Patents by Inventor Terry Bluck

Terry Bluck 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: 20190383977
    Abstract: A multi-color dielectric coating is formed using interleaved layers of dielectric material, having alternating refractive index, to create reflections at selected wavelengths, thus appearing as different colors. Etching of selected layers at selected locations changes the color appearance of the etched locations, thus generating a coating having multiple colors. The thicknesses of the layers are chosen such that the path-length differences for reflections from different high-index layers are integer multiples of the wavelength for which the coating is designed. Inkjet printer is used to print a design and the design is cured using UV radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2019
    Publication date: December 19, 2019
    Inventors: Terry Bluck, Arun Karamcheti
  • Publication number: 20190383976
    Abstract: A multi-color dielectric coating is formed using interleaved layers of dielectric material, having alternating refractive index, to create reflections at selected wavelengths, thus appearing as different colors. Etching of selected layers at selected locations changes the color appearance of the etched locations, thus generating a coating having multiple colors. The thicknesses of the layers are chosen such that the path-length differences for reflections from different high-index layers are integer multiples of the wavelength for which the coating is designed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2019
    Publication date: December 19, 2019
    Inventors: Terry Bluck, Paul Ramon Markoff Johnson, Alexander Vassilievich Demchuk
  • Patent number: 10446430
    Abstract: A chuck for wafer processing that counters the deleterious effects of thermal expansion of the wafer. Also, a combination of chuck and shadow mask arrangement that maintains relative alignment between openings in the mask and the wafer in spite of thermal expansion of the wafer. A method for fabricating a solar cell by ion implant, while maintaining relative alignment of the implanted features during thermal expansion of the wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: INTEVAC, INC.
    Inventors: Terry Bluck, Babak Adibi, Vinay Prabhakar, William Eugene Runstadler, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10418260
    Abstract: A system for fan out chip encapsulation processing is provided, wherein a plurality of microchips are encapsulated in molding compound, the system comprising: an atmospheric loading camber, configured to load substrates onto carriers in atmospheric environment; an entry loadlock arrangement configured to introduce the carriers into vacuum environment of the system; a degas chamber positioned downstream of the loadlock arrangement within the vacuum environment, the degas chamber comprising a heating element and a pumping arrangement to remove gases emitted from the molding compound; an etch chamber positioned downstream of the degas chamber and within the vacuum environment, the etch chamber comprising an ion beam generator and an ion neutralizer; a metal sputtering chamber positioned downstream of the etch chamber and inside the vacuum environment; and, an exit loadlock arrangement configured to remove carriers from the vacuum environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: INTEVAC, INC.
    Inventors: Terry Bluck, Terry Pederson, William Eugene Runstadler, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10204810
    Abstract: There is described apparatus and methods for transporting and processing substrates including wafers as to efficiently produce at reasonable costs improved throughput as compared to systems in use today. A linear transport chamber includes linear tracks and robot arms riding on the linear tracks to linearly transfer substrates along the sides of processing chambers for feeding substrates into a controlled atmosphere through a load lock and then along a transport chamber as a way of reaching processing chambers. A four-axis robot arm is disclosed, capable of linear translation, rotation and articulation, and z-motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Brooks Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Gee Sun Hoey, Terry Bluck, Hoang Huy Vu, Jimin Ryu
  • Publication number: 20190025469
    Abstract: A processing system for forming an optical coating on a substrate is provided, wherein the optical coating including an anti-reflective coating and an oleophobic coating, the system comprising: a linear transport processing section configured for processing and transporting substrate carriers individually and one at a time in a linear direction; at least one evaporation processing system positioned in the linear transport processing system, the evaporation processing system configured to form the oleophobic coating; a batch processing section configured to transport substrate carriers in unison about an axis; at least one ion beam assisted deposition processing chamber positioned in the batch processing section, the ion beam assisted deposition processing chamber configured to deposit layer of the anti-reflective coating; a plurality of substrate carriers for mounting substrates; and, means for transferring the substrate carriers between the linear transport processing section and the batch processing section
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Inventors: Terry Bluck, Wendell Thomas Blonigan
  • Publication number: 20190027635
    Abstract: A system for transporting substrates and precisely align the substrates horizontally and vertically. The system decouples the functions of transporting the substrates, vertically aligning the substrates, and horizontally aligning the substrates. The transport system includes a carriage upon which plurality of chuck assemblies are loosely positioned, each of the chuck assemblies includes a base having vertical alignment wheels to place the substrate in precise vertical alignment. A pedestal is configured to freely slide on the base. The pedestal includes a set of horizontal alignment wheels that precisely align the pedestal in the horizontal direction. An electrostatic chuck is magnetically held to the pedestal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Inventors: Hoang Huy Vu, Babak Adibi, Terry Bluck
  • Publication number: 20190027636
    Abstract: A system for transporting substrates and precisely alignment the substrates to shadow masks. The system decouples the functions of transporting the substrates, vertically aligning the substrates, and horizontally aligning the substrates. The transport system includes a carriage upon which plurality of pedestals are loosely positioned, each of the pedestals includes a base having vertical alignment wheels to place the substrate in precise vertical alignment. Two sidebars are configured to freely slide on the base. Each of the sidebars includes a set of horizontal alignment wheels that precisely align the substrate in the horizontal direction. Substrate support claws are attached to the sidebars in precise alignment to the vertical alignment wheels and the horizontal alignment wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Inventors: William Eugene Runstadler, JR., Babak Adibi, Terry Bluck
  • Publication number: 20180348409
    Abstract: An optical coating, such as anti-reflective coating (ARC) or colored coating for optical devices, suitable especially for mobile devices. The ARC is made up of alternating layers of low refractive index and high refractive index. At least one of the layers, preferably the top layer, is made up of nano-laminate. The nano-laminate is a structure of alternating nano-layers, each nano-layer made out of a material having refractive index similar to the layer it replaces. Optionally, each of the layers are made up of nano-laminates, such that a layer having low refractive index is made up of nano-laminates of nano-layers having low refractive index, while high index layers are made up of nano-lamonate of nano-layers having high refractive index. Each of the nano-layers is of 2-10 nanometer thickness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2018
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Terry Bluck, Gaurav Saraf, James Craig Hunter, Changwan Hwang, Paul R. Markoff Johnson, Jae Ha Choi
  • Patent number: 10115617
    Abstract: A system for processing substrates in plasma chambers, such that all substrates transport and loading/unloading operations are performed in atmospheric environment, but processing is performed in vacuum environment. The substrates are transported throughout the system on carriers. The system's chambers are arranged linearly, such that carriers move from one chamber directly to the next. A conveyor, placed above or below the system's chambers, returns the carriers to the system's entry area after processing is completed. Loading and unloading of substrates may be performed at one side of the system, or loading can be done at the entry side and unloading at the exit side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: INTEVAC, INC.
    Inventors: Terry Bluck, Vinay Shah, Alexandru Riposan
  • Patent number: 10106883
    Abstract: A sputtering system having a processing chamber with an inlet port and an outlet port, and a sputtering target positioned on a wall of the processing chamber. A movable magnet arrangement is positioned behind the sputtering target and reciprocally slides behind the target. A conveyor continuously transports substrates at a constant speed past the sputtering target, such that at any given time, several substrates face the target between the leading edge and the trailing edge. In certain embodiments, the movable magnet arrangement slides at a speed that is at least several times faster than the constant speed of the conveyor. A rotating zone is defined behind the leading edge and trailing edge of the target, wherein the magnet arrangement decelerates when it enters the rotating zone and accelerates as it reverses direction of sliding within the rotating zone. In certain embodiments, magnet power and/or speed varies as function of direction of magnet travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: INTEVAC, INC.
    Inventors: Vinay Shah, Alexandru Riposan, Terry Bluck, Vladimir Kudriavtsev
  • Patent number: 10062600
    Abstract: A system for processing substrates in plasma chambers, such that all substrates transport and loading/unloading operations are performed in atmospheric environment, but processing is performed in vacuum environment. The substrates are transported throughout the system on carriers. The system's chambers are arranged linearly, such that carriers move from one chamber directly to the next. A conveyor, placed above or below the system's chambers, returns the carriers to the system's entry area after processing is completed. The carriers are configured for supporting substrates of different sizes. The carriers are also configured for flipping the substrates such that both surfaces of the substrates may be processed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Intevac, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry Bluck, Vinay Shah, Ian Latchford, Alexandru Riposan
  • Publication number: 20180171463
    Abstract: Disclosed is a substrate processing system which enables combined static and pass-by processing. Also, a system architecture is provided, which reduces footprint size. The system is constructed such that the substrates are processed therein vertically, and each chamber has a processing source attached to one sidewall thereof, wherein the other sidewall backs to a complementary processing chamber. The chamber system can be milled from a single block of metal, e.g., aluminum, wherein the block is milled from both sides, such that a wall remains and separates each two complementary processing chambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2018
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Inventors: Patrick Leahey, Eric Lawson, Charles Liu, Terry Bluck, Kevin P. Fairbairn, Robert L. Ruck, Samuel D. Harkness, IV
  • Publication number: 20180096823
    Abstract: An RF antenna system for a plasma chamber comprises an RF input coupling a trunk to an RO power supply; two main branches electrically connected to the main trunk, each of the two main branches coupled to a plurality of rod antennas; a plurality of tuning devices, each provided between one of the rod antennas and the corresponding main branch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Publication date: April 5, 2018
    Inventors: Terry Bluck, Babak Adibi
  • Patent number: 9914994
    Abstract: Disclosed is a substrate processing system which enables combined static and pass-by processing. Also, a system architecture is provided, which reduces footprint size. The system is constructed such that the substrates are processed therein vertically, and each chamber has a processing source attached to one sidewall thereof, wherein the other sidewall backs to a complementary processing chamber. The chamber system can be milled from a single block of metal, e.g., aluminum, wherein the block is milled from both sides, such that a wall remains and separates each two complementary processing chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: INTEVAC, INC.
    Inventors: Patrick Leahey, Eric Lawson, Charles Liu, Terry Bluck, Kevin P. Fairbairn, Robert L. Ruck, Samuel D. Harkness, IV
  • Publication number: 20180061689
    Abstract: A system for fan out chip encapsulation processing is provided, wherein a plurality of microchips are encapsulated in molding compound, the system comprising: an atmospheric loading camber, configured to load substrates onto carriers in atmospheric environment; an entry loadlock arrangement configured to introduce the carriers into vacuum environment of the system; a degas chamber positioned downstream of the loadlock arrangement within the vacuum environment, the degas chamber comprising a heating element and a pumping arrangement to remove gases emitted from the molding compound; an etch chamber positioned downstream of the degas chamber and within the vacuum environment, the etch chamber comprising an ion beam generator and an ion neutralizer; a metal sputtering chamber positioned downstream of the etch chamber and inside the vacuum environment; and, an exit loadlock arrangement configured to remove carriers from the vacuum environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Terry Bluck, Terry Pederson, William Eugene Runstadler, JR.
  • Patent number: 9892890
    Abstract: A narrow sputtering source and target which are designed to be installed in a series on a sputtering chamber. Each of the narrow sputtering source has length sufficient to traverse one direction of the sputtering zone, but is much narrower than the orthogonal direction of the sputtering zone. When the sputtering chamber performs a pass-by sputtering process, each of the narrow sputtering sources is sufficiently long to traverse the sputtering zone in the direction orthogonal to the substrate travel direction, but is much narrower than the sputtering zone in the direction of substrate travel. Several narrow sputtering sources are installed so as to traverse the entire sputtering zone in all directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: INTEVAC, INC.
    Inventors: Terry Bluck, Alex Riposan
  • Publication number: 20180023190
    Abstract: The use of non-mass analyzed ion implanter is advantageous in such application as it generates ion implanting at different depth depending on the ions energy and mass. This allows for gaining advantage from lubricity offered as a result of the very light deposition on the surface, and at the same time the hardness provided by the intercalated ions implanted below it, providing benefits for cover glass, low E enhancement, and other similar materials. In further aspects, ion implantation is used to create other desirable film properties such anti-microbial and corrosion resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Terry Bluck, Babak Adibi
  • Patent number: 9875922
    Abstract: A system for processing substrates has a vacuum enclosure and a processing chamber situated to process wafers in a processing zone inside the vacuum enclosure. Two rail assemblies are provided, one on each side of the processing zone. Two chuck arrays ride, each on one of the rail assemblies, such that each is cantilevered on one rail assemblies and support a plurality of chucks. The rail assemblies are coupled to an elevation mechanism that places the rails in upper position for processing and at lower position for returning the chuck assemblies for loading new wafers. A pickup head assembly loads wafers from a conveyor onto the chuck assemblies. The pickup head has plurality of electrostatic chucks that pick up the wafers from the front side of the wafers. Cooling channels in the processing chucks are used to create air cushion to assist in aligning the wafers when delivered by the pickup head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: INTEVAC, INC.
    Inventors: Terry Pederson, Henry Hieslmair, Moon Chun, Vinay Prabhakar, Babak Adibi, Terry Bluck
  • Patent number: 9850570
    Abstract: The use of non-mass analyzed ion implanter is advantageous in such application as it generates ion implanting at different depth depending on the ions energy and mass. This allows for gaining advantage from lubricity offered as a result of the very light deposition on the surface, and at the same time the hardness provided by the intercalated ions implanted below it, providing benefits for cover glass, low E enhancement, and other similar materials. In further aspects, ion implantation is used to create other desirable film properties such anti-microbial and corrosion resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: INTEVAC, INC.
    Inventors: Terry Bluck, Babak Adibi