Patents by Inventor Robert M. Emmons
Robert M. Emmons 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: 7766528Abstract: A directly illuminated display unit has a display panel and one or more light sources disposed behind the display panel. A diffuser is disposed between the one or more light sources and the display panel, and a light diverting layer is disposed between the one or more light sources and the diffuser. The light diverting layer has a first light-diverting surface facing the one or more light sources and a second light diverting surface facing the display panel. The light diverting layer diverts light passing from the one or more light sources to the diffuser, thus improving the uniformity of the light in the display unit.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2006Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Kenneth A. Epstein, Kenneth J. Hanley, Robert M. Emmons
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Patent number: 7587117Abstract: An optical device for collecting light and selectively outputting or concentrating the light. A layer has an optical index of refraction n1, and top, bottom and side surfaces defining an angel of inclination ?. A back surface spans the top, bottom and side surface. A first layer is coupled to the bottom surface of the layer and has an index of refraction n2. The first layer index n2 causes light input through the back surface of the layer to be preferentially output into the first layer. A second layer is coupled to the bottom of the first layer and selectively causes output of light into ambient. Additional layers, such as alight polarization layer, a polarization converting layer and a post LCD diffuser layer can be used to make preferential use of polarized light of diffuse light having passed through the LCD layer to enhance viewing of the output light.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2006Date of Patent: September 8, 2009Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Roland Winston, Robert L. Holman, Benjamin A. Jacobson, Robert M. Emmons, Philip Gleckman
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Publication number: 20090122228Abstract: In a directly-illuminated liquid crystal display (LCD), for example an LCD monitor or an LCD-TV, a number of light management films, including a diffuser layer, lie between the light source and the LCD panel to provide bright, uniform illumination. The diffuser layer is attached to a substrate which is separate from the light source and the LCD panel, or may be attached to either the LCD panel or, when using a two dimensional light source, to the light source. The other light management layers may also be attached to the separate substrate or to the LCD panel or two-dimensional light source. High levels of illumination uniformity at the LCD may be achieved with a uniform (non-patterned) diffuser, even with relatively low levels of diffusion, when the diffuser is used with a brightness enhancing layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2008Publication date: May 14, 2009Inventors: Byungsoo Ko, Mark D. Gehlsen, Chingwen Chen, Robert M. Emmons, James W. Laumer, Ji-Hyung Kim, Ji-Hwa Lee, Kang-il Seo, Ryan T. Fabick, Linda M. Rivard, Kenneth A. Epstein, Chideuk Kim, Youngsoo Park
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Patent number: 7478913Abstract: A directly illuminated display unit has a display panel and one or more light sources disposed behind the display panel. A diffuser is disposed between the light source unit and the display panel and a light diverting layer is disposed between the one or more light sources and the diffuser. The light diverting layer has light diverting members on a first side of the light diverting layer facing the diffuser. Surfaces of the light diverting members are disposed at more than one angle relative to a normal to the light diverting layer and also include one or more sharp changes of surface slope. The light diverting members spread the illumination light so as to be more uniform. Different light diverting members can have different apex angles. Also, different sides of a light diverting member can have best fit centers of curvature that are non-coincident.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2006Date of Patent: January 20, 2009Assignee: 3M Innovative PropertiesInventors: Kenneth A. Epstein, Kenneth J. Hanley, James A. Stevenson, Robert M. Emmons
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Patent number: 7446827Abstract: In a directly-illuminated liquid crystal display (LCD), for example an LCD monitor or an LCD-TV, a number of light management films, including a diffuser layer, lie between the light source and the LCD panel to provide bright, uniform illumination. The diffuser layer is attached to a substrate which is separate from the light source and the LCD panel, or may be attached to either the LCD panel or, when using a two dimensional light source, to the light source. The other light management layers may also be attached to the separate substrate or to the LCD panel or two-dimensional light source. High levels of illumination uniformity at the LCD may be achieved with a uniform (non-patterned) diffuser, even with relatively low levels of diffusion, when the diffuser is used with a brightness enhancing layer.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2004Date of Patent: November 4, 2008Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Byungsoo Ko, Mark D. Gehlsen, Chingwen Chen, Robert M. Emmons, James W. Laumer, Ji-Hyung Kim, Ji-Hwa Lee, Kang-il Seo, Ryan T. Fabick, Linda M. Rivard, Kenneth A. Epstein, Chideuk Kim, Youngsoo Park
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Patent number: 7436469Abstract: In a directly-illuminated liquid crystal display (LCD), for example an LCD monitor or an LCD-TV, a number of light management layers lie between the light source and the LCD panel to provide bright, uniform illumination. The light management layers, including, for example, a diffuser, a reflective polarizer and a brightness enhancing layer, are contained in a light management unit that is formed from two subassemblies. The two subassemblies each contain a substrate and are attached together so as to leave a gap between the two subassemblies. The diffuser is located in one of the subassemblies, and the other light management layers may be in either of the subassemblies, or may be disposed in the gap between the subassemblies.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2004Date of Patent: October 14, 2008Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Mark D. Gehlsen, Chingwen Chen, Byungsoo Ko, Robert M. Emmons, James W. Laumer, Ryan T. Fabick, Linda M. Rivard, Kenneth A. Epstein, Youngsoo Park, Chideuk Kim, James A. Stevenson
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Publication number: 20080247065Abstract: Methods for fabricating an optical film characterizable by a relationship between gain and thickness to prism pitch ratio (S/p) that varies cyclically are described. The thickness and the prism pitch of the optical film are selected based on the relationship between gain and S/p ratio, to obtain a desired gain. The optical film is formed having the S/p ratio that provides the desired gain.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2007Publication date: October 9, 2008Inventors: Gary T. Boyd, Robert M. Emmons, Leland R. Whitney
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Patent number: 7424197Abstract: An optical device for collecting light and selectively outputting or concentrating the light. A layer has an optical index of referaction n1, and top, bottom and side surfaces defining an angel of inclination ?. A back surface spans the top, bottom and side surface. A first layer is coupled to the bottom surface of the layer and has an index of refraction n2. The first layer index n2 causes light input through the back surface of the layer to be preferentially output into the first layer. A second layer is coupled to the bottom of the first layer and selectively causes output of light into ambient. Additional layers, such as alight polarization layer, a polarization converting layer and a post LCD diffuser layer can be used to make preferential use of polarized light of diffuse light having passed through the LCD layer to enhance viewing of the output light.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2006Date of Patent: September 9, 2008Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Roland Winston, Robert L. Holman, Benjamin A. Jacobson, Robert M. Emmons, Philip Gleckman
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Patent number: 7418188Abstract: An optical device for collecting light and selectively outputting or concentrating the light. A layer has an optical index of referaction n1, and top, bottom and side surfaces defining an angle of inclination ?. A back surface spans the top, bottom and side surface. A first layer is coupled to the bottom surface of the layer and has an index of refraction n2. The first layer index n2 causes light input through the back surface of the layer to be preferentially output into the first layer. A second layer is coupled to the bottom of the first layer and selectively causes output of light into ambient. Additional layers, such, as alight polarization layer, a polarization converting layer and a post LCD diffuser layer can be used to make preferential use of polarized light of diffuse light having passed through the LCD layer to enhance viewing of the output light.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2006Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Roland Winston, Robert L. Holman, Benjamin A. Jacobson, Robert M. Emmons, Philip Gleckman
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Publication number: 20080111948Abstract: A directly illuminated display unit has a display panel and one or more light sources disposed behind the display panel. A diffuser is disposed between the one or more light sources and the display panel, and a light diverting layer is disposed between the one or more light sources and the diffuser. The light diverting layer has a first light-diverting surface facing the one or more light sources and a second light diverting surface facing the display panel. The light diverting layer diverts light passing from the one or more light sources to the diffuser, thus improving the uniformity of the light in the display unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2006Publication date: May 15, 2008Inventors: Kenneth A. Epstein, Kenneth J. Hanley, Robert M. Emmons
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Publication number: 20080111947Abstract: A directly illuminated display unit has a display panel and one or more light sources disposed behind the display panel. A diffuser is disposed between the light source unit and the display panel and a light diverting layer is disposed between the one or more light sources and the diffuser. The light diverting layer has light diverting elements on a first side of the light diverting layer facing the diffuser. Surfaces of the light diverting elements are disposed at more than one angle relative to a normal to the light diverting layer and also include one or more sharp changes of surface slope. The light diverting elements spread the illumination light so as to be more uniform. Different light diverting elements can have different apex angles. Also, different sides of a light diverting element can have best fit centers of curvature that are non-coincident.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2006Publication date: May 15, 2008Inventors: Kenneth A. Epstein, Kenneth J. Hanley, James A. Stevenson, Robert M. Emmons
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Publication number: 20080111945Abstract: A directly illuminated display unit has a display panel and one or more light sources disposed behind the display panel. A diffuser is disposed between the light source unit and the display panel and a light diverting layer is disposed between the one or more light sources and the diffuser. The light diverting layer has light diverting members on a first side of the light diverting layer facing the diffuser. Surfaces of the light diverting members are disposed at more than one angle relative to a normal to the light diverting layer and also include one or more sharp changes of surface slope. The light diverting members spread the illumination light so as to be more uniform. Different light diverting members can have different apex angles. Also, different sides of a light diverting member can have best fit centers of curvature that are non-coincident.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2006Publication date: May 15, 2008Inventors: Kenneth A. Epstein, Kenneth J. Hanley, James A. Stevenson, Robert M. Emmons
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Patent number: 7220036Abstract: Direct-lit backlights and associated methods are disclosed in which an array of elongated light sources is placed in a cavity between a diffuser plate and a back reflector. The back reflector is a specular reflector that can have a divergence half-angle of about 10 degrees or less. The diffuser plate can be of the type that has uniform diffusing properties over its useful area. Appropriate placement of the diffuser plate, light sources, and back reflector can yield a backlight having exceptional thinness, brightness uniformity, and average brightness.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2005Date of Patent: May 22, 2007Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Jennifer R. Yi, Robert M. Emmons
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Patent number: 7209628Abstract: An optical device for collecting light and selectively outputting or concentrating the light. A layer has an optical index of refraction n1, and top, bottom and side surfaces defining an angel of inclination ?. A back surface spans the top, bottom and side surface. A first layer is coupled to the bottom surface of the layer and has an index of refraction n2. The first layer index n2 causes light input through the back surface of the layer to be preferentially output into the first layer. A second layer is coupled to the bottom of the first layer and selectively causes output of light into ambient. Additional layers, such as alight polarization layer, a polarization converting layer a and a post LCD diffuser layer can be used to make preferential use of polarized light of diffuse light having passed through the LCD layer to enhance viewing of the output light.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2005Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Roland Winston, Robert L. Holman, Benjamin A. Jacobson, Robert M. Emmons, Philip Gleckman
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Patent number: 7095943Abstract: An integrated optical assembly including a light management component with an entry surface and a light delivery component having an exit surface attached to the entry surface of the light management component is disclosed The light management component and the light delivery component are attached together in a manner that defines voids between the entry surface of the light management component and the exit surface of the light delivery component. The voids between the light management component and the light delivery component may provide an air interface over substantial portions of the entry surface of the light management component.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2005Date of Patent: August 22, 2006Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Robert M. Emmons, David J. Lamb, Yaoqi J. Liu, Ying-Yuh Lu, Larry A. Meixner, Robert S. Moshrefzadeh, Richard J. Pokorny, Steven J. Rhyner, Philip E. Watson, Leland R. Whitney, Jie Yang
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Patent number: 7010212Abstract: An integrated optical assembly including a light management component with an entry surface and a light delivery component having an exit surface attached to the entry surface of the light management component is disclosed The light management component and the light delivery component are attached together in a manner that defines voids between the entry surface of the light management component and the exit surface of the light delivery component. The voids between the light management component and the light delivery component may provide an air interface over substantial portions of the entry surface of the light management component.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2002Date of Patent: March 7, 2006Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Robert M. Emmons, David J. Lamb, Yaoqi J. Liu, Ying-Yuh Lu, Larry A. Meixner, Robert S. Moshrefzadeh, Richard J. Pokorny, Steven J. Rhyner, Philip E. Watson, Leland R. Whitney, Jie Yang
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Patent number: 6993242Abstract: An optical device for collecting light and selectively outputting or concentrating the light. A layer has an optical index of referaction n1, and top, bottom and side surfaces defining an angel of inclination ?. A back surface spans the top, bottom and side surface. A first layer is coupled to the bottom surface of the layer and has an index of refraction n2. The first layer index n2 causes light input through the back surface of the layer to be preferentially output into the first layer. A second layer is coupled to the bottom of the first layer and selectively causes output of light into ambient. Additional layers, such as alight polarization layer, a polarization converting layer and a post LCD diffuser layer can be used to make preferential use of polarized light of diffuse light having passed through the LCD layer to enhance viewing of the output light.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2003Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Roland Winston, Robert L. Holman, Benjamin A. Jacobson, Robert M. Emmons, Philip Gleckman
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Publication number: 20040062028Abstract: An optical device for collecting light and selectively outputting or concentrating the light. A layer has an optical index of referaction n1, and top, bottom and side surfaces defining an angel of inclination &phgr;. A back surface spans the top, bottom and side surface. A first layer is coupled to the bottom surface of the layer and has an index of refraction n2. The first layer index n2 causes light input through the back surface of the layer to be preferentially output into the first layer. A second layer is coupled to the bottom of the first layer and selectively causes output of light into ambient.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Roland Winston, Robert L. Holman, Benjamin A. Jacobson, Robert M. Emmons, Philip Gleckman
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Patent number: 6671452Abstract: An optical device for collecting light and selectively outputting or concentrating the light. A layer has an optical index of referaction n1, and top, bottom and side surfaces defining an angel of inclination &phgr;. A back surface spans the top, bottom and side surface. A first layer is coupled to the bottom surface of the layer and has an index of refraction n2. The first layer index n2 causes light input through the back surface of the layer to be preferentially output into the first layer. A second layer is coupled to the bottom of the first layer and selectively causes output of light into ambient. Additional layers, such as alight polarization layer, a polarization converting layer and a post LCD diffuser layer can be used to make preferential use of polarized light of diffuse light having passed through the LCD layer to enhance viewing of the output light.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2001Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Roland Winston, Robert L. Holman, Benjamin A. Jacobson, Robert M. Emmons, Philip Gleckman
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Publication number: 20030223216Abstract: An integrated optical assembly including a light management component with an entry surface and a light delivery component having an exit surface attached to the entry surface of the light management component is disclosed The light management component and the light delivery component are attached together in a manner that defines voids between the entry surface of the light management component and the exit surface of the light delivery component. The voids between the light management component and the light delivery component may provide an air interface over substantial portions of the entry surface of the light management component.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2002Publication date: December 4, 2003Inventors: Robert M. Emmons, David J. Lamb, Yaoqi J. Liu, Ying-Yuh Lu, Larry A. Meixner, Robert S. Moshrefzadeh, Richard J. Pokorny, Steven J. Rhyner, Philip E. Watson, Leland R. Whitney, Jie Yang