Patents by Inventor Robert M. Porter

Robert M. Porter 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: 6384540
    Abstract: A high power radio frequency power method of amplifications described in which a variety of amplifiers (60 & 86) may be used to reduce the stress any one amplifier experiences. The power leads (64 & 65) may be arranged in a series to power each amplifier at potentials which are lower than the total potential. Outputs (63) may then be connected in a parallel fashion to combine the power output by the system. A variety of unique stabilization, drive, division, combination, and supply configurations are presented as well as the possibility of utilization and adaptation of the designs for a plasma processing system. An aspect of tiered combining is included such as may be especially appropriate for larger numbers of devices which may include switchmode amplifiers and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Porter, Jr., Anatoli V. Ledenev, Gennady G. Gurov
  • Patent number: 6307757
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for providing a constant voltage, high frequency sinusoidal output across a varying load, using either a single or multiple switch topology operating at constant frequency while maintaining high efficiency over the entire load range. This embodiment is especially suited to applications which require the sinusoidal voltage be held very close to a desired value in the presence of rapid changes in the conductance of the load, even in the sub-microsecond time domain as is common in computer applications and the like and in powering electronics equipment, especially a distributed system and especially a system wherein low voltage at high current is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Porter, Gennady G. Gurov, Anatoli V. Ledenev
  • Patent number: 6229392
    Abstract: Disclosed are both methods and a circuit to achieve powers of many kilowatts in radio frequency amplification using a switch mode amplifier in a new class of operation. In operation the invention utilizes internal switch characteristics. Methods create a substantial voltage step at the end of a response time period which allows greater output power without increasing the maximum switch voltage, reduces the maximum switch voltage for the same power, and which permits reduction of the stress on the switch element. Utilization of internal varactor capacitance avoids undesirable circulating currents and avoids the effects of lead inductance. The design allows use of less expensive components and high voltage switches not manufactured for radio frequency applications by preferring a substantial internal capacitance to establish maximum power. Other components of the network circuitry are also coordinated with the internal varactor capacitance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Porter, Michael L. Mueller
  • Patent number: 6046546
    Abstract: Circuitry and techniques designed to allow stable and continuous delivery of alternating power to a plasma with switch-mode power supply (16) include a variety of embodiments. Parallel, series, and other circuit elements connected across switching element (7) are tuned so that energy at other than the fundamental frequency is absorbed and dissipated. This energy may be only at the second harmonic or it may be across broad frequency ranges through selecting high impedance at the fundamental frequency and relatively low impedance at other frequencies. In overcoming instabilities, oscillations, and even changing class of operation of the switch-mode power supply, the stabilizing element absorbs the energy to avoid allowing it to affect switch (7) of power supply (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Porter, Michael L. Mueller
  • Patent number: 5747935
    Abstract: Circuitry and techniques designed to allow stable and continuous delivery of alternating power to a processing plasma with switch-mode power supply (16) include a variety of embodiments. Parallel, series, and other circuit elements connected across switching element (7) are tuned so that energy at other than the fundamental frequency is absorbed and dissipated. This energy may be only at the second harmonic or it may be across broad frequency ranges through selecting high impedance at the fundamental frequency and relatively low impedance at other frequencies. In overcoming instabilities, oscillations, and even changing class of operation of the switch-mode power supply, the stabilizing element absorbs the energy to avoid allowing it to affect switch (7) of power supply (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Porter, Michael L. Mueller
  • Patent number: 5187580
    Abstract: Disclosed are both methods and a circuit to achieve powers of many kilowatts in radio frequency amplification using a switch mode amplifier in a new class of operation. In operation the invention utilizes internal switch characteristics. Methods create a substantial voltage step at the end of a response time period which allows greater output power without increasing the maximum switch voltage, reduces the maximum switch voltage for the same power, and which permits reduction of the stress on the switch element. Utilization of internal varactor capacitance avoids undesirable circulating currents and avoids the effects of lead inductance. The design allows use of less expensive components and high voltage switches not manufactured for radio frequency applications by preferring a substantial internal capacitance to establish maximum power. Other components of the network circuitry are also coordinated with the internal varactor capacitance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Assignee: Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert M. Porter, Jr., Michael L. Mueller
  • Patent number: 4653125
    Abstract: A portable sanitary facility is disclosed which, in one embodiment is particularly adapted for use by males needing only to relieve themselves of liquid body wastes. A sanitary unit is carried by a trailer to achieve portability between a use station and a disposal site. The sanitary unit includes a main compartment more or less encompassed by a trough with apertures being provided in the compartment walls to drain liquid introduced into the trough into the compartment interior. The main compartment is divided into a plurality of sub-compartments by transverse vertical baffles which include a series of apertures for establishing liquid communication between the subcompartments. The baffles serve to prevent shifting of the liquid load and thus stabilize the trailer during transport to a disposal site. A valved outlet is provided to permit draining the facility at a disposal site. Removable access covers permit entry into the facility interior during fabrication, maintenance and cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1987
    Inventor: Robert M. Porter