Patents by Inventor Michael L. Graetz
Michael L. Graetz 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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Patent number: 8648291Abstract: A projection system includes a projection screen defining a shape and a projector configured to project an image onto the projection screen. The projector may project a static or dynamic image that has substantially the same shape as the projection screen or otherwise block portions of the projected image that are projected outside of the projection screen with the aid of a virtual mask. The virtual mask and the projection screen may be created based on a virtual shape template that defines the desired shape for the projection screen, such as with a vector outline. In some embodiments, the virtual mask and the projection screen are created based on the same virtual shape template. The virtual shape template may define a cutting path for extracting the projection screen from a suitable material.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2013Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Brett C. Tanis-Likkel, Vincent S. Peddle, Mark L. Schuleman, Michael L. Graetz, Russell J. Vander Wiel
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Patent number: 8461506Abstract: A projection system includes a projection screen defining a shape and a projector configured to project an image onto the projection screen. The projector may project a static or dynamic image that has substantially the same shape as the projection screen or otherwise block portions of the projected image that are projected outside of the projection screen with the aid of a virtual mask. The virtual mask and the projection screen may be created based on a virtual shape template that defines the desired shape for the projection screen, such as with a vector outline. In some embodiments, the virtual mask and the projection screen are created based on the same virtual shape template. The virtual shape template may define a cutting path for extracting the projection screen from a suitable material.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2012Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Brett C. Tanis-Likkel, Vincent S. Peddle, Mark L. Schuleman, Michael L. Graetz, Russell J. Vander Wiel
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Publication number: 20120236268Abstract: A projection system includes a projection screen defining a shape and a projector configured to project an image onto the projection screen. The projector may project a static or dynamic image that has substantially the same shape as the projection screen or otherwise block portions of the projected image that are projected outside of the projection screen with the aid of a virtual mask. The virtual mask and the projection screen may be created based on a virtual shape template that defines the desired shape for the projection screen, such as with a vector outline. In some embodiments, the virtual mask and the projection screen are created based on the same virtual shape template. The virtual shape template may define a cutting path for extracting the projection screen from a suitable material.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2012Publication date: September 20, 2012Inventors: Brett C. Tanis-Likkel, Vincent S. Peddle, Mark L. Schuleman, Michael L. Graetz, Russell J. Vander Wiel
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Patent number: 8193480Abstract: A projection system includes a projection screen defining a shape and a projector configured to project an image onto the projection screen. The projector may project a static or dynamic image that has substantially the same shape as the projection screen or otherwise block portions of the projected image that are projected outside of the projection screen with the aid of a virtual mask. The virtual mask and the projection screen may be created based on a virtual shape template that defines the desired shape for the projection screen, such as with a vector outline. In some embodiments, the virtual mask and the projection screen are created based on the same virtual shape template. The virtual shape template may define a cutting path for extracting the projection screen from a suitable material.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2010Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Brett C. Tanis-Likkel, Vincent S. Peddle, Mark L. Schuleman, Michael L. Graetz, Russell J. Vander Wiel
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Patent number: 7923675Abstract: A projection system includes a projection screen defining a shape and a projector configured to project an image onto the projection screen. The projector may project a static or dynamic image that has substantially the same shape as the projection screen or otherwise block portions of the projected image that are projected outside of the projection screen with the aid of a virtual mask. The virtual mask and the projection screen may be created based on a virtual shape template that defines the desired shape for the projection screen, such as with a vector outline. In some embodiments, the virtual mask and the projection screen are created based on the same virtual shape template. The virtual shape template may define a cutting path for extracting the projection screen from a suitable material.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2008Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Brett C. Tanis-Likkel, Vincent S. Peddle, Mark L. Schuleman, Michael L. Graetz, Russell J. Vander Wiel
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Publication number: 20110075114Abstract: A projection system includes a projection screen defining a shape and a projector configured to project an image onto the projection screen. The projector may project a static or dynamic image that has substantially the same shape as the projection screen or otherwise block portions of the projected image that are projected outside of the projection screen with the aid of a virtual mask. The virtual mask and the projection screen may be created based on a virtual shape template that defines the desired shape for the projection screen, such as with a vector outline. In some embodiments, the virtual mask and the projection screen are created based on the same virtual shape template. The virtual shape template may define a cutting path for extracting the projection screen from a suitable material.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2010Publication date: March 31, 2011Inventors: Brett C. Tanis-Likkel, Vincent S. Peddle, Mark L. Schuleman, Michael L. Graetz, Russell J. Vander Wiel
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Publication number: 20100245995Abstract: A projection screen for use in a projection system that includes an image source, such as a projector, is substantially flexible. In one embodiment, the projection screen includes a film to provide stiffness to the projection screen. In some embodiments, the film may be substantially self-supporting, thereby allowing for easier manipulating of the projection screen, such as when the projection screen is coupled to an application surface. In other embodiments, the projection screen includes a repositionable adhesive. The repositionable adhesive aids the coupling of the projection screen to a desired position on the application surface. For example, a user may couple the projection screen to the application surface in a first position, and, while the projection screen is still coupled to the application surface, adjust the position of the projection screen to a second position, such as by sliding the projection screen between the first and second positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2008Publication date: September 30, 2010Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Michael L. Graetz, Mark L. Schuleman, Thomas R. Gehring, Andrew J. Piepel
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Publication number: 20080304018Abstract: A projection system includes a projection screen defining a shape and a projector configured to project an image onto the projection screen. The projector may project a static or dynamic image that has substantially the same shape as the projection screen or otherwise block portions of the projected image that are projected outside of the projection screen with the aid of a virtual mask. The virtual mask and the projection screen may be created based on a virtual shape template that defines the desired shape for the projection screen, such as with a vector outline. In some embodiments, the virtual mask and the projection screen are created based on the same virtual shape template. The virtual shape template may define a cutting path for extracting the projection screen from a suitable material.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2008Publication date: December 11, 2008Inventors: Brett C. Tanis-Likkel, Vincent S. Peddle, Mark L. Schuleman, Michael L. Graetz, Russell J. Vander Wiel
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Patent number: 7184210Abstract: A film for a screen has a light transmitting substrate and a plurality of structures disposed on the substrate. An optical material at least partially fills cavities between the structures. A method of forming a film includes providing a light transmitting substrate having a plurality of structures disposed thereon and at least partially filling the cavities therebetween with an optical material.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2006Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Patrick A. Thomas, John C. Nelson, Scott M. Tapio, Michael L. Graetz, Amy J. Gates, Peter M. Olofson, Robert L. Brott, Robert S. Moshrefzadeh
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Patent number: 7057810Abstract: A film for a screen has a light transmitting substrate and a plurality of structures disposed on the substrate. An optical material at least partially fills cavities between the structures. A method of forming a film includes providing a light transmitting substrate having a plurality of structures disposed thereon and at least partially filling the cavities therebetween with an optical material.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2003Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Patrick A. Thomas, John C. Nelson, Scott M. Tapio, Michael L. Graetz, Amy J. Gates, Peter M. Olofson, Robert L. Brott, Robert S. Moshrefzadeh
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Patent number: 6870670Abstract: A flexible screen with a mechanism for releasably attaching the screen to a transparent door or window is disclosed. A method of use is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2001Date of Patent: March 22, 2005Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Thomas R. Gehring, Michael L. Graetz, Andrew J. Piepel, Mark L. Schuleman, Kenneth L. Yarina
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Publication number: 20040240687Abstract: This disclosure is directed to flat panel speakers in which an exciter is mounted at a non-zero angle relative to a flat panel. For example, a mounting bracket can be attached to the flat panel, and the exciter can be mounted on the mounting bracket such that the exciter is rotated at relative to the flat panel. By mounting the exciter at a non-zero angle relative to the flat panel, less surface area of the flat panel is consumed by the presence of the exciter. Accordingly, flat panel speaker designs as described in this disclosure are particularly useful when the surface are of the flat panel is also used for other purposes.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2003Publication date: December 2, 2004Inventor: Michael L. Graetz
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Publication number: 20030163367Abstract: A system for use with a releasable screen is described. The system may be used in a method of influencing purchasing decisions.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2001Publication date: August 28, 2003Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Andrew J. Piepel, Thomas R. Gehring, Michael L. Graetz, Mark L. Schuleman, Kenneth L. Yarina
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Publication number: 20020163722Abstract: A flexible screen with a mechanism for releasably attaching the screen to a transparent door or window is disclosed. A method of use is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2001Publication date: November 7, 2002Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Thomas R. Gehring, Michael L. Graetz, Andrew J. Piepel, Mark L. Schuleman, Kenneth L. Yarina
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Publication number: 20020163720Abstract: A system for use with a releasable screen is described. The system may be used in a method of influencing purchasing decisions.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2001Publication date: November 7, 2002Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Andrew J. Piepel, Thomas R. Gehring, Michael L. Graetz, Mark L. Schuleman, Kenneth L. Yarina