Patents by Inventor John E. C. Willham
John E. C. Willham 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: 20140013691Abstract: A structured-core laminate panel can be made in an efficient, structurally sound manner without the use of adhesives (film or liquid forms) using materials with different melt or glass transition temperatures. In one implementation, a manufacturer positions one or more resin substrates about a structured core, which comprises a relatively high melt or glass transition temperature compared with that of the one or more resin substrates. The manufacturer heats the assembly to at least the glass transition temperature of the resin substrates, but not to the melt or glass transition temperature of the structured core. This allows the one or more resin substrates to melt and bond (mechanically, chemically, or both) to the structured core on one side (or inner surface), while maintaining a substantially planar or original conformation on an opposing side (or outer surface).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2013Publication date: January 16, 2014Applicant: 3FORM, INC.Inventors: M. Hoyt Brewster, Charles H. Moore, John E.C. Willham
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Patent number: 8617695Abstract: Implementations of the present invention relate to a translucent and/or transparent polymer-based panel system that incorporates multi-colored insert layers that enable manipulation of color, transparency or light transmission of the finished panel system. Implementations of the present invention also relate to the construction of such panels to avoid the capture and retention of air within the panels through the use of textured surfaces at the lamination interfaces. In addition, implementations of the present invention provide a method of quantifying the optical response achieved in a given panel system and describes types of construction that enable the multiplicity of color and optic manipulation. Furthermore, implementations of the present invention provide methods for applying texture in an efficient, uniform manner.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2012Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Assignee: 3form, Inc.Inventor: John E. C. Willham
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Publication number: 20130316146Abstract: Implementations of the present invention relate to a translucent and/or transparent polymer-based panel system that incorporates multi-colored insert layers that enable manipulation of color, transparency or light transmission of the finished panel system. Implementations of the present invention also relate to the construction of such panels to avoid the capture and retention of air within the panels through the use of textured surfaces at the lamination interfaces. In addition, implementations of the present invention provide a method of quantifying the optical response achieved in a given panel system and describes types of construction that enable the multiplicity of color and optic manipulation. Furthermore, implementations of the present invention provide methods for applying texture in an efficient, uniform manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2013Publication date: November 28, 2013Applicant: 3form, Inc.Inventor: John E.C. Willham
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Patent number: 8546302Abstract: Implementations of the present invention relate generally to methods, systems, and apparatus for manufacturing aesthetically pleasing, resin-based sheets including color and/or multi-decorated images. In particular, at least one implementation includes subjecting at least one surface of a polymer sheet to uniform heat and pressure in order to sublimate a dye into the surface, and ensure that that polymer sheet is not warped or otherwise damaged during processing. Additional implementations include decorative architectural resin panels including a resin sheet having a dye sublimated into one or more surfaces in order to create an effect of depth or other aesthetic.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2012Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: 3form, Inc.Inventors: Wendy E. K. Langan, John E. C. Willham, Brent M. Burningham
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Patent number: 8418418Abstract: A method of making a photovoltaic panel includes previously preparing one or more pre-formed substrates with a first temperature and pressure to be non-planar, textured, embossed, colored, or combinations thereof. A manufacturer can then prepare a laminate assembly comprising one or more organic photovoltaic components one or more pre-formed substrates, and a barrier layer with one or more thermally-activated thermoplastic tie layers there between. The manufacturer can then finish the photovoltaic panel lamination by subjecting the assembly to a second set of temperatures and pressures sufficient to activate and bond the pre-formed substrate, barrier layer, and photovoltaic components without significantly softening the pre-formed substrates or otherwise degrading/damaging the organic photovoltaic components. A non-planar panel made by this method can be used in both exterior and interior decorative and/or structural applications where electrical generation is desired.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2010Date of Patent: April 16, 2013Assignee: 3form, Inc.Inventors: John E. C. Willham, M. Hoyt Brewster
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Publication number: 20130061913Abstract: A method of making a photovoltaic panel includes previously preparing one or more pre-formed substrates with a first temperature and pressure to be non-planar, textured, embossed, colored, or combinations thereof. A manufacturer can then prepare a laminate assembly comprising one or more organic photovoltaic components one or more pre-formed substrates, and a barrier layer with one or more thermally-activated thermoplastic tie layers there between. The manufacturer can then finish the photovoltaic panel lamination by subjecting the assembly to a second set of temperatures and pressures sufficient to activate and bond the pre-formed substrate, barrier layer, and photovoltaic components without significantly softening the pre-formed substrates or otherwise degrading/damaging the organic photovoltaic components. A non-planar panel made by this method can be used in both exterior and interior decorative and/or structural applications where electrical generation is desired.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2012Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: 3FORM, INC.Inventors: John E.C. Willham, M. Hoyt Brewster
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Patent number: 8283290Abstract: Implementations of the present invention relate generally to methods, systems, and apparatus for manufacturing aesthetically pleasing, resin-based sheets including color and/or multi-decorated images. In particular, at least one implementation includes subjecting at least one surface of a polymer sheet to uniform heat and pressure in order to sublimate a dye into the surface, and ensure that that polymer sheet is not warped or otherwise damaged during processing. Additional implementations include decorative architectural resin panels including a resin sheet having a dye sublimated into one or more surfaces in order to create an effect of depth or other aesthetic.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2008Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: 3form, Inc.Inventors: Wendy E. K. Langan, John E. C. Willham, Brent M. Burningham
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Patent number: 8268106Abstract: Implementations of the present invention relate to a translucent and/or transparent polymer-based panel system that incorporates multi-colored insert layers that enable manipulation of color, transparency or light transmission of the finished panel system. Implementations of the present invention also relate to the construction of such panels to avoid the capture and retention of air within the panels through the use of textured surfaces at the lamination interfaces. In addition, implementations of the present invention provide a method of quantifying the optical response achieved in a given panel system and describes types of construction that enable the multiplicity of color and optic manipulation. Furthermore, implementations of the present invention provide methods for applying texture in an efficient, uniform manner.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2012Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: 3form, Inc.Inventor: John E. C. Willham
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Publication number: 20120225265Abstract: Implementations of the present invention relate to a translucent and/or transparent polymer-based panel system that incorporates multi-colored insert layers that enable manipulation of color, transparency or light transmission of the finished panel system. Implementations of the present invention also relate to the construction of such panels to avoid the capture and retention of air within the panels through the use of textured surfaces at the lamination interfaces. In addition, implementations of the present invention provide a method of quantifying the optical response achieved in a given panel system and describes types of construction that enable the multiplicity of color and optic manipulation. Furthermore, implementations of the present invention provide methods for applying texture in an efficient, uniform manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2012Publication date: September 6, 2012Applicant: 3FORM, INC.Inventor: John E.C. Willham
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Publication number: 20120193028Abstract: Implementations of the present invention relate to a translucent and/or transparent polymer-based panel system that incorporates multi-colored insert layers that enable manipulation of color, transparency or light transmission of the finished panel system. Implementations of the present invention also relate to the construction of such panels to avoid the capture and retention of air within the panels through the use of textured surfaces at the lamination interfaces. In addition, implementations of the present invention provide a method of quantifying the optical response achieved in a given panel system and describes types of construction that enable the multiplicity of color and optic manipulation. Furthermore, implementations of the present invention provide methods for applying texture in an efficient, uniform manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2012Publication date: August 2, 2012Applicant: 3FORM, INC.Inventor: John E. C. Willham
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Publication number: 20120196085Abstract: Implementations of the present invention relate generally to methods, systems, and apparatus for manufacturing aesthetically pleasing, resin-based sheets including color and/or multi-decorated images. In particular, at least one implementation includes subjecting at least one surface of a polymer sheet to uniform heat and pressure in order to sublimate a dye into the surface, and ensure that that polymer sheet is not warped or otherwise damaged during processing. Additional implementations include decorative architectural resin panels including a resin sheet having a dye sublimated into one or more surfaces in order to create an effect of depth or other aesthetic.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2012Publication date: August 2, 2012Applicant: 3FORM, INC.Inventors: Wendy E.K. Langan, John E.C. Willham, Brent M. Burningham
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Patent number: 8182903Abstract: Implementations of the present invention relate to a translucent and/or transparent polymer-based panel system that incorporates multi-colored insert layers that enable manipulation of color, transparency or light transmission of the finished panel system. Implementations of the present invention also relate to the construction of such panels to avoid the capture and retention of air within the panels through the use of textured surfaces at the lamination interfaces. In addition, implementations of the present invention provide a method of quantifying the optical response achieved in a given panel system and describes types of construction that enable the multiplicity of color and optic manipulation. Furthermore, implementations of the present invention provide methods for applying texture in an efficient, uniform manner.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2008Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: 3form, Inc.Inventor: John E. C. Willham
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Publication number: 20120117896Abstract: A method of making a photovoltaic panel includes previously preparing one or more pre-formed substrates with a first temperature and pressure to be non-planar, textured, embossed, colored, or combinations thereof. A manufacturer can then prepare a laminate assembly comprising one or more organic photovoltaic components one or more pre-formed substrates, and a barrier layer with one or more thermally-activated thermoplastic tie layers there between. The manufacturer can then finish the photovoltaic panel lamination by subjecting the assembly to a second set of temperatures and pressures sufficient to activate and bond the pre-formed substrate, barrier layer, and photovoltaic components without significantly softening the pre-formed substrates or otherwise degrading/damaging the organic photovoltaic components. A non-planar panel made by this method can be used in both exterior and interior decorative and/or structural applications where electrical generation is desired.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2010Publication date: May 17, 2012Applicant: 3FORM, INC.Inventors: John E.C. Willham, M. Hoyt Brewster
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Publication number: 20120097317Abstract: Implementations of the present invention relate to a translucent and/or transparent polymer-based panel system that incorporates multi-colored insert layers that enable manipulation of color, transparency or light transmission of the finished panel system. Implementations of the present invention also relate to the construction of such panels to avoid the capture and retention of air within the panels through the use of textured surfaces at the lamination interfaces. In addition, implementations of the present invention provide a method of quantifying the optical response achieved in a given panel system and describes types of construction that enable the multiplicity of color and optic manipulation. Furthermore, implementations of the present invention provide methods for applying texture in an efficient, uniform manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2011Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: 3FORM, INC.Inventor: John E.C. Willham
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Patent number: 8157942Abstract: Implementations of the present invention relate to a translucent and/or transparent polymer-based panel system that incorporates multi-colored insert layers that enable manipulation of color, transparency or light transmission of the finished panel system. Implementations of the present invention also relate to the construction of such panels to avoid the capture and retention of air within the panels through the use of textured surfaces at the lamination interfaces. In addition, implementations of the present invention provide a method of quantifying the optical response achieved in a given panel system and describes types of construction that enable the multiplicity of color and optic manipulation. Furthermore, implementations of the present invention provide methods for applying texture in an efficient, uniform manner.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2011Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Inventor: John E. C. Willham
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Publication number: 20120048487Abstract: A structured-core laminate panel can be made in an efficient, structurally sound manner without the use of adhesives (film or liquid forms) using materials with different melt or glass transition temperatures. In one implementation, a manufacturer positions one or more resin substrates about a structured core, which comprises a relatively high melt or glass transition temperature compared with that of the one or more resin substrates. The manufacturer heats the assembly to at least the glass transition temperature of the resin substrates, but not to the melt or glass transition temperature of the structured core. This allows the one or more resin substrates to melt and bond (mechanically, chemically, or both) to the structured core on one side (or inner surface), while maintaining a substantially planar or original conformation on an opposing side (or outer surface).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2010Publication date: March 1, 2012Applicant: 3FORM, INC.Inventors: M. Hoyt Brewster, Charles H. Moore, John E.C. Willham
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Publication number: 20110226424Abstract: Implementations of the present invention relate to a translucent and/or transparent polymer-based panel system that incorporates multi-colored insert layers that enable manipulation of color, transparency or light transmission of the finished panel system. Implementations of the present invention also relate to the construction of such panels to avoid the capture and retention of air within the panels through the use of textured surfaces at the lamination interfaces. In addition, implementations of the present invention provide a method of quantifying the optical response achieved in a given panel system and describes types of construction that enable the multiplicity of color and optic manipulation. Furthermore, implementations of the present invention provide methods for applying texture in an efficient, uniform manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2011Publication date: September 22, 2011Applicant: 3FORM, INC.Inventor: John E.C. Willham
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Patent number: 7940459Abstract: A dichroic, light refracting resin panel comprises one or more dichroic/refracting films that have been embedded and/or laminated between a plurality of resin substrates, such as copolyester, polycarbonate, and/or acrylic substrates. The dichroic resin panel can be manufactured with a variety of different materials, and with autoclave or hot press methods in a manner that ensures structural and aesthetic integrity. Specifically, a dichroic resin panel in accordance with the present invention can be created in such a way as to avoid delamination despite a variety of end-uses and formations (e.g., curved panel, embossed/textured surfaces). In addition, the dichroic resin panels can be handled, transported, and installed in a variety of exterior or interior applications, even where certain building code requirements may be relatively stringent. The dichroic resin panels can be used in a variety of structural and/or aesthetic applications.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2008Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: 3form, Inc.Inventors: John E. C. Willham, Wendy E. K. Langan
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Patent number: D638144Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2010Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Assignee: 3form, Inc.Inventors: Jill A. Canales, John E. C. Willham
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Patent number: D672062Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2010Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: 3form, Inc.Inventors: Kevin L. Fisher, John E. C. Willham