Patents by Inventor John A Wheatley

John A Wheatley 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: 20240124288
    Abstract: A portable, self-contained beverage apparatus includes a container assembly having a known storage capacity for storing a consumable liquid, and a dispensing assembly disposed within the container assembly that dispenses variable, non-zero quantities of additives into the consumable liquid. The dispensing assembly includes multiple apertures structured and arranged to retain vessels containing the additives to be dispensed into the consumable liquid. The beverage apparatus also includes a level sensor disposed within the container assembly that determines a consumable liquid level of the consumable liquid stored in the container assembly. In certain embodiments, one or more positive displacement pumping mechanisms are configured to pump additive liquid from additive containers into a beverage chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2023
    Publication date: April 18, 2024
    Applicant: Cirkul, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Lyons, Jonathon Perrelli, Robert Lawson-Shanks, Abraham Maclean, Connor Bacon, James Christopher Small, Jesse John Horne, Simon Lewis Bilton, Matthew James Edwards, Andrew Gordon Wallace, Maxim D. Wheatley, David J. Wheatley, Todd Metlen
  • Publication number: 20240125704
    Abstract: An optical stack for sensing a presence of an analyte is provided. The optical stack includes a sensor material. The sensor material includes a first optical response including a first optical property having a second value in response to an excitation signal including the first optical property having a first value different from the second value. The first optical response includes a second optical property sensitive to the presence of the analyte. The optical stack includes a first optical film disposed proximate the sensor material and includes a third optical property having respective third and fourth values in response to the respective first and second values of the first optical property. The third value is different from the fourth value by at least a factor of 2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2022
    Publication date: April 18, 2024
    Inventors: Jessica E. Demay, John A. Wheatley, William J. Gray, Johah Shaver, Neil Percy, Aaron M. Marcella, Stephen M. Kennedy, Zhaohui Yang, Bharat R. Acharya
  • Publication number: 20240118463
    Abstract: A light control film comprises a light input surface and a light output surface opposite the light input surface. Alternating transmissive regions and absorptive regions are disposed between the light input surface and the light output surface. The absorptive regions have an aspect ratio of at least 30 and the alternating transmissive region and absorptive regions have a relative transmission at a viewing angle of 0 degrees of at least 75%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2023
    Publication date: April 11, 2024
    Inventors: Daniel J. Schmidt, Caleb T. Nelson, Kevin W. Gotrik, Raymond J. Kenney, John A. Wheatley, Kenneth A. Epstein, Gary T. Boyd, Corey D. Balts
  • Publication number: 20240115746
    Abstract: A device including a housing that is substantially impermeable to ultraviolet radiation having a wavelength of from 280 nm to 400 nm, and at least one window defined in the housing, the window including a UV-C radiation band-pass mirror film having a multiplicity of alternating first and second optical layers collectively transmitting UV-C radiation at a wavelength from at least 100 nm to less than 280 nm and not transmitting UV-A and UV-B radiation at a wavelength of from 280 nm to 400 nm, and an ultraviolet radiation source positioned within the housing, the ultraviolet radiation source being capable of emitting ultraviolet radiation at one or more wavelength from 100 nm to 400 nm. The device optionally further includes an ultraviolet mirror film positioned within the housing so as to reflect ultraviolet radiation emitted by the ultraviolet radiation source. A method of disinfecting a material is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2021
    Publication date: April 11, 2024
    Inventors: Timothy J. Hebrink, John A. Wheatley, Bharat R. Acharya, Tao Liu, Stephen P. Maki, Gilles J.B. Benoit, Sean M. Sweetnam
  • Patent number: 11953709
    Abstract: A system may include one or both of a light emitter and a light receiver. The system may include an optical filter adjacent one or both of the light emitter or the light receiver. The optical filter includes a wavelength selective scattering layer. The wavelength selective scattering layer may have a near-infrared scattering ratio of less than about 0.9. The filter may have a visible reflective haze ratio of greater than about 0.5. A method may include disposing the wavelength selective scattering layer adjacent one or both of the light emitter and the light receiver. An article may include the optical filter. The wavelength selective scattering layer may have an average near-infrared scattering of less than 60%, an average visible scattering of greater than 10%, and a difference between the % total visible reflectance and the % diffuse visible reflectance of less than 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Guanglei Du, John A. Wheatley, William B. Kolb, John C. Schultz, Daoyun Song, Luke D. Riveness
  • Patent number: 11957032
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a display system. The display system includes a backlight configured to emit substantially collimated polarized light from an emission surface thereof. The emitted polarized light is polarized along a polarization direction. The display system further includes a display panel configured to receive an illumination light and form an image. The display system further includes a grating system substantially coextensive in length and width with the display panel and the emission surface. The grating system includes a plurality of substantially parallel elongated features extending along an in-plane first direction and arranged along an orthogonal in-plane second direction. The grating system is configured to receive and transmit an incident polarized light as a first transmitted light having different first and second polarization states in response to different respective first and second signals applied to the grating system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Stephen J. Etzkorn, Michael L. Steiner, Kevin W. Gotrik, Luke A. Schroeder, Nicholas A. Johnson, John A. Wheatley
  • Patent number: 11953706
    Abstract: Wavelength-selective films are visibly apparent under the selective wavelength. Wavelength-selective films typically reflect off axis the selected wavelength and therefore can provide high-contrast against a background when applied in a pattern on a substrate. However, it is difficult to apply unique patterned embedded images from film. Disclosed is a cost-effective method and construction of a patterned wavelength-selective image to a substrate. In the disclosed wavelength-selective image, wavelength-selective film particles are applied to an adhesive pattern to create the wavelength-selective image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Kui Chen-Ho, Kenneth L. Smith, Douglas S. Dunn, Tien Yi T. H. Whiting, John A. Wheatley, Bryan T. Whiting, Taylor J. Kobe, Anthony F. Schultz, Duane D. Fansler, Jonah Shaver
  • Patent number: 11947135
    Abstract: A light control film is described comprising alternating transmissive regions and absorptive regions disposed between a light input surface and a light output surface. The absorptive regions have an aspect ratio of at least 30. In some embodiments, the alternating transmissive regions and absorptive regions have a transmission as measured with a spectrophotometer at a viewing angle of 0 degrees of at least 35, 40, 45, or 50% for a wavelength of the range 320-400 nm (UV) and/or at least 65, 70, 75, or 80% for a wavelength of the range 700-1400 nm (NIR). In another embodiment, the absorptive regions block light at the light input surface and light output surface and the maximum surface area that is blocked is less than 20% of the total alternating transmissive regions and absorptive regions. Also described are various optical communication systems comprising the light control films described herein and methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Daniel J. Schmidt, Caleb T. Nelson, Kevin W. Gotrik, Raymond J. Kenney, John A. Wheatley, Kenneth A. Epstein, Gary T. Boyd, Corey D. Balts
  • Publication number: 20240088185
    Abstract: Fingerprint sensor assemblies using metasurface arrays. The sensor assemblies include an image sensor having a sensor pixel array and a metasurface array on the sensor pixel array. An optical filter such as an IR cutfilter or notch filter can be located on the metasurface array. The assemblies can also include a substrate, optical spacer, or optically clear adhesive between the sensor pixel array and the metasurface array. The fingerprint sensor assemblies can be incorporated into mobile devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2022
    Publication date: March 14, 2024
    Inventors: Martin B. Wolk, Craig R. Schardt, John A. Wheatley, Jonah Shaver, Robert L. Brott
  • Patent number: 11899230
    Abstract: An example optical filter may include an angle blocking layer having a first angular light blocking range ?AL relative to a normal axis, and an interference filter adjacent the angle blocking layer having a second angular light blocking range ?IF relative to the normal axis. ?IF and ?AL at least partially overlap. The example optical filter has a predetermined light transmission zone comprising angles from 0° to a maximum light transmission angle ?Tmax relative to a normal axis of the major surface. The example optical filter has a predetermined angular light blocking zone ?B, a union of ?IF and ?AL. An example optical filter may include an interference filter having an incidence angle-dependent reflection band and an absorbing layer having an absorption band. The incidence angle-dependent reflection band and the absorption band may overlap at at least one wavelength at at least one angle of incidence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: John A. Wheatley, Guanglei Du, Gilles J. Benoit, Rolf W. Biernath
  • Publication number: 20240036235
    Abstract: An optical film (100) includes a plurality of polymeric layers (40) disposed between opposing first (11) and second (12) outer layers, a thinnest polymeric layer in the plurality of polymeric layers disposed closer to the first outer layer (11) and a thickest polymeric layer disposed closer to the second outer layer (12). A layer thickness gradient of the optical film (100) includes first (43) and second (45) portions joined by a step portion (20), a change in thickness across the step portion (20) at least 5 times greater than a change in thickness across each of the first (43) and second (45) portions, wherein the optical film (100) has a first average transmission percentage, TA1, in a first wavelength range, a peak transmission percentage, Tp, in a different, second wavelength range. The first wavelength range and the second wavelength range are separated by a third wavelength range with a third average transmission percentage, TA3, such that TA1>Tp>30(TA3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2021
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Inventors: John A. Wheatley, Gilles J. Benoit, Mark A. Roehrig, Bharat R. Acharya, Serena L. Schleusner, Zhaohui Yang
  • Patent number: 11885989
    Abstract: A light control film, comprises a light input surface and alight output surface opposite the light input surface. Alternating transmissive regions and absorptive regions are disposed between the light input surface and the light output surface. The absorptive regions have an aspect ratio of at least 30 and the alternating transmissive region and absorptive regions have a relative transmission at a viewing angle of 0 degrees of at least 75%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Daniel J. Schmidt, Caleb T. Nelson, Kevin W. Gotrik, Raymond J. Kenney, John A. Wheatley, Kenneth A. Epstein, Gary T. Boyd, Corey D. Balts
  • Publication number: 20240023905
    Abstract: A display system for sensing a user body portion, including a display panel configured to form an image for viewing by the user, an optical reflector having a plurality of polymeric layers, and at least one optical sensor for sensing a visible light having at least one visible wavelength and an infrared light having at least one infrared wavelength. The optical sensor senses the visible and infrared lights after the visible and infrared lights are transmitted by the optical reflector. The optical reflector has an average optical reflectance greater than 80% in the visible wavelength range, an optical transmittance greater than about 50% at the infrared wavelength, an optical transmittance of greater than about 2% and less than about 10% at the visible wavelength, and an optical transmittance versus wavelength with a bandpass segment having a full width at half maximum that includes the visible wavelength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2021
    Publication date: January 25, 2024
    Inventors: Zhiping Liu, Fan Long, John A. Wheatley, Bharat R. Acharya, Ryan T. Fabick, Zhe Hu, Edward J. Kivel
  • Patent number: 11879779
    Abstract: An optical system (150) is disclosed and includes an optical sensor (154), a plurality of photosensitive pixels (178) disposed on the optical sensor, a wavelength-selective optical filter (158) in optical communication with the photosensitive pixels, the wavelength-selective optical filter being disposed remotely from the optical sensor, and a plurality of spatially-variant areas (220, 224, 228, 232) disposed in the optical filter, at least one area of the plurality of spatially-variant areas including a downconverter (400, 500).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: John A. Wheatley, Mark A. Roehrig
  • Publication number: 20240002703
    Abstract: Adhesive compositions include a pressure sensitive adhesive, and at least 2 light absorbing components dispersed within the pressure sensitive adhesive. The light absorbing components are dyes, nanopigments or a combination thereof. The light absorbing components absorb light in the wavelength range of 350-700 nanometers. A layer of the adhesive composition transmits no more than 10% of light in the wavelength range of 350-700 nanometers and transmits at least 75% of light in the wavelength range of 900-1200 nanometers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2023
    Publication date: January 4, 2024
    Inventors: Encai Hao, John Wheatley, Nicholas Untiedt
  • Publication number: 20230413653
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a display system. The display system includes a backlight configured to emit substantially collimated polarized light from an emission surface thereof. The emitted polarized light is polarized along a polarization direction. The display system further includes a display panel configured to receive an illumination light and form an image. The display system further includes a grating system substantially coextensive in length and width with the display panel and the emission surface. The grating system includes a plurality of substantially parallel elongated features extending along an in-plane first direction and arranged along an orthogonal in-plane second direction. The grating system is configured to receive and transmit an incident polarized light as a first transmitted light having different first and second polarization states in response to different respective first and second signals applied to the grating system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2023
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Inventors: Stephen J. Etzkorn, Michael L. Steiner, Kevin W. Gotrik, Luke A. Schroeder, Nicholas A. Johnson, John A. Wheatley
  • Publication number: 20230408394
    Abstract: An optical element includes a porous layer with a network of a plurality of interconnected voids. The porous layer is optically diffusive to at least one wavelength of light when the network of interconnected voids is substantially free of fluid. The porous layer of the optical element undergoes a detectable optical change upon fluid ingress into the network or egress from the network of interconnected voids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2023
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Inventors: John A. Wheatley, William B. Kolb, Audrey A. Sherman, Mark A. Roehrig, Alan R. Dombrowski, Kurt J. Halverson, Steven P. Swanson, Del R. Lawson, Cory M. Arthur
  • Publication number: 20230393054
    Abstract: A measurement system is disclosed and includes a light source, a receiver, a measurement subject, and a reflector. The reflector is disposed on an opposite side of the measurement subject than are the light source and the receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2021
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    Inventors: John A. Wheatley, William Gray, Bharat R. Acharya, Aaron M. Marcella, Stephen M. Kennedy, Brett J. Sitter, Micheal L. Steiner, Mark A. Roehrig, Jonah Shaver, Jessica E. DeMay
  • Publication number: 20230384507
    Abstract: An optical construction includes an optical film between first and second prismatic films, which each include pluralities of parallel, linear first and second prisms. Each of the first and second prisms have opposing first and second sides extending from first and second ends of a base of the prism and meeting at a peak. The first and second sides make first and second base angles with the base of the prism. The peaks of the prismatic films face away from each other and the optical film. For a collimated, normally incident light, for at least a first wavelength in a first wavelength range, and for each of first and second polarization states: the optical film has an optical transmission of less than about 1%, and the optical construction transmits at least 1% of the incident light at an oblique angle greater than 5 degrees with respect to the optical film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2023
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Inventors: Bharat R. Acharya, John A. Wheatley, Andrew J. Carlson
  • Publication number: 20230379549
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for presenting user selected scenes. A media guidance application may generate for display a listing for a media asset, wherein a play length of the media asset includes a non-selectable play length portion and a selectable play length portion. The media guidance application may generate for display a first scene option corresponding to a first scene and a second scene option corresponding to a second scene. The media guidance application may receive a user selection of the first or second scene option and incorporate the selected scene into the selectable play length portion of the media asset. The media guidance application may generate for display the media asset with the selected scene incorporated into the selectable play length portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2023
    Publication date: November 23, 2023
    Inventors: Brian Peterson, Vanessa Wickenkamp, David John Wheatley, Walter R. Klappert