Patents by Inventor Craig R. Schardt

Craig R. Schardt 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: 20120032142
    Abstract: A light source comprises an electroluminescent device that generates pump light and a wavelength converter that includes an absorbing element for absorbing at least some of the pump light. A first layer of light emitting elements is positioned proximate the absorbing element for non-radiative transfer of energy from the absorbing element to the light emitting elements. At least some of the light emitting elements are capable of emitting light having a wavelength longer than the wavelength of the pump light. In some embodiments the electroluminescent device is a light emitting diode (LED) that has a doped semiconductor layer positioned between the LED's active layer and the light emitting elements. The first doped semiconductor layer may have a thickness in excess of 20 nm. A second layer of light emitting elements may be positioned for non-radiative energy transfer from the first layer of light emitting elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventors: Catherine A. Leatherdale, Craig R. Schardt
  • Publication number: 20110303893
    Abstract: Electrically pixelated luminescent devices incorporating optical elements, methods for forming electrically pixelated luminescent devices incorporating optical elements, and systems including electrically pixelated luminescent devices incorporating optical elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventors: Nicole J. Wagner, Craig R. Schardt, Catherine A. Leatherdale, Andrew J. Ouderkirk
  • Publication number: 20110156616
    Abstract: Electrically pixelated luminescent devices, methods for forming electrically pixelated luminescent devices, systems including electrically pixelated luminescent devices, methods for using electrically pixelated luminescent devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventors: James E. Anderson, Nicole J. Wagner, Tommie W. Kelley, Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Craig R. Schardt, Catherine A. Leatherdale, Philip E. Watson
  • Publication number: 20110025947
    Abstract: Direct-lit backlights and associated methods and components are disclosed in which a transflector that partially transmits and partially reflects incident light is shaped to form at least one concave structure facing a back reflector of the backlight. This provides at least one recycling cavity therebetween, the at least one recycling cavity substantially filling the output area of the backlight. At least one light source is disposed behind the output area to inject light into each cavity, and can be positioned in the recycling cavity or behind an aperture in the back reflector. The cavities are preferably shallow and wide, having a width-to-depth ratio of at least 5 or 10, and can provide uniform brightness and color at the output area with sparsely distributed light sources and in a thin profile backlight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventors: David Scott Thompson, Craig R. Schardt, Brian W. Ostlie, Scott J. Kienitz, John A. Wheatley
  • Patent number: 7815355
    Abstract: Direct-lit backlights and associated methods and components are disclosed in which a transflector that partially transmits and partially reflects incident light is shaped to form at least one concave structure facing a back reflector of the backlight. This provides at least one recycling cavity therebetween, the at least one recycling cavity substantially filling the output area of the backlight. At least one light source is disposed behind the output area to inject light into each cavity, and can be positioned in the recycling cavity or behind an aperture in the back reflector. The cavities are preferably shallow and wide, having a width-to-depth ratio of at least 5 or 10, and can provide uniform brightness and color at the output area with sparsely distributed light sources and in a thin profile backlight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: David Scott Thompson, Craig R. Schardt, Brian W. Ostlie, Scott J. Kienitz, John A. Wheatley
  • Patent number: 7790347
    Abstract: A three-dimensional shaped structure is prepared from a multi-photon reactive composition including: (a) at least one reactive species; (b) a multi-photon photoinitiator system; and (c) a plurality of substantially inorganic particles, wherein the particles have an average particle size of less than about 10 microns in diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Catherine A. Leatherdale, Craig R. Schardt, D. Scott Thompson, Wendy L. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20100208041
    Abstract: 3D stereoscopic viewing enabled by the use of a fast switching speed LCD panel, dynamic backlight, and low cost glasses. The system utilizes an LCD panel with an LED backlight and wavelength selective glasses to isolate each channel by color. The system is based on alternating left and right image frames on an LCD panel. The left and right frames are illuminated by two slightly different red-green-blue light sources that are synchronized sequentially. The light sources are designed to emit light of different spectral composition. The viewer wears glasses where the left lens or filter passes only the spectrum of light used for the left channel of data, and the right lens or filter passes only the spectrum of light used for the right channel of data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventors: Vadim N. Savvateev, William J. Bryan, Anthony J. Piekarczyk, Scott E. Brigham, Kathy L. Hagen, Martin B. Wolk, Craig R. Schardt
  • Publication number: 20100165660
    Abstract: A backlight that includes a front reflector and a back reflector that form a hollow light recycling cavity including an output surface is disclosed. The backlight further includes one or more light sources disposed to emit light into the light recycling cavity. The front reflector includes an on-axis average reflectivity of at least 90% for visible light polarized in a first plane, and an on-axis average reflectivity of at least 25% but less than 90% for visible light polarized in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: Michael F. Weber, Timothy J. Hebrink, Timothy J. Nevitt, John A. Wheatley, Craig R. Schardt, Rolf W. Biernath, William J. Bryan, Andrew J. Ouderkirk, David G. Freier, Myron K. Jordan, Kristopher J. Derks, Zhaohui Yang, Edward J. Kivel
  • Patent number: 7695180
    Abstract: Illumination assemblies and systems using same are disclosed. The illumination assembly can include a reflective substrate, and a light source unit including one or more light sources capable of producing illumination light. The assembly can further include a first light extraction surface including an azimuthal beam widening topography, where the first light extraction surface is positioned such that the light source unit is between the first light extraction surface and the reflective substrate. The first light extraction surface can face the light source unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Craig R. Schardt, D. Scott Thompson, Kenneth A. Epstein, Brian W. Ostlie, Richard F. Griffith, Kenneth L. Smith
  • Patent number: 7595890
    Abstract: There are several different applications where it is desirable to increase the amount of material that can be introduced to the surface of a microresonator that has whispering gallery modes. The use of a porous surface on the microresonator permits greater amounts of the material to be captured on or near the surface of the microresonator, resulting in an increased optical interaction between the material and the light propagating in the whispering gallery mode(s) of the microresonator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Xudong Fan, Mark T. Anderson, Craig R. Schardt
  • Patent number: 7537374
    Abstract: An edge-lit backlight having a light recycling cavity with concave transflector is disclosed. The edge-lit backlight has an output area and includes a back reflector facing the output area of the backlight. The backlight further includes a transflector that partially transmits and partially reflects incident light, the transflector being shaped to form a concave structure facing the back reflector to provide one or more recycling cavities therebetween, where the one or more recycling cavities substantially fill the output area of the backlight. The backlight further includes at least one light source positioned adjacent a first edge of the backlight. The at least one light source is operable to inject light into the one or more recycling cavities through an input surface of the one or more recycling cavities, where the input surface is substantially orthogonal to the output area, and where the at least one concave structure converges with the back reflector in a direction distal from the input surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Craig R. Schardt, D. Scott Thompson, John A. Wheatley, Dong Lu
  • Publication number: 20090035528
    Abstract: A three-dimensional shaped structure is prepared from a multi-photon reactive composition including: (a) at least one reactive species; (b) a multi-photon photoinitiator system; and (c) a plurality of substantially inorganic particles, wherein the particles have an average particle size of less than about 10 microns in diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Catherine A. Leatherdale, Craig R. Schardt, D. Scott Thompson, Wendy L. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20080265147
    Abstract: There are several different applications where it is desirable to increase the amount of material that can be introduced to the surface of a microresonator that has whispering gallery modes. The use of a porous surface on the microresonator permits greater amounts of the material to be captured on or near the surface of the microresonator, resulting in an increased optical interaction between the material and the light propagating in the whispering gallery mode(s) of the microresonator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Xudong Fan, Mark T. Anderson, Craig R. Schardt
  • Patent number: 7407313
    Abstract: An illumination system including a light source, light guides coupled to the light source, each including an input surface and an output surface, emissive material positioned to receive light from at least one light guide, and a first interference reflector positioned between the emissive material and the output surfaces of the light guides is disclosed. The light source emits light having a first optical characteristic. The emissive material emits light having a second optical characteristic when illuminated with light having the first optical characteristic. The first interference reflector substantially transmits light having the first optical characteristic and substantially reflects light having the second optical characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Craig R. Schardt, John C. Schultz, Andrew J. Ouderkirk, John A. Wheatley, Michael F. Weber, Kenneth A. Epstein, James E. Watson
  • Patent number: 7377679
    Abstract: An illumination system including a light source, light guides coupled to the light source, each including an input surface and an output surface, emissive material positioned to receive light from at least one light guide, and an interference reflector positioned such that the emissive material is between the output surfaces of the light guides and the interference reflector is disclosed. The light source emits light having a first optical characteristic. The emissive material emits light having a second optical characteristic when illuminated with light having the first optical characteristic. The interference reflector substantially transmits light having the second optical characteristic and substantially reflects light having the first optical characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: John C. Schultz, Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Craig R. Schardt, John A. Wheatley, Michael F. Weber, Kenneth A. Epstein, James E. Watson
  • Patent number: 7297646
    Abstract: Ceramics comprising (i) at least one of Nb2O5 or Ta2O5 and (ii) at least two of (a) Al2O3, (b) REO, or (c) at least one of ZrO2 or HfO2. Embodiments of ceramics according to the present invention can be made, formed as, or converted into optical waveguides, glass beads, articles (e.g., plates), fibers, particles (e.g., abrasive particles), and thin coatings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Anatoly Z. Rosenflanz, Craig R. Schardt
  • Patent number: 7294861
    Abstract: A phosphor tape article includes a phosphor layer having a phosphor and a polymeric binder material, a pressure sensitive adhesive layer disposed adjacent the phosphor layer such that light transmitted through the pressure sensitive adhesive layer is received by the phosphor layer, and a release liner disposed on the pressure sensitive adhesive layer. The pressure sensitive adhesive layer is disposed between the release liner and the phosphor layer. The phosphor is suitable for excitation by UV or blue LED light, and the phosphor emission has a characteristic decay rate of less than 1 second. Light emitting devices including pieces of phosphor tape, and methods of making such devices, are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Craig R. Schardt, David Scott Thompson, Larry A. Meixner, Catherine A. Leatherdale
  • Patent number: 7292766
    Abstract: The invention provides optical waveguides comprising a glass doped with a rare earth dopant on a surface of the substrate, wherein the glass comprises (a) Al2O3, at least one of REO or Y2O3, and at least one of ZrO2 or HfO2, wherein at least 80 percent by weight of the glass collectively comprises the Al2O3, at least one of REO or Y2O3, and at least one of ZrO2 or HfO2, based on the total weight of the glass; (b) Al2O3, at least one of REO or Y2O3, and at least one of ZrO2 or HfO2, wherein at least 70 percent by weight of the glass collectively comprises the Al2O3, at least one of REO or Y2O3, and at least one of ZrO2 or HfO2, and wherein the glass contains not more than 20 percent by weight SiO2 and not more than 20 percent by weight B2O3, based on the total weight of the glass; or (c) at least 40 percent by weight Al2O3, based on the total weight of the glass, and a first metal oxide other than Al2O3, wherein the Al2O3 and the first metal oxide, collectively comprise at least 80 percent by weight of the gla
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Mark T. Anderson, Kenton D. Budd, Anatoly Z. Rosenflanz, Craig R. Schardt
  • Patent number: 7265161
    Abstract: A multi-photon reactive composition including: (a) at least one reactive species; and (b) multi-photon photoinitiator system; and (c) a plurality of substantially inorganic particles, wherein the particles have an average particle size of less than about 10 microns in diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Catherine A. Leatherdale, Craig R. Schardt, D. Scott Thompson, Wendy L. Thompson
  • Patent number: 7259855
    Abstract: There are several different applications where it is desirable to increase the amount of material that can be introduced to the surface of a microresonator that has whispering gallery modes. The use of a porous surface on the microresonator permits greater amounts of the material to be captured on or near the surface of the microresonator, resulting in an increased optical interaction between the material and the light propagating in the whispering gallery mode(s) of the microresonator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Xudong Fan, Mark T. Anderson, Craig R. Schardt