Patents by Inventor John Wheatley

John 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).

  • Head-up display with narrow band reflective polarizer
    Patent number: 7123418
    Abstract: A head-up display includes a projection system and a window having a target area where a reflective polarizer is positioned to reflect light from the projection system to a viewing area. Light from the projection system is p-polarized and strikes exposed window surface(s) at an acute angle to reduce or eliminate multiple or “ghost” images. The acute angle is closely matched to a Brewster angle of the exposed window surface(s). The reflective polarizer includes a multilayer stack with refractive indices of individual layers chosen to reflect p-polarized light substantially more than s-polarized light over a wide angular range that includes the acute angle. The reflective polarizer also can reflect infrared light to reduce cabin heating from solar radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Michael F. Weber, Andrew J. Ouderkirk, John A. Wheatley, Jonathan Brodd
  • Methods of making phosphor based light sources having an interference reflector
    Patent number: 7118438
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a light source includes the steps of providing a first flexible sheet that includes a first multilayer interference reflector, providing a carrier film to carry the reflector, dividing the reflector into individual pieces carried by the carrier film, and positioning at least one of the individual pieces proximate an LED capable of emitting light that excites a phosphor material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Michael F. Weber, John A. Wheatley
  • Methods and devices for stretching polymer films
    Patent number: 7104776
    Abstract: Stretched polymeric films can be used in a variety of applications, including optical applications. The stretching conditions and shape of the stretching tracks in a stretching apparatus can determine or influence film properties. Methods and stretching apparatuses can include adjustable or zone-defined stretching regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: William W. Merrill, Jeffery N. Jackson, Andrew T. Ruff, Desiree L. Thompson, John A. Wheatley, Jeffrey D. Amundson, Curtis A Harvey
  • Method for subdividing multilayer optical film cleanly and rapidly
    Publication number: 20060191630
    Abstract: Polymeric multilayer optical films, and laminate bodies that include such films, are cut or subdivided into one or more discrete pieces by removably applying a first and second liner to opposed major surfaces of the multilayer optical film. Laser radiation is then directed at the multilayer optical film through the first liner in such a way as to produce cut lines that define a plurality of pieces of the first liner and of the multilayer optical film. Thereafter, the plurality of pieces of the first liner are removed from the plurality of pieces of the multilayer optical film while the pieces of multilayer optical film are supported by the second liner. Application of the first liner to the multilayer optical film can be accomplished with electrostatics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Publication date: August 31, 2006
    Inventors: Bruce Tait, John Wheatley, Steven Dobrzynski, David Mortenson
  • Photopic detector system and filter therefor
    Patent number: 7095009
    Abstract: A detector system, filter therefor, and method of making same is disclosed. The filter includes an interference element having a reflection band disposed primarily in the near infrared, and having a high transmission over most of the visible region. The filter also includes an absorptive element that absorbs light non-uniformly over the visible region. The filter when combined with a semiconductor photodiode or other suitable detector yields a detector system whose spectral responsivity closely matches the visual response of the human eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Takashi Harada, Kazuhiko Mizuno, John A. Wheatley, Timothy J. Nevitt, Andrew J. Ouderkirk
  • Phosphor based light sources having a non-planar long pass reflector
    Patent number: 7091653
    Abstract: A light source includes an LED that emits excitation light, an optically transparent body, a phosphor material positioned to receive the excitation light and disposed on or in the optically transparent body, the phosphor material emitting visible light when illuminated with the excitation light, and a non-planar flexible multilayer reflector that reflects the excitation light and transmits visible light. The non-planar polymeric multilayer reflector is positioned to reflect LED light onto the phosphor material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, John A. Wheatley
  • Photopic detector system having a filter with an interference element, an absorptive element and an absorber or reflector
    Patent number: 7075056
    Abstract: A detector system, filter therefor, and method of making same is disclosed. The filter includes an interference element having a reflection band disposed primarily in the near infrared, and having a high transmission over most of the visible region. The filter also includes an absorptive element that absorbs light non-uniformly over the visible region. The filter when combined with a semiconductor photodiode or other suitable detector yields a detector system whose spectral responsivity closely matches the visual response of the human eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Takashi Harada, Kazuhiko Mizuno, John A. Wheatley, Timothy J. Nevitt, Andrew J. Ouderkirk
  • Illumination assembly and method of making same
    Publication number: 20060131601
    Abstract: An illumination assembly including a thermally conductive substrate, a patterned conductive layer proximate a major surface of the thermally conductive substrate, a dielectric layer positioned between the patterned conductive layer and the major surface of the substrate, and at least one LED including a post that is attached to the major surface of the thermally conductive substrate is disclosed. The at least one LED can be thermally connected to the thermally conductive substrate through the post and electrically connected to the patterned conductive layer. The dielectric layer can be reflective.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Publication date: June 22, 2006
    Inventors: Andrew Ouderkirk, Hung Tran, John Schultz, John Wheatley, Kay-Uwe Schenke, Michael Meis, Stephen Pojar, Wolfgang Lehnhardt
  • Illumination assembly and method of making same
    Publication number: 20060131602
    Abstract: An illumination assembly including a thermally conductive substrate, a patterned conductive layer proximate a major surface of the thermally conductive substrate, a dielectric layer positioned between the patterned conductive layer and the major surface of the substrate, and at least one LED including a post that is attached to the thermally conductive substrate such that at least a portion of the post is embedded in the thermally conductive substrate is disclosed. The at least one LED can be thermally connected to the thermally conductive substrate through the post and electrically connected to the patterned conductive layer. The dielectric layer can be reflective.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Publication date: June 22, 2006
    Inventors: Andrew Ouderkirk, Hung Tran, John Schultz, John Wheatley, Joseph Hoffman, Kay-Uwe Schenke, Michael Meis, Stephen Pojar, Wolfgang Lehnhardt
  • LED package with front surface heat extractor
    Publication number: 20060091414
    Abstract: Light sources are disclosed utilizing LED dies having at least one emitting surface. An optical element is disclosed for efficiently extracting light out of an LED die by controlling the angular distribution of the emitted light. The optical element has an input surface that is optically coupled to the emitting surface, an output surface that is larger in surface area than the input surface, and at least one intermediate surface. A heat sink thermally coupled to the intermediate surface of the optical element extracts heat from the emitting surface of the LED die via the optical element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Publication date: May 4, 2006
    Inventors: Andrew Ouderkirk, John Wheatley, Catherine Leatherdale
  • Polarized LED
    Publication number: 20060091412
    Abstract: A solid state light source includes an LED die that generates light of two polarization states. A medium is provided at or near an emitting surface of the LED die that preferentially reflects one polarization state back into the LED die and preferentially transmits the other polarization state out of the LED die, thus providing a solid state light source whose light output is at least partially polarized. Recycling of light within the LED die together with polarization conversion mechanisms can enhance efficiency and brightness of the polarized output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Publication date: May 4, 2006
    Inventors: John Wheatley, Catherine Leatherdale, Andrew Ouderkirk
  • LED package with non-bonded optical element
    Publication number: 20060091784
    Abstract: Light sources are disclosed utilizing LED dies having at least one emitting surface. An optical element is provided for efficiently extracting light out of an LED die by controlling the angular distribution of the emitted light. The optical element is optically coupled to but is mechanically decoupled from the emitting surface of the LED die. The optical element has an input surface that is optically coupled to the emitting surface, an output surface that is larger in surface area than the input surface, and at least one intermediate surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Publication date: May 4, 2006
    Inventors: Arlie Conner, Catherine Leatherdale, Andrew Ouderkirk, John Wheatley
  • Methods for producing phosphor based light sources
    Publication number: 20060057753
    Abstract: Methods for producing phosphor based light sources are disclosed. One method includes measuring an excitation light output of an LED, forming a plurality of phosphor film articles, measuring an optical characteristic of each of the plurality of phosphor film articles, selecting one of the plurality of phosphor film articles based on the LED excitation light output and measured optical characteristic of the one of the plurality of phosphor film articles to obtain a desired emission light output from the phosphor film article when the phosphor film article is positioned to receive the excitation light, and positioning the phosphor film article to receive the excitation light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2004
    Publication date: March 16, 2006
    Inventors: Craig Schardt, John Wheatley, Michael Meis
  • Method for subdividing multilayer optical film cleanly and rapidly
    Patent number: 6991695
    Abstract: Polymeric multilayer optical films, and laminate bodies that include such films, are cut or subdivided into one or more discrete pieces by removably applying a first and second liner to opposed major surfaces of the multilayer optical film. Laser radiation is then directed at the multilayer optical film through the first liner in such a way as to produce cut lines that define a plurality of pieces of the first liner and of the multilayer optical film. Thereafter, the plurality of pieces of the first liner are removed from the plurality of pieces of the multilayer optical film while the pieces of multilayer optical film are supported by the second liner. Application of the first liner to the multilayer optical film can be accomplished with electrostatics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Bruce E. Tait, John A. Wheatley, Steven J. Dobrzynski, David K. Mortenson
  • Phosphor based illumination system having a plurality of light guides and a display using same
    Publication number: 20060001037
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Publication date: January 5, 2006
    Inventors: Craig Schardt, John Schultz, Andrew Ouderkirk, John Wheatley, Michael Weber, Kenneth Epstein, James Watson
  • Phosphor based illumination system having a long pass reflector and method of making same
    Publication number: 20060002678
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Publication date: January 5, 2006
    Inventors: Michael Weber, John Wheatley, Andrew Ouderkirk, Kenneth Epstein, James Watson
  • Phosphor based illumination system having a short pass reflector and method of making same
    Publication number: 20060002108
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Publication date: January 5, 2006
    Inventors: Andrew Ouderkirk, Michael Weber, John Wheatley, Kenneth Epstein, James Watson
  • Phosphor based illumination system having a short pass reflector and method of making same
    Publication number: 20060002141
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Publication date: January 5, 2006
    Inventors: Andrew Ouderkirk, Michael Weber, John Wheatley, Kenneth Epstein, James Watson
  • Phosphor based illumination system having a plurality of light guides and a display using same
    Publication number: 20060002131
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Publication date: January 5, 2006
    Inventors: John Schultz, Andrew Ouderkirk, Craig Schardt, John Wheatley, Michael Weber, Kenneth Epstein, James Watson
  • Phosphor based illumination system having a long pass reflector and method of making same
    Publication number: 20060002101
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Publication date: January 5, 2006
    Inventors: John Wheatley, Andrew Ouderkirk, Michael Weber, Kenneth Epstein, James Watson