US5136682A
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Curable compositions and methods for use in forming optical waveguide structures
Assignee: Tyco International Ltd Bermuda
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Filing: 1991-04-15
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Granted: 1992-08-04
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Expires: 2011-04-15
Abstract
Abstract The present invention provides polymerizable compositions which may be cured with ultraviolet light to form polymer compositions which are especially useful as channel optical waveguides. In particular, they exhibit stability at elevated temperatures such as occur in, for example, reflow soldering.
Inventors
- 👤 Wendell W. Moyer
- 👤 Patrick M. Martens
- 👤 Stephen F. Powell
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 09:54
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; C; C09; C09D; C09D4/00; G02B6/10; G02B6/12; G02B6/13; G02B6/138; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T428/00; Y10T428/31504; Y10T428/31507
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
84 words
A method of forming a multilayer polymer assembly which comprises the steps of: (a) forming on at least part of a surface of a substrate a first layer comprising at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer; (b) curing the monomer containing layer to form a first polymeric layer having a first T g (glass transition temperature); (c) heating the assembly to a temperature above the T g of the first layer for a period of at least 15 seconds; and (d) further curing the assembly.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
84 words
A method of forming a multilayer polymer assembly which comprises the steps of: (a) forming on at least part of a surface of a substrate a first layer comprising at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer; (b) curing the monomer containing layer to form a first polymeric layer having a first T g (glass transition temperature); (c) heating the assembly to a temperature above the T g of the first layer for a period of at least 15 seconds; and (d) further curing the assembly.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
79 words
A method of forming a multilayer polymer assembly as set forth in claim 1 which further comprises, after step (c) but prior to step (d), the step of forming, on the cured first layer, a second layer comprising at least one second ethylenically unsaturated monomer, which may independently be the same as or different from the first monomer, and whereby step (d) also cures the second layer to form a second polymer layer having a second T g .
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
71 words
A method of forming a multilayer polymer assembly as set forth in claim 1 which further comprises, after step (d), the steps of forming, on the cured first polymeric layer, a second layer comprising at least one second ethylenically unsaturated monomer, which may be the same as or different from the first monomer; and then curing the second layer to form a second polymeric layer having a second T g .
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
116 words
A method of forming a multilayer polymer assembly as set forth in claim 1 which further comprises, after step (b), but before step (c), the steps of forming, on the cured first polymeric layer, a second layer comprising at least one second ethylenically unsaturated monomer, which may be the same as or different from the first monomer; and then curing the second layer to form a second polymeric layer having a second T g , and wherein step (c) comprises heating the assembly to a temperature above the highest T g of all the polymer layers then formed, but not previously heated to above their T g , for a period of at least 15 seconds.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
41 words
A method according to claim 1 in which the first and second polymeric layers are formed on a surface of a substrate, which surface comprises at least one polymeric layer already formed from a cured composition comprising an ethylenically unsaturated monomer.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method according to claim 5 wherein the already formed polymeric layer is a film of cured primer less than 5 μm thick securely adhered to the substrate.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
58 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein, after all polymeric layers of the assembly have been formed, the assembly is heated to a temperature above the highest T g of all of the layers then formed, but not previously heated to above their T g , for a period of at least 15 seconds and then further cured.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
62 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein, after all polymer layers except the final layer of the assembly have been formed, the assembly is heated to a temperature above the highest T g of all of the layers then formed, but not previously heated to above their T g , for a period of at least 15 seconds and then further cured.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method according to claim 1 in which radiation is used to carry out the curing steps.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method according to claim 9 wherein the radiation is one of infra-red, ultra-violet or ionizing radiation.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method according to claim 7 wherein radiation is used to carry out the curing steps.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method according to claim 11 wherein the radiation is one of infra-red, ultra-violet or ionizing radiation.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method according to claim 8 wherein radiation is used to carry out the curing steps.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method according to claim 13 wherein the radiation is one of infra-red, ultra-violet or ionizing radiation.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein each molecule of at least one of the first and the second ethylenically unsaturated monomers contains more than one unsaturated group.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method according to claim 15 wherein each molecule of both of the first and the second ethylenically unsaturated monomers contains more than one unsaturated group.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein the assembly comprises an optical waveguide structure.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4900127A
Cited
US4844955A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1995-08-04 | 1996-02-03 | 1996-08-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-08-04 | 2000-02-03 | 2000-08-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-08-04 | 2004-02-03 | 2004-08-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |