Patents by Inventor Richard Steenblik
Richard Steenblik 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).
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Publication number: 20090173653Abstract: A merchandising system, including: a consumer product. The merchandising system includes at least one of the consumer product, packaging for the consumer product, and advertisement material pertaining to the consumer product. At least one element of the merchandising system includes indicia and/or an image that relates, or is analogous to, an attribute and/or targeted benefit of the consumer product. At least one element of the merchandising system further includes a micro-optic structure capable of controlling the scatter of light impinging thereon so that the micro-optic structure reflects and/or transmits light in a field of view over which at least a portion of the indicia and/or image appears brighter relative to that outside the field of view.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2008Publication date: July 9, 2009Applicant: NANOVENTIONS HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Richard A. Steenblik, Mark J. Hurt, Gregory R. Jordan, Brian S. Martin, Jennifer Susong
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Publication number: 20090172978Abstract: A merchandising system, including: a consumer product. The merchandising system includes at least one of the consumer product, packaging for the consumer product, and advertisement material pertaining to the consumer product. At least one element of the merchandising system includes indicia and/or an image that relates, or is analogous to, an attribute and/or targeted benefit of the consumer product. At least one element of the merchandising system further includes a micro-optic structure capable of controlling the scatter of light impinging thereon so that the micro-optic structure reflects and/or transmits light in a field of view over which at least a portion of the indicia and/or image appears brighter relative to that outside the field of view.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2008Publication date: July 9, 2009Applicant: NANOVENTIONS HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Richard A. Steenblik, Mark J. Hurt, Gregory R. Jordan, Brian S. Martin, Jennifer Susong
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Publication number: 20090122412Abstract: An image presentation system employing microstructured icon elements to form an image. In one form a synthetic optical image system is provided that includes an array of focusing elements, and an image system that includes or is formed from an array or pattern of microstructured icon elements, such as those described below, wherein the microstructured icon elements are designed to collectively form an image or certain desired information, and wherein the array of focusing elements and the image system cooperate, for example through optical coupling, to form a synthetic optical image which image may optionally be magnified.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2008Publication date: May 14, 2009Applicant: NANOVENTIONS HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Richard A. Steenblik, Mark J. Hurt, Gregory R. Jordan
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Publication number: 20090021840Abstract: A film material utilizing a regular two-dimensional array of non-cylindrical lenses to enlarge micro-images, called icons, to form a synthetically magnified image through the united performance of a multiplicity of individual lens/icon image systems. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system includes one or more optical spacers (5), a micro-image formed of a periodic planar array of a plurality of image icons (4) having an axis of symmetry about at least one of its planar axes and positioned on or next to the optical spacer (5), and a periodic planar array of image icon focusing elements (1) having an axis of symmetry about at least one of its planar axes, the axis of symmetry being the same planar axis as that of the micro-image planar array (4). A number of distinctive visual effects, such as three-dimensional and motion effects, can be provided by the present system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2007Publication date: January 22, 2009Applicant: Nanoventions Holdings, LLCInventors: Richard A. Steenblik, Mark J. Hurt, Gregory R. Jordan
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Patent number: 7468842Abstract: Am image presentation system employing microstructured icon elements to form an image. In one form a synthetic optical image system is provided that includes an array of focusing elements, and an image system that includes or is formed from an array or pattern of microstructured icon elements, such as those described below, wherein the microstructured icon elements are designed to collectively form an image or certain desired information, and wherein the array of focusing elements and the image system cooperate, for example through optical coupling, to form a synthetic optical image which image may optionally be magnified.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2006Date of Patent: December 23, 2008Assignee: Nanoventions Holdings, LLCInventors: Richard A. Steenblik, Mark J. Hurt, Gregory R. Jordan
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Publication number: 20080212193Abstract: A film material utilizing a regular two-dimensional array of non-cylindrical lenses to enlarge micro-images, called icons, to form a synthetically magnified image through the united performance of a multiplicity of individual lens/icon image systems. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system includes one or more optical spacers (5), a micro-image formed of a periodic planar array of a plurality of image icons (4) having an axis of symmetry about at least one of its planar axes and positioned on or next to the optical spacer (5), and a periodic planar array of image icon focusing elements (1) having an axis of symmetry about at least one of its planar axes, the axis of symmetry being the same planar axis as that of the micro-image planar array (4). A number of distinctive visual effects, such as three-dimensional and motion effects, can be provided by the present system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2007Publication date: September 4, 2008Applicant: NANOVENTIONS HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Richard A. Steenblik, Mark J. Hurt, Gregory R. Jordan
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Publication number: 20080212192Abstract: A film material utilizing a regular two-dimensional array of non-cylindrical lenses to enlarge micro-images, called icons, to form a synthetically magnified image through the united performance of a multiplicity of individual lens/icon image systems. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system includes one or more optical spacers (5), a micro-image formed of a periodic planar array of a plurality of image icons (4) having an axis of symmetry about at least one of its planar axes and positioned on or next to the optical spacer (5), and a periodic planar array of image icon focusing elements (1) having an axis of symmetry about at least one of its planar axes, the axis of symmetry being the same planar axis as that of the micro-image planar array (4). A number of distinctive visual effects, such as three-dimensional and motion effects, can be provided by the present system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2007Publication date: September 4, 2008Applicant: NANOVENTIONS HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Richard A. Steenblik, Mark J. Hurt, Gregory R. Jordan
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Publication number: 20080165423Abstract: A film material utilizing a regular two-dimensional array of non-cylindrical lenses to enlarge micro-images, called icons, to form a synthetically magnified image through the united performance of a multiplicity of individual lens/icon image systems. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system includes one or more optical spacers (5), a micro-image formed of a periodic planar array of a plurality of image icons (4) having an axis of symmetry about at least one of its planar axes and positioned on or next to the optical spacer (5), and a periodic planar array of image icon focusing elements (1) having an axis of symmetry about at least one of its planar axes, the axis of symmetry being the same planar axis as that of the micro-image planar array (4). A number of distinctive visual effects, such as three-dimensional and motion effects, can be provided by the present system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2007Publication date: July 10, 2008Applicant: NANOVENTIONS HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Richard A. Steenblik, Mark J. Hurt, Gregory R. Jordan
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Publication number: 20080130018Abstract: Microstructured taggant particles, their applications and methods of making the same are described. Precisely formed taggant particles can be formed, in the range of 500? and smaller, from either inert polymers or biodegradable materials bearing information indicia, such as through specific shape, size, color, reflectivity, refractive index, surface geometry, imprinting, optical effect or properties, and electromagnetic properties, to uniquely tag, identify or authenticate articles.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2007Publication date: June 5, 2008Applicant: NANOVENTIONS, INC.Inventors: Richard A. Steenblik, Mark J. Hurt, Michael E. Knotts, Brian S. Martin
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Patent number: 7333268Abstract: A film material utilizing a regular two-dimensional array of non-cylindrical lenses to enlarge micro-images, called icons, to form a synthetically magnified image through the united performance of a multiplicity of individual lens/icon image systems. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system includes one or more optical spacers (5), a micro-image formed of a periodic planar array of a plurality of image icons (4) having an axis of symmetry about at least one of its planar axes and positioned on or next to the optical spacer (5), and a periodic planar array of image icon focusing elements (1) having an axis of symmetry about at least one of its planar axes, the axis of symmetry being the same planar axis as that of the micro-image planar array (4). A number of distinctive visual effects, such as three-dimensional and motion effects, can be provided by the present system.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2004Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Nanoventions Holdings, LLCInventors: Richard A. Steenblik, Mark J. Hurt, Gregory R. Jordan
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Publication number: 20080036196Abstract: A film material utilizing a regular two-dimensional array of non-cylindrical lenses to enlarge micro-images, called icons, to form a synthetically magnified image through the united performance of a multiplicity of individual lens/icon image systems. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system includes one or more optical spacers (5), a micro-image formed of a periodic planar array of a plurality of image icons (4) having an axis of symmetry about at least one of its planar axes and positioned on or next to the optical spacer (5), and a periodic planar array of image icon focusing elements (1) having an axis of symmetry about at least one of its planar axes, the axis of symmetry being the same planar axis as that of the micro-image planar array (4). A number of distinctive visual effects, such as three-dimensional and motion effects, can be provided by the present system.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2007Publication date: February 14, 2008Applicant: NANOVENTIONS, INC.Inventors: Richard Steenblik, Mark Hurt, Gregory Jordan
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Publication number: 20080037131Abstract: A synthetic micro-optic system and security device is disclosed including an in-plane image formed of an array or pattern of image icons and an array of focusing elements, the system producing at least two different synthetic images whereby one synthetic image operates to modulate or control the extent of the appearance of another synthetic image. In an exemplary form, the array of image icons forms an in-plane synthetic image, while the interaction of the array of focusing elements with the array of image icons forms a separate synthetically magnified image that serves to control the field of view of the in-plane image and, thus, serves to modulate or control the extent of appearance of the in-plane image. The appearance of the in-plane image, thus, visually appears and disappears, or turn on and off, depending upon the viewing angle of the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2007Publication date: February 14, 2008Applicant: NANOVENTIONS, INC.Inventors: Richard Steenblik, Mark Hurt, Gregory Jordan
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Publication number: 20080019652Abstract: A method for creating a master and for generating an optical waveguide therefrom. The method includes creating a waveguide master having the geometrical form of at least one optical element formed therein; and generating an embossed optical waveguide from the master, the embossed optical waveguide being a negative of the master, the embossed optical waveguide having an optical element formed therein which corresponds to and is a negative of the geometrical form of the optical element formed in the master, the embossed optical waveguide being formed of a polymer material having a first index of refraction, wherein the optical element is formed in the polymer material and creates a local modification of the refractive index of the polymer material.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2007Publication date: January 24, 2008Applicant: NANOVENTIONS, INC.Inventors: Richard Steenblik, Mark Hurt
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Publication number: 20070269725Abstract: A light control material is provided for displaying color images having microstructures either on its surface or within the material which reflect a selected color and bandwidth of light in accordance with their physical characteristics. In an exemplary embodiment, the microstructures are stepped structures which reflect a particular color and bandwidth of light in accordance with the height of the steps of the stepped structures. In alternative embodiment, the microstructures are ribbed structures or crystal like structures designed to reflect a selected color and bandwidth of light. In addition, methods of fabricating the material are provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2007Publication date: November 22, 2007Applicant: NANOVENTIONS, INC.Inventors: Richard Steenblik, Mark Hurt, Michael Knotts
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Patent number: 7288320Abstract: Microstructured taggant particles, their applications and methods of making the same are described. Precisely formed taggant particles can be formed, in the range of 500? and smaller, from either inert polymers or biodegradable materials bearing information indicia, such as through specific shape, size, color, reflectivity, refractive index, surface geometry, imprinting, optical effect or properties, and electromagnetic properties, to uniquely tag, identify or authenticate articles.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2003Date of Patent: October 30, 2007Assignee: Nanoventions Holdings, LLCInventors: Richard A. Steenblik, Mark J. Hurt, Michael E. Knotts, Brian S. Martin
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Patent number: 7221512Abstract: A light control material is provided for displaying color images having microstructures either on its surface or within the material which reflect a selected color and bandwidth of light in accordance with their physical characteristics. In an exemplary embodiment, the microstructures are stepped structures which reflect a particular color and bandwidth of light in accordance with the height of the steps of the stepped structures. In alternative embodiment, the microstructures are ribbed structures or crystal like structures designed to reflect a selected color and bandwidth of light. In addition, methods of fabricating the material are provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2003Date of Patent: May 22, 2007Assignee: Nanoventions, Inc.Inventors: Richard A. Steenblik, Mark J. Hurt, Michael E. Knotts
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Patent number: 7221845Abstract: A method for creating a master and for generating an optical waveguide therefrom. The method includes creating a waveguide master having the geometrical form of at least one optical element formed therein; and generating an embossed optical waveguide from the master, the embossed optical waveguide being a negative of the master, the embossed optical waveguide having an optical element formed therein which corresponds to and is a negative of the geometrical form of the optical element formed in the master, the embossed optical waveguide being formed of a polymer material having a first index of refraction, wherein the optical element is formed in the polymer material and creates a local modification of the refractive index of the polymer material.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2005Date of Patent: May 22, 2007Assignee: Nanoventions, Inc.Inventors: Richard A. Steenblik, Mark J. Hurt
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Publication number: 20070058260Abstract: Am image presentation system employing microstructured icon elements to form an image. In one form a synthetic optical image system is provided that includes an array of focusing elements, and an image system that includes or is formed from an array or pattern of microstructured icon elements, such as those described below, wherein the microstructured icon elements are designed to collectively form an image or certain desired information, and wherein the array of focusing elements and the image system cooperate, for example through optical coupling, to form a synthetic optical image which image may optionally be magnified.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2006Publication date: March 15, 2007Inventors: Richard Steenblik, Mark Hurt, Gregory Jordan
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Publication number: 20060098929Abstract: An embossed optical waveguide for light transmission and a method for creating a master and for generating the embossed optical waveguide therefrom. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a layer of liquid polymer is exposed to energy curing radiation through a mask consisting of clear and opaque areas. The opaque areas in the mask correspond to areas in the liquid polymer which will not be exposed to the curing radiation. During exposure, the areas in the liquid polymer which are exposed through the clear areas in the mask to the curing radiation become cured, or hardened. The areas which are not exposed to the curing radiation do not become cured and subsequently are washed away with a chemical rinse. The resulting structure is a cured layer of polymer having holes pierced through it. The holes pierced through the polymer layer correspond to optical elements formed in the polymer layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2005Publication date: May 11, 2006Inventors: Richard Steenblik, Mark Hurt
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Patent number: 7006294Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for authentication of articles and counterfeit deterrence using non-holographic micro-optics and microstructures having a surface relief greater than a few microns. Embodiments of the present invention disclose a range of distinctive optical effects obtained from micro-optic systems incorporating micro lenses, non-imaging collectors, prisms, wave guides, mirrors, gratings, structural interference filters, and photonic crystal microstructures.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2003Date of Patent: February 28, 2006Assignee: Nanoventions, Inc.Inventors: Richard A. Steenblik, Mark J. Hurt, Michael E. Knotts