Patents by Inventor Joan M. Strobel
Joan M. Strobel 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: 20170315267Abstract: Optical bodies are disclosed that include a first optical film, a second optical film and at least one rough strippable boundary layer disposed between the first and second optical films. Also disclosed are optical bodies including a strippable boundary layer disposed between the first and second optical films and including a first polymer and a second polymer that is substantially immiscible in the first polymer. The present disclosure also provides methods of processing optical bodies that include stretching the optical bodies.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2017Publication date: November 2, 2017Inventors: Carl A. Stover, Timothy J. Hebrink, Martin E. Denker, Jeffrey N. Jackson, Kristopher J. Derks, Michael F. Weber, Anna A. Kobilansky, Joan M. Strobel, Barry S. Rosell, John P. Purcell, Kevin M. Hamer, Robert D. Taylor, William B. Black, Richard J. Thompson, Gregory L. Bluem
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Patent number: 9709700Abstract: Optical bodies are disclosed that include a first optical film, a second optical film and at least one rough strippable boundary layer disposed between the first and second optical films. Also disclosed are optical bodies including a strippable boundary layer disposed between the first and second optical films and including a first polymer and a second polymer that is substantially immiscible in the first polymer. The present disclosure also provides methods of processing optical bodies that include stretching the optical bodies.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2005Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Carl A. Stover, Timothy J. Hebrink, Martin E. Denker, Jeffery N. Jackson, Kristopher J. Derks, Michael F. Weber, Anna A. Kobilansky, Joan M. Strobel, Barry S. Rosell, John P. Purcell, Kevin M. Hamer, Robert D. Taylor, William B. Black, Richard J. Thompson, Gregory L. Bluem
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Patent number: 9664834Abstract: An optical film that includes a reflective polarizer and a stretched polymer film is disclosed. The stretched polymer film is laminated to the reflective polarizer, and the stretched polymer film exhibits a refractive index symmetry point at an angle of incidence in air of at least about 60 degrees in a plane of incidence parallel to a direction of greatest stretch.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2009Date of Patent: May 30, 2017Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Ellen R. Bösl, Bert T. Chien, Carsten Franke, Shandon D. Hart, Brent A. Hedding, Donovan C. Karg, Jr., Thomas J. Ludemann, Meghan A. Bradley, Mark B. O'Neill, Jeffrey A. Peterson, Joan M. Strobel, Huiwen Tai, John F. Van Derlofske, III, Michael F. Weber, Chiu Ping Wong, Richard J. Pokorny, John P. Baetzold
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Patent number: 9561629Abstract: Optical bodies are disclosed that include an optical film and at least one rough strippable skin layer. The at least one rough strippable skin layer can include a continuous phase and a disperse phase. In some embodiments, the at least one rough strippable skin layer can include a first polymer, a second polymer different from the first polymer and an additional material that is substantially immiscible in at least one of the first and second polymers. In some exemplary embodiments, a surface of the at least one rough strippable skin layer adjacent to the optical film comprises a plurality of protrusions and the adjacent surface of the optical film comprises a plurality of asymmetric depressions substantially corresponding to said plurality of protrusions. Methods of making such exemplary optical bodies are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2013Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Timothy J. Hebrink, Carl A. Stover, Martin E. Denker, Jeffery N. Jackson, Kristopher J. Derks, Michael F. Weber, Anna A. Wetzels, Joan M. Strobel, Barry S. Rosell, John P. Purcell, Kevin M. Hamer, Robert D. Taylor, William B. Black, Richard J. Thompson, Gregory L. Bluem
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Publication number: 20140027934Abstract: Optical bodies are disclosed that include an optical film and at least one rough strippable skin layer. The at least one rough strippable skin layer can include a continuous phase and a disperse phase. In some embodiments, the at least one rough strippable skin layer can include a first polymer, a second polymer different from the first polymer and an additional material that is substantially immiscible in at least one of the first and second polymers. In some exemplary embodiments, a surface of the at least one rough strippable skin layer adjacent to the optical film comprises a plurality of protrusions and the adjacent surface of the optical film comprises a plurality of asymmetric depressions substantially corresponding to said plurality of protrusions. Methods of making such exemplary optical bodies are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2013Publication date: January 30, 2014Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Timothy J. HEBRINK, Carl A. STOVER, Martin E. DENKER, Jeffery N. JACKSON, Kristopher J. DERKS, Michael F. WEBER, Anna A. WETZELS, Joan M. STROBEL, Barry S. ROSELL, John P. PURCELL, Kevin M. HAMER, Robert D. TAYLOR, William B. BLACK, Richard J. THOMPSON, Gregory L. BLUEM
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Patent number: 8568869Abstract: Optical bodies are disclosed that include an optical film and at least one rough strippable skin layer. The at least one rough strippable skin layer can include a continuous phase and a disperse phase. In some embodiments, the at least one rough strippable skin layer can include a first polymer, a second polymer different from the first polymer and an additional material that is substantially immiscible in at least one of the first and second polymers. In some exemplary embodiments, a surface of the at least one rough strippable skin layer adjacent to the optical film comprises a plurality of protrusions and the adjacent surface of the optical film comprises a plurality of asymmetric depressions substantially corresponding to said plurality of protrusions. Methods of making such exemplary optical bodies are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2006Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Timothy J. Hebrink, Carl A. Stover, Martin E. Denker, Jeffery N. Jackson, Kristopher J. Derks, Michael F. Weber, Anna A. Kobilansky, Joan M. Strobel, Barry S. Rosell, John P. Purcell, Kevin M. Hamer, Robert D. Taylor, William B. Black, Richard J. Thompson, Gregory L. Bluem
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Publication number: 20110103036Abstract: An optical film that includes a reflective polarizer and a stretched polymer film is disclosed. The stretched polymer film is laminated to the reflective polarizer, and the stretched polymer film exhibits a refractive index symmetry point at an angle of incidence in air of at least about 60 degrees in a plane of incidence parallel to a direction of greatest stretch.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2009Publication date: May 5, 2011Inventors: Ellen R. Bösl, Bert T. Chien, Carsten Franke, Shandon D. Hart, Brent A. Hedding, Donovan C. Karg, JR., Thomas J. Ludemann, Meghan A. Bradley, Mark B. O'Neill, Jeffrey A. Peterson, Joan M. Strobel, Huiwen Tai, John F. Van Derlofske, III, Michael F. Weber, Chiu Ping Wong, Richard J. Pokorny, John P. Baetzold
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Publication number: 20090123668Abstract: A multilayer optical body is disclosed and includes a light reflecting element formed from a first polymer material and a second polymer material having an index of refraction difference sufficient to reflect light of at least one polarization, and at least one non-optical warp-resistant layer disposed on the light reflecting element. The at least one non-optical one warp-resistant layer includes an intimate mixture of i) polystyrene or a first polystyrene copolymer and ii) a second polystyrene copolymer or ii) a polyester or copolyester.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2009Publication date: May 14, 2009Inventors: Timothy J. Hebrink, Kevin M. Hamer, Barry S. Rosell, Joan M. Strobel
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Patent number: 7405784Abstract: An optical stack includes a first liquid crystal layer and a j-retarder disposed on the liquid crystal layer. The j-retarder includes a simultaneous biaxally stretched polymeric film being substantially non-absorbing and non-scattering for at least one polarization state of visible light. The j-retarder has x, y, and z orthogonal indices of refraction where at least two of the orthogonal indices of refraction are not equal, an in-plane retardance being 100 nm or less and an out-of-plane retardance being 50 nm or greater.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2003Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Fred J. Roska, Richard C. Allen, Matthew B. Johnson, Steven J. Rhyner, William W. Merrill, Joan M. Strobel, Kevin M. Hamer, Gregory E. Gilligan
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Publication number: 20080152837Abstract: A norbornene-based cyclic olefin layer with a curable layer disposed thereon is described. The curable layer may additionally be imparted with a texture. The norbornene-based cyclic olefin films with curable layers can be incorporated into optical bodies which include an optical film, such as an oriented multilayer optical film. In addition, the invention includes a method of coating a curable layer onto a norbornene-based polymer layer or film without requiring a primer layer. Methods of making the norbornene-based cyclic olefin layer containing films are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2008Publication date: June 26, 2008Inventors: Bert T. Chien, Joan M. Strobel, Mark A. Strobel, Clinton L. Jones, Joel A. Getschel, Ellen R. Bosl
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Patent number: 7348066Abstract: A norbornene-based cyclic olefin layer with a curable layer disposed thereon is described. The curable layer may additionally be imparted with a texture. The norbornene-based cyclic olefin films with curable layers can be incorporated into optical bodies which include an optical film, such as an oriented multilayer optical film. In addition, the invention includes a method of coating a curable layer onto a norbornene-based polymer layer or film without requiring a primer layer. Methods of making the norbornene-based cyclic olefin layer containing films are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2005Date of Patent: March 25, 2008Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Bert T. Chien, Joan M. Strobel, Mark A. Strobel, Clinton L. Jones, Joel A. Getschel, Ellen R. Bosl
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Patent number: 7329465Abstract: A norbomene-based cyclic olefin layer with a curable layer disposed thereon is described. The curable layer may additionally be imparted with a texture. The norbomene-based cyclic olefin films with curable layers can be incorporated into optical bodies which include an optical film, such as an oriented multilayer optical film. In addition, the invention includes a method of coating a curable layer onto a norbomene-based polymer layer or film without requiring a primer layer. Methods of making the norbomene-based cyclic olefin layer containing films are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2004Date of Patent: February 12, 2008Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Bert T. Chien, Joan M. Strobel, Mark A. Strobel, Clinton L. Jones, Joel A. Getschel, Ellen R. Bosl
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Patent number: 7132065Abstract: A process for making an optical film includes stretching a polyolefin film in a first direction and stretching the polyolefin film in a second direction different than the first direction forming a biaxially stretched polyolefin film. At least a portion of the stretching of the polyolefin film in the second direction occurs simultaneous with the stretching of the polyolefin film in the first direction. The biaxially stretched polyolefin film has a length and a width and substantially non-absorbing and non-scattering for at least one polarization state of visible light. The biaxially stretched polyolefin film has x, y, and z orthogonal indices of refraction where at least two of the orthogonal indices of refraction are not equal, an in-plane retardance being 100 nm or less and an out-of-plane retardance being 50 nm or greater.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2003Date of Patent: November 7, 2006Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Richard C. Allen, Matthew B. Johnson, Fred J. Roska, Steven J. Rhyner, William W. Merrill, Joan M. Strobel, Kevin M. Hamer, John M. Klaeser, Sebastian F. Zehentmaier
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Patent number: 7110072Abstract: An optical stack includes a first liquid crystal layer and a j-retarder disposed on the liquid crystal layer. The j-retarder includes a simultaneous biaxially stretched polymeric film being substantially non-absorbing and non-scattering for at least one polarization state of visible light. The j-retarder has x, y, and z orthogonal indices of refraction where at least two of the orthogonal indices of refraction are not equal, an in-plane retardance being 100 nm or less and an absolute value for an out-of-plane retardance being 55 nm or greater.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2004Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Fred J. Roska, Richard C. Allen, Matthew B. Johnson, Steven J. Rhyner, William W. Merrill, Joan M. Strobel, Kevin M. Hamer, Gregory E. Gilligan
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Patent number: 7099083Abstract: An optical film includes a layer of simultaneous biaxially stretched polyolefin film that is substantially non-absorbing and non-scattering for at least one polarization state of visible light. The layer has x, y, and z orthogonal indices of refraction where at least two of the orthogonal indices of refraction are not equal. The layer has an in-plane retardance of 100 nm or less and an absolute value of an out-of-plane retardance being 55 nm or greater.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2004Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Matthew B. Johnson, Richard C. Allen, Fred J. Roska, Steven J. Rhyner, William W. Merrill, Joan M. Strobel, Kevin M. Hamer
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Patent number: 7094463Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for producing a polypropylene foam by mixing a high melt strength polypropylene and a blowing agent to form a melt mixture, reducing the temperature of the melt mixture at the exit of the apparatus to an exit temperature that is no more than 30° C. above the melt temperature of the neat polypropylene while maintaining the melt mixture at a pressure sufficient to prevent foaming; passing the mixture through said exit shaping orifice and exposing the mixture to atmospheric pressure, whereby the blowing agent expands causing cell formation resulting in foam formation, and orienting said foam. The foam is useful as tape backings, thermal and acoustical insulation and as a diffuse reflector for use in optical applications such as computer displays.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2002Date of Patent: August 22, 2006Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Christopher K. Haas, Mark D. Gehlsen, Sara B. Mortenson, Joan M. Strobel, Ravi K. Sura, David L. Vall
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Patent number: 6965474Abstract: An optical film includes a layer of simultaneous biaxially stretched polyolefin film that is substantially non-absorbing and non-scattering for at least one polarization state of visible light. The layer has x, y, and z orthogonal indices of refraction where at least two of the orthogonal indices of refraction are not equal. The layer has an in-plane retardance of 100 nm or less and an out-of-plane retardance of 50 nm or greater.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2003Date of Patent: November 15, 2005Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Matthew B. Johnson, Richard C. Allen, Fred J. Roska, Steven J. Rhyner, William W. Merrill, Joan M. Strobel, Kevin M. Hamer
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Publication number: 20040219338Abstract: A multilayer optical body having improved dimensional stability is disclosed. The optical body includes an optical film, such as an oriented multilayer optical film, and a dimensionally stable (warp-resistant) layer that includes a combination of i) polystyrene or a first polystyrene copolymer and ii) a second polystyrene copolymer or the layer includes a norbornene-based polymer. In addition, in specific implementations, the invention includes an intermediate layer between the optical film and the dimensionally stable layer. Methods of making the optical body are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2003Publication date: November 4, 2004Inventors: Timothy J. Hebrink, Kevin M. Hamer, Barry S. Rosell, Joan M. Strobel
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Publication number: 20040184150Abstract: An optical film includes a layer of simultaneous biaxially stretched polyolefin film that is substantially non-absorbing and non-scattering for at least one polarization state of visible light. The layer has x, y, and z orthogonal indices of refraction where at least two of the orthogonal indices of refraction are not equal. The layer has an in-plane retardance of 100 nm or less and an absolute value of an out-of-plane retardance being 55 nm or greater.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2004Publication date: September 23, 2004Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Matthew B. Johnson, Richard C. Allen, Fred J. Roska, Steven J. Rhyner, William W. Merrill, Joan M. Strobel, Kevin M. Hamer
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Publication number: 20040183973Abstract: An optical stack includes a first liquid crystal layer and a j-retarder disposed on the liquid crystal layer. The j-retarder includes a simultaneous biaxially stretched polymeric film being substantially non-absorbing and non-scattering for at least one polarization state of visible light. The j-retarder has x, y, and z orthogonal indices of refraction where at least two of the orthogonal indices of refraction are not equal, an in-plane retardance being 100 nm or less and an absolute value for an out-of-plane retardance being 55 nm or greater.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2004Publication date: September 23, 2004Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Fred J. Roska, Richard C. Allen, Matthew B. Johnson, Steven J. Rhyner, William W. Merrill, Joan M. Strobel, Kevin M. Hamer, Gregory E. Gilligan