Patents by Inventor Stewart A. Francis

Stewart A. Francis 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).

  • Publication number: 20240173505
    Abstract: A patient interface for delivery of a supply of pressurised air or breathable gas to an entrance of a patient's airways comprising: a cushion member that includes a retaining structure and a seal-forming structure permanently connected to the retaining structure; a frame member attachable to the retaining structure; and a positioning and stabilising structure attachable to the frame member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2024
    Publication date: May 30, 2024
    Inventors: Rupert Christian SCHEINER, William Laurence HITCHCOCK, Anthony Paul BARBARA, Adam Francis BARLOW, Craig David EDWARDS, Lachlan Richard GOLDSPINK, Kirrily Michele HASKARD, Murray WIlliam LEE, Frederick Arlet MAY, Gerard Michael RUMMERY, Shiva Kumar SHANMUGA SUNDARA, Chia Ik TAN, Stewart Joseph WAGNER, Alicia Kristianne WELLS, Martin FORRESTER, Ralph JOURDAN
  • Publication number: 20240128060
    Abstract: Systems and methods for material processing using wafer scale waves of precisely controlled electrons in a DC plasma is presented. A surface floating potential of a substrate placed atop a stage in a positive column of the DC plasma is adjusted and maintained to a reference potential. A periodic biasing signal referenced to the reference potential is capacitively coupled to the stage to control a surface potential at the substrate according to: an active phase for provision of kinetic energy to free electrons in the DC plasma for activation of targeted bonds at the surface of the substrate; a neutralization phase for repelling of the free electrons from the surface of the substrate; and an initialization phase for restoring an initial condition of the surface floating potential.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2023
    Publication date: April 18, 2024
    Inventors: Stewart Francis Sando, Samir John Anz, David Irwin Margolese, William Andrew Goddard
  • Patent number: 11942306
    Abstract: Atomic layer etching (ALE) of a substrate using a wafer scale wave of precisely controlled electrons is presented. A volume of gaseous plasma including diluent and reactive species and electrons of a uniform steady state composition is generated in a positive column of a DC plasma proximate the substrate. A corrosion layer is formed on the substrate by adsorption of the reactive species to atoms at the surface of the substrate. The substrate is positively biased to draw electrons from the volume to the surface of the substrate and impart energy to the electrons to stimulate electron transitions in the corrosion layer species, resulting in ejection of the corrosion layer species via electron stimulation desorption (ESD). The substrate is negatively biased to repel the electrons from the surface of the substrate back to the volume, followed by a zero bias to restore the steady state composition of the volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: VELVETCH LLC
    Inventors: Samir John Anz, David Irwin Margolese, William Andrew Goddard, Stewart Francis Sando
  • Patent number: 11931513
    Abstract: A patient interface for delivery of a supply of pressurised air or breathable gas to an entrance of a patient's airways comprising: a cushion member that includes a retaining structure and a seal-forming structure permanently connected to the retaining structure; a frame member attachable to the retaining structure; and a positioning and stabilising structure attachable to the frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: ResMed Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Rupert Christian Scheiner, William Laurence Hitchcock, Anthony Paul Barbara, Adam Francis Barlow, Craig David Edwards, Lachlan Richard Goldspink, Kirrily Michele Haskard, Murray William Lee, Frederick Arlet May, Gerard Michael Rummery, Shiva Kumar Shanmuga Sundara, Chia Ik Tan, Stewart Joseph Wagner, Alicia Kristianne Wells, Martin Forrester, Ralph Jourdan
  • Patent number: 11887823
    Abstract: Systems and methods for material processing using wafer scale waves of precisely controlled electrons in a DC plasma is presented. A surface floating potential of a substrate placed atop a stage in a positive column of the DC plasma is adjusted and maintained to a reference potential. A periodic biasing signal referenced to the reference potential is capacitively coupled to the stage to control a surface potential at the substrate according to: an active phase for provision of kinetic energy to free electrons in the DC plasma for activation of targeted bonds at the surface of the substrate; a neutralization phase for repelling of the free electrons from the surface of the substrate; and an initialization phase for restoring an initial condition of the surface floating potential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: VELVETCH LLC
    Inventors: Stewart Francis Sando, Samir John Anz, David Irwin Margolese, William Andrew Goddard
  • Patent number: 11869747
    Abstract: Atomic layer etching of a substrate using a wafer scale wave of precisely controlled electrons is presented. A volume of gaseous plasma including diluent and reactive species and electrons of a uniform steady state composition is generated in a positive column of a DC plasma proximate the substrate. A corrosion layer is formed on the substrate by adsorption of the reactive species to atoms at the surface of the substrate. The substrate is positively biased to draw electrons from the volume to the surface of the substrate and impart an energy to the electrons so to stimulate electron transitions in the corrosion layer species, resulting in ejection of the corrosion layer species via electron stimulation desorption (ESD). The substrate is negatively biased to repel the electrons from the surface of the substrate back to the volume, followed by a zero bias to restore the steady state composition of the volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: VELVETCH LLC
    Inventors: Samir John Anz, David Irwin Margolese, William Andrew Goddard, Stewart Francis Sando
  • Patent number: 11810757
    Abstract: Atomic layer etching of a substrate using a wafer scale wave of precisely controlled electrons is presented. A volume of gaseous plasma including diluent and reactive species and electrons of a uniform steady state composition is generated in a positive column of a DC plasma proximate the substrate. A corrosion layer is formed on the substrate by adsorption of the reactive species to atoms at the surface of the substrate. The substrate is positively biased to draw electrons from the volume to the surface of the substrate and impart an energy to the electrons so to stimulate electron transitions in the corrosion layer species, resulting in ejection of the corrosion layer species via electron stimulation desorption (ESD). The substrate is negatively biased to repel the electrons from the surface of the substrate back to the volume, followed by a zero bias to restore the steady state composition of the volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: VELVETCH LLC
    Inventors: Samir John Anz, David Irwin Margolese, William Andrew Goddard, Stewart Francis Sando
  • Publication number: 20230260765
    Abstract: Systems and methods for material processing using wafer scale waves of precisely controlled electrons in a DC plasma is presented. A surface floating potential of a substrate placed atop a stage in a positive column of the DC plasma is adjusted and maintained to a reference potential. A periodic biasing signal referenced to the reference potential is capacitively coupled to the stage to control a surface potential at the substrate according to: an active phase for provision of kinetic energy to free electrons in the DC plasma for activation of targeted bonds at the surface of the substrate; a neutralization phase for repelling of the free electrons from the surface of the substrate; and an initialization phase for restoring an initial condition of the surface floating potential.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2023
    Publication date: August 17, 2023
    Inventors: Stewart Francis Sando, Samir John Anz, David Irwin Margolese, William Andrew Goddard
  • Patent number: 11715623
    Abstract: Systems and methods for material processing using wafer scale waves of precisely controlled electrons in a DC plasma is presented. The anode and cathode of a DC plasma chamber are respectively connected to an adjustable DC voltage source and a DC current source. The anode potential is adjusted to shift a surface floating potential of a stage in a positive column of the DC plasma to a reference ground potential of the DC voltage/current sources. A conductive plate in a same region of the positive column opposite the stage is used to measure the surface floating potential of the stage. A control loop can be activated throughout various processing steps to maintain the surface floating potential of the stage to the reference ground potential. A signal generator referenced to the ground potential is capacitively coupled to the stage to control a surface potential at the stage for provision of kinetic energy to free electrons in the DC plasma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: VELVETCH LLC
    Inventors: William Andrew Goddard, Stewart Francis Sando, Samir John Anz, David Irwin Margolese
  • Patent number: 11688588
    Abstract: Systems and methods for material processing using wafer scale waves of precisely controlled electrons in a DC plasma is presented. A surface floating potential of a substrate placed atop a stage in a positive column of the DC plasma is adjusted and maintained to a reference potential. A periodic biasing signal referenced to the reference potential is capacitively coupled to the stage to control a surface potential at the substrate according to: an active phase for provision of kinetic energy to free electrons in the DC plasma for activation of targeted bonds at the surface of the substrate; a neutralization phase for repelling of the free electrons from the surface of the substrate; and an initialization phase for restoring an initial condition of the surface floating potential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: VELVETCH LLC
    Inventors: Stewart Francis Sando, Samir John Anz, David Irwin Margolese, William Andrew Goddard
  • Patent number: 11676797
    Abstract: Systems and methods for material processing using wafer scale waves of precisely controlled electrons in a DC plasma is presented. The anode and cathode of a DC plasma chamber are respectively connected to an adjustable DC voltage source and a DC current source. The anode potential is adjusted to shift a surface floating potential of a stage in a positive column of the DC plasma to a reference ground potential of the DC voltage/current sources. A conductive plate in a same region of the positive column opposite the stage is used to measure the surface floating potential of the stage. A signal generator referenced to the ground potential is capacitively coupled to the stage to control a surface potential at the stage for provision of kinetic energy to free electrons in the DC plasma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: VELVETCH LLC
    Inventors: William Andrew Goddard, Stewart Francis Sando, Samir John Anz, David Irwin Margolese
  • Patent number: 11664195
    Abstract: Systems and methods for material processing using wafer scale waves of precisely controlled electrons in a DC plasma is presented. The anode and cathode of a DC plasma chamber are respectively connected to an adjustable DC voltage source and a DC current source. The anode potential is adjusted to shift a surface floating potential of a stage in a positive column of the DC plasma to a reference ground potential of the DC voltage/current sources. A control loop can be activated throughout various processing steps to maintain the surface floating potential of the stage to the reference ground potential. A signal generator referenced to the ground potential is capacitively coupled to the stage to control a surface potential at the stage for provision of kinetic energy to free electrons in the DC plasma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: VELVETCH LLC
    Inventors: William Andrew Goddard, Stewart Francis Sando, Samir John Anz, David Irwin Margolese
  • Publication number: 20230144264
    Abstract: Systems and methods for material processing using wafer scale waves of precisely controlled electrons in a DC plasma is presented. The anode and cathode of a DC plasma chamber are respectively connected to an adjustable DC voltage source and a DC current source. The anode potential is adjusted to shift a surface floating potential of a stage in a positive column of the DC plasma to a reference ground potential of the DC voltage/current sources. A control loop can be activated throughout various processing steps to maintain the surface floating potential of the stage to the reference ground potential. A signal generator referenced to the ground potential is capacitively coupled to the stage to control a surface potential at the stage for provision of kinetic energy to free electrons in the DC plasma.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2021
    Publication date: May 11, 2023
    Inventors: William Andrew Goddard, Stewart Francis Sando, Samir John Anz, David Irwin Margolese
  • Publication number: 20230143453
    Abstract: Systems and methods for material processing using wafer scale waves of precisely controlled electrons in a DC plasma is presented. The anode and cathode of a DC plasma chamber are respectively connected to an adjustable DC voltage source and a DC current source. The anode potential is adjusted to shift a surface floating potential of a stage in a positive column of the DC plasma to a reference ground potential of the DC voltage/current sources. A conductive plate in a same region of the positive column opposite the stage is used to measure the surface floating potential of the stage. A control loop can be activated throughout various processing steps to maintain the surface floating potential of the stage to the reference ground potential. A signal generator referenced to the ground potential is capacitively coupled to the stage to control a surface potential at the stage for provision of kinetic energy to free electrons in the DC plasma.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2022
    Publication date: May 11, 2023
    Inventors: William Andrew Goddard, Stewart Francis Sando, Samir John Anz, David Irwin Margolese
  • Publication number: 20230140979
    Abstract: Systems and methods for material processing using wafer scale waves of precisely controlled electrons in a DC plasma is presented. The anode and cathode of a DC plasma chamber are respectively connected to an adjustable DC voltage source and a DC current source. The anode potential is adjusted to shift a surface floating potential of a stage in a positive column of the DC plasma to a reference ground potential of the DC voltage/current sources. A conductive plate in a same region of the positive column opposite the stage is used to measure the surface floating potential of the stage. A signal generator referenced to the ground potential is capacitively coupled to the stage to control a surface potential at the stage for provision of kinetic energy to free electrons in the DC plasma.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2022
    Publication date: May 11, 2023
    Inventors: William Andrew Goddard, Stewart Francis Sando, Samir John Anz, David Irwin Margolese
  • Publication number: 20220002808
    Abstract: An Artificial intelligence-based method for diagnosing Alzheimer's Disease or determining susceptibility to Alzheimer's Disease includes a step of obtaining a blood sample from a target subject (e.g., a human). The degree of methylation in one or a plurality of Alzheimer indicators genes is identified for leukocytes in the blood sample. Each Alzheimer indicator gene is identified as being an indicator of the presence of or risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease. Characteristically, the at least one or the plurality of Alzheimer indicators genes have been identified by a machine learning technique or by logistic regression. Finally, the target subject is identified as being at risk for Alzheimer's Disease if the amount of methylation of one or more Alzheimer indicators genes differs from the amount of methylation established in control subjects (for the same genes) not having Alzheimer's Disease by a predetermined amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2021
    Publication date: January 6, 2022
    Inventors: Ray BAHADO-SINGH, Sangeetha VISHWESWARAIAH, Uppala RADHAKRISHNA, Stewart Francis GRAHAM
  • Publication number: 20140190225
    Abstract: A method of altering the composition of animal waste including introducing internally to an animal one or more treatment substances that can directly or indirectly affect the conversion of nitrogen containing compounds in animal waste, such that animal waste acts as a carrier so that the one or more substances affect the conversion of nitrogen containing compounds once the waste has been excreted from the animal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: AgResearch Limited
    Inventor: Stewart Francis LEDGARD
  • Publication number: 20110047183
    Abstract: A system for monitoring and managing chain of custody information for an asset or a group of assets through various stages of asset transport or transformation. The system includes a server configured to assign an asset identifier relating to each specific asset, an asset record stored on a computer readable medium and linked to the asset identifier, the record configured to store data linked to a specific asset, a series of modules, each module stored on a computer readable medium, the modules comprising instructions configured to instruct a processor to access and modify the asset record as well as to establish a series of rules for managing the asset, and at least one supplier computing device operably connected to the server, the computing device configured to access at least one of the series of modules, thereby allowing a user to access and modify the asset record.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: HELVETA LIMITED
    Inventors: Brian Ford, Patrick James Newton, Stewart Francis Ross
  • Publication number: 20030017594
    Abstract: The invention refers to an improved method for DNA cloning and subcloning using Rec T or RecET-mediated homologous recombination. Further, novel reagent kits suitable for carrying out the method are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventors: Zhang Youming, Stewart A. Francis, Muijrers P. P. Joep