The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 06, 2001
Filed:
Jun. 15, 1999
Richard C. Allen, Mendota Heights, MN (US);
Gregg A. Hietpas, St. Paul, MN (US);
Jon E. Stickrod, Oakdale, MN (US);
John A Wheatley, Lake Elmo, MN (US);
3M Innovative Properties Co., St. Paul, MN (US);
Abstract
The present invention provides light valves including polarizing elements in which light transmission can be controlled by rotating at least one of the polarizing elements about an in-plane axis. Although reflective polarizing elements are preferred in devices according to the present invention to reduce the problem of heat build-up, the use of absorptive or other polarizers may also be envisioned. The polarizing elements may also include at least one reflective polarizer in combination with an infrared reflective material or an infrared absorptive material. The polarizing elements can be included in light valves to control light transmission by rotating at least one of the polarizing elements about an in-plane axis. The light valves according to the present invention may find use in any application in which the transmission of light (visible or otherwise) is to be controlled. Examples of specific applications include, but are not limited to: windows, luminaires, skylights, etc.