Andrew J Ouderkirk

US Patent:

6381068, Apr 30, 2002

Filed:

Mar 19, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/272159

Inventors:

Takashi Harada - Machida, JP
Yorinobu Takamatsu - Kanagawa, JP
Makoto Ishikawa - Kanagawa, JP
Charles L. Bruzzone - Woodbury MN
Robert S. Moshrefzadeh - Oakdale MN
Timothy J. Nevitt - Minneapolis MN
Andrew J. Ouderkirk - Woodbury MN

Assignee:

3M Innovative Properties Company - St. Paul MN

International Classification:

G03B 2156

US Classification:

359443

Abstract:

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. The projection systems preferably project an image using light of the polarization state that is reflected by the reflective polarizing element in the screen to further enhance brightness and contrast of the image.

US Patent:

6396631, May 28, 2002

Filed:

Jun 12, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/592504

Inventors:

Andrew J. Ouderkirk - Woodbury MN

Assignee:

3M Innovative Properties Company - St. Paul MN

International Classification:

G02B 530

US Classification:

359500, 359498, 359495, 359487, 362 19, 362257, 362260, 362296, 428212, 428421, 428480, 428483, 428522

Abstract:

A polarized light source includes a diffuse light source and a reflective polarizing element placed: proximate thereto. The reflective polarizing element transmits light of a desired polarization and reflects light of another polarization back into the diffuse source where it is randomized. Some of the initially rejected light is thus converted into the desired polarization and is transmitted through the reflective polarizing element. This process continues, and the repeated reflections and subsequent randomization of light of the undesired polarization increases the amount of light of the desired polarization that is emitted by the polarized light source.

US Patent:

6449092, Sep 10, 2002

Filed:

May 5, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/566181

Inventors:

Michael F. Weber - Shoreview MN
Brian D. Cull - Maplewood MN
Kevin M. Hoffman - St. Paul MN
Andrew J. Ouderkirk - Woodbury MN

Assignee:

3M Innovative PropertiesCompany - St. Paul MN

International Classification:

G02B 530

US Classification:

359487, 359495, 359502, 349 97

Abstract:

Reflective polarizers, which transmit one polarization and reflect the other polarization, have an extended red band edge in the off-axis transmission spectrum to control off axis color (OAC) hue. To control the OAC hue, the red band edge of the off-axis transmission spectrum, or OAC spectrum, is shifted beyond the boundary for red light, or to at least 600 nm. Even more preferably, the OAC spectrum is extended further into the red than any red emission peak of an associated lamp providing light into a system in which the reflective polarizer is used. The concept applies equally well to any type of reflective polarizer, such as multilayer reflective polarizers, cholesteric reflective polarizers, and the like. The resulting reflective polarizers are very useful for many different applications, such as liquid crystal displays.

US Patent:

6451414, Sep 17, 2002

Filed:

Nov 22, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/447336

Inventors:

John A. Wheatley - Lake Elmo MN
Andrew J. Ouderkirk - Woodbury MN

Assignee:

3M Innovatives Properties Company - St. Paul MN

International Classification:

B32B 702

US Classification:

428212, 428910, 359359, 359584, 359590

Abstract:

An optical body comprising (a) a dielectric multilayer film having a reflecting band positioned to reflect infrared radiation of at least one polarization at an incident angle normal to the film, the reflecting band having a short wavelength bandedge and long wavelength bandedge at a normal incident angle, and a short wavelength bandedge and long wavelength bandedge at a maximum usage angle , wherein is less than and is selectively positioned at a wavelength greater than about 700 nm; and (b) at least one component which at least partially absorbs or reflects radiation in the wavelength region between and at a normal angle of incidence.

US Patent:

6455140, Sep 24, 2002

Filed:

Jul 5, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/582928

Inventors:

Leland R. Whitney - St. Paul MN
Andrew J. Ouderkirk - Woodbury MN

Assignee:

3M Innovative Properties Company - St. Paul MN

International Classification:

B23B 702

US Classification:

428212, 428323, 428402, 428403, 428407

Abstract:

Glitter, at least a portion of which, comprise visible mirror film. The glitter is useful in any of a variety of ways, including in loose form, attached to the surface of a substrate, in a dispersible combination, or present in a matrix material ranging, for example, from liquids, such as water and alcohols, to gels, such as silicone and glycenol, to hard, rigid materials such as plastics, particle board and fiberglass.

US Patent:

6475609, Nov 5, 2002

Filed:

Jul 5, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/582932

Inventors:

Leland R. Whitney - St. Paul MN
Andrew J. Ouderkirk - Woodbury MN
Thomas J. Scanlan - Woodbury MN

Assignee:

3M Innovative Properties Company - Saint Paul MN

International Classification:

B32B 702

US Classification:

428212, 428323, 428402, 428403, 428407

Abstract:

Glitter, at least a portion of which comprises color shifting film. The glitter is useful in any of a variety of ways, including in loose form, attached to the surface of a substrate, in a dispersible combination, or present in a matrix material ranging, for example, from liquids, such as water and alcohols, to gels, such as silicone and glycerol, to hard, rigid materials such as plastics, particle board, and fiberglass. Examples of other matrix materials include putties or molding clays, rubbers, and adhesives.

US Patent:

6498683, Dec 24, 2002

Filed:

Nov 22, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/444756

Inventors:

Peter D. Condo - Lake Elmo MN
Timothy J. Hebrink - Oakdale MN
John A. Wheatley - Lake Elmo MN
Andrew J. Ouderkirk - Woodbury MN
Andrew T. Ruff - Mendota Heights MN
Yaoqi J. Liu - Maplewood MN

Assignee:

3M Innovative Properties Company - St. Paul MN

International Classification:

G02B 528

US Classification:

359589, 359580, 359587

Abstract:

Optical bodies, comprising: a plurality of first optical layers comprising a first polymer composition that comprises (i) a polyester portion having terephthalate comonomer units and ethylene glycol comonomer units, and (ii) a second portion corresponding to a polymer having a glass transition temperature of at least about 130Â C. ; and a plurality of second optical layers disposed in a repeating sequence with the plurality of first optical layers. Also disclosed are optical bodies comprising: (a) a plurality of first optical layers, each first optical layer being oriented; and (b) a plurality of second optical layers, disposed in a repeating sequence with the plurality of first optical layers, comprising a blend of polymethylmethacrylate and polyvinylidene fluoride. Methods of making the above-described optical bodies, and articles employing such optical bodies are also provided.

US Patent:

6565982, May 20, 2003

Filed:

Jun 28, 1996

Appl. No.:

08/672691

Inventors:

Andrew J. Ouderkirk - Woodbury MN
Laurence R. Gilbert - Marine on the St. Croix MN
Richard R. Dahlen - Shoreview MN
Michael F. Weber - Shoreview MN

Assignee:

3M Innovative Properties Company - Saint Paul MN

International Classification:

B32B 1508

US Classification:

428457, 428458, 428480, 428689, 428426, 428430, 359584, 359838

Abstract:

A transparent multilayer device which reflects light in the infrared region of the spectrum while transmitting light in the visible region of the spectrum. The device comprises a multilayered polymer film and a transparent conductor. The multilayered polymer film preferably comprises layers of a semi-crystalline naphthalene dicarboxylic acid polyester having an average thickness of not more than 0. 5 microns and layers of a second polymer having an average thickness of not more than 0. 5 microns. The layers of semi-crystalline naphthalene dicarboxylic acid polyester preferably have a positive stress optical coefficient. The transparent conductor comprises at least one layer containing a metal or a metal compound in which the metal compound is preferably selected from the group consisting of metal oxides, metal alloys, and combinations thereof. Silver and indium tin oxide are particularly preferred transparent conductors. The transparent multilayer devices may be applied to the surface of a glass or plastic substrate, such as an exterior window in a building, or to a windshield or window in an automobile, truck, or aircraft.