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).

  • Publication number: 20090251776
    Abstract: A polarizing film is made of multilayer polarizing fibers embedded within a matrix. The fibers are formed with layers of at least a first and a second polymer material. Layers of the first polymer material are disposed between layers of the second polymer material. At least one of the first and second polymer materials is birefringent. In some embodiments the thickness of the layers of at least one of the materials varies across the fiber, and may include layers are selected as quarter-wavelength thickness for light having a wavelength of more than 700 nm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Gregory L. Bluem, Robert L. Brott, Patrick R. Fleming, Joan M. Frankel, Shandon D. Hart, William J. Kopecky, Huiwen Tai, Margaret M. Vogel-Martin, Daniel J. Zillig
  • Patent number: 7599592
    Abstract: A polarizing film is made of multilayer polarizing fibers embedded within a matrix. The fibers are formed with layers of at least a first and a second polymer material. Layers of the first polymer material are disposed between layers of the second polymer material. At least one of the first and second polymer materials is birefringent. Where the fibers are non-circular in cross-section, the cross-section can be oriented within the polarizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Olester Benson, Jr., Robert L. Brott, Patrick R. Fleming, Shandon D. Hart, Andrew J. Ouderkirk
  • Publication number: 20090237576
    Abstract: An autostereoscopic display is described. The autostereoscopic display apparatus includes a backlight having opposing first and second light input surfaces and a light transmission surface extending between the opposing first and second light input surfaces and a right eye light source located to provide light into the first light input side and a left eye light source located to provide light into the second light input side, wherein the left eye light source and the right eye light source are configured to be modulated between the left eye light source and the right eye light source at a rate of at least 90 hertz. A double sided prism film is adjacent to the light transmission surface. The double sided prism film has a plurality of linear prism features on a first major surface and a plurality of lenticular features on a second major surface. The first major surface opposes the second major surface. The double sided prism film is disposed between the light transmission surface and a Fresnel lens element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventors: John C. Nelson, Robert L. Brott
  • Patent number: 7528893
    Abstract: A backlight includes a lightguide having a light emission surface, a first light input surface, a second light input surface opposing the first light input surface, and a lightguide thickness. A plurality of antireflection features are on or in the first light input surface and second light input surface. Each antireflection feature has a base length value and a height value that are less than the light guide thickness. A right eye image solid state light source is positioned to provide light into the first light input surface and a left eye image solid state light source is positioned to provide light into the second light input surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: John C. Schultz, Robert L. Brott, Michael J. Sykora
  • Publication number: 20090091667
    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: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    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: 20090067048
    Abstract: Films having a structured surface with an engineered feature, such as prism grooves, to be used in displays having a backlight. The films can be arranged in a stack having one or more of the following: birefringent brightness enhancement films, non-birefringent brightness enhancement films, polarizers, diffusers, birefringent turning films, and non-birefringent turning films. Those films can be arranged in any order from the backlight to a viewer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: James M. Battiato, William W. Merrill, Leland R. Whitney, Kenneth A. Epstein, Robert L. Brott, Rolf W. Biernath, Mitsuko T. O'Neill, Stephen A. Johnson, Matthew B. Johnson, Daniel W. Hennen, William B. Black, Mark B. O'Neill, William J. Bryan, Dennis W. Wilson, Martin E. Denker, David A. Kowitz
  • Publication number: 20090009323
    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: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    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
  • Publication number: 20090009340
    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: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventors: Billy L. Weaver, Robert L. Brott, Silva K. Theiss, Jennifer R. Yi, Kathy L. Hagen
  • Publication number: 20080284945
    Abstract: A backlight includes a lightguide having a light emission surface, a first light input surface, a second light input surface opposing the first light input surface, and a lightguide thickness. A plurality of antireflection features are on or in the first light input surface and second light input surface. Each antireflection feature has a base length value and a height value that are less than the light guide thickness. A right eye image solid state light source is positioned to provide light into the first light input surface and a left eye image solid state light source is positioned to provide light into the second light input surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: John C. Schultz, Robert L. Brott, Michael J. Sykora
  • Patent number: 7418202
    Abstract: An optical low pass filter or blur filter, and method of making the filters, using an article having a birefringent surface for refracting incoming light when used with an image sensor. The birefringent surface of the article, such as a film, is structured or tilted such that, when the blur filter is placed within an optical path between a lens and the image sensor, the birefringent surface causes refraction of a light signal in the optical path into multiple light signals each being incident upon different sub-pixels within the pixels in the image sensor to prevent or reduce artifacts, such as undesirable color moiré effects, in the resulting digital image. The structures on the surface have a variable pitch or angles. The variable pitch can include a periodic, aperiodic, or quasi-aperiodic pitch, to reduce diffractive artifacts in the resulting image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Rolf W. Biernath, Robert L. Brott, William Ward Merrill, John S. Huizinga, William B. Black
  • Publication number: 20080152282
    Abstract: A composite polymer fiber comprises a polymer filler material and a plurality of polymer scattering fibers disposed within the filler material. At least one of the filler material and the scattering fibers is formed of a birefringent material. The refractive indices of the filler material and the scattering fibers can be substantially matched for light incident in a first polarization state on the composite polymer fiber and unmatched for light incident in an orthogonal polarization state. The scattering fibers may be arranged to form a photonic crystal within the composite fiber. The composite fibers may be extruded and may be formed into a yarn, a weave or the like. If the filler material is soluble, it may be washed out of the yarn or weave, and the scattering fibers may then be infiltrated with a resin that is subsequently cured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Olester Benson, James C. Breister, Robert L. Brott, Yeun-Jong Chou, Patrick R. Fleming, William J. Kopecky, Diane North, Roger J. Stumo, Kristin L. Thunhorst, Bruce B. Wilson
  • Patent number: 7386212
    Abstract: A composite polymer fiber comprises a polymer filler material and a plurality of polymer scattering fibers disposed within the filler material. At least one of the filler material and the scattering fibers is formed of a birefringent material. The refractive indices of the filler material and the scattering fibers can be substantially matched for light incident in a first polarization state on the composite polymer fiber and unmatched for light incident in an orthogonal polarization state. The scattering fibers may be arranged to form a photonic crystal within the composite fiber. The composite fibers may be extruded and may be formed into a yarn, a weave or the like. If the filler material is soluble, it may be washed out of the yarn or weave, and the scattering fibers may then be infiltrated with a resin that is subsequently cured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Olester Benson, Jr., Robert L. Brott, Patrick R. Fleming, Catherine A. Leatherdale, Terence D. Neavin, Diane North
  • Patent number: 7368161
    Abstract: Color-stable, pigmented optical bodies comprising a single or multiple layer core having at least one layer of a thermoplastic polymer material. The thermoplastic polymer material has dispersed within it a particulate pigment. The optical bodies generally possess high clarity and low haze and exhibit a transmission of light within a wavelength band of interest within the visible spectrum of from about 10 to about 90 percent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Daniel J. McGurran, Robert L. Brott, James A. Olson
  • Patent number: 7362943
    Abstract: An optical element is formed by co-extruding to have an arrangement of polymer scattering fibers within a polymer matrix. The scattering fibers lie substantially parallel to a first axis. The scattering fibers are arranged at positions across the cross-section of the polymer matrix to scatter light transversely incident on the optical element in a direction substantially orthogonal to the first axis. The positions of the scattering fibers across the cross-section of the optical element may be selected so as to form a two-dimensional photonic crystal structure for light transversely incident on the optical element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Olester Benson, Jr., Robert L. Brott, Patrick R. Fleming, Catherine A. Leatherdale, Terence D. Neavin, Diane North
  • Patent number: 7356231
    Abstract: A composite polymer fiber comprises a polymer filler material and a plurality of polymer scattering fibers disposed within the filler material. At least one of the filler material and the scattering fibers is formed of a birefringent material. The refractive indices of the filler material and the scattering fibers can be substantially matched for light incident in a first polarization state on the composite polymer fiber and unmatched for light incident in an orthogonal polarization state. The scattering fibers may be arranged to form a photonic crystal within the composite fiber. The composite fibers may be extruded and may be formed into a yarn, a weave or the like. If the filler material is soluble, it may be washed out of the yarn or weave, and the scattering fibers may then be infiltrated with a resin that is subsequently cured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Olester Benson, Jr., James C. Breister, Robert L. Brott, Yeun-Jong Chou, Patrick R. Fleming, William J. Kopecky, Diane North, Roger J. Stumo, Kristin L. Thunhorst, Bruce B. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20080057277
    Abstract: A polarizing film is made of multilayer polarizing fibers embedded within a matrix. The fibers are formed with layers of at least a first and a second polymer material. Layers of the first polymer material are disposed between layers of the second polymer material. At least one of the first and second polymer materials is birefringent. In some embodiments the thickness of the layers of at least one of the materials varies across the fiber. The fibers are be embedded within a material having a lower refractive index than either the first or second polymer material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: Gregory L. Bluem, Robert L. Brott, Patrick R. Fleming, Joan M. Frankel, Shandon D. Hart, William J. Kopecky, Huiwen Tai, Kristin L. Thunhorst, Daniel J. Zillig
  • Publication number: 20080055724
    Abstract: A display system has a display panel and at least one light source for producing light to illuminate the display panel. A polarizer film may be employed between the display panel and the light source. At least one of the polarizing fibers has multiple internal birefringent interfaces between a first polymer material and a second polymer material. In some embodiments, the polarizer substantially reflects normally incident light in a first polarization state and substantially transmits normally incident light, in a second polarization state orthogonal to the first polarization state, with a haze value of at least 10%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: Gregory L. Bluem, Huiwen Tai, Patrick R. Fleming, Daniel J. Zillig, Joan M. Frankel, Robert L. Brott, William J. Kopecky, Shandon D. Hart, Kristin L. Thunhorst
  • Publication number: 20080057278
    Abstract: A polarizing film is made of multilayer polarizing fibers embedded within a matrix. The fibers are formed with layers of at least a first and a second polymer material. Layers of the first polymer material are disposed between layers of the second polymer material. At least one of the first and second polymer materials is birefringent. Where the fibers are non-circular in cross-section, the cross-section can be oriented within the polarizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: Olester Benson, Robert L. Brott, Patrick R. Fleming, Shandon D. Hart, Andrew J. Ouderkirk
  • Publication number: 20070297747
    Abstract: An article for use in light spreading includes a body having first and second surfaces, and first and second in-plane axes that are orthogonal with respect to each other and a third axis that is mutually orthogonal to the first and second in-plane axes in a thickness direction of the body. A portion of the first surface is a birefringent structured surface. The portion is structured such that, when the article receives a light signal within a particular range of wavelengths, the structured surface causes splitting the light signal into a plurality of divergent light signals. The article can be used for color mixing such as in a cavity providing a backlight for LCD devices or other display devices requiring a backlight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Inventors: Rolf W. Biernath, William W. Merrill, Robert L. Brott, David A. Kowitz
  • Patent number: 7184210
    Abstract: A film for a screen has a light transmitting substrate and a plurality of structures disposed on the substrate. An optical material at least partially fills cavities between the structures. A method of forming a film includes providing a light transmitting substrate having a plurality of structures disposed thereon and at least partially filling the cavities therebetween with an optical material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Patrick A. Thomas, John C. Nelson, Scott M. Tapio, Michael L. Graetz, Amy J. Gates, Peter M. Olofson, Robert L. Brott, Robert S. Moshrefzadeh