Patents by Inventor Craig R. Schardt

Craig R. Schardt 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: 20240088185
    Abstract: Fingerprint sensor assemblies using metasurface arrays. The sensor assemblies include an image sensor having a sensor pixel array and a metasurface array on the sensor pixel array. An optical filter such as an IR cutfilter or notch filter can be located on the metasurface array. The assemblies can also include a substrate, optical spacer, or optically clear adhesive between the sensor pixel array and the metasurface array. The fingerprint sensor assemblies can be incorporated into mobile devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2022
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Inventors: Martin B. Wolk, Craig R. Schardt, John A. Wheatley, Jonah Shaver, Robert L. Brott
  • Publication number: 20240004282
    Abstract: A structured film for forming a pattern on a substrate includes a polymeric support layer, an adhesive layer, an etch resist layer disposed between the polymeric support layer and the adhesive layer, a structured resin layer disposed between the polymeric support layer and the etch resist layer, and one or more unstructured layers disposed between the etch resist layer and the adhesive layer. The structured resin layer has a structured major surface including a plurality of engineered structures. The etch resist layer at least partially fills spaces between adjacent engineered structures to substantially planarize the structured major surface. Methods of using the structured film to form a pattern on a substrate are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2021
    Publication date: January 4, 2024
    Inventors: Martin B. Wolk, Robert L. Brott, Kevin W. Gotrik, Christopher S. Lyons, Caleb T. Nelson, Vadim Savvateev, James M. Nelson, Craig R. Schardt, Jeffrey L. Solomon, Karl K. Stensvad, Steven D. Theiss
  • Publication number: 20240004110
    Abstract: An optical article includes a waveguide and a structured film. The structured film includes a polymeric substrate, an etch stop layer disposed on the polymeric substrate, a structured layer including a plurality of engineered structures disposed on a side of the etch stop layer opposite the polymeric substrate, a planarizing backfill layer disposed over the plurality of engineered structures to define a substantially planar major surface of the planarizing backfill layer having a surface roughness Ra, and an adhesive layer disposed on the substantially planar surface of the planarizing backfill layer and bonding the structured film to the waveguide. A difference in index of refraction of the planarizing backfill layer and the structured layer is at least 0.25 for at least a first wavelength W1 in a range of 400 nm to 2500 nm. The adhesive layer has an average thickness ta where Ra<ta<¼W1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2021
    Publication date: January 4, 2024
    Inventors: Martin B. Wolk, Robert L. Brott, Kevin W. Gotrik, Christopher S. Lyons, Caleb T. Nelson, Vadim Savvateev, James M. Nelson, Craig R. Schardt, Jeffrey L. Solomon, Karl K. Stensvad
  • Publication number: 20230350217
    Abstract: An optical system for displaying a virtual image to a viewer includes stacked integral first reflective polarizer and integral second reflective polarizer, a display, and a mirror.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2023
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Inventors: Craig R. Schardt, Adam D. Haag, Stephen J. Willet
  • Patent number: 11740480
    Abstract: An optical system for displaying a virtual image to a viewer includes stacked integral first reflective polarizer and integral second reflective polarizer, a display, and a mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Craig R. Schardt, Adam D. Haag, Stephen J. Willet
  • Publication number: 20230213757
    Abstract: An optical combiner includes a first layer with a periodic two-dimensional arrangement of structures arranged to support resonance for an input signal of a target wavelength, wherein the structures have a first refractive index. A second layer overlies the structures on the first layer, wherein the second layer includes a second material with a second refractive index, and wherein a difference between the first refractive index and the second refractive index, measured at 587.5 nm, is less than about 1.5. The periodic arrangement of structures is configured such that the optical combiner produces, for the input signal incident on the first layer from air at an oblique elevation angle of greater than about 20°, an output signal with a reflection peak with an average reflection of greater than about 50% within a ± 5° range of the elevation angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2022
    Publication date: July 6, 2023
    Inventors: Karl K. Stensvad, Xuexue Guo, Craig R. Schardt, Bing Hao, Andrea Alu, Michele Cotrufo, Adam Overvig
  • Publication number: 20230213758
    Abstract: An optical combiner includes a first layer with a periodic arrangement of structures of a material with a first refractive index. A second layer overlies the structures on the first layer, and the second layer includes a material with a second refractive index. A difference between the first refractive index and the second refractive index, measured at 587.5 nm, is less than 1.5. The periodic arrangement of structures is configured such that the optical combiner produces, for an input signal incident on the first layer from air at an oblique elevation angle of greater than 20°, an output signal with three reflection peaks, each reflection peak having an average reflection of greater than 50% within a ±3° range of the elevation angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2022
    Publication date: July 6, 2023
    Inventors: Karl K. Stensvad, Xuexue Guo, Craig R. Schardt, Bing Hao, Andrea Alu, Michele Cotrufo, Matthew M. Markowitz
  • Publication number: 20230085544
    Abstract: An optical system for displaying a virtual image to a viewer includes stacked integral first reflective polarizer and integral second reflective polarizer, a display, and a mirror.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2021
    Publication date: March 16, 2023
    Inventors: Craig R. Schardt, Adam D. Haag, Stephen J. Willet
  • Publication number: 20220197024
    Abstract: An optical system includes a reflective polarizer (20), and a display (10), first mirror (30a), and second mirror (30b) disposed on a same side of the reflective polarizer (20). The reflective polarizer (20) transmits an image emitted by the display (10) after the image is reflected by the first and second mirrors (30a, 30b). A mid-plane defined by intersection points between an optical axis of the system and the display (10), reflective polarizer (20), and second mirror (30b) has one-pass through four-pass regions having respective areas, A1 through A4.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2019
    Publication date: June 23, 2022
    Inventors: Zhisheng Yun, Stephen J. Willett, Craig R. Schardt, Gilles J. Benoit, Keith M. Kotchick, Ryan C. Shirk, David A. Rosen, Hao Wu
  • Publication number: 20220057632
    Abstract: An optical system, including a reflective polarizer, and a display and a mirror disposed on a same side of, and generally facing, the reflective polarizer. The reflective polarizer may transmit at least 80% of incident light having a first polarization state and may reflect at least 80% of incident light having a second polarization state, and the mirror may reflect at least 80% of the incident light for each of the first and second polarization states. The central locations of the display, reflective polarizer, and mirror may define a midplane which includes first, second, and third regions, such that the first region includes portions of the image rays that pass at least once across the region, the second region includes portions of the image rays that pass at least twice across the region, and the third region includes portions of the image rays that pass three times across the region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Publication date: February 24, 2022
    Inventors: Zhisheng Yun, Hao Wu, Stephen J. Willett, Craig R. Schardt, Stephan J. Pankratz, Gilles J. Benoit
  • Patent number: 11125406
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides lamination transfer films and use of the lamination transfer films, particular in the fabrication of architectural glass elements, such as those used in Insulated Glass Units (IGUs). The lamination transfer films may be used to transfer functional layers and structures. The lamination transfer films may include a support film that can be removed during the transfer process, and the transferred materials are primarily inorganic. The resulting transferred structures on glass generally have high photo- and thermal-stability, and therefore can successfully be applied to the glass surfaces that are interior to the cavity within an IGU. The lamination transfer films can also be patterned such that macroscopic patterns of microoptical elements can be applied on a glass surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael Benton Free, Martin B. Wolk, Olester Benson, Jr., Bing Hao, Charles A. Marttila, Craig R. Schardt, Mieczyslaw H. Mazurek, Justin P. Meyer, Manoj Nirmal
  • Patent number: 11040721
    Abstract: Methods for management of a powertrain system in a vehicle. The methods receive data or signals from multiple sensors associated with the vehicle. Optimum thresholds for classifications of the sensor data can be changed based injecting signals into the powertrain system and receiving responsive signals. Expected priorities for the sensor signals can be altered based upon attributes of the signals and confirming actual priorities for the signals. Look-up tables for engine management can be modified based upon injecting signals into the powertrain system and measuring a utility of the responsive signals. The methods can thus dynamically alter and modify data for powertrain management, such as look-up tables, during vehicle operation under a wide range of conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Gilles J. Benoit, Brian E. Brooks, Ryan C. Shirk, Michael E. Nelson, Craig R. Schardt
  • Patent number: 10988979
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides lamination transfer films and use of the lamination transfer films, particular in the fabrication of architectural glass elements, such as those used in Insulated Glass Units (IGUs). The lamination transfer films may be used to transfer functional layers and structures. The lamination transfer films may include a support film that can be removed during the transfer process, and the transferred materials are primarily inorganic. The resulting transferred structures on glass generally have high photo- and thermal-stability, and therefore can successfully be applied to the glass surfaces that are interior to the cavity within an IGU. The lamination transfer films can also be patterned such that macroscopic patterns of microoptical elements can be applied on a glass surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Michael Benton Free, Martin B. Wolk, Olester Benson, Jr., Bing Hao, Charles A. Marttila, Craig R. Schardt, Mieczyslaw H. Mazurek, Justin P. Meyer, Manoj Nirmal
  • Publication number: 20210070313
    Abstract: Methods for management of a powertrain system in a vehicle. The methods receive data or signals from multiple sensors associated with the vehicle. Optimum thresholds for classifications of the sensor data can be changed based injecting signals into the powertrain system and receiving responsive signals. Expected priorities for the sensor signals can be altered based upon attributes of the signals and confirming actual priorities for the signals. Look-up tables for engine management can be modified based upon injecting signals into the powertrain system and measuring a utility of the responsive signals. The methods can thus dynamically alter and modify data for powertrain management, such as look-up tables, during vehicle operation under a wide range of conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2018
    Publication date: March 11, 2021
    Inventors: Gilles J. Benoit, Brian E. Brooks, Ryan C. Shirk, Michael E. Nelson, Craig R. Schardt
  • Publication number: 20200392782
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides lamination transfer films and use of the lamination transfer films, particular in the fabrication of architectural glass elements, such as those used in Insulated Glass Units (IGUs). The lamination transfer films may be used to transfer functional layers and structures. The lamination transfer films may include a support film that can be removed during the transfer process, and the transferred materials are primarily inorganic. The resulting transferred structures on glass generally have high photo- and thermal-stability, and therefore can successfully be applied to the glass surfaces that are interior to the cavity within an IGU. The lamination transfer films can also be patterned such that macroscopic patterns of microoptical elements can be applied on a glass surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2020
    Publication date: December 17, 2020
    Inventors: Michael Benton Free, Martin B. Wolk, Olester Benson, JR., Bing Hao, Charles A. Marttila, Craig R. Schardt, Mieczyslaw H. Mazurek, Justin P. Meyer, Manoj Nirmal
  • Patent number: 10823717
    Abstract: A system for use in wirelessly monitoring a pipeline such as a natural gas pipe. The system includes a locator configured to wirelessly transmit power and a subsoil sensor marker located adjacent the pipe and configured to wirelessly communicate with the locator. The sensor marker includes a microcontroller, a memory module, a sensor configured to sense the presence of a gas, and a power module. The power module is configured to harvest a sufficient amount of the power wirelessly transmitted from the locator in order to operate the microcontroller to take a measurement via the sensor, save the measurement in the memory module, and wirelessly transmit the measurement to the locator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Stephen J. Willett, Ronald D. Jesme, Mohsen Salehi, Andrew P. Bonifas, Erik A. Aho, Craig R. Schardt, Amy J. Hite, Patrick M. Campbell
  • Patent number: 10794114
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides lamination transfer films and use of the lamination transfer films, particular in the fabrication of architectural glass elements, such as those used in Insulated Glass Units (IGUs). The lamination transfer films may be used to transfer functional layers and structures. The lamination transfer films may include a support film that can be removed during the transfer process, and the transferred materials are primarily inorganic. The resulting transferred structures on glass generally have high photo- and thermal-stability, and therefore can successfully be applied to the glass surfaces that are interior to the cavity within an IGU. The lamination transfer films can also be patterned such that macroscopic patterns of microoptical elements can be applied on a glass surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael Benton Free, Martin B. Wolk, Olester Benson, Jr., Bing Hao, Charles A. Marttila, Craig R. Schardt, Mieczyslaw H. Mazurek, Justin P. Meyer, Manoj Nirmal
  • Patent number: 10720698
    Abstract: A system having a concealed communications element like a telecommunication antenna is described. More specifically, The system has a communications element that is concealed by a highly reflective multilayer polymer optical film 200. The first element of the multilayer polymer optical film is a core layer 202 that is made up of a multilayer optical stack. The multilayer optical stack of core layer 202 includes two alternating polymeric layers. The multilayer polymer optical film may optionally also include a protective layer 204 (for example, a hardcoat or an over laminate) that is positioned between the viewer and the core layer. The protective layer 204 may include one or more UV absorbers to aid in durability of the multilayer polymer optical film against UV-degradation. Multilayer polymer optical film 200 may optionally also include an adhesive layer 208 that is positioned between the core layer 202 and a surface onto which the multilayer polymer optical film is to be adhered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Donald K. Larson, Craig R. Schardt, Stephen C. King, Daniel J. Treadwell, Constand E. Yemelong, Joseph C. Carls, Cary A. Kipke
  • Patent number: 10670873
    Abstract: Projection subsystems are described. More, particularly, projection subsystems that include a light source and a polarizing beam splitter are described. The polarizing beam splitters of the presently described projection subsystems are capable of avoiding performance degradation even after exposure to large doses of incident light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Stephen J. Willett, Craig R. Schardt, David J. W. Aastuen
  • Publication number: 20200157878
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides lamination transfer films and use of the lamination transfer films, particular in the fabrication of architectural glass elements, such as those used in Insulated Glass Units (IGUs). The lamination transfer films may be used to transfer functional layers and structures. The lamination transfer films may include a support film that can be removed during the transfer process, and the transferred materials are primarily inorganic. The resulting transferred structures on glass generally have high photo- and thermal-stability, and therefore can successfully be applied to the glass surfaces that are interior to the cavity within an IGU. The lamination transfer films can also be patterned such that macroscopic patterns of microoptical elements can be applied on a glass surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2020
    Publication date: May 21, 2020
    Inventors: Michael Benton Free, Martin B. Wolk, Olester Benson, JR., Bing Hao, Charles A. Marttila, Craig R. Schardt, Mieczyslaw H. Mazurek, Justin P. Meyer, Manoj Nirmal