Patents by Inventor Stephen J. Pojar

Stephen J. Pojar 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: 7285802
    Abstract: An illumination assembly including a thermally conductive substrate, a patterned conductive layer proximate a major surface of the thermally conductive substrate, a dielectric layer positioned between the patterned conductive layer and the major surface of the substrate, and at least one LED including a post that is attached to the thermally conductive substrate such that at least a portion of the post is embedded in the thermally conductive substrate is disclosed. The at least one LED can be thermally connected to the thermally conductive substrate through the post and electrically connected to the patterned conductive layer. The dielectric layer can be reflective.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Hung T. Tran, John C. Schultz, John A. Wheatley, Joseph A. Hoffman, Kay-Uwe Schenke, Michael A. Meis, Stephen J. Pojar, Wolfgang N. Lehnhardt
  • Patent number: 6481882
    Abstract: An illumination device for transmitting and/or distributing light with an extractor that extends distally into the interior of the light guide. The illumination device includes a hollow light guide including a wall having an inner surface and a structured outer side. The structured outer side includes a plurality of prisms defining grooves that extend along a length of the light guide. An extractor extends substantially along the length of the light guide and projects distally from the inner surface towards an interior of the light guide. The extractor is operative to cause light to be released through the wall of the light guide. A method of attaching the extractor is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Stephen J. Pojar
  • Patent number: 6325550
    Abstract: A light directing, load bearing, thermally protective coupling for connecting a light conduit, such as a light pipe, to a light source includes a body member having a first end connected with the light source and a second end connected with the light pipe. The body member contains a longitudinal channel which extends from the first end to the second end and includes an inner surface defining the channel which directs light from the light source, through the coupling, to the light pipe. To reduce light loss, the inner surface is provided with a highly reflective finish. The coupling is formed of a thermally conductive metal which dissipates heat from the light source and has a length sufficient to produce a temperature drop which allows the light pipe to be connected with the coupling without damaging the light pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Joseph A. Hoffman, Duwayne C. Radke, Stephen J. Pojar
  • Patent number: 6285814
    Abstract: A light guide luminaire includes a longitudinal housing having a center and an inner surface, and a light guide formed of at least two sections of optical lighting film arranged within the housing such that the shortest distance between the center of the housing and the inner surface of the housing is smaller than the radius of curvature of each section of optical lighting film. The light guide is slidably retained within the housing, and the housing and optical lighting film are arranged to define air gaps between the housing and optical lighting film. The luminaire may also include an extractor element extending radially inwardly from the inner surface of the housing for scattering light, and a back reflector for reflecting light back into the light guide. A joint member adapted to slidably receive end portions of the optical lighting film sections, the back reflector sections, and an extractor element is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Stephen J. Pojar
  • Patent number: 6164782
    Abstract: A self-contained lighted marking device that is a directionally dependent line light source has a substantially transparent housing. The housing has a narrow cross-section, preferably rectangular in shape. A thin, flexible film having a smooth surface on one side and a plurality of linear substantially right angled isosceles prisms on the other side is located along the periphery of the interior of the housing. A light source, preferably a plurality of light emitting diodes, are located at at least one end of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Property Company
    Inventor: Stephen J. Pojar
  • Patent number: 5976686
    Abstract: Diffuse reflective materials attached to a structure formed by thermally induced phase separation of a thermoplastic polymer and a diluent providing enhanced flexibility and reflectivity especially in the visible wavelengths of 380-730 nanometers are described. Such materials find a wide variety of application among combinations with other reflective layers. The diffuse reflective articles are useful in backlight units of liquid crystal displays, lights, copy machines, projection system displays, facsimile apparatus, electronic blackboards, diffuse white standards, photographic lights and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Scott R. Kaytor, Kenneth A. Epstein, John C. Harvey, Stephen J. Pojar, Neal T. Strand, Clinton P. Waller, Jr., William A. Hibbard, David R. Gagnon