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For the Inventor, By the Inventor

Mahtomedi, MN, United States of America

Chi F Tung

This inventor holds 15 USPTO granted patents. Top assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company. Active years: 1976-1987.

IDiyas Innovation Intelligence. (2026). Inventor Profile: Chi F Tung. Retrieved from https://idiyas.com/inventor/chi-f-tung

Data source: USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) public patent records. Weekly synchronization. How IDiyas builds this profile

USPTO Granted Patents = 15

% Patents Active = 100.0

Average Co-Inventor Count = 1.5

ph-index = 13

Forward Citations = 547(Granted Patents)


Location History:

  • Mahtomedi Village, MN (US) (1976)
  • Mahtomedi, Washington County, MN (US) (1982)
  • Saint Paul, MN (US) (1983)
  • Mahtomedi, MN (US) (1976 - 1987)

Company Filing History:

goldMedal15 out of 22,379 
 
3M Innovative Properties Company
 patents

Years Active: 1976-1987

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15 patents (USPTO):Explore Patents
1. 4712868 - Expanded retroreflective sheet material (1987-12-15),
2. 4678695 - Encapsulated flattop retroreflective sheeting and method for producing (1987-07-07),
3. 4569857 - Retroreflective sheeting (1986-02-11),
4. 4511210 - Retroreflective sheeting (1985-04-16),
5. 4377988 - Reflective animal collar and material for forming such a collar (1983-03-29),
6. 4367920 - Retroflective sheeting (1983-01-11),
7. 4367919 - Durable glass elements (1983-01-11),
8. 4348312 - Ultra-high-index glass microspheres and products made therefrom with a (1982-09-07),
9. 4248932 - Extended-life pavement-marking sheet material (1981-02-03),
10. 4192576 - Ultra-high-index glass microspheres and products made therefrom (1980-03-11),
11. 4100625 - Helmets and other articles reflectorized with retroreflective platelet (1978-07-18),
12. 4005538 - Internally illuminated retroreflective signs (1977-02-01),
13. 4004930 - Fluid composition for forming retroreflective structures (1977-01-25),
14. 3946130 - Transparent glass microspheres and products made therefrom (1976-03-23),
15. 3934065 - Retroreflective sheet material (1976-01-20),

Title: Innovations by Inventor Chi F Tung

Introduction

Chi F Tung is a notable inventor hailing from Mahtomedi, MN, in the United States. With an impressive portfolio of 15 patents, he has made significant contributions to the field of retroreflective materials. His work focuses on developing innovative sheet materials that enhance light reflection and visibility.

Latest Patents

Tung's recent patents showcase his ingenuity and technical expertise. One of his notable inventions is an **Expanded Retroreflective Sheet Material**. This groundbreaking material can retroreflect light at high incidence angles. It is produced by laminating retroreflective sheeting to a base sheet, then slitting the assembly to create discontinuous slits, and expanding the assembly to form openings at these slits. The design allows portions of the laminated sheet assembly to bend out of the original plane, optimizing light reflection capabilities.

Another remarkable patent is the **Encapsulated Flattop Retroreflective Sheeting and Method for Producing it**. This invention features a hermetically sealed retroreflective sheeting that excels in resistance to delamination and brightness enhancement. Composed of a monolayer of microspheres supported by a binder material, it also includes a reflective layer behind the microspheres and a cover film that remains in tangential contact with them. The binder material intricately surrounds each microsphere and adheres to the cover film, ensuring optimal performance.

Career Highlights

Chi F Tung's career is marked by his continued work at the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, commonly known as 3M. His dedication to advancing retroreflective technology has garnered him recognition within the industry. His portfolio of patents reflects a commitment to innovation and improvement in material science.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Tung has collaborated with esteemed colleagues, including James C Coderre and James A Laird, contributing to a collaborative work environment that fosters the exchange of ideas and advancements in technology. These partnerships have been crucial in the development of his innovative products.

Conclusion

Chi F Tung stands out as a leading inventor in the realm of retroreflective materials. With his 15 patents, he has revolutionized how light reflection is approached, significantly impacting safety and visibility in various applications. His contributions continue to inspire future innovations in this domain.

Profile summary based on public USPTO records.
Data Sources: USPTO Patent Grant XML, Patent Center, EPO & CIPO • Normalized by IDiyas Innovation Graph. Methodology & provenance architecturePlease report any incorrect information to [email protected]
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