Patents by Inventor Kenneth J. Schmidt

Kenneth J. Schmidt 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: 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
  • 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
  • Patent number: 11940689
    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 disposed between the light input surface and the light output surface, wherein the absorptive regions comprise a core having a first concentration, C1, of a light absorbing material sandwiched between cladding layers having a second concentration, C2, of the light absorbing material, wherein C2<C1, and wherein the cores have an aspect ratio of at least 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Daniel J. Schmidt, Kevin W. Gotrik, Nicholas A. Johnson, Raymond J. Kenney, Caleb T. Nelson, Kenneth A. Epstein
  • Patent number: 5885906
    Abstract: A mesh material for a spacecraft antenna reflector is disclosed. The mesh material has a base material made from a dielectric fabric. A conductive material, such as nickel, is applied to the dielectric mesh. The type and thickness of the conductive material is adjusted to regulate the final conductivity of the reflective surface to a predefined range. The present invention utilizes a range that reduces PIM while at the same time maintains a high degree of RF reflectivity. The preferred range is 0.01 to 10 ohms per square.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Hughes Electronics
    Inventors: Robert L. Reynolds, John R. Bartholomew, Kenneth J. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 4829828
    Abstract: A pressure transducer suitable for use in high temperature environments includes two pairs of induction coils, each pair being bifilarly wound together, and each pair of coils connected as opposite arms of a four arm circuit; an electrically conductive target moveably positioned between the coil pairs and connected to a diaphragm such that deflection of the diaphragm causes axial movement of the target and an unbalance in the bridge output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1989
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Thomas T. Anderson, Conard J. Roop, Kenneth J. Schmidt, Elmer R. Gunchin
  • Patent number: 4754986
    Abstract: An axle load-distributing apparatus includes an auxiliary frame having a load-distributing axle mounted thereon. The axle is supported by wheels which ultimately support a portion of the weight of a load carried on a load-carrying frame. An attachment device is provided for securing the frame to the load-carrying frame. An articulation device for providing articulation of the load-distributing axle relative to the load-carrying frame is provided as is a load distribution device which is operable to distribute a portion of the weight carried on the load-carrying frame to the load-distributing axle. The load distributing device is located intermediate of the attachment device and the articulation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1988
    Assignee: General Trailer Co.
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 4753086
    Abstract: A costume jewelry circlet, such as a bracelet, necklace or belt, is formed of an inner, string-like core having its opposite ends connected together, upon which is positioned a tubular sleeve which extends around and covers substantially the full length of the core. The sleeve is interchangeable with other sleeves which are formed either with different surface textures or colors or cross-sectional shapes. Thus, the wearer of the costume jewelry may substitute one sleeve for another, as desired, within the discretion of the wearer, to produce different visual effects due to the varying textures, colors or shapes of the interchangeable sleeves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1988
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 4705288
    Abstract: An axle load-distributing apparatus includes an auxiliary frame having a load-distributing axle mounted thereon. The axle is supported by wheels which ultimately support a portion of the weight of a load carried on a load-carrying frame. An attachment device is provided for securing the frame to the load-carrying frame. An articulation device for providing articulation of the load-distributing axle relative to the load-carrying frame is provided as is a load distribution device which is operable to distribute a portion of the weight carried on the load-carrying frame to the load-distributing axle. The load distributing device is located intermediate of the attachment device and the articulation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1987
    Assignee: General Trailer Co.
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 4697436
    Abstract: A costume jewelry circlet, such as a bracelet, necklace or belt, is formed of an inner, string-like core having its opposite ends connected together, upon which is positioned a tubular sleeve which extends around and covers substantially the first length of the core. The sleeve is interchangeable with other sleeves which are formed either with different surface textures or colors or cross-sectional shapes. Thus, the wearer of the costume jewelry may substitute one sleeve for another, as desired, within the discretion of the wearer, to produce different visual effects due to the varying textures, colors or shapes of the interchangeable sleeves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1987
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 4590431
    Abstract: An induction voidmeter for detecting voids in a conductive fluid may comprise: a four arm bridge circuit having two adjustable circuit elements connected as opposite arms of said bridge circuit, an input branch, and an output branch; two induction coils, bifilarly wound together, connected as the remaining two opposing arms of said bridge circuit and positioned such that the conductive fluid passes through said coils; applying an AC excitation signal to said input branch; and detecting the output signal generated in response to said excitation signal across said output branch. The induction coils may be located outside or inside a non-magnetic pipe containing the conductive fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1986
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Energy
    Inventors: Thomas T. Anderson, Conard J. Roop, Kenneth J. Schmidt, John Brewer
  • Patent number: 4287958
    Abstract: A load-monitoring vehicle suspension including a pair of wheel assemblies carried adjacent the opposite ends of a flexible transversal beam which supports the bed in the vehicle. This beam extends transversely of the bed's longitudinal axis, and supports the bed through two spaced journal connections which are disposed inwardly of the wheel assemblies, and which provide for the beam spaced journal axes that generally parallel the bed's longitudinal axis and intersect the beam's longitudinal axis. Load carried on the bed causes the beam to deflect substantially in pure bending, and such deflection is monitored by a strain-sensitive device mounted centrally on the beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1981
    Assignee: General Trailer Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 4103927
    Abstract: A clamping device utilizing hingedly interconnected clamping members and operating mechanism for forcing the clamping members against a trailer reach telescopically received in a trailer member to frictionally secure the trailer reach and trailer member in a selected adjusted position relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1977
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1978
    Assignee: General Trailer Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 4103752
    Abstract: Weighing apparatus for a fifth wheel assembly, including a rockable subframe adapted for carrying such an assembly constructed for pivotal mounting with respect to an underlying vehicle frame. An inflatable air pad is disposed beneath the subframe, and is operable under inflation to pivot the subframe to a position wherein the pad carries a portion of any load borne by the subframe. Connected to the pad is a calibratable scale system for producing a load indication under such circumstances. Further provided is a safety locking system for releasably locking the subframe against pivoting under conditions of normal vehicle travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1977
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1978
    Assignee: General Trailer Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 3993326
    Abstract: An elongate vehicle having a steerable front frame and a trailing self-steering rear frame. The rear frame includes a wheel assembly mounted on a steerable subframe adjacent the front end of the rear frame. An elongate rear member extends from the front frame to the rear frame and is pivotally connected to the rear frame of swinging about a substantially upright pivot axis. A differential steering linkage pivotally interconnects the reach member, subframe, and rear frame whereby swinging the reach member relative to the rear frame, as occurs when the front frame turns, results in a smaller angular adjustment of the subframe and steerable front wheel assembly relative to the rear frame to automatically steer the rear frame in a path substantially tracking the front frame through the turn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1975
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1976
    Assignee: General Trailer Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Schmidt