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).
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Publication number: 20190094418Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2018Publication date: March 28, 2019Inventors: 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
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Patent number: 10213993Abstract: Described herein is composite article comprising a substrate; and on at least one face of the substrate a multilayered coating disposed thereon.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2014Date of Patent: February 26, 2019Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: 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
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Patent number: 10156661Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 17, 2011Date of Patent: December 18, 2018Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: 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
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Patent number: 9551827Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 9, 2013Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Steven H. Kong, David G. Freier
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Publication number: 20160318287Abstract: Described herein is composite article comprising a substrate; and on at least one face of the substrate a multilayered coating disposed thereon.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2014Publication date: November 3, 2016Inventors: Kui Chen-Ho, Caroline M. Ylitalo, Yu Yang, Yongshang Lu, Alan L. Levin, Hyacinth L. Lechuga, Steven H. Kong, Suresh I. Iyer, Ingrid N. Haugan, Mahfuza B. Ali
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Patent number: 9383482Abstract: The present invention concerns antireflective films comprising a high refractive index layer (60) and low refractive index layer (80) disposed on the high refractive index layer. The antireflective films have a microstructured surface (70) that can be derived from a microreplicated tool.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2011Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Christopher B. Walker, Jr., Christopher P. Tebow, Tri D. Pham, Steven H. Kong, Joseph T. Aronson, Kyle J. Lindstrom, Michael K. Gerlach, Michelle L. Toy, Taun L. McKenzie, Anthony M. Renstrom, Robert A. Yapel, Mitchell A. F. Johnson
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Publication number: 20160146982Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2013Publication date: May 26, 2016Inventors: Gary T. Boyd, Steven H. Kong, Tri D. Pham, Qingbing Wang
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Publication number: 20150293272Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2013Publication date: October 15, 2015Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Tri D. Pham, Steven H. Kong, Haiyan Zhang, Joseph T. Aronson, Michael R. Leaf, Gary T. Boyd, Nicholas A. Johnson, Qingbing Wang
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Publication number: 20150003102Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2013Publication date: January 1, 2015Inventors: Steven H. Kong, David G. Freier
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Patent number: 8888333Abstract: Light redirecting film is disclosed. The light redirecting film includes a first major surface that includes a plurality of first microstructures that extend along a first direction. The light redirecting film also includes a second major surface that is opposite to the first major surface and includes a plurality of second microstructures. The second major surface has an optical haze that is in a range from about 4% to about 20% and an optical clarity that is in a range from about 20% to about 60%. The light redirecting film has an average effective transmission that is not less than about 1.55.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2010Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Robert A. Yapel, Mitchell A. F. Johnson, Tri D. Pham, Joseph T. Aronson, Steven D. Solomonson, Scott R. Kaytor, Steven J. McMan, Fei Lu, Steven H. Kong, Slah Jendoubi, Gary T. Boyd
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Patent number: 8657472Abstract: A light redirecting film (100) includes a first major surface (110) that includes first microstructures (150) that extend along a first direction and a second major surface (120), which may form part of a matte layer, the second major surface being opposite to the first major surface and including second microstructures (160). The second major surface has an optical haze that is not greater than about 3% and an optical clarity that is not greater than about 85%. The light redirecting film has an average effective transmission that is not less than about 1.75. The light redirecting film (100) may comprise particles. The second microstructures may have a slope distribution.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2010Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Joseph T. Aronson, Slah Jendoubi, Mitchell A. F. Johnson, Scott R. Kaytor, Tri D. Pham, Robert A. Yapel, Joseph A. Zigal, Steven J. McMan, Steven D. Solomonson, Steven H. Kong, Fei Lu, Gary T. Boyd
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Publication number: 20130070341Abstract: Optical films for redirecting light are described, and optical systems, such as display systems, incorporating such optical films are described.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2011Publication date: March 21, 2013Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: 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
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Publication number: 20130038939Abstract: The present invention concerns antireflective films comprising a high refractive index layer (60) and low refractive index layer (80) disposed on the high refractive index layer. The antireflective films have a microstructured surface (70) that can be derived from a microreplicated tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2011Publication date: February 14, 2013Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Christopher B. Walker, JR., Christopher P. Tebow, Tri D. Pham, Steven H. Kong, Joseph T. Aronson, Kyle J. Lindstrom, Michael K. Gerlach, Michelle L. Toy, Taun L. McKenzie, Anthony M. Renstrom, Robert A. Yapel, Mitchell A.F. Johnson
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Publication number: 20120147593Abstract: Light redirecting film is disclosed. The light redirecting film includes a first major surface that includes a plurality of first microstructures that extend along a first direction. The light redirecting film also includes a second major surface that is opposite to the first major surface and includes a plurality of second microstructures. The second major surface has an optical haze that is in a range from about 4% to about 20% and an optical clarity that is in a range from about 20% to about 60%. The light redirecting film has an average effective transmission that is not less than about 1.55.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2010Publication date: June 14, 2012Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Robert A. Yapel, Mitchell A.F. Johnson, Tri D. Pham, Joseph T. Aronson, Steven D. Solomonson, Scott R. Kaytor, Steven J. Mcman, Fei Lu, Steven H. Kong, Stah Jendoubi, Gary T. Boyd
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Publication number: 20120113622Abstract: A light redirecting film (100) includes a first major surface (110) that includes first microstructures (150) that extend along a first direction and a second major surface (120), which may form part of a matte layer, the second major surface being opposite to the first major surface and including second microstructures (160). The second major surface has an optical haze that is not greater than about 3% and an optical clarity that is not greater than about 85%. The light redirecting film has an average effective transmission that is not less than about 1.75. The light redirecting film (100) may comprise particles. The second microstructures may have a slope distribution.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2010Publication date: May 10, 2012Inventors: Joseph T. Aronson, Slah Jendoubi, Mitchell A. F. Johnson, Scott R. Kaytor, Tri D. Pham, Robert A. Yapel, Joseph A. Zigal, Steven J. McMan, Steven D. Solomonson, Steven H. Kong, Fei Lu, Gary T. Boyd
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Publication number: 20120064296Abstract: The present invention concerns antiglare films having a microstructured surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2010Publication date: March 15, 2012Inventors: Christopher B. Walker, JR., Christopher P. Tebow, Tri D. Pham, Steven H. Kong, Joseph T. Aronson, Kyle J. Lindstrom, Michael K. Gerlach, Michelle L. Toy, Taun L. McKenzie, Anthony M. Renstrom, Slah Jendoubi, Mitchell A.F. Johnson, Scott R. Kaytor, Robert A. Yapel, Joseph A. Zigal, Steven J. McMan, Steven D. Solomonson, Fei Lu, Gary T. Boyd
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Publication number: 20110032449Abstract: A backlight includes a lower light guide having a specularly reflecting bottom surface and an opposing specularly reflecting perforated mirror film having a plurality of light transmission apertures. The specularly reflecting perforated mirror film has a polymeric multilayer structure, where non-perforated areas of the specularly reflecting perforated mirror film have a light reflectance value of 98% or greater and the specularly reflecting bottom surface has a light reflectance value of 98% or greater. A light collimating injector directs input light into the lower light guide. The light propagating generally parallel to the specularly reflecting perforated mirror film along a horizontal plane. The light collimating injector provides input rays into a vertical plane, the vertical plane being orthogonal to the horizontal plane, and forming an angle having an absolute value of 30 degrees or less with an intersection of the vertical and horizontal planes.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2009Publication date: February 10, 2011Inventors: David G. Freier, Raymond P. Johnston, Steven H. Kong
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Patent number: 7348110Abstract: A photothermographic material having a Dmin and Dmax optical density. The material includes a support having hereon one or more thermally-developable imaging layers which are developable to produce an image when the photothermographic material is thermally processed; and an area disposed along a length of at least one edge of the photothermographic material, wherein the area has an optical density less than the Dmax and greater than the Dmin of the photothermographic material.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2006Date of Patent: March 25, 2008Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.Inventors: James C. Vanous, Bryan V. Hunt, Robert R. Brearey, Steven H. Kong, Mark C. Skinner, Thomas C. Geisler
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Patent number: 7094524Abstract: Thermally developable photothermographic materials comprise a backside layer that includes a backside stabilizer to reduce fog formation in high humidity conditions, thereby providing improved shelf stability. Useful backside stabilizers include an amine organic base whose conjugate acid has a pKa greater than 5. These backside stabilizers can be provided particularly in non-photosensitive compositions that include an antihalation composition.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2003Date of Patent: August 22, 2006Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Steven H. Kong, Kumars Sakizadeh, William D. Ramsden
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Patent number: 7029834Abstract: Thermally developable photothermographic materials comprise a backside layer that includes a backside stabilizer to reduce fog formation in high humidity conditions, thereby providing improved shelf stability. Useful backside stabilizers are nitrogen-containing aromatic heterocyclic compounds. These backside stabilizers can be provided particularly in non-photosensitive compositions that include an antihalation composition.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2003Date of Patent: April 18, 2006Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Steven H. Kong, Kumars Sakizadeh