Patents by Inventor Michael L. Steiner

Michael L. Steiner 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: 10101617
    Abstract: A transparent electrode is described and includes metallic nanowires and a polymeric overcoat layer for protecting the nanowires from corrosion and abrasion. The polymeric overcoat layer includes nanoparticles, particularly antimony tin oxide, zinc oxide and/or indium tin oxide, and has a sheet resistance of greater than about 107 ohm/sq. The transparent electrode can be used in electronic displays such as polymer-dispersed liquid crystal, liquid crystal, electrophoretic, electrochromic, thermochromic, electroluminescent and plasma displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Mark J. Pellerite, Marc D. Radcliffe, John P. Baetzold, Marie A. Boulos, Michael L. Steiner, John J. Stradinger
  • Publication number: 20180231865
    Abstract: The invention provides an electrophoretic medium comprising at least two types of particles having substantially the same electrophoretic mobility but differing colors. The invention also provides article of manufacture comprising a layer of a solid electro-optic medium, a first adhesive layer on one surface of the electro-optic medium, a release sheet covering the first adhesive layer, and a second adhesive layer on an opposed second surface of the electro-optic medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2018
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventors: Gregg M. Duthaler, Karl R. Amundson, Barrett Comiskey, Alberto Goenaga, John E. Ritter, Michael L. Steiner, Robert W. Zehner
  • Publication number: 20180155581
    Abstract: Provided are methods of making a transfer tape in which first and second release coatings are disposed onto respective first and second major surfaces of a backing to provide a release liner, the first release coating comprising wax particles at least partially embedded in a polymeric layer. An adhesive precursor is coated onto the first release coating and the adhesive precursor and the release liner collectively irradiated with an electron beam to convert the adhesive precursor into an adhesive layer. Advantageously, the provided transfer tape can be wound into a roll and stored for long periods without exhibiting degradation of release properties attributable to either blocking or electron beam degradation of the liner release coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2016
    Publication date: June 7, 2018
    Inventors: Michael L. Steiner, Marie A. Boulos, Maria A. Appeaning
  • Publication number: 20180067352
    Abstract: A transparent electrode is described and includes metallic nanowires and a polymeric overcoat layer for protecting the nanowires from corrosion and abrasion. The polymeric overcoat layer includes nanoparticles, particularly antimony tin oxide, zinc oxide and/or indium tin oxide, and has a sheet resistance of greater than about 107 ohm/sq. The transparent electrode can be used in electronic displays such as polymer-dispersed liquid crystal, liquid crystal, electrophoretic, electrochromic, thermochromic, electroluminescent and plasma displays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventors: Mark J. Pellerite, Marc D. Radcliffe, John P. Baetzold, Marie A. Boulos, Michael L. Steiner, John J. Stradinger
  • Publication number: 20180050473
    Abstract: A multilayer optical adhesive including a first viscoelastic or elastomeric adhesive layer and a second viscoelastic or elastomeric adhesive layer. A crosslinked or soluble resin layer may be disposed between the first viscoelastic or elastomeric adhesive layer and the second viscoelastic or elastomeric adhesive layer or the first viscoelastic or elastomeric adhesive layer may be immediately adjacent to the second viscoelastic or elastomeric adhesive layer. An interface between immediately adjacent layers is structured and there is a difference in refractive indices across the interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2017
    Publication date: February 22, 2018
    Inventors: Marc D. Radcliffe, Daniel W. Hennen, Brett J. Sitter, Michael L. Steiner, Thomas R. Hoffend, JR., Audrey A. Sherman, John J. Stradinger, Olester Benson, JR.
  • Publication number: 20180046054
    Abstract: The invention provides an electrophoretic medium comprising at least two types of particles having substantially the same electrophoretic mobility but differing colors. The invention also provides article of manufacture comprising a layer of a solid electro-optic medium, a first adhesive layer on one surface of the electro-optic medium, a release sheet covering the first adhesive layer, and a second adhesive layer on an opposed second surface of the electro-optic medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventors: Gregg M. Duthaler, John E. Ritter, Michael L. Steiner
  • Patent number: 9862124
    Abstract: A multilayer optical adhesive including a first viscoelastic or elastomeric adhesive layer and a second viscoelastic or elastomeric adhesive layer. A crosslinked or soluble resin layer may be disposed between the first viscoelastic or elastomeric adhesive layer and the second viscoelastic or elastomeric adhesive layer or the first viscoelastic or elastomeric adhesive layer may be immediately adjacent to the second viscoelastic or elastomeric adhesive layer. An interface between immediately adjacent layers is structured and there is a difference in refractive indices across the interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Marc D. Radcliffe, Daniel W. Hennen, Brett J. Sitter, Michael L. Steiner, Thomas R. Hoffend, Jr., Audrey A. Sherman, John J. Stradinger, Olester Benson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9835913
    Abstract: A transparent electrode is described and includes metallic nanowires and a polymeric overcoat layer for protecting the nanowires from corrosion and abrasion. The polymeric overcoat layer includes nanoparticles selected from the group consisting of antimony tin oxide, zinc oxide and indium tin oxide, and has a sheet resistance of greater than about 107 ohm/sq. The transparent electrode can be used in electronic displays such as polymer-dispersed liquid crystal, liquid crystal, electrophoretic, electrochromic, thermochromic, electroluminescent and plasma displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Mark J. Pellerite, Marc D. Radcliffe, John P. Baetzold, Marie A. Boulos, Michael L. Steiner, John J. Stradinger
  • Publication number: 20170115498
    Abstract: Optical stacks including a grating structure that generates diffraction in two in-plane dimensions. The optical stacks may include two gratings, which may be one-directional or two-directional. The optical stacks are suitable for reducing sparkle in displays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2015
    Publication date: April 27, 2017
    Applicants: 3M Innovative Properties Company, Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Brett J. Sitter, Marc D. Radcliffe, Thomas R. Hoffend, Jr., Daniel W. Hennen, Michael L. Steiner, Lan H. Liu, Jacques Gollier, James Andrew West, Ellen Marie Kosik Williams
  • Patent number: 9588262
    Abstract: An optical article includes an optical element and a low refractive index layer disposed on the optical element. The low refractive index layer having an effective refractive index of 1.3 or less and including a binder, a plurality of metal oxide particles dispersed in the binder and a plurality of interconnected voids. The low refractive index layer has a haze value of at least 30%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: William D. Coggio, Michael L. Steiner, William F. Edmonds, Robert F. Kamrath, Lan H. Liu, Encai Hao
  • Patent number: 9551816
    Abstract: Retroreflecting optical constructions are disclosed. A disclosed retroreflecting optical construction includes a retroreflecting layer that has a retroreflecting structured major surface, and an optical film that is disposed on the retroreflecting structured major surface of the retroreflecting layer. The optical film has an optical haze that is not less than about 30%. Substantial portions of each two neighboring major surfaces in the retroreflecting optical construction are in physical contact with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: William D. Coggio, John S. Huizinga, Michael L. Steiner, Robert F. Watkins, Encai Hao, William B. Kolb, Peiwang Zhu, Michael Benton Free, Brant U. Kolb, Kui Chen-Ho, Paul E. Humpal, Scott M. Tapio, Kenneth L. Smith
  • Patent number: 9505028
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a protective coating for a low index material, and a process for preparing a protected low index material. The protective coating partially penetrates the pores of a low index material, providing a seal protecting the pores, and can strengthen the construction by forming a gradient in properties of the protected low index material. The present disclosure further provides a diffusing low index optical element having a protected low index material and a diffusing layer disposed on the low index material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael L. Steiner, William D. Coggio, Thomas J. Ludemann, Emilie L. Rexeisen, William R. Dudley, Steven J. McMan, Michael L. Ruegsegger
  • Publication number: 20160342065
    Abstract: The invention provides an electrophoretic medium comprising at least two types of particles having substantially the same electrophoretic mobility but differing colors. The invention also provides article of manufacture comprising a layer of a solid electro-optic medium, a first adhesive layer on one surface of the electro-optic medium, a release sheet covering the first adhesive layer, and a second adhesive layer on an opposed second surface of the electro-optic medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Publication date: November 24, 2016
    Inventors: Gregg M. Duthaler, Karl Raymond Amundson, Barrett Comiskey, Holly G. Gates, Alberto Goenaga, John E. Ritter, Michael L. Steiner, Russell J. Wilcox, Robert W. Zehner, Anthony Edward Pullen
  • Patent number: 9500888
    Abstract: An electronically switchable privacy device suitable for use in display devices is described. The electronically switchable privacy device comprises a first transparent electrode layer, an electronically switchable layer disposed adjacent to the first transparent electrode layer, and a second transparent electrode layer disposed adjacent to the electronically switchable layer and opposite the first transparent electrode layer. The second transparent electrode layer comprises a transparent substrate layer having a plurality of microstructured ribs extending across a major surface of the transparent substrate layer such that the microstructured ribs form an alternating series of ribs and channels, each channel having channel walls defined by adjacent ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Evan L. Schwartz, Mark J. Pellerite, Encai Hao, Michael L. Steiner
  • Patent number: 9465145
    Abstract: An optical diffuser layer includes a binder, a plurality of metal oxide particles dispersed in the binder, and a plurality of interconnected voids. A plurality of haze generating particles are dispersed in the binder. The optical diffuser layer has an effective refractive index of 1.3 or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: William D. Coggio, Michael L. Steiner, Tao Liu, Lan H. Liu
  • Publication number: 20160202398
    Abstract: Retroreflecting optical constructions are disclosed. A disclosed retroreflecting optical construction includes a retroreflecting layer that has a retroreflecting structured major surface, and an optical film that is disposed on the retroreflecting structured major surface of the retroreflecting layer. The optical film has an optical haze that is not less than about 30%. Substantial portions of each two neighboring major surfaces in the retroreflecting optical construction are in physical contact with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Publication date: July 14, 2016
    Inventors: WILLIAM D. COGGIO, JOHN S. HUIZINGA, MICHAEL L. STEINER, ROBERT F. WATKINS, ENCAI HAO, WILLIAM B. KOLB, PEIWANG ZHU, MICHAEL BENTON FREE, BRANT U. KOLB, KUI CHEN-HO, PAUL E. HUMPAL, SCOTT M. TAPIO, KENNETH L. SMITH
  • Patent number: 9291752
    Abstract: Retroreflecting optical constructions are disclosed. A disclosed retroreflecting optical construction includes a retroreflecting layer that has a retroreflecting structured major surface, and an optical film that is disposed on the retroreflecting structured major surface of the retroreflecting layer. The optical film has an optical haze that is not less than about 30%. Substantial portions of each two neighboring major surfaces in the retroreflecting optical construction are in physical contact with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: William D. Coggio, John S Huizinga, Michael L. Steiner, Robert F. Watkins, Encai Hao, William B. Kolb, Peiwang Zhu, Michael Benton Free, Brant U. Kolb, Kui Chen-Ho, Paul E. Humpal, Scott M. Tapio, Kenneth L. Smith
  • Publication number: 20160016338
    Abstract: A multilayer optical adhesive including a first viscoelastic or elastomeric adhesive layer and a second viscoelastic or elastomeric adhesive layer. A crosslinked or soluble resin layer may be disposed between the first viscoelastic or elastomeric adhesive layer and the second viscoelastic or elastomeric adhesive layer or the first viscoelastic or elastomeric adhesive layer may be immediately adjacent to the second viscoelastic or elastomeric adhesive layer. An interface between immediately adjacent layers is structured and there is a difference in refractive indices across the interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Marc D. Radcliffe, Daniel W. Hennen, Brett J. Sitter, Michael L. Steiner, Thomas R. Hoffend, JR., Audrey A. Sherman, John J. Stradinger, Olester Benson, JR.
  • Publication number: 20160018700
    Abstract: Optical constructions are disclosed. A disclosed optical construction includes a reflective polarizer layer, and an optical film that is disposed on the reflective polarizer layer. The optical film has an optical haze that is not less than about 50%. Substantial portions of each two neighboring major surfaces in the optical construction are in physical contact with each other. The optical construction has an axial luminance gain that is not less than about 1.2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Encai HAO, Fei LU, William Blake KOLB, Brian W. OSTLIE, Adam D. HAAG, Michael Benton FREE, William D. COGGIO, Michael L. STEINER, Soemantri WIDAGDO, Kui CHEN-HO, Lan H. LIU, Robert F. KAMRATH, Scott M. TAPIO, John A. WHEATLEY, Charles D. HOYLE, Michael F. WEBER
  • Publication number: 20160011441
    Abstract: An electronically switchable privacy device suitable for use in display devices is described. The electronically switchable privacy device comprises a first transparent electrode layer, an electronically switchable layer disposed adjacent to the first transparent electrode layer, and a second transparent electrode layer disposed adjacent to the electronically switchable layer and opposite the first transparent electrode layer. The second transparent electrode layer comprises a transparent substrate layer having a plurality of microstructured ribs extending across a major surface of the transparent substrate layer such that the microstructured ribs form an alternating series of ribs and channels, each channel having channel walls defined by adjacent ribs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventors: Evan L. Schwartz, Mark J. Pellerite, Encai Hao, Michael L. Steiner