3m Innovative Properties Company

Leo A Meyer

Robert S Moshrefzadeh

Hsin-hsin Chou

Geoffrey P Morris

Billy J Tompkins

Thomas N Davis

Jacqueline C Rolfs

Timothy J Gardner

James A Stevenson

Richard F Griffith

Lavern L Linse

Glass microspheres and rear projection screens containing glass microspheres, which combine a desirable index of refraction (preferably, no greater than about 1.70) and low levels of defects (e.g., bubbles, visible haziness, frostiness, or opacity, substantially nonspherical shapes) upon formation are provided. Also provided is a coating method of placing microspheres on a film for use in a rear projection screen.

Glass microspheres for use in films and projection screen displays

The present invention is a light directing construction for use in a display apparatus. The light directing construction includes a light directing film that has a prismatic structure having two sides, where one side includes saw tooth formations having tilted surfaces, and a metal coating on the side of the prismatic substrate having the saw-tooth formations. A corrosion-resistant feature is provided on the light directing construction to minimize the effects of corrosion experienced in salt atmospheres. In a first embodiment of the invention, the light directing construction includes an intermediate layer positioned between the light directing film and the metal coating. In a second embodiment of the invention, a peripheral polymeric coating is provided on the light directing constriction. This peripheral coating can be formed with a laser.

Light directing construction having corrosion resistant feature

Glass microspheres for use in films and projection screen displays and methods

Growing community of inventors

Saint Paul, MN, United States of America

Leo A Meyer