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: 9229261
    Abstract: An electronically switchable privacy film suitable for use in display devices are described. The electronically switchable privacy film comprises a pair of mutually opposing transparent electrodes; an optically transparent microstructured layer disposed between the transparent electrodes, the microstructured layer comprising a plurality of microstructured ribs extending across a surface thereof such that the microstructured ribs form an alternating series of ribs and channels; and electronically switchable material disposed in the channels, the electronically switchable material being capable of modulation between high and low light scattering states upon application of an electric field across the transparent electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Evan L. Schwartz, Mark J. Pellerite, Daniel W. Hennen, Marc D. Radcliffe, Michael L. Steiner, Marie A. Boulos, Michael E. Lauters, Gary T. Boyd, John P. Baetzold, John J. Stradinger, Vivian W. Jones
  • Patent number: 9229253
    Abstract: An electronically switchable privacy films suitable for use in display devices are described. The electronically switchable privacy film comprises a pair of mutually opposing transparent electrodes; an optically transparent microstructured layer disposed between the transparent electrodes, the microstructured layer comprising a plurality of microstructured ribs extending across a surface thereof such that the microstructured ribs form an alternating series of ribs and channels; and electronically switchable material disposed in the channels, the electronically switchable material being capable of modulation between high and low absorption states upon application of an electric field across the transparent electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Evan L. Schwartz, Mark J. Pellerite, Daniel W. Hennen, Marc D. Radcliffe, Michael L. Steiner, Marie A. Boulos, Michael E. Lauters, Gary T. Boyd, John P. Baetzold, John J. Stradinger, Vivian W. Jones
  • Patent number: 9102131
    Abstract: A textured film, a process for manufacture of the textured film, and a light management stack, a backlight, and a display using the textured film are described. Generally, the surface texture of a polymeric film, such as a polymeric optical film, is controlled by incorporation of a fracturable coating that fractures upon stretching the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Kristopher J. Derks, Jeffrey W. Hagen, James E. Lockridge, Michael J. Schiesl, Adam D. Haag, Jeffrey A. Peterson, Stephen A. Johnson, Mark J. Pellerite, Michael L. Steiner, Hang K. Loi
  • Patent number: 9075280
    Abstract: An electro-optic display comprises, in order, a backplane comprising a plurality of pixel electrodes; a layer of a solid electro-optic medium; a main adhesive layer; and at least one of a light-transmissive protective layer and a light-transmissive electrically-conductive layer. The electro-optic layer may be in direct contact with the backplane or separated therefrom by a thin auxiliary layer of adhesive. The main adhesive layer may be colored to provide a color filter array. An inverted front plane laminate useful in forming such a display comprises the same layers except that the backplane is replaced by a release sheet. The display combines good low temperature performance and good resolution at higher temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: E Ink Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas H. Whitesides, Richard J. Paolini, Jr., Michael D. Walls, Seungman Sohn, Michael D. McCreary, Guy M. Danner, Charles Howie Honeyman, Gregg M. Duthaler, Michael L. Steiner, John E. Ritter
  • Publication number: 20150140316
    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: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Michael L. Steiner, William D. Coggio, Thomas J. Ludemann, Emilie L. Rexeisen, William R. Dudley, Steven J. McMan, Michael L. Ruegsegger
  • Patent number: 9005494
    Abstract: Prior art processes for producing protein-based capsules (for example, capsules for use in electrophoretic media) tend to be wasteful because they produce many capsules outside the desired size range, which is typically about 20 to 50 ?m. Capsule size distribution and yields can be improved by either (a) emulsifying a water-immiscible phase in a preformed coacervate of the protein; or (b) using a limited coalescence process with colloidal alumina as the surface-active particulate material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: E Ink Corporation
    Inventors: Peter J. Valianatos, Rajesh Chebiyam, Jeremy J. Manning, Michael L. Steiner, Thomas H. Whitesides, Michael D. Walls
  • Publication number: 20150049384
    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: August 19, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: 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 B. Free, Brant U. Kolb, Kui Chen-Ho, Paul E. Humpal, Scott M. Tapio
  • Publication number: 20140347718
    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 13, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    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: 8891038
    Abstract: Lightguide is disclosed. The lightguide includes a light guiding layer for propagating light by total internal reflection, and an optical film that is disposed on the light guiding layer. The optical film includes a plurality of voids, an optical haze that is not less than about 30%, and a porosity that is not less than about 20%. Substantial portions of each two neighboring major surfaces in the lightguide are in physical contact with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: William D. Coggio, John A. Wheatley, Tao Liu, Brian W. Ostlie, Encai Hao, William Blake Kolb, Qingbing Wang, Michael Benton Free, Michael L. Steiner, Scott M. Tapio
  • Publication number: 20140232960
    Abstract: An electronically switchable privacy films suitable for use in display devices are described. The electronically switchable privacy film comprises a pair of mutually opposing transparent electrodes; an optically transparent microstructured layer disposed between the transparent electrodes, the microstructured layer comprising a plurality of microstructured ribs extending across a surface thereof such that the microstructured ribs form an alternating series of ribs and channels; and electronically switchable material disposed in the channels, the electronically switchable material being capable of modulation between high and low absorption states upon application of an electric field across the transparent electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventors: Evan L. Schwartz, Mark J. Pellerite, Daniel W. Hennen, Marc D. Radcliffe, Michael L. Steiner, Marie A. Boulos, Michael E. Lauters, Gary T. Boyd, John P. Baetzold, John J. Stradinger, Vivian W. Jones
  • Publication number: 20140226093
    Abstract: An electronically switchable privacy film suitable for use in display devices are described. The electronically switchable privacy film comprises a pair of mutually opposing transparent electrodes; an optically transparent microstructured layer disposed between the transparent electrodes, the microstructured layer comprising a plurality of microstructured ribs extending across a surface thereof such that the microstructured ribs form an alternating series of ribs and channels; and electronically switchable material disposed in the channels, the electronically switchable material being capable of modulation between high and low light scattering states upon application of an electric field across the transparent electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Evan L. Schwartz, Mark J. Pellerite, Daniel W. Hennen, Marc D. Radcliffe, Michael L. Steiner, Marie A. Boulos, Michael E. Lauters, Gary T. Boyd, John P. Baetzold, John J. Stradinger, Vivian W. Jones
  • Patent number: 8746902
    Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to retroreflective articles that include a low-index material and a printed region. This disclosure also generally relates to methods of making retroreflective articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Suman K. Patel, William D. Coggio, Michael L. Steiner, Michael Benton Free, Kenneth L. Smith
  • Publication number: 20140085573
    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: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventors: Mark J. Pellerite, Marc D. Radcliffe, John P. Baetzold, Marie A. Boulos, Michael L. Steiner, John J. Stradinger
  • Patent number: 8534849
    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: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    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, Kenneth L. Smith, Scott M. Tapio
  • Publication number: 20130222911
    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: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventors: William D. Coggio, Michael L. Steiner, William F. Edmonds, Robert F. Kamrath, Lan H. Liu, Encai Hao
  • Publication number: 20130208360
    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: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventors: William D. Coggio, Michael L. Steiner, Tao Liu, Lan H. Liu
  • Publication number: 20130202867
    Abstract: An optical article includes an optical element, a low refractive index layer disposed on the optical element having an effective refractive index of 1.3 or less and a polymeric protective layer disposed on the low refractive index layer. The low refractive index layer includes a binder, a plurality of metal oxide particles dispersed in the binder, and a plurality of interconnected voids. The polymeric protective layer does not increase an effective refractive index of the optical article by greater than 10%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: William D. Coggio, Ramesh C. Kumar, John A. Wheatley, Michael L. Steiner, William F. Edmonds, Lan H. Liu, Encai Hao, Robert F. Kamrath, John J. Stradinger
  • Publication number: 20130022788
    Abstract: A textured film, a process for manufacture of the textured film, and a light management stack, a backlight, and a display using the textured film are described. Generally, the surface texture of a polymeric film, such as a polymeric optical film, is controlled by incorporation of a fracturable coating that fractures upon stretching the film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventors: Kristopher J. Derks, Jeffrey W. Hagen, James E. Lockridge, Michael J. Schiesl, Adam D. Haag, Jeffrey A. Peterson, Stephen A. Johnson, Mark J. Pellerite, Michael L. Steiner, Hang K. Loi
  • Publication number: 20130004749
    Abstract: Surface-modified adhesives may be prepared by contacting an adhesive layer to an at least partially discontinuous layer on a releasing substrate and removing the adhesive layer such that at least a portion of the at least partially discontinuous layer adheres to the adhesive surface. The modified adhesive surface remains an adhesive surface. The modified adhesive layer can be used to prepare adhesive articles, including articles containing multiple surface-modified adhesive layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: Encai Hao, Audrey A. Sherman, Kevin R. Schaffer, Daniel W. Hennen, John P. Baetzold, Mark J. Pellerite, Mikhail L. Pekurovsky, Kanta Kumar, Michael L. Steiner, John J. Stradinger
  • Publication number: 20120037025
    Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to retroreflective articles that include a low-index material and a printed region. This disclosure also generally relates to methods of making retroreflective articles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventors: Suman K. Patel, William D. Coggio, Michael L. Steiner, Michael Benton Free, Kenneth L. Smith