Patents by Inventor Marc Schaepkens

Marc Schaepkens 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: 20050079295
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for depositing a uniform coating on a large area, planar surface using an array of multiple plasma sources and a common reactant gas injector. The apparatus includes at least one array of a plurality of plasma sources, wherein each of the plurality of plasma sources includes a cathode, an anode, and an inlet for a non-reactive plasma source gas disposed in a plasma chamber, and a common reactant gas injector disposed in a deposition chamber that contains the substrate. The common reactant gas injector provides a uniform flow of at least one reactant gas to each of the multiple plasmas generated the multiple plasma sources through a single delivery system. The at least one reactant gas reacts with the plurality of plasmas to form a uniform coating on a substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Publication date: April 14, 2005
    Inventor: Marc Schaepkens
  • Publication number: 20050016464
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a fixture comprising at least one inner member and at least one outer member. The fixture is configured to secure a film between the at least one inner member and the at least one outer member. The secured film can be further processed to give a processed film. Further, the processed film, secured in the fixture, can undergo additional manufacturing steps to produce processed articles. The apparatus and methods described herein are useful for producing a variety of articles, such as micro-electronic and opto-electronic devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Publication date: January 27, 2005
    Inventors: Anil Duggal, Paul McConnelee, Marc Schaepkens, Min Yan
  • Publication number: 20040263083
    Abstract: A method is provided for generating plasma using a plasma generator system. The method includes the steps of introducing energy and a reactant to a plasma generation apparatus of the plasma generator system for generating plasma, and expanding and inductively coupling the generated plasma. In another embodiment a plasma generation system is provided including a plasma generation apparatus for generating thermal plasma. The thermal plasma is received by a plasma treatment chamber external to the plasma generation apparatus. A pressure control system maintains a lower pressure in the plasma treatment chamber than in the plasma generation apparatus during plasma generation for causing the thermal plasma to expand within the plasma treatment chamber. An inductor system inductively couples the thermal plasma.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: Marc Schaepkens
  • Publication number: 20040229051
    Abstract: An electro-optical device having at least one base and a multilayer coating surface disposed on at least one surface of the base. The at least one base may comprise either an optically or electronically active portion or a flexible polymeric material. The multilayer coating set comprises at least one organic layer and at least one inorganic layer. The base and multilayer coating set are transparent. The multilayer coating set provides a barrier to moisture and oxygen and provides chemical resistance. The multilayer coating set is also mechanically flexible and thermally stable up to a glass transition temperature of the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Marc Schaepkens, Gregory Ronald Gillette, Charles Dominic Iacovangelo
  • Publication number: 20040175512
    Abstract: An article comprising a substrate having a barrier layer. The barrier layer is disposed on the surface of the substrate and resistant to transmission of moisture and oxygen. Methods of depositing such a barrier layer on the substrate are also disclosed. The article may include additional layers, such as, but not limited to, an adhesion layer, abrasion resistant layers, radiation-absorbing layers, radiation-reflective layers, and conductive layers. Such articles include, but are not limited to, light emitting diodes (LEDs), liquid crystal displays (LCDs), photovoltaic articles, electrochromic articles, and organic electroluminescent devices (OELDs).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventor: Marc Schaepkens
  • Publication number: 20040175580
    Abstract: An article comprising a substrate having a barrier layer. The barrier layer is disposed on the surface of the substrate and resistant to transmission of moisture and oxygen. Methods of depositing such a barrier layer on the substrate are also disclosed. The article may include additional layers, such as, but not limited to, an adhesion layer, abrasion resistant layers, radiation-absorbing layers, radiation-reflective layers, and conductive layers. Such articles include, but are not limited to, light emitting diodes (LEDs), liquid crystal displays (LCDs), photovoltaic articles, electrochromic articles, and organic electroluminescent devices (OELDs).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventor: Marc Schaepkens
  • Publication number: 20040152013
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a limited play optical storage media and a method for limiting access to data thereon. This storage media includes a first substrate; a reflective layer; a data storage layer disposed between said first substrate and said reflective layer; a reactive layer comprising at least one reactive material disposed on said at least one reflective layer; an optically transparent second substrate disposed between the reactive layer and a laser incident surface of the optical storage media; and an oxygen permeable barrier layer disposed between the reactive layer and a laser incident surface of the optical storage media, said reactive layer having an initial percent reflectivity of about 50% or greater and a percent reflectivity of about 45% or less after exposure to oxygen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventors: Daniel Robert Olson, Marc Brian Wisnudel, Marc Schaepkens, Robert Franklin Thompson
  • Publication number: 20040137269
    Abstract: A polymeric substrate comprising a high glass transition temperature polycarbonate for use in optical display devices and light emitting devices is provided in the present invention. A liquid crystal display, an organic electroluminescent device, and methods for use including the aforementioned polymeric substrate are also provided in the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Grant Hay, Marc Schaepkens, Zhaohui Su, Parfait Jean Marie Likibi, Nicholas Donald Abbatiello, James Alan Mahood
  • Publication number: 20040121164
    Abstract: There is provided a structure. The structure comprises a substrate, and a titanium oxide layer disposed over the substrate. There is also provided a method of forming a titanium oxide coating on a substrate. The method includes generating a plasma; providing a first reactant, comprising titanium, and a second reactant, comprising oxygen, into the plasma stream extending to the substrate; and forming the titanium oxide coating on the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Charles IACOVANGELO, Gregory Ronald GILLETTE, Marc SCHAEPKENS
  • Publication number: 20040119402
    Abstract: A shaped light extraction luminaire to gather light from an organic light emitting diode (OLED). Specifically, an inverted and truncated pyramid structure having a recessed area configured to receive an OLED is provided. The luminaire is structured to increase the light emission of the OLED by capturing light emissions that would typically be lost by absorption within the OLED. The luminaire includes angled sides having a reflective material disposed thereon. The luminaire increases the light output of the OLED such that it may be implemented in area lighting applications. Further, an array comprising a plurality of recessed areas and a plurality of angled sides for each of the recessed areas may be implemented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Joseph John Shiang, Marc Schaepkens, Larry Gene Turner
  • Publication number: 20040115402
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for depositing a uniform coating on a large area, non-planar surface using an array of multiple plasma sources. The apparatus comprises at least one array of a plurality of plasma sources for generating a plurality of plasmas, wherein each of the plurality of plasma sources has a cathode, anode, and an inlet for a non-reactive plasma source gas disposed in a plasma chamber, and at least one reactant gas injector for differentially injecting at least one reactant gas into the plurality of plasmas. The reactant gas injector and substrate are located in a deposition chamber in fluid communication with each plasma chamber. Individual adjustment of the flow of deposition precursor into each of the plasmas generated by the multiple plasma array compensates for changes in substrate processing conditions due to local variations in the working distance between the plasma source and the surface of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventor: Marc Schaepkens
  • Publication number: 20040109305
    Abstract: There is provided an optical structure. The optical structure includes a light source. The optical structure also includes an organic light management film having an index of refraction of less than 1.7 disposed above the light source, and a transparent inorganic film having an index of refraction of greater than 1.7 disposed adjacent the organic light management film. A optical device is also provided including the organic light management film and the transparent inorganic film. A method of forming the optical structure is also provided. The method includes depositing the transparent inorganic film under vacuum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Bret Chisholm, Eugene Olczak, Marc Schaepkens, Dennis Coyle
  • Patent number: 6743524
    Abstract: An article comprising a substrate having a barrier layer. The barrier layer is disposed on the surface of the substrate and resistant to transmission of moisture and oxygen. Methods of depositing such a barrier layer on the substrate are also disclosed. The article may include additional layers, such as, but not limited to, an adhesion layer, abrasion resistant layers, radiation-absorbing layers, radiation-reflective layers, and conductive layers. Such articles include, but are not limited to, light emitting diodes (LEDs), liquid crystal displays (LCDs), photovoltaic articles, electrochromic articles, and organic electroluminescent devices (OELDs).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Marc Schaepkens
  • Publication number: 20040051444
    Abstract: An article has a plurality of raised features on at least one of its surfaces. The raised features have a form of ridges or islands. The article is made by conducting a material through the space between two solid surfaces, at least one of which has a negative image of the pattern of the raised features. Such an article serves as a substrate upon which a matrix of individually addressable light-emitting devices are formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Marc Schaepkens, Joseph John Shiang, Anil Raj Duggal, Christian Maria Anton Heller, Donald Franklin Foust
  • Publication number: 20040046497
    Abstract: A composite article comprises a substrate having at least a substrate surface and a graded-composition coating disposed on a substrate surface. The composition of the coating material varies substantially continuously across its thickness. The coating reduces the transmission rates of oxygen, water vapor, and other chemical species through the substrate such that the composite article can be used effectively as a diffusion barrier to protect chemically sensitive devices or materials. An organic light-emitting device incorporates such a composite article to provide an extended life thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Marc Schaepkens, Kevin Warner Flanagan
  • Publication number: 20040040833
    Abstract: An apparatus that generates at least one plasma that is stable and adjustable in real time. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes multiple plasma sources that can either be “tuned” in real time to generate plasmas that are similar to each other or, conversely, “detuned” to generate dissimilar plasmas. The apparatus may be sued to provide plasma treatment—such as, but not limited to, coating, etching and activation for an article. The invention also provides a plasma source in which operating parameters are adjustable in real time. Methods of providing such plasmas and treating an article using such plasmas are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Marc Schaepkens, Charles Dominic Iacovangelo, James Neil Johnson, William Arthur Morrison
  • Patent number: 6681716
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for depositing a uniform coating on a large area, non-planar surface using an array of multiple plasma sources. The apparatus comprises at least one array of a plurality of plasma sources for generating a plurality of plasmas, wherein each of the plurality of plasma sources has a cathode, anode, and an inlet for a non-reactive plasma source gas disposed in a plasma chamber, and at least one reactant gas injector for differentially injecting at least one reactant gas into the plurality of plasmas. The reactant gas injector and substrate are located in a deposition chamber in fluid communication with each plasma chamber. Individual adjustment of the flow of deposition precursor into each of the plasmas generated by the multiple plasma array compensates for changes in substrate processing conditions due to local variations in the working distance between the plasma source and the surface of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Marc Schaepkens
  • Publication number: 20030219632
    Abstract: An article comprising a substrate having a barrier layer. The barrier layer is disposed on the surface of the substrate and resistant to transmission of moisture and oxygen. Methods of depositing such a barrier layer on the substrate are also disclosed. The article may include additional layers, such as, but not limited to, an adhesion layer, abrasion resistant layers, radiation-absorbing layers, radiation-reflective layers, and conductive layers. Such articles include, but are not limited to, light emitting diodes (LEDs), liquid crystal displays (LCDs), photovoltaic articles, electrochromic articles, and organic electroluminescent devices (OELDs).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Applicant: General Electric GRC
    Inventor: Marc Schaepkens
  • Publication number: 20030207050
    Abstract: A polymeric substrate comprising a high glass transition temperature polycarbonate for use in optical display devices and light emitting devices is provided in the present invention. A liquid crystal display, an organic electroluminescent device, and methods for use including the aforementioned polymeric substrate are also provided in the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventors: Grant Hay, Marc Schaepkens, Zhaohui Su, Parfait Jean Marie Likibi, Nicholas Donald Abbatiello, James Alan Mahood
  • Publication number: 20030184219
    Abstract: A mechanically flexible and environmentally stable organic electroluminescent (“EL”) device with directional light emission comprises an organic EL member disposed on a flexible substrate, a surface of which is coated with a multilayer barrier coating which includes at least one sublayer of a substantially transparent organic polymer and at least one sublayer of a substantially transparent inorganic material. The device includes a reflective metal layer disposed on the organic EL member opposite to the substrate. The reflective metal layer provides an increased external quantum efficiency of the device. The reflective metal layer and the multilayer barrier coating form a seal around the organic EL member to reduce the degradation of the device due to environmental elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Anil Raj Duggal, Joseph John Shiang, Marc Schaepkens