Neal Sandra K Strand

US Patent:

6416201, Jul 9, 2002

Filed:

Mar 31, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/539820

Inventors:

Neal T. Strand - Woodbury MN
David G. Freier - St. Paul MN
Ellen O. Aeling - St. Paul MN

Assignee:

3M Innovative Properties Company - St. Paul MN

International Classification:

F21V 1114

US Classification:

362224, 362223, 362237, 362240, 362248, 362351

Abstract:

An illuminated sign system provides uniform illumination over the lamp face by using partially transmissive lamp masks located between the lamps and the sign face. The sign face itself also diffusely reflects at least a majority of light incident on its second surface back towards the interior of the sign. The lamp spacing ratio in the illuminated signs can be increased, e. g. , to a ratio of 3:1 or more, and, possibly, to a ratio of 4:1 or more.

US Patent:

6641880, Nov 4, 2003

Filed:

Jun 30, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/608377

Inventors:

Frank L. Deyak - Stillwater MN
Neal T. Strand - Woodbury MN
Ellen O. Aeling - St. Paul MN
Andrew J. Ouderkirk - Woodbury MN
Michael F. Weber - Shoreview MN
David G. Freier - St. Paul MN

Assignee:

3M Innovative Properties Company - St. Paul MN

International Classification:

B29D 2300

US Classification:

428 357, 428 341, 4283044, 40564

Abstract:

A lighted sign housing is provided with a diffuse reflective film that is selected based on its reflectivity and luminance uniformity in order to reduce power consumption required for a given luminance while also increasing luminance uniformity. A method of using such film is also provided.

US Patent:

6767609, Jul 27, 2004

Filed:

Apr 16, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/835725

Inventors:

Ellen O. Aeling - St. Paul MN
Neal T. Strand - Woodbury MN

Assignee:

3M Innovative Properties Company - St. Paul MN

International Classification:

B32B 324

US Classification:

428137, 428343, 428913, 40564, 40579, 362 97

Abstract:

The present invention provides perforated film constructions, sign faces including the film constructions, and signs including the sign faces, all of which are capable of having one appearance under light ambient lighting conditions, and another appearance when backlit under dark ambient lighting conditions. The construction is generally planar and includes perforations that occupy, e. g. , about 10-35% of the major surfaces of the construction. The perforations are separated by an opaque land area. The back surface of the film construction in the land area (i. e. , the surface that is adapted to face the interior of the sign) reflects, e. g. , at least about 50% of normal light incident thereon.

US Patent:

20040224126, Nov 11, 2004

Filed:

Jun 15, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/868679

Inventors:

Ellen Aeling - St. Paul MN, US
Neal Strand - Woodbury MN, US

Assignee:

3M Innovative Properties Company

International Classification:

B32B003/10

US Classification:

428/131000

Abstract:

The present invention provides perforated film constructions, sign faces including the film constructions, and signs including the sign faces, all of which are capable of having one appearance under light ambient lighting conditions, and another appearance when backlit under dark ambient lighting conditions. The construction is generally planar and includes perforations that occupy, e.g., about 10-35% of the major surfaces of the construction. The perforations are separated by an opaque land area. The back surface of the film construction in the land area (i.e., the surface that is adapted to face the interior of the sign) reflects, e.g., at least about 50% of normal light incident thereon.

US Patent:

54627680, Oct 31, 1995

Filed:

Mar 18, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/033133

Inventors:

Ronald R. Adkins - Woodbury MN
Charles J. Fabbrini - Stillwater Township, Washington County MN
Neal T. Strand - Woodbury MN

Assignee:

Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company - St. Paul MN

International Classification:

B05D 136

US Classification:

427265

Abstract:

A method of screen printing water-based chemical compositions is provided, where the water-based chemical compositions are virtually solventless, that is, having less than 12% volatile organic solvents when press ready, and the method produces screen printed substrates that are weather-resistant and have excellent color retention.

US Patent:

62828215, Sep 4, 2001

Filed:

Jun 25, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/104874

Inventors:

David G. Freier - St Paul MN
Neal T. Strand - Woodbury MN
Scott R. Kaytor - Minneapolis MN
Frank L. Deyak - Stillwater MN

Assignee:

3M Innovative Properties Company - St. Paul MN

International Classification:

G09F 1300
G02B 502

US Classification:

40564

Abstract:

A low-loss, diffuser film is provided for translucent surface(s) of lighted signage. The film has little absorptivity and has partial transmissivity and partial reflectivity. Luminance efficiency and brightness are significantly improved over conventional films used in backlit signage. A luminance efficiency prediction equation is also provided to aid in selection of diffuser films and interior surfaces of the lighted sign cavity. A combination of effects of diffuser films and a diffuse reflective films lining the interior surfaces of the lighted sign cavity is unexpectedly greater than their sum of effects operating alone.

US Patent:

59766867, Nov 2, 1999

Filed:

Oct 24, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/957558

Inventors:

Scott R. Kaytor - Minneapolis MN
Kenneth A. Epstein - St. Paul MN
John C. Harvey - Oakdale MN
Stephen J. Pojar - New Scandia Township MN
Neal T. Strand - Woodbury MN
Clinton P. Waller - White Bear Lake MN
William A. Hibbard - Woodbury MN
David R. Gagnon - London, CA

Assignee:

3M Innovative Properties Company - St. Paul MN

International Classification:

B32B 522

US Classification:

4283179

Abstract:

Diffuse reflective materials attached to a structure formed by thermally induced phase separation of a thermoplastic polymer and a diluent providing enhanced flexibility and reflectivity especially in the visible wavelengths of 380-730 nanometers are described. Such materials find a wide variety of application among combinations with other reflective layers. The diffuse reflective articles are useful in backlight units of liquid crystal displays, lights, copy machines, projection system displays, facsimile apparatus, electronic blackboards, diffuse white standards, photographic lights and the like.

US Patent:

41109252, Sep 5, 1978

Filed:

Mar 28, 1977

Appl. No.:

5/782027

Inventors:

Neal T. Strand - New Richmond WI
Richard J. Esboldt - St. Paul MN

Assignee:

Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company - St. Paul MN

International Classification:

G09F 1100

US Classification:

40466

Abstract:

A sign cabinet having a scroll movably mounted on rollers for movement past a display opening in the cabinet. A torsion spring acts on one of the rollers to compensate for differences in the rate of movement of the scroll at the two rollers. An electronic control circuit automatically senses the position of the scroll and is actuated by the position information for controlling the operation of the scroll. The modes of operation include: continuously moving back and forth between preselected end points within the scroll; moving back and forth within a predetermined section within the end points, stopping at preselected frames within the section; and, advancing from one frame or section to another.