Patents by Inventor Alexander J. Huffman

Alexander J. Huffman has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11602888
    Abstract: Continuous additive manufacturing apparatuses are provided. An apparatus includes an actinic radiation-transparent substrate having a major surface and an irradiation source configured to direct actinic radiation through the actinic radiation-transparent substrate at predetermined dosages at predetermined locations. The apparatus further includes a means for depositing a composition onto the major surface of the actinic radiation-transparent substrate and a means for conveying the actinic radiation-transparent substrate or the irradiation source with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Carsten Franke, Kenneth L. Smith, Jesse R. Behnke, Robert L. W. Smithson, Lucas D. Crestik, Olester Benson, Jr., Alexander J. Huffman
  • Patent number: 11602412
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a printable composition. The printable composition includes a polymer, a polymerizable component, a temporary solvent, a photoinitiator, and optionally an inhibitor. The present disclosure also provides an article including an integral blend of a thermoset polymer and a second polymer different from the thermoset polymer. Further, the present disclosure provides a method of making an article. The method includes (i) providing a printable composition; (ii) selectively curing the printable composition to form a gelled article; and (iii) removing at least a portion of the temporary solvent from the gelled article. The method may optionally include (iv) curing unpolymerized polymerizable component remaining before or after step (iii). Also, methods are provided, including receiving, by a manufacturing device having one or more processors, a digital object comprising data specifying a plurality of layers of an article, the article including: an integral blend of 8 to 50 wt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Zeba Parkar, Alexander J. Huffman, Mahfuza B. Ali, Stephen A. Johnson, Victor Ho
  • Patent number: 11597856
    Abstract: A continuous method of manufacturing adhesives is provided. The method includes obtaining an actinic radiation-polymerizable adhesive precursor composition disposed on a major surface of an actinic radiation-transparent substrate and irradiating a first portion of the actinic radiation-polymerizable adhesive precursor composition through the actinic radiation-transparent substrate for a first irradiation dosage. The method further includes moving the actinic radiation-transparent substrate and irradiating a second portion of the actinic radiation-polymerizable adhesive precursor composition through the actinic radiation-transparent substrate for a second irradiation dosage. Optionally, the method also includes irradiating a third portion of the actinic radiation-polymerizable adhesive precursor composition through the actinic radiation-transparent substrate prior to moving the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Carsten Franke, Kenneth L. Smith, Jesse R. Behnke, Robert L. W. Smithson, Lucas D. Crestik, Olester Benson, Jr., Alexander J. Huffman, Michael A. Kropp, John P. Baetzold, Serkan Yurt
  • Publication number: 20220380260
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of making a ceramic article. The method includes (a) obtaining a photopolymerizable slurry or sol including a plurality of ceramic particles distributed in the photopolymerizable slurry or sol and (b) selectively polymerizing the photopolymerizable slurry or sol using actinic radiation and continuous movement of a build substrate through the photopolymerizable slurry or sol to form a gelled article. The method also includes (c) extracting solvent from the gelled article to form an aerogel article or a xerogel article; (d) heat treating the aerogel article or the xerogel article to form a porous ceramic article; and (e) sintering the porous ceramic article to form a sintered ceramic article. The sintered ceramic article exhibits a particular density. Further, additive manufactured ceramic articles are provided that exhibit a particular density, opacity, or both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2020
    Publication date: December 1, 2022
    Inventors: Amy T. Shah, James D. Hansen, David B. Stegall, Alexander J. Huffman, Gareth A. Hughes, Melissa A. Lackey, Kathleen M. Humpal, Andreas M. Geldmacher, Kristen F. Keller
  • Publication number: 20220350127
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a multiphoton imaging method. The method includes a) immersing a semi-submersible microscope objective in a liquid medium that is at least one of scattering or absorbing; b) directing laser light through the semi-submersible microscope objective and into the liquid medium in an image-wise manner under conditions such that multiphoton absorption by the multiphoton absorber occurs, and at least partial polymerization of the polymerizable compound occurs resulting in an article; and c) removing uncured polymerizable compound to clean the article. The liquid medium includes a polymerizable compound, a secondary component, and a multiphoton absorber. An article is also provided. The article includes a material defining one or more tortuous or arcuate channels, one or more internal architectural voids, one or more undercuts, one or more perforations, or combinations thereof, at least one of which exhibits a surface roughness of 1.0 micrometer Ra or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2020
    Publication date: November 3, 2022
    Inventors: Alexander J. Huffman, Brian J. Gates, Jeremy K. Larsen, David A. Ender, Gareth A. Hughes, James D. Hansen
  • Patent number: 11279853
    Abstract: A method of making an adhesive is provided, including obtaining an actinic radiation-polymerizable adhesive precursor composition disposed against a surface of an actinic radiation-transparent substrate and irradiating a first portion of the actinic radiation-polymerizable adhesive precursor composition through the actinic radiation-transparent substrate for a first irradiation dosage. The method further includes irradiating a second portion of the actinic radiation-polymerizable adhesive precursor composition through the actinic radiation-transparent substrate for a second irradiation dosage. The first portion and the second portion are adjacent to or overlapping with each other and the first irradiation dosage and the second irradiation dosage are not the same. The method forms an integral adhesive having a variable thickness in an axis normal to the surface of the actinic radiation-transparent substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Carsten Franke, Joseph C. Dingeldein, Jay A. Esch, Robert L. W. Smithson, Jayshree Seth, Olester Benson, Jr., Karen J. Calverley, Alexander J. Huffman, Serkan Yurt, Setareh Niknezhad, Michael A. Kropp, John P. Baetzold
  • Patent number: 11254841
    Abstract: A method of making an adhesive is provided, including obtaining an actinic radiation-polymerizable adhesive precursor composition disposed against a surface of an actinic radiation-transparent substrate and irradiating a first portion of the actinic radiation-polymerizable adhesive precursor composition through the actinic radiation-transparent substrate for a first irradiation dosage. The method further includes irradiating a second portion of the actinic radiation-polymerizable adhesive precursor composition through the actinic radiation-transparent substrate for a second irradiation dosage. The first portion and the second portion are adjacent to or overlapping with each other and the first irradiation dosage and the second irradiation dosage are not the same. The method forms an integral adhesive having a variable thickness in an axis normal to the surface of the actinic radiation-transparent substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Carsten Franke, Joseph C. Dingeldein, Jay A. Esch, Robert L. W. Smithson, Jayshree Seth, Olester Benson, Jr., Karen J. Calverley, Alexander J. Huffman, Serkan Yurt, Setareh Niknezhad, Michael A. Kropp, John P. Baetzold
  • Publication number: 20200164572
    Abstract: A method includes obtaining a composition (1016) disposed on a surface of a substrate (1010), irradiating a first portion (1017a) of the composition for a first irradiation dosage, and irradiating a second portion (1017b) of the composition for a second irradiation dosage. The composition (1016) includes fluoropolymer particles and a binder material that is polymerizable upon exposure to radiation. The first portion (1017a) and the second portion (1017b) are adjacent to or overlapping with each other, and the first irradiation dosage and second irradiation dosage are different. Irradiating the first and second portions of the composition (1016) polymerizes the binder material and forms a three-dimensional article (1017) having a first portion (1017a) and a second portion (1017b) on the surface of the substrate (1010). The first portion (1017a) and second portion (1017b) of the three-dimensional article have different thicknesses in an axis normal to the surface of the substrate (1010).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Publication date: May 28, 2020
    Inventors: Jeffrey N. Bartow, Carsten Franke, Alexander J. Huffman
  • Publication number: 20200086434
    Abstract: Methods of manufacturing fuel injector nozzle structures such as, e.g., nozzle plates, valve guides, combinations of nozzle plates and valve guides, etc., as well as other articles incorporating microstructured features. The methods may employ multiphoton processes to form microstructured patterns on a three-dimensional structured surface to provide nozzle structures and other articles that include finished microstructured features such as, e.g., through-holes extending from one or more cavities, where at least a portion of the three-dimensional structured surface is used to form the cavities. Forming a microstructured pattern on a three-dimensional structured surface can reduce the time needed to form nozzle structures that include microstructured features and other nozzle structure features (e.g., cavities) by avoiding the need to form the other nozzle structure features using the multiphoton processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2017
    Publication date: March 19, 2020
    Inventors: Barry S. Carpenter, Scott M. Schnobrich, Jeffrey N. Bartow, Alexander J. Huffman, Brian K. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20190374309
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a printable composition. The printable composition includes a polymer, a polymerizable component, a temporary solvent, a photoinitiator, and optionally an inhibitor. The present disclosure also provides an article including an integral blend of a thermoset polymer and a second polymer different from the thermoset polymer. Further, the present disclosure provides a method of making an article. The method includes (i) providing a printable composition; (ii) selectively curing the printable composition to form a gelled article; and (iii) removing at least a portion of the temporary solvent from the gelled article. The method may optionally include (iv) curing unpolymerized polymerizable component remaining before or after step (iii). Also, methods are provided, including receiving, by a manufacturing device having one or more processors, a digital object comprising data specifying a plurality of layers of an article, the article including: an integral blend of 8 to 50 wt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Publication date: December 12, 2019
    Inventors: Zeba Parkar, Alexander J. Huffman, Mahfuza B. Ali, Stephen A. Johnson, Victor Ho
  • Publication number: 20190009459
    Abstract: Continuous additive manufacturing apparatuses are provided. An apparatus includes an actinic radiation-transparent substrate having a major surface and an irradiation source configured to direct actinic radiation through the actinic radiation-transparent substrate at predetermined dosages at predetermined locations. The apparatus further includes a means for depositing a composition onto the major surface of the actinic radiation-transparent substrate and a means for conveying the actinic radiation-transparent substrate or the irradiation source with respect to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Publication date: January 10, 2019
    Inventors: Carsten Franke, Kenneth L. Smith, Jesse R. Behnke, Robert L.W. Smithson, Lucas D. Crestik, Olester Benson, JR., Alexander J. Huffman
  • Publication number: 20180355221
    Abstract: A continuous method of manufacturing adhesives is provided. The method includes obtaining an actinic radiation-polymerizable adhesive precursor composition disposed on a major surface of an actinic radiation-transparent substrate and irradiating a first portion of the actinic radiation-polymerizable adhesive precursor composition through the actinic radiation-transparent substrate for a first irradiation dosage. The method further includes moving the actinic radiation-transparent substrate and irradiating a second portion of the actinic radiation-polymerizable adhesive precursor composition through the actinic radiation-transparent substrate for a second irradiation dosage. Optionally, the method also includes irradiating a third portion of the actinic radiation-polymerizable adhesive precursor composition through the actinic radiation-transparent substrate prior to moving the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Publication date: December 13, 2018
    Inventors: Carsten Franke, Kenneth L. Smith, Jesse R. Behnke, Robert L.W. Smithson, Lucas D. Crestik, Olester Benson, Jr., Alexander J. Huffman, Michael A. Kropp, John P. Baetzold, Serkan Yurt
  • Publication number: 20180291239
    Abstract: A method of making an adhesive is provided, including obtaining an actinic radiation-polymerizable adhesive precursor composition disposed against a surface of an actinic radiation-transparent substrate and irradiating a first portion of the actinic radiation-polymerizable adhesive precursor composition through the actinic radiation-transparent substrate for a first irradiation dosage. The method further includes irradiating a second portion of the actinic radiation-polymerizable adhesive precursor composition through the actinic radiation-transparent substrate for a second irradiation dosage. The first portion and the second portion are adjacent to or overlapping with each other and the first irradiation dosage and the second irradiation dosage are not the same. The method forms an integral adhesive having a variable thickness in an axis normal to the surface of the actinic radiation-transparent substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2016
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Inventors: Carsten Franke, Joseph C. Dingeldein, Jay A. Esch, Robert L.W. Smithson, Jayshree Seth, Olester Benson, Jr., Karen J. Calverley, Alexander J. Huffman, Serkan Yurt, Setareh Niknezhad, Michael A. Kropp, John P. Baetzold
  • Publication number: 20170291360
    Abstract: A method of making an adhesive is provided, including obtaining an actinic radiation-polymerizable adhesive precursor composition disposed against a surface of an actinic radiation-transparent substrate and irradiating a first portion of the actinic radiation-polymerizable adhesive precursor composition through the actinic radiation-transparent substrate for a first irradiation dosage. The method further includes irradiating a second portion of the actinic radiation-polymerizable adhesive precursor composition through the actinic radiation-transparent substrate for a second irradiation dosage. The first portion and the second portion are adjacent to or overlapping with each other and the first irradiation dosage and the second irradiation dosage are not the same. The method forms an integral adhesive having a variable thickness in an axis normal to the surface of the actinic radiation-transparent substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Publication date: October 12, 2017
    Inventors: Carsten Franke, Joseph C. Dingeldein, Jay A. Esch, Robert L.W. Smithson, Jayshree Seth, Olester Benson, JR., Karen J. Calverley, Alexander J. Huffman, Serkan Yurt, Setareh Niknezhad, Michael A. Kropp, John P. Baetzold