Patents by Inventor Terry Stapleton

Terry Stapleton 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: 11692883
    Abstract: A fiber optic temperature probe is disclosed. The fiber optic temperature probe includes a probe shaft containing an optical fiber. An optical temperature sensor element is coupled to the probe shaft and configured to be excited by light from the optical fiber and emit light back to the optical fiber. A thermally conductive plate is coupled to the probe shaft and interfaces with the optical temperature sensor element. Baffling extends from the probe shaft and surrounds the edges of the thermally conductive plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry Stapleton, Jason Errett
  • Patent number: 11573133
    Abstract: A plasma processing chamber optical temperature sensor is disclosed. The plasma processing chamber optical temperature sensor includes a light source, a light detector, and a means for transmitting light through a wall of a plasma processing chamber. An optical temperature sensing element is thermally coupled to a plasma processing chamber component within the plasma processing chamber. The optical temperature sensing element includes a monolithic crystalline phosphor element configured to be excited by light from the light source and to emit light back to the light detector indicative of a temperature of the monolithic crystalline phosphor element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Errett, Terry Stapleton
  • Publication number: 20230009000
    Abstract: A plasma processing chamber optical temperature sensor is disclosed. The plasma processing chamber optical temperature sensor includes a light source, a light detector, and a means for transmitting light through a wall of a plasma processing chamber. An optical temperature sensing element is thermally coupled to a plasma processing chamber component within the plasma processing chamber. The optical temperature sensing element includes a monolithic crystalline phosphor element configured to be excited by light from the light source and to emit light back to the light detector indicative of a temperature of the monolithic crystalline phosphor element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2021
    Publication date: January 12, 2023
    Inventors: Jason Errett, Terry Stapleton
  • Publication number: 20220128417
    Abstract: A fiber optic temperature probe is disclosed. The fiber optic temperature probe includes a probe shaft containing an optical fiber. An optical temperature sensor element is coupled to the probe shaft and configured to be excited by light from the optical fiber and emit light back to the optical fiber. A thermally conductive plate is coupled to the probe shaft and interfaces with the optical temperature sensor element. Baffling extends from the probe shaft and surrounds the edges of the thermally conductive plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2020
    Publication date: April 28, 2022
    Inventors: Terry Stapleton, Jason Errett
  • Publication number: 20070171958
    Abstract: A probe for use within a high voltage and high current electrical device is disclosed. The probe comprises an optical fiber, a substrate having a slot, and a photoluminescent material. The fiber has a first and second end and is configured to convey an activation light from the first to second end. A portion of the fiber is within the slot such that the slot receives the second end of the fiber. Emission of the photoluminescent material, as a function of temperature, is known. The photoluminescent material is disposed within at least a portion of the slot that faces the second end of the fiber so that they are in optical communication with each other. A change in intensity of a luminescent light emitted back into the fiber by the photoluminescent material when the activation light is conveyed by the fiber onto the photoluminescent material provides an indication of the integrity of the electrical device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Publication date: July 26, 2007
    Inventors: Anh Hoang, Terry Stapleton
  • Publication number: 20060140248
    Abstract: A temperature sensor that has a thermally conducting contact with a surface that emits electromagnetic radiation in proportion to the temperature of the contact is disclosed. The sensor has a resilient member attached to the contact and configured to extend the contact toward the object to be measured. A first light waveguide is attached to the contact and is configured to transmit the electromagnetic radiation from the contact. The sensor has a guide with a bore formed therein that the first waveguide is insertable into. When the contact is moved, the first waveguide moves within the bore. A second waveguide is attached to the guide such that a variable gap is formed between the ends of the first waveguide and the second waveguide. Electromagnetic energy from the first waveguide traverses the gap and can be transmitted by the second waveguide. The guide allows the first waveguide to move with the contact in order to ensure that the contact is fully engaged with the surface of the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Publication date: June 29, 2006
    Inventors: John Gotthold, Terry Stapleton, Robert Champetier, Hung Dang