Patents by Inventor Robert B. Lowrance
Robert B. Lowrance has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20180014410Abstract: A printer deposits material onto a substrate as part of a manufacturing process for an electronic product. At least one mechanical component experiences mechanical error, which is mitigated using transducers that equalize position of a transported thing, e.g., to provide an “ideal” conveyance path; a substrate conveyance system and/or a printhead conveyance system can each use transducers in this manner to improve precise droplet placement. In one embodiment, errors are measured in advance, with corrections being “played back” during production runs to mitigate repeatable transport path error. In a still more detailed embodiment, the transducers can be predicated on voice coils, which cooperate with a floatation table and floating, mechanical pivot assembly to provide frictionless, but mechanically-supported error correction.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2017Publication date: January 11, 2018Inventors: David C. Darrow, Digby Pun, Robert B. Lowrance, Alexander Sou-Kang Ko
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Patent number: 9789715Abstract: Gas bearing systems, print gap control systems, and methods of print gap control are provided. The gas bearing systems can accommodate one or more print module packages. The systems and methods can be used for inkjet and/or thermal printing applications such as manufacturing organic light emitting devices (OLEDs). Gas bearing systems can employ one or more of pressurized gas and vacuum. For oxygen-sensitive applications, an inert gas, such as nitrogen gas, can be employed as the pressurized gas. Fluid channels and apertures of the gas bearing systems can be varied in terms of size and relative position to one another. Fluid channels and apertures can be grouped and paired with one or more manifolds and ultimately a pressurized gas and/or vacuum source.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2016Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignee: Kateeva, Inc.Inventors: Robert B. Lowrance, Michael Miller, Sass Somekh, Conor F. Madigan, Eliyahu Vronsky, Manoocher Birang
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Publication number: 20170246892Abstract: Gas bearing systems, print gap control systems, and methods of print gap control are provided. The gas bearing systems can accommodate one or more print module packages. The systems and methods can be used for inkjet and/or thermal printing applications such as manufacturing organic light emitting devices (OLEDs). Gas bearing systems can employ one or more of pressurized gas and vacuum. For oxygen-sensitive applications, an inert gas, such as nitrogen gas, can be employed as the pressurized gas. Fluid channels and apertures of the gas bearing systems can be varied in terms of size and relative position to one another. Fluid channels and apertures can be grouped and paired with one or more manifolds and ultimately a pressurized gas and/or vacuum source.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2017Publication date: August 31, 2017Inventors: Robert B. Lowrance, Michael Miller, Sass Somekh, Conor F. Madigan, Eliyahu Vronsky, Manoocher Birang
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Publication number: 20170144462Abstract: Gas bearing systems, print gap control systems, and methods of print gap control are provided. The gas bearing systems can accommodate one or more print module packages. The systems and methods can be used for inkjet and/or thermal printing applications such as manufacturing organic light emitting devices (OLEDs). Gas bearing systems can employ one or more of pressurized gas and vacuum. For oxygen-sensitive applications, an inert gas, such as nitrogen gas, can be employed as the pressurized gas. Fluid channels and apertures of the gas bearing systems can be varied in terms of size and relative position to one another. Fluid channels and apertures can be grouped and paired with one or more manifolds and ultimately a pressurized gas and/or vacuum source.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2017Publication date: May 25, 2017Inventors: Robert B. Lowrance, Michael Miller, Sass Somekh, Conor F. Madigan, Eliyahu Vronsky, Manoocher Birang
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Patent number: 9656491Abstract: Gas bearing systems, print gap control systems, and methods of print gap control are provided. The gas bearing systems can accommodate one or more print module packages. The systems and methods can be used for inkjet and/or thermal printing applications such as manufacturing organic light emitting devices (OLEDs). Gas bearing systems can employ one or more of pressurized gas and vacuum. For oxygen-sensitive applications, an inert gas, such as nitrogen gas, can be employed as the pressurized gas. Fluid channels and apertures of the gas bearing systems can be varied in terms of size and relative position to one another. Fluid channels and apertures can be grouped and paired with one or more manifolds and ultimately a pressurized gas and/or vacuum source.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2017Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Assignee: Kateeva, Inc.Inventors: Robert B. Lowrance, Michael Miller, Sass Somekh, Conor F. Madigan, Eliyahu Vronsky, Manoocher Birang
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Publication number: 20170136793Abstract: Gas bearing systems, print gap control systems, and methods of print gap control are provided. The gas bearing systems can accommodate one or more print module packages. The systems and methods can be used for inkjet and/or thermal printing applications such as manufacturing organic light emitting devices (OLEDs). Gas bearing systems can employ one or more of pressurized gas and vacuum. For oxygen-sensitive applications, an inert gas, such as nitrogen gas, can be employed as the pressurized gas. Fluid channels and apertures of the gas bearing systems can be varied in terms of size and relative position to one another. Fluid channels and apertures can be grouped and paired with one or more manifolds and ultimately a pressurized gas and/or vacuum source.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2016Publication date: May 18, 2017Inventors: Robert B. Lowrance, Michael Miller, Sass Somekh, Conor F. Madigan, Eliyahu Vronsky, Manoocher Birang
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Publication number: 20170129265Abstract: The present teachings disclose various embodiments of a printing system for printing a substrate, in which the printing system can be housed in a gas enclosure, where the environment within the enclosure can be maintained as a controlled printing environment. A controlled environment of the present teachings can include control of the type of gas environment within the gas enclosure, the size and level particulate matter within the enclosure, control of the temperature within the enclosure and control of lighting. Various embodiments of a printing system of the present teachings can include a Y-axis motion system and a Z-axis moving plate that are configured to substantially decrease excess thermal load within the enclosure by, for example, eliminating or substantially minimizing the use of conventional electric motors.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2016Publication date: May 11, 2017Inventors: Robert B. Lowrance, Alexander Sou-Kang Ko, Justin Mauck, Eliyahu Vronsky, Aleksey Khrustalev, Karl Mathia, Shandon Alderson
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Patent number: 9550383Abstract: Gas bearing systems, print gap control systems, and methods of print gap control are provided. The gas bearing systems can accommodate one or more print module packages. The systems and methods can be used for inkjet and/or thermal printing applications such as manufacturing organic light emitting devices (OLEDs). Gas bearing systems can employ one or more of pressurized gas and vacuum. For oxygen-sensitive applications, an inert gas, such as nitrogen gas, can be employed as the pressurized gas. Fluid channels and apertures of the gas bearing systems can be varied in terms of size and relative position to one another. Fluid channels and apertures can be grouped and paired with one or more manifolds and ultimately a pressurized gas and/or vacuum source.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2016Date of Patent: January 24, 2017Assignee: Kateeva, Inc.Inventors: Robert B. Lowrance, Michael Miller, Sass Somekh, Conor Madigan, Eliyahu Vronsky, Manoocher Birang
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Patent number: 9505245Abstract: The present teachings disclose various embodiments of a printing system for printing a substrate, in which the printing system can be housed in a gas enclosure, where the environment within the enclosure can be maintained as a controlled printing environment. A controlled environment of the present teachings can include control of the type of gas environment within the gas enclosure, the size and level particulate matter within the enclosure, control of the temperature within the enclosure and control of lighting. Various embodiments of a printing system of the present teachings can include a Y-axis motion system and a Z-axis moving plate that are configured to substantially decrease excess thermal load within the enclosure by, for example, eliminating or substantially minimizing the use of conventional electric motors.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2015Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Inventors: Robert B. Lowrance, Alexander Sou-Kang Ko, Justin Mauck, Eliyahu Vronsky, Aleksey Khrustalev, Karl Mathia, Shandon Alderson
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Publication number: 20160303877Abstract: Gas bearing systems, print gap control systems, and methods of print gap control are provided. The gas bearing systems can accommodate one or more print module packages. The systems and methods can be used for inkjet and/or thermal printing applications such as manufacturing organic light emitting devices (OLEDs). Gas bearing systems can employ one or more of pressurized gas and vacuum. For oxygen-sensitive applications, an inert gas, such as nitrogen gas, can be employed as the pressurized gas. Fluid channels and apertures of the gas bearing systems can be varied in terms of size and relative position to one another. Fluid channels and apertures can be grouped and paired with one or more manifolds and ultimately a pressurized gas and/or vacuum source.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2016Publication date: October 20, 2016Inventors: Robert B. Lowrance, Michael Miller, Sass Somekh, Conor Madigan, Eliyahu Vronsky, Manoocher Birang
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Patent number: 9302513Abstract: Gas bearing systems, print gap control systems, and methods of print gap control are provided. The gas bearing systems can accommodate one or more print module packages. The systems and methods can be used for inkjet and/or thermal printing applications such as manufacturing organic light emitting devices (OLEDs). Gas bearing systems can employ one or more of pressurized gas and vacuum. For oxygen-sensitive applications, an inert gas, such as nitrogen gas, can be employed as the pressurized gas. Fluid channels and apertures of the gas bearing systems can be varied in terms of size and relative position to one another. Fluid channels and apertures can be grouped and paired with one or more manifolds and ultimately a pressurized gas and/or vacuum source.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2015Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: Kateeva, Inc.Inventors: Robert B. Lowrance, Michael Miller, Sass Somekh, Conor Madigan, Eliyahu Vronsky, Manoocher Birang
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Publication number: 20150360462Abstract: The present teachings disclose various embodiments of a printing system for printing a substrate, in which the printing system can be housed in a gas enclosure, where the environment within the enclosure can be maintained as a controlled printing environment. A controlled environment of the present teachings can include control of the type of gas environment within the gas enclosure, the size and level particulate matter within the enclosure, control of the temperature within the enclosure and control of lighting. Various embodiments of a printing system of the present teachings can include a Y-axis motion system and a Z-axis moving plate that are configured to substantially decrease excess thermal load within the enclosure by, for example, eliminating or substantially minimizing the use of conventional electric motors.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2015Publication date: December 17, 2015Inventors: Robert B. Lowrance, Alexander Sou-Kang Ko, Justin Mauck, Eliyahu Vronsky, Aleksey Khrustalev, Karl Mathia, Shandon Alderson
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Publication number: 20150328910Abstract: Gas bearing systems, print gap control systems, and methods of print gap control are provided. The gas bearing systems can accommodate one or more print module packages. The systems and methods can be used for inkjet and/or thermal printing applications such as manufacturing organic light emitting devices (OLEDs). Gas bearing systems can employ one or more of pressurized gas and vacuum. For oxygen-sensitive applications, an inert gas, such as nitrogen gas, can be employed as the pressurized gas. Fluid channels and apertures of the gas bearing systems can be varied in terms of size and relative position to one another. Fluid channels and apertures can be grouped and paired with one or more manifolds and ultimately a pressurized gas and/or vacuum source.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2015Publication date: November 19, 2015Inventors: Robert B. Lowrance, Michael Miller, Sass Somekh, Conor Madigan, Eliyahu Vronsky, Manoocher Birang
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Patent number: 9120344Abstract: Gas bearing systems, print gap control systems, and methods of print gap control are provided. The gas bearing systems can accommodate one or more print module packages. The systems and methods can be used for inkjet and/or thermal printing applications such as manufacturing organic light emitting devices (OLEDs). Gas bearing systems can employ one or more of pressurized gas and vacuum. For oxygen-sensitive applications, an inert gas, such as nitrogen gas, can be employed as the pressurized gas. Fluid channels and apertures of the gas bearing systems can be varied in terms of size and relative position to one another. Fluid channels and apertures can be grouped and paired with one or more manifolds and ultimately a pressurized gas and/or vacuum source.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2012Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: Kateeva, Inc.Inventors: Robert B. Lowrance, Michael Miller, Sass Somekh, Conor F. Madigan, Eliyahu Vronsky, Manoocher Birang
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Publication number: 20150013771Abstract: In one aspect, a valve assembly adapted to seal an opening in a chamber is disclosed. Valve assembly includes a housing being adapted for coupling to a chamber surface having the opening therein, the housing including a threshold portion positioned adjacent to the chamber opening, the threshold portion having one or more inlets adapted to supply gas to an interior region of the housing adjacent to the chamber opening; and a sealing surface adapted to selectively (1) seal the opening, and (2) retract from the opening so as not to obstruct substrate passage. Numerous other system aspects are provided, as are methods and computer program products in accordance with these and other aspects.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2014Publication date: January 15, 2015Inventors: Efrain Quiles, Mehran Behdjat, Robert B. Lowrance, Michael R. Rice, Brent Vopat
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Patent number: 8796589Abstract: In a first aspect, a first substrate processing system is provided that includes (1) a chamber having a plurality of opening through which a substrate may be transported; (2) a substrate carrier opener coupled to a first one of the plurality of openings; (3) a thermal processing chamber coupled to a second one of the plurality of openings; and (4) a wafer handler contained within the chamber, having a substrate clamping blade and a blade adapted to transport high temperature substrates.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2002Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Efrain Quiles, Mehran Behdjat, Robert B. Lowrance, Michael Robert Rice, Brent Vopat
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Patent number: 8632145Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to a method and apparatus for printing from a rotating source. In an exemplary embodiment, the disclosure relates to a facetted drum for simultaneously printing multiple pixels. The facetted drum includes a support structure and a plurality of printheads affixed to the support structure, each printhead having at least one microporous structure for receiving a first quantity of liquid ink having dissolved or suspended film material in a carrier fluid and dispensing a second quantity of ink material substantially free of the carrier fluid. The plurality of printheads are positioned proximal to a substrate to simultaneously print a plurality of spatially-discrete and image-resolved pixels on the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2011Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: Kateeva, Inc.Inventors: Conor Francis Madigan, Eliyahu Vronsky, Alexander Sou-Kang Ko, Robert B. Lowrance, Christopher Buchner
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Publication number: 20130038649Abstract: Gas bearing systems, print gap control systems, and methods of print gap control are provided. The gas bearing systems can accommodate one or more print module packages. The systems and methods can be used for inkjet and/or thermal printing applications such as manufacturing organic light emitting devices (OLEDs). Gas bearing systems can employ one or more of pressurized gas and vacuum. For oxygen-sensitive applications, an inert gas, such as nitrogen gas, can be employed as the pressurized gas. Fluid channels and apertures of the gas bearing systems can be varied in terms of size and relative position to one another. Fluid channels and apertures can be grouped and paired with one or more manifolds and ultimately a pressurized gas and/or vacuum source.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2012Publication date: February 14, 2013Applicant: KATEEVA, INC.Inventors: Robert B. LOWRANCE, Michael MILLER, Sass SOMEKH, Conor F. MADIGAN, Eliyahu VRONSKY, Manoocher BIRANG
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Publication number: 20120001967Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to a method and apparatus for printing from a rotating source. In an exemplary embodiment, the disclosure relates to a facetted drum for simultaneously printing multiple pixels. The facetted drum includes a support structure and a plurality of printheads affixed to the support structure, each printhead having at least one microporous structure for receiving a first quantity of liquid ink having dissolved or suspended film material in a carrier fluid and dispensing a second quantity of ink material substantially free of the carrier fluid. The plurality of printheads are positioned proximal to a substrate to simultaneously print a plurality of spatially-discrete and image-resolved pixels on the substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2011Publication date: January 5, 2012Applicant: KATEEVA, INC.Inventors: Conor Francis Madigan, Eliyahu Vronsky, Alexander Sou-Kang Ko, Robert B. Lowrance, Christopher Buchner
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Patent number: 8020689Abstract: A break-away mounting system for a continuous-motion, high-speed position conveyor system is disclosed. A support cradle may be suspended from a conveyor belt such that the support cradle maintains a fixed position and orientation relative to at least one point on the conveyor belt without inducing appreciable stress on the conveyor belt, the support cradle, or the coupling between the conveyor belt and the support cradle. The mount may include a leading rotatable bearing attached to the support cradle which may releasably engage a first key attached to the conveyor belt, the rotatable bearing adapted to accommodate rotational forces applied to the support cradle by the conveyor belt. The mount may also include a slide bearing attached to the support cradle which may releasably engage a second key attached to the conveyor belt, the slide bearing adapted to accommodate longitudinal forces applied to the support cradle by the conveyor belt.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2009Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Michael R. Rice, Eric A. Englhardt, Robert B. Lowrance, Martin R. Elliot, Jeffrey C. Hudgens