Patents by Inventor Michael L. Ferris

Michael L. Ferris 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: 6016034
    Abstract: A method for forming a supported thin layer of non-evaporable getter (NEG) material and a getter device formed thereby are provided. A suspension comprised of non-evaporable getter (NEG) material particles in a dispersing medium is prepared. The NEG material particles in the suspension have a particle size not greater than about 150 .mu.m. The dispersing medium has an aqueous, alcoholic, or hydroalcoholic base and contains not more than about 1 wt % of organic compounds having a boiling temperature of at least about 250.degree. C. The ratio of the weight of the NEG material particles to the weight of the dispersing medium is between about 4:1 and about 1:1. A layer of the suspension is deposited on a carrier by a serigraphic technique. Next, the deposited layer is dried to evaporate volatile components of the dispersing medium and thereby form a dried deposit. Finally, the dried deposit is sintered under vacuum at a temperature between about 800.degree. C. and 1000.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: SAES Getters S.p.A.
    Inventors: Alessio Corazza, Claudio Boffito, Alessandro Gallitognotta, Richard C. Kullberg, Michael L. Ferris
  • Patent number: 5882727
    Abstract: A method for forming a supported thin layer of non-evaporable getter (NEG) material and a getter device formed thereby are provided. A suspension comprised of non-evaporable getter (NEG) material particles in a dispersing medium is prepared. The NEG material particles in the suspension have a particle size not greater than about 150 .mu.m. The dispersing medium has an aqueous, alcoholic, or hydroalcoholic base and contains not more than about 1 wt % of organic compounds having a boiling temperature of at least about 250.degree. C. The ratio of the weight of the NEG material particles to the weight of the dispersing medium is between about 4:1 and about 1:1. A layer of the suspension is deposited on a carrier by a serigraphic technique. Next, the deposited layer is dried to evaporate volatile components of the dispersing medium and thereby form a dried deposit. Finally, the dried deposit is sintered under vacuum at a temperature between about 800.degree. C. and 1000.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: SAES Getters S.p.A.
    Inventors: Alessio Corazza, Claudio Boffito, Alessandro Gallitognotta, Richard C. Kullberg, Michael L. Ferris
  • Patent number: 5247744
    Abstract: A picture frame that includes a concealed compartment includes three frame members connected at their ends to form a U-shaped structure and a fourth frame member that is unconnected to the three frame members and to which a picture-bearing panel is affixed, so that when the fourth frame member is removed, it carries with it the picture-bearing panel to reveal the compartment which previously had been concealed behind the picture-bearing panel. Inwardly facing grooves on opposite sides of the picture frame serve as guides for the edges of the picture-bearing panel as it is drawn away from the remainder of the picture frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1993
    Inventors: Michael L. Ferris, Lynne Ferris