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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Publication number: 20030063236Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2001Publication date: April 3, 2003Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Philip E. Watson, Keith M. Kotchick, Richard C. Allen
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Patent number: 6329046Abstract: Optical films and processes for forming the optical films are described in which materials having different properties are used and the different properties are exploited to obtain improved optical and/or mechanical properties of the optical film. The different properties of the materials may be used to select processing conditions under which the materials will react differently. The film may be processed with respect to two different directions with the amount of molecular orientation, if any, induced by the process being separately controlled for each material and each direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 1999Date of Patent: December 11, 2001Assignee: 3M Innovative PropertiesInventors: William W. Merrill, Richard C. Allen, Ronald J. Tabar, Peter D. Condo, Timothy J. Nevitt
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Publication number: 20010036013Abstract: Optical devices using reflective polarizers and, in particular, diffusely reflective polarizers are provided. Many of the optical devices utilize the diffusely reflecting and specularly transmitting properties of diffusely reflecting polarizers to enhance their optical characteristics. The optical devices include a lighting system which uses a reflector formed from a diffusely reflecting polarizer attached to a specular reflector. Another optical device is a display apparatus which uses a diffusely reflecting polarizer layer in combination with a turning lens which folds shallow angle light toward a light modulating layer. Other optical devices exploit the depolarizing characteristics of a diffusely reflecting polarizer when reflecting light. Still other optical devices use diffusely reflecting polarizers to recycle light and improve display illumination.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2001Publication date: November 1, 2001Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Richard C. Allen, Sanford Cobb, Elisa M. Cross, Susan L. Kent, Timothy J. Nevitt, Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Ronald J. Tabar, David L. Wortman
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Patent number: 6297906Abstract: An optical film is provided which comprises an antireflective layer and 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: February 28, 1997Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Richard C. Allen, Timothy J. Nevitt, Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Arthur L. Kotz, Lockwood W. Carlson, Michael F. Weber, Carl A. Stover, Biswaroop Majumdar
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Patent number: 6256146Abstract: Diffusely reflective articles manufactured from optical bodies including continuous and disperse phases are disclosed along with methods of manufacturing such articles. Also disclosed are underdrawn continuous/disperse phase optical bodies that are particularly well-suited to post-forming operations. The articles, methods and optical bodies of the present invention preferably allow for post-forming of the optical bodies while retaining desired levels of diffuse reflectivity in the articles formed from the optical bodies.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 1998Date of Patent: July 3, 2001Assignee: 3M Innovative PropertiesInventors: William W. Merrill, Richard C. Allen, Peter D. Condo, Olester Benson, Jr.
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Patent number: 6239907Abstract: A dispersing element for a rear projection screen assembly is sensitive to the polarization of the light passing through the element. In particular, the element disperses light having a first polarization differently from light having a second polarization orthogonal to the first polarization. The dispersing element may be aligned with a polarization axis neither parallel nor perpendicular to the polarization of the light passing through the element. The dispersing element may also be employed with a polarizer to remove unwanted light that propagates through the dispersing element. The dispersing element may also be rotatably mounted relative to a polarized light source so as to vary the angle between the polarization axis of the element and the polarization direction of the light.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1999Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Richard C. Allen, Jeffrey C. Chang, William W. Merrill, Robert S. Moshrefzadeh, Michael F. Weber
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Patent number: 6185039Abstract: The present invention provides light valves including polarizing elements in which light transmission can be controlled by rotating at least one of the polarizing elements about an in-plane axis. Although reflective polarizing elements are preferred in devices according to the present invention to reduce the problem of heat build-up, the use of absorptive or other polarizers may also be envisioned. The polarizing elements may also include at least one reflective polarizer in combination with an infrared reflective material or an infrared absorptive material. The polarizing elements can be included in light valves to control light transmission by rotating at least one of the polarizing elements about an in-plane axis. The light valves according to the present invention may find use in any application in which the transmission of light (visible or otherwise) is to be controlled. Examples of specific applications include, but are not limited to: windows, luminaires, skylights, etc.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 1999Date of Patent: February 6, 2001Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Co.Inventors: Richard C. Allen, Gregg A. Hietpas, Jon E. Stickrod, John A Wheatley
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Patent number: 6179948Abstract: Optical films and processes for forming the optical films are described in which materials having different properties are used and the different properties are exploited to obtain improved optical and/or mechanical properties of the optical film. The different properties of the materials may be used to select processing conditions under which the materials will react differently. The film may be processed with respect to two different directions with the amount of molecular orientation, if any, induced by the process being separately controlled for each material and each direction.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 1998Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: William W. Merrill, Richard C. Allen, Ronald J. Tabar, Peter D. Condo, Timothy J. Nevitt
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Patent number: 6141149Abstract: 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 19, 2000Date of Patent: October 31, 2000Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Lockwood W. Carlson, Arthur L. Kotz, Timothy J. Nevitt, Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Carl A. Stover, Michael F. Weber, Richard C. Allen, Biswaroop Majumdar
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Patent number: 6111696Abstract: An optical film is provided which comprises a disperse phase of polymeric particles disposed within a continuous birefringent matrix in combination with light directing materials to enable control of light emitted from a lighting fixture or display. 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, and the light directing materials are chosen to control the direction of polarized light reflected from or transmitted by the optical film.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 1997Date of Patent: August 29, 2000Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Richard C. Allen, Lockwood W. Carlson, Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Michael F. Weber, Arthur L. Kotz, Timothy J. Nevitt, Carl A. Stover, Biswaroop Majumdar
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Patent number: 6057961Abstract: An optical film is provided which exhibits increased gain at nonnormal angles of incidence and 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: February 28, 1997Date of Patent: May 2, 2000Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Richard C. Allen, Lockwood W. Carlson, Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Michael F. Weber, Arthur L. Kotz, Timothy J. Nevitt, Carl A. Stover, Biswaroop Majumdar
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Patent number: 6031665Abstract: 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: August 24, 1998Date of Patent: February 29, 2000Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Lockwood W. Carlson, Arthur L. Kotz, Timothy J. Nevitt, Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Carl A. Stover, Michael F. Weber, Richard C. Allen, Biswaroop Majumdar
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Patent number: 6005713Abstract: 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: April 30, 1999Date of Patent: December 21, 1999Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Lockwood W. Carlson, Arthur L. Kotz, Timothy J. Nevitt, Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Carl A. Stover, Michael F. Weber, Richard C. Allen, Biswaroop Majumdar
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Patent number: 5999316Abstract: The present invention provides light valves including polarizing elements in which light transmission can be controlled by rotating at least one of the polarizing elements about an in-plane axis. Although reflective polarizing elements are preferred in devices according to the present invention to reduce the problem of heat build-up, the use of absorptive or other polarizers may also be envisioned. The light valves according to the present invention may find use in any application in which the transmission of light (visible or otherwise) is to be controlled. Examples of specific applications include, but are not limited to: windows, luminaires, skylights, etc.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 1997Date of Patent: December 7, 1999Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Richard C. Allen, Gregg A. Hietpas, Jon E. Stickrod, John A Wheatley
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Patent number: 5991077Abstract: 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: August 21, 1998Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Lockwood W. Carlson, Arthur L. Kotz, Timothy J. Nevitt, Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Carl A. Stover, Michael F. Weber, Richard C. Allen, Biswaroop Majumdar
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Patent number: 5917057Abstract: This invention relates to N-hydroxy-dibenz?b,e!oxepinalkylamines, N-hydroxy-dibenz?b,e!oxepinalkanoic acid amides and related heterocyclic analogues of the formula ##STR1## where X together with the carbon atoms to which it is attached forms a benzene or thiophene ring; W and Z are independently hydrogen, halogen, loweralkyl, or trifluoromethyl; R.sup.1 is hydrogen, arylloweralkyl, loweralkoxycarbonyl, loweralkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl or arylloweralkylcarbonyl; R.sup.2 is loweralkyl, cycloalkyl, arylloweralkyl, loweralkoxycarbonyl, loweralkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl or arylloweralkylcarbonyl; m is 0 or 1 and n is an integer of 0 to 4 or the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The compounds of this invention are useful as analgesics and topical antiinflammatory agents for the treatment of various dermatoses and agents for the treatment of conditions where accumulation of cyclooxygenase and/or lipoxygenase metabolites is a causative factor.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 1998Date of Patent: June 29, 1999Assignee: Hoechst Marion Roussel, Inc.Inventors: Richard C. Allen, Grover C. Helsley, R. Richard L. Hamer, Brian S. Freed, John I. White, Lawrence L. Martin
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Patent number: 5867316Abstract: An optical film is provided which includes 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: February 29, 1996Date of Patent: February 2, 1999Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Lockwood W. Carlson, Arthur L. Kotz, Timothy J. Nevitt, Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Carl A. Stover, Michael F. Weber, Richard C. Allen, Biswaroop Majumdar
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Patent number: 5840749Abstract: This invention relates to N-hydroxy-dibenz?b,e!oxepinalkylamines, N-hydroxy-dibenz?b,e!oxepinalkanoic acid amides and related heterocyclic analogues of the formula ##STR1## where X together with the carbon atoms to which it is attached forms a benzene or thiophene ring; W and Z are independently hydrogen, halogen, loweralkyl, or trifluoromethyl; R.sup.1 is hydrogen, arylloweralkyl, loweralkoxycarbonyl, loweralkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl or arylloweralkylcarbonyl; R.sup.2 is loweralkyl, cycloalkyl, arylloweralkyl, loweralkoxycarbonyl, loweralkylcarbonyl, arylcarbonyl or arylloweralkylcarbonyl; m is 0 or 1 and n is an integer of 0 to 4 or the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The compounds of this invention are useful as analgesics and topical antiinflammatory agents for the treatment of various dermatoses and agents for the treatment of conditions where accumulation of cyclooxygenase and/or lipoxygenase metabolites is a causative factor.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 1994Date of Patent: November 24, 1998Assignee: Hoechst Marion Roussel, Inc.Inventors: Richard C. Allen, Grover C. Helsley, R. Richard L. Hamer, Brian S. Freed, John I. White, Lawrence L. Martin
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Patent number: 5825543Abstract: An optical film with 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: February 29, 1996Date of Patent: October 20, 1998Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Lockwood W. Carlson, Arthur L. Kotz, Timothy J. Nevitt, Carl A. Stover, Michael F. Weber, Richard C. Allen, Biswaroop Majumdar
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Patent number: 5783120Abstract: An optical film is provided which includes 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: February 29, 1996Date of Patent: July 21, 1998Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Lockwood W. Carlson, Arthur L. Kotz, Timothy J. Nevitt, Carl A. Stover, Michael F. Weber, Richard C. Allen, Biswaroop Majumdar