Patents by Inventor Robert J. DeVoe

Robert J. DeVoe 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: 7941013
    Abstract: A process comprises imagewise exposing at least a portion of a photoreactive composition to light sufficient to cause simultaneous absorption of at least two photons/thereby inducing at least one acid- or radical-initiated chemical reaction where the composition is exposed to the light, the imagewise exposing being carried out in a pattern that is effective to define at least the surface of a plurality of light extraction structures. Each one of the array of light extraction structures has at least one shape factor; the shape factor may vary across the array. At least one light extraction structure may have the geometric configuration of a truncated asphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Charles A. Marttila, Charles D. Hoyle, David A. Ender, Jaime B. Willoughby, Robert J. DeVoe
  • Patent number: 7936956
    Abstract: A process comprises imagewise exposing at least a portion of a photoreactive composition to light sufficient to cause simultaneous absorption of at least two photons, thereby inducing at least one acid- or radical-initiated chemical reaction where the composition is exposed to the light, the imagewise exposing being carried out in a pattern that is effective to define at least the surface of a plurality of light extraction structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Charles A. Marttila, Charles D. Hoyle, David A. Ender, Jaime B. Willoughby, Robert J. DeVoe
  • Publication number: 20110001950
    Abstract: An exposure system includes a light source emitting a beam along an optical axis that is capable of inducing a multi-photon reaction in a resin. The exposure system further includes a resin undergoing multiphoton reaction, as well as an automated system including a monitor that measures at least one property of the beam selected from power, pulse length, shape, divergence, or position in a plane normal to the optical axis. The monitor generates at least one signal indicative of the property of the beam, and a sub-system adjusts the beam in response to the signal from the monitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventors: Robert J. DeVoe, Brian J. Gates, Dean Faklis, Robert T. Krasa, Przemyslaw P. Markowicz, Craig R. Sykora
  • Publication number: 20100308509
    Abstract: A method of forming a working mold including: placing a substrate (610) on an electrode in a chamber, the substrate having at least a first structured surface (620) and the substrate including a thermoset polymeric material; introducing a release (630) layer forming gas into the chamber, wherein the release layer forming gas includes silicon containing gas and oxygen gas in an atomic ratio of not greater than about 200; providing power to the electrode to create a plasma of the release layer forming gas within the chamber; and depositing a release layer formed from the release layer forming gas on at least the first structured surface of the substrate to form a working mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventors: Moses M. David, Gouping Mao, Olester Benson, JR., Robert J. DeVoe, Jennifer J. Sahlin
  • Publication number: 20100307680
    Abstract: Novel benzoxazine-thiol adducts are described, which may be may be cured to produce compositions useful in coating, sealants, adhesive and many other applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventors: Ilya Gorodisher, Robert J. Webb, Robert J. Devoe
  • Publication number: 20100312004
    Abstract: Novel benzoxazine-thiol adducts are described, which may be may be cured to produce compositions useful in coating, sealants, adhesive and many other applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventors: Ilya Gorodisher, Robert J. Webb, Robert J. Devoe
  • Publication number: 20100294954
    Abstract: A method includes scanning a radiation beam with respect to a multi-photon curable photoreactive composition. The radiation beam includes a power sufficient to at least partially cure a volume of the multiphoton curable photoreactive composition. The method further includes modifying a characteristic of the radiation beam as the radiation beam is scanned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventors: Brian J. Gates, Robert T. Krasa, Przemyslaw P. Markowicz, Crsig R. Sykora, Robert J. DeVoe, Dean Faklis
  • Publication number: 20100239783
    Abstract: A method of forming a working mold including placing a substrate near an electrode in a chamber, the substrate (610) having at least a first structured surface (620); providing power to the electrode to create a plasma, —introducing vapor of liquid silicone molecules into the plasma; and depositing a release layer (630), the release layer (630) including a silicone containing polymer, the release layer (630) being deposited on at least a portion of the first structured surface of the substrate to form the working mold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventors: Gouping Mao, Moses M. David, Olester Benson, JR., Robert J. DeVoe, Jennifer J. Sahlin
  • Publication number: 20100227272
    Abstract: A multiphoton curable photoreactive composition including hydantoin hexaacrylate and a photoinitiator system. In some embodiments, the multiphoton curable photoreactive composition consists essentially of hydantoin hexaacrylate and a photoinitiator system. Additionally, the applying a multiphoton curable photoreactive composition comprising hydantoin hexaacrylate and a photoinitiator system may be applied to a substrate and a portion of the multiphoton curable photoreactive composition may be at least partially cured to form an at least partially cured structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventors: Robert J. DeVoe, Guoping Mao
  • Patent number: 7790353
    Abstract: A method for enhancing photoreactive absorption in a specified volume element of a photoreactive composition. In one embodiment, the method includes: providing a photoreactive composition: providing a source of light (preferably, a pulsed laser) sufficient for simultaneous absorption of at least two photons by the photoreactive composition, the light source having a beam capable of being divided: dividing the light beam into a plurality of equal path length exposure beams: and focusing the exposure beams in a substantially non-counter propagating manner at a single volume element of the photoreactive composition simultaneously to react at least a portion of the photoreactive composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Patrick R. Fleming, Robert J. DeVoe, Catherine A. Leatherdale, Todd A. Ballen, Jeffrey M. Florczak
  • Publication number: 20100027956
    Abstract: Methods of fabricating optical elements that are encapsulated in monolithic matrices. The present invention is based, at least in one aspect, upon the concept of using multiphoton, multi-step photocuring to fabricate encapsulated optical element(s) within a body of a photopolymerizable composition. Imagewise, multiphoton polymerization techniques are used to form the optical element. The body surrounding the optical element is also photohardened by blanket irradiation and/or thermal curing to help form an encapsulating structure. In addition, the composition also incorporates one or more other, non-diffusing binder components that may be thermosetting or thermoplastic. The end result is an encapsulated structure with good hardness, durability, dimensional stability, resilience, and toughness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Robert J. DeVoe, Catherine A. Leatherdale, Jeffrey M. Florczak, Patrick R. Fleming, John E. Potts
  • Publication number: 20090284840
    Abstract: A process for making a microlens array or a microlens array masterform comprises (a) providing a photoreactive composition, the photoreactive composition comprising (1) at least one reactive species that is capable of undergoing an acid- or radical-initiated chemical reaction, and (2) at least one multiphoton photoinitiator system; and (b) imagewise exposing at least a portion of the composition to light sufficient to cause simultaneous absorption of at least two photons, thereby inducing at least one acid- or radical-initiated chemical reaction where the composition is exposed to the light, the imagewise exposing being carried out in a pattern that is effective to define at least the surface of a plurality of microlenses, each of the microlenses having a principal axis and a focal length, and at least one of the microlenses being an aspherical microlens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventors: Robert J. DeVoe, Dora M. Paolucci, Craig R. Sykora, Todd A. Ballen, Douglas S. Dunn, Jeffrey M. Florczak, Catherine A. Leatherdale
  • Publication number: 20090285543
    Abstract: A process comprises imagewise exposing at least a portion of a photoreactive composition to light sufficient to cause simultaneous absorption of at least two photons, thereby inducing at least one acid- or radical-initiated chemical reaction where the composition is exposed to the light, the imagewise exposing being carried out in a pattern that is effective to define at least the surface of a plurality of light extraction structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventors: Charles A. Marttila, Charles D. Hoyle, David A. Ender, Jaime B. Willoughby, Robert J. DeVoe
  • Publication number: 20090279321
    Abstract: A process comprises imagewise exposing at least a portion of a photoreactive composition to light sufficient to cause simultaneous absorption of at least two photons, thereby inducing at least one acid- or radical-initiated chemical reaction where the composition is exposed to the light, the imagewise exposing being carried out in a pattern that is effective to define at least the surface of a plurality of light extraction structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Charles A. Marttila, Charles D. Hoyle, David A. Ender, Jamie B. Willoughby, Robert J. DeVoe
  • Patent number: 7601484
    Abstract: Methods of fabricating optical elements that are encapsulated in monolithic matrices. The present invention is based, at least in one aspect, upon the concept of using multiphoton, multi-step photocuring to fabricate encapsulated optical element(s) within a body of a photopolymerizable composition. Imagewise, multi-photon polymerization techniques are used to form the optical element. The body surrounding the optical element is also photohardened by blanket irradiation and/or thermal curing to help form an encapsulating structure. In addition, the composition also incorporates one or more other, non-diffusing binder components that may be thermosetting or thermoplastic. The end result is an encapsulated structure with good hardness, durability, dimensional stability, resilience, and toughness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Robert J. DeVoe, Catherine A. Leatherdale, Jeffrey M. Florczak, Patrick R. Fleming, John E. Potts
  • Patent number: 7583444
    Abstract: A process for making a microlens array or a microlens array masterform comprises (a) providing a photoreactive composition, the photoreactive composition comprising (1) at least one reactive species that is capable of undergoing an acid- or radical-initiated chemical reaction, and (2) at least one multiphoton photoinitiator system; and (b) imagewise exposing at least a portion of the composition to light sufficient to cause simultaneous absorption of at least two photons, thereby inducing at least one acid- or radical-initiated chemical reaction where the composition is exposed to the light, the imagewise exposing being carried out in a pattern that is effective to define at least the surface of a plurality of microlenses, each of the microlenses having a principal axis and a focal length, and at least one of the microlenses being an aspherical microlens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Robert J. DeVoe, Dora M. Paolucci, Craig R. Sykora, Todd A. Ballen, Douglas S. Dunn, Jeffrey M. Florczak, Catherine A. Leatherdale
  • Publication number: 20090175050
    Abstract: A process comprises imagewise exposing at least a portion of a photoreactive composition to light sufficient to cause simultaneous absorption of at least two photons/thereby inducing at least one acid- or radical-initiated chemical reaction where the composition is exposed to the light, the imagewise exposing being carried out in a pattern that is effective to define at least the surface of a plurality of light extraction structures. Each one of the array of light extraction structures has at least one shape factor; the shape factor may vary across the array. At least one light extraction structure may have the geometric configuration of a truncated asphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventors: Charles A. Marttila, Charles D. Hoyle, David A. Ender, Jaime B. Willoughby, Robert J. DeVoe
  • Publication number: 20090099537
    Abstract: A process for making a microneedle array master comprises: (a) providing a photoreactive composition, the photoreactive composition comprising: (1) at least one reactive species that is capable of undergoing an acid- or radical-initiated chemical reaction, and (2) at least one multiphoton photoinitiator system; and (b) imagewise exposing at least a portion of the composition to light sufficient to cause simultaneous absorption of at least two photons, thereby inducing at least one acid- or radical-initiated chemical reaction where the composition is exposed to the light, the imagewise exposing being carried out in a pattern that is effective to define at least the surface of a plurality of microneedles. The microneedles may be solid and the outer surface of the microneedles may be characterized by at least one concave area. The master may be used to fabricate a tool for replication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventors: Robert J. DeVoe, Dennis E. Ferguson, Franklyn L. Frederickson, Mitchell A.F. Johnson, Mikhail L. Pekurovsky, Craig R. Sykora, Jeremy K. Larsen
  • Publication number: 20080160185
    Abstract: A method for forming a color shifting film on a support, the film comprising a reflective stack disposed adjacent to the support and an image is disclosed. The reflective stack comprises an at least partially transparent spacer layer comprising a substituted acrylamide polymer disposed between a partially reflective first layer and a reflective second layer. The acrylamide layer has a thickness sufficient to produce an interference color.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: James P. Endle, Christopher S. Lyons, Douglas S. Dunn, Robert J. Devoe, James M. Jonza, Stephen P. Maki, Albert I. Everaerts, George G.I. Moore, Robin E. Wright, Mark A. Roehrig, Olester Benson
  • Patent number: 7297374
    Abstract: A single- or multi-photon reactive composition comprises a liquid polysilazane precursor, a multifunctional acrylate additive, and a single- or multi-photon photocuring composition. The invention can be used to provide ceramic-based microstructures as, for example, high temperature resistant materials, including devices such as microcombustors, micro-heat-exchangers, sensor and actuator systems, microfluidic devices, and micro-optics systems that can be used independently or integrated into other systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: David S. Arney, Feng Bai, Robert J. DeVoe, Catherine A. Leatherdale