Patents by Inventor Hsin-Hsin Chou
Hsin-Hsin Chou 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: 6730376Abstract: A photocurable thermally transferable composition containing a multifunctional monomer that is substantially non-liquid at room temperature and a thermoplastic binder is disclosed. The composition is suitable for use in thermal transfer ribbons. After thermal transfer, the compositions are photocured to provide a durable, weatherable image on a graphic article.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2001Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: John J. Stofko, Mark Hendrickson, Michael G. O'Reilly, Hsin Hsin Chou, Richard Severance
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Patent number: 6692647Abstract: A beaded light dispersing film has a substrate layer, and an optically transparent layer, having a predetermined thickness, disposed over a side of the substrate layer. Optically transmitting beads are arranged to penetrate at least partially into the transparent layer to define clear apertures at interfaces between the beads and the transparent layer. The bead radius is greater than the predetermined thickness. An absorbing layer is disposed on the transparent layer, in interstices between the beads. A method of manufacturing the film includes disposing optically transparent beads partially in an optically transparent layer disposed over a transparent substrate layer. The optically transparent layer has a thickness less than half a diameter of a transparent bead. An absorbing layer overlies the optically transparent layer.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2001Date of Patent: February 17, 2004Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Robert S. Moshrefzadeh, Ragunath Padiyath, Richard J. Pokorny, Hsin-hsin Chou, Jeffrey C. Chang, Colleen M. Brenner
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Publication number: 20030207198Abstract: A thermal transfer donor element is provided which comprises a support, a light-to-heat conversion layer, an interlayer, and a thermal transfer layer. When the above donor element is brought into contact with a receptor, and imagewise irradiated, an image is obtained which is free from contamination by the light-to-heat conversion layer. The construction and process of this invention is useful in making colored images including applications such as color proofs and color filter elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2003Publication date: November 6, 2003Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Jeffrey C. Chang, John S. Staral, William A. Tolbert, Martin B. Wolk, Claire A. Jalbert, Hsin-Hsin Chou
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Patent number: 6582877Abstract: A thermal transfer donor element is provided which comprises a support, a light-to-heat conversion layer, an interlayer, and a thermal transfer layer. When the above donor element is brought into contact with a receptor and imagewise irradiated, an image is obtained which is free from contamination by the light-to-heat conversion layer. The construction and process of this invention is useful in making colored images including applications such as color proofs and color filter elements.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2002Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Jeffrey C. Chang, John S. Staral, William A. Tolbert, Martin B. Wolk, Claire A. Jalbert, Hsin-hsin Chou
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Patent number: 6515798Abstract: A rear projection screen assembly is described that includes a diffuser and a polarizer. The diffuser has particles dispersed within a binder. The particles and the binder have different refractive indices and are chosen such that the diffuser spreads light of an initial polarization state a cone of angles while substantially preserving the initial polarization state of the light. The diffuser also substantially depolarizing a portion of the light that is laterally scattered in the diffuser. The polarizer is disposed to receive light transmitted through the diffuser. The polarizer transmits light of the initial polarization state while absorbing a portion of the laterally scattered light that has a different polarization state. The resolution of the overall screen assembly may be made higher while also improving other characteristics of the screen assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2000Date of Patent: February 4, 2003Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Hsin-Hsin Chou, Patrick A. Thomas, Colleen M. Brenner-Watschke, Jeffrey C. Chang, Robert M. Moshrefzadeh
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Publication number: 20030003390Abstract: A thermal transfer donor element is provided which comprises a support, a light-to-heat conversion layer, an interlayer, and a thermal transfer layer. When the above donor element is brought into contact with a receptor and imagewise irradiated, an image is obtained which is free from contamination by the light-to-heat conversion layer. The construction and process of this invention is useful in making colored images including applications such as color proofs and color filter elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2002Publication date: January 2, 2003Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Jeffrey C. Chang, John S. Staral, William A. Tolbert, Martin B. Wolk, Claire a. Jalbert, Hsin-Hsin Chou
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Publication number: 20020155266Abstract: A photocurable thermally transferable composition containing a multifunctional monomer that is substantially non-liquid at room temperature and a thermoplastic binder is disclosed. The composition is suitable for use in thermal transfer ribbons. After thermal transfer, the compositions are photocured to provide a durable, weatherable image on a graphic article.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2001Publication date: October 24, 2002Inventors: John J. Stofko, Mark Hendrickson, Michael G. O'Reilly, Hsin Hsin Chou, Richard Severance
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Patent number: 6461793Abstract: A thermal transfer donor element is provided which comprises a support, a light-to-heat conversion layer, an interlayer, and a thermal transfer layer. When the above donor element is brought into contact with a receptor and imagewise irradiated, an image is obtained which is free from contamination by the light-to-heat conversion layer. The construction and process of this invention is useful in making colored images including applications such as color proofs and color filter elements.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2000Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Jeffrey C. Chang, John S. Staral, William A. Tolbert, Martin B. Wolk, Claire A. Jalbert, Hsin-hsin Chou
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Patent number: 6417966Abstract: An optically dispersing film for a rear projection system includes reflecting surfaces disposed so as to reflect light passing therethrough into at least one dispersion plane. The reflecting surfaces are formed by structures, of a first refractive index, disposed within a layer of material having a second refractive index. The structures have light absorbing bases at the viewing side of the film. In some embodiments, the reflecting surfaces are disposed at one or more angles so as to reflect light into a number of different directions. In other embodiments, the layer of material having the second refractive index includes diffusing particles that diffuse the light. The film permits the asymmetric dispersion of image light in a rear projection system, so that the light may be selectively directed towards the viewer.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 1999Date of Patent: July 9, 2002Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Robert S. Moshrefzadeh, Patrick A. Thomas, John C. Nelson, Theodore W. Hodapp, Hsin-Hsin Chou, Richard J. Pokorny, Raghunath Padiyath
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Publication number: 20020034618Abstract: A beaded light dispersing film has a substrate layer, and an optically transparent layer, having a predetermined thickness, disposed over a side of the substrate layer. Optically transmitting beads are arranged to penetrate at least partially into the transparent layer to define clear apertures at interfaces between the beads and the transparent layer. The bead radius is greater than the predetermined thickness. An absorbing layer is disposed on the transparent layer, in interstices between the beads. A method of manufacturing the film includes disposing optically transparent beads partially in an optically transparent layer disposed over a transparent substrate layer. The optically transparent layer has a thickness less than half a diameter of a transparent bead. An absorbing layer overlies the optically transparent layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2001Publication date: March 21, 2002Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Robert S. Moshrefzadeh, Ragunath Padiyath, Richard J. Pokorny, Hsin-hsin Chou, Jeffrey C. Chang, Colleen M. Brenner
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Patent number: 6344263Abstract: A beaded light dispersing film has a substrate layer, and an optically transparent layer, having a predetermined thickness, disposed over a side of the substrate layer. Optically transmitting beads are arranged to penetrate at least partially into the transparent layer to define clear apertures at interfaces between the beads and the transparent layer. The bead radius is greater than the predetermined thickness. An absorbing layer is disposed on the transparent layer, in interstices between the beads. A method of manufacturing the film includes disposing optically transparent beads partially in an optically transparent layer disposed over a transparent substrate layer. The optically transparent layer has a thickness less than half a diameter of a transparent bead. An absorbing layer overlies the optically transparent layer.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 1998Date of Patent: February 5, 2002Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Robert S. Moshrefzadeh, Ragunath Padiyath, Richard J. Pokorny, Hsin-hsin Chou, Jeffrey C. Chang, Colleen M. Brenner
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Patent number: 6317263Abstract: Rear projection screens include a film layer having a plurality of lenses for diverging light horizontally and vertically. The horizontal viewing angle created by the lenses may be different from the vertical viewing angle. The light may be directed by the lenses in a particular direction, so that the direction of the maximum intensity light does not lie parallel to an axis normal to the screen surface. The lens film may be combined with an isotropic light disperser, such as a bulk diffuser.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1999Date of Patent: November 13, 2001Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Robert S. Moshrefzadeh, Theodore W. Hodapp, Patrick A. Thomas, Hsin-Hsin Chou, John C. Nelson, Patrick R. Fleming
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Publication number: 20010015846Abstract: Glass microspheres and rear projection screens containing glass microspheres, which combine a desirable index of refraction (preferably, no greater than about 1.70) and low levels of defects (e.g., bubbles, visible haziness, frostiness, or opacity, substantially nonspherical shapes) upon formation are provided. Also provided is a coating method of placing microspheres on a film for use in a rear projection screen.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2001Publication date: August 23, 2001Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Geoffrey P. Morris, Jacqueline C. Rolfs, Leo A. Meyer, Robert S. Moshrefzadeh, Hsin-Hsin Chou, Billy J. Tompkins, Thomas N. David
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Patent number: 6270934Abstract: A thermal transfer donor element is provided which comprises a support, a light-to-heat conversion layer, an interlayer, and a thermal transfer layer. When the above donor element is brought into contact with a receptor and imagewise irradiated, an image is obtained which is free from contamination by the light-to-heat conversion layer. The construction and process of this invention is useful in making colored images including applications such as color proofs and color filter elements.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2000Date of Patent: August 7, 2001Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Jeffrey C. Chang, John S. Staral, William A. Tolbert, Martin B. Wolk, Claire A. Jalbert, Hsin-hsin Chou
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Publication number: 20010003642Abstract: A thermal transfer donor element is provided which comprises a support, a light-to-heat conversion layer, an interlayer, and a thermal transfer layer. When the above donor element is brought into contact with a receptor and imagewise irradiated, an image is obtained which is free from contamination by the light-to-heat conversion layer. The construction and process of this invention is useful in making colored images including applications such as color proofs and color filter elements.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2000Publication date: June 14, 2001Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Jeffrey C. Chang, John S. Staral, William A. Tolbert, Martin B. Wolk, Claire A. Jalbert, Hsin-hsin Chou
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Patent number: 6204971Abstract: Glass microspheres and rear projection screens containing glass microspheres, which combine a desirable index of refraction (preferably, no greater than about 1.70) and low levels of defects (e.g., bubbles, visible haziness, frostiness, or opacity, substantially nonspherical shapes) upon formation are provided. Also provided is a coating method of placing microspheres on a film for use in a rear projection screen.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 1999Date of Patent: March 20, 2001Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Geoffrey P. Morris, Jacqueline C. Rolfs, Leo A. Meyer, Robert S. Moshrefzadeh, Hsin-Hsin Chou, Billy J. Tompkins, Thomas N. Davis
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Patent number: 6190757Abstract: Coatable thermal mass transfer precursor compositions, suitable for producing thermal mass transfer donor elements, are described, the coatable compositions comprising a polyalkylene binder precursor; an acrylic binder precursor; an effective amount of a pigment to provide the desired color to a thermal mass transfer composition using the coatable composition; and d) a diluent (preferably water) in which the polyalkylene binder precursor, acrylic binder precursor, and pigment are all dispersed therein. Signage articles produced using the donor elements are also described.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1995Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Lisa Flatt Nelson, Hsin-Hsin Chou, Christopher E. Kunze
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Patent number: 6190826Abstract: A thermal transfer donor element is provided which comprises a support, a light-to-heat conversion layer, an interlayer, and a thermal transfer layer. When the above donor element is brought into contact with a receptor and imagewise irradiated, an image is obtained which is free from contamination by the light-to-heat conversion layer. The construction and process of this invention is useful in making colored images including applications such as color proofs and color filter elements.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 1999Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Jeffrey C. Chang, John S. Staral, William A. Tolbert, Martin B. Wolk, Claire A. Jalbert, Hsin-hsin Chou
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Patent number: 6163402Abstract: A rear projection screen assembly is described that includes a diffuser and a polarizer. The diffuser has particles dispersed within a binder. The particles and the binder have different refractive indices and are chosen such that the diffuser spreads light of an initial polarization state a cone of angles while substantially preserving the initial polarization state of the light. The diffuser also substantially depolarizing a portion of the light that is laterally scattered in the diffuser. The polarizer is disposed to receive light transmitted through the diffuser. The polarizer transmits light of the initial polarization state while absorbing a portion of the laterally scattered light that has a different polarization state. The resolution of the overall screen assembly may be made higher while also improving other characteristics of the screen assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 1998Date of Patent: December 19, 2000Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Hsin-Hsin Chou, Patrick A. Thomas, Colleen M. Brenner-Watschke, Jeffrey C. Chang, Robert M. Moshrefzadeh
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Patent number: RE38245Abstract: Glass microspheres and rear projection screens containing glass microspheres, which combine a desirable index of refraction (preferably, no greater than about 1.70) and low levels of defects (e.g., bubbles, visible haziness, frostiness, or opacity, substantially nonspherical shapes) upon formation are provided. Also provided is a coating method of placing microspheres on a film for use in a rear projection screen.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2002Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Geoffrey P. Morris, Jacqueline C. Rolfs, Leo A. Meyer, Robert S. Moshrefzadeh, Hsin-Hsin Chou, Billy J. Tompkins, Thomas N. Davis