Patents by Inventor Alf Springer

Alf Springer 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: 6699425
    Abstract: A device and a method for transferring microstructures from a tool to a substrate which is to be structured. The device and method are intended to align the tool and the substrate in a mutually controlled manner. The device contains supports for the tool and the substrate which can be displaced in an opposing direction in relation to one another, resulting in an alteration of the distance between the tool and the substrate. A measuring system is provided which can be inserted between the supports, for measuring selected locations on at least one measuring plane. The direction of displacement of the supports is aligned vertically in relation to said measuring plane. The measuring system forms a fixed spatial relationship with the tool in a measuring position. The substrate can be aligned in relation to the tool. The method and device can be used for producing microstructured components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Jenoptik Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Frank Reuther, Alf Springer, Lutz Mueller
  • Patent number: 6416311
    Abstract: The object, in a device and a method for separating a shaped substrate from a stamping tool, is to make demolding more functionally reliable and to substantially prevent damage to expensive components. A closeable chamber, the mutually moveable chamber parts of which are the support for the stamping tool and for the shapeable substrate, contains a substrate holder which, when the chamber is closed, fixes. the substrate to its support outside the stamping area, with the result that the substrate is detached from the stamping tool when the chamber is opened. The device and method can be used for the production of microengineered components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: JENOPTIK Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Alf Springer, Frank Reuther, Lutz Mueller
  • Patent number: 5993189
    Abstract: The apparatus and process to compensate for variations in thickness of molding tools and of moldable materials used in an embossing process to be carried out under a vacuum, while ensuring high dimensional stability, and to ensure different molding depths. For achieving this object, a chamber is employed having a pair of oppositely lying chamber parts, of which one is fixed to the framework and the other is adjustable, having side walls which comprise an inner part and an outer part. The inner part is fastened to the fixed chamber part and the outer part, on the outwardly facing end face to of which the adjustable chamber part comes to bear against the force of a spring during the closing of the chamber, is displaceable along guide elements on the fixed chamber part between two stops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Jenoptik Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Lutz Mueller, Frank Reuther, Alf Springer, Matthias Heckele, Hans Biedermann