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).

  • Publication number: 20100265581
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: 3FORM
    Inventors: John E. C. Willham, Wendy E. K. Langan
  • Publication number: 20100129621
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventors: Wendy E.K. Langan, John E.C. Willham, Brent M. Burningham
  • Publication number: 20090197058
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: 3FORM, INC.
    Inventor: John E.C. Willham