Patents by Inventor Robert F. Kamrath
Robert F. Kamrath 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: 11435616Abstract: Optical constructions are disclosed. A disclosed optical construction includes a reflective polarizer layer, and an optical film that is disposed on the reflective polarizer layer. The optical film has an optical haze that is not less than about 50%. Substantial portions of each two neighboring major surfaces in the optical construction are in physical contact with each other. The optical construction has an axial luminance gain that is not less than about 1.2.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2020Date of Patent: September 6, 2022Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Encai Hao, Fei Lu, William Blake Kolb, Brian W. Ostlie, Adam D. Haag, Michael Benton Free, William D. Coggio, Michael L. Steiner, Soemantri Widagdo, Kui Chen-Ho, Lan H. Liu, Robert F. Kamrath, Scott M. Tapio, John A. Wheatley, Charles D. Hoyle, Michael F. Weber
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Publication number: 20200233268Abstract: Optical constructions are disclosed. A disclosed optical construction includes a reflective polarizer layer, and an optical film that is disposed on the reflective polarizer layer. The optical film has an optical haze that is not less than about 50%. Substantial portions of each two neighboring major surfaces in the optical construction are in physical contact with each other. The optical construction has an axial luminance gain that is not less than about 1.2.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2020Publication date: July 23, 2020Inventors: Encai HAO, Fei LU, William Blake KOLB, Brian W. OSTLIE, Adam D. HAAG, Michael Benton FREE, William D. COGGIO, Michael L. STEINER, Soemantri WIDAGDO, Kui CHEN-HO, Lan H. LIU, Robert F. KAMRATH, Scott M. TAPIO, John A. WHEATLEY, Charles D. HOYLE, Michael F. WEBER
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Patent number: 10649274Abstract: Optical constructions are disclosed. A disclosed optical construction includes a reflective polarizer layer, and an optical film that is disposed on the reflective polarizer layer. The optical film has an optical haze that is not less than about 50%. Substantial portions of each two neighboring major surfaces in the optical construction are in physical contact with each other. The optical construction has an axial luminance gain that is not less than about 1.2.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2015Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Encai Hao, Fei Lu, William Blake Kolb, Brian W. Ostlie, Adam D. Haag, Michael Benton Free, William D. Coggio, Michael L. Steiner, Soemantri Widagdo, Kui Chen-Ho, Lan H. Liu, Robert F. Kamrath, Scott M. Tapio, John A. Wheatley, Charles D. Hoyle, Michael F. Weber
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Patent number: 10502869Abstract: An optical article includes an optical element, a low refractive index layer disposed on the optical element having an effective refractive index of 1.3 or less and a polymeric protective layer disposed on the low refractive index layer. The low refractive index layer includes a binder, a plurality of metal oxide particles dispersed in the binder, and a plurality of interconnected voids. The polymeric protective layer does not increase an effective refractive index of the optical article by greater than 10%.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2011Date of Patent: December 10, 2019Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: William D. Coggio, Ramesh C. Kumar, John A. Wheatley, Michael L. Steiner, William F. Edmonds, Lan H. Liu, Encai Hao, Robert F. Kamrath, John J. Stradinger
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Patent number: 10295724Abstract: This application describes a back-lit transmissive display including a transmissive display and a variable index light extraction layer optically coupled to a lightguide. The variable index light extraction layer has first regions of nanovoided polymeric material and second regions of the nanovoided polymeric material and an additional material. The first and second regions are disposed such that for light being transported at a supercritical angle in the lightguide, the variable index light extraction layer selectively extracts the light in a predetermined way based on the geometric arrangement of the first and second regions. The transmissive display may be a transmissive display panel or a polymeric film such as a graphic.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2016Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: David Scott Thompson, Kevin R. Schaffer, Zhaohui Yang, Encai Hao, Audrey A. Sherman, Michael A. Meis, John A. Wheatley, Matthew S. Stay, Robert F. Kamrath, Mikhail L. Pekurovsky, Steven D. Solomonson
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Publication number: 20180134010Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compressible, multilayer articles useful in force sensing capacitors. The compressible multilayer articles include a silicone polymer layer having a first major surface and a second major surface and a first primer layer having a first major surface and a second major surface, wherein the thickness of the first primer layer is from about 100 nanometers to about 100 microns and at least a portion of the first major surface of the first primer layer is adhered to and in contact with the first major surface of the silicone polymer. The multilayer articles may include at least one of a first electrode and second primer layer. Methods of making the compressible, multilayer articles are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2016Publication date: May 17, 2018Inventors: Margot A. BRANIGAN, Michael Benton FREE, David T. AMOS, Robert F. KAMRATH, Stephen A. JOHNSON, John D. LE
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Publication number: 20180104941Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compressible, multilayer articles useful in force sensing capacitors. The compressible, multilayer articles include a cured, silicone elastomer layer having a first major surface and a second major surface and at least one of a first and second tie-layer, each having a first major surface and a second major surface, comprising a silicone polyoxamide, wherein the first major surface of the first tie-layer is in contact with and adhered to the first major surface of the cured, silicone elastomer layer and/or the first major surface of the second tie-layer is in contact with and adhered to the second major surface of the cured, silicone elastomer layer. The multilayer articles may include at least one of a first electrode and first primer layer and a second electrode and second primer layer. Methods of making the compressible, multilayer articles are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2016Publication date: April 19, 2018Inventors: Michael Benton FREE, Margot A. BRANIGAN, Robert F. KAMRATH, Stephen A. JOHNSON, John D. LE, Kanta KUMAR
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Patent number: 9878954Abstract: Vacuum insulated glass units having layered pillars. The glass units include two glass panes and an edge seal between the glass panes with a substantial vacuum gap between them. A plurality of pillars are located between the glass panes as spacers to maintain the vacuum gap. The pillars have a sintered ceramic, alpha alumina, or zirconia body with a tapered sidewall and a functional layer on a surface of the body.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2013Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Margaret M. Vogel-Martin, Martin B. Wolk, Michael Benton Free, Olester Benson, Jr., Evan L. Schwartz, Robert F. Kamrath, Brant U. Kolb, Kathleen M. Humpal, Mark J. Hendrickson
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Patent number: 9776384Abstract: Inorganic multilayer lamination transfer films, methods of forming these lamination transfer films, and methods of using these lamination transfer films. These inorganic multilayer lamination transfer films can have alternating layers including inorganic nanoparticles, sacrificial materials, and optionally inorganic precursors that can be densified to form an inorganic optical stack. Receptor substrates, such as glass or metal, are laminated to the multilayer lamination transfer films.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2017Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Martin B. Wolk, Michael Benton Free, Daniel J. Schmidt, Mark J. Pellerite, Robert F. Kamrath, Stephen A. Johnson, Terry O. Collier, Haefa Mansour
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Patent number: 9731473Abstract: Transfer films, articles made therewith, and methods of making and using transfer films to form bridged nanostructures are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2016Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Evan L. Schwartz, Justin P. Meyer, Olester Benson, Jr., Terry O. Collier, Michael Benton Free, Robert F. Kamrath, Mieczyslaw H. Mazurek, David B. Olson, K. Raveesh Shenoy, Martin B. Wolk
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Publication number: 20170190161Abstract: Transfer films, articles made therewith, and methods of making and using transfer films to form an inorganic optical stack are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2017Publication date: July 6, 2017Inventors: Martin B. Wolk, Michael Benton Free, Daniel J. Schmidt, Mark J. Pellerite, Robert F. Kamrath, Stephen A. Johnson, Terry O. Collier, Haefa Mansour
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Publication number: 20170166750Abstract: Presently described are hardcoat compositions comprising at least one first (meth)acrylate monomer comprising at least three (meth)acrylate groups and C2-C4 alkoxy repeat units wherein the monomer has a molecular weight per (meth)acrylate group ranging from about 220 to 375 g/mole and at least one second (meth)acrylate monomer comprising at least three (meth)acrylate groups. In one embodiment, the hardcoat composition further comprises and at least 50 wt-% solids of silica nanoparticles. Also described are articles, such as protective films, displays, and touch screens comprising such cured hardcoat compositions.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2017Publication date: June 15, 2017Inventors: Richard J. Pokorny, Steven D. Solomonson, Robert F. Kamrath, Anthony M. Renstrom, Roger W. Barton, Craig R. Sykora
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Patent number: 9586385Abstract: The present disclosure relates to inorganic multilayer lamination transfer films, methods of forming these lamination transfer films and methods of using these lamination transfer films. These inorganic multilayer lamination transfer films can have alternating layers including inorganic nanoparticles, sacrificial materials and optionally inorganic precursors that can be densified to form an inorganic optical stack.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2014Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Martin B. Wolk, Michael Benton Free, Daniel J. Schmidt, Mark J. Pellerite, Robert F. Kamrath, Stephen A. Johnson, Terry O. Collier, Haefa Mansour
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Patent number: 9588262Abstract: An optical article includes an optical element and a low refractive index layer disposed on the optical element. The low refractive index layer having an effective refractive index of 1.3 or less and including a binder, a plurality of metal oxide particles dispersed in the binder and a plurality of interconnected voids. The low refractive index layer has a haze value of at least 30%.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2011Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: William D. Coggio, Michael L. Steiner, William F. Edmonds, Robert F. Kamrath, Lan H. Liu, Encai Hao
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Publication number: 20170031078Abstract: This application describes a back-lit transmissive display including a transmissive display and a variable index light extraction layer optically coupled to a lightguide. The variable index light extraction layer has first regions of nanovoided polymeric material and second regions of the nanovoided polymeric material and an additional material. The first and second regions are disposed such that for light being transported at a supercritical angle in the lightguide, the variable index light extraction layer selectively extracts the light in a predetermined way based on the geometric arrangement of the first and second regions. The transmissive display may be a transmissive display panel or a polymeric film such as a graphic.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2016Publication date: February 2, 2017Inventors: David Scott Thompson, Kevin R. Schaffer, Zhaohui Yang, Encai Hao, Audrey A. Sherman, Michael A. Meis, John A. Wheatley, Matthew S. Stay, Robert F. Kamrath, Mikhail L. Pekurovsky, Steven D. Solomonson
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Patent number: 9541701Abstract: This application describes a back-lit transmissive display including a transmissive display (620) and a variable index light extraction layer (640) optically coupled to a lightguide (630). The variable index light extraction layer has first regions (140) of nanovoided polymeric material and second regions (130) of the nanovoided polymeric material and an additional material. The first and second regions are disposed such that for light being transported at a supercritical angle in the lightguide, the variable index light extraction layer selectively extracts the light in a predetermined way based on the geometric arrangement of the first and second regions. The transmissive display may be a transmissive display panel or a polymeric film such as a graphic.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2012Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: David Scott Thompson, Kevin R. Schaffer, Zhaohui Yang, Encai Hao, Audrey A. Sherman, Michael A. Meis, John A. Wheatley, Matthew S. Stay, Robert F. Kamrath, Mikhail L. Pekurovsky, Steven D. Solomonson
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Publication number: 20160326383Abstract: Presently described are hardcoat compositions comprising at least one first (meth)acrylate monomer comprising at least three (meth)acrylate groups and C2-C4 alkoxy repeat units wherein the monomer has a molecular weight per (meth)acrylate group ranging from about 220 to 375 g/mole and at least one second (meth)acrylate monomer comprising at least three (meth)acrylate groups. The hardcoat composition further comprises inorganic oxide nanoparticles such as silica that comprises a copolymer izable surface treatment and a non-copolymerizable silane surface treatment. Also described are articles, such as protective films, displays, and touch screens comprising such cured hardcoat compositions.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2015Publication date: November 10, 2016Inventors: Richard J. Pokorny, Robert F. Kamrath, Michelle L. Toy, Steven D. Solomonson, Elisa M. Cross, Anthony M. Renstrom, Roger W. Barton, Craig R. Sykora
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Publication number: 20160318277Abstract: Transfer films, articles made therewith, and methods of making and using transfer films to form bridged nanostructures are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2016Publication date: November 3, 2016Inventors: Evan L. Schwartz, Justin P. Meyer, Olester Benson, JR., Terry O. Collier, Michael Benton Free, Robert F. Kamrath, Mieczyslaw H. Mazurek, David B. Olson, K. Raveesh Shenoy, Martin B. Wolk
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Patent number: 9419250Abstract: Methods of making transfer films to form bridged nanostructures are disclosed. The methods include applying a thermally stable backfill layer to a structured surface of a sacrificial template layer.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2015Date of Patent: August 16, 2016Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Evan L. Schwartz, Justin P. Meyer, Olester Benson, Terry O. Collier, Michael Benton Free, Robert F. Kamrath, Mieczyslaw H. Mazurek, David B. Olson, K. Raveesh Shenoy, Martin B. Wolk
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Patent number: 9328265Abstract: An adhesive tie layer includes a binder including a multifunctional acrylate and a polyurethane, surface treated nanoparticles dispersed in the binder, and a plurality of interconnected voids. A volume fraction of interconnected voids in the adhesive tie layer is not less than about 10%.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2010Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Encai Hao, Kurt C. Melancon, Audrey A. Sherman, William Blake Kolb, Robert F. Kamrath, Maureen A. Kavanagh, Chris J. Tanley, Jeffrey A. Peterson