Patents by Inventor Eric C. Hansell

Eric C. Hansell 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).

  • Method and apparatus for a non-contact scavenging seal
    Patent number: 6559922
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a purged optical path between an optical source surface and an optical target surface and for permitting relative movement between the optical source surface and the optical target surface is described. The apparatus includes a body, a central cavity, at least one gas supply bore, and at least one gas removal bore. The body defines first and second opposing surfaces. The first opposing surface is configured for positioning closely adjacent to the optical target surface. The second opposing surface is configured to mate with the optical source surface. The central cavity is formed in the body for passing light through the body, the central cavity being open at the first and second opposing surfaces. The at least one gas supply bore is formed in the body for suppling a flow of a purge gas to the central cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventors: Eric C. Hansell, Jose V. Herrera, Richard L. Huse, Jorge S. Ivaldi, Stephen G. Krehley, Thomas P. Shamaly
  • Method and apparatus for a non-contact scavenging seal
    Publication number: 20010038442
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a purged optical path between an optical source surface and an optical target surface and for permitting relative movement between the optical source surface and the optical target surface is described. The apparatus includes a body, a central cavity, at least one gas supply bore, and at least one gas removal bore. The body defines first and second opposing surfaces. The first opposing surface is configured for positioning closely adjacent to the optical target surface. The second opposing surface is configured to mate with the optical source surface. The central cavity is formed in the body for passing light through the body, the central cavity being open at the first and second opposing surfaces. The at least one gas supply bore is formed in the body for suppling a flow of a purge gas to the central cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    Applicant: Silicon Valley Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric C. Hansell, Jose V. Herrera, Richard L. Huse, Jorge S. Ivaldi, Stephen G. Krehley, Thomas P. Shamaly