Polymerizing, Cross-linking, Or Curing (e.g., Utilizing Ultraviolet Radiation, Etc.) Patents (Class 264/494)
  • Patent number: 7223360
    Abstract: A method of molding a decorative product packaging, comprising the steps of: molding a product container or cap; applying a UV curable liquid to surfaces and/or cavities in the container or cap; then exposing the UV curable liquid to UV radiation to form a solid coating adhered to surfaces and/or filling cavities on the container or cap. The present invention provides dramatic effects, particularly where the container or cap are clear or tinted, because the solid coating can be tinted a contrasting color, providing a striking contrast to the container or cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: RII Acquisition Corp.
    Inventor: David J. Prague
  • Patent number: 7220788
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluororubber molded article obtained by subjecting a fluororubber composition to crosslinking by irradiation of ionizing radiation, wherein the fluororubber composition comprises: (i) a raw rubber having a metal element content of 1.5% or less and comprising a tetrafluoroethylene-propylene copolymer; and (ii) a prepolymer of triallyl isocyanurate. Also disclosed is a method for producing the fluororubber molded article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Nichias Corporation
    Inventors: Naoya Kuzawa, Mitsuyuki Nakano, Hitoshi Ogura, Masayuki Saito
  • Patent number: 7212723
    Abstract: A waveguide array is fabricated by providing a photoreactive material and generating an optical intensity pattern corresponding to a geometry of the waveguide array. A relative translation of the photoreactive material is effected through the optical intensity pattern. Thereafter, the photoreactive material is rendered substantially unreactive to light at at least a wavelength of the optical intensity pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Colorado
    Inventors: Robert R. McLeod, Eric D. Moore
  • Patent number: 7204947
    Abstract: A method of forming an engineering component comprising the steps of: subjecting a workpiece or blank formed from polyolefin to gamma radiation at a total dose sufficient to cause a predetermined degree of crosslinking, wherein the total dose is applied at a dosage rate of less than 5 kGy/hour to cause crosslinking of the polymer and forming an engineering component from the crosslinked material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Orthoplastics Limited
    Inventors: Neil Trevor Hubbard, Cherryl Ann Cooper
  • Patent number: 7195732
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a mold and a method of fabricating an article with the mold is disclosed that is capable of fabricating a high three-dimensional surface structure and extending the service life of the mold. A mold having a fine surface shape of a height less than an object height is fabricated, then the fine surface shape of the mold is transferred to an intermediate mold by dry-etching, and then the fine surface shape of the intermediate mold is further transferred to a final article material by dry-etching. In each transfer step by dry-etching, the etching selection ratio is appropriately adjusted to increase the height of the fine surface structure step by step, so that the fine surface shape of the final article material has the object height. On the surface of the final article material, a preliminary pattern of the object surface shape may be formed beforehand to reduce the required thickness of the curable resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Ricoh Optical Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Umeki
  • Patent number: 7186365
    Abstract: Numerous embodiments of a method and apparatus for forming an imprinting tool are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of forming an imprinting tool comprises forming a first mold by use of one or more printing processes, forming a second mold from the first mold, and forming an imprinting tool from the second mold, where the imprinting tool is formed at least in part by metalizing at least a portion of the second mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Walk
  • Patent number: 7186108
    Abstract: A curing apparatus wherein rapid curing is provided by using light, pressure, pressure and light, or purge, pressure and light to cure resinous materials by application of energy from an external source to excite polymerization in a polymerizable system. An air-tight chamber is provided to house the polymerizable dental material. The apparatus provides an automated system for curing the polymerizable material under light and pressure in the same unit. A purge cycle may be included to minimize or eliminate bubbles and provide an oxygen-free atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Pentron Laboratory Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: George Zychek, Daniel P. Clark
  • Patent number: 7179415
    Abstract: A method of making a non-tacky, powder-free neoprene article, preferably by dipping a former in a neoprene or neoprene copolymer latex, comprises the use of one or more anionic anti-tack agents in order to prevent any significant development of tack for a period of up to at least seven days when the article is stored at 70° C. or at least 90 days when stored at 45° C. Preferably, the article is a glove or condom further comprising a layer of hydrogel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Regent Medical Limited
    Inventors: Seng Chin Teoh, Seong Fong Chen
  • Patent number: 7169828
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a replica, which method comprises the provision of a polymerizable resin composition between a front mold having a pre-shaped surface and a back mold having a pre-shaped surface, carrying out a curing treatment and removing the replica thus manufactured from the molds. The invention further relates to a replica obtained by carrying out a UV light-initiated cationic polymerization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Johan George Kloosterboer, Fredericus Johannes Touwslager, Emile Johannes Karel Verstegen, Hendrik Roelof Stapert
  • Patent number: 7165959
    Abstract: An apparatus for casting a patterned surface on both sides of a web. The apparatus includes a first patterned roll; a second pattered roll; and a means for rotating the first and second patterned rolls such that their patterns are transferred to opposite sides of the web while it is in continuous motion. During this process, their patterns are maintained in continuous registration to within at least 100 microns, and preferably at least 20 microns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Larry D. Humlicek, Daniel H. Carlson, James N. Dobbs, Samuel Hunter, legal representative, Thelma Hunter, legal representative, John T. Strand, Gregory F. King, David W. Kuhns, John S. Huizinga, William V. Dower, Thomas B. Hunter, deceased
  • Patent number: 7144544
    Abstract: An ultraviolet (UV) light curable formulation useful for repairing composite materials, comprising: an acrylic oligomer, an acrylic monomer, and a photoinitiator. This formulation may include fiberglass. The photoinitiator can be a combination of a bis-acylphosphine oxide and an alpha hydroxy ketone. The formulation can cure rapidly, such as in about 20 minutes. The cured formulation can have a Tg above 150° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Texas Research International, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Bulluck, Brad A. Rix
  • Patent number: 7104773
    Abstract: A three-dimensional laminating molding device includes ejection heads that eject support material for a support, and an ejection head that ejects mold material for a mold. The support material is sold at room temperature. An inner temperature of the laminating molding device during the laminating molding is controlled to a range of (a melting point of the support material?30)° C. to (the melting point of the support material?5)° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Ricoh Printing Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Maekawa, Akemi Ouchi, Hidetoshi Fujii, Kunihiro Tamahashi, Yutaka Shoji, Hiroshi Takahagi
  • Patent number: 7087660
    Abstract: This invention relates to a process of preparation of components and articles of manufacture containing at least one of such components, such as tires, and the resulting prepared components and fabricated articles, by use of directed high frequency energy internally heated silica-rich rubber compositions which contain sulfur curative and a significant content of high softening point polymer, namely a polymer and/or elastomer having a melting point (Tm) and/or high glass transition temperature (Tg) above 0° C., and particularly above 30° C., and which contains a minimal, if any, carbon black reinforcement. Such directed high frequency energy heating is provided, individually, by directed radio frequency (electromagnetic) radiation and/or by directed microwave radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventors: Thomas Robert Maier, Bruce Raymond Hahn, Brian John Doucet, Thierry Florent Edme Materne
  • Patent number: 7074358
    Abstract: Methods and materials used to make detailed cast objects are disclosed. The cast objects are formed in mold created from a photosensitive laminate. The mold is formed by selectively removing portions of the photosensitive laminate. The invention is particularly well suited to make thin molded articles, but can also be used to make thicker molded articles by using multiple photosensitive layers or laminates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Inventors: Alexander Sergeievich Gybin, Toshifumi Komatsu
  • Patent number: 7063870
    Abstract: Annular brake disc preform (15), wherein 40 to 80 layers of reinforcement fibers of at least two different lengths (11, 19) ranging from 10–60 mm are distributed in a planar gradient throughout the body of the preform, with the reinforcement fibers located near the exterior planes of the disc being predominately shorter fibers (11) and with the reinforcement fibers located in the central planes of the disc being predominately longer fibers (19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Mark L. La Forest, Charles A. Parker, Frank Dillon, Thomas H. Siegmund, Raymond J. Cipra, Alan E. Fatz, Peter F. Braunisch, Tobey Cordell
  • Patent number: 7060419
    Abstract: A process for producing microfluidic articles comprises (a) preparing a photoreactive composition comprising (1) at least one reactive species that is a polymer or a polymer precursor and that is capable of undergoing an acid- or radical-initiated chemical reaction and (2) at least one multiphoton photoinitiator system; (b) exposing a portion of the composition to light sufficient to cause simultaneous absorption of at least two photons, thereby forming exposed and unexposed portions of the composition, and thereby inducing at least one acid- or radical-initiated chemical reaction in the exposed portion; and (c) removing either the exposed or the unexposed portion of the composition, so as to form a microfluidic article comprising a seamless polymer matrix that defines at least one inlet, at least one outlet, and a microfluid processing architecture that is capable of fluidic communication with the inlet and the outlet and that is otherwise fully enclosed within the polymer matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: James G. Bentsen, Robert J. DeVoe, Todd R. Williams
  • Patent number: 7053134
    Abstract: Chemically cross-linked polymeric particles are formed using mechanical rather than chemical processes, facilitating production of small-diameter particles in a manner largely independent of the viscosity or density of the polymer. For example, an uncross-linked resin may be provided in particulate form, agglomerated, and compressed into a mass of a desired shape with a desired diameter, and subsequently cross-linked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Scimed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel P. Baldwin, Robert P. Skribiski
  • Patent number: 7045089
    Abstract: The method includes the step of forming a solid epoxy member on a substrate, the epoxy member having an upper surface of desired configuration. A first metal layer is deposited on the epoxy member with the upper surface thereof conforming to the desired configuration. A layer of epoxy is deposited on the first metal layer and epoxy material from the epoxy layer is removed to create a well, exposing the metal layer on the epoxy member. A metal impression layer is then deposited in the well. The metal impression layer is then removed from the well and affixed to a mounting member as a mold component for injection molding of small structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Inventor: Martin A. Afromowitz
  • Patent number: 7037460
    Abstract: A method of polymerizing by a free radical polymerization mechanism, product formed thereby, and apparatus for performing this method, are disclosed. The composition to be polymerized by the free radical polymerization mechanism is irradiated by a substantially constant radiation, the radiation being substantially without pulsation. The use of the substantially constant radiation without pulsation reduces premature termination of the polymerization. The substantially constant radiation can be the output of a lamp powered by a constant current, direct current power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Fusion UV Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey K. Okamitsu, A. David P. Harbourne, Sonny Jonsson, Rong Bao
  • Patent number: 7008572
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method of producing polymer spherical bodies and is to produce a large size spherical body having no residual strain. This method comprises suspending a liquid monomer in a supporting liquid having a magnetic susceptibility ?2 larger than a magnetic susceptibility ?1 of any one of the monomer and the resulting polymer and not dissolving substantially the monomer, and applying a gradient magnetic field to the supporting liquid to float droplets of the monomer at a given position in the supporting liquid, and polymerizing and solidifying the droplets while maintaining a state that the droplet is substantially shaped into a sphere through surface tension. This method is made possible to produce polymer spherical bodies capable of using in optical application and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
    Inventors: Tsunehisa Kimura, Masafumi Yamato, Haruka Nakazawa
  • Patent number: 6998007
    Abstract: Disclosed is an intercrosslinked multilayer polymeric article having at least one thermoplastic polymer layer intercrosslinked by UV radiation at the interface with a core layer of a crosslinkable polymer. The selection of the thermoplastic polymer and the crosslinkable polymer is such that a coextruded composite product of these materials has poor interlayer adhesion prior to radiation treatment. However, the interfacial intercrosslinking provides superior bonding between the layers. The same UV radiation for intercrosslinking typically can also cure the crosslinkable polymer to give the multilayer article excellent structural integrity. Also disclosed is a method for preparing an intercrosslinked multilayer polymeric article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander Tukachinsky, Michael L. Friedman, Paul W. Ortiz
  • Patent number: 6939489
    Abstract: A process for fabricating dental form pieces for dental restoration and replacement parts is provided and includes the step of applying a material, on a firm support or a fluid medium, by a three dimensional plotting technology in a layer by layer manner. The material has micro cords and/or micro drops which include at least one of a meltable, polymerizable, polycondensable, and polyaddable constituent element that is an unfilled monomer, a reinforced monomer, oligomer, polymer, or a ceramic element. The process also includes the step of hardening the applied material by cooling of the material, chemical reaction, polymerization with thermal handling, or polymerization by irradiation of the material with UV or visible light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Ivoclar Vivadent AG
    Inventors: Norbert Moszner, Armin Burgath, Rolf Mulhaupt, Ulrich Salz, Volker Rheinberger, Rudiger Landers
  • Patent number: 6933325
    Abstract: A high refractive index, curable, synthetic resin composition comprising a core resin composition composed of a mixture of ethylenically unsaturated compounds, and an initiation system containing both photo and thermal initiators, particularly a photochromic resin composition which further includes at least one photochromic dye. Also a curing process, which includes a combination of multi-step radiation curing and thermal annealing. Articles produced of cured composition exhibit superior physical and, in appropriate cases, photochromic properties and can be easily mass produced on a commercial scale due to short processing time and use of readily available chemicals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Rodenstock GmbH
    Inventors: Qiang Zheng, Donald Scott Nelson, Charles William Carper, Jr., Manfred Melzig, Herbert Schuster, Herbert Zinner
  • Patent number: 6920643
    Abstract: Pore-free rubber articles are prepared by dip-molding in a dipping medium that includes a vulcanizing agent, then by immersing the dip former in a heated liquid bath that is chemically inert. A particularly effective liquid bath is molten inorganic salt. In addition, the tensile properties of an article of vulcanized rubber can be improved to an unusually effective degree by immersing the already vulcanized article in a solution of a vulcanizing agent to cause the rubber of the article to absorb or imbibe the vulcanizing agent from the solution, and then immersing the rubber and the imbibed vulcanizing agent in a heated liquid bath to increase the degree of vulcanization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Regent Medical Limited
    Inventors: Mark W. McGlothlin, Eric V. Schmid
  • 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: 6908585
    Abstract: A method and composition for providing a colored high performance wear surface for floor coverings is disclosed. Specifically, the floor covering includes a substrate and a high performance layer comprising a radiation cured pigmented composition. The exposed surface of the floor covering has a stain resistance of less than about 150 Delta E units. A pigmented high performance wear layer can be added in register with a printed design on the substrate or in register with an embossed texture of the substrate. Additionally, a high performance topcoat wear layer may be added. The pigmented high performance layer may include a nacreous pigment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: AWI Licensing Company
    Inventors: Ralph W. Wright, Jr., Gary A. Sigel, Jennifer W. Sager, William J. Kauffman
  • Patent number: 6908586
    Abstract: A method of polymerizing by a free radical polymerization mechanism, product formed thereby, and apparatus for performing this method, are disclosed. The composition to be polymerized by the free radical polymerization mechanism is irradiated by a substantially constant radiation, the radiation being substantially without pulsation. The use of the substantially constant radiation without pulsation reduces premature termination of the polymerization. The substantially constant radiation can be the output of a lamp powered by a constant current, direct current power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Fusion UV Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey K. Okamitsu, A. David P. Harbourne, Rong Bao, Sonny Jönsson
  • Patent number: 6890476
    Abstract: A thread or other element for bonding fibers in a fibrous reinforcement for use in a fiber composite is such that it is at least degraded in the course of the production of said fiber composite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Saertex Wagener GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gert Wagener, Carsten Schoeppinger, Jens Kleffmann, Markus Kleineberg, Arno Pabsch, Christof Sigle
  • Patent number: 6881360
    Abstract: A process for producing a dental prosthesis wherein an impression is taken of the patient's mouth, a working model is created, a base plate is applied to the working model, an insulating film is applied to the base plate, a tooth arrangement in wax is formed on the base plate, a framework of the teeth is then formed with an investment compound, the wax is then boiled out and replaced with a curable material which is subsequently hardened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Heraeus Kulzer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Frank Stange, Novica Savic, Albert Erdrich, Teresa Puchalska, Bettina Korthaus
  • Patent number: 6878333
    Abstract: A method of producing a substrate (12) for a plasma display panel, which comprises the steps of: contacting a rib precursor composition (32) containing a first photo-setting initiator having a first absorption edge and a first photo-setting component, closely with a base (12); filling a mold (30), obtained by photo-setting of a second photo-setting component in a presence of a second photo-setting initiator having a second absorption edge whose wavelength is shorter than that corresponding to the first absorption edge of the first photo-setting initiator, with the rib precursor composition (32); irradiating the rib precursor composition (32) with light having a wavelength longer than that corresponding to the second absorption edge to set the rib precursor composition (32), thereby forming a rib (34) on the base (12); and removing the mold (30) from the resulting base (12) on which the rib (34) is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Chikaumi Yokoyma, Takaki Sugimoto, Akira Yoda
  • Patent number: 6869548
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a plurality of kinds of sheets is provided. Each of sheets has a substrate and an ionizing radiation curing type resin layer on at least one of the substrate. There is carried out formation of the ionizing radiation curing type resin layer for each of the sheets, while changing forming conditions based on preset values for each of the sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuyuki Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 6867898
    Abstract: This invention relates to an electrophoretic display comprising cells of well-defined shape, size and aspect ratio which cells are filled with charged pigment particles dispersed in a solvent, and novel processes for its manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: SiPix Imaging Inc.
    Inventors: Rong-Chang Liang, Mary Chan-Park, Scott C-J Tseng, George Wu, HongMei Zang
  • Patent number: 6866810
    Abstract: A treatment method for the internal surface of a molded polyethylene plastics material container such as a drum, including the steps of: introducing an ionizable gas, such as argon, into the container; generating a plasma of the introduced gas by applying electric field of sufficient strength to the container and introduced gas, so as to cause an interaction with the internal surface of the container; coating the internal surface of the container with a curable epoxy-based first polymeric composition; and then curing the polymeric composition to form a coating on the internal surfaces of the container. A second coating, preferably with electrical conductive properties, may be applied and cured over the first coating. Conductive properties may be provided by including conductive particles such as antimony doped tin dioxide, graphite or metal powders, in the second composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Harcostar Drums Limited
    Inventors: Qamar Uddin Ahmed, Michael David Christy, Phillip Andrew Wallis
  • Patent number: 6863859
    Abstract: The present invention relates to novel polymeric compositions that exhibit Reverse Thermal Gelation (RTG) properties for use as Support Materials (SM) in the manufacture of three-dimensional objects. These polymers are Temperature Sensitive Polymers that respond with a significant change of properties to a small change in temperature. Temperature Sensitive Polymers exhibit cloud point (CP) or lower critical solution temperature (LCST) in aqueous solutions. Water-soluble Temperature Sensitive Polymers are chosen to give low viscosity liquid at low temperature when dissolved in water and by that to permit easy dispensing at low temperature. Raising the temperature above their gelation temperature (Tgel) will result in solidification of the composition. At its gel position the material has favorable characteristics as a support and building material. The gel layers have the appropriate toughness and dimensional stability to support the model layers during the building process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Objet Geometries Ltd.
    Inventor: Avraham Levy
  • Patent number: 6849224
    Abstract: An improved prosthetic medical device having improved wear resistance and toughness is provided in the present application. A method is provided to selectively cross-link the polymeric matrix comprising the medical device by employing an interrupting means such as a mask, wire mesh or chopper wheel placed in between the medical device and irradiation source. In addition, the medical device may be translated while being irradiated to further effect the selective cross-linking. The present invention also provides for an injection molding process wherein a prosthetic medical device is formed in a single step, then selectively cross-linked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.
    Inventors: Aiguo Wang, Aaron Paul Essner, Alfred J. Zarnowski
  • Patent number: 6849223
    Abstract: Processes for fabricating a customized, three-dimensional, bioerodable, polymeric prosthetic implant are provided. In a highly preferred embodiment, the prosthetic implant has a porous network. The method employs a sterolithography instrument, a solution comprising chains of one or more photocurable, bioerodable polymers and a photoinitiator, and a three-dimensional CAD image. In a highly preferred embodiment, the solution comprises poly (propylene) fumarate (PPF) and a solvent for controlling the viscosity of the solution. During the fabrication process, the solution is placed in a container in the stereolithography instrument. The container also holds a movable build platen for supporting each of the covalently bonded layers of the polymeric prosthetic implant that are formed when successive layers of the solution are exposed to UV light energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Case Western Reserve University
    Inventors: David Dean, Malcolm Cooke
  • Patent number: 6843951
    Abstract: The method of making a dental device or the like which involves starting with a pattern of the device to be made, closely surrounding that pattern with a settable material to form a unit with the pattern, separating the unit and removing the pattern therefrom, filling the thus produced space with settable material of the type desired for the ultimate device, setting that material and removing the set material constituting the device to be made, and in particular utilizing a retention device to enclose the settable materials and other contents. The process is particularly useful when the device is to be made of a light-sensitive material, in which case the retention device and the first-used settable material are light-transmissive and the retention device preferably focuses light on the material to be set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Inventors: Dan Vogel, Richard J. Pitz
  • Patent number: 6841340
    Abstract: A highly accurate structure is optically fabricated simply and in a short time. Rough optical fabrication using an ultraviolet-irradiation optical fabrication process is carried out for a photo-curing resin by emission of a laser beam from a first light source, and thereafter, fine optical fabrication using a two-photon absorption optical fabrication process is carried out by emission of a laser beam from a second light source. As a result, it is possible to realize optical fabrication which allows fabrication of a fine structure using a two-photon absorption optical fabrication process while realizing high speed processing using the ultraviolet-irradiation optical fabrication process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takeharu Tani
  • Publication number: 20040262791
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for pre-conditioning inserts for improved replication during injection molding. The pre-conditioned inserts provide improved bonding with the injection-material and improved replication of complex molding surfaces. The pre-conditioning of the inserts comprises placing the insert in position against the molding surface, followed by heat-soaking the insert. Heat-soaking can be accomplished using infrared energy, preferably broadband infrared energy or energy that is preferentially absorbed by the insert.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Jotinderpal S. Sidhu, Andrew J. McKenzie, Ahmad A. Barzak, Nancy L. S. Yamasaki
  • Publication number: 20040265183
    Abstract: Forming a structure attached to a micro-fluidic channel based on hydrodynamic focusing is disclosed. In one aspect, a polymerizable fluid and a focusing fluid may be introduced into a hydrodynamic focusing system. The polymerizable fluid may be hydrodynamically focused with the focusing fluid. Then the focused polymerizable fluid may be polymerized to form a structure attached to a channel of the hydrodynamic focusing system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: Narayanan Sundararajan
  • Publication number: 20040251580
    Abstract: The process for the preparation of articles from polymer materials having a medicamentous depot effect is performed by mixing the starting materials, shaping the mixture, cross-linking the polymer material at least until a sufficient dimensional stability is reached, performing all the necessary processing work, introducing the article into a protective package, sterilizing the packaged article, optionally with further cross-linking of the polymer material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventors: Hans-Josef Ludwig, Bernd Hemmer, Wilfried Mertens
  • Publication number: 20040245664
    Abstract: A method for making a dental restoration by milling a dental model from a partially sintered ceramic material, applying dental material thereon, and curing the dental material on the model to obtain a dental restoration. The method can be used for forming a variety of dental restorations including, but not limited to, crowns, bridges, space maintainers, tooth replacement appliances, orthodontic retainers, dentures, posts, jackets, inlays, onlays, facings, veneers, facets, implants, abutments, splints, partial crowns, teeth, cylinders, pins, and connectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: Carlino Panzera
  • Publication number: 20040238111
    Abstract: A UV curing apparatus and method is provided for efficiently decreasing the curing time for the curing of a UV curable product, article or other object having a UV curable coating, ink or adhesive by at least one array of UV LED chips on a substrate. Advantageously, the UV LED chips are driven at a current ranging from 2 to 4 times higher than the normal operating current for the UV LED chips to cause the UV LED chips to emit UV light at a much greater intensity than when the UV LED chips are driven at their normal operating current. For enhanced results, the UV LED chips are cooled during operation of the apparatus and system, so that the UV LED chips can be driven at a higher current for a longer period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: Con-Trol-Cure, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen B. Siegel
  • Publication number: 20040239008
    Abstract: Processes for preparation of seals and gaskets using cure-in-place techniques that incorporate a molding step, which is preferably an injection molding step, are provided. The processes are useful for preparing sealing assemblies that comprise compositions that are curable by UV radiation and that are adhered to a support member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Marc Bernard Gottlieb, Christian Ruepping
  • Patent number: 6824728
    Abstract: A process for crosslinking polyacrylate compositions, wherein, by selective irradiation of the pressure-sensitive adhesive composition with electron beams, the polymer is cured only in certain structures and, as a result, structured pressure-sensitive adhesive compositions can be prepared.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: tesa AG
    Inventors: Marc Husemann, Stephan Zöllner
  • Publication number: 20040234571
    Abstract: A process for injecting nanometer-scaled fibers directly into an intended body site of a patient. The process includes the steps of (a) preparing a precursor fluid to the fibers and (b) injecting the precursor fluid into the intended body site under the influence of an electrical field established between two electrodes to produce the nanometer-scaled fibers for forming a reinforcement preform. A polymer is then optionally injected into the intended body site to form a nano fiber-polymer composite structure. The composite structure may contain interconnected macro pores wherein cells can grow and proliferate. This composite scaffold is useful for tissue engineering. The injected nano fibers and composite structure may also be used as a means of controlled drug release or bone reinforcement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventor: Bor Z. Jang
  • Patent number: 6822015
    Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a rubber composition or its crosslinked product used for a rubber stopper for a medicament or a rubber article for a medical treatment, suitable for radiation treatments to be carried out for the purpose of sterilizing. Accordingly, the present invention provides a rubber composition or its crosslinked product used for a rubber stopper for a medicament or a rubber article for a medical treatment, comprising an isobutylene copolymer, as a predominant component, with a density of at most 0.95, capable of being readily subjected to a radiation treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Daikyo Seiko, Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomoyasu Muraki
  • Patent number: 6821475
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a microstructure is provided. The method includes the step of providing a layer of a polyermizable material. A solid is brought into contact with the layer of polymerizable material so as to alter the shape of the upper surface of the layer. Thereafter, the layer of polymerizable material is polymerized such that the layer solidifies and the upper surface thereof assumes a desired three-dimensional configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: David J. Beebe, Joseph M. Bauer
  • Patent number: 6821473
    Abstract: A three-dimensional laminated product forming apparatus and method for forming a three-dimensional laminated product from a photo-curable liquid by progressively superposing solid laminae one on top of another by photo-curing a surface layer of the photo-curable liquid and converting it to a solid lamina. A product table is provided on which a three-dimensional solid product is built up in progressive steps and which is incrementally advanced into the photo-curable liquid by a specified depth each step. A liquid surface leveling device works as a capillary to draw up a photo-curable liquid by capillary action while it is in contact with the surface of the photo-curable liquid contained in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Inventors: Koki Hiizumi, Shigeru HagiHara
  • Patent number: 6818171
    Abstract: An improved prosthetic medical device having improved wear resistance and toughness is provided in the present application. A method is provided to selectively cross-link the polymeric matrix comprising the medical device by employing an interrupting means such as a mask, wire mesh or chopper wheel placed in between the medical device and irradiation source. In addition, the medical device may be translated while being irradiated to further effect the selective cross-linking. The present invention also provides for an injection molding process wherein a prosthetic medical device is formed in a single step, then selectively cross-linked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Howmedica Osteonics Corp.
    Inventors: Aiguo Wang, Aaron Paul Essner, Alfred J. Zarnowski