Patents by Inventor William J. Bryan
William J. Bryan 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: 10766223Abstract: A fabric with a laminated adhesive-backed protective layer. The adhesive-backed protective layer has a matte finish that is low gloss and may approximate the fabric itself.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2016Date of Patent: September 8, 2020Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Richard C. Allen, Ellen O. Aeling, William J. Bryan, Robert R. Condon, David J. Koch, John C. Schultz
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Patent number: 10288254Abstract: This application describes a front-lit reflective display assembly including a reflective display and an illumination article for front-lighting the display when the article is optically coupled to a light source. The illumination article includes a variable index light extraction layer optically coupled to a lightguide. The variable index light extraction layer has first and second regions, the first region comprising nanovoided polymeric material, the second region comprising the nanovoided polymeric material and an additional material, the first and second regions being disposed such that for light being transported at a supercritical angle in the lightguide, the variable index light extraction layer selectively extracts the light in a predetermined way based on the geometric arrangement of the first and second regions. Front-lit reflective display devices including the front-lit reflective display assembly optically coupled to a light source are also described.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2012Date of Patent: May 14, 2019Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Kevin R. Schaffer, David Scott Thompson, Zhaohui Yang, Encai Hao, Audrey A. Sherman, Michael A. Meis, William J. Bryan, John A. Wheatley, Joseph W. Woody, Steven D. Solomonson, Matthew S. Stay, Mikhail L. Pekurovsky
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Publication number: 20190084269Abstract: A fabric with a laminated adhesive-backed protective layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2016Publication date: March 21, 2019Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Richard C. Allen, Ellen O. Aeling, William J. Bryan, Robert R. Condon, David J. Koch, John C. Schultz
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Publication number: 20170210063Abstract: Finishing system for a 3D printed object involves applying a film to an outer surface of the object in order to hide surface artifacts associated with the 3D printing process that created the object.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2015Publication date: July 27, 2017Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Christine M. ANDRES, William J. BRYAN, John C. SCHULTZ, Michael R. KESTI, Richard C. ALLEN
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Patent number: 9684120Abstract: An optical article, such as a backlight for electronic display devices, is disclosed. The optical article includes a lightguide, a viscoelastic layer disposed on the light guide and a nanovoided polymeric layer disposed on the viscoelastic layer. The nanovoided polymeric layer comprises a plurality of interconnected nanovoids and at least some of the interconnected nanovoids are connected to one another by hollow passages. The lightguide may be optically coupled to a light source, and the viscoelastic layer and the nanovoided polymeric layer may be used in conjunction with the lightguide to manage light emitted by the light source. The viscoelastic layer may be a pressure sensitive adhesive.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2015Date of Patent: June 20, 2017Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Martin B. Wolk, Michael J. Sykora, Robert L. Brott, William J. Bryan, Erik A. Aho, Martin Kristoffersen, Michael A. Meis, Kevin R. Schaffer, Audrey A. Sherman, John C. Schultz, Mieczyslaw H. Mazurek
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Publication number: 20160225299Abstract: A system for obscuring a sensing device associated with a printed graphic while preserving the device's sensing functionally by use of a piece of perforated film printed to match the printed graphic.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2014Publication date: August 4, 2016Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Philip E Watson, Scott E Brigham, William J Bryan, John C Schultz
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Publication number: 20160097895Abstract: An optical article, such as a backlight for electronic display devices, is disclosed. The optical article includes a lightguide, a viscoelastic layer disposed on the light guide and a nanovoided polymeric layer disposed on the viscoelastic layer. The nanovoided polymeric layer comprises a plurality of interconnected nanovoids and at least some of the interconnected nanovoids are connected to one another by hollow passages. The lightguide may be optically coupled to a light source, and the viscoelastic layer and the nanovoided polymeric layer may be used in conjunction with the lightguide to manage light emitted by the light source. The viscoelastic layer may be a pressure sensitive adhesive.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2015Publication date: April 7, 2016Inventors: Martin B. Wolk, Michael J. Sykora, Robert L. Brott, William J. Bryan, Erik A. Aho, Martin Kristoffersen, Michael A. Meis, Kevin R. Schaffer, Audrey A. Sherman, John C. Schultz, Mieczyslaw H. Mazurek
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Patent number: 9304243Abstract: An illumination device, such as a backlight for electronic display devices, is disclosed. The illumination device includes a viscoelastic lightguide optically coupled to a light source, and a nanovoided polymeric layer is used in conjunction with the lightguide to manage light emitted by the light source. The viscoelastic lightguide may be a pressure sensitive adhesive.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2015Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Martin B. Wolk, Michael J. Sykora, Robert L. Brott, William J. Bryan, Erik A. Aho, Martin Kristoffersen, Michael A. Meis, Kevin R. Schaffer, Audrey A. Sherman, John C. Schultz, Mieczyslaw H. Mazurek
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Patent number: 9239417Abstract: An illumination device, such as a backlight for electronic display devices, is disclosed. The illumination device includes a lightguide optically coupled to a light source, and a viscoelastic layer and a nanovoided polymeric layer are used in conjunction with the lightguide to manage light emitted by the light source. The viscoelastic layer may be a pressure sensitive adhesive.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2011Date of Patent: January 19, 2016Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Martin B. Wolk, Michael J. Sykora, Robert L. Brott, William J. Bryan, Erik A. Aho, Martin Kristoffersen, Michael A. Meis, Kevin R. Schaffer, Audrey A. Sherman, John C. Schultz, Mieczyslaw H. Mazurek
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Patent number: 9208704Abstract: Hybrid signage capable of self illumination and having an active backlight. The signage includes a turning film having a structured surface for redirecting light in order to passively illuminate a printed graphic or shaped sign when the backlight is off. In the shaped sign, the shape provides the content, such as letters, to be conveyed to the viewer instead of a graphic. The signage can be actively illuminated when the backlight is on to supplemental the passive illumination.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2015Date of Patent: December 8, 2015Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Erik A. Aho, Audrey A. Sherman, Michael A. Meis, Kevin R. Schaffer, Patrick A. Thomas, John C. Schultz, Michael H. Hansberry, William J. Bryan, David A. Harper
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Patent number: 9207384Abstract: A backlight is disclosed and includes a visible light transmissive body primarily propagating light by TIR with a light input surface and a light output surface and a light guide portion and a light input portion. The light guide portion has a light reflection surface and a light emission surface. The light input portion has opposing side surfaces that are not parallel. One of the opposing surfaces is co-planar with either the light emission surface or the light reflection surface. A light source is disposed adjacent to the light input surface. The light source emits light into the light input portion. A reflective layer is disposed adjacent to or on the opposing side surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2015Date of Patent: December 8, 2015Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: William J. Bryan, John C. Schultz, Michael A. Meis, Patrick R. Destain
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Publication number: 20150346416Abstract: An illumination device, such as a backlight for electronic display devices, is disclosed. The illumination device includes a viscoelastic lightguide optically coupled to a light source, and a nanovoided polymeric layer is used in conjunction with the lightguide to manage light emitted by the light source. The viscoelastic lightguide may be a pressure sensitive adhesive.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2015Publication date: December 3, 2015Inventors: Martin B. Wolk, Michael J. Sykora, Robert L. Brott, William J. Bryan, Erik A. Aho, Martin Kristoffersen, Michael A. Meis, Kevin R. Schaffer, Audrey A. Sherman, John C. Schultz, Mieczyslaw H. Mazurek
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Publication number: 20150330597Abstract: This application describes a front-lit reflective display assembly including a reflective display and an illumination article for front-lighting the display when the article is optically coupled to a light source. The illumination article includes a variable index light extraction layer optically coupled to a lightguide. The variable index light extraction layer has first and second regions, the first region comprising nanovoided polymeric material, the second region comprising the nanovoided polymeric material and an additional material, the first and second regions being disposed such that for light being transported at a supercritical angle in the lightguide, the variable index light extraction layer selectively extracts the light in a predetermined way based on the geometric arrangement of the first and second regions. Front-lit reflective display devices including the front-lit reflective display assembly optically coupled to a light source are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 23, 2012Publication date: November 19, 2015Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Kevin R. Schaffer, David Scott Thompson, Zhaohui Yang, Encai Hao, Audrey A. Sherman, Michael A. Meis, William J. Bryan, John A. Wheatley, Joseph W. Woody, V, Steven D. Solomonson, Matthew S. Stay, Mikhail L. Pekurovsky
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Patent number: 9146342Abstract: An illumination device, such as a backlight for electronic display devices, is disclosed. The illumination device includes a viscoelastic lightguide optically coupled to a light source, and a nanovoided polymeric layer is used in conjunction with the lightguide to manage light emitted by the light source. The viscoelastic lightguide may be a pressure sensitive adhesive.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2011Date of Patent: September 29, 2015Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Martin B. Wolk, Michael J. Sykora, Robert L. Brott, William J. Bryan, Erik A. Aho, Martin Kristoffersen, Michael A. Meis, Kevin R. Schaffer, Audrey A. Sherman, John C. Schultz, Mieczyslaw H. Mazurek
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Publication number: 20150262517Abstract: Hybrid signage capable of self illumination and having an active backlight. The signage includes a turning film having a structured surface for redirecting light in order to passively illuminate a printed graphic or shaped sign when the backlight is off. In the shaped sign, the shape provides the content, such as letters, to be conveyed to the viewer instead of a graphic. The signage can be actively illuminated when the backlight is on to supplemental the passive illumination.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2015Publication date: September 17, 2015Inventors: Erik A. Aho, Audrey A. Sherman, Michael A. Meis, Kevin R. Schaffer, Patrick A. Thomas, John C. Schultz, Michael H. Hansberry, William J. Bryan, David A. Harper
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Publication number: 20150185403Abstract: A backlight is disclosed and includes a visible light transmissive body primarily propagating light by TIR with a light input surface and a light output surface and a light guide portion and a light input portion. The light guide portion has a light reflection surface and a light emission surface. The light input portion has opposing side surfaces that are not parallel. One of the opposing surfaces is co-planar with either the light emission surface or the light reflection surface. A light source is disposed adjacent to the light input surface. The light source emits light into the light input portion. A reflective layer is disposed adjacent to or on the opposing side surfaces.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2015Publication date: July 2, 2015Inventors: William J. Bryan, John C. Schultz, Michael A. Meis, Patrick R. Destain
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Patent number: 9070312Abstract: Hybrid signage capable of self illumination and having an active backlight. The signage includes a turning film having a structured surface for redirecting light in order to passively illuminate a printed graphic or shaped sign when the backlight is off. In the shaped sign, the shape provides the content, such as letters, to be conveyed to the viewer instead of a graphic. The signage can be actively illuminated when the backlight is on to supplemental the passive illumination.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2013Date of Patent: June 30, 2015Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Erik A. Aho, Audrey A. Sherman, Michael A. Meis, Kevin R. Schaffer, Patrick A. Thomas, John C. Schultz, Michael H. Hansberry, William J. Bryan, David A. Harper
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Publication number: 20150121732Abstract: Hybrid signage capable of self illumination and having an active backlight. The signage includes a turning film having a structured surface for redirecting light in order to passively illuminate a printed graphic or shaped sign when the backlight is off. In the shaped sign, the shape provides the content, such as letters, to be conveyed to the viewer instead of a graphic. The signage can be actively illuminated when the backlight is on to supplemental the passive illumination.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2013Publication date: May 7, 2015Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: ERIK A. AHO, AUDREY A. SHERMAN, MICHAEL A. MEIS, KEVIN R. SCHAFFER, PATRICK A. THOMAS, JOHN C. SCHULTZ, MICHAEL H. HANSBERRY, WILLIAM J. BRYAN, DAVID A. HARPER
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Patent number: 9008486Abstract: A backlight is disclosed and includes a visible light transmissive body primarily propagating light by TIR with a light input surface and a light output surface and a light guide portion and a light input portion. The light guide portion has a light reflection surface and a light emission surface. The light input portion has opposing side surfaces that are not parallel. One of the opposing surfaces is co-planar with either the light emission surface or the light reflection surface. A light source is disposed adjacent to the light input surface. The light source emits light into the light input portion. A reflective layer is disposed adjacent to or on the opposing side surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2011Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: William J. Bryan, John C. Schultz, Michael A. Meis, Patrick R. Destain
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Patent number: 8928745Abstract: 3D stereoscopic viewing enabled by the use of a fast switching speed LCD panel, dynamic backlight, and low cost glasses. The system utilizes an LCD panel with an LED backlight and wavelength selective glasses to isolate each channel by color. The system is based on alternating left and right image frames on an LCD panel. The left and right frames are illuminated by two slightly different red-green-blue light sources that are synchronized sequentially. The light sources are designed to emit light of different spectral composition. The viewer wears glasses where the left lens or filter passes only the spectrum of light used for the left channel of data, and the right lens or filter passes only the spectrum of light used for the right channel of data.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2010Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Vadim N. Savvateev, William J. Bryan, Anthony J. Piekarczyk, Scott E. Brigham, Kathy L. Hagen, Martin B. Wolk, Craig R. Schardt