Patents by Inventor William Blake Kolb

William Blake Kolb 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: 20180281015
    Abstract: Apparatus and method useful for, among other things, providing a layer by layer coating of materials on a substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Publication date: October 4, 2018
    Inventors: ELLISON G. KAWAKAMI, WILLIAM BLAKE KOLB, HENRIK B. VAN LENGERICH
  • Patent number: 10036831
    Abstract: Material comprising sub-micrometer particles dispersed in a polymeric matrix. The materials are useful in article, for example, for numerous applications including display applications (e.g., liquid crystal displays (LCD), light emitting diode (LED) displays, or plasma displays); light extraction; electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, ophthalmic lenses; face shielding lenses or films; window films; antireflection for construction applications; and construction applications or traffic signs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Ta-Hua Yu, Moses M. David, Douglas S. Dunn, Seth M. Kirk, Brant U. Kolb, William Blake Kolb, Mark A. Strobel, Jun-Ying Zhang
  • Patent number: 9960389
    Abstract: Polymeric films, which may be adhesive films, and display devices including such polymeric films, wherein a polymeric film includes: a first polymeric layer having two major surfaces, wherein the first polymeric layer includes a first polymeric matrix and particles. The first polymeric layer includes: a first polymeric matrix having a refractive index n1; and particles having a refractive index n2 uniformly dispersed within the first polymeric matrix; wherein the particles are present in an amount of less than 30 vol-%, based on the volume of the first polymeric layer, and have a particle size range of 400 nanometers (nm) to 3000 nm; and wherein n1 is different than n2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Encai Hao, Zhaohui Yang, Albert I. Everaerts, Yongshang Lu, William Blake Kolb, Keith R. Bruesewitz
  • Publication number: 20170368569
    Abstract: A microstructured article includes a nanovoided layer having opposing first and second major surfaces, the first major surface being microstructured to form prisms, lenses, or other features. The nanovoided layer includes a polymeric binder and a plurality of interconnected voids, and optionally a plurality of nanoparticles. A second layer, which may include a viscoelastic layer or a polymeric resin layer, is disposed on the first or second major surface. A related method includes disposing a coating solution onto a substrate. The coating solution includes a polymerizable material, a solvent, and optional nanoparticles. The method includes polymerizing the polymerizable material while the coating solution is in contact with a microreplication tool to form a microstructured layer. The method also includes removing solvent from the microstructured layer to form a nanovoided microstructured article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Martin B. Wolk, William Blake Kolb, Michael Benton Free, Audrey A. Sherman, John A. Wheatley, David S. Thompson, Matthew S. Stay, Encai Hao
  • Publication number: 20170221680
    Abstract: Nanostructured material exhibiting a random anisotropic nanostructured surface, and exhibiting an average reflection at 60 degrees off angle less than 1 percent. The nanostructured materials are useful, for example, for optical and optoelectronic devices, displays, solar, light sensors, eye wear, camera lens, and glazing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2017
    Publication date: August 3, 2017
    Inventors: Ta-Hua Yu, Moses M. David, Abdujabar K. Dire, Albert I. Everaerts, William Blake Kolb, Todd M. Sandman, Shunsuke Suzuki, Scott A. Walker
  • Patent number: 9651715
    Abstract: Nanostructured material exhibiting a random anisotropic nanostructured surface, and exhibiting an average reflection at 60 degrees off angle less than 1 percent. The nanostructured materials are useful, for example, for optical and optoelectronic devices, displays, solar, light sensors, eye wear, camera lens, and glazing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Ta-Hua Yu, Moses M. David, Abdujabar K. Dire, Albert I. Everaerts, William Blake Kolb, Todd M. Sandman, Shunsuke Suzuki, Scott A. Walker
  • Publication number: 20160368019
    Abstract: A microstructured article includes a nanovoided layer having opposing first and second major surfaces, the first major surface being microstructured to form prisms, lenses, or other features. The nanovoided layer includes a polymeric binder and a plurality of interconnected voids, and optionally a plurality of nanoparticles. A second layer, which may include a viscoelastic layer or a polymeric resin layer, is disposed on the first or second major surface. A related method includes disposing a coating solution onto a substrate. The coating solution includes a polymerizable material, a solvent, and optional nanoparticles. The method includes polymerizing the polymerizable material while the coating solution is in contact with a microreplication tool to form a microstructured layer. The method also includes removing solvent from the microstructured layer to form a nanovoided microstructured article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Publication date: December 22, 2016
    Inventors: Martin B. Wolk, William Blake Kolb, Michael Benton Free, Audrey A. Sherman, John A. Wheatley, David S. Thompson, Matthew S. Stay, Encai Hao
  • Publication number: 20160334551
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to patterned gradient polymer films and methods for making the same, and more particularly to patterned gradient optical films that have regions that include variations in optical properties such as refractive index, haze, transmission, clarity, or a combination thereof. The variation in optical properties can occur across a transverse plane of the film as well as through a thickness direction of the film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventors: William Blake KOLB, Michael Benton FREE, Brant U. KOLB, Fei LU, John A. WHEATLEY
  • Patent number: 9410677
    Abstract: Light sources are disclosed. A disclosed light source includes an optically reflective cavity that includes an input port for receiving light and an output port for transmitting light, a lamp that is disposed at the input port, and an optical stack that is disposed at the output port. The optical stack includes a forward scattering optical diffuser that is disposed at the output port and has an optical haze that is not less than about 20%, and an optical film that is disposed on the optical diffuser. The optical film enhance total internal reflection at the interface between the optical film and the optical diffuser. The optical film has an index of refraction that is not greater than about 1.3 and an optical haze that is not greater than about 5%. The optical stack also includes a reflective polarizer layer that is disposed on the optical film. Substantial portions of each two neighboring major surfaces in the optical stack are in physical contact with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: John A. Wheatley, Tao Liu, Encai Hao, William Blake Kolb, Michael Benton Free
  • Patent number: 9403300
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to patterned gradient polymer films and methods for making the same, and more particularly to patterned gradient optical films that have regions that include variations in optical properties such as refractive index, haze, transmission, clarity, or a combination thereof. The variation in optical properties can occur across a transverse plane of the film as well as through a thickness direction of the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: William Blake Kolb, Michael Benton Free, Brant U. Kolb, Fei Lu, John A. Wheatley
  • Patent number: 9333533
    Abstract: It has now been determined that a first coating layer may be applied to a substrate by a first coating die in a much thinner layer than its rheological properties and/or surface properties would normally allow. This is accomplished by using a second coating fluid dispensed from a second coating die acting as a “dynamic liquid squeegee” to transport, spread, even, or meter the first coating layer on the substrate by varying a gap between the second coating die and the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: William R. Dudley, William Blake Kolb
  • Patent number: 9328265
    Abstract: An adhesive tie layer includes a binder including a multifunctional acrylate and a polyurethane, surface treated nanoparticles dispersed in the binder, and a plurality of interconnected voids. A volume fraction of interconnected voids in the adhesive tie layer is not less than about 10%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Encai Hao, Kurt C. Melancon, Audrey A. Sherman, William Blake Kolb, Robert F. Kamrath, Maureen A. Kavanagh, Chris J. Tanley, Jeffrey A. Peterson
  • Patent number: 9284473
    Abstract: An adhesive article including a pressure sensitive adhesive layer and a release layer in contact with the pressure sensitive adhesive layer. The release layer includes a polymer matrix that includes polymerized (meth)acrylated silicone and a plurality of nanovoids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Richard S. Buckanin, Karan Jindal, William Blake Kolb
  • Patent number: 9279918
    Abstract: A gradient optical film and an optical construction including the gradient optical film are described. The gradient optical film includes a binder, a plurality of particles, and a plurality of interconnected voids having a local volume fraction. The local volume fraction of the plurality of interconnected voids varies along a thickness direction of the gradient optical film. The refractive index of the gradient optical film can also varies along a thickness direction of the gradient optical film, as the refractive index can also depend upon the local volume fraction of the plurality of interconnected voids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Adam D. Haag, William F. Edmonds, Jason S. Petaja, Eric W. Nelson, William Blake Kolb, Encai Hao, Fei Lu, Michael Benton Free
  • Publication number: 20160018700
    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: September 25, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    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: 20150368553
    Abstract: A quantum dot film article includes a first barrier film, a second barrier film, and a quantum dot layer separating the first barrier from the second barrier film. The quantum dot layer includes quantum dots dispersed in a polymer material. The polymer material includes a methacrylate polymer, an epoxy polymer and a photoinitiator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Publication date: December 24, 2015
    Inventors: Eric W. NELSON, Karissa L. ECKERT, William Blake KOLB, Tyler D. NESVIK, Minghu TU
  • Publication number: 20150103507
    Abstract: Light sources are disclosed. A disclosed light source includes an optically reflective cavity that includes an input port for receiving light and an output port for transmitting light, a lamp that is disposed at the input port, and an optical stack that is disposed at the output port. The optical stack includes a forward scattering optical diffuser that is disposed at the output port and has an optical haze that is not less than about 20%, and an optical film that is disposed on the optical diffuser. The optical film enhance total internal reflection at the interface between the optical film and the optical diffuser. The optical film has an index of refraction that is not greater than about 1.3 and an optical haze that is not greater than about 5%. The optical stack also includes a reflective polarizer layer that is disposed on the optical film. Substantial portions of each two neighboring major surfaces in the optical stack are in physical contact with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: John A. Wheatley, Tao Liu, Encai Hao, William Blake Kolb, Michael Benton Free
  • Publication number: 20150077854
    Abstract: Nanostructured material exhibiting a random anisotropic nanostructured surface, and exhibiting an average reflection at 60 degrees off angle less than 1 percent. The nanostructured materials are useful, for example, for optical and optoelectronic devices, displays, solar, light sensors, eye wear, camera lens, and glazing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Ta-Hua Yu, Moses M. David, Abdujabar K. Dire, Albert I. Everaerts, William Blake Kolb, Todd M. Sandman, Shunsuke Suzuki, Scott A. Walker
  • Patent number: 8982468
    Abstract: A voided diffuser and an optical construction incorporating the voided diffuser are provided. The voided diffuser includes a plurality of beads and a binder composition in contact with the plurality of beads. The binder composition includes a binder and a plurality of interconnected voids. The optical construction includes the voided diffuser disposed on a substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Jason S. Petaja, William F. Edmonds, Adam D. Haag, Eric W. Nelson, Encai Hao, William Blake Kolb, Fei Lu, Richard J. Pokorny
  • Publication number: 20150056412
    Abstract: Article comprising an interpenetrating phase. Embodiments of the articles are useful, for example, for optical and optoelectronic devices, displays, solar, light sensors, eye wear, camera lens, and glazing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: Ta-Hua Yu, Moses M. David, Albert I. Everaerts, William Blake Kolb, Shunsuke Suzuki