Patents by Inventor Jeffrey J. Melby

Jeffrey J. Melby 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).

  • Patent number: 5254388
    Abstract: A louvered plastic film has louvers including central regions with a relatively high coefficients of extinction and outer regions with relatively low coefficients of extinction. Such a film provides a dramatic reduction in ghost images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Melby, Scott G. Theirl
  • Patent number: 5054885
    Abstract: A light fixture has a source of partially collimated light for emitting light having an axis of collimation. A structured surface has a plurality of prisms that are rendered reflective for reflecting light from the light source out of the cavity. The peaks of the prisms define a surface at least a portion of which makes an acute angle with the axis of collimation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manfuacturing Company
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Melby
  • Patent number: 4874228
    Abstract: A back-lit display utilizes a light transmissive film having a smooth surface and a structured surface. The structured surface has a series of triangular prisms running parallel or concentric to one another. A reflector is placed adjacent to the smooth surface so that light entering the film at an angle that is close to parallel to the smooth surface will emerge from the film at a predetermined angle with respect to the incoming beam. A display, that could be a liquid crystal display, is positioned so that light reflected by the film passes through it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1989
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Aho, Jeffrey J. Melby, Richard A. Miller
  • Patent number: 4799131
    Abstract: An automotive lighting element has a lower surface with a plurality of ridges and grooves. Those ridges and grooves are reflectorized so that light emitted by a light source in the lighting element will be reflected back into other portions of the reflector rather than out of the lighting element with a large upward vertical component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1989
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Aho, Jeffrey J. Melby, Richard A. Miller