Patents by Inventor William F. Edmonds
William F. Edmonds 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: 11921299Abstract: A display system includes a display panel configured to emit a polarized image light having a first polarization state and at least one emission spectrum having a full width at half maxima (FWHM). The display system includes a reflective polarizer configured to receive and reflect the polarized image light as a first reflected polarized image light. For a first light incident at a first predetermined angle, the reflective polarizer has an average reflectance of greater than about 60% across the at least one emission spectrum for the first polarization state, a transmittance of at least about 50% for at least wavelength outside the FWHM of the at least one emission spectrum for the first polarization state, and an average total transmittance of greater than about 70% across a visible wavelength range including the FWHM of the at least one emission spectrum for an orthogonal second polarization state.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2021Date of Patent: March 5, 2024Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Adam D. Haag, Stephan J. Pankratz, Matthew B. Johnson, William F. Edmonds
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Publication number: 20230393410Abstract: A display system includes a display panel configured to emit a polarized image light having a first polarization state and at least one emission spectrum having a full width at half maxima (FWHM). The display system includes a reflective polarizer configured to receive and reflect the polarized image light as a first reflected polarized image light. For a first light incident at a first predetermined angle, the reflective polarizer has an average reflectance of greater than about 60% across the at least one emission spectrum for the first polarization state, a transmittance of at least about 50% for at least wavelength outside the FWHM of the at least one emission spectrum for the first polarization state, and an average total transmittance of greater than about 70% across a visible wavelength range including the FWHM of the at least one emission spectrum for an orthogonal second polarization state.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 23, 2021Publication date: December 7, 2023Inventors: Adam D. Haag, Stephan J. Pankratz, Matthew B. Johnson, William F. Edmonds
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Publication number: 20230134930Abstract: A heads-up display for viewing by an eye of a passenger of a vehicle includes a windshield with a reflective polarizer disposed adjacent to a first outermost glass surface of the windshield, a display configured to emit an image toward the windshield, the windshield reflecting between 15% and 85% of the emitted image toward the passenger, and a phase retarding plate disposed in an optical path between the display and the windshield. The windshield is configured to receive the image emitted by the display after the image has been transmitted by the phase retarding plate and to reflect at least a portion of the received image as a reflected image toward the eye of the passenger. The phase retarding plate modifies a polarization state of the reflected image to improve a viewing characteristic of the reflective image depending on a viewing angle of the eye of the passenger.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2022Publication date: May 4, 2023Inventors: Stephan J. Pankratz, Matthew B. Johnson, William F. Edmonds, Jan Thomas Krapp
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Patent number: 11586039Abstract: Vehicle projection assemblies are described. In particular, vehicle projection assemblies within a housing including a projection module, and selective reflective polarizing element are described. Particular selective reflective polarizing elements may enable advantageous configurations for such vehicle projection assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2018Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: William F. Edmonds, Matthew B. Johnson, Carl A. Stover
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Publication number: 20220413286Abstract: A heads-up display includes a windshield (10) with a standardized wedge profile and an embedded reflective polarizer (20) for p-polarised light and a display (40). The reflective polarizer is disposed between, and spaced apart from, opposing outermost first and second major glass surfaces (11, 12) of the windshield. The heads-up display forms a virtual image for viewing by the eye of a passenger. An image emitted by the display may include a first image ray emitted from a predetermined region of the display and incident on the outermost first major glass surface of the windshield at an angle of incidence greater than about 60 degrees, with at least 90% of the incident first emitted image ray polarized in a plane of incidence of the first emitted image ray. A heads-up display includes windshield (10) with a standardized wedge profile and an embedded reflective polarizer (20) for p-polarised light and a display (40).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2020Publication date: December 29, 2022Inventors: Stephan J. Pankratz, William F. Edmonds, Matthew B. Johnson, John F. VanDerlofske, III
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Publication number: 20220146728Abstract: An optical film includes a plurality of alternating first and second layers. The first layers have a first in-plane birefringence, the second layers have a second in-plane birefringence, and the second in-plane birefringence is less than the first in-plane birefringence and greater than 0.03. The first layers may include polyethylene terephthalate homopolymer and the second layers may include glycol-modified co(polyethylene terephthalate). The optical film has a shrinkage along a first direction of greater than 4% and a shrinkage along an orthogonal second direction of greater than 3% when heated at 150° C. for 15 minutes. A glass laminate is prepared by disposing the optical film between glass layers and laminating the optical film to the glass layers.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2020Publication date: May 12, 2022Inventors: Adam D. Haag, Brianna N. Wheeler, Matthew B. Johnson, William F. Edmonds
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Publication number: 20210325587Abstract: Multilayer reflective polarizers are described. In particular, multilayer reflective polarizers that include both crystalline high index layers and low index layers are disclosed. These reflective polarizers may be particularly suitable for automotive, architectural, and industrial applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2019Publication date: October 21, 2021Inventors: Matthew B. Johnson, Adam D. Haag, Carl A. Stover, Timothy J. Nevitt, William F. Edmonds, Stephen A. Johnson
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Patent number: 10928563Abstract: A microstructured diffuser is described comprising a light transmissive film comprising a first microstructured surface comprising a plurality of peaks and valleys. A coating is disposed on the first microstructured surface. The coating partially fills the valleys forming a second microstructured surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2014Date of Patent: February 23, 2021Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Nathaniel K. Naismith, William F. Edmonds, Jason S. Petaja, Brandt K. Carter, Jeffrey L. Solomon, Sara S. Merritt, Tri D. Pham
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Publication number: 20200355859Abstract: Multilayer reflective polarizers are described. In particular, multilayer reflective polarizers that include both crystalline high index layers and low index layers are disclosed. These reflective polarizers may be particularly suitable for combiner applications, including automotive heads up display applications with demanding ambient environments. Layers are made of PET and PETG.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2019Publication date: November 12, 2020Inventors: Adam D. Haag, Matthew B. Johnson, Carl A. Stover, Timothy J. Nevitt, William F. Edmonds, Stephen A. Johnson
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Publication number: 20200055400Abstract: Vehicle projection assemblies are described. In particular, vehicle projection assemblies within a housing including a projection module, and selective reflective polarizing element are described. Particular selective reflective polarizing elements may enable advantageous configurations for such vehicle projection assemblies.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2018Publication date: February 20, 2020Inventors: William F. Edmonds, Matthew B. Johnson, Carl A. Stover
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Patent number: 10502869Abstract: An optical article includes an optical element, a low refractive index layer disposed on the optical element having an effective refractive index of 1.3 or less and a polymeric protective layer disposed on the low refractive index layer. The low refractive index layer includes a binder, a plurality of metal oxide particles dispersed in the binder, and a plurality of interconnected voids. The polymeric protective layer does not increase an effective refractive index of the optical article by greater than 10%.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2011Date of Patent: December 10, 2019Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: William D. Coggio, Ramesh C. Kumar, John A. Wheatley, Michael L. Steiner, William F. Edmonds, Lan H. Liu, Encai Hao, Robert F. Kamrath, John J. Stradinger
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Patent number: 10495801Abstract: A multilayer optical film has a packet of microlayers that selectively reflect light by constructive or destructive interference to provide a first reflective characteristic. At least some of the microlayers are birefringent. A stabilizing layer attaches to and covers the microlayer packet proximate an outer exposed surface of the film. Heating element(s) can physically contact the film to deliver heat to the packet through the stabilizing layer by thermal conduction, at altered region(s) of the film, such that the first reflective characteristic changes to an altered reflective characteristic in the altered region(s) to pattern the film. The stabilizing layer provides sufficient heat conduction to allow heat from the heating elements to change (e.g.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2019Date of Patent: December 3, 2019Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Michael Benton Free, Martin B. Wolk, Rolf W. Biernath, Stephen A. Johnson, William W. Merrill, William F. Edmonds, Claire A. Jalbert
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Publication number: 20190204493Abstract: A multilayer optical film has a packet of microlayers that selectively reflect light by constructive or destructive interference to provide a first reflective characteristic. At least some of the microlayers are birefringent. A stabilizing layer attaches to and covers the microlayer packet proximate an outer exposed surface of the film. Heating element(s) can physically contact the film to deliver heat to the packet through the stabilizing layer by thermal conduction, at altered region(s) of the film, such that the first reflective characteristic changes to an altered reflective characteristic in the altered region(s) to pattern the film. The stabilizing layer provides sufficient heat conduction to allow heat from the heating elements to change (e.g.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2019Publication date: July 4, 2019Inventors: Michael Benton Free, Martin B. Wolk, Rolf W. Biernath, Stephen A. Johnson, William W. Merrill, William F. Edmonds, Claire A. Jalbert
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Patent number: 10293370Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing a gradient nanovoided article, a gradient nanovoided coating, and a gradient low refractive index coating is described. The process includes providing a first solution of a polymerizable material in a solvent, and providing a first environment proximate a first region of the coating and a different second environment proximate an adjacent region of the coating. The process further includes at least partially polymerizing the polymerizable material to form a composition that includes an insoluble polymer matrix and a second solution. The insoluble polymer matrix includes a plurality of nanovoids that are filled with the second solution, and a major portion of the solvent from the second solution is removed. A first volume fraction of the plurality of nanovoids proximate the first region of the coating is less than a second volume fraction of the plurality of nanovoids proximate an adjacent of the coating.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2010Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Adam D. Haag, William F. Edmonds, Jason S. Petaja, Eric W. Nelson, William Blake Kolb, Encai Hao, Fei Lu, Michael Benton Free
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Patent number: 10254460Abstract: A multilayer optical film has a packet of microlayers that selectively reflect light by constructive or destructive interference to provide a first reflective characteristic. At least some of the microlayers are birefringent. A stabilizing layer attaches to and covers the microlayer packet proximate an outer exposed surface of the film. Heating element(s) can physically contact the film to deliver heat to the packet through the stabilizing layer by thermal conduction, at altered region(s) of the film, such that the first reflective characteristic changes to an altered reflective characteristic in the altered region(s) to pattern the film. The stabilizing layer provides sufficient heat conduction to allow heat from the heating elements to change (e.g.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2018Date of Patent: April 9, 2019Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Michael Benton Free, Martin B. Wolk, Rolf W. Biernath, Stephen A. Johnson, William W. Merrill, William F. Edmonds, Claire A. Jalbert
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Patent number: 10168456Abstract: Presently described are optical stacks comprising a first optical film comprising a plurality of structures comprising an optically active portion designed primarily to provide optical gain and optionally an optically in-active bonding portion disposed on a first surface bonded to a second optical film with a light-transmissive adhesive layer such that a portion of the structures penetrate the adhesive layer and a separation is provided between the adhesive layer and the first surface. In one embodiment, the optical stacks exhibit a combination of high peel strength and high retained brightness, particularly after aging. The adhesive layer preferably comprises an interpenetrating network of the reaction product of a polyacrylate component and a polymerizable monomer and the adhesive layer has an elastic modulus ranging from 100 to 2000 MPa at 25° C.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2017Date of Patent: January 1, 2019Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: William F. Edmonds, Brandt K. Carter, Jason S. Petaja
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Publication number: 20180313992Abstract: A multilayer optical film has a packet of microlayers that selectively reflect light by constructive or destructive interference to provide a first reflective characteristic. At least some of the microlayers are birefringent. A stabilizing layer attaches to and covers the microlayer packet proximate an outer exposed surface of the film. Heating element(s) can physically contact the film to deliver heat to the packet through the stabilizing layer by thermal conduction, at altered region(s) of the film, such that the first reflective characteristic changes to an altered reflective characteristic in the altered region(s) to pattern the film. The stabilizing layer provides sufficient heat conduction to allow heat from the heating elements to change (e.g.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2018Publication date: November 1, 2018Inventors: Michael Benton Free, Martin B. Wolk, Rolf W. Biernath, Stephen A. Johnson, William W. Merrill, William F. Edmonds, Claire A. Jalbert
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Patent number: 10113089Abstract: Articles are described such as optical films and optical film stacks 2000. The articles include a substrate 2070 and a primer layer 2075 disposed on the substrate wherein the primer layer comprises a polyacrylate and a nitrogen-containing polymer. The article further includes an adhesive layer 2060 disposed onto the primer layer wherein the adhesive layer comprises a polyacrylate component. In some embodiments, the adhesive is further bonded to a second substrate 2010 or a release liner.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2014Date of Patent: October 30, 2018Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: William F. Edmonds, Jason S. Petaja, Jeffrey L. Solomon
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Patent number: 10018762Abstract: A multilayer optical film has a packet of microlayers that selectively reflect light by constructive or destructive interference to provide a first reflective characteristic. At least some of the microlayers are birefringent. A stabilizing layer attaches to and covers the microlayer packet proximate an outer exposed surface of the film. Heating element(s) can physically contact the film to deliver heat to the packet through the stabilizing layer by thermal conduction, at altered region(s) of the film, such that the first reflective characteristic changes to an altered reflective characteristic in the altered region(s) to pattern the film. The stabilizing layer provides sufficient heat conduction to allow heat from the heating elements to change (e.g.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2018Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Michael Benton Free, Martin B. Wolk, Rolf W. Biernath, Stephen A. Johnson, William W. Merrill, William F. Edmonds, Claire A. Jalbert
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Publication number: 20180128954Abstract: A multilayer optical film has a packet of microlayers that selectively reflect light by constructive or destructive interference to provide a first reflective characteristic. At least some of the microlayers are birefringent. A stabilizing layer attaches to and covers the microlayer packet proximate an outer exposed surface of the film. Heating element(s) can physically contact the film to deliver heat to the packet through the stabilizing layer by thermal conduction, at altered region(s) of the film, such that the first reflective characteristic changes to an altered reflective characteristic in the altered region(s) to pattern the film. The stabilizing layer provides sufficient heat conduction to allow heat from the heating elements to change (e.g.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2018Publication date: May 10, 2018Inventors: Michael Benton Free, Martin B. Wolk, Rolf W. Biernath, Stephen A. Johnson, William W. Merrill, William F. Edmonds, Claire A. Jalbert