collimating reflective polarizer. The three-dimensional structures have a surface normal having an angle relative to a plane of the optical film that is in a range of about 35 degrees to about 55 degrees over at least 50 percent of a surface area of the three-dimensional structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Publication date: February 8, 2018
    Inventors: Charles D. Hoyle, Gilles J. Benoit, Timothy J. Nevitt
  • Patent number: 9690038
    Abstract: A backlight includes a light source and one or more light recycling films. The light source generates light that exits the light source with an angular exit distribution. The light recycling films are oriented in relation to the light source so that the prism peaks of the recycling films are oriented away from the light source. The recycling films have a range of optimal incident angles that allow light to pass through the recycling films without recycling. The components of the light source, the characteristics of the recycling films, or both, are configured to control the overlap between the exit distribution of the light source and the optimal incident angle range of the recycling films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Gary T. Boyd, Ji-Young Choi, John T. Cowher, Yasuyuki Daigo, Kenneth A. Epstein, Shandon D. Hart, Charles D. Hoyle, Min-Young Ji, Chideuk Kim, Byung-Soo Ko, Keith M. Kotchick, Wade D. Kretman, David J. Lamb, Seo-Hern Lee, Eric W. Nelson, Youngsoo Park, Xianneng Peng, Yuji Saito, Naoya Taniguchi, John F. Van Derlofske, III, Leland R. Whitney, Xingpeng Yang, Yang Yu, Jie Zhou, Rui Zhang
  • Publication number: 20160181018
    Abstract: A multilayer film capacitor having a composite stack disposed between two electrodes where the composite stack includes at least one thermoplastic conductive layer and at least one thermoplastic insulating layer. The total thickness of the conductive layers is at least 3 times the total thickness of the insulating layers. The conductive layers may include a thermoplastic polymer blended with conductive particles at a concentration higher than a percolation threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Inventors: Timothy J. Nevitt, Onur S. Yordem, David T. Yust, Charles D. Hoyle
  • Patent number: 9329326
    Abstract: Light guides comprising light extraction structure arrays and articles comprising such light guides are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Charles A. Marttila, Charles D. Hoyle, David A. Ender, Jaime B. Willoughby, Robert J. DeVoe
  • Publication number: 20160018700
    Abstract: Optical constructions are disclosed. A disclosed optical construction includes a reflective polarizer layer, and an optical film that is disposed on the reflective polarizer layer. The optical film has an optical haze that is not less than about 50%. Substantial portions of each two neighboring major surfaces in the optical construction are in physical contact with each other. The optical construction has an axial luminance gain that is not less than about 1.2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Encai HAO, Fei LU, William Blake KOLB, Brian W. OSTLIE, Adam D. HAAG, Michael Benton FREE, William D. COGGIO, Michael L. STEINER, Soemantri WIDAGDO, Kui CHEN-HO, Lan H. LIU, Robert F. KAMRATH, Scott M. TAPIO, John A. WHEATLEY, Charles D. HOYLE, Michael F. WEBER
  • Patent number: 9091408
    Abstract: A recycling cavity such as used in a backlight or similar extended area source includes a front and back reflector, the front reflector being partially transmissive to provide an output illumination area. The recycling cavity also includes a component that provides the cavity with a balance of specular and diffuse characteristics so as to balance cavity efficiency and brightness uniformity over the output area. The component can be characterized by a transport ratio of greater than 15% for a 15 degree incidence angle, and less than 95% for a 45 degree incidence angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael F. Weber, Timothy J. Nevitt, John A. Wheatley, Rolf W. Biernath, David G. Freier, Gilles J. Benoit, Charles D. Hoyle, Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Zhaohui Yang
  • Patent number: 8926159
    Abstract: A front and back reflector are arranged to form a hollow light recycling cavity having an output region, and one or more light sources (e.g. LEDs) are disposed to emit light into the cavity. In one aspect, the back reflector has a design characterized by a first and second parameter. The first design parameter is a ratio of the collective emitting area of the light sources Aemit to the area of the output region Aout, and Aemit/Aout is preferably from 0.0001 to 0.1. The second design parameter is SEP/H, where H is the depth of the recycling cavity, and SEP is an average plan view source separation associated with the light sources. Other aspects of the disclosed extended area light sources are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Timothy J. Nevitt, Timothy J. Hebrink, Michael F. Weber, Rolf W. Biernath, David G. Freier, John A. Wheatley, Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Charles D. Hoyle, Kristopher J. Derks
  • Publication number: 20140071658
    Abstract: A recycling cavity such as used in a backlight or similar extended area source includes a front and back reflector, the front reflector being partially transmissive to provide an output illumination area. The recycling cavity also includes a component that provides the cavity with a balance of specular and diffuse characteristics so as to balance cavity efficiency and brightness uniformity over the output area. The component can be characterized by a transport ratio of greater than 15% for a 15 degree incidence angle, and less than 95% for a 45 degree incidence angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael F. WEBER, Timothy J. NEVITT, John A. WHEATLEY, Rolf W. BIERNATH, David G. FREIER, Gilles J. BENOIT, Charles D. HOYLE, Andrew J. OUDERKIRK, Zhaohui YANG
  • Publication number: 20140009963
    Abstract: A front and back reflector are arranged to form a hollow light recycling cavity having an output region, and one or more light sources (e.g. LEDs) are disposed to emit light into the cavity. In one aspect, the back reflector has a design characterized by a first and second parameter. The first design parameter is a ratio of the collective emitting area of the light sources Aemit to the area of the output region Aout, and Aemit/Aout is preferably from 0.0001 to 0.1. The second design parameter is SEP/H, where H is the depth of the recycling cavity, and SEP is an average plan view source separation associated with the light sources. Other aspects of the disclosed extended area light sources are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventors: Timothy J. Nevitt, Timothy J. Hebrink, Michael F. Weber, Rolf W. Biernath, David G. Freier, John A. Wheatley, Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Charles D. Hoyle, Kristopher J. Derks
  • Patent number: 8608363
    Abstract: A hollow light-recycling backlight has a “semi-specular” component providing a balance of specularly and diffusely reflected light improving the uniformity of the light output. The component may be arranged on the reflectors (1021), (1014) or inside the cavity (1016). This balance is achieved by designing the component's “transport ratio” defined by (F?B)/(F+B), (F and B are the amounts of incident light scattered forwards and backwards respectively by the component in the plane of the cavity) to lie in a certain range. Furthermore, the product of the front and back reflector “hemispherical” reflectivities should also lie in a given range. Alternatively, the “cavity transport value”, a measure of how well the cavity can spread injected light from the injection point to distant points in the cavity should lie in a further range and the “hemispherical” reflectivity of the back reflector should be >0.7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Michael F. Weber, Timothy J. Nevitt, John A. Wheatley, Rolf W. Biernath, David G. Freier, Gilles J. Benoit, Charles D. Hoyle, Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Zhachui Yang
  • Patent number: 8523419
    Abstract: An edge-lit backlight comprises a front and back reflector forming a hollow light recycling cavity having a cavity depth H and an output region of area Aout, and one or more light sources disposed proximate a periphery of the backlight to emit light into the light recycling cavity. The light sources have an average plan view source separation of SEP collectively having an active emitting area Aemit, wherein a first parameter equals Aemit/Aout and a second parameter equals SEP/H. The first parameter is in a range from 0.0001 to 0.1, and by the second parameter is in a range from 3 to 10. The front reflector has a hemispherical reflectivity for unpolarized visible light of Rfhemi, and the back reflector has a hemispherical reflectivity for unpolarized visible light of Rbhemi, and Rfhemi*Rbhemi is at least 0.70.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Timothy J. Nevitt, Timothy J. Hebrink, Michael F. Weber, Rolf W. Biernath, David G. Freier, John A. Wheatley, Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Charles D. Hoyle, Kristopher J. Derks
  • Publication number: 20110261584
    Abstract: A backlight includes a light source and one or more light recycling films. The light source generates light that exits the light source with an angular exit distribution. The light recycling films are oriented in relation to the light source so that the prism peaks of the recycling films are oriented away from the light source. The recycling films have a range of optimal incident angles that allow light to pass through the recycling films without recycling. The components of the light source, the characteristics of the recycling films, or both, are configured to control the overlap between the exit distribution of the light source and the optimal incident angle range of the recycling films.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Gary T. Boyd, Ji-Young Choi, John T. Cowher, Yasuyuki Daigo, Kenneth A. Epstein, Shandon D. Hart, Charles D. Hoyle, Min-Young Ji, Chideuk kim, Byung-Soo Ko, Keith M. Kotchick, Wade D. Kretman, David J. Lamb, Seo-Hern Lee, Eric W. Nelson, Youngsoo Park, Xianneng Peng, Yuji Saito, Naoya Taniguchi, John F. Van Derlofske, III, Leland R. Whitney, Kingpeng Yang, Yang Yu, Jie Zhou, Rui Zhang