Patents by Inventor Stephen Z. D. Cheng
Stephen Z. D. Cheng 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: 10608184Abstract: An organic polymer photo device with broadband response and high photo-responsitivity includes an anode terminal with a hole transporting network, and a cathode terminal with an electron transporting network. Positioned in electrical communication with the hole transporting network and the electron transporting network is a blended material that has at least one organic polymer light absorbing component. The organic light absorbing component is configured to have a collection length that is larger than the distance to the nearest electron transporting network and hole transporting network. As such, the blended material forms a light absorbing area that has a dimension that is greater than the collection length of the organic polymer light absorbing component.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2013Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRONInventors: Xiong Gong, Stephen Z. D. Cheng
-
Patent number: 9478746Abstract: A photovoltaic cell has an active area formed electron donor-fullerene conjugated molecules. The electron donor is formed of a polymer, which is conjugated with an electron acceptor, such as fullerene. By conjugating the fullerene, such as C60, with electron donor moieties, such as that of the polymer, double channels are formed therebetween, whereby one channel provides hole transport and the other channel provides electron transport. As a result, the electronic coupling between the fullerene and the electron donor moiety leads to increased short-circuit current density (Jsc) and increased open-circuit voltage (Voc), resulting in high power conversion efficacy (PCE) in the solar cell.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2013Date of Patent: October 25, 2016Assignee: The University of AkronInventors: Xiong Gong, Stephen Z. D. Cheng, Wei Zhang
-
Patent number: 9228069Abstract: A process of forming a nanopatterned substrate is provided. The process comprising the steps of first preparing a giant surfactant comprising a cage-like molecular nanoparticle head linked to a polymer chain tail through a chemical linkage. Next, using the giant surfactant, a thin film is formed. Next the thin film formed from the giant surfactant is annealed such that the giant surfactant self-assembles into a desired nanostructure. The desired nanostructure is comprised of periodic major domains and minor domains. Finally, at least some of either the major domain or the minor domain is selectively removed to form the nanopatterned substrate.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2014Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignee: The University of AkronInventors: Stephen Z. D. Cheng, Wenbin Zhang, Kan Yue, Xinfei Yu, I-Fan Hsieh
-
Publication number: 20150315348Abstract: A process of forming a nanopatterned substrate is provided. The process comprising the steps of first preparing a giant surfactant comprising a cage-like molecular nanoparticle head linked to a polymer chain tail through a chemical linkage. Next, using the giant surfactant, a thin film is formed. Next the thin film formed from the giant surfactant is annealed such that the giant surfactant self-assembles into a desired nanostructure. The desired nanostructure is comprised of periodic major domains and minor domains. Finally, at least some of either the major domain or the minor domain is selectively removed to form the nanopatterned substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2014Publication date: November 5, 2015Inventors: Stephen Z.D. Cheng, Wenbin Zhang, Kan Yue, Xinfei Yu, I-Fan Hsieh
-
Publication number: 20150318481Abstract: An organic polymer photo device with broadband response and high photo-responsitivity includes an anode terminal with a hole transporting network, and a cathode terminal with an electron transporting network. Positioned in electrical communication with the hole transporting network and the electron transporting network is a blended material that has at least one organic polymer light absorbing component. The organic light absorbing component is configured to have a collection length that is larger than the distance to the nearest electron transporting network and hole transporting network. As such, the blended material forms a light absorbing area that has a dimension that is greater than the collection length of the organic polymer light absorbing component.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2013Publication date: November 5, 2015Inventors: Xiong GONG, Stephen Z. D. CHENG
-
Patent number: 9156696Abstract: The preparation of novel fullerynes which are fullerenes (e.g. C60, C70, C80, etc.) that contain one or more alkyne functionalities and may contain additional functional groups such as hydroxyls, halogens, esters, haloesters, phenyl, oligo(ethylene glycol)s, perfluorinated alkyl chains, and the like. Two desired preparation routes are disclosed. The first one is the Fischer esterification in desired solvents using a special designed reactor in contrast to the heretofore initial Steglich reaction that results in side reactions and low yields. The second one uses acetylide Grignard reagents that have reduced nucleophilicity and higher stability in contrast to the use of heretofore initial lithium organyls or other Grignard reagents that would add to C60 with possible multi-additions in an uncontrollable manner.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2011Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: The University of AkronInventors: Xuehui Dong, Wenbin Zhang, Stephen Z. D. Cheng, Roderic P. Quirk
-
Publication number: 20140174536Abstract: A photovoltaic cell has an active area formed electron donor-fullerene conjugated molecules. The electron donor is formed of a polymer, which is conjugated with an electron acceptor, such as fullerene. By conjugating the fullerene, such as C60, with electron donor moieties, such as that of the polymer, double channels are formed therebetween, whereby one channel provides hole transport and the other channel provides electron transport. As a result, the electronic coupling between the fullerene and the electron donor moiety leads to increased short-circuit current density (Jsc) and increased open-circuit voltage (Voc), resulting in high power conversion efficacy (PCE) in the solar cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2013Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRONInventors: XIONG GONG, Stephen Z. D. Cheng, Wei Zhang
-
Publication number: 20140060650Abstract: A bulk heterojuction for a photovoltaic cell includes a polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) functionalized electron acceptor or electron donor or both. The electron donor may be selected from conjugated polymers and the electron donor may be selected from fullerenes and fullerene derivatives.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2012Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRONInventors: Stephen Z.D. Cheng, Wenbin Zhang, Xiong Gong
-
Publication number: 20130144083Abstract: The preparation of novel fullerynes which are fullerenes (e.g. C60, C70, C80, etc.) that contain one or more alkyne functionalities and may contain additional functional groups such as hydroxyls, halogens, esters, haloesters, phenyl, oligo(ethylene glycol)s, perfluorinated alkyl chains, and the like. Two desired preparation routes are disclosed. The first one is the Fischer esterification in desired solvents using a special designed reactor in contrast to the heretofore initial Steglich reaction that results in side reactions and low yields. The second one uses acetylide Grignard reagents that have reduced nucleophilicity and higher stability in contrast to the use of heretofore initial lithium organyls or other Grignard reagents that would add to C60 with possible multi-additions in an uncontrollable manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2011Publication date: June 6, 2013Applicant: The University of AkronInventors: Xuehui Dong, Wenbin Zhang, Stephen Z. D. Cheng, Roderic P. Quirk
-
Patent number: 7820253Abstract: A negative birefringence film prepared from a poly(aryletherimide) which is the reaction product of a dianhydride and a diamine, where the dianhydride is 4,4?-[4,4?-(p-phenyleneoxy)isopropylidene]bis(phthalic anhydride) (BisADA), bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenyl)ether dianhydride (ODPA), 4,4?-bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)biphenyl dianhydride (BPEDA), 1,4-bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenyloxy)phenyl dianhydride (BPQDA), 3,3?,4,4?-tetracarboxylicbiphenyl dianhydride (BPDA), or 2,2-bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenyl)-1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropane dianhydride (6FDA), alone or a mixture with one or more of: 3,3?,4,4?-tetracarboxylicbiphenyl dianhydride (BPDA), 2,2-bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenyl)-1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropane dianhydride (6FDA); and where the diamine is 1,4-bis(2-trifluoromethyl-4-aminophenoxy)-2,5-di(t-butyl)benzene (BTBDA), 3,3?-dimethyl-4,4?-diamino biphenyl (OTOL), or mixtures thereof and wherein when a mixture of dianhydrides is present, they are present in a molar amount of between 99 to 1 (99:1) and 1 to 99 (1:99), and the film hasType: GrantFiled: October 4, 2007Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignee: Akron Polymer SystemsInventors: Frank Harris, Limin Sun, Dong Zhang, Stephen Z. D. Cheng
-
Publication number: 20090197019Abstract: A negative birefringence film prepared from a poly(aryletherimide) which is the reaction product of a dianhydride and a diamine, where the dianhydride is BisADA, ODPA, BPEDA, BPQDA, BPDA, or 6FDA, alone or a mixture with one or more of: BPDA, 6FDA, BisADA, Bis-AF-DA, BPQDA, BPEDA, and ODPA; and where the diamine is 4,4?-diaminophenyl ether, 2-trifluoromethyl-4,4?-diaminophenyl ether, 2-trifluoromethyl-2?-methyl-4,4?-diaminophenyl ether, 1,4-bis(4-aminophenoxy)benzene, 4,4?-bis(4-aminophenoxy)biphenyl, 4,4?-bis(3-aminophenoxy)biphenyl, 4,4?-bis(4-aminophenoxy)terphenyl, 4,4?-bis(3-aminophenoxy)terphenyl, 2,2-bis[4-(4-aminophenoxy)phenyl]propane, 2,2-bis[4-(4-aminophenoxy)phenyl]1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropane, 1,4-bis(4-amino-2-trifluoromethylphenoxy)benzene, 2,2?-bis(trifluoromethyl)-4,4?-diaminophenyl ether (6FODA), 4,4?-bis(4-amino-2-trifluoromethylphenoxy)biphenyl (6FOBDA), 4,4?-bis(4-amino-2-trifluoromethylphenoxy)-3,3?,5,5?-tetramethylbiphenyl, 4,4?-bis(4-amino-2-trifluoromethylphenoxy)-3,3?,5,5?-tetra(terType: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2007Publication date: August 6, 2009Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRONInventors: Frank W. Harris, Limin Sun, Dong Zhang, Stephen Z. D. Cheng
-
Patent number: 7438957Abstract: A class of soluble poly(aryletherimides) (PAEIs) having flexible backbones, useful in the manufacture of polymeric optical films are disclosed. The poly(aryletherimides) are dissolved in organic solvents, such as ketones and ketone solvent mixtures and coated on variety of substrates such as triacetyl cellulose (TAC), to form clear thin-layer films which display negative birefringence. The thin films can serve as compensation layers in liquid crystal displays (LCDs), and can be combined with other types of optical films, such as polarizers, brightness enhancement films, or other compensation films, to from multi-layered films that are especially useful in the manufacture of LCDs.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2006Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Akon Polymer SystemsInventors: Frank Harris, Limin Sun, Dong Zhang, Stephen Z. D. Cheng
-
Patent number: 7074493Abstract: New polynuclear aromatic diamines, such as 2,2?-di-(p-aminophenoxy)-biphenyl, a process for their manufacture and their use as polycondensation components for the manufacture of polyamide, polyamide-imide and polyimide polymers are described. The polymers obtained with the aromatic diamines according to the invention are readily soluble and can also be processed from the melt and are distinguished by good thermal, electrical and/or mechanical properties.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2000Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Assignee: The University of AkronInventors: Frank W. Harris, Stephen Z. D. Cheng
-
Patent number: 7058249Abstract: Waveplate, planar lightwave circuit incorporating the waveplate, and method of making an optical device. The waveplate is formed of a mesogen-containing polymer film having a backbone and sidechains containing mesogen groups. The waveplate may be formed by producing a mesogen-containing polymer film having a nonzero birefringence of suitable dimensions for insertion into a planar lightwave circuit. The waveplate may be so inserted into an optical circuit of a planar lightwave circuit so that an optical signal traversing the waveplate is changed, for instance, to have two polarization states.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2004Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Assignee: Lightwave Microsystems CorporationInventors: Ken Purchase, Martin McKenzie, Lili Huang, Stephen Z. D. Cheng, Frank W. Harris, Jason J. Ge, Dong Zhang
-
Patent number: 6870978Abstract: Waveplates formed of mesogen-containing polymers and planar lightwave circuits containing such waveplates. Polymers have sidechains containing mesogens such as biphenyl-containing groups. Polymers may have a glass transition temperature between 100 C and 300 C, and polymers may be stretched in excess of 150% to increase birefringence of polymer and provide thin films. Waveplates formed of stretched polymer films may have high biaxial birefringence.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2002Date of Patent: March 22, 2005Inventors: Ken Purchase, Martin McKenzie, Lili Huang, Stephen Z. D. Cheng, Frank W. Harris, Jason J. Ge, Dong Zhang
-
Publication number: 20040013337Abstract: Waveplates formed of mesogen-containing polymers and planar lightwave circuits containing such waveplates. Polymers have sidechains containing mesogens such as biphenyl-containing groups. Polymers may have a glass transition temperature between 100 C. and 300 C., and polymers may be stretched in excess of 150% to increase birefringence of polymer and provide thin films. Waveplates formed of stretched polymer films may have high biaxial birefringence.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2002Publication date: January 22, 2004Inventors: Ken Purchase, Martin McKenzie, Lili Huang, Stephen Z. D. Cheng, Frank W. Harris, Jason J. Ge, Dong Zhang
-
Patent number: 6021524Abstract: A polymeric film having increased cut resistance comprising a polymeric matrix having dispersed therein a plurality of cut resistance enhancing fibers. These films are preferably made into gloves, for example medical or industrial gloves.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 1997Date of Patent: February 8, 2000Assignee: The University of AkronInventors: Zongquan Wu, Frank W. Harris, Stephen Z. D. Cheng
-
Patent number: 5580950Abstract: A class of soluble polymers having a rigid rod backbone, which when used to cast films, undergo a self-orientation process whereby the polymer backbone becomes more or less aligned parallel to the film surface. This in-plane orientation results in a film that displays negative birefringence. The degree of in-plane orientation and thus, the magnitude of the negative birefringence is controlled by varying the backbone linearity and rigidity of the class of polymers which includes polyesters, polyamides, poly(amide-imides) and poly(ester-imides) through selection of substituents in the polymer backbone chain. By increasing the polymer backbone linearity and rigidity, the degree of in-plane orientation and associated negative birefringence can be increased, and that conversely, by decreasing the polymer backbone linearity and rigidity, the negative birefringence can be decreased.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1994Date of Patent: December 3, 1996Assignee: The University of AkronInventors: Frank W. Harris, Stephen Z. D. Cheng
-
Patent number: 5480964Abstract: A negative birefringent film, useful in liquid crystal displays, and a method for controlling the negative birefringence of a polyimide film is disclosed which allows the matching of an application to a targeted amount of birefringence by controlling the degree of in-plane orientation of the polyimide by the selection of functional groups within both the diamine and dianhydride segments of the polyimide which affect the polyimide backbone chain rigidity, linearity, and symmetry. The higher the rigidity, linearity and symmetry of the polyimide backbone, the larger the value of the negative birefringence of the polyimide film.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 1994Date of Patent: January 2, 1996Assignee: The University of AkronInventors: Frank W. Harris, Stephen Z. D. Cheng
-
Patent number: 5378420Abstract: A process for preparing polyimide fibers involves the preparation of a polymer in p-chlorophenol from reactants comprising 2,2'-dimethyl-4,4'-diaminobiphenyl and a tetracarboxylic anhydride. Following its preparation, the polyimide fibers can be spun directly from the reaction mixture. In a preferred embodiment, the dianhydride comprises 3,3',4,4'-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 1993Date of Patent: January 3, 1995Assignee: Edison Polymer Innovation CorporationInventors: Frank W. Harris, Stephen Z. D. Cheng