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).

  • Publication number: 20260211161
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2026
    Publication date: July 23, 2026
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 12666753
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2026
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Sean M. Sweetnam, Stephen P. Maki, Timothy J. Hebrink, David J. Rowe, Daniel M. Pierpont, Kevin W. Gotrik, James A. Phipps
  • Publication number: 20260169207
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2023
    Publication date: June 18, 2026
    Inventors: Timothy J. Hebrink, James A. Phipps, Daniel L. Solberg, Alexander C. Eldredge, Panagiotis Maroulis, Jodi L. Connell, Chris A. Praggastis, Marcus M. Borgstrom
  • Patent number: 12638618
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2026
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Bert T. Chien, William B. Kolb, Tri D. Pham, Daoyun Song, Daniel K. Bruesewitz, Stephen P. Maki, James A. Phipps, Jonah Shaver, Zhaohui Yang
  • Publication number: 20260136706
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2023
    Publication date: May 14, 2026
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20260133354
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2023
    Publication date: May 14, 2026
    Inventors: Sean M. Sweetnam, David J. Rowe, Daniel M. Pierpont, Kevin D. Hagen, Scott J. Jones, Kevin W. Gotrik, James A. Phipps
  • Patent number: 12601860
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2026
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20250164673
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2023
    Publication date: May 22, 2025
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20240322052
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2023
    Publication date: September 26, 2024
    Inventors: Sean M. Sweetnam, Stephen P. Maki, Timothy J. Hebrink, David J. Rowe, Daniel M. Pierpont, Kevin W. Gotrik, James A. Phipps
  • Publication number: 20240197944
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2022
    Publication date: June 20, 2024
    Inventors: Wensheng Xia, Naiyong Jing, James A. Phipps
  • Publication number: 20240166557
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2022
    Publication date: May 23, 2024
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20240168204
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2022
    Publication date: May 23, 2024
    Inventors: Bert T. Chien, William B. Kolb, Tri D. Pham, Daoyun Song, Daniel K. Bruesewitz, Stephen P. Maki, James A. Phipps, Jonah Shaver, Zhaohui Yang
  • Publication number: 20230400606
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2021
    Publication date: December 14, 2023
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20230311120
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2023
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Inventors: Bharat R. Acharya, Kurt J. Halverson, Robert M. Biegler, Timothy J. Lindquist, John Allen Wheatley, James A. Phipps, Joshua J. Loga, Brett J. Sitter
  • Publication number: 20230273119
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2023
    Publication date: August 31, 2023
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 11634613
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Timothy J. Hebrink, Michelle M. S. Mok, Vivian W. Jones, Milind B. Sabade, James P. Burke, James A. Phipps
  • Patent number: 11567253
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Jo A. Etter, Stephen P. Maki, Michael L. Steiner, James A. Phipps
  • Publication number: 20230011414
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2020
    Publication date: January 12, 2023
    Inventors: Timothy J. Hebrink, Michelle M. S. Mok, Vivian W. Jones, Milind B. Sabade, James P. Burke, James A. Phipps
  • Publication number: 20230001676
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Publication date: January 5, 2023
    Inventors: Timothy J. Hebrink, Milind B. Sabade, Vivian W. Jones, James P. Burke, James A. Phipps
  • Patent number: 11476470
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: 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