Patents by Inventor James A. Phipps
James A. Phipps 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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Publication number: 20260211161Abstract: An optical construction includes a lens layer and optically opaque first and second mask layers. The lens layer has a first major surface including a plurality of microlenses arranged along orthogonal first and second directions. The first and second mask layers are spaced apart from the first major surface and define respective pluralities of through first and second openings therein arranged along the first and second directions. The first mask layer is disposed between the structured first major surface and the second mask layer. There is a one-to-one correspondence between the microlenses and the first and second openings. The optical construction includes an intermediate layer disposed between the structured first major surface and the first mask layer and including an undulating second major surface facing, and in substantial registration with, an undulating third major surface of first mask layer so as to define a substantially uniform spacing therebetween.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2026Publication date: July 23, 2026Inventors: Adam T. Ringberg, Vivian W. Jones, James A. Phipps, Tri D. Pham, Przemyslaw P. Markowicz, Mark A. Roehrig, Stephen P. Maki, Bing Hao, David J. Rowe, Serena L. Mollenhauer, Mikhail A. Belkin, Zhaohui Yang, Jathan D. Edwards
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Patent number: 12666753Abstract: Ultraviolet light shielding articles are provided. An ultraviolet light shielding article includes a flexible substrate having a major surface and a multilayer optical film disposed on the major surface of the substrate. The multilayer optical film is comprised of at least a plurality of alternating first and second inorganic optical layers collectively reflecting and absorbing at an incident light angle of at least one of 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, or 75°, an average of at least 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, or 95 percent of incident ultraviolet light over at least a 30-nanometer wavelength reflection bandwidth in a wavelength range from 190 nanometers (nm) to 400 nm. Solar cell covers including an ultraviolet shielding articles are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2023Date of Patent: June 23, 2026Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Sean M. Sweetnam, Stephen P. Maki, Timothy J. Hebrink, David J. Rowe, Daniel M. Pierpont, Kevin W. Gotrik, James A. Phipps
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Publication number: 20260169207Abstract: The present disclosure provides a multilayered article including a substrate layer including a fluoropolymer or a silicone polymer; a 15-60 nanometer-thick metal oxide layer directly attached to the substrate layer; and an adhesive layer adjacent to the metal oxide layer opposite the substrate layer. The article exhibits an average transmission of at least one of 0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, or 75° incident light angle of light over a wavelength bandwidth of at least 30 nanometers having a wavelength between at least 200 nm and 400 nm of 10% or less, 7%, 5%, or 2% or less.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2023Publication date: June 18, 2026Inventors: Timothy J. Hebrink, James A. Phipps, Daniel L. Solberg, Alexander C. Eldredge, Panagiotis Maroulis, Jodi L. Connell, Chris A. Praggastis, Marcus M. Borgstrom
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Patent number: 12638618Abstract: An optical construction includes a lens film having a plurality of optically transparent first beads at least partially embedded in a first layer. A light blocking second layer is disposed on the lens film and defines a plurality of through openings therein extending at least partially between opposite major top and bottom surfaces of the second layer. The through openings are aligned to the first beads in a one-to-one correspondence.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2022Date of Patent: May 26, 2026Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Bert T. Chien, William B. Kolb, Tri D. Pham, Daoyun Song, Daniel K. Bruesewitz, Stephen P. Maki, James A. Phipps, Jonah Shaver, Zhaohui Yang
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Publication number: 20260136706Abstract: Structured ultraviolet light shielding articles are provided. A structured ultraviolet light shielding article includes a microstructured film having a first major surface and an opposing second major surface, in which the first major surface includes microstructures projecting therefrom; and a multilayer optical film disposed on the microstructures. At least some of the microstructures each has a surface whose slope causes light that is normally incident to the first major surface of the microstructured film to intercept the first major surface or the surface of at least one other microstructure after reflection.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2023Publication date: May 14, 2026Inventors: Sean M. Sweetnam, David J. Rowe, Daniel M. Pierpont, Mark D. Weigel, Kevin D. Hagen, Scott J. Jones, Kevin W. Gotrik, James A. Phipps, Mark B. O'Neill
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Publication number: 20260133354Abstract: Structured transfer articles and articles are provided. A transfer article includes a microstructured film including microstructures projecting therefrom. The transfer article further includes a metal or doped semiconductor release layer on the microstructures; a (co)polymer layer on the release layer opposite the microstructured film; and optionally a multilayer optical film on the (co) polymer layer opposite the release layer. The multilayer optical film is comprised of one or more alternating first and second inorganic optical layers collectively reflecting and absorbing light that is normally incident to the first major surface of the microstructured film, an average of at least 50 percent of incident ultraviolet light over at least a 30-nanometer wavelength reflection bandwidth in a wavelength range from 190 nanometers (nm) to 400 nm.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2023Publication date: May 14, 2026Inventors: Sean M. Sweetnam, David J. Rowe, Daniel M. Pierpont, Kevin D. Hagen, Scott J. Jones, Kevin W. Gotrik, James A. Phipps
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Patent number: 12601860Abstract: An optical construction includes a lens layer and optically opaque first and second mask layers. The lens layer has a first major surface including a plurality of microlenses arranged along orthogonal first and second directions. The first and second mask layers are spaced apart from the first major surface and define respective pluralities of through first and second openings therein arranged along the first and second directions. The first mask layer is disposed between the structured first major surface and the second mask layer. There is a one-to-one correspondence between the microlenses and the first and second openings. The optical construction includes an intermediate layer disposed between the structured first major surface and the first mask layer and including an undulating second major surface facing, and in substantial registration with, an undulating third major surface of first mask layer so as to define a substantially uniform spacing therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2021Date of Patent: April 14, 2026Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Adam T. Ringberg, Vivian W. Jones, James A. Phipps, Tri D. Pham, Przemyslaw P. Markowicz, Mark A. Roehrig, Stephen P. Maki, Bing Hao, David J. Rowe, Serena L. Mollenhauer, Mikhail A. Belkin, Zhaohui Yang, Jathan D. Edwards
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Publication number: 20250164673Abstract: Light shielding articles are provided. Light shielding articles include a first multilayer optical film comprised of alternating first and second polymeric optical layers collectively reflecting at an incident light angle of at least one of 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, or 75°, an average of at least 70, 80, 90, or 95 percent of incident visible light over at least a wavelength range from 400 nanometers (nm) to 700 nm. The light shielding articles further include either a second multilayer optical film or a barrier coating disposed on the first multilayer optical film. The light shielding article transmits at an incident light angle of at least one of 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, or 75°, an average of at least 70, 80, 90, or 95 percent of incident radio frequency waves in at least one wavelength range from 1 mm to 10 mm, 10 mm to 100 mm, or 100 mm to 1000 mm.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2023Publication date: May 22, 2025Inventors: Sean M. Sweetnam, Andrew C. Smith, Stephen P. Maki, David J. Rowe, Timothy J. Hebrink, Daniel M. Pierport, Kevin W. Gotrik, Mark D. Weigel, James A. Phipps, Kevin D. Hagen, Mark B. O'Neill
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Publication number: 20240322052Abstract: Ultraviolet light shielding articles are provided. An ultraviolet light shielding article includes a flexible substrate having a major surface and a multilayer optical film disposed on the major surface of the substrate. The multilayer optical film is comprised of at least a plurality of alternating first and second inorganic optical layers collectively reflecting and absorbing at an incident light angle of at least one of 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, or 75°, an average of at least 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, or 95 percent of incident ultraviolet light over at least a 30-nanometer wavelength reflection bandwidth in a wavelength range from 190 nanometers (nm) to 400 nm. Solar cell covers including an ultraviolet shielding articles are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2023Publication date: September 26, 2024Inventors: Sean M. Sweetnam, Stephen P. Maki, Timothy J. Hebrink, David J. Rowe, Daniel M. Pierpont, Kevin W. Gotrik, James A. Phipps
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Publication number: 20240197944Abstract: A sensor device includes a first electrode and a second electrode. Each of the first and second electrodes are electrically coupled to an electrical bridge. The electrical bridge includes a conductive polymer having a first impedance state and a second impedance state that is different than the first impedance state. The electrical bridge includes metal or metal containing particles.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2022Publication date: June 20, 2024Inventors: Wensheng Xia, Naiyong Jing, James A. Phipps
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Publication number: 20240166557Abstract: Described herein is coated article comprising: (a) a substrate comprising a ceramic, a glass, or a glass ceramic, wherein the substrate comprises a surface, the surface comprising a continuous upper portion and a plurality of lower portions, wherein each lower portion is connected to the upper portion by at least one sidewall; and (b) a first layer comprising a material capable of physical vapor deposition, wherein the first layer is disposed on the continuous upper portion and at least a portion of each sidewall and wherein at least a portion of each lower portion is free of the first layer. Methods of making such coated articles are described herein, wherein the substrate is coating via angular physical vapor deposition.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2022Publication date: May 23, 2024Inventors: Joshua M. Fishman, Paul B. Armstrong, Amir Gharachorlou, Kathleen M. Humpal, Melissa A. Lackey, Christopher S. Lyons, Mark J. Pellerite, James A. Phipps, Jeffrey L. Solomon, Karl K. Stensvad, Tarris A. Sveback, Brylee David B. Tiu
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Publication number: 20240168204Abstract: An optical construction includes a lens film having a plurality of optically transparent first beads at least partially embedded in a first layer. A light blocking second layer is disposed on the lens film and defines a plurality of through openings therein extending at least partially between opposite major top and bottom surfaces of the second layer. The through openings are aligned to the first beads in a one-to-one correspondence.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2022Publication date: May 23, 2024Inventors: Bert T. Chien, William B. Kolb, Tri D. Pham, Daoyun Song, Daniel K. Bruesewitz, Stephen P. Maki, James A. Phipps, Jonah Shaver, Zhaohui Yang
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Publication number: 20230400606Abstract: An optical construction includes a lens layer and optically opaque first and second mask layers. The lens layer has a first major surface including a plurality of microlenses arranged along orthogonal first and second directions. The first and second mask layers are spaced apart from the first major surface and define respective pluralities of through first and second openings therein arranged along the first and second directions. The first mask layer is disposed between the structured first major surface and the second mask layer. There is a one-to-one correspondence between the microlenses and the first and second openings. The optical construction includes an intermediate layer disposed between the structured first major surface and the first mask layer and including an undulating second major surface facing, and in substantial registration with, an undulating third major surface of first mask layer so as to define a substantially uniform spacing therebetween.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2021Publication date: December 14, 2023Inventors: Adam T. Ringberg, Vivian W. Jones, James A. Phipps, Tri D. Pham, Przemyslaw P. Markowicz, Mark A. Roehrig, Stephen P. Maki, Bing Hao, David J. Rowe, Serena L. Mollenhauer, Mikhail A. Belkin, Zhaohui Yang, Jathan D. Edwards
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Publication number: 20230311120Abstract: An optical system for examining an optical characteristic of a test material at at least a first wavelength includes an elongated hollow structure elongated along a length thereof and having one or more walls extending along the length of the hollow structure and defining an elongated chamber therebetween configured to receive the test material. The elongated hollow structure includes at least a first light opening, such that for the at least the first wavelength, the one or more walls have an optical reflectance of greater than about 50% for incident angles of up to at least 40 degrees, and at least one of the at least the first light opening has an optical transmittance of greater than about 50% for at least one incident angle.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2023Publication date: October 5, 2023Inventors: Bharat R. Acharya, Kurt J. Halverson, Robert M. Biegler, Timothy J. Lindquist, John Allen Wheatley, James A. Phipps, Joshua J. Loga, Brett J. Sitter
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Publication number: 20230273119Abstract: An optical well is configured to receive a test sample for examining an optical characteristic of the sample at a first wavelength in a predetermined wavelength range. The optical well includes a wall having a bottom wall portion and a sidewall portion defining a chamber for receiving the test sample, and an optical film formed into a shape so that a portion of the sidewall portion includes a first portion of the optical film, and a portion of the bottom wall portion includes a second portion of the optical film. For a normally incident light, the microlayers in each of the first and second portions have an average optical reflectance of greater than about 80% in the predetermined wavelength range. The forming results in the plurality of microlayers of the integral formed optical film having a thinnest portion and a thickest portion having a thickness difference of at least 30%.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2023Publication date: August 31, 2023Inventors: Bharat R. Acharya, Raj Rajagopal, Gregory W. Sitton, Benjamin G. Sonnek, Robert M. Biegler, Gilles J. Benoit, Timothy J. Lindquist, John A. Wheatley, Kristal L. Schutta, James A. Phipps
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Patent number: 11634613Abstract: A composite cooling film including non-fluorinated organic polymeric layer, a metal layer disposed inwardly of the non-fluorinated organic polymeric layer, and an antisoiling, ultraviolet-absorbing hardcoat layer that is disposed outwardly of the non-fluorinated organic polymeric layer.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2020Date of Patent: April 25, 2023Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Timothy J. Hebrink, Michelle M. S. Mok, Vivian W. Jones, Milind B. Sabade, James P. Burke, James A. Phipps
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Patent number: 11567253Abstract: A patterned optical retarder including non-overlapping first (21) and second (27) regions with respective first and second major surfaces having different RMS surface roughnesses. For substantially normally incident light over a wavelength range from about 400 nm to about 1000 nm, the optical retarder has different retardances in the respective first and second regions.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2018Date of Patent: January 31, 2023Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Jo A. Etter, Stephen P. Maki, Michael L. Steiner, James A. Phipps
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Publication number: 20230011414Abstract: A composite cooling film including non-fluorinated organic polymeric layer, a metal layer disposed inwardly of the non-fluorinated organic polymeric layer, and an antisoiling, ultraviolet-absorbing hardcoat layer that is disposed outwardly of the non-fluorinated organic polymeric layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2020Publication date: January 12, 2023Inventors: Timothy J. Hebrink, Michelle M. S. Mok, Vivian W. Jones, Milind B. Sabade, James P. Burke, James A. Phipps
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Publication number: 20230001676Abstract: A composite cooling film comprises an anti soiling layer of fluorinated organic polymeric material and a reflective metal layer that is disposed inwardly of the anti soiling layer, wherein the antisoiling layer comprises a first, outwardly-facing, exposed antisoiling surface and a second, inwardly-facing opposing surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2020Publication date: January 5, 2023Inventors: Timothy J. Hebrink, Milind B. Sabade, Vivian W. Jones, James P. Burke, James A. Phipps
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Patent number: 11476470Abstract: Catalyst comprising a first layer having an outer layer with a layer comprising Pt directly thereon, wherein the first layer has an average thickness in a range from 0.04 to 30 nanometers, and wherein the layer. Catalysts described herein are useful, for example, in fuel cell membrane electrode assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2019Date of Patent: October 18, 2022Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Andrew J. L. Steinbach, Andrew T. Haug, Krzysztof A. Lewinski, Amy E. Hester, Grant M. Thoma, Cedric Bedoya, James A. Phipps, David J. Rowe, Cemal S. Duru