Patents by Inventor Michael E. Griffin

Michael E. Griffin 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: 11940651
    Abstract: A light guide comprising a polymeric layer at least 25 percent transmissive over at least a 30 nm bandwidth in a wavelength range from 180 to 280 nm over a distance of at least 100 micrometers and visible light transparent reflecting layers (UV-C mirror) that are at least 50 percent reflective over at least 30 nm bandwidth in a wavelength range from 180 to 280 nm over an incident light angle of 0 to 90 degrees and that are at least 25 percent transmissive of visible light over at least 30 nm bandwidth in a wavelength range of 400 to 800 nm over an incident light angle of 0 to 90 degrees. The light guide is useful, for example, for antimicrobial surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Timothy J. Hebrink, Stephen P. Maki, Michael E. Griffin, Anna C. Hamlin, Justin M. Mazzoni, Christopher A. Merton, Matthew T. Scholz
  • Publication number: 20220026633
    Abstract: A light guide comprising a polymeric layer at least 25 percent transmissive over at least a 30 nm bandwidth in a wavelength range from 180 to 280 nm over a distance of at least 100 micrometers and visible light transparent reflecting layers (UV-C mirror) that are at least 50 percent reflective over at least 30 nm bandwidth in a wavelength range from 180 to 280 nm over an incident light angle of 0 to 90 degrees and that are at least 25 percent transmissive of visible light over at least 30 nm bandwidth in a wavelength range of 400 to 800 nm over an incident light angle of 0 to 90 degrees. The light guide is useful, for example, for antimicrobial surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2019
    Publication date: January 27, 2022
    Inventors: Timothy J. Hebrink, Stephen P. Maki, Michael E. Griffin, Anna C. Hamlin, Justin M. Mazzoni, Christopher A. Merton, Matthew T. Scholz
  • Publication number: 20220003904
    Abstract: Multilayer optical film comprising at least a plurality of alternating first and second optical layers. Embodiments of the multilayer optical film are useful, for example, in UV-C shield, UV-C light collimator, and UV-C light concentrator applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2019
    Publication date: January 6, 2022
    Inventors: Timothy J. Hebrink, Stephen P. Maki, Charles D. Hoyle, Joel D. Oxman, Matthew T. Scholz, Justin M. Mazzoni, Michael E. Griffin, Anna C. Hamlin
  • Patent number: 10994035
    Abstract: A system includes multiple devices configured to emit and detect germicidal radiation. Each of the multiple devices operates in emitting mode when connected to a drive source in a forward bias configuration and operates in detecting mode when disconnected from the drive source or when connected to the drive source in a reverse bias configuration. Cycling circuitry generates a sequence of control signals that control switching circuitry to change the connections of the devices to the drive source in a cycle in which one or more of the multiple devices are switched to detecting mode and senses radiation emitted by one or more of the multiple devices simultaneously operating in emitting mode. Each device operating in detecting mode generates a signal in response to the sensed radiation. Detection circuitry detects signals of the devices operating in detecting mode and generates a detection output in response to the detected signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Rajeev Dhiman, Michael E. Griffin, Robert E. Astle, Michael N. Cormier
  • Patent number: 10961132
    Abstract: A UV treatment cartridge having an exterior housing and a UV treatment module located inside of the exterior housing. The UV treatment module having a UVLED array for UV treatment of a fluid passing through the UV treatment module. An internal annular space between the exterior sidewall and the module sidewall forms an entry flow path to the UV treatment module thereby substantially balancing fluid pressure acting on the inside of the module sidewall and acting on the outside of the module sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Rajeev Dhiman, Justin M. Mazzoni, Michael E. Griffin, Hemang Patel
  • Patent number: 10906212
    Abstract: Provided are devices for applying actinic radiation to a curable resin. The devices include a housing having a front face, an actinic radiation source arranged within the housing such that actinic radiation emerges from the housing through the front face, and a proximity detector. The proximity detector is functionally connected to the actinic radiation source such that the actinic radiation source is shut off unless the proximity detector detects the presence of a surface within a safe distance from the front face. Optionally, the device includes a surface temperature sensor functionally connected to the actinic radiation source such that the actinic radiation source is shut off if the surface temperature sensor senses a surface temperature exceeding a maximum safe surface temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Charlie P. Blackwell, Charles L. Bruzzone, Michael E. Griffin, Michael D. Swan, Sheng Ye, Zhisheng Yun
  • Publication number: 20200017623
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to compositions, methods of applying such compositions, and methods for curing such compositions to a depth of cure of up to about 30 mm within about 0.5 second to about two minutes per light exposure area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2018
    Publication date: January 16, 2020
    Inventors: Sheng Ye, Ying Lin, Michael E. Griffin, Dennis R. Keicher, Jay S. Schlechte, Paul J. Homnick, Richard S. Smith, Thomas P. Klun, Richard J. Pokorny, Steven Y. Yu, Patricia M. Savu, Michael A. Kropp, Ian Dailey, Charlie P. Blackwell
  • Publication number: 20190225509
    Abstract: A UV treatment cartridge having an exterior housing and a UV treatment module located inside of the exterior housing. The UV treatment module having a UVLED array for UV treatment of a fluid passing through the UV treatment module. An internal annular space between the exterior sidewall and the module sidewall forms an entry flow path to the UV treatment module thereby substantially balancing fluid pressure acting on the inside of the module sidewall and acting on the outside of the module sidewall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Publication date: July 25, 2019
    Inventors: Rajeev Dhiman, Justin M. Mazzoni, Michael E. Griffin, Hemang Patel
  • Publication number: 20180369435
    Abstract: A system includes multiple devices configured to emit and detect germicidal radiation. Each of the multiple devices operates in emitting mode when connected to a drive source in a forward bias configuration and operates in detecting mode when disconnected from the drive source or when connected to the drive source in a reverse bias configuration. Cycling circuitry generates a sequence of control signals that control switching circuitry to change the connections of the devices to the drive source in a cycle in which one or more of the multiple devices are switched to detecting mode and senses radiation emitted by one or more of the multiple devices simultaneously operating in emitting mode. Each device operating in detecting mode generates a signal in response to the sensed radiation. Detection circuitry detects signals of the devices operating in detecting mode and generates a detection output in response to the detected signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2016
    Publication date: December 27, 2018
    Inventors: Rajeev Dhiman, Michael E. Griffin, Robert E. Astle, Michael N. Cormier
  • Publication number: 20180169904
    Abstract: Provided are devices for applying actinic radiation to a curable resin. The devices include a housing having a front face, an actinic radiation source arranged within the housing such that actinic radiation emerges from the housing through the front face, and a proximity detector. The proximity detector is functionally connected to the actinic radiation source such that the actinic radiation source is shut off unless the proximity detector detects the presence of a surface within a safe distance from the front face. Optionally, the device includes a surface temperature sensor functionally connected to the actinic radiation source such that the actinic radiation source is shut off if the surface temperature sensor senses a surface temperature exceeding a maximum safe surface temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2016
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Charlie P. Blackwell, Charles L. Bruzzone, Michael E. Griffin, Michael D. Swan, Sheng Ye, Zhisheng Yun
  • Patent number: 9823402
    Abstract: Illumination articles are described. More specifically, illumination articles that include a wearable device configured for wearing on the head of a wearer, a lightguide and light sources for emitting light into the lightguide are described. The illumination articles allow for wearable devices that uniformly illuminate a working area at high brightness without providing excessive glare to observers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Bing Hao, David A. Ender, Michael E. Griffin, Kevin W. Anderson, Gina M. Buccellato, Barry S. Carpenter
  • Publication number: 20170282104
    Abstract: Keyed fluid-handling devices comprise a fluid-handling device such as a filter, a bypass, or an adapter and an optical key. The optical keys are amenable to all types of filter component and can be readily retrofitted to existing designs. The optical keys may be formed from a variety of materials and combination of phases. That is, optical keys may comprise one or more solid materials, or perhaps may result from a combination of: solid materials, such as in transparent or semi-transparent polymers or glass; liquid fluids, such as water; and gaseous gaps such as an air gap. Optical keys may be light conduits or light guides. Filter manifolds comprise optical locks to ensure compatibility of the filter components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Publication date: October 5, 2017
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Scott A. Baum, Jeremy A. Schmoll, Michael E. Griffin, David A. Ender, Robert E. Astle, Justin M. Mazzoni
  • Patent number: 9599308
    Abstract: A taillight article (100) including an optically clear light guide (110) having an light emission front surface (112) and an opposing rear surface (114) and a side surface (118) separating the front surface (112) and the rear surface (114) is described. A first light source (120) is configured to direct light into the side surface (118) and indicate a first signal-function. A plurality of light extraction features (116) are on or within the optically clear light guide (110) and are configured to direct light from the first light source (120) out through the emission surface (112). A light reflection element (130) is spaced apart from the rear surface (114) and defines a cavity (135) that is observable by a viewer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: David A. Ender, Jeremy K. Larsen, Jennifer J. Sahlin, Michael E. Griffin, Karl A. Vick, Bing Hao, Scott M. Schnobrich
  • Publication number: 20160299280
    Abstract: Lightguides are disclosed. In particular, lightguides including extractors with directionally dependent extraction efficiency are disclosed. The lightguide may include a series or array of directionally dependent light extractors. Certain configurations enabling the display of indicia and exemplary light extractor shapes are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Publication date: October 13, 2016
    Inventors: David A. Ender, Michael A. Haase, Bing Hao, Michael E. Griffin, Jeremy K. Larsen, Karl A. Vick
  • Patent number: 9423297
    Abstract: Optical devices (100) that contain a sensor (140) are described. More particularly, optical devices that contain a light source (120), cavity (110) and sensor (140), in which the optical device (100) may provide an optimal light output from an output surface (112) of the cavity (110) based on various characteristics of the light are described. Additionally, methods of making and using such optical devices as well as arrays of such optical devices are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael E. Griffin, David A. Ender
  • Publication number: 20160215950
    Abstract: A taillight article (100) including an optically clear light guide (110) having an light emission front surface (112) and an opposing rear surface (114) and a side surface (118) separating the front surface (112) and the rear surface (114) is described. A first light source (120) is configured to direct light into the side surface (118) and indicate a first signal-function. A plurality of light extraction features (116) are on or within the optically clear light guide (110) and are configured to direct light from the first light source (120) out through the emission surface (112). A light reflection element (130) is spaced apart from the rear surface (114) and defines a cavity (135) that is observable by a viewer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Publication date: July 28, 2016
    Inventors: David A. Ender, Jeremy K. Larsen, Jennifer J. Sahlin, Michael E. Griffin, Karl A. Vick, Bing Hao, Scott M. Schnobrich
  • Publication number: 20160170119
    Abstract: Illumination articles are described. More specifically, illumination articles that include a wearable device configured for wearing on the head of a wearer, a lightguide and light sources for emitting light into the lightguide are described. The illumination articles allow for wearable devices that uniformly illuminate a working area at high brightness without providing excessive glare to observers. The disclosed illumination article comprises: a wearable device configured for wearing on the head of a wearer, a lightguide disposed on the wearable device, wherein the lightguide is elongated and has a first end and a second end opposite the first end, and a first light source positioned at the first end, for emitting light into the lightguide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Bing Hao, David A. Ender, Michael E. Griffin, Kevin W. Anderson, Gina M. Buccellato, Barry S. Carpenter
  • Publication number: 20150330593
    Abstract: A taillight article (100) including a light guide (110) having an light emission front surface (112) and a rear surface (114) and a plurality of light extraction features (116) on or within the light guide (110), configured to direct light out through the emission surface (112), is described. A first light source (120) indicing a first signal function is configured to direct light in a first direction into a side surface (118) of the light guide. A second light source (130) indicating a second signal function is configured to direct light in a second direction into a second side surface (119) of the light guide, the second direction being different than the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Publication date: November 19, 2015
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Jeremy K. Larsen, David A. Ender, Jennifer J. Sahlin, Karl A. Vick, Michael E. Griffin, Scott M. Schnobrich, Bing Hao
  • Publication number: 20150330834
    Abstract: Optical devices (100) that contain a sensor (140) are described. More particularly, optical devices that contain a light source (120), cavity (110) and sensor (140), in which the optical device (100) may provide an optimal light output from an output surface (112) of the cavity (110) based on various characteristics of the light are described. Additionally, methods of making and using such optical devices as well as arrays of such optical devices are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Publication date: November 19, 2015
    Inventors: Michael E. Griffin, David A. Ender
  • Publication number: 20150316227
    Abstract: A taillight article (100) including at least two optically clear light guides (110, 130) stacked on each other to provide vehicle signal function is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Publication date: November 5, 2015
    Inventors: Jennifer J. Sahlin, Scott M. Schnobrich, Jeremy K. Larsen, Michael E. Griffin, Bing Hao, Karl A. Vick, David A. Ender