Patents by Inventor Brian W. Lueck

Brian W. Lueck 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: 20240099815
    Abstract: Structured surfaces are described. In one embodiment, the structured surface comprises a plurality of structures having a complement cumulative slope magnitude distribution (Fcc) such that at least 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 or 90% of structures have a slope greater than 10 degrees; and less than 80% of the structures have a slope greater than 35 degrees. In other embodiments, the structures comprise peaks and valleys defined by a Cartesian coordinate system such that the peaks and valleys have a width and length in the x-y plane and a height in the z-direction and at least a portion of the peaks and/or valleys vary in height in the y direction and/or the x-direction by at least 10% of the average height. Articles and methods are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2022
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Inventors: Jodi L. Connell, Raymont P. Johnston, Karl J.L Geisler, Brian W. Lueck, John J. Sullivan, Vivian W. Jones, Gordon A. Kuhnley
  • Publication number: 20240001415
    Abstract: Films and articles are described comprising a microstructured surface having an array of peak structures and adjacent valleys. For improved cleanability, the valleys preferably have a maximum width ranging from 10 microns to 250 microns and the peak structures have a side wall angle greater than 10 degrees. The peak structures may comprise two or more facets such as in the case of a linear array of prisms or an array of cube-corners elements. The facets form continuous or semi-continuous surfaces in the same direction. The valleys typically lack intersecting walls. Also described are methods of making and methods of use. The microstructured surface of the article can be prepared by various microreplication techniques such as coating, injection molding, embossing, laser etching, extrusion, casting and curing a polymerizable resin; and bonding microstructured film to a surface or article with an adhesive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2022
    Publication date: January 4, 2024
    Inventors: Jodi L. Connell, Raymond P. Johnston, John J. Sullivan, Karl J.L. Geisler, Vivian W. Jones, Gordon A. Kuhnley, Patrick G. Zimmerman, Bradley W. Eaton, Kurt J. Halverson, Brian W. Lueck, Alexandr C. Eldredge, Hyacinth L. Lechuga, Lynn E. Lorimor, Diane R. Wolk, Junia M. Pereira, Caroline M. Yitalo, Linda W. Suszko, Daniel J. Rogers, Bryon A. Mrrill
  • Publication number: 20230405915
    Abstract: Films and articles are described comprising a microstructured surface having an array of peak structures and adjacent valleys. For improved cleanability, the valleys preferably have a maximum width ranging from 10 microns to 250 microns and the peak structures have a side wall angle greater than 10 degrees. The peak structures may comprise two or more facets such as in the case of a linear array of prisms or an array of cube-corners elements. The facets form continuous or semi-continuous surfaces in the same direction. The valleys typically lack intersecting walls. Also described are methods of making and methods of use. The microstructured surface of the article can be prepared by various microreplication techniques such as coating, injection molding, embossing, laser etching, extrusion, casting and curing a polymerizable resin; and bonding microstructured film to a surface or article with an adhesive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2023
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Inventors: Jodi L. Connell, Raymond P. Johnston, John J. Sullivan, Karl J.L. Geisler, Vivian W. Jones, Gordon A. Kuhnley, Patrick G. Zimmerman, Bradley W. Eaton, Kurt J. Halverson, Brian W. Lueck, Alexander C. Eldredge, Hyacinth L. Lechuga
  • Patent number: 11766822
    Abstract: Films and articles are described comprising a microstructured surface having an array of peak structures and adjacent valleys. For improved cleanability, the valleys preferably have a maximum width ranging from 10 microns to 250 microns and the peak structures have a side wall angle greater than 10 degrees. The peak structures may comprise two or more facets such as in the case of a linear array of prisms or an array of cube-corners elements. The facets form continuous or semi-continuous surfaces in the same direction. The valleys typically lack intersecting walls. Also described are methods of making and methods of use. The microstructured surface of the article can be prepared by various microreplication techniques such as coating, injection molding, embossing, laser etching, extrusion, casting and curing a polymerizable resin; and bonding microstructured film to a surface or article with an adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Jodi L. Connell, Raymond P. Johnston, John J. Sullivan, Karl J. L. Geisler, Vivian W. Jones, Gordon A. Kuhnley, Patrick G. Zimmerman, Bradley W. Eaton, Kurt J. Halverson, Brian W. Lueck, Alexander C. Eldredge, Hyacinth L. Lechuga
  • Patent number: 11686891
    Abstract: A detector system is described that includes a detector that is sensitive to wavelengths in a detection wavelength range. The detector system further includes a light control film that is disposed on the detector and includes a plurality of alternating first and second regions. Each first region has a width W and a height H, where H/W?1. Each first region has a substantially low transmission in a first portion of the detection wavelength range and a substantially high transmission in the remaining portion of the detection wavelength range. Each second region has a substantially high transmission in the detection wavelength range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: John A. Wheatley, Gilles J. Benoit, Guanglei Du, Steven R. Anderson, Owen M. Anderson, David T. Yust, Rolf W. Biernath, Gary E. Gaides, Brian W. Lueck, Neeraj Sharma
  • Publication number: 20230158557
    Abstract: Medical diagnostic devices or components thereof are described that comprise a microstructured surface that comprises peak structures and adjacent valleys wherein the valleys have a maximum width ranging from 1 to 1000 microns and the peak structures. In some embodiments (e.g. for improved cleanability) the peak structures of the microstructured surface have a side wall angle of greater than 10 degrees. The peak structures may comprise two or more facets such as in the case of a linear array of prisms or an array of cube-comers elements. The microstructured surface of the medical diagnostic device typically comes in contact with multiple patients during normal use of the device, such as a stethoscope diaphragm. The microstructured surface exhibits better microorganism (e.g. bacteria) removal when cleaned and/or provides a reduction in microbial touch transfer. Also described are methods of making and methods of use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2021
    Publication date: May 25, 2023
    Inventors: Jodi L. Connell, Raymond P. Johnston, Daniel J. Rogers, John J. Sullivan, Gordon A. Kuhnley, Brian W. Lueck, Alexander C. Eldredge, Kurt J. Halverson, Hyacinth L. Lechuga
  • Patent number: 11640019
    Abstract: A retroreflective system is disclosed that includes a retroreflective sheet for retroreflecting light, and a light control film disposed on the retroreflective sheet. For a first wavelength, light incident on the light control film at each of a first and second angles of incidence is retroreflected. For a second wavelength, light incident on the light control film at the first, but not the second, angle of incidence is retroreflected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: John A. Wheatley, Gilles J. Benoit, Guanglei Du, Steven R. Anderson, Owen M. Anderson, David T. Yust, Rolf W. Biernath, Gary E. Gaides, Brian W. Lueck, Neeraj Sharma
  • Publication number: 20220105605
    Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed relate to an abrasive sheet. The abrasive sheet includes a first layer including an abrasive major surface and an opposite second layer defining a second major surface. The second major surface includes a plurality of protrusions extending outwardly from the second major surface. The protrusions include a first polymer component having at least one of a Shore A hardness ranging from about 5 to about 100 and a Shore D hardness ranging from about 1 to about 70. The first layer and the second layer are directly joined to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2021
    Publication date: April 7, 2022
    Inventors: Paul D. Graham, Douglas A. Davis, Thomas E. Pahl, John G. Petersen, Graham M. Clarke, James J. Kobe, Thomas B. Galush, Charles R. Wald, Brian W. Lueck
  • Publication number: 20220050237
    Abstract: A light control film is disclosed that includes a plurality of spaced apart first regions. Each first region has a substantially low transmission in one or two of a first wavelength range from about 300 nm to about 400 nm, a second wavelength range from about 400 nm to about 700 nm, and a third wavelength range from about 700 nm to about 1200 nm, and a substantially high transmission in the remaining wavelength ranges. The light control film has a viewing angle of less than about 70 degrees along a predetermined first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2021
    Publication date: February 17, 2022
    Inventors: John A. Wheatley, Gilles J. Benoit, Guanglei Du, Steven R. Anderson, Owen M. Anderson, David T. Yust, Rolf W. Biernath, Gary E. Gaides, Brian W. Lueck, Neeraj Sharma
  • Patent number: 11163099
    Abstract: A light control film is disclosed that includes a plurality of spaced apart first regions. Each first region has a substantially low transmission in one or two of a first wavelength range from about 300 nm to about 400 nm, a second wavelength range from about 400 nm to about 700 nm, and a third wavelength range from about 700 nm to about 1200 nm, and a substantially high transmission in the remaining wavelength ranges. The light control film has a viewing angle of less than about 70 degrees along a predetermined first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: John A. Wheatley, Gilles J. Benoit, Guanglei Du, Steven R. Anderson, Owen M. Anderson, David T. Yust, Rolf W. Biernath, Gary E. Gaides, Brian W. Lueck, Neeraj Sharma
  • Publication number: 20210187819
    Abstract: Films and articles are described comprising a microstructured surface having an array of peak structures and adjacent valleys. For improved cleanability, the valleys preferably have a maximum width ranging from 10 microns to 250 microns and the peak structures have a side wall angle greater than 10 degrees. The peak structures may comprise two or more facets such as in the case of a linear array of prisms or an array of cube-corners elements. The facets form continuous or semi-continuous surfaces in the same direction. The valleys typically lack intersecting walls. Also described are methods of making and methods of use. The microstructured surface of the article can be prepared by various microreplication techniques such as coating, injection molding, embossing, laser etching, extrusion, casting and curing a polymerizable resin; and bonding microstructured film to a surface or article with an adhesive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2021
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Inventors: Jodi L. Connell, Raymond P. Johnston, John J. Sullivan, Karl J.L. Geisler, Vivian W. Jones, Gordon A. Kuhnley, Patrick G. Zimmerman, Bradley W. Eaton, Kurt J. Halverson, Brian W. Lueck, Alexander C. Eldredge, Hyacinth L. Lechuga
  • Publication number: 20210177549
    Abstract: The present invention describes medical articles having a microstructured surface, methods of preparing such medical articles, and methods of cleaning medical articles having microstructured surface(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2021
    Publication date: June 17, 2021
    Inventors: Jodi L. Connell, Raymond P. Johnston, Karl J.L. Geisler, Brian W. Lueck, John J. Sullivan, Vivian W. Jones, Gordon A. Kuhnley
  • Publication number: 20200164610
    Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed relate to an article. The article includes a first layer defining a first major surface of the article. The first layer includes a plurality of protrusions extending outwardly from the first major surface. The protrusions comprise an elastic polymer component. The article further includes a second layer opposite the first layer, which at least partially defines a second major surface of the article. The first layer is disposed over a range of about 5% surface area of the second layer to about 99% surface area of the second layer. The first layer and the second layer are in direct contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2018
    Publication date: May 28, 2020
    Inventors: Douglas A. Davis, Paul D. Graham, James J. Kobe, Thomas B. Galush, Graham M. Clarke, Thomas E. Pahl, Charles R. Wald, Brian W. Lueck, John G. Petersen
  • Publication number: 20200164484
    Abstract: An article includes a polishing layer that includes a plurality of raised cells separated by a plurality of channels. Each of the plurality of raised cells includes a microstructured working surface, a substantially vertical channel surface, and an offset surface between an edge of the working surface and an upper edge of the channel surface. The microstructured working surface includes a plurality of microstructures. Tops of the plurality of microstructures define a top plane and bases of the plurality of microstructures define a base plane. The substantially vertical channel surface defines a wall of a channel of the plurality of channels and the channel surface defines a channel plane. The offset surface includes a nonplanar portion of displaced material. The displaced material defines a displacement plane that is below the base plane or within a tolerance of the top plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2018
    Publication date: May 28, 2020
    Inventors: Kenneth A.P. Meyer, John J. Sullivan, Brian W. Lueck, Duy K. Lehuu, David J. Muradian, David F. Slama
  • Publication number: 20200070314
    Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed relate to an abrasive sheet. The abrasive sheet includes a first layer including an abrasive major surface and an opposite second layer defining a second major surface. The second major surface includes a plurality of protrusions extending outwardly from the second major surface. The protrusions include a first polymer component having at least one of a Shore A hardness ranging from about 5 to about 100 and a Shore D hardness ranging from about 1 to about 70. The first layer and the second layer are directly joined to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2018
    Publication date: March 5, 2020
    Inventors: Paul D. Graham, Douglas A. Davis, Thomas E. Pahl, John G. Petersen, Graham M. Clarke, James J. Kobe, Thomas B. Galush, Charles R. Wald, Brian W. Lueck
  • Publication number: 20190346600
    Abstract: A light control film is disclosed that includes a plurality of spaced apart first regions. Each first region has a substantially low transmission in one or two of a first wavelength range from about 300 nm to about 400 nm, a second wavelength range from about 400 nm to about 700 nm, and a third wavelength range from about 700 nm to about 1200 nm, and a substantially high transmission in the remaining wavelength ranges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Publication date: November 14, 2019
    Inventors: John A. Wheatley, Gilles J. Benoit, Guanglei Du, Steven R. Anderson, Owen M. Anderson, David T. Yust, Rolf W. Biernath, Gary E. Gaides, Brian W. Lueck, Neeraj Sharma
  • Publication number: 20190339431
    Abstract: A detector system is disclosed that includes a detector that is sensitive to wavelengths in a detection wavelength range. The detector system further includes a light control film that is disposed on the detector and includes a plurality of alternating first and second regions. Each first region has a width W and a height H, where H/W?1. Each first region has a substantially low transmission in a first portion of the detection wavelength range and a substantially high transmission in the remaining portion of the detection wavelength range. Each second region has a substantially high transmission in the detection wavelength range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Publication date: November 7, 2019
    Inventors: John A. Wheatley, Gilles J. Benoit, Guanglei Du, Steven R. Anderson, Owen M. Anderson, David T. Yust, Rolf W. Biernath, Gary E. Gaides, Brian W. Lueck, Neeraj Sharma
  • Publication number: 20190265395
    Abstract: A retroreflective system is disclosed that includes a retroreflective sheet for retroreflecting light, and a light control film disposed on the retroreflective sheet. For a first wavelength, light incident on the light control film at each of a first and second angles of incidence is retroreflected. For a second wavelength, light incident on the light control film at the first, but not the second, angle of incidence is retroreflected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Publication date: August 29, 2019
    Inventors: John A. Wheatley, Gilles J. Benoit, Guanglei Du, Steven R. Anderson, Owen M. Anderson, David T. Yust, Rolf W. Biernath, Gary E. Gaides, Brian W. Lueck, Neeraj Sharma
  • Publication number: 20180032181
    Abstract: Force-sensing capacitor elements and deformable membranes useful in electronic devices that include touch screen displays or other touch sensors. The deformable membranes, generally, include a first, second, and third layers with a first arrangement of a plurality of first structures interposed between the first and third layers and a second arrangement of one or more second structures interposed between the second and third layers. Electrodes may be included proximate to or in contact with one or more of the major surfaces of the first, second, and third layers or embedded within one or more of the second and third layers of the deformable membranes, yielding force-sensing capacitor elements. The electrodes proximate to or in contact with the one or more of the major surfaces of the first and second layers or embedded within one or more of the second and third layers may be one or more plurality of electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Matthew H. Frey, Brian W. Lueck, Kenneth A. P. Meyer
  • Publication number: 20170177114
    Abstract: Force-sensing capacitor elements and deformable membranes useful in electronic devices that include touch screen displays or other touch sensors. The deformable membranes, generally, include a first, second, and third layers with a first arrangement of a plurality of first structures interposed between the first and third layers and a second arrangement of one or more second structures interposed between the second and third layers. Electrodes may be included proximate to or in contact with one or more of the major surfaces of the first, second, and third layers or embedded within one or more of the second and third layers of the deformable membranes, yielding force-sensing capacitor elements. The electrodes proximate to or in contact with the one or more of the major surfaces of the first and second layers or embedded within one or more of the second and third layers may be one or more plurality of electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Inventors: Matthew H. Frey, Brian W. Lueck, Kenneth A. P. Meyer