Patents by Inventor Timothy J. Nevitt
Timothy J. Nevitt 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: 6590705Abstract: An optical film is provided which comprises a disperse phase of polymeric particles disposed within a continuous birefringent matrix. The film is oriented, typically by stretching, in one or more directions. The size and shape of the disperse phase particles, the volume fraction of the disperse phase, the film thickness, and the amount of orientation are chosen to attain a desired degree of diffuse reflection and total transmission of electromagnetic radiation of a desired wavelength in the resulting film.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 1997Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Richard C. Allen, Arthur L. Kotz, Lockwood W. Carlson, Timothy J. Nevitt, Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Carl A. Stover, Michael F. Weber, Biswaroop Majumdar
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Patent number: 6531230Abstract: Multilayer polymeric films and other optical bodies are provided which is useful in making colored mirrors and polarizers. The films are characterized by a highly uniform change in color as a function of viewing angle.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 1998Date of Patent: March 11, 2003Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Michael F. Weber, Timothy J. Nevitt, William W. Merrill, Kelly M. Roscoe, Andrew J. Ouderkirk, John A. Wheatley, Gary B. Hanson, James M. Jonza, Jeffrey A. Boettcher, Yaoqi J. Liu, Terence D. Neavin
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Publication number: 20020186474Abstract: Optical filters and their manufacture, as well as the use of the optical filters in optical devices, such as polarizers and mirrors are described. The optical filters typically include a first reflective multilayer film, a second reflective multilayer film, and a lossy element disposed between the first and second reflective multilayer films.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2002Publication date: December 12, 2002Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Michael F. Weber, Roger J. Strharsky, Timothy J. Nevitt, Andrew J. Ouderkirk
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Patent number: 6381068Abstract: Reflective front projection screens capable of projecting an image with enhanced contrast and a wide viewing angle in the presence of relatively high levels of ambient light are disclosed along with projection systems using the screens. The projection screens include a reflective polarizing element in combination with a diffusing element and/or glare suppressing element. The reflective polarizing element transmits light of one polarization state and reflects light of a different polarization state. The reflective polarizing element may be diffusely reflective or specularly reflective and the optical properties of the diffusing element and/or glare suppressing element may be selected based on the optical properties of the reflective polarizing element to further enhance image brightness and contrast.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 1999Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Takashi Harada, Yorinobu Takamatsu, Makoto Ishikawa, Charles L. Bruzzone, Robert S. Moshrefzadeh, Timothy J. Nevitt, Andrew J. Ouderkirk
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Patent number: 6329046Abstract: Optical films and processes for forming the optical films are described in which materials having different properties are used and the different properties are exploited to obtain improved optical and/or mechanical properties of the optical film. The different properties of the materials may be used to select processing conditions under which the materials will react differently. The film may be processed with respect to two different directions with the amount of molecular orientation, if any, induced by the process being separately controlled for each material and each direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 1999Date of Patent: December 11, 2001Assignee: 3M Innovative PropertiesInventors: William W. Merrill, Richard C. Allen, Ronald J. Tabar, Peter D. Condo, Timothy J. Nevitt
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Publication number: 20010036013Abstract: Optical devices using reflective polarizers and, in particular, diffusely reflective polarizers are provided. Many of the optical devices utilize the diffusely reflecting and specularly transmitting properties of diffusely reflecting polarizers to enhance their optical characteristics. The optical devices include a lighting system which uses a reflector formed from a diffusely reflecting polarizer attached to a specular reflector. Another optical device is a display apparatus which uses a diffusely reflecting polarizer layer in combination with a turning lens which folds shallow angle light toward a light modulating layer. Other optical devices exploit the depolarizing characteristics of a diffusely reflecting polarizer when reflecting light. Still other optical devices use diffusely reflecting polarizers to recycle light and improve display illumination.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2001Publication date: November 1, 2001Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Richard C. Allen, Sanford Cobb, Elisa M. Cross, Susan L. Kent, Timothy J. Nevitt, Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Ronald J. Tabar, David L. Wortman
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Patent number: 6297906Abstract: An optical film is provided which comprises an antireflective layer and a disperse phase of polymeric particles disposed within a continuous birefringent matrix. The film is oriented, typically by stretching, in one or more directions. The size and shape of the disperse phase particles, the volume fraction of the disperse phase, the film thickness, and the amount of orientation are chosen to attain a desired degree of diffuse reflection and total transmission of electromagnetic radiation of a desired wavelength in the resulting film.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 1997Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Richard C. Allen, Timothy J. Nevitt, Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Arthur L. Kotz, Lockwood W. Carlson, Michael F. Weber, Carl A. Stover, Biswaroop Majumdar
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Patent number: 6268961Abstract: An optical film includes a reflective polarizing element and a particle-containing layer. The reflective polarizing element substantially reflects light having a first polarization state and substantially transmits a second polarization state. The particle-containing layer is disposed on the reflective polarizing element and in a same optical path as the reflective polarizing element. The particle-containing layer is configured and arranged to transmit light and includes a plurality of particles that roughen an exterior surface of the optical film. Preferably, using the optical film in an optical device does not substantially reduce the gain advantage of the optical device when compared with an optical device utilizing the same optical film without particles in the surface layer. Also described are optical devices using the optical film and methods of making and using the optical films.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2000Date of Patent: July 31, 2001Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Timothy J. Nevitt, Carl A. Stover, William L. Kausch, Guy M. Kallman, Robert W. Horn, Timothy J. Hebrink, James A. Olson, Mark B. O'Neill, Elisa M. Cross, Susan L. Kent
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Publication number: 20010009714Abstract: Multilayer polymeric films and other optical bodies are provided. The films, which have at least three layers of different composition in the optical repeating unit, reflect light in a first portion of the spectrum while transmitting light in a second portion of the spectrum, exhibit improved reflectivities at oblique angles, and can be designed to suppress one or more higher order harmonics of the main reflection band.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2001Publication date: July 26, 2001Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: John A. Wheatley, Timothy J. Nevitt, William W. Merrill, Michael F. Weber
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Patent number: 6207260Abstract: Multilayer polymeric films and other optical bodies are provided. The films, which have at least three layers of different composition in the optical repeating unit, reflect light in a first portion of the spectrum while transmitting light in a second portion of the spectrum, exhibit improved reflectivities at oblique angles, and can be designed to suppress one or more higher order harmonics of the main reflection band.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 1998Date of Patent: March 27, 2001Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: John A. Wheatley, Timothy J. Nevitt, William W. Merrill, Michael F. Weber
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Patent number: 6179948Abstract: Optical films and processes for forming the optical films are described in which materials having different properties are used and the different properties are exploited to obtain improved optical and/or mechanical properties of the optical film. The different properties of the materials may be used to select processing conditions under which the materials will react differently. The film may be processed with respect to two different directions with the amount of molecular orientation, if any, induced by the process being separately controlled for each material and each direction.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 1998Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: William W. Merrill, Richard C. Allen, Ronald J. Tabar, Peter D. Condo, Timothy J. Nevitt
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Patent number: 6141149Abstract: An optical film is provided which comprises a disperse phase of polymeric particles disposed within a continuous birefringent matrix. The film is oriented, typically by stretching, in one or more directions. The size and shape of the disperse phase particles, the volume fraction of the disperse phase, the film thickness, and the amount of orientation are chosen to attain a desired degree of diffuse reflection and total transmission of electromagnetic radiation of a desired wavelength in the resulting film.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2000Date of Patent: October 31, 2000Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Lockwood W. Carlson, Arthur L. Kotz, Timothy J. Nevitt, Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Carl A. Stover, Michael F. Weber, Richard C. Allen, Biswaroop Majumdar
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Patent number: 6111696Abstract: An optical film is provided which comprises a disperse phase of polymeric particles disposed within a continuous birefringent matrix in combination with light directing materials to enable control of light emitted from a lighting fixture or display. The film is oriented, typically by stretching, in one or more directions. The size and shape of the disperse phase particles, the volume fraction of the disperse phase, the film thickness, and the amount of orientation are chosen to attain a desired degree of diffuse reflection and total transmission of electromagnetic radiation of a desired wavelength in the resulting film, and the light directing materials are chosen to control the direction of polarized light reflected from or transmitted by the optical film.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 1997Date of Patent: August 29, 2000Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Richard C. Allen, Lockwood W. Carlson, Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Michael F. Weber, Arthur L. Kotz, Timothy J. Nevitt, Carl A. Stover, Biswaroop Majumdar
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Patent number: 6057961Abstract: An optical film is provided which exhibits increased gain at nonnormal angles of incidence and which comprises a disperse phase of polymeric particles disposed within a continuous birefringent matrix. The film is oriented, typically by stretching, in one or more directions. The size and shape of the disperse phase particles, the volume fraction of the disperse phase, the film thickness, and the amount of orientation are chosen to attain a desired degree of diffuse reflection and total transmission of electromagnetic radiation of a desired wavelength in the resulting film.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 1997Date of Patent: May 2, 2000Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Richard C. Allen, Lockwood W. Carlson, Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Michael F. Weber, Arthur L. Kotz, Timothy J. Nevitt, Carl A. Stover, Biswaroop Majumdar
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Patent number: 6031665Abstract: An optical film is provided which comprises a disperse phase of polymeric particles disposed within a continuous birefringent matrix. The film is oriented, typically by stretching, in one or more directions. The size and shape of the disperse phase particles, the volume fraction of the disperse phase, the film thickness, and the amount of orientation are chosen to attain a desired degree of diffuse reflection and total transmission of electromagnetic radiation of a desired wavelength in the resulting film.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 1998Date of Patent: February 29, 2000Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Lockwood W. Carlson, Arthur L. Kotz, Timothy J. Nevitt, Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Carl A. Stover, Michael F. Weber, Richard C. Allen, Biswaroop Majumdar
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Patent number: 6005713Abstract: An optical film is provided which comprises a disperse phase of polymeric particles disposed within a continuous birefringent matrix. The film is oriented, typically by stretching, in one or more directions. The size and shape of the disperse phase particles, the volume fraction of the disperse phase, the film thickness, and the amount of orientation are chosen to attain a desired degree of diffuse reflection and total transmission of electromagnetic radiation of a desired wavelength in the resulting film.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1999Date of Patent: December 21, 1999Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Lockwood W. Carlson, Arthur L. Kotz, Timothy J. Nevitt, Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Carl A. Stover, Michael F. Weber, Richard C. Allen, Biswaroop Majumdar
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Patent number: 5991077Abstract: An optical film is provided which comprises a disperse phase of polymeric particles disposed within a continuous birefringent matrix. The film is oriented, typically by stretching, in one or more directions. The size and shape of the disperse phase particles, the volume fraction of the disperse phase, the film thickness, and the amount of orientation are chosen to attain a desired degree of diffuse reflection and total transmission of electromagnetic radiation of a desired wavelength in the resulting film.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 1998Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Lockwood W. Carlson, Arthur L. Kotz, Timothy J. Nevitt, Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Carl A. Stover, Michael F. Weber, Richard C. Allen, Biswaroop Majumdar
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Patent number: 5867316Abstract: An optical film is provided which includes a disperse phase of polymeric particles disposed within a continuous birefringent matrix. The film is oriented, typically by stretching, in one or more directions. The size and shape of the disperse phase particles, the volume fraction of the disperse phase, the film thickness, and the amount of orientation are chosen to attain a desired degree of diffuse reflection and total transmission of electromagnetic radiation of a desired wavelength in the resulting film.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 1996Date of Patent: February 2, 1999Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Lockwood W. Carlson, Arthur L. Kotz, Timothy J. Nevitt, Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Carl A. Stover, Michael F. Weber, Richard C. Allen, Biswaroop Majumdar
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Patent number: 5825543Abstract: An optical film with a disperse phase of polymeric particles disposed within a continuous birefringent matrix. The film is oriented, typically by stretching, in one or more directions. The size and shape of the disperse phase particles, the volume fraction of the disperse phase, the film thickness, and the amount of orientation are chosen to attain a desired degree of diffuse reflection and total transmission of electromagnetic radiation of a desired wavelength in the resulting film.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 1996Date of Patent: October 20, 1998Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Lockwood W. Carlson, Arthur L. Kotz, Timothy J. Nevitt, Carl A. Stover, Michael F. Weber, Richard C. Allen, Biswaroop Majumdar
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Patent number: 5783120Abstract: An optical film is provided which includes a disperse phase of polymeric particles disposed within a continuous birefringent matrix. The film is oriented, typically by stretching, in one or more directions. The size and shape of the disperse phase particles, the volume fraction of the disperse phase, the film thickness, and the amount of orientation are chosen to attain a desired degree of diffuse reflection and total transmission of electromagnetic radiation of a desired wavelength in the resulting film.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 1996Date of Patent: July 21, 1998Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Andrew J. Ouderkirk, Lockwood W. Carlson, Arthur L. Kotz, Timothy J. Nevitt, Carl A. Stover, Michael F. Weber, Richard C. Allen, Biswaroop Majumdar