Patents by Inventor Olester Benson

Olester Benson 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: 10564331
    Abstract: Retroreflective sheeting having a structured layer of cube corner elements and an at least one optically variable mark therein, and methods of making same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Bruce D. Orensteen, Kathryn M. Spurgeon, Olester Benson, Jr., Joseph V. Crimando
  • Patent number: 10513881
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides lamination transfer films and use of the lamination transfer films, particular in the fabrication of architectural glass elements, such as those used in Insulated Glass Units (IGUs). The lamination transfer films may be used to transfer functional layers and structures. The lamination transfer films may include a support film that can be removed during the transfer process, and the transferred materials are primarily inorganic. The resulting transferred structures on glass generally have high photo- and thermal-stability, and therefore can successfully be applied to the glass surfaces that are interior to the cavity within an IGU. The lamination transfer films can also be patterned such that macroscopic patterns of microoptical elements can be applied on a glass surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael Benton Free, Martin B. Wolk, Olester Benson, Jr., Bing Hao, Charles A. Marttila, Craig R. Schardt, Mieczyslaw H. Mazurek, Justin P. Meyer, Manoj Nirmal
  • Publication number: 20190361155
    Abstract: Lenticular microstructures and methods of making the same is disclosed. The lenticular microstructures include composite lenticular microstructures having a first light transmissive polymeric layer, a second light transmissive polymeric layer, and an interface therebetween, wherein the first light transmissive polymeric layer has a first index of refraction, the second light transmissive polymeric layer has a second index of refraction, and the first and second indices of refraction have an absolute difference of at least 0.0002.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2019
    Publication date: November 28, 2019
    Inventors: Kathryn M. SPURGEON, Olester BENSON, JR., Randy S. BAY
  • Patent number: 10436946
    Abstract: Transfer films, articles made therewith, and methods of making and using transfer films that include antireflective structures are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael Benton Free, Justin P. Meyer, Olester Benson, Jr., Terry O. Collier, Mieczyslaw H. Mazurek, Martin B. Wolk, Moses M. David
  • Patent number: 10401541
    Abstract: Lenticular microstructures and methods of making the same is disclosed. The lenticular microstructures include composite lenticular microstructures having a first light transmissive polymeric layer, a second light transmissive polymeric layer, and an interface therebetween, wherein the first light transmissive polymeric layer has a first index of refraction, the second light transmissive polymeric layer has a second index of refraction, and the first and second indices of refraction have an absolute difference of at least 0.0002.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Kathryn M. Spurgeon, Olester Benson, Jr., Randy S. Bay
  • Patent number: 10220600
    Abstract: Transfer films comprising a carrier film, a sacrificial template layer deposed on the carrier film and comprising reentrant forming template features, and a thermally stable backfill layer having a first surface conforming to the reentrant forming template features and forming reentrant features and an opposing planar second surface; and methods of making transfer films are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Martin B. Wolk, Olester Benson, Jr., Terry O. Collier, Michael Benton Free, Adam J. Meuler, Justin P. Meyer, Evan L. Schwartz
  • Publication number: 20190009459
    Abstract: Continuous additive manufacturing apparatuses are provided. An apparatus includes an actinic radiation-transparent substrate having a major surface and an irradiation source configured to direct actinic radiation through the actinic radiation-transparent substrate at predetermined dosages at predetermined locations. The apparatus further includes a means for depositing a composition onto the major surface of the actinic radiation-transparent substrate and a means for conveying the actinic radiation-transparent substrate or the irradiation source with respect to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Publication date: January 10, 2019
    Inventors: Carsten Franke, Kenneth L. Smith, Jesse R. Behnke, Robert L.W. Smithson, Lucas D. Crestik, Olester Benson, JR., Alexander J. Huffman
  • Publication number: 20180355221
    Abstract: A continuous method of manufacturing adhesives is provided. The method includes obtaining an actinic radiation-polymerizable adhesive precursor composition disposed on a major surface of an actinic radiation-transparent substrate and irradiating a first portion of the actinic radiation-polymerizable adhesive precursor composition through the actinic radiation-transparent substrate for a first irradiation dosage. The method further includes moving the actinic radiation-transparent substrate and irradiating a second portion of the actinic radiation-polymerizable adhesive precursor composition through the actinic radiation-transparent substrate for a second irradiation dosage. Optionally, the method also includes irradiating a third portion of the actinic radiation-polymerizable adhesive precursor composition through the actinic radiation-transparent substrate prior to moving the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Publication date: December 13, 2018
    Inventors: Carsten Franke, Kenneth L. Smith, Jesse R. Behnke, Robert L.W. Smithson, Lucas D. Crestik, Olester Benson, Jr., Alexander J. Huffman, Michael A. Kropp, John P. Baetzold, Serkan Yurt
  • Publication number: 20180291239
    Abstract: A method of making an adhesive is provided, including obtaining an actinic radiation-polymerizable adhesive precursor composition disposed against a surface of an actinic radiation-transparent substrate and irradiating a first portion of the actinic radiation-polymerizable adhesive precursor composition through the actinic radiation-transparent substrate for a first irradiation dosage. The method further includes irradiating a second portion of the actinic radiation-polymerizable adhesive precursor composition through the actinic radiation-transparent substrate for a second irradiation dosage. The first portion and the second portion are adjacent to or overlapping with each other and the first irradiation dosage and the second irradiation dosage are not the same. The method forms an integral adhesive having a variable thickness in an axis normal to the surface of the actinic radiation-transparent substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2016
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventors: Carsten Franke, Joseph C. Dingeldein, Jay A. Esch, Robert L.W. Smithson, Jayshree Seth, Olester Benson, Jr., Karen J. Calverley, Alexander J. Huffman, Serkan Yurt, Setareh Niknezhad, Michael A. Kropp, John P. Baetzold
  • Publication number: 20180156957
    Abstract: Lightguides and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. A structured layer is provided with light extractors formed on a structured surface thereof. In some cases, the structured layer is removably laminated onto a substrate to provide uniform light extraction. In some cases, indicia are cut out of the structured layer and laminated onto the substrate. In some cases, the structured surface of the structured layer is selectively filled to form a pattern for light extraction. In some cases, a tool for producing a structured layer has a region of structures selectively filled to form a pattern for light extraction on the produced structured layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Publication date: June 7, 2018
    Inventors: Jeremy K. Larsen, Bing Hao, David A. Ender, Tao Liu, Olester Benson, Joseph V. Crimando, Raveesh K. Shenoy, John C. Schultz
  • Publication number: 20180120581
    Abstract: A light control film includes a plurality of spaced apart substantially parallel first light absorbing regions arranged along a first direction, each first light absorbing region having a width and a height, the plurality of first light absorbing regions including nonoverlapping first and second sub-pluralities of the plurality of first light absorbing regions, the first sub-plurality of the plurality of first light absorbing regions having a first viewing angle, the second sub-plurality of the plurality of first light absorbing regions having a different second viewing angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Michael J. Sykora, Robert R. Kieschke, Kenneth L. Smith, Olester Benson, JR., Gary E. Gaides, Tao Liu, Thomas J. Blong, Gary T. Boyd
  • Publication number: 20180120580
    Abstract: A light control film includes a plurality of spaced apart substantially parallel first light absorbing regions arranged along a first direction, each first light absorbing region having a width and a height, the plurality of first light absorbing regions including nonoverlapping first and second sub-pluralities of the plurality of first light absorbing regions, the first sub-plurality of the plurality of first light absorbing regions having a first viewing angle, the second sub-plurality of the plurality of first light absorbing regions having a different second viewing angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2016
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Michael J. Sykora, Robert R. Kieschke, Kenneth L. Smith, Olester Benson, JR., Gary E. Gaides, Tao Liu, Thomas J. Blong, Gary T. Boyd
  • 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.
  • Patent number: 9878954
    Abstract: Vacuum insulated glass units having layered pillars. The glass units include two glass panes and an edge seal between the glass panes with a substantial vacuum gap between them. A plurality of pillars are located between the glass panes as spacers to maintain the vacuum gap. The pillars have a sintered ceramic, alpha alumina, or zirconia body with a tapered sidewall and a functional layer on a surface of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Margaret M. Vogel-Martin, Martin B. Wolk, Michael Benton Free, Olester Benson, Jr., Evan L. Schwartz, Robert F. Kamrath, Brant U. Kolb, Kathleen M. Humpal, Mark J. Hendrickson
  • Patent number: 9880102
    Abstract: The disclosure provides microstructured articles and methods useful for detecting an analyte in a sample. The articles include microwell arrays. The articles can be used with an optical system component in methods to detect or characterize an analyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Kurt J. Halverson, Raymond J. Kenney, Olester Benson, Jr., Raymond P. Johnston, Guoping Mao, Patrick R. Fleming, George Van Dyke Tiers, Naiyong Jing
  • 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.
  • Publication number: 20170365818
    Abstract: Lamination transfer films and methods for transferring a structured layer to a receptor substrate. The transfer films include a carrier substrate having a releasable surface, a sacrificial template layer applied to the releasable surface of the carrier substrate and having a non-planar structured surface, and a thermally stable backfill layer applied to the non-planar structured surface of the sacrificial template layer. The sacrificial template layer is capable of being removed from the backfill layer, such as via pyrolysis, while leaving the structured surface of the backfill layer substantially intact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Martin B. Wolk, Mieczyslaw H. Mazurek, Sergey Lamansky, Margaret M. Vogel-Martin, Vivian W. Jones, Olester Benson, JR., Michael Benton Free, Evan L. Schwartz, Randy S. Bay, Graham M. Clarke
  • Publication number: 20170363545
    Abstract: The disclosure provides microstructured articles and methods useful for detecting an analyte in a sample. The articles include microwell arrays. The articles can be used with an optical system component in methods to detect or characterize an analyte.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Kurt J. Halverson, Raymond J. Kenney, Olester Benson, JR., Raymond P. Johnston, Guoping Mao, Patrick R. Fleming, George Van Dyke Tiers, Naiyong Jing
  • Patent number: 9791709
    Abstract: A light control film includes a plurality of spaced apart substantially parallel first light absorbing regions arranged along a first direction, each first light absorbing region having a width and a height, the plurality of first light absorbing regions including nonoverlapping first and second sub-pluralities of the plurality of first light absorbing regions, the first sub-plurality of the plurality of first light absorbing regions having a first viewing angle, the second sub-plurality of the plurality of first light absorbing regions having a different second viewing angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Michael J. Sykora, Robert R. Kieschke, Kenneth L. Smith, Olester Benson, Jr., Gary E. Gaides, Tao Liu, Thomas J. Blong, Gary T. Boyd
  • Publication number: 20170291360
    Abstract: A method of making an adhesive is provided, including obtaining an actinic radiation-polymerizable adhesive precursor composition disposed against a surface of an actinic radiation-transparent substrate and irradiating a first portion of the actinic radiation-polymerizable adhesive precursor composition through the actinic radiation-transparent substrate for a first irradiation dosage. The method further includes irradiating a second portion of the actinic radiation-polymerizable adhesive precursor composition through the actinic radiation-transparent substrate for a second irradiation dosage. The first portion and the second portion are adjacent to or overlapping with each other and the first irradiation dosage and the second irradiation dosage are not the same. The method forms an integral adhesive having a variable thickness in an axis normal to the surface of the actinic radiation-transparent substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Publication date: October 12, 2017
    Inventors: Carsten Franke, Joseph C. Dingeldein, Jay A. Esch, Robert L.W. Smithson, Jayshree Seth, Olester Benson, JR., Karen J. Calverley, Alexander J. Huffman, Serkan Yurt, Setareh Niknezhad, Michael A. Kropp, John P. Baetzold