Patents by Inventor Steven M. Zimmerman

Steven M. Zimmerman 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: 6608283
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method of solder-sealing an active matrix OLED display using a monochromatic solid-state laser beam (1). The solder-sealing apparatus comprises a cover assembly (13) adapted to be positioned over at least one OLED (11) on a substrate (10), a sealing band (12) surrounding each OLED, a chuck assembly (20) with an array of heat sinks (21) that align with the OLEDs, a pick-up assembly (30) with at least one aperture (33), and a flange assembly (132) to which a solder pre-form (133) is secured. The chuck assembly (20) receives, aligns and orients the substrate (10). A vacuum is then applied through each aperture (33) to align and hold the cover assembly (13) in place. The sealing band (12) and solder pre-form (133) are aligned and pressed together by the pick-up assembly (30), and the focused laser beam (1) is projected through the chuck assembly to seal the OLEDs (11) within the cover assembly (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: eMagin Corporation
    Inventors: Yachin Liu, Amalkumar P. Ghosh, Steven M. Zimmerman, Christian M. Heller
  • Publication number: 20020188462
    Abstract: My business method for concrete coverage insurance or service contracts for home or business owners is calculated by figuring the square footage of an area and linear footage for foundations. The premium is figured by demographics with deductibles in place for high or low loss, which sets the premium. Policy duration will be determined by experience of loss, but for the time being, will last between 1 and 5 years, and will be transferable. This is possible using all the technology an insurance company has to offer in the industry today with inspections on a property depending on demographics. This will be coverage that is not now written by any company. This will be a valuable business to most concrete companies in repair, both new and replacement. The trained inspector will catch problems before they become major structural problems. At the same time, the company will be training property owners on loss prevention and maintaining their concrete.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventor: Steven M. Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20010048234
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method of solder-sealing an active matrix OLED display using a monochromatic solid-state laser beam (1). The solder-sealing apparatus comprises a cover assembly (13) adapted to be positioned over at least one OLED (11) on a substrate (10), a sealing band (12) surrounding each OLED, a chuck assembly (20) with an array of heat sinks (21) that align with the OLEDs, a pick-up assembly (30) with at least one aperture (33), and a flange assembly (132) to which a solder pre-form (133) is secured. The chuck assembly (20) receives, aligns and orients the substrate (10). A vacuum is then applied through each aperture (33) to align and hold the cover assembly (13) in place. The sealing band (12) and solder pre-form (133) are aligned and pressed together by the pick-up assembly (30), and the focused laser beam (1) is projected through the chuck assembly to seal the OLEDs (11) within the cover assembly (13).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventors: Yachin Liu, Amalkumar P. Ghosh, Steven M. Zimmerman, Christian M. Heller
  • Patent number: 6265820
    Abstract: A heat removal system for use in an organic light emitting diode displays is disclosed. The heat removal assembly includes a heat dissipating assembly for dissipating heat from the organic light emitting device, a heat transfer assembly for transferring heat from the top organic light emitting device to the heat dissipating assembly and a cooling assembly for cooling the organic light emitting display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: eMAGIN Corporation
    Inventors: Amalkumar P. Ghosh, Walter V. Johnstone, Olivier F. Prache, Steven M. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 6255771
    Abstract: A field emitter device including an insulator structure provided on an upper gate line layer of the device. The insulator structure may surround groups of emitters arranged on adjacent gate lines, groups of emitters arranged on the same gate lines, and/or entire regions of a larger array of field emitters. The insulator structure may reduce the occurrence of flashovers to and from the gate lines and emitters when the field emitter device is used in a display. The insulator structure may also enhance the focus of electrons emitted by the field emitter device on the display screen. Focus may be further enhanced by the addition of a resistive coating on the insulator structure. Methods of making the insulator structure and resistive coating are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: eMagin Corporation
    Inventors: Gary W. Jones, Steven M. Zimmerman, Webster E. Howard, Stewart Lloyd
  • Patent number: 6198220
    Abstract: A sealing structure for an organic light emitting device display. The sealing structure comprises a metal film overlying a dielectric film. The sealing structure has low moisture and oxygen permeability. At least one of the metal layers may react with moisture or oxygen to seal off pin holes. A net low stress sealing structure may be formed by combining tensile and compressive films. The sealing structure may be etched to create openings for connection to outside circuitry. The innovative sealing structure minimizes moisture leakage and vertical shorts between diode cathode and anode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: eMagin Corporation
    Inventors: Gary W. Jones, Webster E. Howard, Steven M. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 6169358
    Abstract: A structure to reduce the likelihood of flashover in a parallel plate electron beam array is disclosed. The structure may comprise a means for generating a low intensity electric field in the vicinity of a spacer separating the parallel plates of the array, and the anode. The presence of the electric field in the vicinity of the spacer is not conducive to the occurrence of a surface supported flashover on the gates and emitters. The electric field means may be provided by a conductive coating on one or more surfaces of the spacer. Alternatively, the electric field means may be provided by a conductive coating on a guard ring located within the array in the vicinity of the spacer. Methods of making the structure are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: eMAGIN Corporation
    Inventors: Gary W. Jones, Steven M. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 6166820
    Abstract: An interferometric lithographic apparatus includes an arrangement for applying interfering laser beams to a part for producing a first interference pattern. The first interference pattern has a first fringe spacing. A mobile part holder stage is repositioned to change the interference pattern and produce a second fringe spacing. A control arrangement, automatically responsive to the repositioning of the part holder, re-aligns optical paths and optimally interferes the laser beams to produce the second fringe spacing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: eMagin Corporation
    Inventors: Amalkumar P. Ghosh, Susan K. Schwartz Jones, Gary W. Jones, Steven M. Zimmerman, Yachin Liu
  • Patent number: 6144145
    Abstract: A high performance novel electron emitter material for use in field emission devices is disclosed. The high performance electron emitter material of the invention may comprise a high Cr and SiO mixture. This material may be formed into high aspect ratio, low work function tips which maintain their shape, thus minimizing flash over risks and electron scattering problems, while at the same time permitting a high level of fabrication process flexibility, and minimizing film stresses. One or more impurities which are conductive oxides or will form conductive oxides may be added to the Cr--SiO composition so that a net low work function emitter may be maintained under oxidation. A class of semi-conductive and conductive metal oxides comprises another embodiment of the invention. These materials include oxides of Cr, Mo, Ni, Fe, and Sc, which have current emitting properties desirable for applications where improved electron emission infirmity is desired among emitters within a pixel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: eMagin Corporation
    Inventors: Gary W. Jones, Steven M. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 6136621
    Abstract: A high aspect ratio gated emitter structure and a method of making the structure are disclosed. Emitters may be provided in a densely packed array on a support. Two distinct layers of insulator material may surround the emitters. The lower layer of insulator material may be a non-conformally applied spray-on or spin-on insulator. The non-conformal insulator material may pool at the base regions of the emitters so that the tip regions of the emitters extend out of the lower layer of insulator material. The upper layer of insulator material is applied to the lower layer using a conformal process so that the tip regions of the emitters are covered by the upper layer of insulator material. Gate material is applied to the upper layer of insulator material. Holes are provided in the gate material over the tip regions and wells are provided in the upper layer of insulator material surrounding the tip regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: eMagin Corporation
    Inventors: Gary W. Jones, Steven M. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 6016033
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrode structure for an organic light-emitting device display. The electrode structure includes a transparent electrode and a high conductivity rib. The structure provides top side light output and a low line resistance, and enables a high resolution display. The structure permits a display to be built on top of a silicon driver chip for active matrix addressing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Fed Corporation
    Inventors: Gary W. Jones, Webster E. Howard, Steven M. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 5965898
    Abstract: A high aspect ratio gated emitter structure and a method of making the structure are disclosed. Emitters may be provided in a densely packed array on a support. Two distinct layers of insulator material may surround the emitters. The lower layer of insulator material may be a non-conformally applied spray-on or spin-on insulator. The non-conformal insulator material may pool at the base regions of the emitters so that the tip regions of the emitters extend out of the lower layer of insulator material. The upper layer of insulator material is applied to the lower layer using a conformal process so that the tip regions of the emitters are covered by the upper layer of insulator material. Gate material is applied to the upper layer of insulator material. Holes are provided in the gate material over the tip regions and wells are provided in the upper layer of insulator material surrounding the tip regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: FED Corporation
    Inventors: Gary W. Jones, Steven M. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 5892323
    Abstract: A FED device is manufactured as a self-aligned structure that allows the FED device to be fabricated in any desired size. The FED device has a transparent face plate with a thin film phosphor layer deposited thereon. A conductive anode layer is deposited on the phosphor layer. This anode layer has apertures allowing electron impingement on the phosphor layer. One or more insulator layers serving as a spacer are deposited on the anode layer. A conductive extraction grid layer is deposited upon the insulator layers. The conductive extraction grid layer, the spacer insulator layers and said anode layer are then etched to form an array of vacuum space holes extending to said phosphor layer. A conformal layer of a material that can be selectively etched is then deposited over the structure. The conformal layer fills and forms cusps over the vacuum space holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Steven M. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 5886460
    Abstract: A field emitter device formed by a veil process wherein a protective layer comprising a release layer is deposited on the gate electrode layer for the device, with the protective layer overlying the circumscribing peripheral edge of the opening of the gate electrode layer, to protect the edge of the gate electrode layer during etching of the field emitter cavity in the dielectric material layer on a substrate, and during the formation of a field emitter element in the cavity by depositing a field emitter material through the opening. The protective layer is readily removed subsequent to completion of the cavity etching and emitter formation steps, to yield the field emitter device. Also disclosed are various planarizing structures and methods, and current limiter compositions permitting high efficiency emission of electrons from the field emitter elements at low turn-on voltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: FED Corporation
    Inventors: Gary W. Jones, Steven M. Zimmerman, Jeffrey A. Silvernail, Susan K. Schwartz Jones
  • Patent number: 5866978
    Abstract: An integral and internal matrix getter structure for capturing residual gas in a vacuum sealed container is disclosed. The vacuum sealed container may be a flat panel display having a small vacuum gap between two closely spaced panels. The getter structure may be provided on the inside of the walls of the display. In particular, the getter structure may be provided between phosphor groups and/or between field emitter groups on the display panels. The getter structure may be sealed to avoid exposure of the getter material until after a vacuum condition is reached within the display. Activation of the getter structure may be provided by selectively heating the getter structure with a laser or with resistive heating elements underlying the getter structure. Methods of making the getter structure are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Fed Corporation
    Inventors: Gary W. Jones, Amalkumar P. Ghosh, Steven M. Zimmerman, Munisamy Anandan
  • Patent number: 5857481
    Abstract: Tire inflation system and process, especially intended for truck or heavy equipment tires. A tire inflation system of this invention comprises, in the order named, a tubular air-inlet member adapted to be connected to an air pressure source and having an on-off valve therein; a pressure regulator which is setable to a desired outlet pressure; swivel fitting; a two-step disconnect coupler having a manual actuator which, on a first actuation, releases pressure downstream of a coupler and, on a second actuation, releases an air hose which is releasably connected to the coupler on the downstream thereof; and an air hose releasably connected to the coupler and having at its outlet end a clip-on chuck for connection to an air valve of a tire to be inflated. The preferred coupler is a push-button coupler. Air flow through the system may be initiated by opening the on-off valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Inventors: Lewis Zimmerman, Steven M. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 5844351
    Abstract: A field emitter device formed by a veil process wherein a protective layer comprising a release layer is deposited on the gate electrode layer for the device, with the protective layer overlying the circumscribing peripheral edge of the opening of the gate electrode layer, to protect the edge of the gate electrode layer during etching of the field emitter cavity in the dielectric material layer on a substrate, and during the formation of a field emitter element in the cavity by depositing a field emitter material through the opening. The protective layer is readily removed subsequent to completion of the cavity etching and emitter formation steps, to yield the field emitter device. Also disclosed are various planarizing structures and methods, and current limiter compositions permitting high efficiency emission of electrons from the field emitter elements at low turn-on voltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Fed Corporation
    Inventors: Gary W. Jones, Steven M. Zimmerman, Jeffrey A. Silvernail, Susan K. Schwartz Jones
  • Patent number: 5828288
    Abstract: A microelectronic field emitter device comprising a substrate, a conductive pedestal on said substrate, and an edge emitter electrode on said pedestal, wherein the edge emitter electrode comprises an emitter cap layer having an edge. The invention also contemplates a current limiter for a microelectronic field emitter device, which comprises a semi-insulating material selected from the group consisting of SiO, SiO+Cr (0 to 50% wt.), SiO2+Cr (0 to 50% wt.), SiO+Nb, Al2O3 and SixOyNz sandwiched between an electron injector and a hole injector. Another aspect of the invention relates to a microelectronic field emitter device comprising a substrate, an emitter conductor on such substrate, and a current limiter stack formed on said substrate, such stack having a top and at least one edge, a resistive strap on top of the stack, extending over the edge in electrical contact with the emitter conductor; and an emitter electrode on the current limiter stack over the resistive strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Fed Corporation
    Inventors: Gary W. Jones, Steven M. Zimmerman, Susan K. Schwartz Jones, Michael J. Costa, Jeffrey A. Silvernail
  • Patent number: 5828163
    Abstract: A field emitter device includes a column conductor, an insulator, and a resistor structure for advantageously limiting current in a field emitter array. A wide column conductor is deposited on an insulating substrate. An insulator is laid over the column conductor. A high resistance layer is placed on the insulator and is physically isolated from the column conductor. The high resistance material may be chromium oxide or 10%-50% wt % Cr+SiO. A group of microtip electron emitters is placed over the high resistance layer. A low resistance strap interconnects the column conductor with the high resistance layer to connect in an electrical series circuit the column conductor, the high resistance layer, and the group of electron emitters. One or more layers of insulator and a gate electrode, all with cavities for the electron emitters, are laid over the high resistance material. One layer of insulator is selected from a group of materials including SiC, SiO, and Si.sub.3 N.sub.4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: FED Corporation
    Inventors: Gary W. Jones, Susan K. Jones, Jeffrey Marino, Joseph K. Ho, R. Mark Boysel, Steven M. Zimmerman, Yachin Liu, Michael J. Costa, Jeffrey A. Silvernail
  • Patent number: 5788550
    Abstract: A spacer structure for use in a flat panel display, and a corresponding flat panel display article are disclosed, together with an appertaining method of fabricating the spacer structure utilizing a photosensitive precursor material which is selectively irradiated, developed and etchingly processed to produce shaped standoff elements for a unitary spacer structure. The spacer structure may be dimensionally fabricated to precisely align with a selected pixel region, comprising a single pixel or an array of pixels, e.g., a color (red, blue, green) triad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: FED Corporation
    Inventors: Gary W. Jones, Steven M. Zimmerman