Patents by Inventor Wendell A. Thomas

Wendell A. Thomas 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: 11897811
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: INTEVAC, INC.
    Inventors: Terry Bluck, Wendell Thomas Blonigan
  • Publication number: 20220185726
    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: January 31, 2022
    Publication date: June 16, 2022
    Inventors: Terry Bluck, Wendell Thomas Blonigan
  • Patent number: 11236013
    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: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: INTEVAC, INC.
    Inventors: Terry Bluck, Wendell Thomas Blonigan
  • 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
  • Patent number: 9475358
    Abstract: A suspension bushing includes an inner cylinder, an intermediate plate, an outer cylinder and an elastic member. An axis of the inner cylinder is arranged vertically and the inner cylinder is provided with an expanded portion in an axially central region. The expanded portion is enclosed by a curved surface section formed in an axially central region of the intermediate plate. An axially outward expanded end section is provided on either side of the curved surface section. An inside annular recess and an outside annular recess are provided on an axially outward end of the elastic member. When the twist is inputted, the outer cylinder and the intermediate plate are changed relative to the inner cylinder. However, due to the provision of the expanded end section, a twist angle is increased so that the intermediate plate is hard to interfere with an end portion of the inner cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: YUSA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Wendell Thomas Grim
  • Patent number: 9462921
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for recovery and cleaning of broken substrates, especially beneficial for fabrication systems using silicon wafer carried on trays. Removal of broken wafers and particles from within the fabrication system is enabled without requiring disassembly of the system and without requiring manual labor. A placing mechanism moves a suction head to location of the broken substrate and a suction pump coupled to a flexible hose is used to remove the broken pieces. A hood is positioned at the inlet of the suction head, and setback extensions are provided at the bottom of the hood to allow air flow into the inlet and prevent thermal conductance from the tray to the hood. Pins are extendable about the inlet of the suction head to enable breakage of the wafer to smaller pieces for easy removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: ORBOTECH LT SOLAR, LLC.
    Inventors: Craig Lyle Stevens, David Eric Berkstresser, Wendell Thomas Blonigan
  • Patent number: 9306877
    Abstract: A notification system with a method for providing a notification including storing a notification request at a home unit; receiving the notification request at a central location, the notification request comprising a message, a notification time, and a destination; storing the message at the central location; associating the message with the notification time and destination; determining a current time; comparing the determined current time to the notification time; opening a communication session with the destination based on the determination; and transmitting the stored message to the destination during the communication session based on the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Thomas and Sons, Inc.
    Inventor: Wendell A Thomas
  • Patent number: 9287152
    Abstract: A method for auto-sequencing of plasma processing system for concurrent processing of several substrates. The method autonomously sequence processing and move substrates in different directions as necessary. The method moves two substrate trays together into the processing chamber for substrate exchange, and remove the trays from the chamber one at a time. When needed, the method moves one tray into the processing chamber for removal of the susceptor without exposing the chamber to atmospheric environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: ORBOTECH LT SOLAR, LLC.
    Inventors: Wendell Thomas Blonigan, Masato Toshima, Kam S. Law, David Eric Berkstresser, Steve Kleinke, Craig Lyle Stevens
  • Publication number: 20150273967
    Abstract: A suspension bushing includes an inner cylinder, an intermediate plate, an outer cylinder and an elastic member. An axis of the inner cylinder is arranged vertically and the inner cylinder is provided with an expanded portion in an axially central region. The expanded portion is enclosed by a curved surface section formed in an axially central region of the intermediate plate. An axially outward expanded end section is provided on either side of the curved surface section. An inside annular recess and an outside annular recess are provided on an axially outward end of the elastic member. When the twist is inputted, the outer cylinder and the intermediate plate are changed relative to the inner cylinder. However, due to the provision of the expanded end section, a twist angle is increased so that the intermediate plate is hard to interfere with an end portion of the inner cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventor: Wendell Thomas Grim
  • Patent number: 8672603
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for concurrent processing of several substrates. The system employs a novel architecture which, while being linear, may autonomously sequence processing and move substrates in different directions as necessary. The system moves several substrates concurrently; however, unlike the prior art it does not utilize trays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Orbotech LT Solar, LLC.
    Inventors: Wendell Thomas Blonigan, Masato Toshima, Kam S. Law, David Eric Berkstresser, Steve Kleinke, Craig Lyle Stevens
  • Patent number: 8617349
    Abstract: A showerhead for a plasma process apparatus for processing substrates, comprising a showerhead body comprising a top plate and a bottom plate defining a cavity in between; a gas inlet formed in the top plate; a perforated plate positioned between the top plate and the bottom plate and dissecting the cavity into an upper gas compartment and a lower gas compartment; and, wherein the bottom plate comprises a plurality of elongated diffusion slots on its lower surface and a plurality of diffusion holes on its upper surface, each of the diffusion holes making fluid connection from the lower gas compartment to more than one of the diffusion slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Orbotech LT Solar, LLC.
    Inventors: Kam S. Law, Masato Toshima, Wendell Thomas Blonigan, Linh Can, Robin K. F. Law
  • Publication number: 20130304840
    Abstract: A notification system with a method for providing a notification including storing a notification request at a home unit; receiving the notification request at a central location, the notification request comprising a message, a notification time, and a destination; storing the message at the central location; associating the message with the notification time and destination; determining a current time; comparing the determined current time to the notification time; opening a communication session with the destination based on the determination; and transmitting the stored message to the destination during the communication session based on the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventor: Wendell A. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20130294678
    Abstract: A method for auto-sequencing of plasma processing system for concurrent processing of several substrates. The method autonomously sequence processing and move substrates in different directions as necessary. The method moves two substrate trays together into the processing chamber for substrate exchange, and remove the trays from the chamber one at a time. When needed, the method moves one tray into the processing chamber for removal of the susceptor without exposing the chamber to atmospheric environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: Orbotech LT Solar, LLC.
    Inventors: Wendell Thomas Blonigan, Masato Toshima, Kam S. Law, David Eric Berkstresser, Steve Kleinke, Craig Lyle Stevens
  • Publication number: 20130269149
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for recovery and cleaning of broken substrates, especially beneficial for fabrication systems using silicon wafer carried on trays. Removal of broken wafers and particles from within the fabrication system is enabled without requiring disassembly of the system and without requiring manual labor. A placing mechanism moves a suction head to location of the broken substrate and a suction pump coupled to a flexible hose is used to remove the broken pieces. A hood is positioned at the inlet of the suction head, and setback extensions are provided at the bottom of the hood to allow air flow into the inlet and prevent thermal conductance from the tray to the hood. Pins are extendable about the inlet of the suction head to enable breakage of the wafer to smaller pieces for easy removal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: Craig Lyle Stevens, David Eric Berkstresser, Wendell Thomas Blonigan
  • Patent number: 8526579
    Abstract: A method for providing a notification includes receiving a notification request at a central location. The notification request includes an audible message, a notification time, and a destination. The audible message is stored at the central location and associated with the notification time and destination. A current time is determined and compared with the determined notification time. The method further includes connecting a telephone call to the destination based on the determination and transmitting the stored audible message to the destination during the telephone call based on the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Wendell A. Thomas
  • Patent number: 8459276
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for recovery and cleaning of broken substrates, for fabrication systems using silicon wafers. A placing mechanism moves a suction head to a location of the broken substrate and a suction pump coupled to a flexible hose is used to remove the broken pieces. A hood is positioned at the inlet of the suction head, and setback extensions are provided at the bottom of the hood to allow air flow into the inlet and prevent thermal conductance from the tray to the hood. Pins are extendable about the inlet of the suction head to enable breakage of the substrate to smaller pieces for removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Orbotech LT Solar, LLC.
    Inventors: Craig Lyle Stevens, David Eric Berkstresser, Wendell Thomas Blonigan
  • Patent number: 8444364
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for concurrent processing of several substrates. The system employs a novel architecture which, while being linear, may autonomously sequence processing and move substrates in different directions as necessary. The system moves several substrates concurrently; however, unlike the prior art it does not utilize trays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Orbotech LT Solar, LLC.
    Inventors: Wendell Thomas Blonigan, Masato Toshima, Kam S. Law, David Eric Berkstresser, Steve Kleinke, Craig Lyle Stevens
  • Publication number: 20120298141
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for recovery and cleaning of broken substrates, especially beneficial for fabrication systems using silicon wafer carried on trays. Removal of broken wafers and particles from within the fabrication system is enabled without requiring disassembly of the system and without requiring manual labor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: Craig Lyle STEVENS, David Eric Berkstresser, Wendell Thomas Blonigan
  • Publication number: 20120267049
    Abstract: Vacuum processing chambers having provisions for improved electrical contact to substrate carrier. Specific embodiments provide a plasma processing chamber having a pedestal for supporting the carrier, and a plurality of fixed posts and resilient contacts are distributed over the area of the pedestal. The fixed posts provide physical support for the carrier, while the resilient contacts provide reliable and repeatable multi-point electrical contact to the carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventors: Craig Lyle STEVENS, Wendell Thomas BLONIGAN
  • Patent number: 8162348
    Abstract: A folding cart (20) includes a frame (22) having a first extendable leg and a second extendable leg. A bag support (30) connects the first extendable leg with the second extendable leg and defines a first plate (44) adjacent the first extendable leg. A second plate (46) is defined on the bag support (30) adjacent the second extendable leg. A vertical hinge (48) rotatably connects the first plate (44) with the second plate (46) such that the first plate (44) can rotate relative to the second plate (46) about a bag support (30) axis of rotation such that the cart (20) is can be folded when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Wendell A. Thomas