Patents by Inventor Robert C. Fitzer

Robert C. Fitzer 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).

  • Publication number: 20170204295
    Abstract: A dampening structure includes a polymer layer having a first surface and a second surface. The first surface includes a plurality of micro-structures, wherein each of the micro-structures has a width of less than about 400 microns. An elastic modulus of the polymer layer is greater than about 0.1 MPa and less than about 5 GPa at 25° C. The polymer layer is non-tacky.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Publication date: July 20, 2017
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Sunil K. Pillalamarri, Robert C. Fitzer
  • Publication number: 20150077873
    Abstract: Provided are adhesive articles and display components that include a film substrate and an adhesive. The film substrate includes a reflecting layer and an opaque layer. The adhesive may be disposed on at least one major surface of the reflecting layer and opaque layer. The inclusion of the film substrate in the adhesive articles enables the adhesive article to inhibit the transmission of visible light through the film substrate. The film substrate includes at least one cavity extending from the first major surface of the reflecting layer to the first major surface of the opaque layer, wherein the cavity volume is at least partially filled by the adhesive. The display component includes at least one display element adhered to an adhesive article via the adhesive. Methods of making adhesive articles and display components are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Harry E. Johnson, Robert C. Fitzer, Jeffry T. Omland
  • Publication number: 20140251662
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electrically conductive, optically clear adhesive including an optically clear adhesive layer and an interconnected, electrically conductive network layer positioned over the optically clear adhesive layer. The electrically conductive, optically clear adhesive has a conductivity of between about 0.5 and about 1000 ohm/sq, haze of less than about 10%, and a transmittance of at least about 80%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: 3MM Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Nelson T. Rotto, Robert C. Fitzer, John D. Le
  • Patent number: 8630040
    Abstract: Provided are multi-component films useful as optical display filters. The optical display filters include a multi-layer stack that contains at least one organic layer. The filters have high visible light transmittance, low visible light reflection, and provide electromagnetic interference shielding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Clark I. Bright, John D. Le, Robert C. Fitzer, Stephen P. Maki, Christopher S. Lyons, Hun Jeong
  • Patent number: 8350451
    Abstract: Provided are multi-component films useful as optical display filters. The films include a transparent substrate, a nucleation layer, an electrically-conductive layer, a barrier layer, and a dielectric layer. The films can provide high visible transmission, are corrosion-resistant, and can provide shielding from electromagnetic interference (EMI shielding). The optical display filters are useful as components of active optical devices such as display panels including liquid crystal display panels such as those used on mobile hand-held phones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Clark I. Bright, John D. Le, Robert C. Fitzer, Stephen P. Maki
  • Publication number: 20120328829
    Abstract: Nano-structured layers having a random nano-structured anisotropic major surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventors: Kalc C. Vang, John D. Le, Moses M. David, Brant U. Kolb, Ta-Hua Yu, Robert C. Fitzer
  • Publication number: 20120236528
    Abstract: A flexible multilayer electromagnetic shield is provided that includes a flexible substrate, a thin film layer of a first ferromagnetic material with high magnetic permeability disposed upon the substrate and a multilayer stack disposed upon the first ferromagnetic material. The multilayer stack includes pairs of layers, each pair comprising a polymeric spacing layer and a thin film layer of at least a second ferromagnetic material disposed on the spacing layer. At least one or more of the spacing layers includes an acrylic polymer. Also methods of making the flexible multilayer electromagnetic shield are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventors: John D. Le, Robert C. Fitzer, Charles L. Bruzzone, Stephen P. Maki, Bradley L. Givot, David A. Sowatzke
  • Publication number: 20120127578
    Abstract: Antireflective transparent EMI shielding optical filters are provided that can be laminated to optical display devices using optically clear adhesives. The provided filters include electrically-conductive metal or metal alloy layers that can be continuous and patterned or unpatterned. Also included are methods of making the provided filters and touch sensors made using the provided filters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Clark I. Bright, Robert C. Fitzer, John D. Le
  • Patent number: 8173453
    Abstract: Patterning an organic light emitting diode (OLED) after it has been encapsulated by permanently changing the light emissivity of the diodes. The OLED includes an intervening layer between a source of laser treatment and a light emitting layer. Depending on the composition of the light emitting layer, the laser treatment will enhance or diminish brightness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Fred B. McCormick, Robert C. Fitzer, Hung T. Tran
  • Publication number: 20090303602
    Abstract: Provided are multi-component films useful as optical display filters. The films include a transparent substrate, a nucleation layer, an electrically-conductive layer, a barrier layer, and a dielectric layer. The films can provide high visible transmission, are corrosion-resistant, and can provide shielding from electromagnetic interference (EMI shielding). The optical display filters are useful as components of active optical devices such as display panels including liquid crystal display panels such as those used on mobile hand-held phones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: CLARK I. BRIGHT, John D. Le, Robert C. Fitzer, Stephen P. Maki
  • Publication number: 20090201606
    Abstract: Internally replenished gas-containing enclosures and methods of internally replenishing an enclosure are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventors: Ellen Burts-Cooper, Robert C. Fitzer, Daniel B. Pendergrass, JR.
  • Patent number: 7538972
    Abstract: Internally replenished gas-containing enclosures are described. Such enclosures include a replenishing gas source internal to the enclosure, wherein the gas source comprises a gas contained within a permeable membrane. Exemplary gas sources include a plurality of bubbles and pouches. Materials useful for the permeable membrane include glass, glass ceramics, metals, metal oxides, polymeric films, as well as combinations of such materials. The gas source may be located within the enclosure or it may be incorporated into a resin (e.g., an adhesive or a gasket) positioned between sections of an enclosure. Methods of internally replenishing an enclosure are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ellen Burts-Cooper, Robert C. Fitzer, Daniel B. Pendergrass, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090109537
    Abstract: Provided are multi-component films useful as optical display filters. The optical display filters include a multi-layer stack that contains at least one organic layer. The filters have high visible light transmittance, low visible light reflection, and provide electromagnetic interference shielding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: Clark I. BRIGHT, John D. Le, Robert C. Fitzer, Stephen P. Maki, Christopher S. Lyons, Hun Jeong
  • Publication number: 20080160789
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of laser patterning organic light emitting diodes by permanently changing the light emissivity of the diodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Fred B. McCormick, Robert C. Fitzer, Hung T. Tran
  • Patent number: 7219619
    Abstract: A shock indicator is described comprising (A) a base having a first side and a second side; (B) an indicator associated with the first side of the base, the indicator comprising a plurality of indicator subparts, the subparts comprising solid material arranged (i) in a first configuration when the shock indicator is in a first state prior to a shock event, and (ii) in a second configuration when the shock indicator is in a second state following a shock event; and (C) means associated with the second side of the base for attachment of the shock indicator to a surface. A method of manufacture is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Robert C. Fitzer, G. Marco Bommarito, Richard L. Crone, Jeffrey W. McCutcheon, Kevin W. Anderson, Russell D. Birkholz, Zhiming Zhou
  • Patent number: 6396616
    Abstract: A laser imaging system for direct imaging with high optical power density a series of pixels forming an image on a media surface, The laser imaging system includes a laser light source, wherein the laser light source emits a laser beam representative of the image on the media surface. An optical path is defined between the laser light source and the media surface. A scanner is provided having a mirrored surface positioned along the optical path. An optical assembly is positioned along the optical path for shaping and focusing the laser beam at the media surface, including an F-Theta lens assembly positioned along the optical path between the scanner and the media surface. The F-Theta lens assembly includes a spheric lens, an aspheric lens and a toric lens, providing an increase in optical power density at the media surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Robert C. Fitzer, Hung Thien Tran, Biljana Tadic-Galeb, Sherman L. Bartz, Donald C. Grillo
  • Patent number: 6180318
    Abstract: A method of imaging an article comprising a metal/metal oxide imageable layer with a laser beam. In particular, the present invention relates to a method for imparting a color image on the article. The method includes: a) providing an article including a substrate and an imageable layer, the imageable layer comprising a metal/metal oxide layer; b) imagewise applying a laser beam to the article; and c) in the portion of the article having the laser applied thereto, imparting a color to the metal/metal oxide layer different from the color in the non-imaged portion. Preferably, the imageable layer comprises aluminum/aluminum oxide. Also presented are imageable articles, and the resulting imaged articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Robert C. Fitzer, Haitao Huang, Pierre H. LePere, Theresa A. McCarthy-Pohl, Robert D. Waid
  • Patent number: 6045920
    Abstract: A polymeric imaging medium comprising a receptor layer and an optional backing layer particularly useful in electrophotographic printing processes with liquid toners comprising thermoplastic toner particles in a liquid carrier that is not a solvent for the particles at a first temperature and that is a solvent for the particles at a second temperature, methods of imaging such a medium, and such an imaged medium. In one preferred embodiment, the receptor layer comprises a polymer of ethylene, n-butylacrylate, and methacrylic acid. In another preferred embodiment, the receptor layer comprises a blend of 60 to 90 percent by weight of a polymer comprising ethylene, n-butylacrylate, and methacrylic acid and about 10 to 40 percent by weight of a neutralized ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: David T. Ou-Yang, Robert C. Fitzer
  • Patent number: 5728502
    Abstract: A polymeric imaging medium comprising a receptor layer and an optional backing layer particularly useful in electrophotographic printing processes with liquid toners comprising thermoplastic toner particles in a liquid carrier that is not a solvent for the particles at a first temperature and that is a solvent for the particles at a second temperature, methods of imaging such a medium, and such an imaged medium. In one preferred embodiment, the receptor layer comprises a polymer of ethylene, n-butylacrylate, and methacrylic acid. In another preferred embodiment, the receptor layer comprises a blend of 60 to 90 percent by weight of a polymer comprising ethylene, n-butylacrylate, and methacrylic acid and about 10 to 40 percent by weight of a neutralized ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: David T. Ou-Yang, Robert C. Fitzer
  • Patent number: 5591530
    Abstract: Flexible optically uniform sign face substrate comprising at least one layer of durable thermoplastic sheeting and an optically uniform dimensionally stable scrim film, and more particularly a sign face substrate comprising at least one layer of optically uniform dimensionally stable multilayer scrim film laminated between at least two layers of durable thermoplastic sheeting for use in areas such as awning, canopy, fascia or sign material construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Robert W. Warner, Robert C. Fitzer, David B. Redmond, Ronald J. Tabar