Patents by Inventor Elisa M. Cross

Elisa M. Cross 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).

  • Patent number: 11407196
    Abstract: Article comprising a first, microstructured layer comprising a first material, and having first and second opposed major surfaces, the first major surface being a microstructured surface, and the microstructured surface having peaks and valleys, wherein the peaks are microstructural features each having a height defined by the distance between the peak of the respective microstructural feature and an adjacent valley; and a second layer comprising at least one of a crosslinkable or crosslinked composition, wherein at least a portion of the second major surface of the second layer is directly attached to at least a portion of the first major surface of the first, microstructured layer. Articles described herein are useful, for example, for optical film applications. For example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Solomon, Michael Benton Free, Steven J. McMan, Martin B. Wolk, Elisa M. Cross
  • Publication number: 20220019007
    Abstract: A light control film is described comprising alternating transmissive regions and absorptive regions disposed between the light input surface and the light output surface. The absorptive regions have an aspect ratio of at least 30. In some embodiments, an absorptive layer or reflective layer is disposed between the alternating transmissive regions and absorptive regions and the light input surface and/or light output surface. In another embodiment, the alternating transmissive regions comprise an absorptive material. The light control film can exhibit low transmission of visible light and high transmission of near infrared light. Also described is a light detection system comprising such light control films and a microstructured film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2019
    Publication date: January 20, 2022
    Inventors: Daniel J. Schmidt, Caleb T. Nelson, Kevin W. Gotrik, Raymond J. Kenney, Kenneth A. Epstein, Gary T. Boyd, Corey D. Balts, Morgan A. Priolo, John A. Wheatley, Elisa M. Cross
  • Publication number: 20190016086
    Abstract: Article comprising a first, microstructured layer comprising a first material, and having first and second opposed major surfaces, the first major surface being a microstructured surface, and the microstructured surface having peaks and valleys, wherein the peaks are microstructural features each having a height defined by the distance between the peak of the respective microstructural feature and an adjacent valley; and a second layer comprising at least one of a crosslinkable or crosslinked composition, wherein at least a portion of the second major surface of the second layer is directly attached to at least a portion of the first major surface of the first, microstructured layer. Articles described herein are useful, for example, for optical film applications. For example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Publication date: January 17, 2019
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Solomon, Michael Benton Free, Steven J. McMan, Martin B. Wolk, Elisa M. Cross
  • Publication number: 20190011629
    Abstract: Article comprising a first, microstructured layer having first and second opposed major surfaces, the first major surface being a microstructured surface; a second layer comprising an adhesive material, and having a first and second opposed major surfaces, wherein at least a portion of the second major surface of the second layer is directly attached to at least a portion of the first major, microstructured surface of the first layer; and a third layer comprising at least one of a crosslinkable or crosslinked composition, and having first and second opposed major surfaces, and wherein at least a portion of the second major surface of the third layer is directly attached to at least a portion of the first major surface of the second layer. Articles described herein are useful, for example, for optical film applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Publication date: January 10, 2019
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Solomon, Elisa M. Cross
  • Publication number: 20180354225
    Abstract: Article comprising a first microstructured layer comprising a first material, and having first and second opposed major surfaces, the first material comprising at least one of a crosslinkable or crosslinked composition, the first major surface being a microstructured surface; a second layer comprising an adhesive material, and having first and second opposed major surfaces, wherein at least a portion of the second major surface of the second layer is directly attached to at least a portion of the first major microstructured surface of the first layer; and a third polymeric layer comprising a third material, and having first and second opposed major surfaces, wherein at least a portion of the second major surface of the third polymeric layer is directly attached to at least a portion of the first major surface of the second layer, and wherein any polymeric material attached either directly or indirectly to the second major surface of the first layer contains no more than 75 percent by volume collectively of no
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Publication date: December 13, 2018
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Solomon, Michael Benton Free, Steven J. McMan, Martin B. Wolk, Elisa M. Cross
  • Publication number: 20160349886
    Abstract: An optical device and a projection system incorporating same is disclosed. The optical device includes a light management element. The light management element includes an electrically conductive light absorber that is disposed in a display area for controlling a viewing angle of light transmitted through the display area. The conductive light absorber is configured to generate a signal in response to a touch in the display area. The signal is capable of being used to determine information related to the touch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2016
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventor: Elisa M. Cross
  • Publication number: 20160326383
    Abstract: Presently described are hardcoat compositions comprising at least one first (meth)acrylate monomer comprising at least three (meth)acrylate groups and C2-C4 alkoxy repeat units wherein the monomer has a molecular weight per (meth)acrylate group ranging from about 220 to 375 g/mole and at least one second (meth)acrylate monomer comprising at least three (meth)acrylate groups. The hardcoat composition further comprises inorganic oxide nanoparticles such as silica that comprises a copolymer izable surface treatment and a non-copolymerizable silane surface treatment. Also described are articles, such as protective films, displays, and touch screens comprising such cured hardcoat compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2015
    Publication date: November 10, 2016
    Inventors: Richard J. Pokorny, Robert F. Kamrath, Michelle L. Toy, Steven D. Solomonson, Elisa M. Cross, Anthony M. Renstrom, Roger W. Barton, Craig R. Sykora
  • Patent number: 9442600
    Abstract: An optical device and a projection system incorporating same is disclosed. The optical device includes a light management element. The light management element includes an electrically conductive light absorber that is disposed in a display area for controlling a viewing angle of light transmitted through the display area. The conductive light absorber is configured to generate a signal in response to a touch in the display area. The signal is capable of being used to determine information related to the touch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Elisa M. Cross
  • Patent number: 7724434
    Abstract: A reflective polarizer suitable for use in a display device is disclosed herein. The reflective polarizer comprises: a multilayer optical film comprising alternating layers of first and second polymeric layers that reflects light of a first polarization state and transmits light of a second polarization state, wherein for normally incident light of the second polarization state, the reflective polarizer has an internal percent transmission of at least 95% at 410 nm, and at most 25% at 380 nm. Also disclosed herein is a display device comprising the reflector polarizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Elisa M. Cross, Eric W. Nelson, Wei Feng Zhang, Judith M. Invie
  • Publication number: 20090262422
    Abstract: A reflective polarizer suitable for use in a display device is disclosed herein. The reflective polarizer comprises: a multilayer optical film comprising alternating layers of first and second polymeric layers that reflects light of a first polarization state and transmits light of a second polarization state, wherein for normally incident light of the second polarization state, the reflective polarizer has an internal percent transmission of at least 95% at 410 nm, and at most 25% at 380 nm. Also disclosed herein is a display device comprising the reflector polarizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventors: Elisa M. Cross, Eric W. Nelson, Wei Feng Zhang, Judith M. Invie
  • Patent number: 7557989
    Abstract: A reflective polarizer suitable for use in a display device is disclosed herein. The reflective polarizer includes: a multilayer optical film including alternating layers of first and second polymeric layers that reflects light of a first polarization state and transmits light of a second polarization state, wherein for normally incident light of the second polarization state, the reflective polarizer has an internal percent transmission of at least 95% at 410 nm, and at most 25% at 380 nm. Also disclosed herein is a display device including the reflective polarizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Elisa M. Cross, Eric W. Nelson, Wei Feng Zhang, Judith M. Invie
  • Patent number: 7477242
    Abstract: A capacitive touch screen is described with a touch area including a substantially transparent conductive polymer. The capacitive touch screen also includes circuitry connecting the conductive polymer of the touch area to a power source, where the circuitry is configured to determine a location of a capacitive coupling on the touch area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Elisa M. Cross, Robert S. Moshrefzadeh, Frank J. Bottari, Darran R. Cairns, Anthony F. Chernefsky, Paul J. Richter
  • Patent number: 7369122
    Abstract: The present invention provides touch panels and touch panel substrates that include spacer dots comprising a nanocomposite material. The present invention also provides methods of ink jet printing spacer dots for touch panel applications. The spacer dots and methods of making spacer dots can lead to spacers that have good durability, have controllable sizes, shapes, and spacings, and have desirable optical properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Elisa M. Cross, Robert S. Moshrefzadeh, Jessica L. Voss-Kehl, Brant U. Kolb, Emily S. Goenner, Brian E. Aufderheide, Michael J. Robrecht, Bruce A. Nerad
  • Patent number: 7154481
    Abstract: A touch sensing method and a touch sensing device are described for sensing a location of a touch. When the touch sensing device is touched, a first conductive layer disposed on a supporting layer is deflected toward a second conductive layer. The touch location is determined by sensing the change in capacitance at the location of the touch. A change in capacitance at the touch location is sensed by driving one of the conductive layers with an electrical signal referenced to the other conductive layer and measuring the current flow between the conductive layers. The sensed change in capacitance is greater than a change in the external capacitance of the touch sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Elisa M. Cross, Robert S. Moshrefzadeh, Anthony F. Chernefsky, Frank J. Bottari, Craig A. Cordeiro, Stephen C. Schulz, Michael J. Kardauskas
  • Patent number: 7019734
    Abstract: The present invention discloses resistive touch sensors that incorporate microstructured conductive layers. When local electrical contact is made between the microstructured conductive layer and an opposing conductive layer due to a touch input, the resulting signal can be used to determine the location of the touch. The microstructures can be used to penetrate a solid, deformable filler material disposed between the conductive layers, for example to provide more transmission of light through the sensor. The microstructures can also provide additional functionalities such as z-axis sensitivity, image direction, light control, light extraction, and so forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Elisa M. Cross, Robert S. Moshrefzadeh, Leland R. Whitney
  • Patent number: 6934082
    Abstract: Optical devices using reflective polarizers and, in particular, diffusely reflective polarizers are provided. Many of the optical devices utilize the diffusely reflecting and specularly transmitting properties of diffusely reflecting polarizers to enhance their optical characteristics. The optical devices include a lighting system which uses a reflector formed from a diffusely reflecting polarizer attached to a specular reflector. Another optical device is a display apparatus which uses a diffusely reflecting polarizer layer in combination with a turning lens which folds shallow angle light toward a light modulating layer. Other optical devices exploit the depolarizing characteristics of a diffusely reflecting polarizer when reflecting light. Still other optical devices use diffusely reflecting polarizers to recycle light and improve display illumination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Richard C. Allen, Sanford Cobb, Jr., Elisa M. Cross, Susan L. Kent, Timothy J. Nevitt, Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Ronald J. Tabar, David L. Wortman
  • Patent number: 6829071
    Abstract: Optical devices using reflective polarizers and, in particular, diffusely reflective polarizers are provided. Many of the optical devices utilize the diffusely reflecting and specularly transmitting properties of diffusely reflecting polarizers to enhance their optical characteristics. The optical devices include a lighting system which uses a reflector formed from a diffusely reflecting polarizer attached to a specular reflector. Another optical device is a display apparatus which uses a diffusely reflecting polarizer layer in combination with a turning lens which folds shallow angle light toward a light modulating layer. Other optical devices exploit the depolarizing characteristics of a diffusely reflecting polarizer when reflecting light. Still other optical devices use diffusely reflecting polarizers to recycle light and improve display illumination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Richard C. Allen, Elisa M. Cross, Ronald J. Tabar
  • Patent number: 6809280
    Abstract: The present invention provides a switchable pressure activated electronic device. The switchable electronic device includes a composite material disposed between two conductors. The composite material electrically connects the two conductors when pressure is applied between them, and electrically isolates the two conductors when pressure is not applied between them. The composite includes conductive particles at least partially embedded in an insulating material. The conductive particles are disposed so that substantially all electrical connections made between the first and second conductors are through single particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ranjith Divigalpitiya, David E. Livingstone, Robert S. Moshrefzadeh, Elisa M. Cross
  • Publication number: 20040189612
    Abstract: Touch sensing methods and systems implement an optical control layer to direct light through a touch sensor. The optical control layer may be arranged as a structural element of the touch sensor. The structural element incorporating optical control functionality may provide a touch surface of the touch sensor. Processes for manufacturing a light control touch sensor involve providing a structural element that incorporates light control and forming an active touch sensing element on the structural element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Frank J. Bottari, Paul J. Richter, Robert S. Moshrefzadeh, Elisa M. Cross
  • Publication number: 20040090429
    Abstract: The present invention provides a touch sensor that includes a first layer movable toward a second layer in response to a touch input, the location of the touch input being determinable from signals detected due to the movement of the first layer. The first and second layers are bonded together through a plurality of spacers distributed over the touch sensitive area of the sensor. The present invention also provides methods for bonding spacers to the first and second layers to make a touch sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Bernard O. Geaghan, Elisa M. Cross, Robert S. Moshrefzadeh