Patents by Inventor Brian D. Kowal

Brian D. Kowal 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).

  • Publication number: 20210358785
    Abstract: A system, method and software for generating and receiving information about the AC, DC, RF, voltage, and other characteristics and information provided by components in a system. The information can provide insight into the operational characteristics and functionality of the components, as well as the process and system the components are being used within. This information may be used for preventative maintenance of the components, and to detect changes, issues, failures, events, problems, etc. in the process and system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2021
    Publication date: November 18, 2021
    Inventors: Andrew Merton, Jeffrey Harrell, Brian D. Kowal
  • Patent number: 9673028
    Abstract: Systems and methods for arc handling in plasma processing operations are disclosed. The method includes providing current with a power supply to a plasma load at a first voltage polarity and energizing an energy storage device so when it is energized, the energy storage device applies a reverse polarity voltage that has a magnitude that is as least as great as the first voltage polarity. When an arc is detected, power is applied from the energy storage device to the plasma load with a reverse polarity voltage that has a polarity that is opposite of the first voltage polarity, the application of the reverse polarity voltage to the plasma load decreases a level of the current that is provided to the plasma load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: ADVANCED ENERGY INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Hendrik Walde, Joshua Brian Pankratz, David Christie, Brian D. Kowal
  • Publication number: 20170025257
    Abstract: Systems and methods for arc handling in plasma processing operations are disclosed. The method includes providing current with a power supply to a plasma load at a first voltage polarity and energizing an energy storage device so when it is energized, the energy storage device applies a reverse polarity voltage that has a magnitude that is as least as great as the first voltage polarity. When an arc is detected, power is applied from the energy storage device to the plasma load with a reverse polarity voltage that has a polarity that is opposite of the first voltage polarity, the application of the reverse polarity voltage to the plasma load decreases a level of the current that is provided to the plasma load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Publication date: January 26, 2017
    Inventors: Hendrik Walde, Joshua Brian Pankratz, David Christie, Brian D. Kowal
  • Patent number: 9313870
    Abstract: Systems and methods for arc handling in plasma processing operations are disclosed. The method includes providing current with a power supply to a plasma load at a first voltage polarity and energizing an energy storage device so when it is energized, the energy storage device applies a reverse polarity voltage that has a magnitude that is as least as great as the first voltage polarity. When an arc is detected, power is applied from the energy storage device to the plasma load with a reverse polarity voltage that has a polarity that is opposite of the first voltage polarity, the application of the reverse polarity voltage to the plasma load decreases a level of the current that is provided to the plasma load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Hendrik Walde, Joshua Brian Pankratz, David Christie, Brian D. Kowal
  • Publication number: 20140070730
    Abstract: Systems and methods for arc handling in plasma processing operations are disclosed. The method includes providing current with a power supply to a plasma load at a first voltage polarity and energizing an energy storage device so when it is energized, the energy storage device applies a reverse polarity voltage that has a magnitude that is as least as great as the first voltage polarity. When an arc is detected, power is applied from the energy storage device to the plasma load with a reverse polarity voltage that has a polarity that is opposite of the first voltage polarity, the application of the reverse polarity voltage to the plasma load decreases a level of the current that is provided to the plasma load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventors: Hendrik Walde, Joshua Brian Pankratz, David Christie, Brian D. Kowal
  • Publication number: 20040245999
    Abstract: This invention teaches an arc detection and arc reduction circuit for use with power supplies for delivering power to a plasma processing system that utilizes a resonant circuit that stores energy and when the voltage drops between the cathode and anode of the processing chamber the stored energy generates a current in a current transformer in response to the voltage change to switch a magnetically coupled inductor in parallel with the cathode and anode causing a reversal of the voltage that reduces arcs in the plasma chamber. In an alternate embodiment the magnetically coupled inductor is replaced by a pulse transformer and the pulse transformer is placed in parallel with the cathode and anode causing a reversal of the voltage that reduces arcs in the plasma chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventors: Hendrik V. Walde, Brian D. Kowal