Patterned marking of multilayer optical film by thermal conduction

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United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 9864120
SERIAL NO

14916819

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Abstract

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A multilayer optical film (130) has a packet of microlayers that selectively reflect light by constructive or destructive interference to provide a first reflective characteristic. At least some of the microlayers are birefringent. A stabilizing layer attaches to and covers the microlayer packet proximate an outer exposed surface of the film Heating elements (122) can physically contact the film to deliver heat to the packet through the stabilizing layer by thermal conduction, at altered regions of the film, such that the first reflective characteristic changes to an altered reflective characteristic in the altered regions to pattern the film The stabilizing layer provides sufficient heat conduction to allow heat from the heating elements to change (e.g. reduce) the birefringence of the birefringent microlayers disposed near the outer exposed surface in the altered regions, while providing sufficient mechanical support to avoid substantial layer distortion of the microlayers near the outer exposed surface in the altered regions.

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Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddress
3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYP O BOX 33427 ST PAUL MN 55133-3427

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Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Biernath, Rolf W Wyoming, US 85 1847
Edmonds, William F Minneapolis, US 29 221
Free, Michael Benton Saint Paul, US 90 1003
Jalbert, Claire A Saint Paul, US 29 665
Johnson, Stephen A Woodbury, US 165 1769
Merrill, William W Mahtomedi, US 96 3155
Wolk, Martin B Woodbury, US 158 3615

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