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).

  • COMPOSITE POLYMER FIBERS
    Publication number: 20100230835
    Abstract: A composite polymer fiber comprises a polymer filler material and a plurality of polymer scattering fibers disposed within the filler material. At least one of the filler material and the scattering fibers is formed of a birefringent material. The refractive indices of the filler material and the scattering fibers can be substantially matched for light incident in a first polarization state on the composite polymer fiber and unmatched for light incident in an orthogonal polarization state. The scattering fibers may be arranged to form a photonic crystal within the composite fiber. The composite fibers may be extruded and may be formed into a yarn, a weave or the like. If the filler material is soluble, it may be washed out of the yarn or weave, and the scattering fibers may then be infiltrated with a resin that is subsequently cured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Olester Benson, JR., James C. Breister, Robert L. Brott, Yeun-Jong Chou, Patrick R. Fleming, William J. Kopecky, Diane North, Roger J. Stumo, Kristin L. Thunhorst, Bruce B. Wilson
  • Apparatus and method for producing two-sided patterned web in registration
    Patent number: 7767273
    Abstract: An apparatus for casting a patterned surface on both sides of an opaque web. The apparatus includes a first patterned roll, a second pattered roll, and a means for rotating the first and second patterned rolls such that their patterns are transferred to opposite sides of the opaque web while it is in continuous motion. During this process, their patterns are maintained in continuous registration to within at least 100 micrometers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: John S. Huizinga, Vincent W. S. King, John T. Strand, James N. Dobbs, Thomas B. Hunter, Samual W. Hunter, legal representative, Thelma E. Hunter, legal representative, William V. Dower, Daniel H. Carlson, Serge Wetzels, Gregory F. King, Olester Benson, Jr., Brian W. Lueck, Haiyan Zhang, Jeremy K. Larsen, M. Benton Free, David W. Kuhns
  • Composite polymer fibers
    Patent number: 7738763
    Abstract: A composite polymer fiber comprises a polymer filler material and a plurality of polymer scattering fibers disposed within the filler material. At least one of the filler material and the scattering fibers is formed of a birefringent material. The refractive indices of the filler material and the scattering fibers can be substantially matched for light incident in a first polarization state on the composite polymer fiber and unmatched for light incident in an orthogonal polarization state. The scattering fibers may be arranged to form a photonic crystal within the composite fiber. The composite fibers may be extruded and may be formed into a yarn, a weave or the like. If the filler material is soluble, it may be washed out of the yarn or weave, and the scattering fibers may then be infiltrated with a resin that is subsequently cured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Olester Benson, Jr., James C. Breister, Robert L. Brott, Yeun-Jong Chou, Patrick R. Fleming, William J. Kopecky, Diane North, Roger J. Stumo, Kristin L. Thunhorst, Bruce B. Wilson
  • Polymer fiber polarizers with aligned fibers
    Patent number: 7599592
    Abstract: A polarizing film is made of multilayer polarizing fibers embedded within a matrix. The fibers are formed with layers of at least a first and a second polymer material. Layers of the first polymer material are disposed between layers of the second polymer material. At least one of the first and second polymer materials is birefringent. Where the fibers are non-circular in cross-section, the cross-section can be oriented within the polarizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Olester Benson, Jr., Robert L. Brott, Patrick R. Fleming, Shandon D. Hart, Andrew J. Ouderkirk
  • DICING TAPE AND DIE ATTACH ADHESIVE WITH PATTERNED BACKING
    Publication number: 20090227089
    Abstract: Provided are a tape, apparatus, and method that relate generally to a single layer adhesive which functions as a dicing tape and also as a die attach adhesive for dicing thinned wafers and subsequent die attach operations of the diced chips in semiconductor device fabrication. The tape, apparatus, and method include a backing with a surface modification that includes a pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: David J. Plaut, Eric G. Larson, Joel A. Getschel, Olester Benson, JR.
  • POST-FORMABLE MULTILAYER OPTICAL FILMS AND METHODS OF FORMING
    Publication number: 20090155540
    Abstract: Articles including post-formed multilayer optical films with layers of at least one strain-induced birefringent material, methods of manufacturing such articles by post-forming multilayer optical films, and multilayer optical films that are particularly well-suited to post-forming operations are disclosed. The articles, methods and multilayer optical films of the present invention allow for post-forming of multilayer optical films including strain-induced index of refraction differentials while retaining the desired optical properties of the multilayer optical films.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: William W. Merrill, James M. Jouza, Olester Benson, JR., Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Michael F. Weber, Janet T. Keller, Roger J. Stumo
  • DISPLAY INCORPORATING REFLECTIVE POLARIZER
    Publication number: 20090079909
    Abstract: A display includes a liquid crystal display panel, an optical cavity producing substantially collimated light and a birefringent reflective polarizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Michael F. Weber, Olester Benson, JR.
  • SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MAKING A FILM HAVING A MATTE FINISH
    Publication number: 20090029054
    Abstract: A system and a method for providing a film having a matte finish. The system includes means for providing a coated substrate, the coated substrate comprising a first coatable material applied to a substrate, the coatable material forming a first major surface of the coated substrate; means for changing the viscosity of the first coatable material from a first viscosity to a second viscosity; a face-side roller having an outer surface positioned to contact the first major surface of the coated substrate to impart a matte finish thereon; and optionally, means for hardening the first coatable material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventors: Robert A. Yapel, Francis M. Aguirre, John P. Baetzold, Olester Benson, JR., Andrew J. Henderson, Mitchell A. F. Johnson, Leslie A. Kreilich, Steven J. McMan, David L. Phillips, Bruce D. Shalles
  • LIGHT REDIRECTING SOLAR CONTROL FILM
    Publication number: 20080291541
    Abstract: A light redirecting solar control film includes a multilayer film that transmits visible light and reflects infrared light, and a light redirecting layer adjacent to the multilayer film forming a light redirecting solar control film. The light redirecting layer includes a major surface forming a plurality of prism structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventors: Raghunath Padiyath, Douglas A. Huntley, Olester Benson, JR.
  • Display having a reflective polarizer
    Patent number: 7423708
    Abstract: A multiple layer reflective polarizer 12 is described. This element is placed between and optical cavity 24 and an LCD module 16 to form an optical display. The reflective polarizer reflects some light into the optical cavity 24 where it is randomized and may ultimately emerge with the correct polarization to be transmitted out of the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Michael F. Weber, Olester Benson, Jr., Sanford Cobb, Jr., James M. Jonza, Andrew J. Ouderkirk, David L. Wortman, Carl A. Stover
  • Process for manufacturing optical and semiconductor elements
    Patent number: 7404756
    Abstract: A method for fabricating an array of precisely shaped and located shaped elements utilizes a precisely shaped patterned abrasive to form channels in a workpiece. One or more patterned abrasives contact and abrade along one or more intersecting axes to define the shaped elements. The shaped elements may include optical elements, semiconductor elements, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Paul S. Lugg, Olester Benson, Jr., Catherine A. Leatherdale, William D. Joseph
  • Optical elements containing a polymer fiber weave
    Patent number: 7406239
    Abstract: A polarizer is formed with an arrangement of polymer fibers substantially parallel within a polymer matrix. The polymer fibers are formed of at least first and second polymer materials. At least one of the polymer matrix and the first and second polymer materials is birefringent, and provides a birefringent interface with the adjacent material. Light is reflected and/or scattered at the birefringent interfaces with sensitivity to the polarization of the light. In some embodiments, the polymer fibers are formed as composite fibers, having a plurality of scattering polymer fibers disposed within a filler to form the composite fiber. In other embodiments, the polymer fiber is a multilayered polymer fiber. The polymer fibers may be arranged within the polymer matrix as part of a fiber weave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Richard C. Allen, Olester Benson, Jr., James C. Breister, Yeun-Jong Chou, Patrick R. Fleming, William J. Kopecky, Diane North, Roger J. Stumo, Kristin L. Thunhorst, Bruce B. Wilson, Harold E. Rude
  • INTERFERENCE FILMS HAVING ACRYLAMIDE LAYER AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME
    Publication number: 20080160185
    Abstract: A method for forming a color shifting film on a support, the film comprising a reflective stack disposed adjacent to the support and an image is disclosed. The reflective stack comprises an at least partially transparent spacer layer comprising a substituted acrylamide polymer disposed between a partially reflective first layer and a reflective second layer. The acrylamide layer has a thickness sufficient to produce an interference color.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: James P. Endle, Christopher S. Lyons, Douglas S. Dunn, Robert J. Devoe, James M. Jonza, Stephen P. Maki, Albert I. Everaerts, George G.I. Moore, Robin E. Wright, Mark A. Roehrig, Olester Benson
  • REINFORCED REFLECTIVE POLARIZER FILMS
    Publication number: 20080151372
    Abstract: An optical film has a first layer and a second layer. The first and second layers each include fibers embedded within respective polymeric matrices. A third layer having a reflective polarizer layer is mounted between the first and second layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Olester Benson, Timothy J. Hebrink, Shandon D. Hart, Kristin L. Thunhorst, Patrick R. Fleming
  • COMPOSITE POLYMER FIBERS
    Publication number: 20080152282
    Abstract: A composite polymer fiber comprises a polymer filler material and a plurality of polymer scattering fibers disposed within the filler material. At least one of the filler material and the scattering fibers is formed of a birefringent material. The refractive indices of the filler material and the scattering fibers can be substantially matched for light incident in a first polarization state on the composite polymer fiber and unmatched for light incident in an orthogonal polarization state. The scattering fibers may be arranged to form a photonic crystal within the composite fiber. The composite fibers may be extruded and may be formed into a yarn, a weave or the like. If the filler material is soluble, it may be washed out of the yarn or weave, and the scattering fibers may then be infiltrated with a resin that is subsequently cured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Olester Benson, James C. Breister, Robert L. Brott, Yeun-Jong Chou, Patrick R. Fleming, William J. Kopecky, Diane North, Roger J. Stumo, Kristin L. Thunhorst, Bruce B. Wilson
  • Polymer photonic crystal fibers
    Patent number: 7386212
    Abstract: A composite polymer fiber comprises a polymer filler material and a plurality of polymer scattering fibers disposed within the filler material. At least one of the filler material and the scattering fibers is formed of a birefringent material. The refractive indices of the filler material and the scattering fibers can be substantially matched for light incident in a first polarization state on the composite polymer fiber and unmatched for light incident in an orthogonal polarization state. The scattering fibers may be arranged to form a photonic crystal within the composite fiber. The composite fibers may be extruded and may be formed into a yarn, a weave or the like. If the filler material is soluble, it may be washed out of the yarn or weave, and the scattering fibers may then be infiltrated with a resin that is subsequently cured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Olester Benson, Jr., Robert L. Brott, Patrick R. Fleming, Catherine A. Leatherdale, Terence D. Neavin, Diane North
  • Polymeric photonic crystals with co-continuous phases
    Patent number: 7362943
    Abstract: An optical element is formed by co-extruding to have an arrangement of polymer scattering fibers within a polymer matrix. The scattering fibers lie substantially parallel to a first axis. The scattering fibers are arranged at positions across the cross-section of the polymer matrix to scatter light transversely incident on the optical element in a direction substantially orthogonal to the first axis. The positions of the scattering fibers across the cross-section of the optical element may be selected so as to form a two-dimensional photonic crystal structure for light transversely incident on the optical element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Olester Benson, Jr., Robert L. Brott, Patrick R. Fleming, Catherine A. Leatherdale, Terence D. Neavin, Diane North
  • Composite polymer fibers
    Patent number: 7356231
    Abstract: A composite polymer fiber comprises a polymer filler material and a plurality of polymer scattering fibers disposed within the filler material. At least one of the filler material and the scattering fibers is formed of a birefringent material. The refractive indices of the filler material and the scattering fibers can be substantially matched for light incident in a first polarization state on the composite polymer fiber and unmatched for light incident in an orthogonal polarization state. The scattering fibers may be arranged to form a photonic crystal within the composite fiber. The composite fibers may be extruded and may be formed into a yarn, a weave or the like. If the filler material is soluble, it may be washed out of the yarn or weave, and the scattering fibers may then be infiltrated with a resin that is subsequently cured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Olester Benson, Jr., James C. Breister, Robert L. Brott, Yeun-Jong Chou, Patrick R. Fleming, William J. Kopecky, Diane North, Roger J. Stumo, Kristin L. Thunhorst, Bruce B. Wilson
  • POLYMER FIBER POLARIZERS WITH ALIGNED FIBERS
    Publication number: 20080057278
    Abstract: A polarizing film is made of multilayer polarizing fibers embedded within a matrix. The fibers are formed with layers of at least a first and a second polymer material. Layers of the first polymer material are disposed between layers of the second polymer material. At least one of the first and second polymer materials is birefringent. Where the fibers are non-circular in cross-section, the cross-section can be oriented within the polarizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: Olester Benson, Robert L. Brott, Patrick R. Fleming, Shandon D. Hart, Andrew J. Ouderkirk
  • Electroluminescent light source and display incorporating same
    Patent number: 7321464
    Abstract: A brightness enhanced reflective polarizer includes a reflective polarizer and a structured surface material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Michael F. Weber, Olester Benson, Jr.