Patents by Inventor Richard C. Allen
Richard C. Allen 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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Patent number: 10766223Abstract: A fabric with a laminated adhesive-backed protective layer. The adhesive-backed protective layer has a matte finish that is low gloss and may approximate the fabric itself.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2016Date of Patent: September 8, 2020Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Richard C. Allen, Ellen O. Aeling, William J. Bryan, Robert R. Condon, David J. Koch, John C. Schultz
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Publication number: 20190084269Abstract: A fabric with a laminated adhesive-backed protective layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2016Publication date: March 21, 2019Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Richard C. Allen, Ellen O. Aeling, William J. Bryan, Robert R. Condon, David J. Koch, John C. Schultz
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Publication number: 20170210063Abstract: Finishing system for a 3D printed object involves applying a film to an outer surface of the object in order to hide surface artifacts associated with the 3D printing process that created the object.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2015Publication date: July 27, 2017Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Christine M. ANDRES, William J. BRYAN, John C. SCHULTZ, Michael R. KESTI, Richard C. ALLEN
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Patent number: 7526164Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 18, 2008Date of Patent: April 28, 2009Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Richard C. Allen, Patrick R. Fleming, Diane North, Andrew T. Ruff, Kristin L. Thunhorst
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Patent number: 7413317Abstract: A light exposure system is used to expose an alignment layer formed of anistropically absorbing molecules so as to allow alignment of subsequently applied liquid crystal polymer (LCP) molecules. The light incident on the alignment layer is polarized. When a single polarizer is used, the azimuthal polarization direction varies across the substrate carrying the alignment layer. Various approaches to reducing the azimuthal polarization variation may be adopted, including the introduction of various types of polarization rotation reduction element and in selecting an appropriate tilt angle for the light source. Furthermore, a reflective structure may be inserted between the light source and the alignment layer. Use of the reflective structure increases the total amount of light incident on the alignment layer.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2004Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Jeffrey L. Solomon, Michael C. Lea, Richard C. Allen
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Patent number: 7406239Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 28, 2005Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: 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
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Patent number: 7405784Abstract: An optical stack includes a first liquid crystal layer and a j-retarder disposed on the liquid crystal layer. The j-retarder includes a simultaneous biaxally stretched polymeric film being substantially non-absorbing and non-scattering for at least one polarization state of visible light. The j-retarder has x, y, and z orthogonal indices of refraction where at least two of the orthogonal indices of refraction are not equal, an in-plane retardance being 100 nm or less and an out-of-plane retardance being 50 nm or greater.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2003Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Fred J. Roska, Richard C. Allen, Matthew B. Johnson, Steven J. Rhyner, William W. Merrill, Joan M. Strobel, Kevin M. Hamer, Gregory E. Gilligan
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Publication number: 20080165419Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2008Publication date: July 10, 2008Inventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Richard C. Allen, Patrick R. Fleming, Diane North, Andrew T. Ruff, Kristin L. Thunhorst
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Publication number: 20080128927Abstract: Methods of making optical films having continuous phase/disperse phase morphology are disclosed which can control the nature of the disperse phase in such films to yield enhanced optical properties. When used in liquid crystal displays and the like, the films can increase the screen luminance beyond that achievable with known continuous phase/disperse phase optical films.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2007Publication date: June 5, 2008Inventors: Ronald J. Tabar, Susan L. Kent, Richard C. Allen
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Patent number: 7356229Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 28, 2005Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Richard C Allen, Patrick R. Fleming, Diane North, Andrew T. Ruff, Kristin L. Thunhorst
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Patent number: 7245431Abstract: An assembly that includes a first reflective polarizer substantially reflecting light having a first polarization state and substantially transmitting light having a second polarization state, a polarization rotating layer or depolarizing layer (or both) positioned to receive light passing through the first reflective polarizer, and a second reflective polarizer positioned to receive light passing through the polarization rotating layer or depolarizing layer, the second reflective polarizer substantially reflecting light having a third polarization state back through the polarization rotating layer or depolarizing and substantially transmitting light having a fourth polarization state. Articles containing the assembly can be formed.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2006Date of Patent: July 17, 2007Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Philip E. Watson, Keith M. Kotchick, Richard C. Allen
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Patent number: 7132065Abstract: A process for making an optical film includes stretching a polyolefin film in a first direction and stretching the polyolefin film in a second direction different than the first direction forming a biaxially stretched polyolefin film. At least a portion of the stretching of the polyolefin film in the second direction occurs simultaneous with the stretching of the polyolefin film in the first direction. The biaxially stretched polyolefin film has a length and a width and substantially non-absorbing and non-scattering for at least one polarization state of visible light. The biaxially stretched polyolefin film has x, y, and z orthogonal indices of refraction where at least two of the orthogonal indices of refraction are not equal, an in-plane retardance being 100 nm or less and an out-of-plane retardance being 50 nm or greater.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2003Date of Patent: November 7, 2006Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Richard C. Allen, Matthew B. Johnson, Fred J. Roska, Steven J. Rhyner, William W. Merrill, Joan M. Strobel, Kevin M. Hamer, John M. Klaeser, Sebastian F. Zehentmaier
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Patent number: 7115256Abstract: The invention provides methods for the treatment of abnormal psychiatric states, particularly the negative symptoms of schizophrenia and extrapyramidal side effects (EPS) of antipsychotic drugs. The inventive methods relate to the administration of therapeutic cells (which produce dopamine or dopamine precursors) adhered to support matrices to subjects suffering from the negative symptoms of schizophrenia and/or EPS. The therapeutic cells may be coadministered with cells which protect the therapeutic cells from immune rejection and/or cells which produce neurotrophic factors which improve the viability of the therapeutic cells.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 1999Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Assignee: Titan Pharmaceuticals, Inc.Inventors: Richard C. Allen, Michael Cornfeldt
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Patent number: 7110072Abstract: An optical stack includes a first liquid crystal layer and a j-retarder disposed on the liquid crystal layer. The j-retarder includes a simultaneous biaxially stretched polymeric film being substantially non-absorbing and non-scattering for at least one polarization state of visible light. The j-retarder has x, y, and z orthogonal indices of refraction where at least two of the orthogonal indices of refraction are not equal, an in-plane retardance being 100 nm or less and an absolute value for an out-of-plane retardance being 55 nm or greater.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2004Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Fred J. Roska, Richard C. Allen, Matthew B. Johnson, Steven J. Rhyner, William W. Merrill, Joan M. Strobel, Kevin M. Hamer, Gregory E. Gilligan
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Patent number: 7099083Abstract: An optical film includes a layer of simultaneous biaxially stretched polyolefin film that is substantially non-absorbing and non-scattering for at least one polarization state of visible light. The layer has x, y, and z orthogonal indices of refraction where at least two of the orthogonal indices of refraction are not equal. The layer has an in-plane retardance of 100 nm or less and an absolute value of an out-of-plane retardance being 55 nm or greater.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2004Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Matthew B. Johnson, Richard C. Allen, Fred J. Roska, Steven J. Rhyner, William W. Merrill, Joan M. Strobel, Kevin M. Hamer
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Patent number: 7088411Abstract: Compensation of a liquid crystal display can be achieved using a compensation structure, having, in the following order: a) a first o-plate; b) a first retarder; c) a liquid crystal cell; d) a second retarder; and e) a second o-plate. The first and second retarders can be c-plates or biaxial retarders.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2004Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignees: 3M Innovative Properties Company, Rolic AGInventors: Richard C. Allen, Thomas Bachels, Jürg Fünfschilling, Martin Schadt, Hubert Seiberle
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Patent number: 7084938Abstract: A film that includes a first reflective polarizer substantially reflecting light having a first polarization state and substantially transmitting light having a second polarization state, a polarization rotating layer or depolarizing layer (or both) positioned to receive light passing through the first reflective polarizer, and a second reflective polarizer positioned to receive light passing through the polarization rotating layer or depolarizing layer, the second reflective polarizer substantially reflecting light having a third polarization state back through the polarization rotating layer or depolarizing and substantially transmitting light having a fourth polarization state. Articles containing the film can be formed.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2004Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Philip E. Watson, Keith M. Kotchick, Richard C. Allen
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Patent number: 7057816Abstract: An optical film is provided which comprises a disperse phase of polymeric particles disposed within a continuous birefringent matrix. The film is oriented, typically by stretching, in one or more directions. The size and shape of the disperse phase particles, the volume fraction of the disperse phase, the film thickness, and the amount of orientation are chosen to attain a desired degree of diffuse reflection and total transmission of electromagnetic radiation of a desired wavelength in the resulting film.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2006Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Richard C. Allen, Arthur L. Kotz, Lockwood W. Carlson, Timothy J. Nevitt, Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Carl A. Stover, Michael F. Weber, Biswaroop Majumdar
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Patent number: 7006747Abstract: A method for forming a display device including generating a face plate element by providing a first substrate with a photoactive resin thereon and exposing the photoactive resin to a light interference pattern formed by three collimated and coherent light sources, resulting in columnar features. A display device including an optical display element and a polymer face plate that receives or directs light to the optical display element. The face plate includes columnar areas where an index of refraction of the columnar areas is different from the index of refraction of a cladding area surrounding the columnar areas. The columnar areas are formed by exposure of a photoactive resin to a light interference pattern formed by three collimated and coherent light sources. A method of manufacturing a wave guide including providing a first substrate with a photoactive resin thereon and creating a wave guide channel in a wave guide template.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2003Date of Patent: February 28, 2006Assignees: 3M Innovative Properties Company, Brown UniversityInventors: Michael J. Escuti, Gregory P. Crawford, Richard C. Allen
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Patent number: 6999233Abstract: An optical film is provided which comprises a disperse phase of polymeric particles disposed within a continuous birefringent matrix. The film is oriented, typically by stretching, in one or more directions. The size and shape of the disperse phase particles, the volume fraction of the disperse phase, the film thickness, and the amount of orientation are chosen to attain a desired degree of diffuse reflection and total transmission of electromagnetic radiation of a desired wavelength in the resulting film.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2004Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Richard C. Allen, Arthur L. Kotz, Lockwood W. Carlson, Timothy J. Nevitt, Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Carl A. Stover, Michael F. Weber, Biswaroop Majumdar