This inventor holds 200 USPTO granted patents and 48 published patent applications and 47 EPO patents, primarily in Optical Systems (CPC class G02B5-208). Top assignees: 3M Innovative Properties Company, The Dow Chemical Company, Solventum Intellectual Properties Company. Active years: 1990-2026.
Inventors with similar research interests:
Location History:
- Midland, MI (US) (1990 - 2003)
- Ascot, GB (2003)
- Saint Paul, MN (US) (2014 - 2020)
- Lake Elmo, MN (US) (1999 - 2024)
- Stillwater, MN (US) (2020 - 2024)
Company Filing History:
176 out of 22,366 
20 out of 7,680 
2 out of 303 Years Active: 1990-2026
Areas of Expertise:
Title: John Allen Wheatley: A Visionary Inventor from Lake Elmo
Introduction:
Meet John Allen Wheatley, an accomplished inventor hailing from Lake Elmo, MN (US). With an impressive portfolio of 134 patents, Wheatley has made significant contributions to the field of optical systems and innovation. This article sheds light on his latest patents, career highlights, collaborations, and the impact of his work in pushing the boundaries of technology.
Latest Patents:
Among Wheatley's notable recent patents is the "Optical System with Switchable Diffuser." This invention presents an optical system comprising a lighting component and a switchable diffuser, which enhances the light output of the system. By incorporating light redirecting structures, Wheatley's innovation increases the full width at half-maximum (FWHM) of the light output by at least 5 degrees, surpassing the performance of comparable optical systems.
Another noteworthy patent by Wheatley is "Optical Articles and Systems Interacting with the Same." This patented invention presents an optical article featuring a data-rich arrangement of retroreflective elements with varying properties. By using an inference engine and an optical system, the article enables machine interpretation and classification of the retroreflective elements, expanding its potential applications.
Career Highlights:
Throughout his career, Wheatley has demonstrated a profound understanding of optical systems and innovation. Working with renowned companies like 3M Innovative Properties Company and Thales Dis France SA, he has had the opportunity to apply his expertise to cutting-edge projects and contribute to the development of groundbreaking technologies.
Collaborations:
Wheatley has been fortunate to collaborate with exceptional colleagues who share his passion for innovation. Notably, he has worked alongside Andrew John Ouderkirk, known for his contributions to nanotechnology and optical materials. Additionally, Wheatley has collaborated with Michael F Weber, an expert in optical engineering, contributing to enriching their respective inventions with combined knowledge.
Conclusion:
John Allen Wheatley's ingenuity and dedication have led to a remarkable collection of 134 patents, particularly in the field of optical systems. His latest patents, including the "Optical System with Switchable Diffuser" and "Optical Articles and Systems Interacting with the Same," reflect his commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation. Through collaborations with esteemed colleagues like Andrew John Ouderkirk and Michael F Weber, Wheatley's impact and influence continue to shape the field of optical systems. Lake Elmo can proudly claim John Allen Wheatley as one of its visionary inventors, contributing to the advancement of technology and its applications in our modern world.