Patents by Inventor Patrick A. Thomas
Patrick A. Thomas 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).
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Publication number: 20170068653Abstract: A system to provide an environment for two or more people to collaborate on a project, share experiences, or meet new people. An administrator (which may also be a user or group moderator) can use a smart phone application or web browser to create a new group that one or more users may be a member. The administrator may use software on a computer to generate a symbol associated with this group.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2016Publication date: March 9, 2017Applicant: CollaborateNow LLCInventor: Patrick A. THOMAS
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Patent number: 9449541Abstract: Self illuminated back and front lit shaped and two-sided signage. The signage includes a turning film having a structured surface for redirecting light and a diffuser providing for diffusion. The shape of the signage from a viewer's perspective provides the content, such as letters, to be conveyed to the viewer. Two-sided signage includes two signs arranged back-to-back, each including a turning film having a structured surface for redirecting light, a diffuser providing for diffusion, and a printed graphic. In the two-sided signage, the turning films receive light from an ambient light source and direct the light via the structured surfaces toward viewers of the two graphics in order to passively illuminate the signage. The two-sided signage can be shaped to provide content via the shape and graphics.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2015Date of Patent: September 20, 2016Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Erik A. Aho, Patrick A. Thomas
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Patent number: 9208704Abstract: Hybrid signage capable of self illumination and having an active backlight. The signage includes a turning film having a structured surface for redirecting light in order to passively illuminate a printed graphic or shaped sign when the backlight is off. In the shaped sign, the shape provides the content, such as letters, to be conveyed to the viewer instead of a graphic. The signage can be actively illuminated when the backlight is on to supplemental the passive illumination.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2015Date of Patent: December 8, 2015Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Erik A. Aho, Audrey A. Sherman, Michael A. Meis, Kevin R. Schaffer, Patrick A. Thomas, John C. Schultz, Michael H. Hansberry, William J. Bryan, David A. Harper
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Publication number: 20150279253Abstract: Self illuminated back and front lit shaped and two-sided signage. The signage includes a turning film having a structured surface for redirecting light and a diffuser providing for diffusion. The shape of the signage from a viewer's perspective provides the content, such as letters, to be conveyed to the viewer. Two-sided signage includes two signs arranged back-to-back, each including a turning film having a structured surface for redirecting light, a diffuser providing for diffusion, and a printed graphic. In the two-sided signage, the turning films receive light from an ambient light source and direct the light via the structured surfaces toward viewers of the two graphics in order to passively illuminate the signage. The two-sided signage can be shaped to provide content via the shape and graphics.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2015Publication date: October 1, 2015Inventors: Erik A. Aho, Patrick A. Thomas
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Publication number: 20150262517Abstract: Hybrid signage capable of self illumination and having an active backlight. The signage includes a turning film having a structured surface for redirecting light in order to passively illuminate a printed graphic or shaped sign when the backlight is off. In the shaped sign, the shape provides the content, such as letters, to be conveyed to the viewer instead of a graphic. The signage can be actively illuminated when the backlight is on to supplemental the passive illumination.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2015Publication date: September 17, 2015Inventors: Erik A. Aho, Audrey A. Sherman, Michael A. Meis, Kevin R. Schaffer, Patrick A. Thomas, John C. Schultz, Michael H. Hansberry, William J. Bryan, David A. Harper
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Patent number: 9082326Abstract: Self illuminated back and front lit shaped and two-sided signage. The signage includes a turning film having a structured surface for redirecting light and a diffuser providing for diffusion. The shape of the signage from a viewer's perspective provides the content, such as letters, to be conveyed to the viewer. Two-sided signage includes two signs arranged back-to-back, each including a turning film having a structured surface for redirecting light, a diffuser providing for diffusion, and a printed graphic. In the two-sided signage, the turning films receive light from an ambient light source and direct the light via the structured surfaces toward viewers of the two graphics in order to passively illuminate the signage. The two-sided signage can be shaped to provide content via the shape and graphics.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2013Date of Patent: July 14, 2015Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Erik A. Aho, Patrick A. Thomas
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Patent number: 9070312Abstract: Hybrid signage capable of self illumination and having an active backlight. The signage includes a turning film having a structured surface for redirecting light in order to passively illuminate a printed graphic or shaped sign when the backlight is off. In the shaped sign, the shape provides the content, such as letters, to be conveyed to the viewer instead of a graphic. The signage can be actively illuminated when the backlight is on to supplemental the passive illumination.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2013Date of Patent: June 30, 2015Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Erik A. Aho, Audrey A. Sherman, Michael A. Meis, Kevin R. Schaffer, Patrick A. Thomas, John C. Schultz, Michael H. Hansberry, William J. Bryan, David A. Harper
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Publication number: 20150121732Abstract: Hybrid signage capable of self illumination and having an active backlight. The signage includes a turning film having a structured surface for redirecting light in order to passively illuminate a printed graphic or shaped sign when the backlight is off. In the shaped sign, the shape provides the content, such as letters, to be conveyed to the viewer instead of a graphic. The signage can be actively illuminated when the backlight is on to supplemental the passive illumination.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2013Publication date: May 7, 2015Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: ERIK A. AHO, AUDREY A. SHERMAN, MICHAEL A. MEIS, KEVIN R. SCHAFFER, PATRICK A. THOMAS, JOHN C. SCHULTZ, MICHAEL H. HANSBERRY, WILLIAM J. BRYAN, DAVID A. HARPER
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Publication number: 20150039986Abstract: A system to provide an environment for two or more people to collaborate on a project, share experiences, or meet new people. An administrator (which may also be a user or group moderator) can use a smart phone application or web browser to create a new group that one or more users may be a member. The administrator may use software on a computer to generate a symbol associated with this group.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2014Publication date: February 5, 2015Inventor: Patrick A. THOMAS
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Publication number: 20140325882Abstract: Self illuminated back and front lit shaped and two-sided signage. The signage includes a turning film having a structured surface for redirecting light and a diffuser providing for diffusion. The shape of the signage from a viewer's perspective provides the content, such as letters, to be conveyed to the viewer. Two-sided signage includes two signs arranged back-to-back, each including a turning film having a structured surface for redirecting light, a diffuser providing for diffusion, and a printed graphic. In the two-sided signage, the turning films receive light from an ambient light source and direct the light via the structured surfaces toward viewers of the two graphics in order to passively illuminate the signage. The two-sided signage can be shaped to provide content via the shape and graphics.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2013Publication date: November 6, 2014Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: ERIK A. AHO, PATRICK A. THOMAS
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Publication number: 20140210322Abstract: A transparent display booth for displaying products and providing product-related information. The display booth includes a bottom panel, a back panel, a transparent front plate opposite the back panel, and a transparent display device located co-extensive with the front plate. The bottom and back panels have reflective inner surfaces. The transparent display device can electronically display product-related information, and products located in an interior of the display booth are viewable through the transparent display device to showcase the products and offer them for sale. Multiple transparent display booths can be combined to form a networked retail system.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2013Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Ralph R. Roberts, Jane K. Wardhana, Patrick A. Thomas, Rolf W. Biernath, Brian T. Weber
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Publication number: 20140141725Abstract: A wireless presentation system includes communication means for line-of-sight communication links such that an association between a content holder and a desired presentation device can be automatically established using line-of-sight communication links.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2012Publication date: May 22, 2014Inventors: Ronald D. Jesme, Craig R. Schardt, Patrick M. Campbell, Patrick A. Thomas, Ernesto M. Rodriguez, JR., George D. Kokkosoulis, Daniel A. Syrstad, Douglas S. Parker
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Patent number: 8562145Abstract: A system for projecting changeable electronic content, such as video or digital still images, onto a curved surface. The system includes a housing, a reflector within the housing, and a projector. The housing has an exterior surface and an interior space. At least a portion of the exterior surface is a curved display surface capable of displaying electronic content projected upon it, and at least one portion of the exterior surface has an aperture through the exterior surface to the interior space. The projector is located proximate the aperture for projecting content through the aperture to the reflector. When the projector receives converted content and projects the converted content through the aperture to the reflector, the curved display surface displays the converted content undistorted to a viewer. The system can also provide for display of branded content on a product container having a shape corresponding with the brand.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2011Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Ralph R. Roberts, Glenn E. Casner, Brett J. Sitter, Jane K. Wardhana, Brian T. Weber, Kenneth A. Epstein, Martin B. Wolk, Patrick A. Thomas
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Publication number: 20130033650Abstract: A system for projecting changeable electronic content, such as video or digital still images, onto multiple surfaces. The system includes a projector, one or more reflectors, and at least two display surfaces. The projector via a reflector projects content onto one of the display surfaces and either directly or via another reflector projects content onto the other display surface. The display surfaces can be multiple curved surfaces, multiple planar surfaces in different viewing planes, or a curved surface and a planar surface. For the curved surfaces, the projector receives converted content and projects the converted content such that the curved surface displays the converted content undistorted to a viewer. The system can also provide for display of branded content on a product container having a shape corresponding with the brand.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2011Publication date: February 7, 2013Inventors: Ralph R. Roberts, Brian T. Weber, Jane K. Wardhana, Glenn E. Casner, Brett J. Sitter, Patrick A. Thomas, Steven T. Berg
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Publication number: 20120327297Abstract: A system for projecting changeable electronic content, such as video or digital still images, onto a curved surface. The system includes a housing, a reflector within the housing, and a projector. The housing has an exterior surface and an interior space. At least a portion of the exterior surface is a curved display surface capable of displaying electronic content projected upon it, and at least one portion of the exterior surface has an aperture through the exterior surface to the interior space. The projector is located proximate the aperture for projecting content through the aperture to the reflector. When the projector receives converted content and projects the converted content through the aperture to the reflector, the curved display surface displays the converted content undistorted to a viewer. The system can also provide for display of branded content on a product container having a shape corresponding with the brand.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2011Publication date: December 27, 2012Inventors: Ralph R. Roberts, Glenn E. Casner, Brett J. Sitter, Jane K. Wardhana, Brian T. Weber, Kenneth A. Epstein, Martin B. Wolk, Patrick A. Thomas
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Patent number: 7593017Abstract: A system for generating and providing a simulated image. Based upon a source image and first parameters for a first display device, the system generates and displays a simulated image on second display device having second parameters. The first parameters are different from the second parameters, and the simulated image displayed on the second display device provides a visual indication of how the source image would appear when displayed on the first display device. The parameters can include a resolution in pixels per inch and a fill factor for the display device. The system can also be used to provide a visual indication of how the source image would appear when displayed on the second display device under varying lighting conditions and viewing angles.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2006Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: James A. Thielen, Scott J. Reckinger, Richard J. Moore, Patrick A. Thomas, Manoj Nirmal
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Publication number: 20080043043Abstract: A system for generating and providing a simulated image. Based upon a source image and first parameters for a first display device, the system generates and displays a simulated image on second display device having second parameters. The first parameters are different from the second parameters, and the simulated image displayed on the second display device provides a visual indication of how the source image would appear when displayed on the first display device. The parameters can include a resolution in pixels per inch and a fill factor for the display device. The system can also be used to provide a visual indication of how the source image would appear when displayed on the second display device under varying lighting conditions and viewing angles.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2006Publication date: February 21, 2008Inventors: James A. Thielen, Scott J. Reckinger, Richard J. Moore, Patrick A. Thomas, Manoj Nirmal
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Patent number: 7184210Abstract: A film for a screen has a light transmitting substrate and a plurality of structures disposed on the substrate. An optical material at least partially fills cavities between the structures. A method of forming a film includes providing a light transmitting substrate having a plurality of structures disposed thereon and at least partially filling the cavities therebetween with an optical material.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2006Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Patrick A. Thomas, John C. Nelson, Scott M. Tapio, Michael L. Graetz, Amy J. Gates, Peter M. Olofson, Robert L. Brott, Robert S. Moshrefzadeh
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Patent number: 7142361Abstract: An optical material includes an adhesive formed from perfluoroalkylsulfonamidoethyl acrylate, aliphatic urethane acrylate oligomer and acrylate monomer. A film can include a first layer, a second layer disposed on the first layer and a polymerized composition disposed between the first and second layers and attaching the first layer to the second layer, the composition including perfluoroalkylsulfonamidoethyl acrylate, aliphatic urethane acrylate oligomer and acrylate monomer. A film can include a substrate and a plurality of structures disposed on the substrate, each of the structures formed by polymerizing a composition including perfluoroalkylsulfonamidoethyl acrylate, aliphatic urethane acrylate oligomer and acrylate monomer.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2005Date of Patent: November 28, 2006Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Peter M. Olofson, Patrick A. Thomas, Amy J. Gates, George G. I. Moore, Patricia M. Savu
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Patent number: 7057810Abstract: A film for a screen has a light transmitting substrate and a plurality of structures disposed on the substrate. An optical material at least partially fills cavities between the structures. A method of forming a film includes providing a light transmitting substrate having a plurality of structures disposed thereon and at least partially filling the cavities therebetween with an optical material.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2003Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Patrick A. Thomas, John C. Nelson, Scott M. Tapio, Michael L. Graetz, Amy J. Gates, Peter M. Olofson, Robert L. Brott, Robert S. Moshrefzadeh