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).
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Publication number: 20220375683Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2020Publication date: November 24, 2022Inventors: Zohaib Hameed, Milo G. Oien-Rochat, Charles L. Bruzzone, Charles D. Hoyle, Michael D. Benson, Jennifer J. Sokol, Jung Ju Suh
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Patent number: 11435616Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 6, 2020Date of Patent: September 6, 2022Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: 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
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Publication number: 20220183153Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2020Publication date: June 9, 2022Inventors: 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
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Publication number: 20220003904Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2019Publication date: January 6, 2022Inventors: Timothy J. Hebrink, Stephen P. Maki, Charles D. Hoyle, Joel D. Oxman, Matthew T. Scholz, Justin M. Mazzoni, Michael E. Griffin, Anna C. Hamlin
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Publication number: 20200233268Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2020Publication date: July 23, 2020Inventors: 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
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Patent number: 10649274Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 25, 2015Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: 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
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Patent number: 10422941Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 16, 2016Date of Patent: September 24, 2019Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Charles D. Hoyle, Gilles J. Benoit, Timothy J. Nevitt
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Patent number: 10037850Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 18, 2014Date of Patent: July 31, 2018Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Timothy J. Nevitt, Onur S. Yordem, David T. Yust, Charles D. Hoyle
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Publication number: 20180039011Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2016Publication date: February 8, 2018Inventors: Charles D. Hoyle, Gilles J. Benoit, Timothy J. Nevitt
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Patent number: 9690038Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 20, 2008Date of Patent: June 27, 2017Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: 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
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Publication number: 20160181018Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2014Publication date: June 23, 2016Inventors: Timothy J. Nevitt, Onur S. Yordem, David T. Yust, Charles D. Hoyle
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Patent number: 9329326Abstract: Light guides comprising light extraction structure arrays and articles comprising such light guides are described.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2009Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Charles A. Marttila, Charles D. Hoyle, David A. Ender, Jaime B. Willoughby, Robert J. DeVoe
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Publication number: 20160018700Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2015Publication date: January 21, 2016Inventors: 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
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Patent number: 9091408Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 18, 2013Date of Patent: July 28, 2015Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: 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
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Patent number: 8926159Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 9, 2013Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: 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
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Publication number: 20140071658Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2013Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: 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
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Publication number: 20140009963Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2013Publication date: January 9, 2014Inventors: 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
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Patent number: 8608363Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 19, 2008Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: 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
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Patent number: 8523419Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 19, 2008Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: 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
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Publication number: 20110261584Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2008Publication date: October 27, 2011Inventors: 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