Patent · US Expired

Method and apparatus for forming microstructures on polymeric substrates

US7144241B2 · kind B2 · utility

7Cited by
9References
3Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 2, 2005
Grant dateDec 5, 2006
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 2, 2025

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T156/1304
  • WIPO fieldOther special machines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for forming microstructures in the surface of polymeric web materials for use as optical memory substrates. The microstructures may be formed by laminating a hot stamper to a web of material with a selective time/temperature profile. The stamper may be heated to melt flow the surface of the web and stabilize before separation. The stamper may be carried by a support that is independent of the press. The web of polymeric material may be provided with a flow enhancer to improve image formation.Also described herein are methods and apparatus for making optical memory modules, such as disks, which include novel stampers, coating applicators, and finishing systems.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.