Patents by Inventor David J. Lundin
David J. Lundin 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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Patent number: 9816679Abstract: Light assembly having reflector, light source, an outer light cover, and a curved transflective surface. Embodiments of light assemblies described herein are useful, for example, as signs, backlights, displays, task lighting, luminaire, and vehicle (e.g., cars, trucks, airplanes, etc.) components.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2015Date of Patent: November 14, 2017Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Stephen K. Eckhardt, Barry S. Carpenter, David A. Ender, David J. Lundin, Mark E. Napierala, Jennifer J. Sahlin, David F. Slama, Karl A. Vick, John A. Wheatley
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Publication number: 20160047521Abstract: Light assembly having reflector, light source, an outer light cover, and a curved transflective surface. Embodiments of light assemblies described herein are useful, for example, as signs, backlights, displays, task lighting, luminaire, and vehicle (e.g., cars, trucks, airplanes, etc.) components.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2015Publication date: February 18, 2016Inventors: Stephen K. Eckhardt, Barry S. Carpenter, David A. Ender, David J. Lundin, Mark E. Napierala, Jennifer J. Sahlin, David F. Slama, Karl A. Vick, John A. Wheatley
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Patent number: 9200775Abstract: Light assembly (10) having reflector (16), light source (18), an outer light cover (12), and a curved transflective surface (15). Embodiments of light assemblies described herein are useful, for example, as signs, backlights, displays, task lighting, luminaire, and vehicle (e.g., cars, trucks, airplanes, etc.) components. Vehicle comprising light assemblies include those where the light assembly is a vehicle tail light assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2010Date of Patent: December 1, 2015Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Stephen K. Eckhardt, Barry S. Carpenter, David A. Ender, David J. Lundin, Mark E. Napierala, Jennifer J. Sahlin, David F. Slama, Karl A. Vick, John A. Wheatley
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Patent number: 8794809Abstract: A lighting system has one or more light guides capable of guiding light, each comprising a core and two optically smooth faces. A cavity adjacent to two of the optically smooth faces has an opening and a reflective-transmissive surface opposite the opening. A cover having a light source is proximate to and occludes the opening. A major portion of any light emitted from the light source is reflected by the reflective-transmissive surface of the cavity and is injected into the light guides, and a minor portion of any light emitted by the light source is transmitted through the reflective-transmissive surfaces of the cavity and emitted from the lighting system. A light injection coupler is also disclosed that has an optically transmissive housing and suitable for use to couple ends of at least one light guide thereby making a lighting system.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2009Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: David J. Lundin, David G. Freier, Kenneth A. Epstein, Scott D. Gullicks
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Publication number: 20120039084Abstract: Light assembly (10) having reflector (16), light source(18), an outer light cover(12), and a curved transflective surface (15). Embodiments of light assemblies described herein are useful, for example, as signs, backlights, displays, task lighting, luminaire, and vehicle (e.g., cars, trucks, airplanes, etc.) components. Vehicle comprising light assemblies include those where the light assembly is a vehicle tail light assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2010Publication date: February 16, 2012Inventors: Stephen K. Eckhardt, Barry S. Carpenter, David A. Ender, David J. Lundin, Mark E. Napierala, Jennifer J. Sahlin, David F. Slama, Karl A. Vick, John A. Wheatley
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Publication number: 20120020107Abstract: A lighting system has one or more light guides capable of guiding light, each comprising a core and two optically smooth faces. A cavity adjacent to two of the optically smooth faces has an opening and a reflective-transmissive surface opposite the opening. A cover having a light source is proximate to and occludes the opening. A major portion of any light emitted from the light source is reflected by the reflective-transmissive surface of the cavity and is injected into the light guides, and a minor portion of any light emitted by the light source is transmitted through the reflective-transmissive surfaces of the cavity and emitted from the lighting system. A light injection coupler is also disclosed that has an optically transmissive housing and suitable for use to couple ends of at least one light guide thereby making a lighting system.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2009Publication date: January 26, 2012Inventors: David J. Lundin, David G. Freier, Kenneth A. Epstein, Scott D. Gullicks
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Patent number: 8059217Abstract: A scanning backlight for a stereoscopic 3D liquid crystal display apparatus includes a light guide formed from a plurality of segments. Each segment has a first side and a second side opposite the first side, and a first surface extending between the first and second sides and a second surface opposite the first surface. The first surface substantially re-directs light and the second surface substantially transmits light. The plurality of segments are arranged substantially in parallel and with the second surfaces transmitting light in substantially the same direction to provide backlighting for a stereoscopic 3D liquid crystal display. A first light source is disposed along the first side of each segment for transmitting light into the light guide from the first side, and a second light source is disposed along the second side of each segment for transmitting light into the light guide from the second side.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2011Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Robert L. Brott, William J. Bryan, David J. Lundin, Michael A. Meis, John C. Schultz
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Publication number: 20110134347Abstract: A scanning backlight for a stereoscopic 3D liquid crystal display apparatus includes a light guide formed from a plurality of segments. Each segment has a first side and a second side opposite the first side, and a first surface extending between the first and second sides and a second surface opposite the first surface. The first surface substantially re-directs light and the second surface substantially transmits light. The plurality of segments are arranged substantially in parallel and with the second surfaces transmitting light in substantially the same direction to provide backlighting for a stereoscopic 3D liquid crystal display. A first light source is disposed along the first side of each segment for transmitting light into the light guide from the first side, and a second light source is disposed along the second side of each segment for transmitting light into the light guide from the second side.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2011Publication date: June 9, 2011Inventors: Robert L. Brott, William J. Bryan, David J. Lundin, Michael A. Meis, John C. Schultz
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Patent number: 7911547Abstract: A scanning backlight for a stereoscopic 3D liquid crystal display apparatus includes a light guide formed from a plurality of segments. Each segment has a first side and a second side opposite the first side, and a first surface extending between the first and second sides and a second surface opposite the first surface. The first surface substantially re-directs light and the second surface substantially transmits light. The plurality of segments are arranged substantially in parallel and with the second surfaces transmitting light in substantially the same direction to provide backlighting for a stereoscopic 3D liquid crystal display. A first light source is disposed along the first side of each segment for transmitting light into the light guide from the first side, and a second light source is disposed along the second side of each segment for transmitting light into the light guide from the second side.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2007Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Robert L. Brott, William J. Bryan, David J. Lundin, Michael A. Meis, John C. Schultz
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Patent number: 7800708Abstract: A backlight for a stereoscopic 3D liquid crystal display apparatus includes a light guide formed from a plurality of segments. Each segment has a first side and a second side opposite the first side, and a first surface extending between the first and second sides and a second surface opposite the first surface. The first surface substantially re-directs light and the second surface substantially transmits light. The plurality of segments are arranged substantially in parallel with the second surfaces transmitting light in substantially the same direction to provide backlighting for a stereoscopic 3D liquid crystal display. A light source is disposed along only one of the first side or second side of each segment for transmitting light into the light guide from either the first side or second side. Each segment light source is selectively turned on and off in a particular pattern.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2007Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Robert L. Brott, Dale L. Ehnes, David J. Lundin, Michael A. Meis, John C. Nelson
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Patent number: 7677780Abstract: A light guide assembly and method of forming the assembly. The light guide assembly includes an elongate light guide having an optically smooth surface for propagating light along its length and a light emitting region extending along at least a portion of the light guide length. The light emitting region has light extraction structures extending into the elongate light guide to extract or reflect light radially from the light guide. The assembly also includes a light source connector coupled to the light input end of the light guide. The light input end has primary encoding orientation geometry. The light source connector has a first end with secondary encoding orientation geometry, configured to mate with the primary encoding orientation geometry, and an opposing second end configured to accept a light source.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2007Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: David J. Lundin, Scott D. Gullicks, Joerg R. Purfuerst, Guenter M. Zilligen
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Patent number: 7611271Abstract: A light injector includes a tapered solid light guide having a light input end, an opposing light output end, and a total internal reflection surface defining a longitudinal outer surface there between. The light input end includes an aperture extending into the tapered solid light guide defined by an aperture surface. A specularly reflective layer or film is disposed adjacent to the total internal reflection surface. A distance between the specularly reflective layer or film and the total internal reflection surface defines a first air gap. The aperture is configured to accept a lambertian light source.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2007Date of Patent: November 3, 2009Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Michael A. Meis, David J. Lundin, Scott D. Gullicks, Charles D. Hoyle
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Publication number: 20080232740Abstract: A light injector includes a tapered solid light guide having a light input end, an opposing light output end, and a total internal reflection surface defining a longitudinal outer surface there between. The light input end includes an aperture extending into the tapered solid light guide defined by an aperture surface. A specularly reflective layer or film is disposed adjacent to the total internal reflection surface. A distance between the specularly reflective layer or film and the total internal reflection surface defines a first air gap. The aperture is configured to accept a lambertian light source.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2007Publication date: September 25, 2008Inventors: Michael A. Meis, David J. Lundin, Scott D. Gullicks, Charles D. Hoyle
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Publication number: 20080198624Abstract: A light guide assembly and method of forming the assembly. The light guide assembly includes an elongate light guide having an optically smooth surface for propagating light along its length and a light emitting region extending along at least a portion of the light guide length. The light emitting region has light extraction structures extending into the elongate light guide to extract or reflect light radially from the light guide. The assembly also includes a light source connector coupled to the light input end of the light guide. The light input end has primary encoding orientation geometry. The light source connector has a first end with secondary encoding orientation geometry, configured to mate with the primary encoding orientation geometry, and an opposing second end configured to accept a light source.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2007Publication date: August 21, 2008Inventors: David J. Lundin, Scott D. Gullicks, Joerg Purfuerst, Guenter M. Zilligen
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Patent number: 6863428Abstract: An illumination device that is relatively bright and uniform in appearance includes a light guide, which has a light guide core having an optically smooth surface for propagating light therethrough. A light emitting region, which extends along a portion of the core, includes at least one light extraction structure located along the optically smooth surface of the light guide core. The light extraction structure, which includes an optically reflective surface extending into the light guide core, is oriented to reflect light at an angle less than a critical angle necessary for light to propagate through the light guide core. A diffuse reflective material is disposed around at least a portion of the light guide. The diffuse reflective material directs at least a portion of the light reflected by the light extraction structure back through the light guide so that light is emitted through the light emitting region of the optically smooth surface.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2000Date of Patent: March 8, 2005Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventor: David J. Lundin
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Patent number: 6848822Abstract: The invention is directed to an illumination apparatus that includes a light guide within a recessed housing. A light source, such as a light emitting diode can be used to provide light to the light guide. The light is transmitted through the light guide via total internal reflection (TIR), and can be emitted in a controlled manner to ensure that a desired angular distribution of light is achieved without substantially illuminating interior side walls of the recessed housing. In this manner, efficient lighting can be provided. In one embodiment, the invention is can be implemented within a cosmetic compact that includes a mirror. The compact may incorporate aspects of the invention by implementing a light guide within a ring-shaped recess of the compact to provide facial lighting to a user.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2002Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Todd A. Ballen, Michael C. Lea, David J. Lundin, Stephen M. Randall
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Publication number: 20030223250Abstract: The invention is directed to an illumination apparatus that includes a light guide within a recessed housing. A light source, such as a light emitting diode can be used to provide light to the light guide. The light is transmitted through the light guide via total internal reflection (TIR), and can be emitted in a controlled manner to ensure that a desired angular distribution of light is achieved without substantially illuminating interior side walls of the recessed housing. In this manner, efficient lighting can be provided. In one embodiment, the invention is can be implemented within a cosmetic compact that includes a mirror. The compact may incorporate aspects of the invention by implementing a light guide within a ring-shaped recess of the compact to provide facial lighting to a user.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2002Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventors: Todd A. Ballen, Michael C. Lea, David J. Lundin, Stephen M. Randall
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Patent number: 6618530Abstract: A light transport device comprises light fibers that individually have predetermined cross sections at one end that may be bundled together to provide a continuous plane, suitable for light input or output, that is substantially free of voids and free of non-light-transmitting materials. The other end of the individual light fibers has a cross section that is useful for injection or emission of light from a single fiber.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 1998Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventor: David J. Lundin
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Patent number: 6614972Abstract: A light transport device comprises light fibers that individually have predetermined cross sections at one end that may be bundled together to provide a bundled region that terminates in a continuous plane, suitable for light input, that is substantially free of voids and free of non-light-transmitting materials. The other end of the individual light fibers has a cross section that is useful for emission of light from a single fiber. In the absence of non-light-transmitting materials, light propagating in each of the light guides undergoes mixing by being coupled, while traveling in the bundled region, from one light guide to another, thus reducing nonuniformities in the color and intensity of the light emitted by the fibers.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2000Date of Patent: September 2, 2003Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventor: David J. Lundin
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Patent number: 6419383Abstract: An illumination device that is relatively bright and uniform in appearance includes a light guide, which has a light guide core having an optically smooth surface for propagating light therethrough. A light emitting region, which extends along a portion of the core, includes at least one light extraction structure located along the optically smooth surface of the light guide core. The light extraction structure, which includes an optically reflective surface extending into the light guide core, is oriented to reflect light at an angle less than a critical angle necessary for light to propagate through the light guide core. A diffuse reflective material is disposed around at least a portion of the light guide. The diffuse reflective material directs at least a portion of the light reflected by the light extraction structure back through the light guide so that light is emitted through the light emitting region of the optically smooth surface.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2000Date of Patent: July 16, 2002Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventor: David J. Lundin