Patents by Inventor Ralph L. MacLean, Jr.

Ralph L. MacLean, Jr. 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).

  • ENCLOSED CRYSTAL GROWTH
    Publication number: 20230383432
    Abstract: Various single crystals are disclosed including sapphire as well as methods of forming the same. A method of forming a crystalline structure is disclosed as well. The method can include providing a melt in a crucible having a die. The die can include a ventilation opening. The method can further include growing the crystalline structure from the die using an enclosed seed. The single crystals can have desirable geometric properties, including a length greater than a diameter greater than a thickness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2023
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Inventors: David J. WEEDEN, Brian J. McANDREWS, Guilford Leroy MACK, III, Ralph L. MACLEAN, JR.
  • Method of forming a sapphire crystal using a melt fixture including thermal shields having a stepped configuration
    Patent number: 8685161
    Abstract: Various single crystals are disclosed including sapphire. The single crystals have desirable geometric properties, including a width not less than about 15 cm and the thickness is not less than about 0.5 cm. The single crystal may also have other features, such as a maximum thickness variation, and as-formed crystals may have a generally symmetrical neck portion, particularly related to the transition from the neck to the main body of the crystal. Methods and for forming such crystals and an apparatus for carrying out the methods are disclosed as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Ceramics & Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Locher, Steven A. Zanella, Ralph L. MacLean, Jr., Herbert Ellsworth Bates
  • Method of forming a sapphire single crystal
    Patent number: 8157913
    Abstract: Various single crystals are disclosed including sapphire. The single crystals have desirable geometric properties, including a width not less than about 15 cm and the thickness is not less than about 0.5 cm. The single crystal may also have other features, such as a maximum thickness variation, and as-formed crystals may have a generally symmetrical neck portion, particularly related to the transition from the neck to the main body of the crystal. Methods and for forming such crystals and an apparatus for carrying out the methods are disclosed as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Ceramics & Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Locher, Steven A. Zanella, Ralph L. MacLean, Jr., Herbert Ellsworth Bates