Patents by Inventor James M. Nelson

James M. Nelson 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: 20220019032
    Abstract: A first optical device is adapted to couple to a second optical device along a coupling direction and includes two spaced apart pairs of leading and trailing pads, such that when the first optical device lands and slides on a landing surface of the second optical device to optically couple to the second optical device, and for each pair of leading and trailing pads, the leading pad prevents any debris on the landing surface from collecting on the trailing pad. Upon full coupling of the first optical device with the second optical device, the leading pads do not make contact with the landing surface. The first optical device may be, for example, an optical ferrule or a cradle having a recess adapted to receive an optical ferrule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2021
    Publication date: January 20, 2022
    Inventors: Michael A. Haase, James M. Nelson, Terry L. Smith
  • Publication number: 20220011522
    Abstract: A light coupling unit includes a first major surface comprising one or more substantially parallel first grooves oriented along a first direction for receiving one or more optical waveguides. A second major surface for slidably contacting a mating light coupling unit comprises an optically transmitting window for propagating an optical signal therethrough, and a region of second grooves and lands configured to capture particulate contaminants in the second grooves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2021
    Publication date: January 13, 2022
    Inventors: James M. Nelson, Michael A. Haase, Terry L. Smith
  • Patent number: 11215764
    Abstract: A modular optical connector includes a plurality of coupled optical ferrule support modules. Each optical ferrule support module comprises module connecting features configured to couple each ferrule support module with one or more neighboring ferrule support modules of the plurality of ferrule support modules. One or more optical ferrules are disposed and configured to rotate within the ferrule support module. Each optical ferrule includes a first attachment area configured to attach to one or more optical waveguides. One or more passageways are disposed within the ferrule support module. Each passageway is configured to receive the one or more optical waveguides. The passageway comprises a second attachment area configured to attach to the optical waveguides that are attached to the optical ferrule at the first attachment area. The passageway is dimensioned to constrain the optical waveguides to bend within the housing between the first attachment area and the second attachment area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Terry L. Smith, Michael A. Haase, James M. Nelson, Alexander R. Mathews
  • Publication number: 20210389503
    Abstract: Nanostructured articles, materials for the nanostructured articles, and intermediate articles for use in making the nanostructured articles. The nanostructured articles can be formed on a flexible film and are useful for optical metasurface applications and possibly other applications. The articles can include nanoreplicated layers or pattern transfer layers of engineered nanostructures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2019
    Publication date: December 16, 2021
    Inventors: Martin B. Wolk, James M. Nelson, Karl K. Stensvad, Henrik B. van Lengerich, Christopher S. Lyons, Moses M. David, Jeffrey L. Solomon, Nicholas C. Erickson, Caleb T. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20210347135
    Abstract: Materials and methods useful in forming nano-scale features on substrates, and articles such as optical films incorporating such nano-scale patterned substrates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Publication date: November 11, 2021
    Inventors: Henrik B. van Lengerich, Karl K. Stensvad, Edwin L. Kusilek, Mathew S. Stay, Caleb T. Nelson, Christopher S. Lyons, Moses M. David, Jeffrey L. Solomon, Martin B. Wolk, Nicholas C. Erickson, James Zhu, James M. Nelson
  • Patent number: 11163122
    Abstract: An optical ferrule (200) has opposing major top (10) and bottom (20) surfaces where the bottom surface includes discrete spaced apart first (90) and second (100) platforms arranged along a mating direction of the optical ferrule (200). During a mating of the ferrule (200) with a mating optical ferrule (200?), the first (90) and second (100) platforms of the ferrule (200) slide against corresponding respective first (90?) and second (100?) platforms of the mating ferrule (200?). Upon full mating of the ferrule (200) with the mating ferrule (200?), the second platforms (100, 100?) of the ferrule and the mating ferrule remain in contact with and rest on each other, and the first platform (90, 90?) of neither ferrule makes contact with the other ferrule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael A. Haase, James M. Nelson, Terry L. Smith
  • Patent number: 11150416
    Abstract: A light coupling unit includes a first major surface comprising one or more substantially parallel first grooves oriented along a first direction for receiving one or more optical waveguides. A second major surface for slidably contacting a mating light coupling unit comprises an optically transmitting window for propagating an optical signal therethrough, and a region of second grooves and lands configured to capture particulate contaminants in the second grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: James M. Nelson, Michael A. Haase, Terry L. Smith
  • Patent number: 11086083
    Abstract: An optical connector (100) includes a housing (112) configured to contain one or more optical ferrules (121) disposed within the housing and accessible through an opening at a mating end of the housing. A cover (130) is disposed at the mating end, the cover configured to be rotated about a pivoting axis between a closed position an open position. An actuator (135, 136) is configured to cause the cover to rotate about the pivoting axis from the closed position to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Alexander R. Mathews, James M. Nelson, Terry L. Smith, Michael A. Haase, Lars A. Smeenk
  • Patent number: 11015040
    Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed relate to a resin including nanoparticles including surface-bonded hydrophobically-modifying alkyl groups. The present invention provides a resin component that includes a curable resin. The resin component also includes nanoparticles dispersed in the resin. The nanoparticles each independently include surface-bonded hydrophobically-modifying (C1-C50)hydrocarbyl groups. At least one of the (C1-C50)hydrocarbyl groups is a (C1-C50)alkyl group and at least one of the surface-bonded hydrophobically-modifying (C1-C50)hydrocarbyl groups is a (C6-C50)aryl group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Steven C. Hackett, James M. Nelson, Wendy L. Thompson, Kristin L. Thunhorst
  • Publication number: 20210109298
    Abstract: An optical ferrule (200) has opposing major top (10) and bottom (20) surfaces where the bottom surface includes discrete spaced apart first (90) and second (100) platforms arranged along a mating direction of the optical ferrule (200). During a mating of the ferrule (200) with a mating optical ferrule (200?), the first (90) and second (100) platforms of the ferrule (200) slide against corresponding respective first (90?) and second (100?) platforms of the mating ferrule (200?). Upon full mating of the ferrule (200) with the mating ferrule (200?), the second platforms (100, 100?) of the ferrule and the mating ferrule remain in contact with and rest on each other, and the first platform (90, 90?) of neither ferrule makes contact with the other ferrule.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2019
    Publication date: April 15, 2021
    Inventors: Michael A. Haase, James M. Nelson, Terry L. Smith
  • Publication number: 20210103106
    Abstract: An optical cable subassembly includes one or more optical waveguides, at least light coupling unit comprising a first attachment area permanently attached to the optical waveguides, and at least one cable retainer comprising a second attachment area permanently attached to the optical waveguides and adapted to be installed in a housing. A length of the optical waveguides between the first attachment area and the second attachment area allows a bend in the optical waveguides that provides a predetermined mating spring force at a predetermined angle of the light coupling unit when installed in the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Publication date: April 8, 2021
    Inventors: Michael A. Haase, Terry L. Smith, Alexander R Mathews, James M. Nelson
  • Patent number: 10890724
    Abstract: An optical cable subassembly includes one or more optical waveguides, at least light coupling unit comprising a first attachment area permanently attached to the optical waveguides, and at least one cable retainer comprising a second attachment area permanently attached to the optical waveguides and adapted to be installed in a housing. A length of the optical waveguides between the first attachment area and the second attachment area allows a bend in the optical waveguides that provides a predetermined mating spring force at a predetermined angle of the light coupling unit when installed in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Michael A. Haase, Terry L. Smith, Alexander R. Mathews, James M. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20200301080
    Abstract: A unitary optical ferrule is molded to include one or more elements for receiving and securing one or more optical waveguides one or more elements for affecting one or more characteristics of light from the optical waveguide while propagating the light within the ferrule. The optical ferrule also includes one or more first alignment features and one or more second alignment features that, when the ferrule is mated with a mating ferrule, each controls alignment of the ferrule with the mating ferrule along three mechanical degrees of freedom. The surface of the optical ferrule can be divided along the thickness axis into a first section and an opposing second section, wherein the first section of the surface includes the receiving and securing elements, the light affecting elements, and the first alignment features and the second section of the surface includes the second alignment features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2020
    Publication date: September 24, 2020
    Inventors: Michael A. Haase, Alexander R. Mathews, Terry L. Smith, James M. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20200284996
    Abstract: An optical connector (100) includes a housing (112) configured to contain one or more optical ferrules (121) disposed within the housing and accessible through an opening at a mating end of the housing. A cover (130) is disposed at the mating end, the cover configured to be rotated about a pivoting axis between a closed position an open position. An actuator (135, 136) is configured to cause the cover to rotate about the pivoting axis from the closed position to the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Publication date: September 10, 2020
    Inventors: Alexander R. Mathews, James M. Nelson, Terry L. Smith, Michael A. Haase, Lars A. Smeenk
  • Patent number: 10746942
    Abstract: A unitary optical ferrule is molded to include one or more elements for receiving and securing one or more optical waveguides one or more elements for affecting one or more characteristics of light from the optical waveguide while propagating the light within the ferrule. The optical ferrule also includes one or more first alignment features and one or more second alignment features that, when the ferrule is mated with a mating ferrule, each controls alignment of the ferrule with the mating ferrule along three mechanical degrees of freedom. The surface of the optical ferrule can be divided along the thickness axis into a first section and an opposing second section, wherein the first section of the surface includes the receiving and securing elements, the light affecting elements, and the first alignment features and the second section of the surface includes the second alignment features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael A. Haase, Alexander R. Mathews, Terry L. Smith, James M. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20200233155
    Abstract: A light coupling unit includes a first major surface comprising one or more substantially parallel first grooves oriented along a first direction for receiving one or more optical waveguides. A second major surface for slidably contacting a mating light coupling unit comprises an optically transmitting window for propagating an optical signal therethrough, and a region of second grooves and lands configured to capture particulate contaminants in the second grooves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2020
    Publication date: July 23, 2020
    Inventors: James M. Nelson, Michael A. Haase, Terry L. Smith
  • Publication number: 20200200978
    Abstract: A modular optical connector includes a plurality of coupled optical ferrule support modules. Each optical ferrule support module comprises module connecting features configured to couple each ferrule support module with one or more neighboring ferrule support modules of the plurality of ferrule support modules. One or more optical ferrules are disposed and configured to rotate within the ferrule support module. Each optical ferrule includes a first attachment area configured to attach to one or more optical waveguides. One or more passageways are disposed within the ferrule support module. Each passageway is configured to receive the one or more optical waveguides. The passageway comprises a second attachment area configured to attach to the optical waveguides that are attached to the optical ferrule at the first attachment area. The passageway is dimensioned to constrain the optical waveguides to bend within the housing between the first attachment area and the second attachment area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2020
    Publication date: June 25, 2020
    Inventors: Terry L. Smith, Michael A. Haase, James M. Nelson, Alexander R. Mathews
  • Patent number: 10649153
    Abstract: A light coupling unit includes a first major surface comprising one or more substantially parallel first grooves oriented along a first direction for receiving one or more optical waveguides. A second major surface for slidably contacting a mating light coupling unit comprises an optically transmitting window for propagating an optical signal therethrough, and a region of second grooves and lands configured to capture particulate contaminants in the second grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: James M. Nelson, Michael A. Haase, Terry L. Smith
  • Patent number: 10620383
    Abstract: A modular optical connector includes a plurality of coupled optical ferrule support modules. Each optical ferrule support module comprises module connecting features configured to couple each ferrule support module with one or more neighboring ferrule support modules of the plurality of ferrule support modules. One or more optical ferrules are disposed and configured to rotate within the ferrule support module. Each optical ferrule includes a first attachment area configured to attach to one or more optical waveguides. One or more passageways are disposed within the ferrule support module. Each passageway is configured to receive the one or more optical waveguides. The passageway comprises a second attachment area configured to attach to the optical waveguides that are attached to the optical ferrule at the first attachment area. The passageway is dimensioned to constrain the optical waveguides to bend within the housing between the first attachment area and the second attachment area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Terry L. Smith, Michael A. Haase, James M. Nelson, Alexander R. Mathews
  • Patent number: 10578884
    Abstract: An optical component array and method of making an optical component array includes a plurality of optical components useful for projection devices or other optical devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Joseph C. Carls, James M. Nelson, Charles N. DeVore, Dwight G. Baldwin