Patents by Inventor Michael R. Leaf

Michael R. Leaf 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: 10605965
    Abstract: Optical diffusing films are made by microreplication from a structured surface tool. The tool is made using a 2-part electroplating process, wherein a first electroplating procedure forms a first metal layer with a first major surface, and a second electroplating procedure forms a second metal layer on the first metal layer, the second metal layer having a second major surface with a smaller average roughness than that of the first major surface. The second major surface can function as the structured surface of the tool. A replica of this surface can then be made in a major surface of an optical film to provide light diffusing properties. The structured surface and/or its constituent structures can be characterized in terms of various parameters such as optical haze, optical clarity, Fourier power spectra of the topography along orthogonal in-plane directions, ridge length per unit area, equivalent circular diameter (ECD), and/or aspect ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Tri D. Pham, Steven H. Kong, Haiyan Zhang, Joseph T. Aronson, Michael R. Leaf, Gary T. Boyd, Nicholas A. Johnson, Qingbing Wang
  • Publication number: 20190219743
    Abstract: Optical diffusing films are made by microreplication from a structured surface tool. The tool is made using a 2-part electroplating process, wherein a first electroplating procedure forms a first metal layer with a first major surface, and a second electroplating procedure forms a second metal layer on the first metal layer, the second metal layer having a second major surface with a smaller average roughness than that of the first major surface. The second major surface can function as the structured surface of the tool. A replica of this surface can then be made in a major surface of an optical film to provide light diffusing properties. The structured surface and/or its constituent structures can be characterized in terms of various parameters such as optical haze, optical clarity, Fourier power spectra of the topography along orthogonal in-plane directions, ridge length per unit area, equivalent circular diameter (ECD), and/or aspect ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2018
    Publication date: July 18, 2019
    Inventors: Tri D. Pham, Steven H. Kong, Haiyan Zhang, Joseph T. Aronson, Michael R. Leaf, Gary T. Boyd, Nicholas A. Johnson, Qingbing Wang
  • Patent number: 10295710
    Abstract: Optical diffusing films are made by microreplication from a structured surface tool. The tool is made using a 2-part electroplating process, wherein a first electroplating procedure forms a first metal layer with a first major surface, and a second electroplating procedure forms a second metal layer on the first metal layer, the second metal layer having a second major surface with a smaller average roughness than that of the first major surface. The second major surface can function as the structured surface of the tool. A replica of this surface can then be made in a major surface of an optical film to provide light diffusing properties. The structured surface and/or its constituent structures can be characterized in terms of various parameters such as optical haze, optical clarity, Fourier power spectra of the topography along orthogonal in-plane directions, ridge length per unit area, equivalent circular diameter (ECD), and/or aspect ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Tri D. Pham, Steven H. Kong, Haiyan Zhang, Joseph T. Aronson, Michael R. Leaf, Gary T. Boyd, Nicholas A. Johnson, Qingbing Wang
  • Publication number: 20150293272
    Abstract: Optical diffusing films are made by microreplication from a structured surface tool. The tool is made using a 2-part electroplating process, wherein a first electroplating procedure forms a first metal layer with a first major surface, and a second electroplating procedure forms a second metal layer on the first metal layer, the second metal layer having a second major surface with a smaller average roughness than that of the first major surface. The second major surface can function as the structured surface of the tool. A replica of this surface can then be made in a major surface of an optical film to provide light diffusing properties. The structured surface and/or its constituent structures can be characterized in terms of various parameters such as optical haze, optical clarity, Fourier power spectra of the topography along orthogonal in-plane directions, ridge length per unit area, equivalent circular diameter (ECD), and/or aspect ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Publication date: October 15, 2015
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Tri D. Pham, Steven H. Kong, Haiyan Zhang, Joseph T. Aronson, Michael R. Leaf, Gary T. Boyd, Nicholas A. Johnson, Qingbing Wang
  • Patent number: 5965043
    Abstract: A method of forming a via in a laminated substrate by forming ablated material by laser drilling a via in a laminated substrate. The ablated material is deposited on a sidewall of the via. An ultrasonic treatment is applied to the drilled substrate thereby removing ablated material redeposited on sidewalls of the via.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: David B. Noddin, Robin E. Gorrell, Michael R. Leaf
  • Patent number: 5833759
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for cleaning vias in electronic component substrates prior to metallization thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy E. Haslow, Donald G. Hutchins, Michael R. Leaf
  • Patent number: 5779921
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for metallizing features of an electronic component, where the metallized features, conductive pads, conductive traces, are coated and encapsulated with at least one metal layer and the features on the front side and the back side of the component have different thicknesses
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy E. Haslow, Donald G. Hutchins, Michael R. Leaf
  • Patent number: 5276955
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing large area multilayer interconnects for electronic substrates and circuit boards uses high density area array interconnections that are created by solid state diffusion. Two or more pretested subsections are electrically and mechanically joined together to simultaneously form a multilayer substrate without employing a flow-type connection where the conductive interconnect material is entirely in a liquid phase at some point during the joining process. Each substrate is comprised of a planar dielectric substrate having a plurality of conductive layers. On at least one surface of the substrate a conductive pad lay is formed having a plurality of interconnect pads. The interconnect pads are positioned at a uniform height above the surface of the dielectric substrate and include a base metal layer, a top metal layer with at least one of the conductive pad layers have a donor metal disposed on top of the top metal layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: Supercomputer Systems Limited Partnership
    Inventors: David B. Noddin, Robin E. Gorrell, William G. Petefish, Kevin L. Stumpe, Boydd Piper, Deepak N. Swamy, Jimmy Leong, Michael R. Leaf