Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090008722 | Three-Dimensional Memory Cells - The present invention discloses a three-dimensional memory (3D-M) with polarized 3D-ROM (three-dimensional read-only memory) cells. Polarized 3D-ROM can ensure a larger unit array and therefore, a better integratibility. | 01-08-2009 |
20090070214 | Three-Dimensional Memory-Based Three-Dimensional Memory Module - Three-dimensional-memory-based three-dimensional memory module (3D | 03-12-2009 |
20090237976 | N-ary Three-Dimensional Mask-Programmable Read-Only Memory - N-ary three-dimensional mask-programmable read-only memory (N-3DMPROM) stores multi-bit-per-cell. Its memory cells can have N states (N>2) and data are stored as N-ary codes. N-3DMPROM has a larger storage density than the prior-art binary 3D-MPROM. One advantage of N-3DROM over other N-ary memory (e.g. multi-level-cell flash) is that its array efficiency can be kept high. N-3DMPROM could be geometry-defined, junction-defined, or a combination thereof. | 09-24-2009 |
20100025861 | Hybrid-Level Three-Dimensional Mask-Programmable Read-Only Memory - A hybrid-level three-dimensional mask-programmable read-only memory (HL-3DMPROM) includes a plurality of memory sets. Within each memory set, a plurality of vertically stacked memory levels are interleaved and all adjacent memory levels share address-selection lines; between adjacent memory sets, memory levels are separated by an inter-level dielectric and do not share any address-selection lines. | 02-04-2010 |
20110019459 | Three-Dimensional Mask-Programmable Read-Only Memory with Reserved Space - The present invention discloses a three-dimensional mask-programmable read-only memory with reserved space (3D-MPROM | 01-27-2011 |
20110284814 | Large Bit-Per-Cell Three-Dimensional Mask-Programmable Read-Only Memory - A large bit-per-cell three-dimensional mask-programmable read-only memory (3D-MPROM | 11-24-2011 |
20120144091 | Mask-Programmed Read-Only Memory with Reserved Space - The present invention discloses a mask-ROM with reserved space (mask-ROM | 06-07-2012 |
20120210438 | Secure Three-Dimensional Mask-Programmed Read-Only Memory - Among all classes of three-dimensional read-only memory (3D-ROM), mask-programmed 3D-ROM (3Dm-ROM) is suitable for mass information dissemination. A secure 3Dm-ROM (3Dm-ROMS) comprises a 3Dm-ROM for storing mass information, a non-mask-programmed memory (NMP) for storing at least a key and an encryption logic. It provides strong copyright protection by writing different keys into different NMPs and encrypting the 3Dm-ROM contents with these different keys. | 08-16-2012 |
20130056798 | Three-Dimensional Printed Memory - As technology scales, the mask cost rises sharply. It was generally believed that three-dimensional mask-programmed read-only memory (3D-MPROM) would become economically un-viable. The present invention discloses a three-dimensional printed memory (3D-P). It is a type of 3D-MPROM and uses shared data-masks to print data. By forming the mask-patterns for a plurality of distinct mass-contents on a same data-mask, the share of the data-mask cost on each mass-content is significantly reduced. For mass publication, the minimum feature size of the 3D-P is preferably less than 45 nm. | 03-07-2013 |
20130056881 | Discrete Three-Dimensional Memory - The present invention discloses a discrete three-dimensional memory (3D-M). It is partitioned into at least two discrete dice: a memory-array die and a peripheral-circuit die. The memory-array die comprises at least a 3D-M array, which is built in a 3-D space. The peripheral-circuit die comprises at least a peripheral-circuit component, which is built on a 2-D plane. At least one peripheral-circuit component of the 3D-M is formed in the peripheral-circuit die instead of in the memory-array die. The array efficiency of the memory-array die can be larger than 70%. | 03-07-2013 |
20130058146 | Three-Dimensional Offset-Printed Memory - The present invention discloses a three-dimensional offset-printed memory (3D-oP). Compared with a conventional three-dimensional mask-programmed read-only memory (3D-MPROM), it has a lower data-mask count and thereby a lower data-mask cost. The mask-patterns for different memory levels/bits-in-a-cell are merged onto a multi-region data-mask. At different printing steps, a wafer is offset by different values with respect to said data-mask. Accordingly, data-patterns are printed into different memory levels/bits-in-a-cell from a same data-mask. | 03-07-2013 |
20130058147 | Three-Dimensional Writable Printed Memory - The present invention discloses a three-dimensional writable printed memory (3D-wP). It comprises at least a printed memory array and a writable memory array. The printed memory array stores contents data, which are recorded with a printing means; the writable memory array stores custom data, which are recorded with a writing means. The writing means is preferably direct-write lithography. To maintain manufacturing throughput, the total amount of custom data should be less than 1% of the total amount of content data. | 03-07-2013 |
20130059425 | Imprinted Memory - The rising mask cost would make mask-ROM economically un-viable below 90 nm. The present invention discloses an imprinted memory, more particularly a three-dimensional imprinted memory (3D-iP). It uses imprint-lithography (also referred to as nano-imprint lithography, or NIL) to record data. The data-template used by imprint-lithography is much less expensive than the data-mask used by photo-lithography. | 03-07-2013 |
20130060880 | Hybrid Content-Distribution System and Method - The present invention discloses a hybrid content-distribution system. It uses two types of memory to distribute contents: re-writable memory (RWM) and three-dimensional mask-programmed read-only memory (3D-MPROM). During a publication period, new contents are transferred from a remote server to the RWM. At the end of the publication period, a user receives a 3D-MPROM, which stores a collection of the transferred contents. To make room for the contents to be released during the next publication period, the contents common to the 3D-MPROM and the RWM are deleted from the RWM afterwards. | 03-07-2013 |
20130061100 | Field-Repair System and Method - With increasing capacity, testing of three-dimensional mask-programmed read-only memory (3D-MPROM) becomes too time-consuming and expensive. Accordingly, the present invention discloses a field-repair system. Most of the 3D-MPROM data are not checked in the factory, but checked and repaired in the field. The field-repair system comprises a playback device with a communicating means. The playback device checks the 3D-MPROM data as they are read out. When bad data are detected, the good data to replace the bad data are fetched from a remote server with the communicating means. The remote server stores at least a copy of the content being read. | 03-07-2013 |
20130061108 | Self-Repair System and Method - The present invention discloses a self-repair system for three-dimensional mask-programmed read-only memory (3D-MPROM). Most of the 3D-MPROM data are not checked in the factory, but checked and repaired in the field. This self-repair system comprises a playback device with a re-writable memory (RWM). The RWM temporarily stores new contents. After a user receives a 3D-MPROM card storing the same contents, the playback device checks the 3D-MPROM data. When bad data are detected, the good data to replace the bad data are fetched from the RWM. | 03-07-2013 |
20130182483 | Discrete Three-Dimensional Memory Comprising Off-Die Address/Data Translator - The present invention discloses a discrete three-dimensional memory (3D-M). Its 3D-M arrays are located on at least one 3D-array die, while its address-data translator (A/D-translator) is located on a separate peripheral-circuit die. The A/D-translator converts at least an address and/or data between logical space and physical space for the 3D-array die. A single A/D-translator die can support multiple 3D-array dies. | 07-18-2013 |
20130188415 | Discrete Three-Dimensional Memory Comprising Off-Die Read/Write-Voltage Generator - The present invention discloses a discrete three-dimensional memory (3D-M). Its 3D-M arrays are located on at least one 3D-array die, while its read/write-voltage generator (V | 07-25-2013 |
20130201743 | Three-Dimensional Memory Comprising an Integrated Intermediate-Circuit Die - The present invention discloses a discrete three-dimensional memory (3D-M). It comprises at least a 3D-array die and at least an integrated intermediate-circuit die comprising both a read/write-voltage generator (V | 08-08-2013 |
20130227204 | Mask-Programmed Read-Only Memory with Reserved Space - The present invention discloses a mask-ROM with reserved space (mask-ROM | 08-29-2013 |
20130258740 | Small-Grain Three-Dimensional Memory - The present invention discloses a small-grain three-dimensional memory (3D-MSG). Each of its memory cells comprises a thin-film diode with critical dimension no larger than 40 nm. The thin-film diode comprises at least a small-grain material, whose grain size G is substantially smaller than the diode size D. The small-grain material is preferably a nano-crystalline material or an amorphous material. The critical dimension f of the small-grain diode is smaller than the critical dimension F of the single-crystalline transistor. | 10-03-2013 |
20130267254 | Location-Based Prefetch and Participant-Based Prefetch - To reduce the mobile data usage, information associated with future events is prefetched via an inexpensive mass-data transfer link (e.g. Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or off-peak mobile broadband) and does not need to be fetched via an expensive mobile communication link (e.g. mobile broadband) during normal usage. Location-based prefetch and participant-based prefetch can leverage the existing infrastructures of location-based services (LBS) and social networking services (SNS). Because they provide a more reliable prediction of future events than those guessed from past events, schedule events managed by a calendaring application is primarily used to predict future events. | 10-10-2013 |
20130311790 | Secure Three-Dimensional Mask-Programmed Read-Only Memory - A secure three-dimensional mask-programmed read-only memory (3Dm-ROM | 11-21-2013 |
20140015103 | Large Bit-Per-Cell Three-Dimensional Mask-Programmable Read-Only Memory - A large bit-per-cell three-dimensional mask-programmable read-only memory (3D-MPROM | 01-16-2014 |
20140036566 | Discrete Three-Dimensional Memory Comprising Dice with Different BEOL Structures - The present invention discloses a discrete three-dimensional memory (3D-M). It comprises at least a 3D-array die and at least a peripheral-circuit die. At least a peripheral-circuit component of the 3D-M is located on the peripheral-circuit die instead of the 3D-array die. The 3D-array die and the peripheral-circuit die have substantially different back-end-of-line (BEOL) structures, e.g. different number of BEOL layers, different number of interconnect layers, and/or different interconnect materials. | 02-06-2014 |
20140103161 | Three-Dimensional Airport - The present invention discloses a three-dimensional (3-D) airport. In a 3-D airport, the airplanes are parked in an interleaved manner on at least two levels of parking surfaces. Portions of the wings of adjacently parked airplanes overlap. | 04-17-2014 |
20140179124 | Three-Dimensional Writable Printed Memory - The present invention discloses a three-dimensional writable printed memory (3D-wP). It comprises at least a printed memory array and a writable memory array. The printed memory array stores contents data, which are recorded with a printing means; the writable memory array stores custom data, which are recorded with a writing means. The writing means is preferably direct-write lithography. To maintain manufacturing throughput, the total amount of custom data should be less than 1% of the total amount of content data. | 06-26-2014 |
20140236398 | Vision-Based Aircraft Landing Aid - The present invention discloses a vision-based aircraft landing aid. During landing, it acquires a sequence of raw runway images. The raw runway image is first corrected for the roll angle (γ). The altitude (A) can be calculated based on the runway width (W) and the properties related to both extended runway edges on the rotated (γ-rotated) runway images. Smart-phone is most suitable for vision-based landing aid. | 08-21-2014 |
20140236400 | Laser Landing Altimeter for Precision Aircraft Landing Aid - The present invention discloses a laser landing altimeter for precision aircraft landing aid. Its measurement unit measures distance using a modulated laser beam with centimeter accuracy. Its processing unit predicts the future altitude based on a realistic landing altitude model and determines the landing maneuver time (the time to initiate a landing maneuver). | 08-21-2014 |
20140358434 | Peer-Assisted Dead Reckoning - The present invention discloses a peer-assisted dead reckoning (PA-DR). When a first mobile device has a much larger location error than a second mobile device, its location can be optimized from that of the second device. For the first device, its optimized location is equal to the sum of the location of the second device and the relative location between two devices. | 12-04-2014 |
20140359401 | Field-Repair System and Method - The present invention discloses a field-repair system and method for three-dimensional mask-programmed memory (3D-MPROM). Most 3D-MPROM data are not checked in factory, but checked and repaired in field. The field-repair system comprises a playback device with a communicating means. Once the playback device detects bad data from the 3D-MPROM, it uses the communicating means to fetch good data to replace the bad data from a remote server, which stores at least a correct copy of the 3D-MPROM data. | 12-04-2014 |
20140372027 | Music-Based Positioning Aided By Dead Reckoning - Music-based positioning (MP) provides positioning service only sporadically and therefore is not suitable for indoor positioning. The present invention discloses system and method for music-based positioning aided by dead reckoning (MP-DR). At each signature burst (i.e. a highly unique short musical segment suitable for positioning), musical sounds are used for positioning. Between signature bursts, positioning is performed by dead reckoning (DR). MP-DR is an ideal combination of MP and DR: DR extends temporal coverage for MP, while MP provides the much needed periodic calibrations for DR. | 12-18-2014 |
20150117705 | Hybrid Parking Detection - The present invention combines the strengths of the background-subtraction and edge-detection algorithm for parking detection. Being computationally efficient, the background-subtraction algorithm is used whenever possible. On the other hand, being robust, the edge-detection algorithm is used at calibration points, or when the background-subtraction algorithm cannot reliably determine the parking state. | 04-30-2015 |
20150177000 | Music-Based Positioning Aided By Dead Reckoning - Music-based positioning (MP) provides positioning service only sporadically. To continuously provide positioning service, the present invention discloses music-based positioning aided by dead reckoning (MP-DR). At each signature burst (i.e., a highly unique short musical segment suitable for positioning), sounds of a music piece or a human speech are used for positioning. Between signature bursts, dead reckoning (DR) is used. | 06-25-2015 |
20150177991 | Hybrid Content-Distribution System and Method - A hybrid content-distribution system uses re-writable memory (RWM) and mask-ROM to distribute contents. During a publication period, new contents are incrementally transferred to the RWM. At the end of the publication period, a user receives a mask-ROM storing the same contents, which are then deleted from the RWM. A mask-ROM cartridge comprises a plurality of electrically-coupled slots for holding incrementally released mask-ROMs. | 06-25-2015 |
20150179230 | Discrete Three-Dimensional Vertical Memory - The present invention discloses a discrete three-dimensional vertical memory (3D-M | 06-25-2015 |
20150181386 | Location-Based Prefetch and Participant-Based Prefetch - To reduce the mobile data usage, information associated with future events is prefetched via an inexpensive mass-data transfer link (e.g., Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or off-peak mobile broadband) and does not need to be fetched via an expensive mobile communication link (e.g., mobile broadband) during normal usage. Location-based prefetch and participant-based prefetch can leverage the existing infrastructures of location-based services (LBS) and social networking services (SNS). Because they provide a more reliable prediction of future events than those guessed from past events, schedule events managed by a calendaring application is primarily used to predict future events. | 06-25-2015 |
20150214277 | Small-Grain Three-Dimensional Memory - The present invention discloses a small-grain three-dimensional memory (3D-MSG). Each of its memory cells comprises a thin-film diode with critical dimension no larger than 40 nm. The thin-film diode comprises at least a small-grain material, whose grain size G is substantially smaller than the diode size D. The small-grain material is preferably a nano-crystalline material or an amorphous material. The critical dimension f of the small-grain diode is smaller than the critical dimension F of the single-crystalline transistor. | 07-30-2015 |
20150243331 | Discrete Three-Dimensional Vertical Memory Comprising Off-Die Voltage Generator - The present invention discloses a discrete three-dimensional vertical memory (3D-M | 08-27-2015 |
20150269034 | Field-Repair System and Method for Large-Capacity Mask-Programmed Read-Only Memory - The present invention discloses field-repair system and method for a large-capacity mask-programmed memory (mask-ROM) such as three-dimensional mask-ROM ( | 09-24-2015 |
20150269970 | Discrete Three-Dimensional Vertical Memory Comprising Off-Die Address/Data-Translator - The present invention discloses a discrete three-dimensional vertical memory (3D-M | 09-24-2015 |
20150294692 | Mixed Three-Dimensional Printed Memory - The present invention discloses a mixed three-dimensional printed memory (3D-P). The slow contents (e.g., e.g., digital books, digital maps, music, movies, and/or videos) are stored in large memory blocks and/or large memory arrays, whereas the fast contents (e.g., operating systems, software, and/or games) are stored in small memory blocks and/or small memory arrays. | 10-15-2015 |
20150295011 | Compact Three-Dimensional Memory - The present invention discloses a compact three-dimensional memory (3D-M | 10-15-2015 |
20150314885 | Vision-Based Aircraft Landing Aid - The present invention discloses a vision-based aircraft landing aid. During landing, it acquires a sequence of raw runway images. The raw runway image is first corrected for the roll angle (γ). The altitude (A) can be calculated based on the runway width (W) and the properties related to both extended runway edges on the rotated (γ-rotated) runway images. Smart-phone is most suitable for vision-based landing aid. | 11-05-2015 |
20150317207 | Field-Repair System and Method - The present invention discloses a field-repair system and method for three-dimensional mask-programmed memory (3D-MPROM). Unlike a conventional mask-ROM which is fully factory-tested and contains no bad data at shipping, the 3D-MPROM is not fully factory-tested and contains bad data at shipping. Most of the 3D-MPROM data are checked and repaired in the field. | 11-05-2015 |
20150317255 | Secure Printed Memory - Copyright protection for printed memory is more difficult than writable memory. Accordingly, the present invention discloses a secure printed memory. Its printed-memory module stores the same content data for all devices in a same family; its writable-memory module stores different encryption keys for different devices in the same family. Because different devices in the same family are encrypted with different keys, compromising a single device does not compromise other devices in the family. | 11-05-2015 |
20150318475 | Imprinted Memory - The present invention discloses an imprinted memory, more particularly a three-dimensional imprinted memory (3D-iP). Instead of photo-lithography, it uses imprint-lithography (also referred to as nano-imprint lithography, or NIL) to record data. For the sub-100 nm nodes, the data-template used by imprint-lithography is much less expensive than the data-mask used by photo-lithography. | 11-05-2015 |
20150325273 | Discrete Three-Dimensional Vertical Memory - The present invention discloses a discrete three-dimensional vertical memory (3D-M | 11-12-2015 |
20150332734 | Discrete Three-Dimensional Memory Comprising Off-Die Address/Data Translator - The present invention discloses a discrete three-dimensional memory (3D-M). Its 3D-M arrays are located on at least one 3D-array die, while its address/data translator (A/D-translator) is located on a separate peripheral-circuit die. The A/D-translator converts at least an address and/or data between logical space and physical spaces for the 3D-array die. A single A/D-translator die can support multiple 3D-array dies. | 11-19-2015 |
20160027790 | Three-Dimensional Printed Memory - As technology scales, the mask cost rises sharply. The present invention discloses a three-dimensional printed memory (3D-P). It uses shared data-masks to print data. Because a shared data-mask does not contain the mask-patterns for identical mass-contents, the share of the data-mask cost on each mass-content is significantly reduced. For mass publication, the minimum feature size of the 3D-P is preferably less than 45 nm. | 01-28-2016 |
20160027791 | Three-Dimensional Offset-Printed Memory - The present invention discloses a three-dimensional offset-printed memory (3D-oP). Compared with a conventional three-dimensional mask-programmed read-only memory (3D-MPROM), it has a lower data-mask count and thereby a lower data-mask cost. The mask-patterns for different memory levels/bits-in-a-cell are merged onto a multi-region data-mask. At different printing steps, a wafer is offset by different values with respect to said data-mask. Accordingly, data-patterns are printed into different memory levels/bits-in-a-cell from a same data-mask. | 01-28-2016 |
20160035394 | Discrete Three-Dimensional Memory - The present invention discloses a discrete three-dimensional memory (3D-M). It comprises at least a 3D-array die and at least a peripheral-circuit die. At least an off-die peripheral-circuit component of the 3D-M arrays is located on the peripheral-circuit die instead of the 3D-array die. The 3D-array die and the peripheral-circuit die have substantially different back-end-of-line (BEOL) structures. | 02-04-2016 |
20160035395 | Discrete Three-Dimensional Vertical Memory - The present invention discloses a discrete three-dimensional vertical memory (3D-M | 02-04-2016 |
20160085671 | Three-Dimensional Mask-Programmed Read-Only Memory With Reserved Space - The present invention discloses a 3D-MPROM with reserved space (3D-MPROM | 03-24-2016 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090304331 | OPTICAL DEVICES AND DIGITAL LASER METHOD FOR WRITING WAVEGUIDES, GRATINGS, AND INTEGRATED OPTICAL CIRCUITS - The invention relates to devices having periodic refractive index modulation structures and fabrication methods for the devices using a laser means. By focusing a pulsed laser beam into a transparent material substrate, a path of laser modified volumes can be formed with modified refractive index compared with the unprocessed material. By selecting appropriate laser parameters and relative scan speed, the laser modified path defines an optical waveguide. Separation distance of the individual modified volumes define a periodic modification pattern along the waveguide path, so that the waveguide structures also exhibit grating responses, for example, as spectral filters, Bragg reflectors, grating couplers, grating sensors, or other devices. This method of direct laser fabrication enables one-step fabrication and integration of periodic or aperiodic refractive-index modulation devices together with optical waveguiding properties to enable low-cost, multifunctional I D, 2D or 3D optical circuit fabrication for simple and complex applications. | 12-10-2009 |
20100025387 | TRANSPARENT MATERIAL PROCESSING WITH AN ULTRASHORT PULSE LASER - Methods, devices, and systems for ultrashort pulse laser processing of optically transparent materials are disclosed, with example applications in scribing, marking, welding, and joining. For example, ultrashort laser pulses create scribe features with one pass of the laser beam across the material, with at least one of the scribe features being formed below the surface of the material. Slightly modifying the ultrashort pulse laser processing conditions produces sub-surface marks. When properly arranged, these marks are clearly visible with correctly aligned illumination. Reflective marks may also be formed with control of laser parameters. A transparent material other than glass may be utilized. A method for welding transparent materials uses ultrashort laser pulses to create a bond through localized heating. In some embodiments of transparent material processing, a multifocus beam generator simultaneously forms multiple beam waists spaced depthwise relative to the transparent material, thereby increasing processing speed. | 02-04-2010 |
20110193928 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RELIABLY LASER MARKING ARTICLES - Disclosed is a method for creating a mark desired properties on an anodized specimen and the mark itself. The method includes providing a laser marking system having a controllable laser pulse parameters, determining the laser pulse parameters associated with the desired properties and directing the laser marking system to mark the article using the selected laser pulse parameters. Laser marks so made have optical density that ranges from transparent to opaque, white color, texture indistinguishable from the surrounding article and durable, substantially intact anodization. The anodization may also be dyed and optionally bleached to create other colors. | 08-11-2011 |
20110193929 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RELIABLY LASER MARKING ARTICLES - The invention is a method and apparatus for creating marks on an anodized aluminum specimen with selectable color and optical density. The method includes providing a laser marking system having a laser, laser optics and a controller operatively connected to said laser to control laser pulse parameters. The laser marking system is directed to produce laser pulses having laser pulse parameters associated with the desired color and optical density in the presence of a fluid directed to the surface of the anodized aluminum specimen while marking. | 08-11-2011 |
20110194574 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RELIABLY LASER MARKING ARTICLES - The invention is a method and apparatus for creating a color and optical density selectable visible mark on an anodized aluminum specimen. The method includes providing a laser marking system having a laser, laser optics and a controller operatively connected to said laser to control laser pulse parameters and a controller with stored laser pulse parameters, selecting the stored laser pulse parameters associated with the desired color and optical density, directing the laser marking system to produce laser pulses having laser pulse parameters associated with the desired color and optical density including temporal pulse widths greater than about 1 and less than about 1000 picoseconds to impinge upon said anodized aluminum. | 08-11-2011 |
20130127948 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RELIABLY LASER MARKING ARTICLES - The invention is a method and apparatus for creating a color and optical density selectable visible mark on an anodized aluminum specimen. The method includes providing a laser marking system having a laser, laser optics and a controller operatively connected to said laser to control laser pulse parameters and a controller with stored laser pulse parameters, selecting the stored laser pulse parameters associated with the desired color and optical density, directing the laser marking system to produce laser pulses having laser pulse parameters associated with the desired color and optical density including temporal pulse widths greater than about 1 and less than about 1000 picoseconds to impinge upon said anodized aluminum. | 05-23-2013 |
20130193617 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SEPARATING NON-METALLIC MATERIALS - A non-metallic material is separated using a single laser beam that is converted into a scribe beam and a break beam. A system includes a single laser source for generating a laser beam and a beam separator for converting the laser beam into a scribe beam having a first average power and a break beam having second average power. The beam separator directs the scribe beam to a scribe line on a substrate and the break beam to the substrate at a location that is spaced apart from the scribe beam. The scribe beam rapidly heats the substrate along the scribe line. A quenching subsystem applies a stream of cooling fluid to the substrate to propagate a microcrack along the scribe line. The break beam rapidly reheats the substrate quenched by the stream of cooling fluid to separate the substrate along the microcrack. | 08-01-2013 |
20130208074 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RELIABLY LASER MARKING ARTICLES - The invention is a method and apparatus for creating marks | 08-15-2013 |
20130221053 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SEPARATION OF STRENGTHENED GLASS AND ARTICLES PRODUCED THEREBY - Methods and apparatus for separating substrates are disclosed, as are articles formed from the separated substrates. A method of separating a substrate having a main surface, a tension region within an interior thereof, and a compression region between the main surface and the tension region, includes forming a modified stress zone extending along a guide path within the substrate such that a first portion of the substrate is within the modified stress zone, wherein the portion of the substrate within the modified stress zone has a modified stress different from a preliminary stress of the first portion. A vent crack also formed in the first main surface. The vent crack and the modified stress zone are configured to separate the substrate along the guide path. | 08-29-2013 |
20130224433 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MACHINING STRENGTHENED GLASS AND ARTICLES PRODUCED THEREBY - Methods and apparatus for machining substrates are disclosed, as are articles formed from the separated substrates. A method of machining a substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface can include forming a first recess in the substrate extending from the first surface toward the second surface, forming a second recess in the substrate extending from the second surface toward the first surface, and removing a portion of the substrate extending from the first recess to the second recess to form an opening in the substrate. | 08-29-2013 |
20130224439 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SEPARATION OF STRENGTHENED GLASS AND ARTICLES PRODUCED THEREBY - Methods and apparatus for separating substrates are disclosed, as are articles formed from the separated substrates. A method of separating a substrate having first and second surfaces includes directing a beam of laser light to pass through the first surface and, thereafter, to pass through the second surface. The beam of laser light has a beam waist located at a surface of the substrate or outside the substrate. Relative motion between the beam of laser light and the substrate is caused to scan a spot on a surface of the substrate to be scanned along a guide path. Portions of the substrate illuminated within the spot absorb light within the beam of laser light so that the substrate can be separated along the guide path. | 08-29-2013 |
20130251960 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RELIABLY LASER MARKING ARTICLES - Disclosed is a method for creating a mark desired properties on an anodized specimen and the mark itself. The method includes providing a laser marking system having a controllable laser pulse parameters, determining the laser pulse parameters associated with the desired properties and directing the laser marking system to mark the article using the selected laser pulse parameters. Laser marks so made have optical density that ranges from transparent to opaque, white color, texture indistinguishable from the surrounding article and durable, substantially intact anodization. The anodization may also be dyed and optionally bleached to create other colors. | 09-26-2013 |
20140015170 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MARKING AN ARTICLE - Numerous embodiments of methods and apparatus for marking articles are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of marking an article includes providing an article having a preliminary visual appearance; modifying a region of the article; and directing a plurality of optical pulses into the modified region of the article. The plurality of optical pulses can be configured to produce a visible mark on the article. Generally, the mark can be characterized as having a modified visual appearance different from the preliminary visual appearance. | 01-16-2014 |
20140083983 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SEPARATION OF WORKPIECES AND ARTICLES PRODUCED THEREBY - The present invention is a method for separating a workpiece from a common substrate. It includes the steps of providing the workpiece, generating, within a beam source, a beam of laser pulses configured to modify a portion of the workpiece, determining a depth for creating a modified region based upon a characteristic of the workpiece and modifying a plurality of regions within the workpiece to form a plurality of modified regions. Modifying the plurality of regions includes directing the beam of laser pulses from an output of the beam source onto the workpiece, causing relative motion between the workpiece and the output of the beam source while directing the beam of laser pulses onto workpiece, and modifying a characteristic of the pulses of the beam upon generating a number of pulses which generally correspond to creating the modified regions to the determined depth. | 03-27-2014 |
20140083986 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MACHINING A WORKPIECE - The invention is method, and an apparatus for performing the method having the steps of providing a workpiece, generating a plurality of free electrons at a region of the exterior surface, and machining a portion of the workpiece adjoining the first region by directing laser energy onto the workpiece. | 03-27-2014 |
20140084039 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SEPARATING WORKPIECES - The invention is method and an apparatus for performing the method having the steps of providing a workpiece, cleaving the workpiece to form a first unit piece and a second unit piece having a spatial relationship with the first unit piece in which the second unit piece abuts the first unit piece. Without substantially altering the spatial relationship after cleaving the workpiece, forming a first crack within the first unit piece and propagating the first crack from the first unit piece into the second unit piece. | 03-27-2014 |
20140084040 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SEPARATING WORKPIECES - The invention is an apparatus, for performing the method, and the method including the steps of providing a workpiece, contacting a portion of an exterior surface of the workpiece to an acoustic couplant such that an interface between the acoustic couplant and the portion of the exterior surface is at least substantially continuous across the portion of the exterior surface, and propagating a crack through the workpiece. A portion of the acoustic couplant at the interface has acoustic impedance relative to the acoustic energy that is greater than 400 kg·m | 03-27-2014 |
20140093693 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SEPARATION OF STRENGTHENED GLASS AND ARTICLES PRODUCED THEREBY - Methods and apparatus for separating substrates are disclosed, as are articles formed from the separated substrates. A method of separating a substrate having first and second surfaces includes directing a beam of laser light to pass through the first surface and, thereafter, to pass through the second surface. The beam of laser light has a beam waist located at a surface of the substrate or outside the substrate. Relative motion between the beam of laser light and the substrate is caused to scan a spot on a surface of the substrate to be scanned along a guide path. Portions of the substrate illuminated within the spot absorb light within the beam of laser light so that the substrate can be separated along the guide path. | 04-03-2014 |
20140263212 | COORDINATION OF BEAM ANGLE AND WORKPIECE MOVEMENT FOR TAPER CONTROL - The angle of incidence (ω) and azimuth (φ) of a beam axis (32) can be moved relative to a workpiece (22) to provide desirable taper characteristics to a side wall (124) of a resulting kerf (120) produced by a focused laser beam (30) propagated along the beam axis (32). | 09-18-2014 |
20150158116 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INTERNALLY MARKING A SUBSTRATE HAVING A ROUGH SURFACE - A method for laser processing provides a coating material ( | 06-11-2015 |
20160067822 | TRANSPARENT MATERIAL PROCESSING WITH AN ULTRASHORT PULSE LASER - Methods, devices, and systems for ultrashort pulse laser processing of optically transparent materials are disclosed, with example applications in scribing, marking, welding, and joining. For example, ultrashort laser pulses create scribe features with one pass of the laser beam across the material, with at least one of the scribe features being formed below the surface of the material. Slightly modifying the ultrashort pulse laser processing conditions produces sub-surface marks. When properly arranged, these marks are clearly visible with correctly aligned illumination. Reflective marks may also be formed with control of laser parameters. A transparent material other than glass may be utilized. A method for welding transparent materials uses ultrashort laser pulses to create a bond through localized heating. In some embodiments of transparent material processing, a multifocus beam generator simultaneously forms multiple beam waists spaced depthwise relative to the transparent material, thereby increasing processing speed. | 03-10-2016 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110084207 | Charged Particle Beam System Having Multiple User-Selectable Operating Modes - A method for performing milling and imaging in a focused ion beam (FIB) system employing an inductively-coupled plasma ion source, wherein two sets of FIB system operating parameters are utilized: a first set representing optimized parameters for operating the FIB system in a milling mode, and a second set representing optimized parameters for operating in an imaging mode. These operating parameters may comprise the gas pressure in the ICP source, the RF power to the ICP source, the ion extraction voltage, and in some embodiments, various parameters within the FIB system ion column, including lens voltages and the beam-defining aperture diameter. An optimized milling process provides a maximum milling rate for bulk (low spatial resolution) rapid material removal from the surface of a substrate. An optimized imaging process provides minimized material removal and higher spatial resolutions for improved imaging of the substrate area being milled. | 04-14-2011 |
20110198511 | Plasma Igniter for an Inductively Coupled Plasma Ion Source - A focused ion beam (FIB) system is disclosed, comprising an inductively coupled plasma ion source, an insulating plasma chamber containing the plasma, a conducting source biasing electrode in contact with the plasma and biased to a high voltage to control the ion beam energy at a sample, and a plurality of apertures. The plasma within the plasma chamber serves as a virtual source for an ion column comprising one or more lenses which form a focused ion beam on the surface of a sample to be imaged and/or FIB-processed. The plasma is initiated by a plasma igniter mounted near or at the column which induces a high voltage oscillatory pulse on the source biasing electrode. By mounting the plasma igniter near the column, capacitive effects of the cable connecting the source biasing electrode to the biasing power supply are minimized. Ion beam sputtering of the apertures is minimized by proper aperture materials selection. | 08-18-2011 |
20120032092 | Plasma Igniter for an Inductively Coupled Plasma Ion Source - A focused ion beam (FIB) system is disclosed, comprising an inductively coupled plasma ion source, an insulating plasma chamber containing the plasma, a conducting source biasing electrode in contact with the plasma and biased to a high voltage to control the ion beam energy at a sample, and a plurality of apertures. The plasma within the plasma chamber serves as a virtual source for an ion column comprising one or more lenses which form a focused ion beam on the surface of a sample to be imaged and/or FIB-processed. The plasma is initiated by a plasma igniter mounted near or at the column which induces a high voltage oscillatory pulse on the source biasing electrode. By mounting the plasma igniter near the column, capacitive effects of the cable connecting the source biasing electrode to the biasing power supply are minimized. Ion beam sputtering of the apertures is minimized by proper aperture materials selection. | 02-09-2012 |
20120080148 | Compact RF Antenna for an Inductively Coupled Plasma Ion Source - An inductively coupled plasma ion source for a focused ion beam (FIB) system is disclosed, comprising an insulating plasma chamber with a feed gas delivery system, a compact radio frequency (RF) antenna coil positioned concentric to the plasma chamber and in proximity to, or in contact with, the outer diameter of the plasma chamber. In some embodiments, the plasma chamber is surrounded by a Faraday shield to prevent capacitive coupling between the RF voltage on the antenna and the plasma within the plasma chamber. High dielectric strength insulating tubing is heat shrunk onto the outer diameter of the conductive tubing or wire used to form the antenna to allow close packing of turns within the antenna coil. The insulating tubing is capable of standing off the RF voltage differences between different portions of the antenna, and between the antenna and the Faraday shield. | 04-05-2012 |
20120091360 | CHARGED PARTICLE BEAM SYSTEM HAVING MULTIPLE USER-SELECTABLE OPERATING MODES - A method for performing milling and imaging in a focused ion beam (FIB) system employing an inductively-coupled plasma ion source, wherein two sets of FIB system operating parameters are utilized: a first set representing optimized parameters for operating the FIB system in a milling mode, and a second set representing optimized parameters for operating in an imaging mode. These operating parameters may comprise the gas pressure in the ICP source, the RF power to the ICP source, the ion extraction voltage, and in some embodiments, various parameters within the FIB system ion column, including lens voltages and the beam-defining aperture diameter. An optimized milling process provides a maximum milling rate for bulk (low spatial resolution) rapid material removal from the surface of a substrate. An optimized imaging process provides minimized material removal and higher spatial resolutions for improved imaging of the substrate area being milled. | 04-19-2012 |
20120280136 | Plasma Source for Charged Particle Beam System - An inductively coupled plasma source for a focused charged particle beam system includes a dielectric liquid that insulates and cools the plasma chamber. A flow restrictor at an electrical potential that is a large fraction of the plasma potential reducing arcing because the voltage drop in the gas occurs primarily at relative high pressure. | 11-08-2012 |
20130098871 | Internal Split Faraday Shield for an Inductively Coupled Plasma Source - An inductively coupled plasma source for a focused charged particle beam system includes a conductive shield within the plasma chamber in order to reduce capacitative coupling to the plasma. The internal conductive shield is maintained at substantially the same potential as the plasma source by a biasing electrode or by the plasma. The internal shield allows for a wider variety of cooling methods on the exterior of the plasma chamber. | 04-25-2013 |
20130134855 | System for Attachment of an Electrode into an Inductively Coupled Plasma Source - An inductively coupled plasma charged particle source for focused ion beam systems includes a plasma reaction chamber with a removably attached source electrode. A fastening mechanism connects the source electrode with the plasma reaction chamber and allows for a heat-conductive, vacuum seal to form. With a removable source electrode, improved serviceability and reuse of the plasma source tube are now possible. | 05-30-2013 |
20130250293 | Method and Apparatus for Actively Monitoring an Inductively-Coupled Plasma Ion Source using an Optical Spectrometer - A method and apparatus for actively monitoring conditions of a plasma source for adjustment and control of the source and to detect the presence of unwanted contaminant species in a plasma reaction chamber. Preferred embodiments include a spectrometer used to quantify components of the plasma. A system controller is provided that uses feedback loops based on spectral analysis of the plasma to regulate the ion composition of the plasma source. The system also provides endpointing means based on spectral analysis to determine when cleaning of the plasma source is completed. | 09-26-2013 |
20130320229 | IMAGING AND PROCESSING FOR PLASMA ION SOURCE - Applicants have found that energetic neutral particles created by a charged exchange interaction between high energy ions and neutral gas molecules reach the sample in a ion beam system using a plasma source. The energetic neutral create secondary electrons away from the beam impact point. Methods to solve the problem include differentially pumped chambers below the plasma source to reduce the opportunity for the ions to interact with gas. | 12-05-2013 |
20150357166 | METHOD FOR ATTACHMENT OF AN ELECTRODE INTO AN INDUCTIVELY-COUPLED PLASMA - An inductively coupled plasma charged particle source for focused ion beam systems includes a plasma reaction chamber with a removably attached source electrode. A fastening mechanism connects the source electrode with the plasma reaction chamber and allows for a heat-conductive, vacuum seal to form. With a removable source electrode, improved serviceability and reuse of the plasma source tube are now possible. | 12-10-2015 |
20150380204 | IMAGING AND PROCESSING FOR PLASMA ION SOURCE - Applicants have found that energetic neutral particles created by a charged exchange interaction between high energy ions and neutral gas molecules reach the sample in a ion beam system using a plasma source. The energetic neutral create secondary electrons away from the beam impact point. Methods to solve the problem include differentially pumped chambers below the plasma source to reduce the opportunity for the ions to interact with gas. | 12-31-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090155182 | OPTICAL IN VIVO IMAGING CONTRAST AGENTS AND METHODS OF USE - Provided is an optical in vivo contrast agent comprising a fluorescent polymeric microsphere, wherein the microsphere is impregnated with a dye having an excitation and emission spectrum compatible with in vivo imaging, and wherein the microsphere is coated with a block copolymer. | 06-18-2009 |
20100178712 | Microplates containing microsphere fluorescence standards, microsphere standards, and methods for their use - Microplates containing spherical “microsphere” fluorescence standards are disclosed. The microplates can be prepared using several methods including airbrushing, application with an inkjet printer, or controlled evaporation. Spherical bead standards containing two or more regions stained with dyes of different fluorescence lifetimes, and methods for their preparation are also disclosed. The microplates can be used as calibration standards for fluorescence and confocal microscopes, and as calibration tools for microscope-based high content screening (“HCS”) instruments. | 07-15-2010 |
20100291685 | METHODS FOR DETECTING DEFECTS IN INORGANIC-COATED POLYMER SURFACES - Lipophilic fluorescent substances can be used to detect surface defects in materials having hydrophilic (e.g., inorganic) coatings. Use of the described methods makes surface defects appear fluorescent, while the remaining surfaces are not labeled. The disclosed methods are inexpensive, rapid, and easy alternatives to existing approaches. | 11-18-2010 |
20120064012 | Uniform Fluorescent Microspheres with Hydrophobic Surfaces - Fluorescent microspheres for the measurement of blood flow are provided. The microspheres are substantially uniform in diameter and have a hydrophobic surface, which allows them to circulate more freely throughout bloodstream, while reducing immunogenicity, particle aggregation and bioaccumulation. The hydrophobic surface on each microsphere is generally comprised of polymeric material having a limited surface charge. | 03-15-2012 |
20120276015 | Optical in vivo Imaging Contrast Agents and Methods of Use - Provided is an optical in vivo contrast agent comprising a fluorescent polymeric microsphere, wherein the micro-sphere is impregnated with a dye having an excitation and emission spectrum compatible with in vivo imaging, and wherein the microsphere is coated with a block copolymer. | 11-01-2012 |
20130017154 | Uniform Fluorescent Microsphere with Hydrophobic Surfaces - Fluorescent microspheres for the measurement of blood flow are provided. The microspheres are substantially uniform in diameter and have a hydrophobic surface, which allows them to circulate more freely throughout bloodstream, while reducing immunogenicity, particle aggregation and bioaccumulation. The hydrophobic surface on each microsphere is generally comprised of polymeric material having a limited surface charge. | 01-17-2013 |
20130020507 | Methods for Detecting Defects in Inorganic-Coated Polymer Surfaces - Lipophilic fluorescent substances can be used to detect surface defects in materials having hydrophilic (e.g., inorganic) coatings. Use of the described methods makes surface defects appear fluorescent, while the remaining surfaces are not labeled. The disclosed methods are inexpensive, rapid, and easy alternatives to existing approaches. | 01-24-2013 |
20140011255 | Biotin Derivatives - Biotin derivatives, methods of using the biotin derivatives and kits comprising the biotin derivatives. | 01-09-2014 |
20140175305 | Methods for Detecting Defects in Inorganic-Coated Polymer Surfaces - Lipophilic fluorescent substances can be used to detect surface defects in materials having hydrophilic (e.g., inorganic) coatings. Use of the described methods makes surface defects appear fluorescent, while the remaining surfaces are not labeled. The disclosed methods are inexpensive, rapid, and easy alternatives to existing approaches. | 06-26-2014 |