Patents by Inventor Charles L. Bruzzone
Charles L. Bruzzone 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: 20210090794Abstract: A magnetic film includes iron and copper distributed between opposing first and second major surfaces of the magnetic film. The copper has a first atomic concentration C1 at a first depth d1 from the first major surface and a peak second atomic concentration C2 at a second depth d2 from the first major surface, d2>d1, C2/C1?5.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2018Publication date: March 25, 2021Inventors: Seong-Woo Woo, Jung Ju Suh, Charles L. Bruzzone, Jennifer J. Sokol, Sergei A. Manuilov
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Patent number: 10906212Abstract: Provided are devices for applying actinic radiation to a curable resin. The devices include a housing having a front face, an actinic radiation source arranged within the housing such that actinic radiation emerges from the housing through the front face, and a proximity detector. The proximity detector is functionally connected to the actinic radiation source such that the actinic radiation source is shut off unless the proximity detector detects the presence of a surface within a safe distance from the front face. Optionally, the device includes a surface temperature sensor functionally connected to the actinic radiation source such that the actinic radiation source is shut off if the surface temperature sensor senses a surface temperature exceeding a maximum safe surface temperature.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2016Date of Patent: February 2, 2021Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Charlie P. Blackwell, Charles L. Bruzzone, Michael E. Griffin, Michael D. Swan, Sheng Ye, Zhisheng Yun
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Publication number: 20200258666Abstract: High frequency power inductor material having first and second opposed major surfaces, comprising a thermosetting binder and a plurality of multilayered flakes dispersed in the high temperature binder, the multilayered flakes comprising at least two layer pairs, wherein each layer pair comprises a ferromagnetic layer and a dielectric electrical isolation layer so that the ferromagnetic layers are electrically isolated from each other by dielectric layers, and wherein the multilayered flakes are substantially aligned parallel to the first and second major surfaces such that they do not provide an electrically continuous path over a range of greater than 0.5 mm. Exemplary high frequency power inductor materials described herein are useful, for example, as a power inductor in Point of Load converters, low profile inductors for inductive—capacitive (LC) filters (e.g.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2018Publication date: August 13, 2020Inventors: Xiaoming Kou, Steven D. Theiss, Charles L. Bruzzone, Michael S. Graff, Benjamin P. Mize
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Publication number: 20200076232Abstract: A coil for transfer of information or energy is described. The coil includes an electrically conductive magnetically insulative first layer and a magnetically conductive second layer bonded to the first layer along the length of the first layer. The first and second layers are wound to form a plurality of substantially concentric loops. A width and a length of the second layer may be substantially co-extensive with a respective width and length of the first layer so as to expose opposing longitudinal edge surfaces of the first layer along the length of the first layer. At least one of the opposing longitudinal edge surfaces may include a regular pattern extending substantially along a same first direction and across substantially the entire coil. A method of making the coil is described.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2019Publication date: March 5, 2020Inventors: Seong-Woo Woo, Jinwook Kim, Charles L. Bruzzone, Jennifer J. Sokol, Matthew R.C. Atkinson
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Patent number: 10520744Abstract: Inhibiting formation of optical artifacts in a multi-layer film polarizer of an optical imaging assembly that includes a polarizing beam splitter. The beam splitter may include a multilayer reflective polarizing film having at least two materials, one of which may exhibit birefringence after uniaxial orientation; an adhesive disposed on the multilayer reflective polarizing film; and at least a first prism disposed on the adhesive. The adhesive may include a plasticizer for inhibiting formation of optical artifacts in the polarizing film.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2017Date of Patent: December 31, 2019Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: James P. DiZio, Maureen C. Nelson, Kathleen E. Hoelscher, Beverly J. Blake, Erin L. Coleman, Charles L. Bruzzone
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Patent number: 10287413Abstract: The present disclosure relates to polymer composites that include a thermoplastic polymer, network structure and a soft, ferromagnetic particulate material. The polymer composites may be used, for example, as magnetic flux field directional materials. The present invention also relates to methods of making the polymer composites, e.g. polymer composite sheets, of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a polymer composite including a thermoplastic polymer, network structure; and a soft, ferromagnetic particulate material distributed within the thermoplastic polymer, network structure. The weight fraction of soft, ferromagnetic particulate material may be between 0.80 and 0.98, based on the total weight of the polymer composite and/or the thermoplastic polymer may have a number average molecular weight between 5×104 g/mol to 5×107 g/mol.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2016Date of Patent: May 14, 2019Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Bharat R. Acharya, Charles L. Bruzzone, Michael S. Graff, Derek J. Dehn, Clint J. Novotny
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Publication number: 20180169904Abstract: Provided are devices for applying actinic radiation to a curable resin. The devices include a housing having a front face, an actinic radiation source arranged within the housing such that actinic radiation emerges from the housing through the front face, and a proximity detector. The proximity detector is functionally connected to the actinic radiation source such that the actinic radiation source is shut off unless the proximity detector detects the presence of a surface within a safe distance from the front face. Optionally, the device includes a surface temperature sensor functionally connected to the actinic radiation source such that the actinic radiation source is shut off if the surface temperature sensor senses a surface temperature exceeding a maximum safe surface temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2016Publication date: June 21, 2018Inventors: Charlie P. Blackwell, Charles L. Bruzzone, Michael E. Griffin, Michael D. Swan, Sheng Ye, Zhisheng Yun
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Publication number: 20180174723Abstract: The present disclosure relates to polymer composites that include a thermoplastic polymer, network structure and a soft, ferromagnetic particulate material. The polymer composites may be used, for example, as magnetic flux field directional materials. The present invention also relates to methods of making the polymer composites, e.g. polymer composite sheets, of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a polymer composite including a thermoplastic polymer, network structure; and a soft, ferromagnetic particulate material distributed within the thermoplastic polymer, network structure. The weight fraction of soft, ferromagnetic particulate material may be between 0.80 and 0.98, based on the total weight of the polymer composite and/or the thermoplastic polymer may have a number average molecular weight between 5×104 g/mol to 5×107 g/mol.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2016Publication date: June 21, 2018Inventors: Bharat R. Acharya, Charles L. Bruzzone, Michael S. Graff, Derek J. Dehn, Clint J. Novotny
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Publication number: 20170242265Abstract: Inhibiting formation of optical artifacts in a multi-layer film polarizer of an optical imaging assembly that includes a polarizing beam splitter. The beam splitter may include a multilayer reflective polarizing film having at least two materials, one of which may exhibit birefringence after uniaxial orientation; an adhesive disposed on the multilayer reflective polarizing film; and at least a first prism disposed on the adhesive. The adhesive may include a plasticizer for inhibiting formation of optical artifacts in the polarizing film.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2017Publication date: August 24, 2017Inventors: James P. DiZio, Maureen C. Nelson, Kathleen E. Allen, Beverly J. Blake, Erin L. Coleman, Charles L. Bruzzone
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Patent number: 8654444Abstract: Optical elements, color combiners using the optical elements, and image projectors using the color combiners are described. The optical elements can be configured as color combiners that receive different wavelength spectrums of light and produce a combined light output that includes the different wavelength spectrums of light. In one aspect, the received light inputs are unpolarized, and the combined light output is polarized in a desired state. The optical elements are configured to minimize the passage of light which may be damaging to wavelength-sensitive components in the light combiner. Image projectors using the color combiners can include imaging modules that operate by reflecting or transmitting polarized light.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2009Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Charles L. Bruzzone, Philip E. Watson, Stephen J. Willett, Dale R. Lutz
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Patent number: 8542441Abstract: Optical elements, color combiners using the optical elements, and image projectors using the color combiners are described. The optical elements can be configured as color combiners that receive different wavelength spectrums of light and produce a combined light output that includes the different wavelength spectrums of light. The optical elements include a wavelength selective dichroic mirror that reflects a major portion of actinic light that can damage a reflective polarizer within the optical element. The wavelength selective dichroic mirror transmits a major portion of other wavelengths of light. The resulting color combiners using the optical element may have improved durability compared to a color combiner lacking the wavelength selective dichroic mirror. Image projectors using the color combiners can include reflective (including digital micro-mirror) or polarization (including liquid crystal) imaging modules.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2009Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Stephen J. Willett, Charles L. Bruzzone
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Patent number: 8485667Abstract: Optical elements, color combiners using the optical elements, and image projectors using the color combiners are described. The optical element includes light recycling stacks, a polarizing beam splitter, and a color-selective stacked retardation polarizing filter. The polarizing beam splitter includes a first reflective polarizer aligned to a first polarization direction. Each light recycling stack includes a second reflective polarizer aligned to the first polarization direction, and a retarder aligned at 45 degrees to the first polarization direction. The color combiner includes partially reflective light sources coupled to the optical element. Un-polarized light having different colors can enter the color combiner through the light recycling stacks, and combined light of a desired polarization state can exit the color combiner. Light having an undesired polarization state can be recycled to the desired polarization state within the color combiner, so that light utilization efficiency is increased.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2008Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Simon Magarill, Charles L. Bruzzone, Andrew J. Ouderkirk
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Publication number: 20120236528Abstract: A flexible multilayer electromagnetic shield is provided that includes a flexible substrate, a thin film layer of a first ferromagnetic material with high magnetic permeability disposed upon the substrate and a multilayer stack disposed upon the first ferromagnetic material. The multilayer stack includes pairs of layers, each pair comprising a polymeric spacing layer and a thin film layer of at least a second ferromagnetic material disposed on the spacing layer. At least one or more of the spacing layers includes an acrylic polymer. Also methods of making the flexible multilayer electromagnetic shield are provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2010Publication date: September 20, 2012Inventors: John D. Le, Robert C. Fitzer, Charles L. Bruzzone, Stephen P. Maki, Bradley L. Givot, David A. Sowatzke
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Publication number: 20120140184Abstract: A dual TIR prism has an input prism, a wedge prism, an output prism, and a reflective polarizer. The dual TIR prism is configured to receive an optical beam at an entrance surface, to pass the first polarization direction of the received optical beam from a second exit surface, and to output the second polarization direction of the received optical beam from a first exit surface of the input prism.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2010Publication date: June 7, 2012Inventor: Charles L. Bruzzone
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Patent number: 8100535Abstract: An optical system is provided. The optical system comprises a first polarizing beamsplitter (PBS), a first reflecting image-forming device, and a first quarter-wave retarding element. An optical system is also provided that comprises an image-forming device, a reflective polarizing layer, at least a first birefringent element disposed on an optical path between the image-forming device and the polarizing layer, and a quarter-wave retarding element. Further provided is an optical system comprising a color combiner unit, at least two polarizing beamsplitters (PBSs), and a first quarter-wave retarding element. The present application also provides methods of compensating for birefringence in an image projection system.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2010Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: David J. W. Aastuen, Charles L. Bruzzone, Jiaying Ma
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Publication number: 20120008096Abstract: Optical elements, color combiners using the optical elements, and image projectors using the color combiners are described. The optical element includes light recycling stacks, a polarizing beam splitter, and a color-selective stacked retardation polarizing filter. The polarizing beam splitter includes a first reflective polarizer aligned to a first polarization direction. Each light recycling stack includes a second reflective polarizer aligned to the first polarization direction, and a retarder aligned at 45 degrees to the first polarization direction. The color combiner includes partially reflective light sources coupled to the optical element. Un-polarized light having different colors can enter the color combiner through the light recycling stacks, and combined light of a desired polarization state can exit the color combiner. Light having an undesired polarization state can be recycled to the desired polarization state within the color combiner, so that light utilization efficiency is increased.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2008Publication date: January 12, 2012Inventors: Simon Magarill, Charles L. Bruzzone, Andrew J. Ouderkirk
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Publication number: 20110242653Abstract: Optical elements, color combiners using the optical elements, and image projectors using the color combiners are described. The optical elements can be configured as color combiners that receive different wavelength spectrums of light and produce a combined light output that includes the different wavelength spectrums of light. In one aspect, the received light inputs are unpolarized, and the combined light output is polarized in a desired state. The optical elements are configured to minimize the passage of light which may be damaging to wavelength-sensitive components in the light combiner. Image projectors using the color combiners can include imaging modules that operate by reflecting or transmitting polarized light.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2009Publication date: October 6, 2011Inventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Charles L. Bruzzone, Philip E. Watson, Stephen J. Willett, Dale R. Lutz
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Publication number: 20110216396Abstract: Optical elements, color combiners using the optical elements, and image projectors using the color combiners are described. The optical elements can be configured as color combiners that receive different wavelength spectrums of light and produce a combined light output that includes the different wavelength spectrums of light. The optical elements include a wavelength selective dichroic mirror that reflects a major portion of actinic light that can damage a reflective polarizer within the optical element. The wavelength selective dichroic mirror transmits a major portion of other wavelengths of light. The resulting color combiners using the optical element may have improved durability compared to a color combiner lacking the wavelength selective dichroic mirror. Image projectors using the color combiners can include reflective (including digital micro-mirror) or polarization (including liquid crystal) imaging modules.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 10, 2009Publication date: September 8, 2011Inventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Stephen J. Willett, Charles L. Bruzzone
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Publication number: 20110149547Abstract: Optical elements, color combiners using the optical elements, and image projectors using the color combiners are described. The optical element includes color selective dichroic filters and a reflective polarizer. A line passing perpendicularly through each of the color selective dichroic filters intercepts the reflective polarizer at approximately 45 degrees. The optical element can also include retarders positioned adjacent to the color selective dichroic filters. The color combiner includes partially reflective light sources coupled to the optical element. Unpolarized light having different colors can enter the color combiner through the dichroic filters, and combined light of a desired polarization state can exit the color combiner. Light having an undesired polarization state can be recycled to the desired polarization state within the color combiner, so that light utilization efficiency is increased.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2008Publication date: June 23, 2011Inventors: Charles L. Bruzzone, Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Daniel J. Kingston
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Publication number: 20110007392Abstract: Light combiners and light splitters, and methods of using light combiners and light splitters are described. In particular, the description relates to light combiners and splitters that combine and split, respectively, light of different wavelength spectrums using polarizing beam splitters. The polarizing beam splitters include a reflective polarizer to efficiently split incident light into transmitted and reflected beams having different polarization directions. Reflectors and quarter-wave retarders are positioned facing selected prism faces of the polarizing beam splitters, to affect the polarization state of light passing through the prism faces. The reflectors can be dichroic filters adapted to reflect light that is outside a selected wavelength range, so that light of different wavelength spectrums can be affected at different prism faces.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2008Publication date: January 13, 2011Inventors: Ronald E. English, JR., Simon Magarill, Charles L. Bruzzone, David M. Snively, Andrew J. Ouderkirk