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).
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Patent number: 11407196Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 22, 2016Date of Patent: August 9, 2022Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Jeffrey L. Solomon, Michael Benton Free, Steven J. McMan, Martin B. Wolk, Elisa M. Cross
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Publication number: 20220019007Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2019Publication date: January 20, 2022Inventors: 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
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Publication number: 20190016086Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2016Publication date: January 17, 2019Inventors: Jeffrey L. Solomon, Michael Benton Free, Steven J. McMan, Martin B. Wolk, Elisa M. Cross
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Publication number: 20190011629Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2016Publication date: January 10, 2019Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Jeffrey L. Solomon, Elisa M. Cross
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Publication number: 20180354225Abstract: 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 noType: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2016Publication date: December 13, 2018Inventors: Jeffrey L. Solomon, Michael Benton Free, Steven J. McMan, Martin B. Wolk, Elisa M. Cross
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Publication number: 20160349886Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2016Publication date: December 1, 2016Inventor: Elisa M. Cross
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Publication number: 20160326383Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2015Publication date: November 10, 2016Inventors: Richard J. Pokorny, Robert F. Kamrath, Michelle L. Toy, Steven D. Solomonson, Elisa M. Cross, Anthony M. Renstrom, Roger W. Barton, Craig R. Sykora
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Patent number: 9442600Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 19, 2005Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventor: Elisa M. Cross
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Patent number: 7724434Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 1, 2009Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Elisa M. Cross, Eric W. Nelson, Wei Feng Zhang, Judith M. Invie
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Publication number: 20090262422Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2009Publication date: October 22, 2009Inventors: Elisa M. Cross, Eric W. Nelson, Wei Feng Zhang, Judith M. Invie
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Patent number: 7557989Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 16, 2006Date of Patent: July 7, 2009Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Elisa M. Cross, Eric W. Nelson, Wei Feng Zhang, Judith M. Invie
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Patent number: 7477242Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 20, 2002Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Elisa M. Cross, Robert S. Moshrefzadeh, Frank J. Bottari, Darran R. Cairns, Anthony F. Chernefsky, Paul J. Richter
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Patent number: 7369122Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 14, 2001Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: 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
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Patent number: 7154481Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 25, 2002Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Elisa M. Cross, Robert S. Moshrefzadeh, Anthony F. Chernefsky, Frank J. Bottari, Craig A. Cordeiro, Stephen C. Schulz, Michael J. Kardauskas
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Patent number: 7019734Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 17, 2002Date of Patent: March 28, 2006Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Elisa M. Cross, Robert S. Moshrefzadeh, Leland R. Whitney
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Patent number: 6934082Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 28, 2004Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Richard C. Allen, Sanford Cobb, Jr., Elisa M. Cross, Susan L. Kent, Timothy J. Nevitt, Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Ronald J. Tabar, David L. Wortman
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Patent number: 6829071Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 31, 2001Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Richard C. Allen, Elisa M. Cross, Ronald J. Tabar
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Patent number: 6809280Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 2, 2002Date of Patent: October 26, 2004Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Ranjith Divigalpitiya, David E. Livingstone, Robert S. Moshrefzadeh, Elisa M. Cross
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Publication number: 20040189612Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2003Publication date: September 30, 2004Inventors: Frank J. Bottari, Paul J. Richter, Robert S. Moshrefzadeh, Elisa M. Cross
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Publication number: 20040090429Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2002Publication date: May 13, 2004Inventors: Bernard O. Geaghan, Elisa M. Cross, Robert S. Moshrefzadeh