Patents by Inventor Huiwen Tai

Huiwen Tai 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: 20230348756
    Abstract: A film stack is described. In particular, a film stack that includes a co-extrudable first base substrate, a first pressure sensitive adhesive, a release layer, a second pressure sensitive adhesive, and a second base substrate is described. Such film stacks may benefit from reduced waste, simpler manufacturing, and a thinner overall construction versus conventional film stacks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2021
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Inventors: Jeffrey O. Emslander, Huiwen Tai, John A. Nielsen
  • Patent number: 11752729
    Abstract: A stretchable reflective color-shifting film comprises a stretchable transparent polymer layer; a semi-transmissive metal layer; a transparent spacer layer; a reflective metal layer; an adhesive layer; and a stretchable base film layer. When the film body is stretched by 25%, the peak total reflectance stretched is at 80% of the peak total reflectance when the film body is unstretched according to the Total Reflectivity Test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Huiwen Tai, Joan M. Frankel, Stephen P. Maki, Diane North, Robert R. Owings
  • Publication number: 20230193082
    Abstract: Film stacks are described. In particular, film stacks including a base overlaminate film layer and a removeable skin layer disposed on the base overlaminate film layer are described. Because the removable skin layer develops haze before the point of irreversibly damaging the base overlaminate layer, the film stack can prevent unintentional overstretching when the film stack is stretched together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2021
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Inventors: Huiwen Tai, John A. Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20230167334
    Abstract: Hot melt processable composition mixtures include an acid-functional (meth)acrylate-based adhesive composition and a zinc di-(meth)acrylate salt. The adhesive composition has a hot melt processing temperature, and the zinc salt has a melting point that is higher than the hot melt processing temperature of the adhesive composition. The mixture is hot melt processable, and upon application to a substrate, the mixture forms an ionically crosslinked layer with thermally reversable ionic crosslinks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2021
    Publication date: June 1, 2023
    Inventors: Huiwen Tai, John A. Nielsen, Anish Kurian
  • Publication number: 20220234382
    Abstract: A transfer article with a thickness of less than 3 micrometers includes a first acrylate layer that is releasable from a metal or doped semiconductor release layer at a release value of from 2 to 50 grams/inch. The article includes a functional layer overlaying the first acrylate layer. The functional layer includes at least one microfractured inorganic layer about 3 nanometers to about 200 nanometers thick, which has a plurality of toolmarks interspersed with cracks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2020
    Publication date: July 28, 2022
    Inventors: Kevin W. Gotrik, Scott J. Jones, Huiwen Tai, Joan M. Frankel, Robert R. Owings, Bhaskar V. Velamakanni, Jeanne M. Bruss, David J. Rowe, Matthew E. Sousa, Bradley L. Givot
  • Publication number: 20210308984
    Abstract: A stretchable reflective color-shifting film comprises a stretchable transparent polymer layer; a semi-transmissive metal layer; a transparent spacer layer; a reflective metal layer; an adhesive layer; and a stretchable base film layer. When the film body is stretched by 25%, the peak total reflectance stretched is at 80% of the peak total reflectance when the film body is unstretched according to the Total Reflectivity Test.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2019
    Publication date: October 7, 2021
    Inventors: Huiwen Tai, Joan M. Frankel, Stephen P. Maki, Diane North, Robert R. Owings
  • Patent number: 10634832
    Abstract: Low loss, high reflectivity wide band mirror films provide a desired mix of specular reflection and diffuse reflection or scattering to provide semi-specular reflectivity. The mirror films generally include both a specularly reflective multilayer optical film (MOF) having a wide reflection band, and a scattering layer. In some cases a low refractive index TIR layer is sandwiched between the MOF and the scattering layer. In other cases the scattering layer contacts the MOF directly. In embodiments that include the TIR layer, the TIR layer preferably has a nanovoided morphology and includes a plurality of particles and a polymer binder. In embodiments wherein the scattering layer contacts the MOF directly, the scattering layer preferably also has a nanovoided morphology and includes a plurality of particles and a polymer binder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: William D. Coggio, William B. Black, Michael F. Weber, Huiwen Tai
  • Publication number: 20190242042
    Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed related to flexible fibrous surface-treating articles with low formaldehyde off-gassing. In various embodiments, the present invention provides a flexible fibrous surface-treating article including an open, lofty, nonwoven web including fibers. The flexible fibrous surface-treating article also includes a binder that coats the fibers of the nonwoven web. The binder includes a cured product of a curable composition including a latex and a crosslinker. The flexible fibrous surface-treating article heated to 65° C. in a closed space for 30 minutes emits less than about 6 micrograms of gaseous formaldehyde total per gram of the flexible fibrous surface-treating article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Publication date: August 8, 2019
    Inventors: Gordon L. Altshuler, Huiwen Tai, Jesse D. Lund
  • Patent number: 10281622
    Abstract: A multilayer polymeric reflector is provided which comprises: a) a plurality of first optical layers, each first optical layer comprising a polyester having terephthalate comonomer units and ethylene glycol comonomer units, the polyester having a glass transition temperature, where each first optical layer is oriented, and b) a plurality of second optical layers disposed in a repeating sequence with the plurality of first optical layers, each second optical layer comprising a blend of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), where the blend has a glass transition temperature less than the glass transition temperature of the polyester comprising the first optical layers, and where the amount of PVDF in the PMMA/PVDF blend is greater than and not equal to about 40% and not more than about 65%. Articles comprising the multilayer polymeric reflector are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventor: Huiwen Tai
  • Patent number: 10162090
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes a stretchable reflective film comprising a transparent polymer layer; a continuous metal layer comprising at least one of tin or indium; a non-reactive adhesive layer; and a stretchable film layer. The stretchable reflective film has at least 30% specular reflectivity when stretched by 50% of the unstretched length according to Specular Reflectivity Test Method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Joan M. Frankel, Kevin D. Hagen, Michael A. Johnson, Diane North, James A. Phipps, Audrey A. Sherman, Huiwen Tai
  • Publication number: 20180292588
    Abstract: Low loss, high reflectivity wide band mirror films provide a desired mix of specular reflection and diffuse reflection or scattering to provide semi-specular reflectivity. The mirror films generally include both a specularly reflective multilayer optical film (MOF) having a wide reflection band, and a scattering layer. In some cases a low refractive index TIR layer is sandwiched between the MOF and the scattering layer. In other cases the scattering layer contacts the MOF directly. In embodiments that include the TIR layer, the TIR layer preferably has a nanovoided morphology and includes a plurality of particles and a polymer binder. In embodiments wherein the scattering layer contacts the MOF directly, the scattering layer preferably also has a nanovoided morphology and includes a plurality of particles and a polymer binder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2018
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventors: William D. Coggio, William B. Black, Michael F. Weber, Huiwen Tai
  • Patent number: 10018757
    Abstract: A multilayer polymeric reflector is provided which comprises: a) a plurality of first optical layers, each first optical layer comprising a polyester having terephthalate comonomer units and ethylene glycol comonomer units, the polyester having a glass transition temperature, where each first optical layer is oriented, and b) a plurality of second optical layers disposed in a repeating sequence with the plurality of first optical layers, each second optical layer comprising a blend of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), where the blend has a glass transition temperature less than the glass transition temperature of the polyester comprising the first optical layers, and where the amount of PVDF in the PMMA/PVDF blend is greater than and not equal to about 40% and not more than about 65%. Articles comprising the multilayer polymeric reflector are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventor: Huiwen Tai
  • Patent number: 9995861
    Abstract: Low loss, high reflectivity wide band mirror films provide a desired mix of specular reflection and diffuse reflection or scattering to provide semi-specular reflectivity. The mirror films generally include both a specularly reflective multilayer optical film (MOF) having a wide reflection band, and a scattering layer. In some cases a low refractive index TIR layer is sandwiched between the MOF and the scattering layer. In other cases the scattering layer contacts the MOF directly. In embodiments that include the TIR layer, the TIR layer preferably has a nanovoided morphology and includes a plurality of particles and a polymer binder. In embodiments wherein the scattering layer contacts the MOF directly, the scattering layer preferably also has a nanovoided morphology and includes a plurality of particles and a polymer binder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: William D. Coggio, William B. Black, Michael F. Weber, Huiwen Tai
  • Publication number: 20170351011
    Abstract: A multilayer polymeric reflector is provided which comprises: a) a plurality of first optical layers, each first optical layer comprising a polyester having terephthalate comonomer units and ethylene glycol comonomer units, the polyester having a glass transition temperature, where each first optical layer is oriented, and b) a plurality of second optical layers disposed in a repeating sequence with the plurality of first optical layers, each second optical layer comprising a blend of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), where the blend has a glass transition temperature less than the glass transition temperature of the polyester comprising the first optical layers, and where the amount of PVDF in the PMMA/PVDF blend is greater than and not equal to about 40% and not more than about 65%. Articles comprising the multilayer polymeric reflector are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2017
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Inventor: Huiwen Tai
  • Publication number: 20170329060
    Abstract: A multilayer polymeric reflector is provided which comprises: a) a plurality of first optical layers, each first optical layer comprising a polyester having terephthalate comonomer units and ethylene glycol comonomer units, the polyester having a glass transition temperature, where each first optical layer is oriented, and b) a plurality of second optical layers disposed in a repeating sequence with the plurality of first optical layers, each second optical layer comprising a blend of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), where the blend has a glass transition temperature less than the glass transition temperature of the polyester comprising the first optical layers, and where the amount of PVDF in the PMMA/PVDF blend is greater than and not equal to about 40% and not more than about 65%. Articles comprising the multilayer polymeric reflector are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2017
    Publication date: November 16, 2017
    Inventor: Huiwen Tai
  • Patent number: 9739912
    Abstract: A multilayer polymeric reflector is provided which comprises: a) a plurality of first optical layers, each first optical layer comprising a polyester having terephthalate comonomer units and ethylene glycol comonomer units, the polyester having a glass transition temperature, where each first optical layer is oriented, and b) a plurality of second optical layers disposed in a repeating sequence with the plurality of first optical layers, each second optical layer comprising a blend of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), where the blend has a glass transition temperature less than the glass transition temperature of the polyester comprising the first optical layers, and where the amount of PVDF in the PMMA/PVDF blend is greater than and not equal to about 40% and not more than about 65%. Articles comprising the multilayer polymeric reflector are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Huiwen Tai
  • Patent number: 9726349
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides decorative lights using prismatic film such as Optical Lighting Film (OLF) available from 3M Company, and a diffuse partial reflector. The decorative lights generate design styles and comfort for a light fixture, and can use solid state lighting such as Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) to generate the light. The decorative lights can have an appearance that changes with the viewing angle of the light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventor: Huiwen Tai
  • Patent number: 9664834
    Abstract: An optical film that includes a reflective polarizer and a stretched polymer film is disclosed. The stretched polymer film is laminated to the reflective polarizer, and the stretched polymer film exhibits a refractive index symmetry point at an angle of incidence in air of at least about 60 degrees in a plane of incidence parallel to a direction of greatest stretch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Ellen R. Bösl, Bert T. Chien, Carsten Franke, Shandon D. Hart, Brent A. Hedding, Donovan C. Karg, Jr., Thomas J. Ludemann, Meghan A. Bradley, Mark B. O'Neill, Jeffrey A. Peterson, Joan M. Strobel, Huiwen Tai, John F. Van Derlofske, III, Michael F. Weber, Chiu Ping Wong, Richard J. Pokorny, John P. Baetzold
  • Publication number: 20160245965
    Abstract: A multilayer polymeric reflector is provided which comprises: a) a plurality of first optical layers, each first optical layer comprising a polyester having terephthalate comonomer units and ethylene glycol comonomer units, the polyester having a glass transition temperature, where each first optical layer is oriented, and b) a plurality of second optical layers disposed in a repeating sequence with the plurality of first optical layers, each second optical layer comprising a blend of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), where the blend has a glass transition temperature less than the glass transition temperature of the polyester comprising the first optical layers, and where the amount of PVDF in the PMMA/PVDF blend is greater than and not equal to about 40% and not more than about 65%. Articles comprising the multilayer polymeric reflector are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Publication date: August 25, 2016
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventor: Huiwen Tai
  • Publication number: 20150009563
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a film stack having a light-control film, such as a privacy filter, and a p-polarization color shifting film. The present invention also relates to articles, such as displays, incorporating the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Michael E. Lauters, Yufeng Liu, Stephen A. Johnson, Michael F. Weber, Huiwen Tai