Patents by Inventor Benjamin A. Jacobson

Benjamin A. Jacobson 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: 20090225543
    Abstract: A radiation distribution system designed to produce a batwing distribution. The system may be used with radiative sources emitting in the visible spectrum or in other spectra. The system comprises a specially shaped lens disposed over a radiative source, such as an LED, for example. The lens and source are arranged between two reflector bodies, both of which have an elongated reflective surface that faces the source. The reflector bodies each have two different reflective surfaces that face outward and away from each other. The lens and both reflective surfaces work in concert to redirect a portion of the emitted radiation to create the desired batwing distribution. Several sources may be arranged linearly between a single pair of reflector bodies on a common surface to create a linear array of sources. Likewise, multiple linear arrays may be combined to form a two-dimensional array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: Benjamin A. Jacobson, Robert D. Gengelbach, Nicholas W. Medendorp, JR., Lawrence Roberts, John Perry
  • Patent number: 7587117
    Abstract: An optical device for collecting light and selectively outputting or concentrating the light. A layer has an optical index of refraction n1, and top, bottom and side surfaces defining an angel of inclination ?. A back surface spans the top, bottom and side surface. A first layer is coupled to the bottom surface of the layer and has an index of refraction n2. The first layer index n2 causes light input through the back surface of the layer to be preferentially output into the first layer. A second layer is coupled to the bottom of the first layer and selectively causes output of light into ambient. Additional layers, such as alight polarization layer, a polarization converting layer and a post LCD diffuser layer can be used to make preferential use of polarized light of diffuse light having passed through the LCD layer to enhance viewing of the output light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Roland Winston, Robert L. Holman, Benjamin A. Jacobson, Robert M. Emmons, Philip Gleckman
  • Patent number: 7424197
    Abstract: An optical device for collecting light and selectively outputting or concentrating the light. A layer has an optical index of referaction n1, and top, bottom and side surfaces defining an angel of inclination ?. A back surface spans the top, bottom and side surface. A first layer is coupled to the bottom surface of the layer and has an index of refraction n2. The first layer index n2 causes light input through the back surface of the layer to be preferentially output into the first layer. A second layer is coupled to the bottom of the first layer and selectively causes output of light into ambient. Additional layers, such as alight polarization layer, a polarization converting layer and a post LCD diffuser layer can be used to make preferential use of polarized light of diffuse light having passed through the LCD layer to enhance viewing of the output light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Roland Winston, Robert L. Holman, Benjamin A. Jacobson, Robert M. Emmons, Philip Gleckman
  • Patent number: 7418188
    Abstract: An optical device for collecting light and selectively outputting or concentrating the light. A layer has an optical index of referaction n1, and top, bottom and side surfaces defining an angle of inclination ?. A back surface spans the top, bottom and side surface. A first layer is coupled to the bottom surface of the layer and has an index of refraction n2. The first layer index n2 causes light input through the back surface of the layer to be preferentially output into the first layer. A second layer is coupled to the bottom of the first layer and selectively causes output of light into ambient. Additional layers, such, as alight polarization layer, a polarization converting layer and a post LCD diffuser layer can be used to make preferential use of polarized light of diffuse light having passed through the LCD layer to enhance viewing of the output light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Roland Winston, Robert L. Holman, Benjamin A. Jacobson, Robert M. Emmons, Philip Gleckman
  • Patent number: 7246921
    Abstract: An LED light source using back-reflecting collection optics with a supporting structure and heat sink to block only a small amount of light. A reflector has a front and back side with an LED positioned on the front side of the reflector. A heat conducting body is positioned at least partially between the reflector and the LED. The heat conducting body provides a pathway for heat to flow from the LED toward the back side of the reflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Illumitech, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin A. Jacobson, Robert D. Gengelbach
  • Patent number: 7209628
    Abstract: An optical device for collecting light and selectively outputting or concentrating the light. A layer has an optical index of refraction n1, and top, bottom and side surfaces defining an angel of inclination ?. A back surface spans the top, bottom and side surface. A first layer is coupled to the bottom surface of the layer and has an index of refraction n2. The first layer index n2 causes light input through the back surface of the layer to be preferentially output into the first layer. A second layer is coupled to the bottom of the first layer and selectively causes output of light into ambient. Additional layers, such as alight polarization layer, a polarization converting layer a and a post LCD diffuser layer can be used to make preferential use of polarized light of diffuse light having passed through the LCD layer to enhance viewing of the output light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Roland Winston, Robert L. Holman, Benjamin A. Jacobson, Robert M. Emmons, Philip Gleckman
  • Patent number: 7108386
    Abstract: A high brightness LED phosphor coupling device. A semiconductor light source is encapsulated by a medium of first index of refraction, a layer of phosphor surrounded by a second medium of second index of refraction of optical index less than the first index and a light coupler for redirecting most of the light from the light source to an area of the phosphor about equal to the area of the light source multiplied by the square of the ratio of the first to the second index of refraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Illumitech Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin A. Jacobson, Robert D. Gengelbach
  • Patent number: 6993242
    Abstract: An optical device for collecting light and selectively outputting or concentrating the light. A layer has an optical index of referaction n1, and top, bottom and side surfaces defining an angel of inclination ?. A back surface spans the top, bottom and side surface. A first layer is coupled to the bottom surface of the layer and has an index of refraction n2. The first layer index n2 causes light input through the back surface of the layer to be preferentially output into the first layer. A second layer is coupled to the bottom of the first layer and selectively causes output of light into ambient. Additional layers, such as alight polarization layer, a polarization converting layer and a post LCD diffuser layer can be used to make preferential use of polarized light of diffuse light having passed through the LCD layer to enhance viewing of the output light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Roland Winston, Robert L. Holman, Benjamin A. Jacobson, Robert M. Emmons, Philip Gleckman
  • Publication number: 20040228115
    Abstract: A high brightness LED phosphor coupling device. A semiconductor light source is encapsulated by a medium of first index of refraction, a layer of phosphor surrounded by a second medium of second index of refraction of optical index less than the first index and a light coupler for redirecting most of the light from the light source to an area of the phosphor about equal to the area of the light source multiplied by the square of the ratio of the first to the second index of refraction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Applicant: Illumitech Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin A. Jacobson, Robert D. Gengelbach
  • Publication number: 20040062028
    Abstract: An optical device for collecting light and selectively outputting or concentrating the light. A layer has an optical index of referaction n1, and top, bottom and side surfaces defining an angel of inclination &phgr;. A back surface spans the top, bottom and side surface. A first layer is coupled to the bottom surface of the layer and has an index of refraction n2. The first layer index n2 causes light input through the back surface of the layer to be preferentially output into the first layer. A second layer is coupled to the bottom of the first layer and selectively causes output of light into ambient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Roland Winston, Robert L. Holman, Benjamin A. Jacobson, Robert M. Emmons, Philip Gleckman
  • Patent number: 6671452
    Abstract: An optical device for collecting light and selectively outputting or concentrating the light. A layer has an optical index of referaction n1, and top, bottom and side surfaces defining an angel of inclination &phgr;. A back surface spans the top, bottom and side surface. A first layer is coupled to the bottom surface of the layer and has an index of refraction n2. The first layer index n2 causes light input through the back surface of the layer to be preferentially output into the first layer. A second layer is coupled to the bottom of the first layer and selectively causes output of light into ambient. Additional layers, such as alight polarization layer, a polarization converting layer and a post LCD diffuser layer can be used to make preferential use of polarized light of diffuse light having passed through the LCD layer to enhance viewing of the output light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Roland Winston, Robert L. Holman, Benjamin A. Jacobson, Robert M. Emmons, Philip Gleckman
  • Publication number: 20020061178
    Abstract: An optical device for collecting light and selectively outputting or concentrating the light. A layer has an optical index of referaction n1, and top, bottom and side surfaces defining an angel of inclination &phgr;. A back surface spans the top, bottom and side surface. A first layer is coupled to the bottom surface of the layer and has an index of refraction n2. The first layer index n2 causes light input through the back surface of the layer to be preferentially output into the first layer. A second layer is coupled to the bottom of the first layer and selectively causes output of light into ambient. Additional layers, such as alight polarization layer, a polarization converting layer and a post LCD diffuser layer can be used to make preferential use of polarized light of diffuse light having passed through the LCD layer to enhance viewing of the output light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Inventors: Roland Winston, Robert Holman, Benjamin A. Jacobson, Robert M. Emmons, Philip Gleckman
  • Patent number: 6335999
    Abstract: An optical device for collecting light and selectively outputting or concentrating the light. A layer has an optical index of referaction n1l, and top, bottom and side surfaces defining an angel of inclination &phgr;. A back surface spans the top, bottom and side surface. A first layer is coupled to the bottom surface of the layer and has an index of refraction n2. The first layer index n2 causes light input through the back surface of the layer to be preferentially output into the first layer. A second layer is coupled to the bottom of the first layer and selectively causes output of light into ambient. Additional layers, such as alight polarization layer, a polarization converting layer and a post LCD diffuser layer can be used to make preferential use of polarized light of diffuse light having passed through the LCD layer to enhance viewing of the output light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining & Mfg. Co.
    Inventors: Roland Winston, Robert L. Holman, Benjamin A. Jacobson, Robert M. Emmons, Philip Gleckman
  • Patent number: 6044196
    Abstract: An optical device for collecting light and selectively outputting or concentrating the light. A layer has an optical index of referaction n.sub.1, and top, bottom and side surfaces defining an angel of inclination .phi.. A back surface spans the top, bottom and side surface. A first layer is coupled to the bottom surface of the layer and has an index of refraction n.sub.2. The first layer index n.sub.2 causes light input through the back surface of the layer to be preferentially output into the first layer. A second layer is coupled to the bottom of the first layer and selectively causes output of light into ambient. Additional layers, such as alight polarization layer, a polarization converting layer and a post LCD diffuser layer can be used to make preferential use of polarized light of diffuse light having passed through the LCD layer to enhance viewing of the output light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing, Co.
    Inventors: Roland Winston, Robert L. Holman, Benjamin A. Jacobson, Robert M. Emmons, Philip Gleckman
  • Patent number: 6002829
    Abstract: An optical device for collecting light and selectively outputting or concentrating the light. A layer has an optical index of referaction n.sub.1, and top, bottom and side surfaces defining an angel of inclination .phi.. A back surface spans the top, bottom and side surface. A first layer is coupled to the bottom surface of the layer and has an index of refraction n.sub.2. The first layer index n.sub.2 causes light input through the back surface of the layer to be preferentially output into the first layer. A second layer is coupled to the bottom of the first layer and selectively causes output of light into ambient. Additional layers, such as alight polarization layer, a polarization converting layer and a post LCD diffuser layer can be used to make preferential use of polarized light of diffuse light having passed through the LCD layer to enhance viewing of the output light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Roland Winston, Robert L. Holman, Benjamin A. Jacobson, Robert M. Emmons, Philip Gleckman
  • Patent number: 5594830
    Abstract: An optical device for collecting light and selectively outputting or concentrating the light. A wedge layer has an optical index of refraction n.sub.1, and top, bottom and side surfaces intersecting to define an angle of inclination .phi.. A back surface spans the top, bottom and side surface. A first layer is coupled to the bottom surface of the layer and has an index of refraction n.sub.2. The first layer index n.sub.2 causes light input through the back surface of the layer to be preferentially output into the first layer. A second layer is coupled to the bottom of the first layer and selectively causes output of light into ambient. Additional layers, such as a light polarization layer, a polarization converting layer and a post LCD diffuser layer can be used to make preferential use of polarized light or diffuse light having passed through the LCD layer to enhance viewing of the output light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Roland Winston, Robert L. Holman, Benjamin A. Jacobson, Robert M. Emmons
  • Patent number: 5528720
    Abstract: An optical device for collecting light and selectively outputting or concentrating the light. A wedge layer has an optical index of refraction n.sub.1, and top, bottom and side surfaces intersecting to define an angle of inclination .phi.. A back surface spans the top, bottom and side surface. A first layer is coupled to the bottom surface of the layer and has an index of refraction n.sub.2. The first layer index n.sub.2 causes light input through the back surface of the layer to be preferentially output into the first layer. A second layer is coupled to the bottom of the first layer and selectively causes output of light into ambient. Additional layers, such as a light polarization layer, a polarization converting layer and a post LCD diffuser layer can be used to make preferential use of polarized light or diffuse light having passed through the LCD layer to enhance viewing of the output light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Roland Winston, Robert L. Holman, Benjamin A. Jacobson, Robert M. Emmons, Philip Gleckman
  • Patent number: 5303322
    Abstract: An optical device for collecting light and selectively outputting or concentrating the light. A wedge layer has an optical index of refraction n.sub.1, and top, bottom and side surfaces intersecting to define an angle of inclination d. A back surface spans the top, bottom and side surface. A first layer is coupled to the bottom surface of the layer and has an index of refraction n.sub.2. The first layer index n.sub.2 causes light input through the back surface of the layer to be preferentially output into the first layer. A second layer is coupled to the bottom of the first layer and selectively causes output of light into ambient. Additional layers, such as an air gap, can be provided adjacent to the wedge shaped layer. The wedge shaped layer can also have a variable index of refraction n (x,y,z).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: NiOptics Corporation
    Inventors: Roland Winston, Benjamin A. Jacobson, Robert L. Holman, Neil A. Gitkind
  • Patent number: 5237641
    Abstract: An optical device for collecting light and selectively outputting or concentrating the light. A layer has an optical index of refraction n.sub.1, and top, bottom and side surfaces intersecting to define an angle of inclination .phi.. A back surface spans the top, bottom and side surface. A first layer is coupled to the bottom surface of the layer and has an index of refraction n.sub.2. The first layer index n.sub.2 causes light input through the back surface of the layer to be preferentially output into the first layer. A second layer is coupled to the bottom of the first layer and selectively causes output of light into ambient. The layer can also have a variable index of refraction n (x, y, z).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: NiOptics Corporation
    Inventors: Benjamin A. Jacobson, Roland Winston