Measuring, Testing, Or Inspecting Patents (Class 264/406)
  • Patent number: 11731365
    Abstract: A method for determining an attribute of an additive manufacturing apparatus including a plurality of scanners, each scanner including beam steering optics for directing a corresponding radiation beam to a working plane in which material consolidated in layers. The method may include controlling the beam steering optics of a pair of the scanners wherein a first scanner of the pair directs a radiation beam to form a feature in the working plane. The feature is within a field of view of a detector of the second scanner of the pair, the detecting radiation from the working plane is collected by the beam steering optics of the second scanner. Further including recording at least one detector value with the detector of the second scanner for the field of view and determining an attribute of the additive manufacturing apparatus from a comparison of the detector value with an expected detector value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: RENISHAW PLC
    Inventor: Ceri Brown
  • Patent number: 11485077
    Abstract: According to one aspect, there is provided apparatus for forming a layer of build material for three-dimensional printing. The apparatus comprises a spreader to spread a volume of build material to form a layer of build material on a build platform, wherein at least one end of the spreader is to remain a constant distance from a build material retaining wall in proximity to at least one edge of the build platform as the spreader is moved over the surface of the build platform, and further wherein at least a portion of the spreader is below the top of the retaining wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Brent Ewald, William Winters, Pierre J Kaiser
  • Patent number: 11426931
    Abstract: An example of a three-dimensional (3D) printing kit includes a build material composition and a fusing agent to be applied to at least a portion of the build material composition during 3D printing. The build material composition includes a semi-crystalline or amorphous thermoplastic polymer having a predicted total dimension change during 3D printing ranging from about ?4% to about 9%. The fusing agent includes an energy absorber to absorb electromagnetic radiation to coalesce the semi-crystalline or amorphous thermoplastic polymer in the at least the portion. The fusing agent is a core fusing agent and the energy absorber has absorption at least at wavelengths ranging from 400 nm to 780 nm; or the fusing agent is a primer fusing agent and the energy absorber has absorption at wavelengths ranging from 800 nm to 4000 nm and has transparency at wavelengths ranging from 400 nm to 780 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Kenneth Flack, Erica Fung, Carolin Fleischmann, Jesiska Tandy, Carmina Querol Esparch, Greg S. Long, Ali Emamjomeh, Shannon Reuben Woodruff, Rachael Donovan
  • Patent number: 11325207
    Abstract: An additive manufacturing system includes a plurality of laser devices, a plurality of first scanning devices, and an optical system. The optical system includes an optical detector and a second scanning device. The plurality of laser devices are each configured to generate a laser beam. The plurality of first scanning devices is each configured to selectively direct the laser beam from a laser device of the plurality of laser devices across a powder bed. The laser beam generates a melt pool in the powder bed. The optical detector is configured to detect electromagnetic radiation generated by the melt pool. The second scanning device is configured to direct electromagnetic radiation generated by the melt pool to the optical detector. The optical system is configured to detect a position of the laser beams in the melt pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: William Thomas Carter
  • Patent number: 11199719
    Abstract: Methods and systems for qualifying a multi-layered optical stack include providing the multi-layered optical stack including a first optical layer and a second optical layer. The first optical layer includes a first pair of fiducial marks and the second optical layer includes a second pair of fiducial marks Each of the first pair are spaced laterally from each of the second pair such that the first pair and the second pair are visible through the optical stack. A first angle defined between a first reference line connecting the first pair and a global reference line is determined. A second angle defined between a second reference line connecting the second pair and the global reference line is determined. The multi-layered optical stack is qualified for use in the optical projection system based on whether a difference between the first angle and the second angle is less than a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Magic Leap, Inc.
    Inventors: Huihang Dong, Wendong Xing, Thomas Mercier, Ryan Rieck, Robert D. Tekolste, William Hudson Welch
  • Patent number: 11053134
    Abstract: Synthesizing lithium lanthanum zirconate includes combining a reagent composition with a salt composition to yield a molten salt reaction medium, wherein the reagent composition comprises a lithium component, a lanthanum component, and zirconium component having a lithium:lanthanum:zirconium molar ratio of about 7:3:2; heating the molten salt reaction medium to yield a reaction product; and washing the reaction product to yield a crystalline powder comprising lithium lanthanum zirconate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of Arizona State University
    Inventors: Jon Mark Weller, Candace Chan
  • Patent number: 10814554
    Abstract: A control device for a laser machining apparatus includes: a plurality of lasers, a plurality of scanners which respectively scans the laser beams outputted from the plurality of lasers, a scanner control unit which synchronously controls the plurality of scanners, and a laser control unit which synchronously controls the plurality of lasers, in which the scanner control unit performs tracking control to precede or delay operation of at least one scanner among the plurality of scanners relative to operation of another scanner among the plurality of scanners; and the laser control unit performs tracking control to precede or delay laser output of at least one laser among the plurality of lasers corresponding to the at least one scanner, relative to the laser output of another laser among the plurality of lasers corresponding to the other scanner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: FANUC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takeshi Mochida
  • Patent number: 10759116
    Abstract: Methods of producing an additive manufactured part with a smooth surface finish include providing a spinning device that has a platform. The part is secured to the platform, where the part is at least partially wetted with uncured resin from a resin pool. The platform is rotated, where a first portion of the uncured resin is retained on the part and a second portion of the uncured resin is removed. The part is cured after the rotating. In some embodiments, methods include creating a compensated design for a part by modifying a desired design to compensate for a first portion of an uncured surface finish material to be retained on the part, and forming the part with an additive manufacturing process according to the compensated design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Intrepid Automation
    Inventors: Ben Wynne, Jamie Lynn Etcheson, Christopher Sean Tanner, Robert Lee Mueller, Ivan Dejesus Chousal
  • Patent number: 10562229
    Abstract: Embodiments include techniques for determining the uniformity of a powder layer distribution, where the techniques include pre-heating a powder layer, scanning the powder layer, and receiving a signal from the powder layer. The techniques also include filtering the received signal, measuring a radiation intensity of the received signal over a range of wavelengths, and comparing the measured radiation intensity to a reference spectrum for the powder layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas J. Martin, Alexander Staroselsky, Sergey Mironets
  • Patent number: 10518327
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for additively producing at least one component region of a component, in particular a component of a turbomachine. The device can comprise at least one coating apparatus for applying at least one powder layer of a component material to at least one build-up and joining zone of at least one component platform, which can be lowered, wherein the coating apparatus can be moved in relation to the component platform. In addition, the device comprises at least one suction device for suctioning of process waste gases and/or particles. The coating apparatus thereby comprises at least one suction channel or at least one suction pipe, which has at least one suction opening oriented in the direction of the component platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: MTU Aero Engines AG
    Inventors: Georg Schlick, Friedrich Kuska
  • Patent number: 10396396
    Abstract: A gallium doped garnet composition of the formula: Li7?3yLa3Zr2GayO12 where y is from 0.4 to 2.0, and as defined herein. Also disclosed is a method for making a dense Li-ion conductive cubic garnet membrane, comprising one of two alternative lower temperature routes, as defined herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael Edward Badding, Curtis Robert Fekety, Tricia Anne Harnas, Yanxia Ann Lu, Ying Shi, Zhen Song
  • Patent number: 9718938
    Abstract: Prepare a polymeric foam article having a thermoplastic polymer matrix defining multiple cells therein, wherein the polymeric foam article has the following characteristics: (a) the thermoplastic polymer matrix contains dispersed within it nano-sized nucleating additive particles that have at least two orthogonal dimensions that are less than 30 nanometers in length; (b) possesses at least one of the following two characteristics: (i) has an effective nucleation site density of at least 3×1014 sites per cubic centimeter of pre-foamed material; and (ii) has an average cell size of 300 nanometers or less; and (c) has a porosity percentage of more than 50 percent by rapidly expanding at a foaming temperature a foamable polymer composition containing the nucleating additive and a blowing agent containing at least one of carbon dioxide, nitrogen and argon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Stéphane Costeux, Lingbo Zhu, Christopher M. Weikart, Thomas H. Kalantar
  • Patent number: 9112142
    Abstract: A piezoelectric sensor device includes a piezoelectric element, a polarization processing unit and a controller. The piezoelectric element has a pair of electrodes sandwiching a piezoelectric body. The polarization processing unit is configured to execute polarization processing in which polarization voltage is applied to the polarization element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Yusuke Nakazawa, Tomohide Onogi
  • Publication number: 20150145172
    Abstract: An imprint lithography template is provided with an alignment mark, wherein the alignment mark is formed from dielectric material having a refractive index which differs from the refractive index of the imprint lithography template, the dielectric material having a thickness which is such that it provides a phase difference between alignment radiation which has passed through the dielectric material and alignment radiation which has not passed through the dielectric material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.
    Inventors: Yvonne Wendela Kruijt-Stegeman, Arie Jeffrey Den Boef, Andre Bernardus Jeunink
  • Publication number: 20150130115
    Abstract: A method for preparing a cubic phase Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZ) includes dry-mixing Li2CO3, La2O3, ZrO2 and Al2O3. The mixture is fired at 800° C. to 1,000° C. for 5 to 7 hours, naturally cooled, and dry-mixed. A pellet having a size from 8 mm to 12 mm at 120 MPa to 150 MPa is manufactured using the mixture. Then, the pellet is fired at 1,000° C. to 1,250° C. for 20 to 36 hours.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Ju Young SUNG, Sam Ick SON, Ho Taek LEE
  • Publication number: 20150093544
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for printing a three-dimensional structure with a smooth surface comprising the following steps of depositing multiple droplets of printing material at least partially side by side and one above the other and curing the deposited droplets by light irradiation to build up a three-dimensional pre-structure in a first step, and smoothing at least one surface of the three-dimensional pre-structure by targeted placement of compensation droplets in boundary areas of adjacent deposited droplets and/or in edges of the surface to be smoothed in a second step to build up the three-dimensional structure with a smooth surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventors: Richard Van De Vrie, Joris Biskop
  • Publication number: 20150076741
    Abstract: Provided is a method for producing a separator for nonaqueous electrolyte electricity storage devices that includes a porous epoxy resin membrane, the method including: a step (i) of preparing an epoxy resin composition containing an epoxy resin, a curing agent, and a porogen; a step (ii) of cutting a cured product of the epoxy resin composition into a sheet shape or curing a sheet-shaped formed body of the epoxy resin composition so as to obtain an epoxy resin sheet; a step (iii) of removing the porogen from the epoxy resin sheet using a halogen-free solvent so as to form a porous epoxy resin membrane; a step (iv) of irradiating the porous epoxy resin membrane with infrared ray so as to measure infrared absorption characteristics of the porous epoxy resin membrane; and a step (v) of calculating a membrane thickness and/or an average pore diameter of the porous epoxy resin membrane based on the infrared absorption characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Yosuke Yamada, Michie Sakamoto, Shunsuke Noumi
  • Patent number: 8968630
    Abstract: An imprint lithography template is provided with an alignment mark, wherein the alignment mark is formed from dielectric material having a refractive index which differs from the refractive index of the imprint lithography template, the dielectric material having a thickness which is such that it provides a phase difference between alignment radiation which has passed through the dielectric material and alignment radiation which has not passed through the dielectric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Yvonne Wendela Kruijt-Stegeman, Arie Jeffrey Den Boef, Andre Bernardus Jeunink
  • Publication number: 20150045196
    Abstract: The present invention provides a production method for producing an electrically conductive foam rubber roller which has a tubular body free from internal abnormal foaming and hence free from internal cracking after the foaming. The production method includes the steps of: continuously extruding a rubber composition into a tubular body (7); and passing the extruded tubular body (7) through a microwave crosslinking device (8) and then through a hot air crosslinking device (9) in an elongated state without cutting the tubular body. The rubber composition is extruded, foamed and crosslinked so that the tubular body has a thickness unevenness of not greater than 1.3 immediately after being passed through the hot air crosslinking device (9), the thickness unevenness being defined as a ratio Tmax/Tmin between a maximum radial thickness Tmax and a minimum radial thickness Tmin of the tubular body which are each measured in a cross section of the tubular body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Takuya YAMAGUCHI, Shunichi YABUSHITA, Masafumi YAMAMOTO
  • Publication number: 20140301883
    Abstract: A method for producing three-dimensional work pieces comprises the steps of supplying gas to a process chamber accommodating a carrier and a powder application device, applying a layer of raw material powder onto the carrier by means of the powder application device, selectively irradiating electromagnetic or particle radiation onto the raw material powder applied onto the carrier by means of an irradiation device, discharging gas containing particulate impurities from the process chamber, and controlling the operation of the irradiation device by means of a control unit such that a radiation beam emitted by at least one radiation source of the irradiation device is guided over the layer of raw material powder applied onto the carrier according to a radiation pattern containing a plurality of scan vectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: SLM SOLUTIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Andreas WIESNER, Dieter SCHWARZE
  • Publication number: 20140295146
    Abstract: A method is described in which a composite tape or sheet is processed such that it has an improved drapability when applied to a former having a complex geometrical form. The tape or sheet is selectively perforated across its width as it is dispensed, with a suction force being subsequently applied over the tape's surface to thereby cause stretching of the tape. The degree of stretching varies across the width of the tape in proportion to the degree and local density of the selective perforations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventor: Bijoysri KHAN
  • Patent number: 8834144
    Abstract: An imprinting machine that brings a mold having a pattern into contact with an object and transfers the pattern onto the object includes a measurement unit that measures a position of the mold when the mold contacts the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Nakamura, Hirohisa Ota, Eigo Kawakami, Kazuyuki Kasumi, Toshinobu Tokita
  • Patent number: 8765034
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a pattern formation method includes placing a master on a substrate including a concave-convex pattern, performing alignment between the master and the substrate, curing a photosensitive resin applied onto the substrate, with the pattern brought into contact with the resin, and removing the master from the resin. The performing alignment includes measuring amount of misalignment of first marks provided at least three of four corners of the shot region and performing alignment of the corners, after the alignment of the corners, measuring misalignment of a second mark, calculating a target value of amount of movement of the corners so as to minimize the amount of misalignment of the first marks and amount of misalignment of the second mark, and performing alignment between the master and the substrate so that the amount of movement of the corners is made close to the value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Manabu Takakuwa
  • Publication number: 20140142563
    Abstract: The invention relates to an energy application planning apparatus for planning an application of energy to an object (3) like a tumor. An energy application element representation represents an energy application element (5) like an ablation needle including an energy application part for applying energy and a sensing part (7). An arrangement of the energy application element (5) with respect to the object (3) is determined depending on the positions of the energy application part and the sensing part (7) with respect to the energy application element (5) as defined by the energy application element representation and depending on the object representation. The application of energy can therefore not only be planned such that the application of energy is performed as desired, but also such that the object and/or a surrounding of the object are sensible as desired. In this way, the planning procedure can be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Bernardus Hendrikus Wilhelmus Hendriks, Nicolaas Jan Noordhoek, Gerhardus Wilhelmus Lucassen, Pieter Maria Mielekamp, Rami Nachabé, Marjolein Van Der Voort, Waltherus Cornelis Jozef Bierhoff
  • Patent number: 8691123
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a fine processing method includes determining a resist amount required for each first region of a pattern formation surface and a total amount of resist. The method include dividing the total amount of resist by a volume of one resist drop to determine the resist drops total number. The method include determining a provisional position for the resist drop of the total number. The method include assigning the each first region to nearest one resist drop, and partitioning again the pattern formation surface into second regions assigned to the each resist drop. The method include determining a divided value by dividing the volume of the one resist drop by the required total amount of resist determined. The method include finalizing a final position of the each resist drop, if a distribution of the divided value in the pattern formation surface falls within a target range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Yasutada Nakagawa, Takuya Kono, Ikuo Yoneda, Masayuki Hatano
  • Patent number: 8691124
    Abstract: An imprint lithography alignment apparatus is disclosed that includes at least two detectors which are configured to detect an imprint template alignment mark, wherein the alignment apparatus further comprises alignment radiation adjustment optics which are configured to provide adjustment of locations from which the at least two alignment detectors receive alignment radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Sander Frederik Wuister, Yvonne Wendela Kruijt-Stegeman
  • Patent number: 8685293
    Abstract: Our invention allows for control of particle formation at the nanoscale, providing a means to control nanoparticle and nanostructure formation using feedback on the fly from nanoparticle characteristic analysis and optimization/knowledge extraction control algorithms. A closed loop feedback controller causes the interaction of a shaped flaser pulse with a substrate. The substrate can be one or more solid, liquid or gas or any combination thereof. Nanoparticles are produced and their characteristics are measured. The measured characteristics are compared with the desired nanoparticle characteristics. If the measured and desired characteristics are not equivalent, the closed loop feedback controller modifies the shape of the laser pulse and the next cycle begins. With successive loop of the control process the difference between the desired and measured characteristics converges until they are equivalent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventors: Nicholas V. Coppa, Robert J. Levis
  • Publication number: 20140084517
    Abstract: There is provided solid imaging methods and apparatus for making three-dimensional objects from solid imaging material. A tray with a film bottom is provided to hold solid imaging material that is selectively cured into cross-sections of the three-dimensional object being built. A coater bar is moved back and forth over the film to remove any uncured solid imaging material from a previous layer and to apply a new layer of solid imaging material. A sensor is provided to measure the amount of resin in the tray to determine the appropriate amount of solid imaging material to be added, from a cartridge, for the next layer. A shuttle, which covers the tray when the exterior door to the solid imaging apparatus is opened for setting up a build or removing a three-dimensional object, can also be used to move the coater bar and to selectively open one or more valves on the cartridge to dispense the desired amount of solid imaging material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: 3D Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles R. Sperry, Dennis F. McNamara, Martin Alan Johnson, Richard Ora Gregory, II
  • Publication number: 20140021655
    Abstract: A drawing apparatus that performs drawing on a substrate with a plurality of charged particle beams includes a blanker array configured to blank the plurality of charged particle beams, respectively; a generating device configured to generate a blanking signal for controlling the blanker array and an error detection signal for the blanking signal; and a plurality of transmission paths for transmitting signals between the generating device and the blanker array. The plurality of transmission paths include a first transmission path for transmitting the blanking signal and a second transmission path for transmitting the error detection signal. The generating device is configured to transmit a blanking signal and an error detection signal corresponding to the blanking signal via the first transmission path and the second transmission path, respectively, to the blanker array in parallel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Hirata, Hiro Norikane
  • Publication number: 20130343947
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for monitoring a generative production process in real time, wherein a component is at least optically detected and the installation space is thermally detected when applying a layer, as well as a device for carrying out said method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: MTU Aero Engines AG
    Inventors: Wilhelm Satzger, Siegfried Sikorski, Karl-Heinz Dusel, Wilhelm Meir, Bertram Kopperger, Josef Waermann, Andreas Jakimov, Manuel Hertter, Hans-Christian Melzer, Thomas Hess
  • Publication number: 20130328246
    Abstract: A system for creating a substantially planar face in a substrate, the system including directing one or more beams at a first surface of a substrate to remove material from a first location, the beam being offset from a normal to the first surface by a curtaining angle; sweeping the one or more beams in a plane that is perpendicular to the first surface to mill one or more initial cuts, the initial cuts exposing a second surface that is substantially perpendicular to the first surface; rotating the substrate about an axis other than an axis normal to the first beam or parallel to the first beam; directing the first beam at the second surface to remove additional material from the substrate without changing the curtaining angle; and scanning the one or more beams in across the second surface to mill one or more finishing cuts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: FEI Company
    Inventors: Andrew B. Wells, N. William Parker, Clive D. Chandler, Mark W. Utlaut
  • Patent number: 8568838
    Abstract: A method of controlling power applied to an induction coil assembly used for densifying porous articles with a liquid matrix precursor. The control of applied power addresses dynamic changes in the electrical characteristics of the porous article being densified as it becomes denser. In particular, the power applied is controlled in accordance with changes in resonant frequency of the coupled system of the induction heating system and the porous article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Messier-Bugatti-Dowty
    Inventors: Kenny H. Chang, Bruce Zimmerman, Arnaud Fillion
  • Patent number: 8501075
    Abstract: Method of manufacturing a three-dimensional object according to which the object is built layer-wise by solidification of a building material, wherein a test specimen is built which is excited to oscillate after being built and wherein natural frequencies of the oscillations are determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: EOS GmbH Electro Optical Systems
    Inventors: Jochen Philippi, Alexander Schilling
  • Patent number: 8475702
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, first image information of a mold is acquired by irradiating the mold with first light, the mold having an uneven pattern with a shape corresponding to a pattern to be transferred onto a substrate to be processed. The position of the uneven pattern of the mold is adjusted by applying stress to the mold. Second image information is acquired by irradiating the mold whose position is adjusted with the first light. Stress information of the mold whose position is adjusted is measured by comparing the first image information with the second image information. The position adjustment is repeated until the measurement result satisfies a desired condition, and a pattern is formed on the substrate by using the mold whose position is adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Yohko Furutono
  • Patent number: 8468943
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for applying an application liquid between a template and a substrate, and transferring the transfer pattern onto the application liquid. The template is inclinedly arranged with respect to the substrate in a manner that a first distance between a first end portion of the template and the substrate is a distance that causes a capillary action of the application liquid to occur, and a second distance between a second end portion of the template that opposes the first end portion and the substrate is a distance that does not cause the capillary action of the application liquid to occur. Thereafter, the application liquid is supplied from an outer side of the first end portion to the first end portion. Thereafter, the second end portion and the substrate are relatively moved so that the second distance becomes equal to the first distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Koukichi Hiroshiro, Takanori Nishi, Shoichi Terada, Takahiro Kitano
  • Publication number: 20130154162
    Abstract: The present application relates to a method and system for optimizing a composite system by electrically monitoring the reactive and physiological behavior of the resin binder in a composite system, so as to develop the desired properties of the resin during the cure process. A method of manufacturing a composite part can include assembling a composite preform with a resinous material and an open circuit. Further, the method can include subjecting the composite preform to a curing cycle so that a resin in the resinous material melts and closes the open circuit. Further, the method can include electrically monitoring a current through the resin during the curing cycle. Further, the method can include selectively controlling a manufacturing variable in response to the step of electrically monitoring the current through the resin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventors: Stephen K. Bishop, Jacob J. Hart
  • Publication number: 20130106023
    Abstract: A imprint apparatus that brings a pattern formed on a mold into contact with an imprint material supplied to a substrate to transfer the pattern to the imprint material includes an emission unit configured to emit excitation light for causing a luminescent material to emit light, a detection unit configured to detect light, and a mold holding unit configured to hold the mold including the luminescent material, in which, after the pattern is transferred to the imprint material, the emission unit emits the excitation light to the pattern transferred to the imprint material, and the detection unit detects light emitted from the luminescent material remaining in the imprint material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
  • Patent number: 8432548
    Abstract: Systems and methods for alignment of template and substrate at the edge of substrate are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Molecular Imprints, Inc.
    Inventors: Byung-Jin Choi, Pawan Kumar Nimmakayala, Philip D. Schumaker
  • Patent number: 8394216
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to systems and methods for detecting features on billets of laminated veneer lumber (LVL). In some embodiments, an LVL billet is provided and passed through a scanning assembly. The scanning assembly includes an x-ray generator and an x-ray detector. The x-ray generator generates a beam of x-ray radiation and the x-ray detector measures intensity of the beam of x-ray radiation after is passes through the LVL billet. The measured intensity is then processed to create an image. Images taken according to the disclosure may then be analyzed to detect features on the LVL billet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser NR Company
    Inventors: David C. Irving, Thomas J. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20130032973
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electrode for a fuel cell, the method comprising forming a powder bed from a predetermined powder, sintering the powder bed at a first predetermined temperature to form a substrate, and in some embodiments subsequently distributing an electrolyte powder on a surface of the substrate, and impregnating the substrate with electrolyte by heating the substrate with the electrolyte powder thereon to a second predetermined temperature so as to melt and wick the electrolyte into the substrate, thereby forming the electrode for the fuel cell, wherein at least one of the sintering and impregnating is performed by applying induction heating to at least one of said powder bed and said substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas M. Lucas, Weizhong Zhu, Thomas Vailionis
  • Patent number: 8345242
    Abstract: Imprint lithography benefits from precise alignment between a template and a substrate during imprinting. A moiré signal resulting from indicia on the template and the substrate are acquired by a system comprising a line-scan camera and a digital micromirror device (DMD) which provides a high bandwidth, low-latency signal. Once acquired, the moiré signal may be used directly to align the template and the substrate without need for discrete position/angle encoders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Molecular Imprints, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip D. Schumaker, Babak Mokaberi
  • Publication number: 20120313295
    Abstract: A method of determining a position of an imprint template in an imprint lithography apparatus. In an embodiment, the method includes illuminating an area of the imprint template in which an alignment mark is expected to be found by scanning an alignment radiation beam over that area, detecting an intensity of radiation reflected or transmitted from the area, and identifying the alignment mark via analysis of the detected intensity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventors: Arie Jeffrey Den Boef, Andre Bernardus Jeunink, Sander Frederik Wuister, Yvonne Wendela Kruijt-Stegeman
  • Publication number: 20120299220
    Abstract: Provided are a method and an apparatus for modifying particle size of powders in closed items, comprising the exposure of said items to external electric field of suitable parameters. The degree of agglomeration of the particles can be increased or decreased. Applications to neutralization of harmful powders in mails, to dry agglomeration and to volatilization of powders in food industry and in pharmacology are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: Ben-Gurion University of the Negev Research & Development Authority
    Inventor: Sergey Biryukov
  • Patent number: 8303886
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a three-dimensional object is disclosed, in which the object is solidified layer by layer by solidifying a building material by means of a beam of a gas laser at locations in each layer corresponding to the cross section of the object, wherein the power of the laser is measured and the power of the laser is controlled according to the measured value. The power measurement takes place in a time window, in which a change of the power occurs, and an input control signal of the laser is controlled according to the measured values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: EOS GmbH Electro Optical Systems
    Inventor: Jochen Philippi
  • Patent number: 8252208
    Abstract: The invention is directed to calcium fluoride crystal optics with improved laser durability that can be used for the transmission of below 250 nanometer (nm) electromagnetic radiation. The optics consist of CaF2 as the major component and, in one embodiment, at least one dopant/amount selected >0.3-1200 ppm Mg, >0.3-200 ppm Sr, >0.3-200 ppm Ba, while Ce and Mn are <0.5 ppm. The doped crystal and optics made therefrom have a ratio of 515/380 nm transmission loss of less than 0.3 after exposure to greater than 2.8 MRads of ?-radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: James R Cole, Keith J Donohue, Michael Lucien Genier, Robert Stephen Pavlik, Jr., Michael William Price, William Rogers Rosch, Jeffrey L Sunderland
  • Publication number: 20120205837
    Abstract: Improved treatment apparatus (120, 152) is provided for the treatment (e.g., molding, heating and/or curing) of objects such as parts or part precursors (148, 170) including wireless detection of a temperature parameter related to the objects during treatment thereof. The objects include associated microwire-type sensors (150, 174) which have characteristic re-magnetization responses under the influence of applied, alternating magnetic fields. The apparatus (120, 152) have treatment chambers (122, 153) sized to hold the objects to be treated, with one or more antennas (132, 124, 166) proximal to such objects and operable to generate interrogating alternating magnetic fields and to detect the responses of the sensors (150, 174). The detected temperature parameter information is used by an apparatus controller (146) to maintain desired ambient conditions within the treatment chamber (122, 153).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: TSI TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventor: Brian L. Clothier
  • Patent number: 8241550
    Abstract: An imprint lithography apparatus is disclosed that has a template holder configured to hold an imprint template, a substrate table, and an optical encoder, the optical encoder having a radiation output, a first diffraction grating, and a detector, the radiation output arranged to illuminate a second diffraction grating and the detector positioned to detect radiation diffracted by the first and second diffraction gratings to provide an alignment signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Helmar Van Santen, Aleksey Yurievich Kolesnychenko, Yvonne Wendela Kruijt-Stegeman
  • Patent number: 8197622
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to systems and methods for detecting features on billets of laminated veneer lumber (LVL). In some embodiments, an LVL billet is provided and passed through a scanning assembly. The scanning assembly includes an x-ray generator and an x-ray detector. The x-ray generator generates a beam of x-ray radiation and the x-ray detector measures intensity of the beam of x-ray radiation after is passes through the LVL billet. The measured intensity is then processed to create an image. Images taken according to the disclosure may then be analyzed to detect features on the LVL billet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser NR Company
    Inventors: David C. Irving, Thomas J. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20120128314
    Abstract: The first aspect of the instant claimed invention is a method of formulating radiation curable Supercoatings for application to an optical fiber used in a telecommunications network. A Multi-layer Film Drawdown Method useful in the Method of formulating radiation curable Supercoatings is also described and claimed. Single mode Optical fibers coated with specific radiation curable Supercoatings are also described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Xiaosong Wu, Steven Robert Schmid, Timothy Edward Bishop, John Monroe Zimmerman, Wendell Wayne Cattron, Edward Joseph Murphy, Pratik Shah, Margaret Brumm
  • Patent number: 8163224
    Abstract: An equipment for metal-laser sintering process includes a powder layer forming unit, an irradiation unit which irradiates light beams, a correction target on which a correction mark serving as a fiducial in correction of the irradiation points of the light beams is formed, and an imaging camera which takes an image of the correction mark. The correction target is formed of a material which is melted by irradiation of light beam so as to be formed a through hole. The correction target is disposed on the substrate and the light beams are irradiated to penetrate the correction target so that the correction mark is formed. Subsequently, the imaging camera takes an image of the correction mark and the location of the correction mark is measured, and thus, correction of the irradiation points is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Higashi, Satoshi Abe