Patents by Inventor Steven D. Theiss

Steven D. Theiss 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).

  • Publication number: 20240004282
    Abstract: A structured film for forming a pattern on a substrate includes a polymeric support layer, an adhesive layer, an etch resist layer disposed between the polymeric support layer and the adhesive layer, a structured resin layer disposed between the polymeric support layer and the etch resist layer, and one or more unstructured layers disposed between the etch resist layer and the adhesive layer. The structured resin layer has a structured major surface including a plurality of engineered structures. The etch resist layer at least partially fills spaces between adjacent engineered structures to substantially planarize the structured major surface. Methods of using the structured film to form a pattern on a substrate are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2021
    Publication date: January 4, 2024
    Inventors: Martin B. Wolk, Robert L. Brott, Kevin W. Gotrik, Christopher S. Lyons, Caleb T. Nelson, Vadim Savvateev, James M. Nelson, Craig R. Schardt, Jeffrey L. Solomon, Karl K. Stensvad, Steven D. Theiss
  • Publication number: 20200258666
    Abstract: High frequency power inductor material having first and second opposed major surfaces, comprising a thermosetting binder and a plurality of multilayered flakes dispersed in the high temperature binder, the multilayered flakes comprising at least two layer pairs, wherein each layer pair comprises a ferromagnetic layer and a dielectric electrical isolation layer so that the ferromagnetic layers are electrically isolated from each other by dielectric layers, and wherein the multilayered flakes are substantially aligned parallel to the first and second major surfaces such that they do not provide an electrically continuous path over a range of greater than 0.5 mm. Exemplary high frequency power inductor materials described herein are useful, for example, as a power inductor in Point of Load converters, low profile inductors for inductive—capacitive (LC) filters (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2018
    Publication date: August 13, 2020
    Inventors: Xiaoming Kou, Steven D. Theiss, Charles L. Bruzzone, Michael S. Graff, Benjamin P. Mize
  • Patent number: 10658096
    Abstract: A multilayer magnetic sheet is described which comprises a plurality of stacked magnetic component layers separated by first electrically insulating layers. Each of the plurality of magnetic component layers comprises a plurality of isolated magnetic sublayers having a magnetic layer thickness of less than one micron. The multilayer magnetic sheet has a magnetic fraction between about 5% and about 80%; a total magnetic thickness of greater than or equal to 5 microns; and a relative composite permeability of greater than about 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Xiaoming Kou, Michael S. Graff, Jeffrey M. Florczak, Steven L. Johnson, Rui Yang, Carlos A. Barrios, Steven D. Theiss, Kevin W. Gotrik
  • Patent number: 10286489
    Abstract: The present application relates to an apparatus (52) for supporting sheet material during cutting by laser radiation comprising a support member (42) having a gold facing layer. A method for cutting sheet material using such apparatus is also defined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Pingfan Wu, Moses M. David, Bruce E. Tait, Schoen A. Schuknecht, Steven D. Theiss, Charles J. Studiner, IV, Donovan C. C. Karg, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20190035523
    Abstract: A multilayer magnetic sheet is described which comprises a plurality of stacked magnetic component layers separated by first electrically insulating layers. Each of the plurality of magnetic component layers comprises a plurality of isolated magnetic sublayers having a magnetic layer thickness of less than one micron. The multilayer magnetic sheet has a magnetic fraction between about 5% and about 80%; a total magnetic thickness of greater than or equal to 5 microns; and a relative composite permeability of greater than about 20.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventors: Xiaoming Kou, Michael S. Graff, Jeffrey M. Florczak, Steven L. Johnson, Rui Yang, Carlos A. Barrios, Steven D. Theiss, Kevin W. Gotrik
  • Patent number: 9943467
    Abstract: Provided are dental articles, and methods of making articles, having an aesthetic inorganic coating based on zirconia at least partially stabilized with yttrium oxide, calcium oxide, cerium oxide, or magnesium oxide. Stabilized zirconia coatings were found to provide a smooth, low friction surface having high abrasion resistance. These coatings are particularly applicable to orthodontic appliances. While virgin stabilized zirconia coatings can often have an undesirable color cast, it was discovered that this color cast can be substantially eliminated by heat treating the coated appliance in an oxygenated environment. The combination of depositing a stabilized zirconia coating and subsequently heat treating to decolorize the coating provides a surprisingly robust, stable, low-friction coating that is also aesthetic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Geoffrey P. Morris, William E. Wyllie, II, Steven D. Theiss
  • Publication number: 20170100309
    Abstract: Provided are dental articles, and methods of making articles, having an aesthetic inorganic coating based on zirconia at least partially stabilized with yttrium oxide, calcium oxide, cerium oxide, or magnesium oxide. Stabilized zirconia coatings were found to provide a smooth, low friction surface having high abrasion resistance. These coatings are particularly applicable to orthodontic appliances. While virgin stabilized zirconia coatings can often have an undesirable color cast, it was discovered that this color cast can be substantially eliminated by heat treating the coated appliance in an oxygenated environment. The combination of depositing a stabilized zirconia coating and subsequently heat treating to decolorize the coating provides a surprisingly robust, stable, low-friction coating that is also aesthetic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Publication date: April 13, 2017
    Inventors: Geoffrey P. Morris, William E. Wyllie, II, Steven D. Theiss
  • Patent number: 9539182
    Abstract: Provided are dental articles, and methods of making articles, having an aesthetic inorganic coating based on zirconia at least partially stabilized with yttrium oxide, calcium oxide, cerium oxide, or magnesium oxide. Stabilized zirconia coatings were found to provide a smooth, low friction surface having high abrasion resistance. These coatings are particularly applicable to orthodontic appliances. While virgin stabilized zirconia coatings can often have an undesirable color cast, it was discovered that this color cast can be substantially eliminated by heat treating the coated appliance in an oxygenated environment. The combination of depositing a stabilized zirconia coating and subsequently heat treating to decolorize the coating provides a surprisingly robust, stable, low-friction coating that is also aesthetic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Inventors: Geoffrey P. Morris, William E. Wyllie, II, Steven D. Theiss
  • Publication number: 20160096195
    Abstract: Described herein is a bead-coated sheet and methods of making wherein a sheet substrate selected from a metal, a glass, and/or a glass-ceramic, comprises a layer of microspheres that are partially embedded into the surface of the sheet substrate such that a portion of each of the microspheres projects outwardly from the surface of the sheet substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Publication date: April 7, 2016
    Inventors: Amy S. Barnes, John C. Clark, Vivek Krishnan, Anatoly Z. Rosenflanz, Steven D. Theiss
  • Patent number: 9102845
    Abstract: A siloxane-functional isobutylene copolymer and use thereof is described. The copolymer is of the formula: <Please insert the chemical formula here as it appears in the paper copy.> wherein a is at least 20, and at least one of b and c are at least one, X is oxygen or nitrogen; R1 is a covalent bond or a divalent (hetero)hydrocarbyl group; Sil is a polydialkylsiloxane; and x is 1 or 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Hae-Seung Lee, Babu N. Gaddam, Robert A. Asmus, Steven D. Theiss
  • Publication number: 20150175829
    Abstract: A siloxane-functional isobutylene copolymer and use thereof is described. The copolymer is of the formula: <Please insert the chemical formula here as it appears in the paper copy.> wherein a is at least 20, and at least one of b and c are at least one, X is oxygen or nitrogen; R1 is a covalent bond or a divalent (hetero)hydrocarbyl group; Sil is a polydialkylsiloxane; and x is 1 or 2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Inventors: Hae-Seung Lee, Babu N. Gaddam, Robert A. Asmus, Steven D. Theiss
  • Patent number: 8826528
    Abstract: Approaches for formation of a circuit via which electrically connects a first thin film metallization layer a second thin film metallization layer are described. Via formation involves the use of an anodization barrier and/or supplemental pad disposed in a via connection region prior to anodization of the first metallization layer. The material used to form the barrier is substantially impermeable to the anodization solution during anodization, and disrupts the formation of oxide between the electrically conducting layer and the barrier. The supplemental pad is non-anodizable, and is covered by the barrier to substantially prevent current flow through the pad during anodization. Following anodization, the barrier is removed. If the supplemental pad is sufficiently conductive, it can be left on the first metallization layer after removal of the barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Steven D. Theiss, Michael A. Haase
  • Patent number: 8610119
    Abstract: A plasma hydrogenated region in the dielectric layer of a semiconductor thin film transistor (TFT) structure improves the stability of the TFT. The TFT is a multilayer structure including an electrode, a dielectric layer disposed on the electrode, and a metal oxide semiconductor on the dielectric. Exposure of the dielectric layer to a hydrogen containing plasma prior to deposition of the semiconductor produces a plasma hydrogenated region at the semiconductor-dielectric interface. The plasma hydrogenated region incorporates hydrogen which decreases in concentration from semiconductor/dielectric interface into the bulk of one or both of the dielectric layer and the semiconductor layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Steven D. Theiss, David H. Redinger
  • Publication number: 20130270239
    Abstract: The present application relates to an apparatus (52) for supporting sheet material during cutting by laser radiation comprising a support member (42) having a gold facing layer. A method for cutting sheet material using such apparatus is also defined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: 3 Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Pingfan Wu, Moses M. David, Bruce E. Tait, Schoen A. Schuknecht, Steven D. Theiss, Charles J. Studiner, IV, Donovan C.C. Karg, JR.
  • Publication number: 20130157225
    Abstract: Provided are dental articles, and methods of making articles, having an aesthetic inorganic coating based on zirconia at least partially stabilized with yttrium oxide, calcium oxide, cerium oxide, or magnesium oxide. Stabilized zirconia coatings were found to provide a smooth, low friction surface having high abrasion resistance. These coatings are particularly applicable to orthodontic appliances. While virgin stabilized zirconia coatings can often have an undesirable color cast, it was discovered that this color cast can be substantially eliminated by heat treating the coated appliance in an oxygenated environment. The combination of depositing a stabilized zirconia coating and subsequently heat treating to decolorize the coating provides a surprisingly robust, stable, low-friction coating that is also aesthetic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Geoffrey P. Morris, William E. Wyllie, II, Steven D. Theiss
  • Publication number: 20110253998
    Abstract: A plasma hydrogenated region in the dielectric layer of a semiconductor thin film transistor (TFT) structure improves the stability of the TFT. The TFT is a multilayer structure including an electrode, a dielectric layer disposed on the electrode, and a metal oxide semiconductor on the dielectric. Exposure of the dielectric layer to a hydrogen containing plasma prior to deposition of the semiconductor produces a plasma hydrogenated region at the semiconductor-dielectric interface. The plasma hydrogenated region incorporates hydrogen which decreases in concentration from semiconductor/dielectric interface into the bulk of one or both of the dielectric layer and the semiconductor layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: Steven D. Theiss, David H. Redinger
  • Publication number: 20110242778
    Abstract: Approaches for formation of a circuit via which electrically connects a first thin film metallization layer a second thin film metallization layer are described. Via formation involves the use of an anodization barrier and/or supplemental pad disposed in a via connection region prior to anodization of the first metallization layer. The material used to form the barrier is substantially impermeable to the anodization solution during anodization, and disrupts the formation of oxide between the electrically conducting layer and the barrier. The supplemental pad is non-anodizable, and is covered by the barrier to substantially prevent current flow through the pad during anodization. Following anodization, the barrier is removed. If the supplemental pad is sufficiently conductive, it can be left on the first metallization layer after removal of the barrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventors: Steven D. Theiss, Michael A. Haase
  • Patent number: 7655127
    Abstract: Method of fabricating electronic devices is disclosed. The method includes the steps of forming an anodized layer that has a thickness greater than a desired thickness, and forming an electrically conductive layer on the anodized layer. The method further includes the steps of removing the conductive layer in a selected area to expose the anodized layer, and removing the exposed anodized layer until the anodized layer in the exposed area has the desired thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Michael W. Bench, Steven D. Theiss, Grace L. Ho
  • Patent number: 7651830
    Abstract: Provided is an article that comprises a substrate comprising an acid-etchable layer, a water-soluble polymer matrix, and a photoacid generator. Also provided is a method for patterning that can provide patterned layers that can be used to form electroactive devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Wayne S Mahoney, Steven D. Theiss
  • Publication number: 20080299486
    Abstract: Provided is an article that comprises a substrate comprising an acid-etchable layer, a water-soluble polymer matrix, and a photoacid generator. Also provided is a method for patterning that can provide patterned layers that can be used to form electroactive devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Wayne S. Mahoney, Steven D. Theiss