Patents by Inventor James E. Watson
James E. Watson 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: 10962806Abstract: Optical lenses are described and include a polymeric interference filter disposed on a curved polymeric substrate. The optical lens has an average light transmission of less than 2% across a band of blue light from 400 nm to at least 420 and up to 440 nm and substantially transmits blue light greater than 450 nm.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2017Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Michael F. Weber, James E. Watson, Mark R. Strenger, Stephen A. Johnson, Chad R. Wold
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Publication number: 20180113328Abstract: Optical lenses are described and include a polymeric interference filter disposed on a curved polymeric substrate. The optical lens has an average light transmission of less than 2% across a band of blue light from 400 nm to at least 420 and up to 440 nm and substantially transmits blue light greater than 450 nm.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2017Publication date: April 26, 2018Inventors: Michael F. Weber, James E. Watson, Mark R. Strenger, Stephen A. Johnson, Chad R. Wold
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Patent number: 9885885Abstract: Optical lenses are described and include a polymeric interference filter disposed on a curved polymeric substrate. The optical lens has an average light transmission of less than 2% across a band of blue light from 400 nm to at least 420 and up to 440 nm and substantially transmits blue light greater than 450 nm.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2013Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Michael F. Weber, James E. Watson, Mark R. Strenger, Stephen A. Johnson, Chad R. Wold
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Publication number: 20150146166Abstract: Optical lenses are described and include a polymeric interference filter disposed on a curved polymeric substrate. The optical lens has an average light transmission of less than 2% across a band of blue light from 400 nm to at least 420 and up to 440 nm and substantially transmits blue light greater than 450 nm.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 27, 2013Publication date: May 28, 2015Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Michael F. Weber, James E. Watson, Mark R. Strenger, Stephen A. Johnson, Chad R. Wold
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Patent number: 7497608Abstract: An illumination system including a light source, a light guide including an output surface, emissive material positioned between the light source and the output surface of the light guide, and an interference reflector positioned between the emissive material and the output surface of the light guide is disclosed. The light source emits light having a first optical characteristic. The emissive material emits light having a second optical characteristic when illuminated with light having the first optical characteristic. The interference reflector substantially transmits light having the second optical characteristic and substantially reflects light having the first optical characteristic.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2007Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: John A. Wheatley, Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Michael F. Weber, Kenneth A. Epstein, James E. Watson
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Patent number: 7407313Abstract: An illumination system including a light source, light guides coupled to the light source, each including an input surface and an output surface, emissive material positioned to receive light from at least one light guide, and a first interference reflector positioned between the emissive material and the output surfaces of the light guides is disclosed. The light source emits light having a first optical characteristic. The emissive material emits light having a second optical characteristic when illuminated with light having the first optical characteristic. The first interference reflector substantially transmits light having the first optical characteristic and substantially reflects light having the second optical characteristic.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2007Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Craig R. Schardt, John C. Schultz, Andrew J. Ouderkirk, John A. Wheatley, Michael F. Weber, Kenneth A. Epstein, James E. Watson
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Patent number: 7377679Abstract: An illumination system including a light source, light guides coupled to the light source, each including an input surface and an output surface, emissive material positioned to receive light from at least one light guide, and an interference reflector positioned such that the emissive material is between the output surfaces of the light guides and the interference reflector is disclosed. The light source emits light having a first optical characteristic. The emissive material emits light having a second optical characteristic when illuminated with light having the first optical characteristic. The interference reflector substantially transmits light having the second optical characteristic and substantially reflects light having the first optical characteristic.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2007Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: John C. Schultz, Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Craig R. Schardt, John A. Wheatley, Michael F. Weber, Kenneth A. Epstein, James E. Watson
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Patent number: 7357555Abstract: An illumination system including a light source, a light guide including an output surface, emissive material positioned to receive light from the output surface of the light guide, and a first interference reflector positioned between the output surface of the light guide and the emissive material is disclosed. The light source emits light having a first optical characteristic. The emissive material emits light having a second optical characteristic when illuminated with light having the first optical characteristic. The first interference reflector substantially transmits light having the first optical characteristic and substantially reflects light having the second optical characteristic.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2007Date of Patent: April 15, 2008Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Michael F. Weber, John A. Wheatley, Kenneth A. Epstein, James E. Watson
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Patent number: 7357554Abstract: An illumination system including a light source, a light guide including an output surface, emissive material positioned to receive light from the output surface of the light guide, and an interference reflector positioned such that the emissive material is between the output surface of the light guide and the interference reflector is disclosed. The light source emits light having a first optical characteristic. The emissive material emits light having a second optical characteristic when illuminated with light having the first optical characteristic. The interference reflector substantially transmits light having the second optical characteristic and substantially reflects light having the first optical characteristic.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2007Date of Patent: April 15, 2008Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Michael F. Weber, John A. Wheatley, Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Kenneth A. Epstein, James E. Watson
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Patent number: 7350953Abstract: An illumination system including a light source, a light guide including an output surface, a first interference reflector positioned between the light source and the output surface of the light guide, and emissive material positioned between the first interference reflector and the output surface of the light guide is disclosed. The light source emits light having a first optical characteristic. The first interference reflector substantially transmits light having the first optical characteristic and substantially reflects light having a second optical characteristic. The emissive material emits light having the second optical characteristic when illuminated with light having the first optical characteristic.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2007Date of Patent: April 1, 2008Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: John A. Wheatley, Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Michael F. Weber, Kenneth A. Epstein, James E. Watson
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Patent number: 7255469Abstract: An illumination system including a light source, a light guide including an output surface, emissive material positioned between the light source and the output surface of the light guide, and an interference reflector positioned between the emissive material and the output surface of the light guide is disclosed. The light source emits light having a first optical characteristic. The emissive material emits light having a second optical characteristic when illuminated with light having the first optical characteristic. The interference reflector substantially transmits light having the second optical characteristic and substantially reflects light having the first optical characteristic.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2004Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: John A. Wheatley, Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Michael F. Weber, Kenneth A. Epstein, James E. Watson
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Patent number: 7213958Abstract: An illumination system including a light source, a light guide including an output surface, emissive material positioned to receive light from the output surface of the light guide, and a first interference reflector positioned between the output surface of the light guide and the emissive material is disclosed. The light source emits light having a first optical characteristic. The emissive material emits light having a second optical characteristic when illuminated with light having the first optical characteristic. The first interference reflector substantially transmits light having the first optical characteristic and substantially reflects light having the second optical characteristic.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2004Date of Patent: May 8, 2007Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Michael F. Weber, John A. Wheatley, Kenneth A. Epstein, James E. Watson
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Patent number: 7204631Abstract: An illumination system including a light source, a light guide including an output surface, emissive material positioned to receive light from the output surface of the light guide, and an interference reflector positioned such that the emissive material is between the output surface of the light guide and the interference reflector is disclosed. The light source emits light having a first optical characteristic. The emissive material emits light having a second optical characteristic when illuminated with light having the first optical characteristic. The interference reflector substantially transmits light having the second optical characteristic and substantially reflects light having the first optical characteristic.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2004Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Michael F. Weber, John A. Wheatley, Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Kenneth A. Epstein, James E. Watson
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Patent number: 7204630Abstract: An illumination system including a light source, light guides coupled to the light source, each including an input surface and an output surface, emissive material positioned to receive light from at least one light guide, and a first interference reflector positioned between the emissive material and the output surfaces of the light guides is disclosed. The light source emits light having a first optical characteristic. The emissive material emits light having a second optical characteristic when illuminated with light having the first optical characteristic. The first interference reflector substantially transmits light having the first optical characteristic and substantially reflects light having the second optical characteristic.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2004Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Craig R. Schardt, John C. Schultz, Andrew J. Ouderkirk, John A. Wheatley, Michael F. Weber, Kenneth A. Epstein, James E. Watson
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Patent number: 7182498Abstract: An illumination system including a light source, light guides coupled to the light source, each including an input surface and an output surface, emissive material positioned to receive light from at least one light guide, and an interference reflector positioned such that the emissive material is between the output surfaces of the light guides and the interference reflector is disclosed. The light source emits light having a first optical characteristic. The emissive material emits light having a second optical characteristic when illuminated with light having the first optical characteristic. The interference reflector substantially transmits light having the second optical characteristic and substantially reflects light having the first optical characteristic.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2004Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: John C. Schultz, Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Craig R. Schardt, John A. Wheatley, Michael F. Weber, Kenneth A. Epstein, James E. Watson
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Patent number: 7157839Abstract: A LED package including an LED that emits excitation light at an excitation light wavelength and a layer of phosphor material positioned to receive the excitation light and having a first index of refraction at the excitation light wavelength. The phosphor material emits visible light at a visible light wavelength when illuminated with the excitation light. An interference reflector is positioned adjacent to the layer of phosphor material and a TIR promoting layer is in contact with the layer of phosphor material. The TIR promoting layer has a second index of refraction at the excitation light wavelength that is less than the first index of refraction at the excitation light wavelength.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2004Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, James E. Watson, Michael F. Weber
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Publication number: 20040150991Abstract: A LED package including an LED that emits excitation light at an excitation light wavelength and a layer of phosphor material positioned to receive the excitation light and having a first index of refraction at the excitation light wavelength. The phosphor material emits visible light at a visible light wavelength when illuminated with the excitation light. An interference reflector is positioned adjacent to the layer of phosphor material and a TIR promoting layer is in contact with the layer of phosphor material. The TIR promoting layer has a second index of refraction at the excitation light wavelength that is less than the first index of refraction at the excitation light wavelength.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2004Publication date: August 5, 2004Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, James E. Watson, Michael F. Weber
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Patent number: 6677175Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing an optical waveguide that includes the steps of: (a) forming a core structure, the core structure including an at least partially cured core composition, on a master defining a waveguide pattern; (b) applying over the top of the core structure and the master a cladding layer including a liquid cladding composition; (c) curing the cladding layer to form a core/cladding combination; and removing the core/cladding combination from the master so as to expose at least a portion of the core structure, wherein the refractive index of the core material is at least about 0.05 percent higher than the refractive index of the cladding material.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2001Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Assignees: Promerus, LLC, 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Xiao-Mei Zhao, Ramakrishna Ravikiran, Phillip S. Neal, Robert A. Shick, James E. Watson, Thomas M. Kafka, Davy Chum, Raymond P. Johnston
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Publication number: 20020064896Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing an optical waveguide that includes the steps of: (a) forming a core structure, the core structure including an at least partially cured core composition, on a master defining a waveguide pattern; (b) applying over the top of the core structure and the master a cladding layer including a liquid cladding composition; (c) curing the cladding layer to form a core/cladding combination; and removing the core/cladding combination from the master so as to expose at least a portion of the core structure, wherein the refractive index of the core material is at least about 0.05 percent higher than the refractive index of the cladding material.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2001Publication date: May 30, 2002Inventors: Xiao-Mei Zhao, Ramakrishna Ravikiran, Phillip S. Neal, Robert A. Shick, James E. Watson, Thomas M. Kafka, Davy Chum, Raymond P. Johnston
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Patent number: 5867914Abstract: A multimedia enhancement for an amusement device includes a sound synthesizer for creating a user perceptible signal, such as an audio signal, in response to selective actuation of the controls of the amusement device. The amusement device includes a screen for displaying a viewer perceptible image and a pair of rotary control knobs operatively associated with rotary switches and a selectably actuable on-off switch to provide amusing sounds and feedback indicative of the operator's use of the control knobs. The sound synthesizer is programmed to also create one of a series of sounds from a plurality of families of sounds in a predetermined sequence in response to actuation of the control elements by the user or randomly.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1996Date of Patent: February 9, 1999Assignee: The Ohio Art CompanyInventors: James E. Watson, Ralph Beckman, Henry Sharpe, III, Brian R. Jones, Larry E. Miller, Stephen Schwartz