Patents by Inventor James Pfau

James Pfau 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: 20240055282
    Abstract: Methods provided herein may include illuminating a region on a wafer within a semiconductor processing tool, the wafer having a layer of a material that is at least semi-transparent to light and has a measurable extinction coefficient, and the region being a first fraction of the wafer's surface, detecting light reflected off the material and off a surface underneath the material using one or more detectors and generating optical data corresponding to the detected light, generating a metric associated with a property of the material on the wafer by applying the optical data to a transfer function that relates the optical data to the metric associated with the property of the material on the wafer, determining an adjustment to one or more processing parameters for a processing module, and performing or modifying a processing operation in the processing module according to the adjusted one or more processing parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2022
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Inventors: Liu Yang, Mengping LI, Shantinath Ghongadi, Andrew James Pfau
  • Publication number: 20220349850
    Abstract: In some examples, a Vacuum Pre-treatment Module (VPM) metrology system is provided for measuring a sheet resistance of a layer on a substrate. The system may comprise an eddy sensor including a sender sensor and a receiver sensor defining a gap between them for accepting an edge of a substrate to be tested. A sensor controller receives measurement signals from the eddy sensor. A data processor processes the measurement signals and generates sheet resistance values for the layer on the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2020
    Publication date: November 3, 2022
    Inventors: Manish Ranjan, Andrew James Pfau, Douglas Hill, Douglas Koeller, Burton Williams, Shantinath Ghongadi
  • Publication number: 20220228287
    Abstract: An electrochemical deposition system includes: an electrochemical deposition chamber including an electrolyte for electrochemical deposition; a substrate holder configured to hold a substrate and including a first cathode that is electrically connected to the substrate; a first actuator configured to adjust a vertical position of the substrate holder within the electrochemical deposition chamber; an anode submerged in the electrolyte; a second cathode arranged between the first cathode and the anode; a first optical probe configured to measure a first reflectivity of the substrate at a first distance from a center of the substrate while the substrate is submerged within the electrolyte during the electrochemical deposition; and a controller configured to, based on the first reflectivity, selectively adjust at least one of power applied to the first cathode, power applied to the second cathode, power applied to the anode, and the vertical position of the substrate holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2020
    Publication date: July 21, 2022
    Inventors: Andrew James PFAU, Shantinath GHONGADI, Zhian HE, Manish RANJAN
  • Publication number: 20210366768
    Abstract: Various embodiments include methods and apparatuses to moisturize a substrate prior to an electrochemical deposition process. In one embodiment, a method to control substrate wettability includes placing a substrate in a pre-treatment chamber, controlling an environment of the pre-treatment chamber to moisturize a surface of the substrate; and placing the substrate into a plating cell. Other methods and systems are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2019
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Inventors: Zhian HE, Shantinath GHONGADI, Hyungjun HUR, Ludan HUANG, Jingbin FENG, Douglas HILL, Thomas BURKE, Manish RANJAN, Andrew James PFAU
  • Publication number: 20180333891
    Abstract: A method of surface sealing a porous fibrous substrate is provided. According to the method, a porous fibrous substrate possessing a moisture content and a surface with pores is provided. A sealant composition is applied to a surface of the porous fibrous substrate and permitted to penetrate the surface pores of the porous fibrous substrate and undergo cure while participating in a foaming reaction with the moisture content to establish a water-resistant polymeric foam sealant impregnated into the porous fibrous substrate. The water-resistant polymeric foam sealant contains a polyurethane and/or polyurea.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Publication date: November 22, 2018
    Inventors: James PFAU, Stephen HART
  • Patent number: 10035282
    Abstract: A method of surface sealing a porous fibrous substrate is provided. According to the method, a porous fibrous substrate possessing a moisture content and a surface with pores is provided. A sealant composition is applied to a surface of the porous fibrous substrate and permitted to penetrate the surface pores of the porous fibrous substrate and undergo cure while participating in a foaming reaction with the moisture content to establish a water-resistant polymeric foam sealant impregnated into the porous fibrous substrate. The water-resistant polymeric foam sealant contains a polyurethane and/or polyurea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Masonite Corporation
    Inventors: James Pfau, Stephen Hart
  • Patent number: 9657511
    Abstract: An impact resistant door skin, a door including the same, and a method of manufacturing an impact resistant door skin from a pre-formed door skin are provided. The method includes the steps of providing at least one preformed door skin and applying adhesive to a rear side of the at least one preformed door skin. A fiberglass mesh mat is pressed onto the rear side of the at least one preformed door skin. Then, chopped glass fibers coated with adhesive are sprayed onto the rear side of the at least one preformed door skin using a chopper gun to form a layer of chopped glass fibers on the fiberglass mesh mat. The performed door skin may be a molded door skin having at least one recessed panel formed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Masonite Corporation
    Inventors: James Pfau, Stephen Hart, James Bryant
  • Patent number: 9272441
    Abstract: A method of surface sealing a porous fibrous substrate is provided. According to the method, a porous fibrous substrate possessing a moisture content and a surface with pores is provided. A sealant composition is applied to a surface of the porous fibrous substrate and permitted to penetrate the surface pores of the porous fibrous substrate and undergo cure while participating in a foaming reaction with the moisture content to establish a water-resistant polymeric foam sealant impregnated into the porous fibrous substrate. The water-resistant polymeric foam sealant contains a polyurethane and/or polyurea.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Masonite Corporation
    Inventors: James Pfau, Stephen Hart
  • Publication number: 20150344675
    Abstract: A method is provided for making an annealed door skin or composite door assembly. At least the door skin is formed of a composition comprising a thermoset binder and fiberglass. The door skin, alone or in combination with other parts of a door assembly, is subjected to annealing to make the annealed door skin. The process of annealing comprises the step of heating the door skin, alone or in combination with other parts of the door assembly, above the glass transition temperature yet below the thermal degradation temperature of the thermoset binder for a sufficient amount of time to cause release internal stresses in the door skin, then the step of cooling the door skin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Publication date: December 3, 2015
    Inventors: James PFAU, James BRYANT, Liqun XU, Elizalde EXCONDE
  • Patent number: 9102808
    Abstract: A method is provided for making an annealed door skin or composite door assembly. At least the door skin is formed of a composition comprising a thermoset binder and fiberglass. The door skin, alone or in combination with other parts of a door assembly, is subjected to annealing to make the annealed door skin. The process of annealing comprises the step of heating the door skin, alone or in combination with other parts of the door assembly, above the glass transition temperature yet below the thermal degradation temperature of the thermoset binder for a sufficient amount of time to cause release internal stresses in the door skin, then the step of cooling the door skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Masonite Corporation
    Inventors: James Pfau, James Bryant, Liqun Xu, Elizalde Exconde
  • Publication number: 20150038032
    Abstract: An impact resistant door skin, a door including the same, and a method of manufacturing an impact resistant door skin from a pre-formed door skin are provided. The method includes the steps of providing at least one preformed door skin and applying adhesive to a rear side of the at least one preformed door skin. A fiberglass mesh mat is pressed onto the rear side of the at least one preformed door skin. Then, chopped glass fibers coated with adhesive are sprayed onto the rear side of the at least one preformed door skin using a chopper gun to form a layer of chopped glass fibers on the fiberglass mesh mat. The performed door skin may be a molded door skin having at least one recessed panel formed therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: James PFAU, Stephen HART, James BRYANT
  • Publication number: 20140315026
    Abstract: A method is provided for making an annealed door skin or composite door assembly. At least the door skin is formed of a composition comprising a thermoset binder and fiberglass. The door skin, alone or in combination with other parts of a door assembly, is subjected to annealing to make the annealed door skin. The process of annealing comprises the step of heating the door skin, alone or in combination with other parts of the door assembly, above the glass transition temperature yet below the thermal degradation temperature of the thermoset binder for a sufficient amount of time to cause release internal stresses in the door skin, then the step of cooling the door skin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: James PFAU, James BRYANT, Liqun XU, Elizalde EXCONDE
  • Patent number: 8864926
    Abstract: An impact resistant door skin, a door including the same, and a method of manufacturing an impact resistant door skin from a pre-formed door skin are provided. The method includes the steps of providing at least one preformed door skin and applying adhesive to a rear side of the at least one preformed door skin. A fiberglass mesh mat is pressed onto the rear side of the at least one preformed door skin. Then, chopped glass fibers coated with adhesive are sprayed onto the rear side of the at least one preformed door skin using a chopper gun to form a layer of chopped glass fibers on the fiberglass mesh mat. The performed door skin may be a molded door skin having at least one recessed panel formed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Masonite Corporation
    Inventors: James Pfau, Stephen Hart, James Bryant
  • Patent number: 8771581
    Abstract: A method is provided for making an annealed door skin or composite door assembly. At least the door skin is formed of a composition comprising a thermoset binder and fiberglass. The door skin, alone or in combination with other parts of a door assembly, is subjected to annealing to make the annealed door skin. The process of annealing comprises the step of heating the door skin, alone or in combination with other parts of the door assembly, above the glass transition temperature yet below the thermal degradation temperature of the thermoset binder for a sufficient amount of time to cause release internal stresses in the door skin, then the step of cooling the door skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Masonite Corporation
    Inventors: James Pfau, James Bryant, Liqun Xu, Elizalde Exconde
  • Patent number: 8765046
    Abstract: A method is provided for making an annealed door skin or composite door assembly. At least the door skin is formed of a composition comprising a thermoset binder and fiberglass. The door skin, alone or in combination with other parts of a door assembly, is subjected to annealing to make the annealed door skin. The process of annealing comprises the step of heating the door skin, alone or in combination with other parts of the door assembly, above the glass transition temperature yet below the thermal degradation temperature of the thermoset binder for a sufficient amount of time to cause release internal stresses in the door skin, then the step of cooling the door skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Masonite Corporation
    Inventors: James Pfau, James Bryant, Liqun Xu, Elizalde Exconde
  • Publication number: 20140053489
    Abstract: A frame includes a pair of stiles and a pair of rails. A first stile has a first top surface, a first bottom surface, a first exterior surface and a first interior surface. A second stile has a second top surface, a second bottom surface, a second exterior surface and a second interior surface. First and second rails are joined to the first and second stiles. A reinforcement member is joined to the first interior surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventors: James BRYANT, James PFAU, Liqun XU, Elizalde EXCONDE
  • Publication number: 20120325399
    Abstract: An impact resistant door skin, a door including the same, and a method of manufacturing an impact resistant door skin from a pre-formed door skin are provided. The method includes the steps of providing at least one preformed door skin and applying adhesive to a rear side of the at least one preformed door skin. A fiberglass mesh mat is pressed onto the rear side of the at least one preformed door skin. Then, chopped glass fibers coated with adhesive are sprayed onto the rear side of the at least one preformed door skin using a chopper gun to form a layer of chopped glass fibers on the fiberglass mesh mat. The performed door skin may be a molded door skin having at least one recessed panel formed therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventors: James PFAU, Stephen Hart, James Bryant
  • Patent number: 8256177
    Abstract: An impact resistant door skin, a door including the same, and a method of manufacturing an impact resistant door skin from a pre-formed door skin are provided. The method includes the steps of providing at least one preformed door skin and applying adhesive to a rear side of the at least one preformed door skin. A fiberglass mesh mat is pressed onto the rear side of the at least one preformed door skin. Then, chopped glass fibers coated with adhesive are sprayed onto the rear side of the at least one preformed door skin using a chopper gun to form a layer of chopped glass fibers on the fiberglass mesh mat. The performed door skin may be a molded door skin having at least one recessed panel formed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Masonite Corporation
    Inventors: James Pfau, Stephen Hart, James Bryant
  • Publication number: 20120159855
    Abstract: A method is provided for making an annealed door skin or composite door assembly. At least the door skin is formed of a composition comprising a thermoset binder and fiberglass. The door skin, alone or in combination with other parts of a door assembly, is subjected to annealing to make the annealed door skin. The process of annealing comprises the step of heating the door skin, alone or in combination with other parts of the door assembly, above the glass transition temperature yet below the thermal degradation temperature of the thermoset binder for a sufficient amount of time to cause release internal stresses in the door skin, then the step of cooling the door skin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventors: James PFAU, James Bryant, Liqun Xu, Elizalde Exconde
  • Publication number: 20110223411
    Abstract: A method of surface sealing a porous fibrous substrate is provided. According to the method, a porous fibrous substrate possessing a moisture content and a surface with pores is provided. A sealant composition is applied to a surface of the porous fibrous substrate and permitted to penetrate the surface pores of the porous fibrous substrate and undergo cure while participating in a foaming reaction with the moisture content to establish a water-resistant polymeric foam sealant impregnated into the porous fibrous substrate. The water-resistant polymeric foam sealant contains a polyurethane and/or polyurea.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventors: James Pfau, Steven Hart