Patents by Inventor Michael Benton Free

Michael Benton Free 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: 20230141149
    Abstract: Organic light emitting diode (OLED) devices are disclosed that include a first layer; a backfill layer having a structured first side and a second side; a planarization layer having a structured first side and a second side; and a second layer; wherein the second side of the backfill layer is coincident with and adjacent to the first layer, the second side of the planarization layer is coincident with and adjacent to the second layer, the structured first side of the backfill layer and structured first side of the planarization layer form a structured interface, the refractive index of the backfill layer is index matched to the first layer, and the refractive index of the planarization layer is index matched to the second layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2023
    Publication date: May 11, 2023
    Inventors: Martin B. Wolk, Michael Benton Free, Margaret M. Vogel-Martin, Evan L. Schwartz, Mieczyslaw H. Mazurek, Terry O. Collier
  • Patent number: 11597183
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to films having at least a first profiled layer and a second layer having an inverse profile of the first layer. Those films can be used as protection tapes for various surfaces. Exemplary uses of the films of the present disclosure include leading edge protection tapes for rotor blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael Benton Free, Stephen A. Johnson, William T. Fay, Troy J. Anderson, Derek W. Patzman
  • Patent number: 11565495
    Abstract: Organic light emitting diode (OLED) devices are disclosed that include a first layer; a backfill layer having a structured first side and a second side; a planarization layer having a structured first side and a second side; and a second layer; wherein the second side of the backfill layer is coincident with and adjacent to the first layer, the second side of the planarization layer is coincident with and adjacent to the second layer, the structured first side of the backfill layer and structured first side of the planarization layer form a structured interface, the refractive index of the backfill layer is index matched to the first layer, and the refractive index of the planarization layer is index matched to the second layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Martin B. Wolk, Michael Benton Free, Margaret M. Vogel-Martin, Evan L. Schwartz, Mieczyslaw H. Mazurek, Terry O. Collier
  • Publication number: 20220324195
    Abstract: Organic light emitting diode (OLED) devices are disclosed that include a first layer; a backfill layer having a structured first side and a second side; a planarization layer having a structured first side and a second side; and a second layer; wherein the second side of the backfill layer is coincident with and adjacent to the first layer, the second side of the planarization layer is coincident with and adjacent to the second layer, the structured first side of the backfill layer and structured first side of the planarization layer form a structured interface, the refractive index of the backfill layer is index matched to the first layer, and the refractive index of the planarization layer is index matched to the second layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2022
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Inventors: Martin B. Wolk, Michael Benton Free, Margaret M. Vogel-Martin, Evan L. Schwartz, Mieczyslaw H. Mazurek, Terry O. Collier
  • Patent number: 11435616
    Abstract: Optical constructions are disclosed. A disclosed optical construction includes a reflective polarizer layer, and an optical film that is disposed on the reflective polarizer layer. The optical film has an optical haze that is not less than about 50%. Substantial portions of each two neighboring major surfaces in the optical construction are in physical contact with each other. The optical construction has an axial luminance gain that is not less than about 1.2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Encai Hao, Fei Lu, William Blake Kolb, Brian W. Ostlie, Adam D. Haag, Michael Benton Free, William D. Coggio, Michael L. Steiner, Soemantri Widagdo, Kui Chen-Ho, Lan H. Liu, Robert F. Kamrath, Scott M. Tapio, John A. Wheatley, Charles D. Hoyle, Michael F. Weber
  • Patent number: 11407196
    Abstract: Article comprising a first, microstructured layer comprising a first material, and having first and second opposed major surfaces, the first major surface being a microstructured surface, and the microstructured surface having peaks and valleys, wherein the peaks are microstructural features each having a height defined by the distance between the peak of the respective microstructural feature and an adjacent valley; and a second layer comprising at least one of a crosslinkable or crosslinked composition, wherein at least a portion of the second major surface of the second layer is directly attached to at least a portion of the first major surface of the first, microstructured layer. Articles described herein are useful, for example, for optical film applications. For example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Solomon, Michael Benton Free, Steven J. McMan, Martin B. Wolk, Elisa M. Cross
  • Patent number: 11396156
    Abstract: Organic light emitting diode (OLED) devices are disclosed that include a first layer; a backfill layer having a structured first side and a second side; a planarization layer having a structured first side and a second side; and a second layer; wherein the second side of the backfill layer is coincident with and adjacent to the first layer, the second side of the planarization layer is coincident with and adjacent to the second layer, the structured first side of the backfill layer and structured first side of the planarization layer form a structured interface, the refractive index of the backfill later is index matched to the first layer, and the refractive index of the planarization layer is index matched to the second layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Martin B. Wolk, Michael Benton Free, Margaret M. Vogel-Martin, Evan L. Schwartz, Mieczyslaw H. Mazurek, Terry O. Collier
  • Patent number: 11273630
    Abstract: Transfer films, articles made therewith, and methods of making and using transfer films to form an electrical stack are disclosed. The transfer films may include a plurality of co-extensive electrical protolayers forming an electrical protolayer stack, at least selected or each electrical protolayer independently comprising at least 25 wt % sacrificial material and a thermally stable material and having a uniform thickness of less than 25 micrometers. The transfer films may include a plurality of co-extensive electrical protolayers forming an electrical protolayer stack, at least selected or each protolayer independently exhibiting a complex viscosity of between 103 and 104 Poise at a shear rate of 100/s when heated to a temperature between its Tg and Tdec.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Martin B. Wolk, Michael Benton Free, Daniel J. Schmidt, Justin P. Meyer, Mark J. Pellerite, Stephen A. Johnson, Terry O. Collier, Xiaohua Ma
  • Publication number: 20220063991
    Abstract: A substantially planar self-folding film assembly to generate a folded three-dimensional assembly. The assembly includes a flexible support substrate, adhesive elements, and folding members. The folding members include a base, a folding region, and a hinge adjacent each folding region attached at the base to the flexible support substrate by at least one of the adhesive elements. An array of polymer actuators is co-extensive, or shaped to be not co-extensive, with each of the flexible folding members. Upon activation by a patterned light to heat conversion layer, each polymer actuator is designed and configured to provide a displacement of the corresponding flexible folding member about each hinge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2019
    Publication date: March 3, 2022
    Inventors: Jia Hu, Martin B. Wolk, Thomas R. Corrigan, Mitchell T. Nommensen, Michael Benton Free, Kurt J. Halverson, Erik A. Aho
  • Publication number: 20210302633
    Abstract: Photochromic article having first and second opposed major surfaces comprising a first, transparent layer having first and second opposed major surfaces, the first layer comprising thermoplastic, a second, transparent layer having first and second opposed major surfaces, the second layer comprising photochromic dye and amorphous copolyester, wherein the first major surface of the second layer is adjacent to the second major surface of the first layer, and a third layer having first and second opposed major surfaces, wherein the first major surface of the third layer is adjacent to the second major surface of the second layer. Embodiments of photochromic article described herein are useful, for example in eyewear, window films, security films, decorative films, electronic devices (i.e., having a display with a photochromic article).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2019
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Inventors: Kevin T. Huseby, Michael Benton Free, Victor Ho, Stephen A. Johnson, Christopher W. A. Krohe
  • Patent number: 11125406
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides lamination transfer films and use of the lamination transfer films, particular in the fabrication of architectural glass elements, such as those used in Insulated Glass Units (IGUs). The lamination transfer films may be used to transfer functional layers and structures. The lamination transfer films may include a support film that can be removed during the transfer process, and the transferred materials are primarily inorganic. The resulting transferred structures on glass generally have high photo- and thermal-stability, and therefore can successfully be applied to the glass surfaces that are interior to the cavity within an IGU. The lamination transfer films can also be patterned such that macroscopic patterns of microoptical elements can be applied on a glass surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael Benton Free, Martin B. Wolk, Olester Benson, Jr., Bing Hao, Charles A. Marttila, Craig R. Schardt, Mieczyslaw H. Mazurek, Justin P. Meyer, Manoj Nirmal
  • Publication number: 20210129480
    Abstract: A lamination transfer article includes an elastomeric layer with a first major surface including an array of discrete microstructures separated by land areas, wherein the microstructures in the array have a top surface; a first tie layer overlying at least some of the top surfaces of the microstructures of the elastomeric layer, wherein the land areas on the first major surface are uncovered by the first tie layer; and a second layer on a second major surface of the elastomeric layer, wherein the second layer is chosen from a second tie layer and a polymeric carrier film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2018
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: John D. Le, Michael Benton Free, Margot A. Branigan, Susan L. Kent, Michael L. Steiner, Robert M. Jennings, Richard J. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 10988979
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides lamination transfer films and use of the lamination transfer films, particular in the fabrication of architectural glass elements, such as those used in Insulated Glass Units (IGUs). The lamination transfer films may be used to transfer functional layers and structures. The lamination transfer films may include a support film that can be removed during the transfer process, and the transferred materials are primarily inorganic. The resulting transferred structures on glass generally have high photo- and thermal-stability, and therefore can successfully be applied to the glass surfaces that are interior to the cavity within an IGU. The lamination transfer films can also be patterned such that macroscopic patterns of microoptical elements can be applied on a glass surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Michael Benton Free, Martin B. Wolk, Olester Benson, Jr., Bing Hao, Charles A. Marttila, Craig R. Schardt, Mieczyslaw H. Mazurek, Justin P. Meyer, Manoj Nirmal
  • Patent number: 10957878
    Abstract: Lamination transfer films and methods for transferring a structured layer to a receptor substrate. The transfer films include a carrier substrate having a releasable surface, a sacrificial template layer applied to the releasable surface of the carrier substrate and having a non-planar structured surface, and a thermally stable backfill layer applied to the non-planar structured surface of the sacrificial template layer. The sacrificial template layer is capable of being removed from the backfill layer, such as via pyrolysis, while leaving the structured surface of the backfill layer substantially intact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Martin B. Wolk, Mieczyslaw H. Mazurek, Sergey Lamansky, Margaret M. Vogel-Martin, Vivian W. Jones, Olester Benson, Jr., Michael Benton Free, Evan L. Schwartz, Randy S. Bay, Graham M. Clarke
  • Publication number: 20200392782
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides lamination transfer films and use of the lamination transfer films, particular in the fabrication of architectural glass elements, such as those used in Insulated Glass Units (IGUs). The lamination transfer films may be used to transfer functional layers and structures. The lamination transfer films may include a support film that can be removed during the transfer process, and the transferred materials are primarily inorganic. The resulting transferred structures on glass generally have high photo- and thermal-stability, and therefore can successfully be applied to the glass surfaces that are interior to the cavity within an IGU. The lamination transfer films can also be patterned such that macroscopic patterns of microoptical elements can be applied on a glass surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2020
    Publication date: December 17, 2020
    Inventors: Michael Benton Free, Martin B. Wolk, Olester Benson, JR., Bing Hao, Charles A. Marttila, Craig R. Schardt, Mieczyslaw H. Mazurek, Justin P. Meyer, Manoj Nirmal
  • Patent number: 10859738
    Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to retroreflective articles and methods of making such articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Michael Benton Free, Mieczyslaw H. Mazurek, Bimal V. Thakkar, Kenneth L. Smith, Suman K. Patel, William D. Coggio, Mikhail L. Pekurovsky, Raymond C. Chiu
  • Patent number: 10794114
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides lamination transfer films and use of the lamination transfer films, particular in the fabrication of architectural glass elements, such as those used in Insulated Glass Units (IGUs). The lamination transfer films may be used to transfer functional layers and structures. The lamination transfer films may include a support film that can be removed during the transfer process, and the transferred materials are primarily inorganic. The resulting transferred structures on glass generally have high photo- and thermal-stability, and therefore can successfully be applied to the glass surfaces that are interior to the cavity within an IGU. The lamination transfer films can also be patterned such that macroscopic patterns of microoptical elements can be applied on a glass surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael Benton Free, Martin B. Wolk, Olester Benson, Jr., Bing Hao, Charles A. Marttila, Craig R. Schardt, Mieczyslaw H. Mazurek, Justin P. Meyer, Manoj Nirmal
  • Patent number: 10723919
    Abstract: Methods of forming laminating adhesive articles include providing a multi-layer article, and a tool with a structured surface. The multi-layer articles include a substrate, an adhesive layer, and a liner. The multi-layer article is placed between the structured surface of the tool and a support surface that is hard and the tool is embossed against the liner by applying pressure or pressure/heat. The embossing causes the tool structures to distort the liner and the adhesive layer, and causes permanent topological changes in a portion of the adhesive layer, but does not distort the substrate. The distortion in the liner is retained upon release of the applied pressure. The portions of topologically changed adhesive can form convex structures that are permanent. Upon removal of the liner from the adhesive layer, the concave structures on the adhesive layer are unstable, but the convex structures are stable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventor: Michael Benton Free
  • Publication number: 20200233268
    Abstract: Optical constructions are disclosed. A disclosed optical construction includes a reflective polarizer layer, and an optical film that is disposed on the reflective polarizer layer. The optical film has an optical haze that is not less than about 50%. Substantial portions of each two neighboring major surfaces in the optical construction are in physical contact with each other. The optical construction has an axial luminance gain that is not less than about 1.2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2020
    Publication date: July 23, 2020
    Inventors: Encai HAO, Fei LU, William Blake KOLB, Brian W. OSTLIE, Adam D. HAAG, Michael Benton FREE, William D. COGGIO, Michael L. STEINER, Soemantri WIDAGDO, Kui CHEN-HO, Lan H. LIU, Robert F. KAMRATH, Scott M. TAPIO, John A. WHEATLEY, Charles D. HOYLE, Michael F. WEBER
  • Publication number: 20200189164
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to films having at least a first profiled layer and a second layer having an inverse profile of the first layer. Those films can be used as protection tapes for various surfaces. Exemplary uses of the films of the present disclosure include leading edge protection tapes for rotor blades.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2018
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Michael Benton FREE, Stephen A. JOHNSON, William T. FAY, Troy J. ANDERSON, Derek W. PATZMAN