Patents by Inventor Ellen O. Aeling

Ellen O. Aeling 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: 20230063749
    Abstract: This disclosure describes a composition that includes a bulk diffuser that includes a film having a major surface; the film includes a polymer, and a scattering element. The scattering element includes a silicone bead having a mean particle diameter in a range of 2 micrometers (?m) to 9 ?m. The linear density of the film is at least 5.1 Wi*?m, wherein the linear density equals the product of the mass fraction of the silicone bead (Wi) and film thickness in micrometers (?m). This disclosure further describes methods of making the film and the bulk diffuser and methods of using the film including, for example, as a bulk diffuser in a sign box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2020
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Inventors: Michael J. Sykora, Kui Chen-Ho, Guy M. Kallman, Ellen O. Aeling, Kaitlin R. Mohs, Patrick J. Yeshe
  • Patent number: 10766223
    Abstract: A fabric with a laminated adhesive-backed protective layer. The adhesive-backed protective layer has a matte finish that is low gloss and may approximate the fabric itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard C. Allen, Ellen O. Aeling, William J. Bryan, Robert R. Condon, David J. Koch, John C. Schultz
  • Publication number: 20190084269
    Abstract: A fabric with a laminated adhesive-backed protective layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Publication date: March 21, 2019
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Richard C. Allen, Ellen O. Aeling, William J. Bryan, Robert R. Condon, David J. Koch, John C. Schultz
  • Patent number: 10228507
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an optical device having a light source and a viscoelastic lightguide. Light from the light source enters the viscoelastic lightguide and is transported within the lightguide by total internal reflection. The viscoelastic lightguide may comprise a pressure sensitive adhesive. The optical device may be used in a variety of constructions wherein the device emits light being transported within the viscoelastic lightguide. Constructions include those used for signs, markings, illumination devices, display devices, keypad assemblies and tail light assemblies for vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Audrey A. Sherman, Michael A. Meis, Kevin R. Schaffer, Marie A. Boulos, Soemantri Widagdo, Thu-Van T. Tran, Ellen O. Aeling, Patrick J. Yeshe, Wendi J. Winkler
  • Publication number: 20170254488
    Abstract: The present application is directed to an illumination device comprising a recycling cavity defined by recycling surfaces and a light emission surface; a light source within the cavity. A spectrum modifying layer is on a portion of the recycling surface, the spectrum modifying layer producing a spectral response different from the spectral response of the recycling surface. In some embodiments, the spectrum modifying layer shifts the spectral properties of the light being emitted from the light emission area from the spectral properties of the light source. In some embodiments, the spectrum modifying layer selectively absorbs a portion of light along the light source spectrum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Publication date: September 7, 2017
    Inventors: Ellen O. Aeling, Michael A. Meis, John T. Simpson, Joseph A. Hoffman, Paul E. Humpal
  • Publication number: 20170227702
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an optical device having a light source and a viscoelastic lightguide. Light from the light source enters the viscoelastic lightguide and is transported within the lightguide by total internal reflection. The viscoelastic lightguide may comprise a pressure sensitive adhesive. The optical device may be used in a variety of constructions wherein the device emits light being transported within the viscoelastic lightguide. Constructions include those used for signs, markings, illumination devices, display devices, keypad assemblies and tail light assemblies for vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Publication date: August 10, 2017
    Inventors: Audrey A. Sherman, Michael A. Meis, Kevin R. Schaffer, Marie A. Boulos, Soemantri Widagdo, Thu-Van T. Tran, Ellen O. Aeling, Patrick J. Yeshe, Wendi J. Winkler
  • Patent number: 9658391
    Abstract: Illumination device having a viscoelastic lightguide and a flexible light source is described. The flexible light source includes a plurality of electrically interconnected light emitting diodes disposed on a flexible mat and optically coupled to the viscoelastic lightguide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Audrey A. Sherman, Ellen O. Aeling, Michael A. Meis, Kevin R. Schaffer
  • Patent number: 9551475
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an optical device having a light source, a viscoelastic lightguide and a retroreflective film suitable for retroreflecting light. Light from the light source enters the viscoelastic lightguide and is transported within the lightguide by total internal reflection. The transported light is extracted from the lightguide and retroreflected at a structured surface of the retroreflective film. The optical device may have a “front lit” or a “back lit” configuration depending on the relative positioning of the lightguide and the retroreflective film. The retroreflective film may include prismatic retroreflective sheeting, holographic film or film structured with diffraction gratings. The optical device may be used, for example, as a sign or marking, a license plate assembly, a tail light assembly for vehicles, a security laminate for protection of documents against tampering, or an illumination device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Audrey A. Sherman, Marie A. Boulos, Kevin R. Schaffer, Michael A. Meis, Thu-Van T. Tran, Ellen O. Aeling, Soemantri Widagdo
  • Patent number: 9404637
    Abstract: The present application is directed to an illumination device comprising a recycling cavity defined by recycling surfaces and a light emission surface; a light source within the cavity. A spectrum modifying layer is on a portion of the recycling surface, the spectrum modifying layer producing a spectral response different from the spectral response of the recycling surface. In some embodiments, the spectrum modifying layer shifts the spectral properties of the light being emitted from the light emission area from the spectral properties of the light source. In some embodiments, the spectrum modifying layer selectively absorbs a portion of light along the light source spectrum. In some embodiments, the spectrum modifying layer re-emits light at a wavelength longer than the wavelength it absorbed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Ellen O. Aeling, Michael A. Meis, John T. Simpson, Joseph A. Hoffman, Paul E. Humpal
  • Patent number: 9310551
    Abstract: Illumination device having a viscoelastic lightguide and a flexible light source is described. The flexible light source includes a plurality of electrically inter-connected light emitting diodes disposed on a flexible mat and optically coupled to the viscoelastic lightguide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Audrey A. Sherman, Ellen O. Aeling, Michael A. Meis, Kevin R. Schaffer
  • Patent number: 9303827
    Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to illumination devices, and methods for making the same. The device, in particular, includes a first conductor layer, a first insulator layer disposed on the first conductor layer and having at least one first aperture defined therein through the first insulator layer, a second conductor layer disposed on the first insulator layer and having at least one second aperture defined therein through the second conductor layer and positioned to align with the at least one first aperture, and a light manipulation layer disposed on the second conductor layer and having at least one pair of apertures defined therein through the light manipulation layer including a third aperture and a fourth aperture, where the third aperture is positioned to align with the at least one second and first apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Ellen O. Aeling, John R. David, Michael A. Meis, Ronald S. Steelman
  • Patent number: 9303829
    Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to illumination devices, and methods for making the same. The device, in particular, includes a first conductor layer, a first insulator layer disposed on the first conductor layer and having at least one first aperture defined therein through the first insulator layer, a second conductor layer disposed on the first insulator layer and having at least one second aperture defined therein through the second conductor layer and positioned to align with the at least one first aperture, and a light manipulation layer disposed on the second conductor layer and having at least one pair of apertures defined therein through the light manipulation layer including a third aperture and a fourth aperture, where the third aperture is positioned to align with the at least one second and first apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Ellen O. Aeling, John R. David, Michael A. Meis, Ronald S. Steelman
  • Publication number: 20150301274
    Abstract: Illumination device having a viscoelastic lightguide and a flexible light source is described. The flexible light source includes a plurality of electrically interconnected light emitting diodes disposed on a flexible mat and optically coupled to the viscoelastic lightguide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2015
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Inventors: Audrey A. Sherman, Ellen O. Aeling, Michael A. Meis, Kevin R. Schaffer
  • Publication number: 20140376224
    Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to illumination devices, and methods for making the same. The device, in particular, includes a first conductor layer, a first insulator layer disposed on the first conductor layer and having at least one first aperture defined therein through the first insulator layer, a second conductor layer disposed on the first insulator layer and having at least one second aperture defined therein through the second conductor layer and positioned to align with the at least one first aperture, and a light manipulation layer disposed on the second conductor layer and having at least one pair of apertures defined therein through the light manipulation layer including a third aperture and a fourth aperture, where the third aperture is positioned to align with the at least one second and first apertures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Ellen O. Aeling, John R. David, Michael A. Meis, Ronald S. Steelman
  • Publication number: 20140334127
    Abstract: The present application is directed to an illumination device comprising a recycling cavity defined by recycling surfaces and a light emission surface; a light source within the cavity. A spectrum modifying layer is on a portion of the recycling surface, the spectrum modifying layer producing a spectral response different from the spectral response of the recycling surface. In some embodiments, the spectrum modifying layer shifts the spectral properties of the light being emitted from the light emission area from the spectral properties of the light source. In some embodiments, the spectrum modifying layer selectively absorbs a portion of light along the light source spectrum. In some embodiments, the spectrum modifying layer re-emits light at a wavelength longer than the wavelength it absorbed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventors: Ellen O. Aeling, Michael A. Meis, John T. Simpson, Joseph A. Hoffman, Paul E. Humpal
  • Patent number: 8860296
    Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to illumination devices, and methods for making the same. The device, in particular, includes a first conductor layer, a first insulator layer disposed on the first conductor layer and having at least one first aperture defined therein through the first insulator layer, a second conductor layer disposed on the first insulator layer and having at least one second aperture defined therein through the second conductor layer and positioned to align with the at least one first aperture, and a light manipulation layer disposed on the second conductor layer and having at least one pair of apertures defined therein through the light manipulation layer including a third aperture and a fourth aperture, where the third aperture is positioned to align with the at least one second and first apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ellen O. Aeling, John R. David, Michael A. Meis, Ronald S. Steelman
  • Publication number: 20140293602
    Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to illumination devices, and methods for making the same. The device, in particular, includes a first conductor layer, a first insulator layer disposed on the first conductor layer and having at least one first aperture defined therein through the first insulator layer, a second conductor layer disposed on the first insulator layer and having at least one second aperture defined therein through the second conductor layer and positioned to align with the at least one first aperture, and a light manipulation layer disposed on the second conductor layer and having at least one pair of apertures defined therein through the light manipulation layer including a third aperture and a fourth aperture, where the third aperture is positioned to align with the at least one second and first apertures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Ellen O. Aeling, John R. David, Michael A. Meis, Ronald S. Steelman
  • Patent number: 8789299
    Abstract: An internally illuminated sign includes a case at least partially lined with highly reflective layer and a display surface. The sign also includes light sources that emit light in directions approximately parallel to the display surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Joseph A. Hoffman, Ellen O. Aeling, Michael A. Meis
  • Publication number: 20140160764
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an optical device having a light source, a viscoelastic lightguide and a retroreflective film suitable for retroreflecting light. Light from the light source enters the viscoelastic lightguide and is transported within the lightguide by total internal reflection. The transported light is extracted from the lightguide and retroreflected at a structured surface of the retroreflective film. The optical device may have a “front lit” or a “back lit” configuration depending on the relative positioning of the lightguide and the retroreflective film. The retroreflective film may include prismatic retroreflective sheeting, holographic film or film structured with diffraction gratings. The optical device may be used, for example, as a sign or marking, a license plate assembly, a tail light assembly for vehicles, a security laminate for protection of documents against tampering, or an illumination device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Audrey A. Sherman, Marie A. Boulos, Kevin R. Schaffer, Michael A. Meis, Thu-Van T. Tran, Ellen O. Aeling, Soemantri Widagdo
  • Patent number: 8651720
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an optical device having a light source, a viscoelastic lightguide and a retroreflective film suitable for retroreflecting light. Light from the light source enters the viscoelastic lightguide and is transported within the lightguide by total internal reflection. The transported light is extracted from the lightguide and retroreflected at a structured surface of the retroreflective film. The optical device may have a “front lit” or a “back lit” configuration depending on the relative positioning of the lightguide and the retroreflective film. The retroreflective film may include prismatic retroreflective sheeting, holographic film or film structured with diffraction gratings. The optical device may be used, for example, as a sign or marking, a license plate assembly, a tail light assembly for vehicles, a security laminate for protection of documents against tampering, or an illumination device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Audrey A. Sherman, Marie A. Boulos, Kevin R. Schaffer, Michael A. Meis, Thu-Van T. Tran, Ellen O. Aeling, Soemantri Widagdo