Patents by Inventor Brett D. Smith

Brett D. Smith 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).

  • Patent number: 11547464
    Abstract: An irrigating bipolar forceps may include a first forceps arm, a conductor tip of the first forceps arm, a second forceps arm, a conductor tip of the second forceps arm, an input conductor isolation mechanism, and irrigation tubing. A proximal end of the first forceps arm may be disposed within the input conductor isolation mechanism and a proximal end of the second forceps arm may be disposed within the input conductor isolation mechanism. An application of a force to a lateral portion of the forceps arms may be configured to close the forceps arms. A reduction of a force applied to a lateral portion of the forceps arms may be configured to open the forceps arms. The irrigation tubing may transport a fluid from an irrigation supply system to a surgical site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Inventors: Gregg D Scheller, Brett D Smith
  • Patent number: 11364066
    Abstract: An irrigating bipolar forceps may include a first forceps arm, a conductor tip of the first forceps arm, a second forceps arm, a conductor tip of the second forceps arm, an input conductor isolation mechanism, and irrigation tubing. A proximal end of the first forceps arm may be disposed within the input conductor isolation mechanism and a proximal end of the second forceps arm may be disposed within the input conductor isolation mechanism. An application of a force to a lateral portion of the forceps arms may be configured to close the forceps arms. A reduction of a force applied to a lateral portion of the forceps arms may be configured to open the forceps arms. The irrigation tubing may transport a fluid from an irrigation supply system to a surgical site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Inventors: Gregg D Scheller, Brett D Smith
  • Publication number: 20170312013
    Abstract: A temperature monitoring bipolar forceps may include a first forceps arm and a second forceps arm. The first forceps arm may include a first channel, a first conductor tip, and a first thermocouple housing. The second forceps arm may include a second channel, a second conductor tip, and a second thermocouple housing. A first thermocouple wire may include a first thermocouple and a second thermocouple wire may include a second thermocouple. The first thermocouple wire may be disposed in the first channel wherein the first thermocouple is disposed in the first thermocouple housing. The second thermocouple wire may be disposed in the second channel wherein the second thermocouple is disposed in the second thermocouple housing. The first thermocouple may be configured to measure a temperature of the first conductor tip and the second thermocouple may be configured to measure a temperature of the second conductor tip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Publication date: November 2, 2017
    Inventors: Gregg D. Scheller, Jacob D. Harris, Brett D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20160331442
    Abstract: A bipolar forceps with active cooling may include a first forceps arm having a first forceps arm distal end and a first forceps arm proximal end, a second forceps arm having a second forceps arm distal end and a second forceps arm proximal end, a coolant multiplexer, a coolant transfer tube, and a coolant transfer machine interface. The coolant transfer machine interface may be configured to interface with a coolant transfer machine to circulate a coolant through an internal conduit of the first forceps arm and an internal conduit of the second forceps arm. Circulating the coolant through the internal conduit of the first forceps arm may be configured to decrease a temperature of a conductor tip of the first forceps arm. Circulating the coolant through the internal conduit of the second forceps arm may be configured to decrease a temperature of a conductor tip of the second forceps arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventors: Gregg D. Scheller, Brett D. Smith, Anthony E. Bramblett
  • Publication number: 20160310205
    Abstract: An irrigating bipolar forceps may include a first forceps arm, a conductor tip of the first forceps arm, a second forceps arm, a conductor tip of the second forceps arm, an input conductor isolation mechanism, and irrigation tubing. A proximal end of the first forceps arm may be disposed within the input conductor isolation mechanism and a proximal end of the second forceps arm may be disposed within the input conductor isolation mechanism. An application of a force to a lateral portion of the forceps arms may be configured to close the forceps arms. A reduction of a force applied to a lateral portion of the forceps arms may be configured to open the forceps arms. The irrigation tubing may transport a fluid from an irrigation supply system to a surgical site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2015
    Publication date: October 27, 2016
    Inventors: Gregg D. Scheller, Brett D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20160081734
    Abstract: A bipolar forceps may include a first forceps arm having a first forceps arm aperture, a first forceps jaw, and a first forceps arm conductor tip; a second forceps arm having a second forceps arm aperture, a second forceps jaw, and a second forceps arm conductor tip; and an input conductor isolation mechanism having a first forceps arm housing and a second forceps arm housing. The first forceps arm conductor tip may be configured to conduct current only at a medial portion of the first forceps arm. Illustratively, the second forceps arm conductor tip may be configured to conduct current only at a medial portion of the second forceps arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Publication date: March 24, 2016
    Inventors: Gregg D. Scheller, Brett D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20150374429
    Abstract: An irrigating bipolar forceps may include a first forceps arm, a conductor tip of the first forceps arm, a second forceps arm, a conductor tip of the second forceps arm, an input conductor isolation mechanism, and irrigation tubing. A proximal end of the first forceps arm may be disposed within the input conductor isolation mechanism and a proximal end of the second forceps arm may be disposed within the input conductor isolation mechanism. An application of a force to a lateral portion of the forceps arms may be configured to close the forceps arms. A reduction of a force applied to a lateral portion of the forceps arms may be configured to open the forceps arms. The irrigation tubing may transport a fluid from an irrigation supply system to a surgical site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Gregg D Scheller, Brett D Smith
  • Publication number: 20150112336
    Abstract: A bipolar forceps may include a first forceps arm having a first forceps arm aperture, a first forceps jaw, and a first forceps arm conductor tip; a second forceps arm having a second forceps arm aperture, a second forceps jaw, and a second forceps arm conductor tip; and an input conductor isolation mechanism having a first forceps arm housing and a second forceps arm housing. The first forceps arm conductor tip may be configured to conduct current only at a medial portion of the first forceps arm. Illustratively, the second forceps arm conductor tip may be configured to conduct current only at a medial portion of the second forceps arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Gregg D. Scheller, Brett D. Smith
  • Patent number: 8855166
    Abstract: A system and method of operating a high repetition rate gas discharge laser system. The system includes a gas discharge chamber having a hot chamber output window heated by the operation of the gas discharge laser chamber, an output laser light pulse beam path enclosure downstream of the hot chamber window and comprising an ambient temperature window, a cooling mechanism cooling the beam path enclosure intermediate the output window and the ambient window. The gas discharge chamber can include a longitudinally and axially compliant ground rod, including a first end connected to a first chamber wall, a second end connected to a second chamber wall, the second chamber wall opposite the first chamber wall and a first portion formed into a helical spring, the ground rod providing mechanical support for a preionizer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Cymer, LLC
    Inventors: Richard C. Ujazdowski, Richard M. Ness, J. Martin Algots, Vladimir B. Fleurov, Frederick A. Palenschat, Walter D. Gillespie, Bryan G. Moosman, Thomas D. Steiger, Brett D. Smith, Thomas E. McKelvey
  • Publication number: 20120120974
    Abstract: A system and method of operating a high repetition rate gas discharge laser system. The system includes a gas discharge chamber having a hot chamber output window heated by the operation of the gas discharge laser chamber, an output laser light pulse beam path enclosure downstream of the hot chamber window and comprising an ambient temperature window, a cooling mechanism cooling the beam path enclosure intermediate the output window and the ambient window. The gas discharge chamber can include a longitudinally and axially compliant ground rod, including a first end connected to a first chamber wall, a second end connected to a second chamber wall, the second chamber wall opposite the first chamber wall and a first portion formed into a helical spring, the ground rod providing mechanical support for a preionizer tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventors: Richard C. Ujazdowski, Richard M. Ness, J. Martin Algots, Vladimir B. Fleurov, Frederick A. Palenschat, Walter D. Gillespie, Bryan G. Moosman, Thomas D. Steiger, Brett D. Smith, Thomas E. McKelvey
  • Patent number: 7149234
    Abstract: A high repetition rate, compact, modular gas discharge, ultraviolet laser. The laser is useful as a light source for very rapid inspections of wafers in an integrated circuit fabrication process. It is also useful for reticle writing at very rapid rates. A preferred embodiment operates at pulse repetition rates of 1000 to 4000 Hz and is designed for round-the-clock production line operation. This preferred embodiment comprises a pulse control unit which controls the timing of pulses to an accuracy of less than 4 nanoseconds. Preferred embodiments of this gas discharge laser can be configured to operate with a KrF gas mixture, an ArF gas mixture or an F2 gas mixture, each with an approximate buffer gas, producing 248 nm, 197 nm or 157 nm ultraviolet light pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Cymer, Inc.
    Inventors: Palash P. Das, Jennan Yu, Stuart L. Anderson, Helmut Schillinger, Tobias Pflanz, Claus Strowitzki, Claudia A. Hartmann, Stephan Geiger, Brett D. Smith, William N. Partlo
  • Publication number: 20040047386
    Abstract: A high repetition rate, compact, modular gas discharge, ultraviolet laser. The laser is useful as a light source for very rapid inspections of wafers in an integrated circuit fabrication process. It is also useful for reticle writing at very rapid rates. A preferred embodiment operates at pulse repetition rates of 1000 to 4000 Hz and is designed for round-the-clock production line operation. This preferred embodiment comprises a pulse control unit which controls the timing of pulses to an accuracy of less than 4 nanoseconds. Preferred embodiments of this gas discharge laser can be configured to operate with a KrF gas mixture, an ArF gas mixture or an F2 gas mixture, each with an approximate buffer gas, producing 248 nm, 197 nm or 157 nm ultraviolet light pulses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Palash P. Das, Jennan Yu, Stuart L. Anderson, Helmut Schillinger, Tobias Pflanz, Claus Strowitzki, Claudia A. Hartmann, Stephan Geiger, Brett D. Smith, William N. Partlo
  • Patent number: 6618421
    Abstract: A high repetition rate, compact, modular gas discharge, ultraviolet laser. The laser is useful as a light source for very rapid inspections of wafers in an integrated circuit fabrication process. It is also useful for reticle writing at very rapid rates. A preferred embodiment operates at pulse repetition rates of 1000 to 4000 Hz and is designed for round-the-clock production line operation. This preferred embodiment comprises a pulse control unit which controls the timing of pulses to an accuracy of less than 4 nanoseconds. Preferred embodiments of this gas discharge laser can be configured to operate with a KrF gas mixture, an ArF gas mixture or an F2 gas mixture, each with an approximate buffer gas, producing 248 nm, 197 nm or 157 nm ultraviolet light pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Cymer, Inc.
    Inventors: Palash P. Das, Jennan Yu, Stuart L. Anderson, Helmut Schillinger, Tobias Pflanz, Claus Strowitzki, Claudia A. Hartmann, Stephan Geiger, Brett D. Smith, William N. Partlo
  • Publication number: 20020012376
    Abstract: A high repetition rate, compact, modular gas discharge, ultraviolet laser. The laser is useful as a light source for very rapid inspections of wafers in an integrated circuit fabrication process. It is also useful for reticle writing at very rapid rates. A preferred embodiment operates at pulse repetition rates of 1000 to 4000 Hz and is designed for round-the-clock production line operation. This preferred embodiment comprises a pulse control unit which controls the timing of pulses to an accuracy of less than 4 nanoseconds. Preferred embodiments of this gas discharge laser can be configured to operate with a KrF gas mixture, an ArF gas mixture or an F2 gas mixture, each with an approximate buffer gas, producing 248 nm, 197 nm or 157 nm ultraviolet light pulses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventors: Palash P. Das, Jennan Yu, Stuart L. Anderson, Helmut Schillinger, Tobias Pflanz, Claus Strowitzki, Claudia A. Hartmann, Stephan Geiger, Brett D. Smith, William N. Partlo
  • Patent number: 6240112
    Abstract: A high pulse rate pulse power source for supplying controlled high energy electrical pulses at rates of 2000 Hz or greater. The source includes a pulse generating circuit including a charging capacitor, a solid state switch and a current limiting inductor. Pulses generated in the pulse generating circuit are compressed in at least two pulse compression circuits and a step-up pulse transformer increases peak voltage to at least 12,000 volts. A very fast regulated power supply is provided for charging the charging capacitor in less than 400 microseconds and a pulse control system including a programmed processor controls the charging of the charging capacitor to an accuracy of less than about one percent at a rate of at least 4000 charges per second. In a preferred embodiment capable of operating at pulse rates of 2000 to 4000 Hz or greater, water cooling of the saturable inductors is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Cymer, Inc.
    Inventors: William N. Partlo, Daniel L. Birx, Richard M. Ness, Daniel A. Rothweil, Paul C. Melcher, Brett D. Smith
  • Patent number: 6151346
    Abstract: A high pulse rate pulse power source for supplying controlled high energy electrical pulses at rates of 2000 Hz or greater. The source includes a pulse generating circuit including a charging capacitor, a solid state switch and a current limiting inductor. Pulses generated in the pulse generating circuit are compressed in at least two pulse compression circuits and a step-up pulse transformer increases peak voltage to at least 12,000 volts. A very fast regulated power supply is provided for charging the charging capacitor in less than 400 microseconds and a pulse control system including a programmed processor controls the charging of the charging capacitor to an accuracy of less than about one percent at a rate of at least 2000 charges per second.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Cymer, Inc.
    Inventors: William N. Partlo, Daniel L. Birx, Richard M. Ness, Daniel A. Rothweil, Paul C. Melcher, Brett D. Smith
  • Patent number: 6028872
    Abstract: A high pulse rate pulse power source for supplying controlled high energy electrical pulses at rates of 2000 Hz or greater. The source includes a pulse generating circuit including a charging capacitor, a solid state switch and a current limiting inductor. Pulses generated in the pulse generating circuit are compressed in at least two pulse compression circuits and a step-up pulse transformer increases peak voltage to at least 12,000 volts. A very fast regulated resonant power supply is provided for charging the charging capacitor in less than 400 microseconds and a pulse control system including a programmed processor controls the charging of the charging capacitor to an accuracy of less than about one percent at a rate of at least 2000 charges per second.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Cymer, Inc.
    Inventors: William N. Partlo, Daniel L. Birx, Richard M. Ness, Daniel A. Rothweil, Paul C. Melcher, Brett D. Smith
  • Patent number: 5936988
    Abstract: A high pulse rate pulse power source for supplying controlled high energy electrical pulses at rates of 2000 Hz or greater. The source includes a pulse generating circuit including a charging capacitor, a solid state switch and a current limiting inductor. Pulses generated in the pulse generating circuit are compressed in at least two pulse compression circuits and a step-up pulse transformer increases peak voltage to at least 12,000 volts. A very fast regulated power supply is provided for charging the charging capacitor in less than 400 microseconds and a pulse control system including a programmed processor controls the charging of the charging capacitor to an accuracy of less than about one percent at a rate of at least 2000 charges per second.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Cymer, Inc.
    Inventors: William N. Partlo, Daniel L. Birx, Richard M. Ness, Daniel A. Rothweil, Paul C. Melcher, Brett D. Smith