Patents by Inventor Randall K. Hicks

Randall K. Hicks 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 for vacuum fusion bonding
    Patent number: 6205819
    Abstract: An improved vacuum fusion bonding structure and process for aligned bonding of large area glass plates, patterned with microchannels and access holes and slots, for elevated glass fusion temperatures. Vacuum pumpout of all components is through the bottom platform which yields an untouched, defect free top surface which greatly improves optical access through this smooth surface. Also, a completely non-adherent interlayer, such as graphite, with alignment and location features is located between the main steel platform and the glass plate pair, which makes large improvements in quality, yield, and ease of use, and enables aligned bonding of very large glass structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Harold D. Ackler, Stefan P. Swierkowski, Lisa A. Tarte, Randall K. Hicks
  • Fusion bonding and alignment fixture
    Patent number: 6082140
    Abstract: An improved vacuum fusion bonding structure and process for aligned bonding of large area glass plates, patterned with microchannels and access holes and slots, for elevated glass fusion temperatures. Vacuum pumpout of all the components is through the bottom platform which yields an untouched, defect free top surface which greatly improves optical access through this smooth surface. Also, a completely non-adherent interlayer, such as graphite, with alignment and location features is located between the main steel platform and the glass plate pair, which makes large improvements in quality, yield, and ease of use, and enables aligned bonding of very large glass structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Harold D. Ackler, Stefan P. Swierkowski, Lisa A. Tarte, Randall K. Hicks