Patents by Inventor Steven H. Kong

Steven H. Kong 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: 20230400608
    Abstract: An optically diffusive film includes a structured first major surface with a plurality of substantially parallel, substantially planar first surfaces arranged across the first major surface at a plurality of different first height levels. A height difference between any two of the first surfaces is S times Hmin, where S is a number within 15% of an integer and Hmin is a height difference between lowest and next-lowest first surfaces. For a substantially collimated incident light and for a first wavelength in a human-visible wavelength range, the optically diffusive film has an optical haze, Hv, and an optical clarity, Cv, and for a second wavelength in an infrared wavelength range, the optically diffusive film has an optical haze, Hi, and an optical clarity, Ci, such that the ratio Hv/Hi is greater than or equal to 1.5 and the ratio Ci/Cv is greater than or equal to 1.5.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2021
    Publication date: December 14, 2023
    Inventors: Steven H. Kong, Nicholas C. Erickson, David A. Rosen
  • Publication number: 20230358934
    Abstract: An integral multilayer optical film includes a plurality of interference layers; a structured layer disposed on the interference layers and including a plurality of particles dispersed in a binder; and a barrier layer disposed between the structured layer and the interference layers and co-extruded with the interference layers and the structured layer. The structured layer has a first major surface facing away from the interference layers and a second major surface facing the interference layers. The barrier layer causes the particles to impart a greater surface roughness to the first major surface than the second major surface so that when the optical film is illuminated with a light source, the optical film has a first average effective transmission T1 when the first major surface faces the light source and a second average effective transmission T2 when the first major surface faces away from the light source, where T1-T2?5%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2021
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Inventors: Carl A. Stover, Kristopher J. Derks, Benjamin J. Forsythe, Stephen A. Johnson, Derek W. Patzman, David T. Yust, Steven H. Kong
  • Publication number: 20230055151
    Abstract: A thermal interface layer includes pluralities of first and second particles dispersed in a polymeric binder at a total loading V in a range of about 40 volume percent to about 70 volume percent. The first and second particles have different compositions. The first particles include one or more of iron or nickel. The second particles include one or more of aluminum, magnesium, silicon, copper, or zinc. The thermal interface layer has a thermal conductivity in a thickness direction of the thermal interface layer in units of W/mK of at least K=5.1?0.17 V+0.002 V2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2021
    Publication date: February 23, 2023
    Inventors: Samuel J. Carpenter, Aaron K. Nienaber, Joseph B. Eckel, Ronald D. Jesme, Jacob P. Podkaminer, Victor Ho, Sebastian Goris, Matthew T. Johnson, Michael S. Graff, Steven H. Kong
  • Publication number: 20230059388
    Abstract: A magnetic film includes a plurality of magnetically permeable particles dispersed between opposing first and second major surfaces of the magnetic film. The first and second major surfaces are spaced apart a distance D. The particles are agglomerated so as to form a plurality of substantially continuous layers of particles generally extending along orthogonal first and second directions and arranged along a third direction. Each substantially continuous layer of particles has a length L along the first direction from a first to an opposing second edge of the magnetic film and a width W along the second direction extending from the first to the second major surface. L/D?100.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2021
    Publication date: February 23, 2023
    Inventors: Zhonghua Lu, Jeffrey W. McCutcheon, Sergei A. Manuilov, Joseph B. Eckel, Aaron K. Nienaber, Michael S. Graff, Ronald D. Jesme, Charles L. Bruzzone, Steven H. Kong, Shane P. White
  • Publication number: 20230049873
    Abstract: An electrically conductive adhesive layer includes a plurality of particles dispersed between opposing first and second major surfaces of the electrically conductive adhesive layer. The first and second major surfaces are spaced apart a distance D. The particles are agglomerated so as to form a plurality of substantially continuous layers of particles generally extending along orthogonal first and second directions and arranged along a third direction. Each substantially continuous layer of particles has a length L along the first direction from a first to an opposing second edge of the electrically conductive adhesive layer and a width W along the second direction extending from the first to the second major surface. L/D ? 100. At least some of the particles are electrically conductive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2021
    Publication date: February 16, 2023
    Inventors: Zhonghua Lu, Jeffrey W. McCutcheon, Sergei A. Manuilov, Joseph B. Eckel, Aaron K. Nienaber, Michael S. Graff, Ronald D. Jesme, Steven H. Kong, Shane P. White
  • Publication number: 20220269917
    Abstract: Optical articles including a spatially defined arrangement of a plurality of data rich retroreflective elements, wherein the plurality of retroreflective elements comprise retroreflective elements having at least two different retroreflective properties and at least two different optical contrasts with respect to a background substrate when observed within an ultraviolet spectrum, a visible spectrum, a near-infrared spectrum, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2022
    Publication date: August 25, 2022
    Inventors: Michael A. McCoy, Anne C. Gold, Silvia Geciova-Borovova Guttmann, Glenn E. Casner, Timothy J. Gardner, Steven H. Kong, Gautam Singh, Jonathan T. Kahl, Nathan J. Anderson, Catherine L. Aune, Caroline M. Ylitalo, Britton G. Billingsley, Muhammad J. Afridi, Kui Chen-Ho, Travis L. Potts, Robert W. Shannon, Guruprasad Somasundaram
  • Patent number: 11373076
    Abstract: Optical articles including a spatially defined arrangement of a plurality of data rich retroreflective elements, wherein the plurality of retroreflective elements comprise retroreflective elements having at least two different retroreflective properties and at least two different optical contrasts with respect to a background substrate when observed within an ultraviolet spectrum, a visible spectrum, a near-infrared spectrum, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Michael A. McCoy, Anne C. Gold, Silvia Geciova-Borovova Guttmann, Glenn E. Casner, Timothy J. Gardner, Steven H. Kong, Gautam Singh, Jonathan T. Kahl, Nathan J. Anderson, Catherine L. Aune, Caroline M. Ylitalo, Britton G. Billingsley, Muhammad J. Afridi, Kui Chen-Ho, Travis L. Potts, Robert W. Shannon, Guruprasad Somasundaram
  • Patent number: 11308378
    Abstract: Optical articles including a spatially defined arrangement of a plurality of data rich retroreflective elements, wherein the plurality of retroreflective elements comprise retroreflective elements having at least two different retroreflective properties and at least two different optical contrasts with respect to a background substrate when observed within an ultraviolet spectrum, a visible spectrum, a near-infrared spectrum, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Michael A. McCoy, Anne C. Gold, Silvia Geciova-Borovova Guttmann, Glenn E. Casner, Timothy J. Gardner, Steven H. Kong, Gautam Singh, Jonathan T. Kahl, Nathan J. Anderson, Catherine L. Aune, Caroline M. Ylitalo, Britton G. Billingsley, Muhammad J. Afridi, Kui Chen-Ho, Travis L. Potts, Robert W. Shannon, Guruprasad Somasundaram
  • Publication number: 20220023007
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of making an orthodontic article. The method includes (a) providing a photopolymerizable composition; (b) selectively curing the photopolymerizable composition using actinic radiation to form an article in the shape of an orthodontic article including a number of layers of at least one photopolymerized polymer; and (c) moving the article and thereby generating a mass inertial force in the uncured photopolymerizable composition. The article has a first surface, and no more than 75% of the first surface has a slope magnitude greater than 2.5 degrees. Orthodontic articles are also provided, including an orthodontic article that is prepared according to the method. Orthodontic articles having low extractable component content are further provided. The mass inertial force tends to form a coating layer of uncured photopolymerizable composition on the article, and curing the coating layer can form a surface having low slope magnitude.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2020
    Publication date: January 27, 2022
    Inventors: Saswata Chakraborty, Benjamin C. Mac Murray, James D. Hansen, Karl J.L. Geisler, Thomas P. Klun, Daniel J. Skamser, John M. Riedesel, Steven H. Kong, Anja Friedrich
  • Patent number: 11226433
    Abstract: Optical films for redirecting light are described, and optical systems, such as display systems, incorporating such optical films are described. The optical film may include a first structured surface including a plurality of prismatic structures, and a second structured surface opposing the first structured surface and including a plurality of microstructures. An effective transmission of the optical film is not more than 1% less than a film with a comparable construction except for a smooth, non-structured second surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Robert A. Yapel, Joseph T. Aronson, Matthew R. C. Atkinson, Gary T. Boyd, Slah Jendoubi, Mitchell A. F. Johnson, Scott R. Kaytor, Steven H. Kong, Fei Lu, Tri D. Pham, Robert B. Secor, Steven D. Solomonson
  • Publication number: 20200116904
    Abstract: Brightness enhancing films with embedded diffusers are described. More specifically, films including a birefringent substrate, a prismatic layer carried by the substrate having linear prisms, and an embedded structured surface disposed between the substrate and the prismatic layer are disclosed. The embedded structured surface may include closely-packed structures. Processes for producing embedded structured surfaces having particular topographies are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2019
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Inventors: Gary T. Boyd, Steven H. Kong, Tri D. Pham, Qingbing Wang
  • Patent number: 10605965
    Abstract: Optical diffusing films are made by microreplication from a structured surface tool. The tool is made using a 2-part electroplating process, wherein a first electroplating procedure forms a first metal layer with a first major surface, and a second electroplating procedure forms a second metal layer on the first metal layer, the second metal layer having a second major surface with a smaller average roughness than that of the first major surface. The second major surface can function as the structured surface of the tool. A replica of this surface can then be made in a major surface of an optical film to provide light diffusing properties. The structured surface and/or its constituent structures can be characterized in terms of various parameters such as optical haze, optical clarity, Fourier power spectra of the topography along orthogonal in-plane directions, ridge length per unit area, equivalent circular diameter (ECD), and/or aspect ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Tri D. Pham, Steven H. Kong, Haiyan Zhang, Joseph T. Aronson, Michael R. Leaf, Gary T. Boyd, Nicholas A. Johnson, Qingbing Wang
  • Patent number: 10557973
    Abstract: Brightness enhancing films with embedded diffusers are described. More specifically, films including a birefringent substrate, a prismatic layer carried by the substrate having linear prisms, and an embedded structured surface disposed between the substrate and the prismatic layer are disclosed. The embedded structured surface may include closely-packed structures. Processes for producing embedded structured surfaces having particular topographies are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Gary T. Boyd, Steven H. Kong, Tri D. Pham, Qingbing Wang
  • Publication number: 20200012911
    Abstract: Optical articles including a spatially defined arrangement of a plurality of data rich retroreflective elements, wherein the plurality of retroreflective elements comprise retroreflective elements having at least two different retroreflective properties and at least two different optical contrasts with respect to a background substrate when observed within an ultraviolet spectrum, a visible spectrum, a near-infrared spectrum, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventors: Michael A. McCoy, Anne C. Gold, Glenn E. Casner, Timothy J. Gardner, Steven H. Kong, Gautam Singh, Nathan J. Anderson, Caroline M. Ylitalo, Britton G. Billingsley, Muhammad J. Afridi, Travis L. Potts, Robert W. Shannon, Guruprasad Somasundaram
  • Publication number: 20190219743
    Abstract: Optical diffusing films are made by microreplication from a structured surface tool. The tool is made using a 2-part electroplating process, wherein a first electroplating procedure forms a first metal layer with a first major surface, and a second electroplating procedure forms a second metal layer on the first metal layer, the second metal layer having a second major surface with a smaller average roughness than that of the first major surface. The second major surface can function as the structured surface of the tool. A replica of this surface can then be made in a major surface of an optical film to provide light diffusing properties. The structured surface and/or its constituent structures can be characterized in terms of various parameters such as optical haze, optical clarity, Fourier power spectra of the topography along orthogonal in-plane directions, ridge length per unit area, equivalent circular diameter (ECD), and/or aspect ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2018
    Publication date: July 18, 2019
    Inventors: Tri D. Pham, Steven H. Kong, Haiyan Zhang, Joseph T. Aronson, Michael R. Leaf, Gary T. Boyd, Nicholas A. Johnson, Qingbing Wang
  • Patent number: 10295710
    Abstract: Optical diffusing films are made by microreplication from a structured surface tool. The tool is made using a 2-part electroplating process, wherein a first electroplating procedure forms a first metal layer with a first major surface, and a second electroplating procedure forms a second metal layer on the first metal layer, the second metal layer having a second major surface with a smaller average roughness than that of the first major surface. The second major surface can function as the structured surface of the tool. A replica of this surface can then be made in a major surface of an optical film to provide light diffusing properties. The structured surface and/or its constituent structures can be characterized in terms of various parameters such as optical haze, optical clarity, Fourier power spectra of the topography along orthogonal in-plane directions, ridge length per unit area, equivalent circular diameter (ECD), and/or aspect ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Tri D. Pham, Steven H. Kong, Haiyan Zhang, Joseph T. Aronson, Michael R. Leaf, Gary T. Boyd, Nicholas A. Johnson, Qingbing Wang
  • Publication number: 20190094418
    Abstract: Optical films for redirecting light are described, and optical systems, such as display systems, incorporating such optical films are described. The optical film may include a first structured surface including a plurality of prismatic structures, and a second structured surface opposing the first structured surface and including a plurality of microstructures. An effective transmission of the optical film is not more than 1% less than a film with a comparable construction except for a smooth, non-structured second surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: Robert A. Yapel, Joseph T. Aronson, Matthew R.C. Atkinson, Gary T. Boyd, Slah Jendoubi, Mitchell A.F. Johnson, Scott R. Kaytor, Steven H. Kong, Fei Lu, Tri D. Pham, Robert B. Secor, Steven D. Solomonson
  • Patent number: 10213993
    Abstract: Described herein is composite article comprising a substrate; and on at least one face of the substrate a multilayered coating disposed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Kui Chen-Ho, Caroline M. Ylitalo, Yu Yang, Yongshang Lu, Alan L. Levin, Hyacinth L. Lechuga, Steven H. Kong, Suresh S. Iyer, Ingrid N. Haugan, Mahfuza B. Ali
  • Patent number: 10156661
    Abstract: An optical film having a structured surface is described. At least 90% of the structured surface has a slope magnitude that is less than about 5 degrees. The optical film may have an optical haze of less than about 10% and an optical clarity of less than about 50%, or may have an optical haze of less than about 7.5% and an optical clarity of less than about 60%, or may have an optical haze of less than about 3% and an optical clarity of less than about 65%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Robert A. Yapel, Joseph T. Aronson, Matthew R. C. Atkinson, Gary T. Boyd, Slah Jendoubi, Mitchell A. F. Johnson, Scott R. Kaytor, Steven H. Kong, Fei Lu, Tri D. Pham, Robert B. Secor, Steven D. Solomonson
  • Patent number: 9551827
    Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to efficient hollow light duct bends (200) that are capable of retaining a higher on-axis transmission for partially collimated light propagating within a light duct (220, 230). In particular, the described hollow light duct bends (200) include input and output plates (214, 216) that have low reflectivity for near nonnal incident light, and high reflectivity for near grazing incident light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Steven H. Kong, David G. Freier