Patents Assigned to Starfire Industries LLC
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System for coupling RF power into LINACs and bellows coating by magnetron sputtering with kick pulse
Patent number: 12009192Abstract: A system and associated method are described for depositing high-quality films for providing a coating on a three-dimensional surface such as an internal surface of a bellows structure. The system includes a magnetic array comprising multiple sets of magnets arranged to have Hall-Effect regions that run lengthwise along a sputter target. The system further includes an elongated sputtering electrode material tube surrounding the magnetic array comprising multiple sets of magnets arranged to have Hall-Effect regions that run lengthwise along the sputter target. During operation, the system generates and controls ion flux for direct current high-power impulse magnetron sputtering. During operation logic circuitry issues a control signal to control a kick pulse property of a sustained positive voltage kick pulse taken from the group consisting of: onset delay, amplitude and duration.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2021Date of Patent: June 11, 2024Assignee: Starfire Industries LLCInventors: Thomas J. Houlahan, Jr., Daniel P. Menet, Ian F. Haehnlein, Ivan A. Shchelkanov, Robert A. Stubbers, Brian E. Jurczyk -
Patent number: 11675102Abstract: An associated particle-based inspection apparatus is described. The apparatus includes a grounded target region and a neutron generator that produces a neutron and one or more corresponding charged particles. The apparatus further includes an associated particle imaging (API) detector comprising a particle detector that detects the one or more corresponding charged particles, wherein the particle detector comprises at least one particle detector element that facilitates determining a trajectory, origination time, and a velocity of the neutron based upon a detection, by a particular one of the at least one particle detector element, of the corresponding charged particles.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2021Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignee: Starfire Industries LLCInventors: Brian E. Jurczyk, Robert A. Stubbers, Darren A. Alman, Matthew D. Coventry
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Patent number: 11560627Abstract: A system and method are described for depositing a material onto a receiving surface, where the material is formed by use of a plasma to modify a source material in-transit to the receiving surface. The system comprises a microwave generator electronics stage. The system further includes a microwave applicator stage including a cavity resonator structure. The cavity resonator structure includes an outer conductor, an inner conductor, and a resonator cavity interposed between the outer conductor and the inner conductor. The system also includes a multi-component flow assembly including a laminar flow nozzle providing a shield gas, a zonal flow nozzle providing a functional process gas, and a source material flow nozzle configured to deliver the source material. The source material flow nozzle and zonal flow nozzle facilitate a reaction between the source material and the functional process gas within a plasma region.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2018Date of Patent: January 24, 2023Assignee: STARFIRE INDUSTRIES LLCInventors: Brian Edward Jurczyk, Robert Andrew Stubbers
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Patent number: 11069515Abstract: An electrical power pulse generator system and a method of the system's operation are described herein. A main energy storage capacitor supplies a negative DC power and a kick energy storage capacitor supplies a positive DC power. A main pulse power transistor is interposed between the main energy storage capacitor and an output pulse rail and includes a main power transmission control input for controlling power transmission from the main energy storage capacitor to the output pulse rail. A positive kick pulse power transistor is interposed between the kick energy storage capacitor and the output pulse rail and includes a kick power transmission control input for controlling power transmission from the kick energy storage capacitor to the output pulse rail. A positive kick pulse power transistor control line is connected to the kick power transmission control input of the positive kick pulse transistor.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2018Date of Patent: July 20, 2021Assignee: Starfire Industries LLCInventors: David N. Ruzic, Robert Andrew Stubbers, Brian Edward Jurczyk
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Patent number: 11008650Abstract: A system and associated method are described for depositing high-quality films for providing a nanolayered coating on a three-dimensional surface. The system includes a magnetic array comprising multiple sets of magnets arranged to have Hall-Effect regions that run lengthwise along a sputter target. The system further includes an elongated sputtering electrode material tube surrounding the magnetic array comprising multiple sets of magnets arranged to have Hall-Effect regions that run lengthwise along the sputter target. During operation, the system generates and controls ion flux for direct current high-power impulse magnetron sputtering. During operation logic circuitry issues a control signal to control a kick pulse property of a sustained positive voltage kick pulse taken from the group consisting of: onset delay, amplitude and duration.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2020Date of Patent: May 18, 2021Assignee: Starfire Industries LLCInventors: Thomas J. Houlahan, Jr., Daniel P. Menet, Ian F. Haehnlein, Ivan A. Shchelkanov, Robert A. Stubbers, Brian E. Jurczyk
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Patent number: 10955582Abstract: A wellbore inspection apparatus and a corresponding method of operation are described. The wellbore inspection apparatus comprises a neutron generator that produces, by a fusion reaction, a neutron and a corresponding charged particle. An associated particle imaging (API) detector comprises a particle detector array that detects the corresponding charged particle. The particle detector array comprises a plurality of particle detector elements that facilitate determining a trajectory of the neutron based upon a detection, by a particular one of the plurality of particle detector elements, of the corresponding charged particle. A gamma-ray detector assembly comprises a set of gamma-ray detector elements, and a set of collimating structures, where adjacent pairs of the set of collimating structures define a gamma-ray path for a gamma-ray arising from an inelastic collision of the neutron.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2019Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: Starfire Industries LLCInventors: Brian E. Jurczyk, Robert A. Stubbers, Darren A. Alman, Matthew D. Coventry
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Publication number: 20200273684Abstract: A system is described that includes a sputter target and a magnetic element array including multiple sets of magnets arranged to have a Hall-Effect region that extends along a length of the sputter target. The elongated sputtering electrode material tube is interposed between the magnetic array and an object to be deposited with a sputtered material from the sputter target. During a direct current high-power impulse magnetron sputtering operation, the system performs a depositing on a surface of the object by generating and controlling an ion and neutral particle flux by: providing a vacuum apparatus containing a sputter target holder electrode; first generating a high-power pulsed plasma magnetron discharge with a high-current negative direct current (DC) pulse to the sputter a target holder electrode; and second generating a configurable positive voltage kick pulse to the sputter target holder electrode after terminating the negative DC pulse.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2020Publication date: August 27, 2020Applicant: Starfire Industries LLCInventors: Brian E. Jurczyk, Robert A. Stubbers, Ivan Shchelkanov, Thomas James Houlahan, JR., Ian F. Haehnlein
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Patent number: 10624199Abstract: A system for injecting radio frequency (RF) pulses into an RF linear accelerator (RF LINAC) cavity is described. In accordance with the description an RF power amplifying element, typically a compact planar triode (CPT), is directly mounted to an outside of a hermetically sealed RF cavity. The direct mounting of the RF power amplifying element places the antenna—responsible for coupling power into the RF cavity—physically on the RF cavity side of a hermetic high-voltage (HV) break. The RF input, RF circuitry, biasing circuitry, and RF power amplifier are all outside of the vacuum cavity region. The direct mounting arrangement facilitates easy inspection and replacement of the RF power amplifier, the RF input and biasing circuitry. The direct mounting arrangement also mitigates the deleterious effects of multipactoring associated with placing the RF power amplifier and associated RF circuitry in the vacuum environment of the RF LINAC cavity.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2017Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: Starfire Industries, LLCInventors: Robert A. Stubbers, Brian E. Jurczyk, Thomas J. Houlahan, Jr., James M. Potter
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Patent number: 10531553Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for generating surface-wave plasmas capable of simultaneously achieving high density with low temperature and planar scalability. A key feature of the invention is reduced damage to objects in contact with the plasma due to the lack of an RF bias; allowing for damage free processing. The preferred embodiment is an all-in-one processing reactor suitable for photovoltaic cell manufacturing, performing saw-damage removal, oxide stripping, deposition, doping and formation of hetero structures. The invention is scalable for atomic-layer deposition, etching, and other surface interaction processes.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2018Date of Patent: January 7, 2020Assignee: STARFIRE INDUSTRIES, LLCInventors: David N. Ruzic, Robert A. Stubbers, Brian E. Jurczyk
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Patent number: 10366795Abstract: The design of a compact, high-efficiency, high-flux capable compact-accelerator fusion neutron generator (FNG) is discussed. FNG's can be used in a variety of industrial analysis applications to replace the use of radioisotopes which pose higher risks to both the end user and national security. High efficiency, long lifetime, and high power-handling capability are achieved though innovative target materials and ion source technology. The device can be sealed up for neutron radiography applications, or down for borehole analysis or other compact applications. Advanced technologies such as custom neutron output energy spectrum, pulsing, and associated particle imaging can be incorporated.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2017Date of Patent: July 30, 2019Assignee: Starfire Industries LLCInventors: Robert Andrew Stubbers, Brian Edward Jurczyk, Darren Adam Alman, Matthew David Coventry, Michael Jerome Schaus
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Patent number: 9867269Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for generating surface-wave plasmas capable of simultaneously achieving high density with low temperature and planar scalability. A key feature of the invention is reduced damage to objects in contact with the plasma due to the lack of an RF bias; allowing for damage free processing. The preferred embodiment is an all-in-one processing reactor suitable for photovoltaic cell manufacturing, performing saw-damage removal, oxide stripping, deposition, doping and formation of heterostructures. The invention is scalable for atomic-layer deposition, etching, and other surface interaction processes.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2014Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: STARFIRE INDUSTRIES, LLCInventors: David N. Ruzic, Robert A. Stubbers, Brian E. Jurczyk
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Patent number: 9728376Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for coupling electromagnetic (EM) energy from a remotely-located primary antenna into a plasma ion source. The EM energy is radiated by a first by through an intermediary secondary antenna. The embodiments described herein enable the elevation of the plasma ion source to a high electric potential bias relative to the primary antenna, which can be maintained at or near a grounded electric potential.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2014Date of Patent: August 8, 2017Assignee: STARFIRE INDUSTRIES, LLCInventors: Robert A. Stubbers, Daniel P. Menet, Michael J. Williams, Brian E. Jurczyk
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Publication number: 20170196073Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for coupling electromagnetic (EM) energy from a remotely-located primary antenna into a plasma ion source. The EM energy is radiated by a first by through an intermediary secondary antenna. The embodiments described herein enable the elevation of the plasma ion source to a high electric potential bias relative to the primary antenna, which can be maintained at or near a grounded electric potential.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2014Publication date: July 6, 2017Applicant: Starfire Industries, LLCInventors: Robert A. Stubbers, Daniel P. Menet, Michael J. Williams, Brian E. Jurczyk
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Patent number: 9607720Abstract: The design of a compact, high-efficiency, high-flux capable compact-accelerator fusion neutron generator (FNG) is discussed. FNG's can be used in a variety of industrial analysis applications to replace the use of radioisotopes which pose higher risks to both the end user and national security. High efficiency, long lifetime, and high power-handling capability are achieved though innovative target materials and ion source technology. The device can be scaled up for neutron radiography applications, or down for borehole analysis or other compact applications. Advanced technologies such as custom neutron output energy spectrum, pulsing, and associated particle imaging can be incorporated.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2009Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Starfire Industries LLCInventors: Robert Andrew Stubbers, Brian Edward Jurczyk, Darren Adam Alman, Matthew David Coventry, Michael Jerome Schaus
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Patent number: 9213112Abstract: Embodiments utilize high energy particles generated by nuclear reactions involving neutron radiation and neutron-sensitive materials to generate and maintain an electric potential gradient between an electrode and a region separated from the electrode by an electric insulator. System and methods contemplated by the invention thereby enable passive detection of neutrons without an externally applied electric potential bias by maintaining a charge accumulation facilitated by nuclear reactions involving neutrons. The charge accumulation produces an electric potential gradient within an electric insulator that separates the charge accumulation from an exterior region.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2014Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: Starfire Industries, LLCInventors: Robert A. Stubbers, Darren A. Alman, Brian E. Jurczyk, Matthew D. Coventry
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Patent number: 9008256Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to several methods to deposit and regenerate target materials in neutron generators and similar nuclear reaction devices. In situ deposition and regeneration of a target material reduces tube degradation of the nuclear reaction device and covers impurities on the surface of the target material at the target location. Further aspects of the invention include a method of designing a target to generate neutrons at a high efficiency rate and at a selected neutron energy from a neutron energy spectrum.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2009Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Starfire Industries, LLCInventors: Robert Andrew Stubbers, Brian Edward Jurczyk, Darren Adam Alman, Matthew David Coventry, Michael Jerome Schaus
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Publication number: 20140315347Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for generating surface-wave plasmas capable of simultaneously achieving high density with low temperature and planar scalability. A key feature of the invention is reduced damage to objects in contact with the plasma due to the lack of an RF bias; allowing for damage free processing. The preferred embodiment is an all-in-one processing reactor suitable for photovoltaic cell manufacturing, performing saw-damage removal, oxide stripping, deposition, doping and formation of heterostructures. The invention is scalable for atomic-layer deposition, etching, and other surface interaction processes.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2014Publication date: October 23, 2014Applicant: Starfire Industries, LLCInventors: David N. Ruzic, Michael P. Reilly, Piyum S. Zoonoz, Robert A. Stubbers, Brian E. Jurczyk
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Publication number: 20140264048Abstract: Embodiments utilize high energy particles generated by nuclear reactions involving neutron radiation and neutron-sensitive materials to generate and maintain an electric potential gradient between an electrode and a region separated from the electrode by an electric insulator. System and methods contemplated by the invention thereby enable passive detection of neutrons without an externally applied electric potential bias by maintaining a charge accumulation facilitated by nuclear reactions involving neutrons. The charge accumulation produces an electric potential gradient within an electric insulator that separates the charge accumulation from an exterior region.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2014Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: STARFIRE INDUSTRIES, LLCInventors: Robert A. Stubbers, Brett W. Scott, Darren A. Alman, Brain E. Jurczyk, Matthew D. Coventry
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Publication number: 20110091000Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to several methods to deposit and regenerate target materials in neutron generators and similar nuclear reaction devices. In situ deposition and regeneration of a target material reduces tube degradation of the nuclear reaction device and covers impurities on the surface of the target material at the target location. Further aspects of the invention include a method of designing a target to generate neutrons at a high efficiency rate and at a selected neutron energy from a neutron energy spectrum.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2009Publication date: April 21, 2011Applicant: Starfire Industries LLCInventors: Robert Andrew Stubbers, Brian Edward Jurczyk, Darren Adam Alman, Matthew David Coventry, Michael Jerome Schaus
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Publication number: 20110044418Abstract: The design of a compact, high-efficiency, high-flux capable compact-accelerator fusion neutron generator (FNG) is discussed. FNG's can be used in a variety of industrial analysis applications to replace the use of radioisotopes which pose higher risks to both the end user and national security. High efficiency, long lifetime, and high power-handling capability are achieved though innovative target materials and ion source technology. The device can be scaled up for neutron radiography applications, or down for borehole analysis or other compact applications. Advanced technologies such as custom neutron output energy spectrum, pulsing, and associated particle imaging can be incorporated.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2009Publication date: February 24, 2011Applicant: Starfire Industries LLCInventors: Robert Andrew Stubbers, Brian Edward Jurczyk, Darren Adam Alman, Matthew David Coventry, Michael Jerome Schaus