Patents by Inventor Robert R. McLeod

Robert R. McLeod 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: 11719859
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present technology generally relate to reflection suppressors. More specifically, some embodiments use elastomeric materials doped with optical absorbers for temporary suppression of Fresnel reflections for multiple substrates spanning wide spectral and angular bandwidth. The refractive index of the elastomer can be tuned to match a substrate and thereby minimize reflection. Some embodiments can use the addition of different absorptive dopants to allow for either broadband or wavelength-selective reflection suppression. As performance is limited only by index mismatch, both spectral and angular performance significantly exceed that of anti-reflection coatings. After use, these light traps may be removed and reused without damaging the substrate. These films have uses in spectroscopic ellipsometry, holography, and lithography.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Colorado
    Inventors: David Miller, Robert R. McLeod
  • Patent number: 11619880
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates in one aspect to methods of preparing non-homogeneous polymer materials wherein light is used to control structure and/or composition. In certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides methods for creating gradient index optical elements including holographic elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Colorado
    Inventors: Robert R. McLeod, David Glugla
  • Patent number: 11479620
    Abstract: A photoinitiated polymerizable composition for 3D printing, the polymerizable composition comprising a nanogel component that comprises nanogel particles, wherein the nanogel particles comprise a copolymer with polymerizable reactive groups suitable for reacting with each other or a reactive diluent monomer, a reactive oligomer, a resin, or a combination thereof that is present in the polymerizable composition upon photoinitiation, wherein the nanogel component has a glass transition temperature that is in a range of about ?50 C and about 20 C and an average molecular weight that is in a range of about 10 kg/mol and about 100 kg/mol, and wherein the nanoparticles have an average hydrodynamic radius that is in a range of 1 nm to about 5 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO
    Inventors: Jeffrey W. Stansbury, Parag K. Shah, Robert R. McLeod
  • Publication number: 20220119567
    Abstract: The present invention provides in one aspect holographic materials comprising a covalent adaptable networks (CAN) matrix that has exchangeable crosslinks, and at least one writing monomer, wherein upon exposure to a stimulus, the holographic material can undergo photopolymerization and serve as a recording medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2020
    Publication date: April 21, 2022
    Inventors: CHRISTOPHER N. BOWMAN, MATTHEW K. MCBRIDE, BRADY T. WORRELL, MARVIN DION ALIM, ROBERT R. MCLEOD
  • Publication number: 20210246266
    Abstract: The present invention, in one aspect, relates to monomers and photopolymers that exhibit a high refractive index. The photopolymers of the invention have properties suitable for fabricating holographic optical elements (HOEs).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2019
    Publication date: August 12, 2021
    Inventors: Marvin D. Alim, Christopher N. Bowman, Sudheendran Mavila, Robert R. McLeod
  • Publication number: 20210229364
    Abstract: Stereolithography with micron scale control of properties is described herein. In one aspect, a computer-implemented method for 3-D printing of a material can include generating a functional relation predicting one or more physical properties of the material resulting from printing parameters; algebraically or numerically solving the functional relation to generate a second functional relation predicting expected printing parameters resulting in the one or more physical properties; and printing the material via a photopolymerization printer according to the set of printing parameters determined by the second functional relation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2021
    Publication date: July 29, 2021
    Inventors: Robert R. McLeod, Camila Uzcategui, John Elliott Hergert, Archish Muralidharan
  • Publication number: 20200363714
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates in one aspect to methods of preparing non-homogeneous polymer materials wherein light is used to control structure and/or composition. In certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides methods for creating gradient index optical elements including holographic elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Publication date: November 19, 2020
    Inventors: Robert R. McLeod, David Glugla
  • Publication number: 20200283548
    Abstract: A photoinitiated polymerizable composition for 3D printing, the polymerizable composition comprising a nanogel component that comprises nanogel particles, wherein the nanogel particles comprise a copolymer with polymerizable reactive groups suitable for reacting with each other or a reactive diluent monomer, a reactive oligomer, a resin, or a combination thereof that is present in the polymerizable composition upon photoinitiation, wherein the nanogel component has a glass transition temperature that is in a range of about ?50 C and about 20 C and an average molecular weight that is in a range of about 10 kg/mol and about 100 kg/mol, and wherein the nanoparticles have an average hydrodynamic radius that is in a range of 1 nm to about 5 nm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2018
    Publication date: September 10, 2020
    Inventors: Jeffrey W. Stansbury, Parag K. Shah, Robert R. McLeod
  • Publication number: 20200088911
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the present technology generally relate to reflection suppressors. More specifically, some embodiments use elastomeric materials doped with optical absorbers for temporary suppression of Fresnel reflections for multiple substrates spanning wide spectral and angular bandwidth. The refractive index of the elastomer can be tuned to match a substrate and thereby minimize reflection. Some embodiments can use the addition of different absorptive dopants to allow for either broadband or wavelength-selective reflection suppression. As performance is limited only by index mismatch, both spectral and angular performance significantly exceed that of anti-reflection coatings. After use, these light traps may be removed and reused without damaging the substrate. These films have uses in spectroscopic ellipsometry, holography, and lithography.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2019
    Publication date: March 19, 2020
    Inventors: David Miller, Robert R. McLeod
  • Patent number: 10162264
    Abstract: Systems and methods for liquid deposition photolithography are described. In particular, some embodiments relate to systems and methods for using photolithography to control the 2D structure of a thin layer of material (e.g., photopolymer) using various masks, projection optics and materials. In one or more embodiments, this thin layer can be manipulated by micro-fluidic techniques such that it can be formed, patterned and post-processed in a liquid environment, vastly simplifying the creation of multi-layer structures. Multiple layers are rapidly built up to create thick structures of possibly multiple materials that are currently challenging to fabricate by existing methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: The Regents Of The University Of Colorado, A Body Corporate
    Inventors: Robert R. McLeod, Adam Urness, Michael Cole, Eric Moore
  • Publication number: 20180066132
    Abstract: The disclosed technology is directed to conductive polymeric compositions, and methods of manufacturing and using conductive polymer compositions. Specifically, the disclosed technology includes customizing conductive compositions, including conductive polymers and nanogels, with a range of physical and mechanical properties tailored to various applications, including drug delivery, contrast for medical imaging (e.g., optical coherence tomography electrochromics), smart lenses, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventors: Devatha P. Nair, Malik Y. Kahook, Zefram Marks, Sean Shaheen, Robert R. McLeod
  • Patent number: 9408539
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of apparatus, systems and methods can be provided for providing at least one electro-magnetic radiation to at least one sample. For example, a plurality of wave-guiding arrangements can be provided which are configured to (i) provide the electro-magnetic radiation(s), and (ii) at a point of emission of each of the wave guiding arrangements, cause a phase of each of the electro-magnetic radiation(s) to have a predetermined value. The exemplary apparatus can be part of a probe. Further the exemplary apparatus can include an interferometric arrangement provided in communication with the probe and/or be part of the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignees: The General Hospital Corporation, THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO
    Inventors: Guillermo J. Tearney, Brett E. Bouma, Joseph A. Gardecki, Linbo Liu, Robert R. Mcleod
  • Publication number: 20150261091
    Abstract: Systems and methods for liquid deposition photolithography are described. In particular, some embodiments relate to systems and methods for using photolithography to control the 2D structure of a thin layer of material (e.g., photopolymer) using various masks, projection optics and materials. In one or more embodiments, this thin layer can be manipulated by micro-fluidic techniques such that it can be formed, patterned and post-processed in a liquid environment, vastly simplifying the creation of multi-layer structures. Multiple layers are rapidly built up to create thick structures of possibly multiple materials that are currently challenging to fabricate by existing methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Inventors: Robert R. McLeod, Adam Urness, Michael Cole, Eric Moore
  • Publication number: 20150238084
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of apparatus, systems and methods can be provided for providing at least one electro-magnetic radiation to at least one sample. For example, a plurality of wave-guiding arrangements can be provided which are configured to (i) provide the electro-magnetic radiation(s), and (ii) at a point of emission of each of the wave guiding arrangements, cause a phase of each of the electro-magnetic radiation(s) to have a predetermined value. The exemplary apparatus can be part of a probe. Further the exemplary apparatus can include an interferometric arrangement provided in communication with the probe and/or be part of the probe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Guillermo J. Tearney, Brett E. Bouma, Joseph A. Gardecki, Linbo Liu, Robert R. Mcleod
  • Patent number: 9081148
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of apparatus, systems and methods can be provided for providing at least one electro-magnetic radiation to at least one sample. For example, a plurality of wave-guiding arrangements can be provided which are configured to (i) provide the electro-magnetic radiation(s), and (ii) at a point of emission of each of the wave guiding arrangements, cause a phase of each of the electro-magnetic radiation(s) to have a predetermined value. The exemplary apparatus can be part of a probe. Further the exemplary apparatus can include an interferometric arrangement provided in communication with the probe and/or be part of the probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignees: The General Hospital Corporation, The Regents of the University of Colorado
    Inventors: Guillermo J. Tearney, Brett E. Bouma, Joseph A. Gardecki, Linbo Liu, Robert R. McLeod
  • Patent number: 9034568
    Abstract: Systems and methods for liquid deposition photolithography are described. In particular, some embodiments relate to systems and methods for using photolithography to control the 2D structure of a thin layer of material (e.g., photopolymer) using various masks, projection optics and materials. In one or more embodiments, this thin layer can be manipulated by micro-fluidic techniques such that it can be formed, patterned and post-processed in a liquid environment, vastly simplifying the creation of multi-layer structures. Multiple layers are rapidly built up to create thick structures of possibly multiple materials that are currently challenging to fabricate by existing methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Colorado, a body corporate
    Inventors: Robert R. McLeod, Adam Urness, Michael Cole, Eric Moore
  • Patent number: 8944594
    Abstract: Embodiments include methods, systems, and/or devices that may be used to create aberration-corrected gradient index lenses. In some embodiments, data related to aberration measurements is received. This data is processed and an inverse map is generated to compensate for the aberration measurements. An intensity pattern corresponding to the inverse map is then projected onto a blank lens (e.g., to locally polymerize a mobile monomer) to create an exposed lens with a gradient index to correct for the aberration measurement. For example, in some embodiments, the lens may be an intraocular lens and the data can be generated by using a wavefront sensor to measure aberrations (e.g., an optical phase profile to correct defocus or astigmatism) in a patient's eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Colorado
    Inventors: Robert R. McLeod, Michael Cole
  • Patent number: 8895233
    Abstract: A method of creating a region of index change in a photopolymer includes providing a photopolymer having a photosensitivity to light of a particular wavelength and creating a region of index change in the photopolymer by applying direct write lithography to expose the photopolymer of the region to light that includes the particular wavelength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Colorado, a body corporate
    Inventor: Robert R. McLeod
  • Publication number: 20140316521
    Abstract: Systems and methods for rewritable aberration-corrected gradient-index intraocular lenses are provided. Various embodiments relate to rewritable aberration-corrected gradient-index intraocular lenses. Some embodiments provide for polymer materials and processing to create full or partial rewritable phakic or pseudophakic intraocular lenses which allow for adjustable visual performance by doctors. Various methods to fabricate and adjust the lenses with optical and/or mechanical properties customized to the individual patient are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: Robert R. McLeod, Michael Cole
  • Publication number: 20140168603
    Abstract: Embodiments include methods, systems, and/or devices that may be used to create aberration-corrected gradient index lenses. In some embodiments, data related to aberration measurements is received. This data is processed and an inverse map is generated to compensate for the aberration measurements. An intensity pattern corresponding to the inverse map is then projected onto a blank lens (e.g., to locally polymerize a mobile monomer) to create an exposed lens with a gradient index to correct for the aberration measurement. For example, in some embodiments, the lens may be an intraocular lens and the data can be generated by using a wavefront sensor to measure aberrations (e.g., an optical phase profile to correct defocus or astigmatism) in a patient's eye.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: The Regents of the University of Colorado, a body corporate
    Inventors: Robert R. McLeod, Michael Cole