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: 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
  • Publication number: 20160318287
    Abstract: Described herein is composite article comprising a substrate; and on at least one face of the substrate a multilayered coating disposed thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Publication date: November 3, 2016
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 9383482
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20160146982
    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 5, 2013
    Publication date: May 26, 2016
    Inventors: Gary T. Boyd, Steven H. Kong, Tri D. Pham, Qingbing Wang
  • Publication number: 20150293272
    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: November 19, 2013
    Publication date: October 15, 2015
    Applicant: 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: 20150003102
    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: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Steven H. Kong, David G. Freier
  • Patent number: 8888333
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: 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
  • Patent number: 8657472
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20130070341
    Abstract: Optical films for redirecting light are described, and optical systems, such as display systems, incorporating such optical films are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: 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: 20130038939
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20120147593
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20120113622
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20120064296
    Abstract: The present invention concerns antiglare films having a microstructured surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventors: 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
  • Publication number: 20110032449
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventors: David G. Freier, Raymond P. Johnston, Steven H. Kong
  • Patent number: 7348110
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Carestream Health, Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Vanous, Bryan V. Hunt, Robert R. Brearey, Steven H. Kong, Mark C. Skinner, Thomas C. Geisler
  • Patent number: 7094524
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Steven H. Kong, Kumars Sakizadeh, William D. Ramsden
  • Patent number: 7029834
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Steven H. Kong, Kumars Sakizadeh