Patents by Inventor Ronald D. Voisin

Ronald D. Voisin 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: 7270533
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a system for introducing a flow of a fluid between a mold, disposed on a template, and a substrate, the system including, a fluid supply system; and a chuck body having a baffle and first and second apertures, the first and second apertures disposed between the baffle and the template, with the first and second apertures in fluid communication with the fluid supply system to produce a turbulent flow of the fluid between the mold and said substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignees: University of Texas System, Board of Regents, Molecular Imprints, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian M. McMackin, Nicholas A. Stacey, Daniel A. Babbs, Duane J. Voth, Mathew P. C. Watts, Van N. Truskett, Frank Y. Xu, Ronald D. Voisin, Pankaj B. Lad
  • Patent number: 7224443
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a chucking system to modulate substrates so as to properly shape and position the same with respect to a wafer upon which a pattern is to be formed with the substrate. The chucking system includes a chuck body having first and second opposed sides. A side surface extends therebetween. The first side includes first and second spaced-apart recesses defining first and second spaced-apart support regions. The first support region cinctures the second support region and the first and second recesses. The second support region cinctures the second recess, with a portion of the body in superimposition with the second recess being transparent to radiation having a predetermined wavelength. The second side and the side surface define exterior surfaces. The body includes throughways placing the first and second recesses in fluid communication with one of the exterior surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Molecular Imprints, Inc.
    Inventors: Byung-Jin Choi, Ronald D. Voisin, Sidlgata V. Sreenivasan, Michael P. C. Watts, Daniel A. Babbs, Mario J. Meissl, Hillman L. Bailey, Norman E. Schumaker
  • Patent number: 7179079
    Abstract: The present invention includes a conforming template for patterning liquids disposed on substrates. The template includes a body having opposed first and second surfaces. The first surface includes a plurality of recessed regions with a patterning region being disposed between adjacent recessed regions. Specifically, the recessed regions define flexure regions about which each patterning region may move independent of the remaining patterning regions of the template. In one embodiment the template is mounted to a fluid chamber having an inlet and a throughway. The template is connected to the throughway and the inlet is connected to a fluid source to facilitate deformation of the template to conform to a profile of a surface adjacent thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Molecular Imprints, Inc.
    Inventors: Sidlgata V Sreenivasan, Byung J. Choi, Ronald D. Voisin
  • Patent number: 7140861
    Abstract: A compliant UV imprint lithography template, which may also act as a thermal implant template, and methods for manufacturing it. The template essentially comprises a relief image and an elastomer adapted to adjust the relief image. In an embodiment, the relief image is arranged in a compliant imprinting layer where the elastomer is arranged between the imprinting layer and a rigid transparent substrate. In an embodiment, the template is compliant to a wafer surface. In an embodiment, layering an elastomer and an imprinting layer on a substrate and patterning a relief image into the imprinting layer, form the template.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Molecular Imprints, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. C. Watts, Ronald D. Voisin, Sidlgata V. Sreenivasan
  • Patent number: 7132225
    Abstract: A method for forming imprint lithography templates is described herein. The method includes forming a masking layer and a conductive layer on a substrate surface. The use of a conductive layer allows patterning of the masking layer using electron beam pattern generators. The substrate is etched using the patterned masking layer to produce a template.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Molecular Imprints, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald D. Voisin
  • Patent number: 7090716
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a method for reducing pattern distortions in imprinting layers by reducing gas pockets present in a layer of viscous liquid deposited on a substrate. To that end, the method includes varying a transport of the gases disposed proximate to the viscous liquid. Specifically, the atmosphere proximate to the substrate wherein a pattern is to be recorded is saturated with gases that are either highly soluble, highly diffusive, or both with respect to the viscous liquid being deposited. Additionally, or in lieu of saturating the atmosphere, the pressure of the atmosphere may be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignees: Molecular Imprints, Inc., Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Ian M. McMackin, Nicholas A. Stacey, Daniel A. Babbs, Duane J. Voth, Michael P. C. Watts, Van N. Truskett, Frank Y. Xu, Ronald D. Voisin, Pankaj B. Lad
  • Patent number: 7077992
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for patterning a substrate by imprint lithography. Imprint lithography is a process in which a liquid is dispensed onto a substrate. A template is brought into contact with the liquid and the liquid is cured. The cured liquid includes an imprint of any patterns formed in the template. In one embodiment, the imprint process is designed to imprint only a portion of the substrate. The remainder of the substrate is imprinted by moving the template to a different portion of the template and repeating the imprint lithography process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Molecular Imprints, Inc.
    Inventors: Sidlgata V. Sreenivasan, Byung J. Choi, Norman E. Schumaker, Ronald D. Voisin, Michael P. C. Watts, Mario J. Meissl
  • Patent number: 7070405
    Abstract: Described are systems for patterning a substrate by imprint lithography. Imprint lithography systems include an imprint head configured to hold a template in a spaced relation to a substrate. The imprint lithography system is configured to dispense an activating light curable liquid onto a substrate or template. The system includes a light source that applies activating light to cure the activating light curable liquid. Multiple optical imaging devices are used to align the template with the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Molecular Imprints, Inc.
    Inventors: Sidlgata V Sreenivasan, Michael P. C. Watts, Byung Jin Choi, Ronald D. Voisin, Norman E. Schumaker
  • Patent number: 7037639
    Abstract: A method for forming imprint lithography templates is described herein. The method includes forming a masking layer and a conductive layer on a substrate surface. The use of a conductive layer allows patterning of the masking layer using electron beam pattern generators. The substrate is etched using the patterned masking layer to produce a template.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Molecular Imprints, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald D. Voisin
  • Patent number: 7019819
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a chucking system to modulate substrates so as to properly shape and position the same with respect to a wafer upon which a pattern is to be formed with the substrate. The chucking system includes a chuck body having first and second opposed sides. A side surface extends therebetween. The first side includes first and second spaced-apart recesses defining first and second spaced-apart support regions. The first support region cinctures the second support region and the first and second recesses. The second support region cinctures the second recess, with a portion of the body in superimposition with the second recess being transparent to radiation having a predetermined wavelength. The second side and the side surface define exterior surfaces. The body includes throughways placing the first and second recesses in fluid communication with one of the exterior surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Molecular Imprints, Inc.
    Inventors: Byung J. Choi, Ronald D. Voisin, Sidlgata V. Sreenivasan, Michael P. C. Watts, Daniel Babbs, Mario J. Meissl, Hillman Bailey, Norman E. Schumaker
  • Patent number: 6982783
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a chucking system to modulate substrates so as to properly shape and position the same with respect to a wafer upon which a pattern is to be formed with the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Molecular Imprints, Inc.
    Inventors: Byung J. Choi, Ronald D. Voisin, Sidlgata V. Sreenivasan, Michael P. C. Watts, Daniel Babbs, Mario J. Meissl, Hillman Bailey, Norman E. Schumaker
  • Patent number: 6980282
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for modulating shapes of a substrate, having first and second opposed surfaces. This is achieved by creating a pressure differential between differing regions of the first opposed surface to attenuate structural distortions in the second opposed surface that results from external forces bearing on the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Molecular Imprints, Inc.
    Inventors: Byung J. Choi, Ronald D. Voisin, Sidlgata V. Sreenivasan, Michael P. C. Watts, C. Grant Willson, Norman E. Schumaker, Mario J. Meissl
  • Patent number: 6916584
    Abstract: Described are methods for patterning a substrate by imprint lithography. Imprint lithography is a process in which a liquid is dispensed onto a substrate. A template is brought into contact with the liquid and the liquid is cured. The cured liquid includes an imprint of any patterns formed in the template. Alignment of the template with the substrate is performed prior to curing the liquid. Alignment of the template with the substrate includes rotational alignment of the template with respect to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Molecular Imprints, Inc.
    Inventors: Sidlgata V Sreenivasan, Michael P. C. Watts, Byung J. Choi, Ronald D. Voisin
  • Patent number: 6900881
    Abstract: Described are systems for patterning a substrate by imprint lithography. Imprint lithography systems include an imprint head configured to hold a template in a spaced relation to a substrate. The imprint lithography system is configured to dispense an activating light curable liquid onto a substrate or template. The system includes a light source that applies activating light to cure the activating light curable liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Molecular Imprints, Inc.
    Inventors: Sidlgata V. Sreenivasan, Michael P. C. Watts, Byung Jin Choi, Mario J. Meissl, Norman E. Schumaker, Ronald D. Voisin
  • Publication number: 20040223131
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a chucking system to modulate substrates so as to properly shape and position the same with respect to a wafer upon which a pattern is to be formed with the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Applicant: MOLECULAR IMPRINTS, INC.
    Inventors: Byung J. Choi, Ronald D. Voisin, Sidlgata V. Sreenivasan, Michael P.C. Watts, Daniel Babbs, Mario J. Meissl, Hillman Bailey, Norman E. Schumaker
  • Publication number: 20040124566
    Abstract: Described are methods for patterning a substrate by imprint lithography. Imprint lithography is a process in which a liquid is dispensed onto a substrate. A template is brought into contact with the liquid and the liquid is cured. The cured liquid includes an imprint of any patterns formed in the template. In one embodiment, the imprint process is designed to imprint only a portion of the substrate. The remainder of the substrate is imprinted by moving the template to a different portion of the template and repeating the imprint lithography process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Sidlgata V. Sreenivasan, Byung J. Choi, Norman E. Shumaker, Ronald D. Voisin, Michael P.C. Watts
  • Publication number: 20040112861
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for modulating shapes of a substrate, having first and second opposed surfaces. This is achieved by creating a pressure differential between differing regions of the first opposed surface to attenuate structural distortions in the second opposed surface that results from external forces bearing on the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Applicant: MOLECULAR IMPRINTS, INC.
    Inventors: Byung J. Choi, Ronald D. Voisin, Sidlgata V. Sreenivasan, Michael P.C. Watts, C. Grant Willson, Norman E. Schumaker
  • Publication number: 20040090611
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a chucking system to modulate substrates so as to properly shape and position the same with respect to a wafer upon which a pattern is to be formed with the substrate. The chucking system includes a chuck body having first and second opposed sides. A side surface extends therebetween. The first side includes first and second spaced-apart recesses defining first and second spaced-apart support regions. The first support region cinctures the second support region and the first and second recesses. The second support region cinctures the second recess, with a portion of the body in superimposition with the second recess being transparent to radiation having a predetermined wavelength. The second side and the side surface define exterior surfaces. The body includes throughways placing the first and second recesses in fluid communication with one of the exterior surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Applicant: MOLECULAR IMPRINTS, INC.
    Inventors: Byung J. Choi, Ronald D. Voisin, Sidlgata V. Sreenivasan, Michael P.C. Watts, Daniel Babbs, Mario J. Meissl, Hillman Bailey, Norman E. Schumaker
  • Publication number: 20040022888
    Abstract: Described are systems for patterning a substrate by imprint lithography. Imprint lithography systems include an imprint head configured to hold a template in a spaced relation to a substrate. The imprint lithography system is configured to dispense an activating light curable liquid onto a substrate or template. The system includes a light source that applies activating light to cure the activating light curable liquid. Multiple optical imaging devices are used to align the template with the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventors: Sidlgata V. Sreenivasan, Michael P.C. Watts, Byung Jin Choi, Ronald D. Voisin, Norman E. Schumaker
  • Publication number: 20040021254
    Abstract: Described are methods for patterning a substrate by imprint lithography. Imprint lithography is a process in which a liquid is dispensed onto a substrate. A template is brought into contact with the liquid and the liquid is cured. The cured liquid includes an imprint of any patterns formed in the template. Alignment of the template with the substrate is performed prior to curing the liquid. Alignment of the template with the substrate includes rotational alignment of the template with respect to the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventors: Sidlgata V. Sreenivasan, Michael P.C. Watts, Byung J. Choi, Ronald D. Voisin