Patents by Inventor Stephen J. Etzkorn
Stephen J. Etzkorn 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: 11957032Abstract: The present disclosure provides a display system. The display system includes a backlight configured to emit substantially collimated polarized light from an emission surface thereof. The emitted polarized light is polarized along a polarization direction. The display system further includes a display panel configured to receive an illumination light and form an image. The display system further includes a grating system substantially coextensive in length and width with the display panel and the emission surface. The grating system includes a plurality of substantially parallel elongated features extending along an in-plane first direction and arranged along an orthogonal in-plane second direction. The grating system is configured to receive and transmit an incident polarized light as a first transmitted light having different first and second polarization states in response to different respective first and second signals applied to the grating system.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2023Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Stephen J. Etzkorn, Michael L. Steiner, Kevin W. Gotrik, Luke A. Schroeder, Nicholas A. Johnson, John A. Wheatley
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Patent number: 11909107Abstract: A gradient permittivity film comprises (a) a first permittivity layer comprising a first continuous matrix of a first material having a first relative permittivity (?r1) and a second component having a second relative permittivity (?r2) dispersed in the first continuous matrix, the first permittivity layer having a first effective layer relative permittivity (?1) and a thickness (T1); And (b) a second permittivity layer having a second effective layer relative permittivity (?2) and a thickness (T2) disposed on the first permittivity layer. T1=0.8(t1) to 1.2(t1), where t 1 = c 4 ? f ? ? 1 ; ? T 2 = 0.8 ( t 2 ) ? to 1.2 ( t 2 ) , where ? t 2 = c 4 ? f ? ? 2 .Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2023Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Mohsen Salehi, Stephen J. Etzkorn, Jaewon Kim, Brett J. Sitter
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Publication number: 20230413653Abstract: The present disclosure provides a display system. The display system includes a backlight configured to emit substantially collimated polarized light from an emission surface thereof. The emitted polarized light is polarized along a polarization direction. The display system further includes a display panel configured to receive an illumination light and form an image. The display system further includes a grating system substantially coextensive in length and width with the display panel and the emission surface. The grating system includes a plurality of substantially parallel elongated features extending along an in-plane first direction and arranged along an orthogonal in-plane second direction. The grating system is configured to receive and transmit an incident polarized light as a first transmitted light having different first and second polarization states in response to different respective first and second signals applied to the grating system.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2023Publication date: December 21, 2023Inventors: Stephen J. Etzkorn, Michael L. Steiner, Kevin W. Gotrik, Luke A. Schroeder, Nicholas A. Johnson, John A. Wheatley
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Patent number: 11811139Abstract: Gradient permittivity films are described. In particular, gradient permittivity films including a plurality of layers each having a thickness where at least one layer is perforated and has a different air volume fraction from another of the plurality of layers by at least 0.05. Such films may be useful in improving the signal to noise ratio for transmitting and receiving units operating between 20 GHz and 300 GHz behind a protective cover.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2019Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Jaewon Kim, Stephen J. Etzkorn, Ronald D. Jesme, Dipankar Ghosh, Mohsen Salehi, Guanglei Du, John A. Wheatley
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Publication number: 20230350107Abstract: A light control film includes a plurality of substantially parallel optical cavities. Each of the optical cavities has a height H along a thickness direction of the light control film and a minimum lateral dimension W along an in-plane width direction orthogonal to the thickness direction, where H?W. The optical cavities are substantially filled with a liquid including a plurality of light absorbing particles configured to move along the thickness direction in response to one or more applied signals or fields such that the movement along the thickness direction causes each of the optical cavities to transition between a substantially opaque state and a substantially transparent state. A full viewing angle of the light control film increases when the optical cavities transition from the substantially opaque state to the substantially transparent state.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2023Publication date: November 2, 2023Inventors: Kevin W. Gotrik, Stephen J. Etzkorn, Nicholas A. Johnson, Tao Liu, John J. Sullivan, Bharat R. Acharya
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Publication number: 20230350262Abstract: An optical component includes a substrate and a plurality of structures formed on a first major surface of the substrate and extending from the first major surface along a thickness direction of the optical component. The optical component can be assembled with another optical component to form a light control film. A light control film includes first and second optical components including respective pluralities of first and second structures formed on, and extending from, respective first and second substrates. The first and second optical components are assembled so that the first and second structures are disposed between the first and second substrates and interleaved to form a plurality of pairs of adjacent first and second structures. For each of at least some of the pairs, the adjacent first and second structures define an optical cavity therebetween substantially filled with a light absorbing material.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2023Publication date: November 2, 2023Inventors: Kevin W. Gotrik, Stephen J. Etzkorn, Adam T. Ringberg, Owen M. Anderson, Vivian W. Jones, Nicholas A. Johnson, Bharat R. Acharya
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Publication number: 20230341715Abstract: A display system includes a display configured to emit an image for viewing by a viewer. The display system further includes one or more phase lens layers disposed on, and substantially co-extensive in length and width with the display. Each of the one or more phase lens layers is configured to have different first and second focal lengths for different respective first and second polarization states. The display system further includes a first polarization modifying layer disposed between the display and the one or more phase lens layers. The first polarization modifying layer is configured to receive the emitted image and transmit a transmitted image. The transmitted image has the first and second polarization states in response to different respective first and second signals applied to the first polarization modifying layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2023Publication date: October 26, 2023Inventors: Stephen J. Etzkorn, Michael L. Steiner, Kevin W. Gotrik, Luke A. Schroeder, Nicholas A. Johnson, John A. Wheatley
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Patent number: 11749900Abstract: Radar standing wave dampening systems and components are described. In particular, systems and components including an absorber composite including at least one of ceramic filler, magnetic filler, or conductive filler materials are described. Such components can reduce the intensity of standing waves and may also be combined in systems with one or more gradient permittivity tapes or films.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2019Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Dipankar Ghosh, Jaewon Kim, Stephen J. Etzkorn, Ronald D. Jesme, Mohsen Salehi, Guanglei Du, John A. Wheatley
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Publication number: 20230253701Abstract: A gradient permittivity film comprises (a) a first permittivity layer comprising a first continuous matrix of a first material having a first relative permittivity (?r1) and a second component having a second relative permittivity (?r2) dispersed in the first continuous matrix, the first permittivity layer having a first effective layer relative permittivity (?1) and a thickness (T1); And (b) a second permittivity layer having a second effective layer relative permittivity (?2) and a thickness (T2) disposed on the first permittivity layer. T1=0.8(t1) to 1.2(t1), where t 1 = c 4 ? f ? ? 1 ; ? T 2 = 0.8 ( t 2 ) ? to 1.2 ( t 2 ) , where ? t 2 = c 4 ? f ? ? 2 .Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2023Publication date: August 10, 2023Inventors: Mohsen SALEHI, Stephen J. ETZKORN, Jaewon KIM, Brett J. SITTER
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Patent number: 11637367Abstract: A gradient permittivity film comprises (a) a first permittivity layer comprising a first continuous matrix of a first material having a first relative permittivity (?r1) and a second component having a second relative permittivity (?r2) dispersed in the first continuous matrix, the first permittivity layer having a first effective layer relative permittivity (?1) and a thickness (T1); and (b) a second permittivity layer having a second effective layer relative permittivity (?2) and a thickness (T2) disposed on the first permittivity layer T1=0.8(t1) to 1.2(t1), where t1=(I); T2=0.8(t2) to 1.2 (T2), where T2=(II).Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2019Date of Patent: April 25, 2023Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Mohsen Salehi, Stephen J. Etzkorn, Jaewon Kim, Brett J. Sitter
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Publication number: 20210159591Abstract: A gradient permittivity film comprises (a) a first permittivity layer comprising a first continuous matrix of a first material having a first relative permittivity (?r1) and a second component having a second relative permittivity (?r2) dispersed in the first continuous matrix, the first permittivity layer having a first effective layer relative permittivity (?1) and a thickness (T1); and (b) a second permittivity layer having a second effective layer relative permittivity (?2) and a thickness (T2) disposed on the first permittivity layer T1=0.8(t1) to 1.2(t1), where t1=(I); T2=0.8(t2) to 1.2 (T2), where T2=(II).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2019Publication date: May 27, 2021Inventors: Mohsen SALEHI, Stephen J. ETZKORN, Jaewon KIM, Brett J. SITTER
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Publication number: 20210050673Abstract: Radar standing wave dampening systems and components are described. In particular, systems and components including an absorber composite including at least one of ceramic filler, magnetic filler, or conductive filler materials are described. Such components can reduce the intensity of standing waves and may also be combined in systems with one or more gradient permittivity tapes or films.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2019Publication date: February 18, 2021Inventors: Dipankar Ghosh, Jaewon Kim, Stephen J. Etzkorn, Ronald D. Jesme, Mohsen Salehi, Guanglei Du, John A. Wheatley
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Publication number: 20210028538Abstract: Gradient permittivity films are described. In particular, gradient permittivity films that include a first continuous matrix of a first component having a first relative permittivity and a second component disposed within the continuous matrix having a second relative permittivity. The first permittivity is greater than the second permittivity for at least one wavelength between 20 GHz and 300 GHz. Such films may be useful in improving the signal to noise ratio for transmitting and receiving units behind a protective cover.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2019Publication date: January 28, 2021Inventors: Ronald D. JESME, Jaewon KIM, Stephen J. ETZKORN, Dipankar GHOSH, Mohsen SALEHI, Guanglei DU, John A. WHEATLEY
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Publication number: 20210021050Abstract: Gradient permittivity films are described. In particular, gradient permittivity films including a plurality of layers each having a thickness where at least one layer is perforated and has a different air volume fraction from another of the plurality of layers by at least 0.05. Such films may be useful in improving the signal to noise ratio for transmitting and receiving units operating between 20 GHz and 300 GHz behind a protective cover.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2019Publication date: January 21, 2021Inventors: Jaewon Kim, Stephen J. Etzkorn, Ronald D. Jesme, Dipankar Ghosh, Mohsen Salehi, Guanglei Du, John A. Wheatley
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Patent number: 10698138Abstract: A diffuser including opposing structured first and second major surfaces is described. The first major surface includes a first plurality of surface structures providing a uniform first haze. The second major surface includes a first portion adjacent an edge and a second portion adjacent the first portion. The first portion includes a first region and a second region between the first region and the second portion. The second major surface includes a second plurality of surface structures providing a uniform second haze over the second portion and providing a third haze in the first portion. The third haze in the first region is higher than the second haze, and the third haze in the second region is monotonically decreasing. The second portion has a surface area of at least 90 percent of a surface area of the second major surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2016Date of Patent: June 30, 2020Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Gary T. Boyd, Tri D. Pham, Nicholas A. Johnson, Oanh V. Pham, Sara S. Merritt, Stephen J. Etzkorn, Haiyan Zhang, Corey D. Balts, Joseph T. Aronson
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Patent number: 10606124Abstract: Recycling backlights are described. More specifically, recycling backlights including structured reflectors are described. The structured reflector redirects light at least for angles emitted from a lightguide and retroreflects other light, the retroreflected light having incidence angles not emitted by the lightguide.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2017Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Nathaniel K. Naismith, Stephen J. Etzkorn, David A. Rosen
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Publication number: 20190302530Abstract: Recycling backlight systems are described. In particular, recycling backlight systems including a circular reflective polarizer, a reflector with a metalized reflective surface, and a lightguide disposed between the reflector and the circular reflective polarizer are described. The described backlights can increase recycling backlight efficiency.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2017Publication date: October 3, 2019Inventors: Nathaniel K. Naismith, Stephen J. Etzkorn
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Publication number: 20190265547Abstract: Recycling backlights are described. More specifically, recycling backlights including structured reflectors are described. The structured reflector redirects light at least for angles emitted from a lightguide and retroreflects other light, the retroreflected light having incidence angles not emitted by the lightguide.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2017Publication date: August 29, 2019Inventors: Nathaniel K. Naismith, Stephen J. Etzkorn, David A. Rosen
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Publication number: 20180217300Abstract: A diffuser including opposing structured first and second major surfaces is described. The first major surface includes a first plurality of surface structures providing a uniform first haze. The second major surface includes a first portion adjacent an edge and a second portion adjacent the first portion. The first portion includes a first region and a second region between the first region and the second portion. The second major surface includes a second plurality of surface structures providing a uniform second haze over the second portion and providing a third haze in the first portion. The third haze in the first region is higher than the second haze, and the third haze in the second region is monotonically decreasing. The second portion has a surface area of at least 90 percent of a surface area of the second major surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2016Publication date: August 2, 2018Inventors: Gary T. Boyd, Tri D. Pham, Nicholas A. Johnson, Oanh V. Pham, Sara S. Merritt, Stephen J. Etzkorn, Haiyan Zhang, Corey D. Balts, Joseph T. Aronson
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Patent number: 9618791Abstract: The present disclosure describes an optical stack that includes an asymmetric diffuser. As described herein, use of an asymmetric diffuser in an optical stack reduces undesirable defects in a display while maintaining optical gain and/or contrast of the display. The asymmetric diffuser is less diffusive along a first direction that is parallel with linearly extending structures of an associated light directing film.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2012Date of Patent: April 11, 2017Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Adam D. Haag, Tri D. Pham, Steven H. C. Kong, Stephen J. Etzkorn, Robert L. Endres, Matthew B. Johnson