Patents by Inventor Robert B. Nilsen
Robert B. Nilsen 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: 20040169928Abstract: Optical structures and methods for manufacturing the same includes, in one embodiment, a substrate and a plurality of two-sided optical components disposed along the substrate. Each component includes optical microstructures on each side. At least a portion of one side of at least some of the components is air-backed and the other side of the at least some of the components is substantially wetted-out by a material. Retroreflective optical structures, threads, or fibers and manufacturing methods for forming same are also provided. Optical structures are provided that include a plurality of microstructures enclosed within an outer layer that is formed from a single substrate. An apparatus and method are also provided for forming an optical structure comprising injecting a material into a mold to form the optical structure, forming the optical structure into a desired geometric shape, and sealing ends of the optical structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2003Publication date: September 2, 2004Applicant: Reflexite CorporationInventors: Robert B. Nilsen, William P. Rowland
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Publication number: 20040169791Abstract: A polarizer is provided comprising a subwavelength optical microstructure wherein the microstructure is partially covered with a light-transmissive inhibiting surface for polarizing light. The inhibiting surface can include a reflective surface, such as a metalized coating. The subwavelength optical microstructure can include moth-eye structures, linear prisms, or modified structures thereof. A polarizing structure is further provided comprising a plurality of moth-eye structures stacked on one another for polarizing light.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2003Publication date: September 2, 2004Applicant: Reflexite CorporationInventors: Robert B. Nilsen, Patrick W. Mullen, Michael J. Hanrahan, Edward D. Phillips
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Patent number: 6770225Abstract: Retroreflective prism sheeting is formed in a mold with textured facets and/or windows thereon. Smaller prisms are formed adjacent larger prisms. Optionally, the optical axis of the prisms may be tilted with respect to one another, preferably in a negative direction. The textured facets or windows provide more uniform retroreflected light intensity distribution and whiteness of the sheeting.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2001Date of Patent: August 3, 2004Assignee: Reflexite CorporationInventors: Robert B. Nilsen, Christopher Alan Barnett, Nicholas John Phillips
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Publication number: 20040027676Abstract: A waveguide for use in a back lighting device includes a moth-eye structured surface. A back lighting system includes a lighting device, a display panel, and a waveguide for redirecting light generated by the light source toward the display panel. A first light-redirecting film, which can include a plurality of moth-eye structures, can be positioned between the waveguide and the display panel. The first light-redirecting film can also include a plurality of linear prisms. A second light-redirecting film is also provided that can include a plurality of moth-eye structures and a plurality of linear prisms. The second light-redirecting film can be positioned between the first light-redirecting film and the display panel. A diffuser can be positioned between the first light-redirecting film and the waveguide and/or between the second light-redirecting film and the display panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2003Publication date: February 12, 2004Applicant: Reflexite CorporationInventors: Robert B. Nilsen, Patrick W. Mullen, Xiao-Jing Lu
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Patent number: 6570710Abstract: A light collimating film has a sheeting having a first side and a second side, wherein the first side includes a series of linear optical elements having a primary axis running the length of the optical elements, and the second side includes a plurality of subwavelength optical microstructures being oriented at about 90 degrees relative to the primary axis of the linear optical elements. Another embodiment includes a back lighting display device having a lighting device, a display panel, and a sheeting having a first side and a second side, wherein the first side includes a series of linear prisms having peaks, and the second side includes a plurality of subwavelength optical microstructures being oriented at about 90 degrees relative to the peaks of the linear prisms.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2000Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Assignee: Reflexite CorporationInventors: Robert B. Nilsen, Patrick W. Mullen, Xiao-Jing Lu
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Publication number: 20020196542Abstract: A retroreflective structure is disclosed that has cube corner retroreflective elements. The structure includes a first array of retroreflective elements oriented in a first direction within a plane and a second array of retroreflective elements oriented in a second direction within the plane, wherein said second direction being about 90° to said first direction. The structure further includes a third array of retroreflective elements oriented in a third direction within the plane, wherein said third direction being about 180° to said first direction and a fourth array of retroreflective elements oriented in a fourth direction being about 270° to said first direction. In one embodiment, the retroreflective structure includes the retroreflective elements having cube corner elements having a pitch between elements in the range of between about 0.0035 and 0.0045 inches (0.088 and 0.114 millimeters).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2002Publication date: December 26, 2002Applicant: Reflexite CorporationInventors: Robert B. Nilsen, Xiao Jing Lu, Gary J. Gauer
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Patent number: 6457835Abstract: A retroreflective structure is disclosed that has cube corner retroreflective elements. The structure includes a first array of retroreflective elements oriented in a first direction within a plane and a second array of retroreflective elements oriented in a second direction within the plane, wherein said second direction being about 90° to said first direction. The structure further includes a third array of retroreflective elements oriented in a third direction within the plane, wherein said third direction being about 180° to said first direction and a fourth array of retroreflective elements oriented in a fourth direction being about 270° to said first direction. In one embodiment, the retroreflective structure includes the retroreflective elements having cube corner elements having a pitch between elements in the range of between about 0.0035 and 0.0045 inches (0.088 and 0.114 millimeters).Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2000Date of Patent: October 1, 2002Assignee: Reflexite CorporationInventors: Robert B. Nilsen, Xiao Jing Lu, Gary J. Gauer
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Publication number: 20020044351Abstract: A polarizer is provided comprising a subwavelength optical microstructure wherein the microstructure is partially covered with a light-transmissive inhibiting surface for polarizing light. The inhibiting surface can include a reflective surface, such as a metalized coating. The subwavelength optical microstructure can include moth-eye structures, linear prisms, or modified structures thereof. A polarizing structure is further provided comprising a plurality of moth-eye structures stacked on one another for polarizing light.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2001Publication date: April 18, 2002Applicant: Reflexite CorporationInventor: Robert B. Nilsen
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Patent number: 6356389Abstract: A light collimating film has a sheeting having a first side and a second side, wherein the first side includes a series of prisms, and the second side includes a plurality of subwavelength optical microstructures. Another embodiment includes a back lighting display device having a lighting means, a display panel, and a sheeting having a first side and a second side, wherein the first side includes a series of prisms, and the second side includes a plurality of subwavelength optical microstructures. A preferred embodiment includes a back lighting display device having a first collimating film having a first surface with a subwavelength optical microstructure thereon and a second surface with linear prisms having an included angle of greater than about 95 degrees, and a second collimating film having a first surface with a subwavelength optical microstructure thereon and a second surface with linear prisms having an included angle of less than about 85 degrees.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1999Date of Patent: March 12, 2002Assignee: Reflexite CorporationInventors: Robert B. Nilsen, Patrick W. Mullen, Xiao-Jing Lu
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Publication number: 20010048169Abstract: Retroreflective prism sheeting is formed in a mold with textured facets and/or windows thereon. Smaller prisms are formed adjacent larger prisms. Optionally, the optical axis of the prisms may be tilted with respect to one another, preferably in a negative direction. The textured facets or windows provide more uniform retroreflected light intensity distribution and whiteness of the sheeting.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2001Publication date: December 6, 2001Applicant: Reflexite CorporationInventors: Robert B. Nilsen, Christopher Alan Barnett, Nicholas John Phillips
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Patent number: 6258443Abstract: Retroreflective prism sheeting is formed in a mold with textured facets and/or windows thereon. Smaller prisms are formed adjacent larger prisms. Optionally, the optical axis of the prisms may be tilted with respect to one another, preferably in a negative direction. The textured facets or windows provide more uniform retroreflected light intensity distribution and whiteness of the sheeting.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 1997Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Assignee: Reflexite CorporationInventors: Robert B. Nilsen, Christopher Alan Barnett, Nicholas John Phillips
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Patent number: 6206525Abstract: Retroreflective sheeting for forming orientation free cones of reflected light encompassing a 0.5 degree angle of observation is formed of small metal backed cube corner prisms in an array in which the size of the prisms are in a range between 0.0005 inch to 0.003 inches on center. The array is formed by casting transparent plastic prisms in a mold formed by ruling three sets of grooves which intersect at an angle. The grooves are spaced apart in the range of 0.0005 inch to 0.003 inches on center. Before or after formation, the prisms are coated with a reflective material such as a metal.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 1997Date of Patent: March 27, 2001Assignee: Reflexite CorporationInventors: William P. Rowland, Robert B. Nilsen
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Patent number: 6139158Abstract: Retroreflective sheeting and articles are formed in which the size of the retroreflective and non-retroreflective surfaces may be varied across an array of microprisms. This is accomplished by varying the location of the reflective coating applied to the microprism side facets, such that, some prism side facets are completely coated with reflective material while others are coated only at the apex area; and still others are coated with a non-reflective coatings, such as, a colored adhesive.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 1997Date of Patent: October 31, 2000Assignee: Reflexite CorporationInventors: Robert B. Nilsen, Michael Hanrahan
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Patent number: 6120636Abstract: A continuous process for producing printed patterns on retroreflective material is disclosed, wherein a partially cured pattern is printed on a roll of film and partially cured cube-corner prisms are bonded to the film over the printed matter thereby encapsulating the printed matter to protect the printed matter from the environment.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1998Date of Patent: September 19, 2000Assignee: Reflexite CorporationInventors: Robert B. Nilsen, Gus Bernard, Michael J. Hanrahan
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Patent number: 6119751Abstract: A continuous process for producing printed patterns on retroreflective material is disclosed, wherein a partially cured pattern is printed on a roll of film and partially cured cube-corner prisms are bonded to the film over the printed matter thereby encapsulating the printed matter to protect the printed matter from the environment.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 1998Date of Patent: September 19, 2000Assignee: Reflexite CorporationInventors: Robert B. Nilsen, Gus Bernard, Michael J. Hanrahan
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Patent number: 6036322Abstract: A retroreflective structure is disclosed that has cube corner retroreflective elements. The structure includes a first array of retroreflective elements oriented in a first direction within a plane and a second array of retroreflective elements oriented in a second direction within the plane, wherein said second direction being about 90.degree. to said first direction. The structure further includes a third array of retroreflective elements oriented in a third direction within the plane, wherein said third direction being about 180.degree. to said first direction and a fourth array of retroreflective elements oriented in a fourth direction being about 270.degree. to said first direction. In one embodiment, the retroreflective structure includes the retroreflective elements having cube corner elements having a pitch between elements in the range of between about 0.0035 and 0.0045 inches (0.088 and 0.114 millimeters).Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 1997Date of Patent: March 14, 2000Assignee: Reflexite CorporationInventors: Robert B. Nilsen, Xiao Jing Lu, Gary J. Gauer
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Patent number: 5840406Abstract: Retroreflective prisms are formed with windows thereon by removing a portion of the prism mold on one prism pair leaving the apex of the prism intact. In this manner smaller prisms are formed adjacent larger prisms. Optionally, the optical axis of the prisms may be tilted with respect to one another, preferably in a negative direction. The smaller prisms with windows provide increased brightness and optimize the retroreflection light.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 1996Date of Patent: November 24, 1998Assignee: Reflexite CorporationInventor: Robert B. Nilsen
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Patent number: 5780140Abstract: Retroreflective material is disclosed which is formed of an array of microprisms which reflect light more uniformly by forming a concave curvature in the base face of the prisms.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 1996Date of Patent: July 14, 1998Assignee: Reflexite CorporationInventor: Robert B. Nilsen
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Patent number: 5657162Abstract: Retroreflective sheeting and articles are formed in which the size of the retroreflective and non-retroflective surfaces may be varied across an array of microprisms. This is accomplished by varying the location of the reflective coating applied to the microprism side facets, such that, some prism side facets are completely coated with reflective material while others are coated only at the apex area; and still others are coated with a non-reflective coatings, such as, a colored adhesive.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 1995Date of Patent: August 12, 1997Assignee: Reflexite CorporationInventors: Robert B. Nilsen, Michael Hanrahan
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Patent number: 5643400Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming "seamless" retroreflective sheeting is described. At least two mold surfaces are used, each having alternate areas of arrays of prism recesses and spaces. In a first step, prisms are formed in one of the mold surfaces and applied to a base film or web. Next, prisms are formed on the second mold surface and applied to the spaced areas left in the first step.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 1996Date of Patent: July 1, 1997Assignee: Reflexite CorporationInventors: Gus Bernard, Robert B. Nilsen, Michael J. Hanrahan