Patents by Inventor Michael Meis

Michael Meis 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: 20070252161
    Abstract: An LED assembly may include a substrate, an elongate mounting structure that is formed in or on the substrate, and an LED that is mechanically secured to the elongate mounting structure. A light producing apparatus may include a substrate, an elongate mounting structure that may be formed in or on the substrate, and a plurality of LEDs that may be removably secured to the elongate mounting structure. A light producing array may include a substrate, a first elongate mounting structure that is formed in or on the substrate, and a second elongate mounting structure that is formed in or on the substrate. A first plurality of LEDs may be removably secured to the first elongate mounting structure. A second plurality of LEDs may be removably secured to the second elongate mounting structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Publication date: November 1, 2007
    Inventors: Michael Meis, Ellen Aeling, John David
  • Patent number: 7285802
    Abstract: An illumination assembly including a thermally conductive substrate, a patterned conductive layer proximate a major surface of the thermally conductive substrate, a dielectric layer positioned between the patterned conductive layer and the major surface of the substrate, and at least one LED including a post that is attached to the thermally conductive substrate such that at least a portion of the post is embedded in the thermally conductive substrate is disclosed. The at least one LED can be thermally connected to the thermally conductive substrate through the post and electrically connected to the patterned conductive layer. The dielectric layer can be reflective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Hung T. Tran, John C. Schultz, John A. Wheatley, Joseph A. Hoffman, Kay-Uwe Schenke, Michael A. Meis, Stephen J. Pojar, Wolfgang N. Lehnhardt
  • Patent number: 7256057
    Abstract: Methods for producing phosphor based light sources are disclosed. One method includes measuring an excitation light output of an LED, forming a plurality of phosphor film articles, measuring an optical characteristic of each of the plurality of phosphor film articles, selecting one of the plurality of phosphor film articles based on the LED excitation light output and measured optical characteristic of the one of the plurality of phosphor film articles to obtain a desired emission light output from the phosphor film article when the phosphor film article is positioned to receive the excitation light, and positioning the phosphor film article to receive the excitation light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Craig R. Schardt, John A. Wheatley, Michael A. Meis
  • Patent number: 7250611
    Abstract: A radiation curing apparatus comprises a plurality of solid state radiation sources to generate radiation that cures a first material. The solid state radiation sources can be disposed in an array pattern. Optical concentrators, arranged in a corresponding array pattern, receive radiation from corresponding solid state radiation sources. The concentrated radiation is received by a plurality of optical waveguides, also arranged in a corresponding array pattern. Each optical waveguide includes a first end to receive the radiation and a second end to output the radiation. The curing apparatus can be utilized for continuous substrate, sheet, piece part, spot curing, and/or 3D radiation-cure processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Francis M. Aguirre, Michele A. Craton, Jack W. Lai, David L. Phillips, Peter T. Benson, Gordon D. Henson, Michael A. Meis
  • Publication number: 20070103925
    Abstract: An illumination system includes a plurality of radiation generating sources, such as LED dies. A corresponding plurality of optical waveguides is also provided, with each waveguide having a first and a second end, with each first end being in optical communication with the corresponding LED die. An array of corresponding passive optical elements is interposed between the plurality of LED dies and the corresponding first ends of the plurality of optical waveguides. The illumination system provides for substantially high light coupling efficiency and an incoherent light output that can appear to the human observer as arising from a single point of light. In addition, the light can be output remotely at one or more locations and in one or more directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Publication date: May 10, 2007
    Inventors: Gordon Henson, Barbara DeBaun, Michael Meis, John Schultz, John Simbal, Ronald Davis
  • Patent number: 7203402
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating a frequency comb and for its use in analyzing materials and in telecommunications. The frequency comb is generated by passing pulsed light from a laser through an optical fiber having a constriction. The frequency comb comprises a plurality of monochromatic components separated in frequency by a substantially constant frequency increment. The monochromatic components are used to probe materials for analysis. In preferred embodiments, the materials are DNA, RNA, PNA and other biologically important molecules and polymers. Optical responses are observed and used to analyze or identify samples. In telecommunication applications, the individual monochromatic components serve as carriers for individual communication channels that can carry information of any of a variety of types, such as voice, data and images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Menlo Biocombs, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodor W. Haensch, Michael Mei, Ronald Holzwarth, Frederick R. Blume
  • Patent number: 7189983
    Abstract: A radiation modifying apparatus comprises a plurality of solid state radiation sources to generate radiation that modifies a first material such as by curing or creating alignment through polarization. The solid state radiation sources can be disposed in an array pattern. Optical concentrators, arranged in a corresponding array pattern, receive radiation from corresponding solid state radiation sources. The concentrated radiation is received by a plurality of optical waveguides, also arranged in a corresponding array pattern. Each optical waveguide includes a first end to receive the radiation and a second end to output the radiation. The radiation modifying apparatus can be utilized for continuous substrate, sheet, piece part, spot curing, and/or 3D radiation-cure processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Francis M. Aguirre, Peter T. Benson, Michele A. Craton, Gordon D. Henson, David L. Hofeldt, Jack W. Lai, Michael A. Meis, David L. Phillips
  • Patent number: 7187864
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating a frequency comb and for its use in analyzing materials and in telecommunications. The frequency comb is generated by passing pulsed light from a laser through an optical fiber having a constriction. The frequency comb comprises a plurality of monochromatic components separated in frequency by a substantially constant frequency increment. The monochromatic components are used to probe materials for analysis. In preferred embodiments, the materials are DNA, RNA, PNA and other biologically important molecules and polymers. Optical responses are observed and used to analyze or identify samples. In telecommunication applications, the individual monochromatic components serve as carriers for individual communication channels that can carry information of any of a variety of types, such as voice, data and images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Menlo Biocombs, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodor W. Haensch, Michael Mei, Ronald Holzwarth, Frederick R. Blume
  • Patent number: 7163327
    Abstract: An illumination system includes a plurality of radiation generating sources, such as LED dies. A corresponding plurality of optical waveguides is also provided, with each waveguide having a first and a second end, with each first end being in optical communication with the corresponding LED die. An array of corresponding passive optical elements is interposed between the plurality of LED dies and the corresponding first ends of the plurality of optical waveguides. The illumination system provides for substantially high light coupling efficiency and an incoherent light output that can appear to the human observer as arising from a single point of light. In addition, the light can be output remotely at one or more locations and in one or more directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Gordon D. Henson, Barbara A. DeBaun, Michael A. Meis, John C. Schultz, John J. Simbal, Ronald D. Davis
  • Patent number: 7130498
    Abstract: A multi-layer optical circuit has a plurality of optical circuit layers. Each optical circuit layer is positioned on a corresponding one of a plurality of substrates. An optical fiber extends between at least two of the optical circuit layers and forms a portion of the at least two of the plurality of optical circuit layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Michael A. Meis, Nicholas A. Lee, Gordon D. Henson, Luke Carlson
  • Publication number: 20060238762
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating a frequency comb and for its use in analyzing materials and in telecommunications. The frequency comb is generated by passing pulsed light from a laser through an optical fiber having a constriction. The frequency comb comprises a plurality of monochromatic components separated in frequency by a substantially constant frequency increment. The monochromatic components are used to probe materials for analysis. In preferred embodiments, the materials are DNA, RNA, PNA and other biologically important molecules and polymers. Optical responses are observed and used to analyze or identify samples. In telecommunication applications, the individual monochromatic components serve as carriers for individual communication channels that can carry information of any of a variety of types, such as voice, data and images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Publication date: October 26, 2006
    Applicant: Menlo Biocombs, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodor Haensch, Michael Mei, Ronald Holzwarth, Frederick Blume
  • Patent number: 7088876
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating a frequency comb and for its use in analyzing materials and in telecommunications. The frequency comb is generated by passing pulsed light from a laser through an optical fiber having a constriction. The frequency comb comprises a plurality of monochromatic components separated in frequency by a substantially constant frequency increment. The monochromatic components are used to probe materials for analysis. In preferred embodiments, the materials are DNA, RNA, PNA and other biologically important molecules and polymers. Optical responses are observed and used to analyze or identify samples. In telecommunication applications, the individual monochromatic components serve as carriers for individual communication channels that can carry information of any of a variety of types, such as voice, data and images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Menlo Biocombs, Inc.
    Inventors: Theodor W. Haensch, Michael Mei, Ronald Holzwarth, Frederick R. Blume
  • Publication number: 20060131601
    Abstract: An illumination assembly including a thermally conductive substrate, a patterned conductive layer proximate a major surface of the thermally conductive substrate, a dielectric layer positioned between the patterned conductive layer and the major surface of the substrate, and at least one LED including a post that is attached to the major surface of the thermally conductive substrate is disclosed. The at least one LED can be thermally connected to the thermally conductive substrate through the post and electrically connected to the patterned conductive layer. The dielectric layer can be reflective.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Publication date: June 22, 2006
    Inventors: Andrew Ouderkirk, Hung Tran, John Schultz, John Wheatley, Kay-Uwe Schenke, Michael Meis, Stephen Pojar, Wolfgang Lehnhardt
  • Publication number: 20060131602
    Abstract: An illumination assembly including a thermally conductive substrate, a patterned conductive layer proximate a major surface of the thermally conductive substrate, a dielectric layer positioned between the patterned conductive layer and the major surface of the substrate, and at least one LED including a post that is attached to the thermally conductive substrate such that at least a portion of the post is embedded in the thermally conductive substrate is disclosed. The at least one LED can be thermally connected to the thermally conductive substrate through the post and electrically connected to the patterned conductive layer. The dielectric layer can be reflective.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Publication date: June 22, 2006
    Inventors: Andrew Ouderkirk, Hung Tran, John Schultz, John Wheatley, Joseph Hoffman, Kay-Uwe Schenke, Michael Meis, Stephen Pojar, Wolfgang Lehnhardt
  • Publication number: 20060131596
    Abstract: An illumination assembly including a thermally conductive substrate, a reflective layer proximate a first major surface of the thermally conductive substrate, a patterned conductive layer positioned between the reflective layer and the first major surface of the thermally conductive substrate and electrically isolated from the thermally conductive substrate, and at least one LED including a post that is attached to the thermally conductive substrate is disclosed. The at least one LED can be thermally connected to the thermally conductive substrate through the post and electrically connected to the patterned conductive layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Publication date: June 22, 2006
    Inventors: Andrew Ouderkirk, Michael Meis, Hung Tran, Joseph Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20060132784
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating a frequency comb and for its use in analyzing materials and in telecommunications. The frequency comb is generated by passing pulsed light from a laser through an optical fiber having a constriction. The frequency comb comprises a plurality of monochromatic components separated in frequency by a substantially constant frequency increment. The monochromatic components are used to probe materials for analysis. In preferred embodiments, the materials are DNA, RNA, PNA and other biologically important molecules and polymers. Optical responses are observed and used to analyze or identify samples. In telecommunication applications, the individual monochromatic components serve as carriers for individual communication channels that can carry information of any of a variety of types, such as voice, data and images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Publication date: June 22, 2006
    Inventors: Theodor Haensch, Michael Mei, Ronald Holzwarth, Fredrick Blume
  • Publication number: 20060098438
    Abstract: An illumination assembly includes a heat dissipating member having a plurality of circuitized strips disposed thereon a spaced relationship. Each circuitized strip includes an electrically insulative substrate having at least one circuit trace on a first side of the substrate and an electrically and thermally conductive layer on a second side of the substrate, such that the at least one circuit trace is electrically insulated from the second side of the substrate. The circuitized strips have a plurality of vias extending from the first side to the second side of the substrate. A plurality of LEDs are disposed in the plurality of vias, such that each LEDs is disposed on the electrically and thermally conductive layer on the second side of the substrate and electrically connected to the at least one circuit trace on the first side of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Publication date: May 11, 2006
    Inventors: Andrew Ouderkirk, Denny Aeschliman, Hung Tran, Kenneth Epstein, Michael Meis, John Schultz
  • Publication number: 20060057753
    Abstract: Methods for producing phosphor based light sources are disclosed. One method includes measuring an excitation light output of an LED, forming a plurality of phosphor film articles, measuring an optical characteristic of each of the plurality of phosphor film articles, selecting one of the plurality of phosphor film articles based on the LED excitation light output and measured optical characteristic of the one of the plurality of phosphor film articles to obtain a desired emission light output from the phosphor film article when the phosphor film article is positioned to receive the excitation light, and positioning the phosphor film article to receive the excitation light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2004
    Publication date: March 16, 2006
    Inventors: Craig Schardt, John Wheatley, Michael Meis
  • Publication number: 20050219540
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating a frequency comb and for its use in analyzing materials and in telecommunications. The frequency comb is generated by passing pulsed light from a laser through an optical fiber having a constriction. The frequency comb comprises a plurality of monochromatic components separated in frequency by a substantially constant frequency increment. The monochromatic components are used to probe materials for analysis. In preferred embodiments, the materials are DNA, RNA, PNA and other biologically important molecules and polymers. Optical responses are observed and used to analyze or identify samples. In telecommunication applications, the individual monochromatic components serve as carriers for individual communication channels that can carry information of any of a variety of types, such as voice, data and images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Publication date: October 6, 2005
    Inventors: Theodor Haensch, Michael Mei, Ronald Holzwarth, Frederick Blume
  • Patent number: 6917746
    Abstract: An apparatus for routing optical fibers to create a fiber optic circuit includes a substrate and a plurality of retaining structures on the substrate. The retaining structures removably retain an optical fiber adjacent the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Richard L. Simmons, Michael A. Meis, Nicholas A. Lee, Gordon D. Henson, Monte L. Otts, Luke Carlson