3m Innovative Properties Company

Ellen O Aeling

Michael Alan Meis

Audrey A Sherman

Kevin R Schaffer

John R David

Ronald S Steelman

Thu-Van T Tran

Marie A Boulos

Neal T Strand

Soemantri Widagdo

David G Freier

Joseph Andrew Hoffman

Frank L Deyak

Patrick J Yeshe

Andrew John Ouderkirk

Michael F Weber

Albert I Everaerts

Sanford Cobb, Jr

John C Schultz

Richard C Allen

Kui Chen-Ho

Wendi J Winkler

Jeffrey Robert Janssen

William J Bryan

Michael J Sykora

Patrick J Hager

Paul Edward Humpal

Richard L Peloquin

Robert R Condon

Paul L Acito

Guy M Kallman

John T Simpson

Kaitlin R Mohs

Susan L Korpela

Linden E Brooks, Iii

David J Koch

Michael A Meis

This disclosure describes a composition that includes a bulk diffuser that includes a film having a major surface; the film includes a polymer, and a scattering element. The scattering element includes a silicone bead having a mean particle diameter in a range of 2 micrometers (μm) to 9 μm. The linear density of the film is at least 5.1 W*μm, wherein the linear density equals the product of the mass fraction of the silicone bead (W) and film thickness in micrometers (μm). This disclosure further describes methods of making the film and the bulk diffuser and methods of using the film including, for example, as a bulk diffuser in a sign box.

Bulk diffuser

A fabric with a laminated adhesive-backed protective layer. The adhesive-backed protective layer has a matte finish that is low gloss and may approximate the fabric itself.

Low gloss laminated article

Disclosed herein is an optical device having a light source and a viscoelastic lightguide. Light from the light source enters the viscoelastic lightguide and is transported within the lightguide by total internal reflection. The viscoelastic lightguide may comprise a pressure sensitive adhesive. The optical device may be used in a variety of constructions wherein the device emits light being transported within the viscoelastic lightguide. Constructions include those used for signs, markings, illumination devices, display devices, keypad assemblies and tail light assemblies for vehicles.

Light source and optical article including viscoelastic lightguide disposed on a substrate

Illumination device having a viscoelastic lightguide and a flexible light source is described. The flexible light source includes a plurality of electrically interconnected light emitting diodes disposed on a flexible mat and optically coupled to the viscoelastic lightguide.

Illumination device having viscoelastic lightguide

Disclosed herein is an optical device having a light source, a viscoelastic lightguide and a retroreflective film suitable for retroreflecting light. Light from the light source enters the viscoelastic lightguide and is transported within the lightguide by total internal reflection. The transported light is extracted from the lightguide and retroreflected at a structured surface of the retroreflective film. The optical device may have a 'front lit' or a 'back lit' configuration depending on the relative positioning of the lightguide and the retroreflective film. The retroreflective film may include prismatic retroreflective sheeting, holographic film or film structured with diffraction gratings. The optical device may be used, for example, as a sign or marking, a license plate assembly, a tail light assembly for vehicles, a security laminate for protection of documents against tampering, or an illumination device.

Retroreflective articles and devices having viscoelastic lightguide

The present application is directed to an illumination device comprising a recycling cavity defined by recycling surfaces and a light emission surface; a light source within the cavity. A spectrum modifying layer is on a portion of the recycling surface, the spectrum modifying layer producing a spectral response different from the spectral response of the recycling surface. In some embodiments, the spectrum modifying layer shifts the spectral properties of the light being emitted from the light emission area from the spectral properties of the light source. In some embodiments, the spectrum modifying layer selectively absorbs a portion of light along the light source spectrum. In some embodiments, the spectrum modifying layer re-emits light at a wavelength longer than the wavelength it absorbed.

Color shift sign

Illumination device having a viscoelastic lightguide and a flexible light source is described. The flexible light source includes a plurality of electrically inter-connected light emitting diodes disposed on a flexible mat and optically coupled to the viscoelastic lightguide.

The present disclosure is generally directed to illumination devices, and methods for making the same. The device, in particular, includes a first conductor layer, a first insulator layer disposed on the first conductor layer and having at least one first aperture defined therein through the first insulator layer, a second conductor layer disposed on the first insulator layer and having at least one second aperture defined therein through the second conductor layer and positioned to align with the at least one first aperture, and a light manipulation layer disposed on the second conductor layer and having at least one pair of apertures defined therein through the light manipulation layer including a third aperture and a fourth aperture, where the third aperture is positioned to align with the at least one second and first apertures.

Illumination devices and methods for making the same

An internally illuminated sign includes a case at least partially lined with highly reflective layer and a display surface. The sign also includes light sources that emit light in directions approximately parallel to the display surface.

Thin internally illuminated sign

A thermally conductive LED assembly is disclosed. The thermally conductive LED assembly includes an elongate conductor cable having a first conductor and a second conductor extending along a length of the elongate conductor cable and a thermally conducting and electrically insulating polymer layer disposed between first conductor and second conductor and a second electrically insulating polymer layer is disposed on the first conductor or second conductor. The electrically insulating polymer layer having a thermal impedance value in a range from 2.5 to 15 C.&#xb0;-cm2/W and a plurality of light emitting diodes are disposed along the length of the elongate conductor cable. Each light emitting diode is in electrical communication with the first conductor and the second conductor.

Thermally conductive LED assembly

An LED backlight assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes a housing having a plurality of internal surfaces. At least one of the internal surfaces is a light emission surface and an opposing surface is a reflective surface. An optical film is disposed between the light emission surface and the reflective surface. The optical film includes at least one of a diffusing film, a reflective polarizing film, a multilayer optical film, and a structured surface film. An array of LEDs in electrical communication is disposed on the optical film. At least one LED of the array of LEDs has an illumination field that is directed toward the reflective surface.

LED backlight

Growing community of inventors

Oakdale, MN, United States of America

Ellen O Aeling