Patents by Inventor Robert L. Brott

Robert L. Brott 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).

  • Patent number: 8343633
    Abstract: A method of modifying light is disclosed and includes: providing an optical element having an oriented polymer network of a silicone(meth)acrylate copolymer and exhibiting a first phase and a second phase, the first phase and the second phase being chemically connected and having different refractive indices, the first phase being continuous, and the second phase comprising a plurality of structures dispersed within the first phase; illuminating the optical element with light from a light source; and detecting polarized or directionally diffused light transmitted by the optical element. Optical elements including the polymer network and a variety of additional layers are also disclosed, as are optical devices such as prisms, display panels, lenses, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Mieczyslaw H. Mazurek, Robert L. Brott, David J. Kinning, Yufeng Liu, John E. Potts, Kevin R. Schaffer, Audrey A. Sherman, Wendi J. Winkler
  • Publication number: 20120236403
    Abstract: An optical light redirecting film that can be made by microreplication, and that is suitable for use in an autostereoscopic backlight or display, includes opposed first and second structured surfaces. The first structured surface includes lenticular features and the second structured surface includes prismatic features. In some cases, at least a first prismatic feature has a first prism optical axis that is tilted relative to a thickness axis of the film perpendicular to the film plane. In some cases, at least a first lenticular feature has a first lenticular optical axis that is tilted relative to the thickness axis. In some cases, the film may have a central film caliper (thickness) at a central portion of the film and an edge film caliper at a first edge portion of the film, the central film caliper being greater than the edge film caliper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventors: Michael J. Sykora, Robert L. Brott, John C. Schultz, Corey D. Balts
  • Publication number: 20120229746
    Abstract: A conducting film or device electrode includes a substrate and two transparent or semitransparent conductive layers separated by a transparent or semitransparent intervening layer. The intervening layer includes electrically conductive pathways between the first and second conductive layers to help reduce interfacial reflections occurring between particular layers in devices incorporating the conducting film or electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventors: Manoj Nirmal, Stephen P. Maki, Jason C. Radel, Robert L. Brott, Donald J. McClure, Clark I. Bright
  • Publication number: 20120194054
    Abstract: A solid state light having a solid state light source such as LEDs, an optical diffuser, and a thermal guide. The diffuser receives and distributes light from the light source, and the thermal guide is integrated with the optical diffuser for providing thermal conduction from the solid state light source and dissipating heat through convection and radiation for cooling the light. The interior surface of the optical diffuser can have extraction features for providing uniform distribution of light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: Raymond P. Johnston, Martin Kristoffersen, Michael A. Meis, Robert L. Brott
  • Publication number: 20120139403
    Abstract: A solid state light having a solid state light source such as LEDs, an optical guide, and a thermal guide. The optical guide is coupled to the light source for receiving and distributing light from the light source, and the thermal guide is integrated with the optical guide for providing thermal conduction from the solid state light source and dissipating heat through convection and radiation for cooling the light. The optical guide can be tapered to enhance the efficiency of light distribution. The thermal guide can have an external shell connected with internal fins, and the external shell can have a reflective coating to provide for a back reflector behind the optical guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Raymond P. Johnston, Michael A. Meis, Robert L. Brott, Martin Kristoffersen, Charles N. DeVore, Paul E. Humpal
  • Publication number: 20120038990
    Abstract: Optical film is disclosed. The optical film includes a binder, a plurality of particles, and a plurality of interconnected voids. The volume fraction of the plurality of interconnected voids in the optical film is not less than about 20%. The weight ratio of the binder to the plurality of the particles is not less than about 1:2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventors: Encai Hao, William Blake Kolb, Brant U. Kolb, Brian W. Ostlie, Naiyong Jing, Michael Benton Free, Hui Ren, Robert L. Brott, Fei Lu, Audrey A. Sherman, Scott M. Tapio, Charles David Hoyle, John A. Wheatley
  • Publication number: 20120038982
    Abstract: A stereoscopic 3D liquid crystal display module includes a liquid crystal display panel and a directional backlight positioned to provide light to the liquid crystal display panel. A double sided prism film is disposed between the liquid crystal display panel and the directional backlight. The prism film includes a first surface having a series of cylindrical lenses adjacent the liquid crystal display panel and a second surface, opposite the first surface, having a series of non-contiguous prisms adjacent the directional backlight. Each of the non-contiguous prisms is separated from adjacent prisms by a transmissive flat portion or an opaque portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventors: John S. Huizinga, Rolf W. Biernath, Vincent W. King, John C. Schultz, Michael J. Sykora, Robert L. Brott
  • Patent number: 8098347
    Abstract: A backlight for a stereoscopic 3D liquid crystal display apparatus includes a light guide having a light emission surface and an opposing light extraction surface, a first side extends between the light emission surface and the light extraction surface, and a second side extends between the light emission surface and the light extraction surface, the second side opposing the first side. A centerline extends parallel to the first side and second side and is equidistant from the first side and the second side. A center elongated prism extends along the centerline and forms a portion of the light extraction surface. A plurality of elongated prisms extend parallel to the center elongated prism wherein the prisms are progressively more canted for each subsequent elongated prism further from the center elongated prism. A plurality of light sources disposed along the first side and the second side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Robert L. Brott, Michael J. Sykora, John C. Schultz, John C. Nelson
  • Patent number: 8068187
    Abstract: A stereoscopic 3D liquid crystal display module includes a liquid crystal display panel and a directional backlight positioned to provide light to the liquid crystal display panel. A double sided prism film is disposed between the liquid crystal display panel and the directional backlight. The prism film includes a first surface having a series of cylindrical lenses adjacent the liquid crystal display panel and a second surface, opposite the first surface, having a series of non-contiguous prisms adjacent the directional backlight. Each of the non-contiguous prisms is separated from adjacent prisms by a transmissive flat portion or an opaque portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: John S. Huizinga, Rolf W. Biernath, Vincent W. King, John C. Schultz, Michael J. Sykora, Robert L. Brott
  • Patent number: 8059217
    Abstract: A scanning backlight for a stereoscopic 3D liquid crystal display apparatus includes a light guide formed from a plurality of segments. Each segment has a first side and a second side opposite the first side, and a first surface extending between the first and second sides and a second surface opposite the first surface. The first surface substantially re-directs light and the second surface substantially transmits light. The plurality of segments are arranged substantially in parallel and with the second surfaces transmitting light in substantially the same direction to provide backlighting for a stereoscopic 3D liquid crystal display. A first light source is disposed along the first side of each segment for transmitting light into the light guide from the first side, and a second light source is disposed along the second side of each segment for transmitting light into the light guide from the second side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Robert L. Brott, William J. Bryan, David J. Lundin, Michael A. Meis, John C. Schultz
  • Publication number: 20110273636
    Abstract: An LCD device with 3D and 2D sections. The device includes an LCD panel, a light guide with a backlight, and an embedded 3D-2D film stack positioned between the LCD panel and the light guide. The 3D and 2D sections provide for simultaneously viewing visual content in 3D and 2D formats. The device can also include a frame providing a barrier between the 3D and 2D sections and can include other features to enhance the display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventors: John C. Schultz, Michael J. Sykora, Martin Kristoffersen, Kathy L. Hagen, Glenn E. Casner, Bonnie W. Albrecht, Robert L. Brott, Scott E. Brigham, John C. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20110261436
    Abstract: A method of modifying light is disclosed and includes: providing an optical element having an oriented polymer network of a silicone (meth)acrylate copolymer and exhibiting a first phase and a second phase, the first phase and the second phase being chemically connected and having different refractive indices, the first phase being continuous, and the second phase comprising a plurality of structures dispersed within the first phase; illuminating the optical element with light from a light source; and detecting polarized or directionally diffused light transmitted by the optical element. Optical elements including the polymer network and a variety of additional layers are also disclosed, as are optical devices such as prisms, display panels, lenses, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Mieczyslaw H. Mazurek, Robert L. Brott, David J. Kinning, Yufeng Liu, John E. Potts, Kevin R. Schaffer, Audrey A. Sherman, Wendi J. Winkler
  • Patent number: 8035771
    Abstract: A stereoscopic 3D liquid crystal display apparatus includes a liquid crystal display panel, a backlight positioned to provide light to the liquid crystal display panel, and a double sided prism film disposed between the liquid crystal display panel and the backlight. The backlight includes a light guide having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, and having a first surface extending between the first and second sides and a second surface opposite the first surface. The first surface substantially re-directs light and the second surface substantially transmits light. A plurality of first light sources is arranged along the first side of the light guide for transmitting light into the light guide from the first side. A plurality of second light sources is arranged along the second side of the light guide for transmitting light into the light guide from the second side. The second surface includes a regular array of linear prism or lenticular features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Robert L. Brott, John C. Schultz, John C. Nelson
  • Patent number: 8035511
    Abstract: A method for processing data collected via a wireless network sensor includes providing information in a variety of ways based upon the processed data. The network sensor has a plurality of sensors for detecting events occurring proximate the sensors in a monitored space, a processor for receiving and processing data from the sensors, and a wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting data. The received data is processed to determine pedestrian traffic patterns in the monitored space, which can be used to design a layout and placement of goods for sale in the monitored space. The information for the pedestrian traffic patterns can also be provided in exchange for a fee to customers requesting it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Billy L. Weaver, Robert L. Brott, Silva K. Theiss, Jennifer R. Yi, Kathy L. Hagen
  • Patent number: 8026115
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an optical bonding composition that may be used in optical applications. An LED light source that utilizes the composition is also disclosed, as well as a method of making it. The LED light source may comprise: an LED die; an optical element optically coupled to the LED die; and a bonding layer comprising surface-modified metal oxide nanoparticles in an amorphous silicate network, the bonding layer bonding the LED die and the optical element together. Efficiency of the LED light source may be increased when using an optical extractor as the optical element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Amy S. Barnes, D. Scott Thompson, Brant U. Kolb, Todd A. Ballen, Jacqueline C. Rolf, Robert L. Brott
  • Patent number: 8026808
    Abstract: A method for displaying an indication of data collected via a wireless network sensor involves processing the collected data to generate reports. The wireless network sensor includes a plurality of sensors for detecting events occurring proximate the sensors, a processor for receiving and processing data from the sensors, and a wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting data. The method displays an indication of parsed events, episodes, vectors, links, and paths based upon the received data. Another method displays a representation of a location of each sensor in the wireless network sensors in a monitored environment and information related to data collected via the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Billy L. Weaver, Robert L. Brott, Silva K. Theiss, James J. Bartol, Scott E. Brigham, Eileen M. Gorrell, Kathy L. Hagen, Jennifer R. Yi
  • Patent number: 8004622
    Abstract: An LCD device with 3D and 2D sections. The device includes an LCD panel, a light guide with a backlight, and an embedded 3D-2D film stack positioned between the LCD panel and the light guide. The 3D and 2D sections provide for simultaneously viewing visual content in 3D and 2D formats. The device can also include a frame providing a barrier between the 3D and 2D sections and can include other features to enhance the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: John C. Schultz, Michael J. Sykora, Martin Kristoffersen, Kathy L. Hagen, Glenn E. Casner, Bonnie W. Albrecht, Robert L. Brott, Scott E. Brigham, John C. Nelson
  • Patent number: D655830
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Raymond P. Johnston, Martin E. Broen, Robert L. Brott, Jorge C. Ceballos, Charles N. Devore, Andrew R. Fox, Karl J. L. Geisler, Kayla A. Hagens, Sean C. McGreevy, Hamid R. Mortazavi
  • Patent number: D657076
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Raymond P. Johnston, Martin E. Broen, Robert L. Brott, Jorge C. Ceballos, Charles N. Devore, Andrew R. Fox, Karl J. L. Geisler, Kayla A. Hagens, Sean C. McGreevy, Hamid R. Mortazavi
  • Patent number: D674129
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Raymond P. Johnston, Martin E. Broen, Robert L. Brott, Jorge C. Ceballos, Charles N. Devore, Sean C. McGreevy