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Ervin, US

Amie Leavengood Ervin, Simpsonville, SC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090000267SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR HEAT RECOVERY STEAM GENERATORS HOT PURGING - A method for operating an energy system includes calculating an auto-ignition temperature of a fuel in use with the energy system, storing the auto-ignition temperature in a system memory, unloading a gas turbine associated with the energy system to a pre-determined range of operations, controlling a temperature of the exhaust flow discharged from the gas turbine, opening an exhaust bypass damper to a pre-determined position to enable a pre-determined volume of air to enter an exhaust flow path defined within the energy system, and releasing the energy system for normal operation after a pre-determined amount of time has elapsed.01-01-2009

David L. Ervin, Edmond, OK US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110253387CEMENTING WHIPSTOCK APPARATUS AND METHODS - A technique facilitates sidetracking by eliminating one or more trips downhole. The technique comprises delivering a sidetracking system downhole into a wellbore, and utilizing a component of the sidetracking system to grip a wall of the wellbore. The sidetracking system may comprise a whipstock assembly and a running/stinger assembly in which the stinger assembly is designed for disconnection from the whipstock assembly after delivery downhole. After disconnecting the stinger assembly, the sidetracking system enables delivery of cement slurry down through the stinger assembly to form a cement plug at a desired location.10-20-2011

Eric N Ervin, Park City, UT US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110162963System and Method for Increasing Polymer/Nanopore Interactions - An electrolytic system includes an analyte chamber having an access port for introducing a sample containing a molecules of interest, such as DNA. Electrodes create an electric field along a length of the analyte chamber to drive molecules toward an interaction region containing a nanopore, thereby increasing the arrival rate of molecules at the nanopore. Additional electrodes may be utilized to create an electric field through the nanopore to drive a molecule into the nanopore. A current sensor may be utilized to count, discriminate or characterize the molecules as they interact with the nanopore. Advantageously, system can be utilized for unamplified DNA sequencing.07-07-2011

Eric N. Ervin, Salt Lake City, UT US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080218184NANOPORE PLATFORMS FOR ION CHANNEL RECORDINGS AND SINGLE MOLECULE DETECTION AND ANALYSIS - Chemical modification of a glass and fused silica nanopore surfaces results in surface properties that are ideal for localized bilayer formation over a nanopore and subsequent ion channel recording. With no surface modification, one may form a bilayer supported on the glass capillary extending across the nanopore orifice. Changing the surface properties from that of bare glass to a moderately hydrophobic surface produces a lipid monolayer above the glass and spontaneously yields a bilayer across the nanopore orifice, effectively corralling a single protein ion channel in the lipid bilayer region spanning nanopore orifice. The bilayer structure over the modified nanopore is such that current can only flow through the protein ion channel. The protein ion channel is able to diffuse in the bilayer above the pore opening, but cannot leave this area to enter the lipid monolayer. The bilayer formed across the nanopore orifice exhibits high electrical breakdown voltage, is stable to mechanical vibrations, and is long lived. Resistance through the protein channel can be measured electrically and is exploited for stochastic single-molecule detection. Protein ion channels can be inserted and removed from the bilayer by adjusting transmembrane pressure, and adapter molecules can be electrostatically trapped in the ion channel by applying high transmembrane voltages.09-11-2008
20090142504Method and Apparatus for Single Side Bilayer Formation - An apparatus for single-sided bilayer formation includes a first fluid chamber including a sidewall and a second fluid chamber extending through the sidewall. A barrier wall separates the first and second fluid chambers and includes a nanopore therein across which a planar lipid bilayer (PLB) is formed. In use, an electrolyte is added to the first and second fluid chambers and a lipid/organic solvent mixture is added to the first fluid chamber to form a lipid/organic solvent layer. The electrolyte level within the first fluid chamber is adjusted such that the lipid layer is raised above the barrier wall and a PLB is formed. Electrolyte levels may be adjusted manually or utilizing a fluid level regulator with or without feedback control. Optionally, the apparatus may be in the form of a nanopore array. The apparatus may be incorporated into an ion channel sensing system wherein an electrical current through each PLB is separately recorded.06-04-2009
20100025263NANOPORE PARTICLE ANALYZER, METHOD OF PREPARATION AND USE THEREOF - Provided are the preparation, characterization, and application of a nanopore membrane device. The nanopore device comprises a thin membrane prepared from glass, fused silica, ceramics or quartz, containing one or more nanopores ranging from about 2 nm to about 500 nm. The nanopore is prepared by a template method using sharpened metal wires and the size of the pore opening can be controlled during fabrication by an electrical feedback circuit. The nanopore device is particularly useful for counting and analyzing nanoparticles of radius less than 400 nm.02-04-2010
20100320094Nanopore Platforms for Ion Channel Recordings and Single Molecule Detection and Analysis - A nanopore device includes a membrane having a nanopore extending there through forming a channel from a first side of the membrane to a second side of the membrane. The surface of the channel and first side of the membrane are modified with a hydrophobic coating. A first lipid monolayer is deposited on the first side of the membrane, and a second lipid monolayer is deposited on the second side of the membrane, wherein the hydrophobic coating causes spontaneous generation of a lipid bilayer across the nanopore orifice. Sensing entities, such as a protein ion channel, can be inserted and removed from the bilayer by adjusting transmembrane pressure, and adapter molecules can be electrostatically trapped in the ion channel by applying high transmembrane voltages, while resistance or current flow through the sensing entity can be measured electrically.12-23-2010
20110168551Nanopore Electrode, Nanopore Membrane, Methods of Preparation and Surface Modification, and Use Thereof - Provided are fabrication, characterization and application of a nanodisk electrode, a nanopore electrode and a nanopore membrane. These three nanostructures share common fabrication steps. In one embodiment, the fabrication of a disk electrode involves sealing a sharpened internal signal transduction element (“ISTE”) into a substrate, followed by polishing of the substrate until a nanometer-sized disk of the ISTE is exposed. The fabrication of a nanopore electrode is accomplished by etching the nanodisk electrode to create a pore in the substrate, with the remaining ISTE comprising the pore base. Complete removal of the ISTE yields a nanopore membrane, in which a conical shaped pore is embedded in a thin membrane of the substrate.07-14-2011

Patent applications by Eric N. Ervin, Salt Lake City, UT US

Erin Ervin, Naples, FL US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100278984Health characteristic non-standardized or standardized high cocoa dark chocolate with improved taste texture, melt, creaminess and reduced bitterness - The present invention provides for a non-standardized dark chocolate composition to have up to 11-04-2010
20110287134CHOCOLATE DIETARY FIBER SUPPLEMENT AND DELIVERY METHOD - Chocolate or compound coating based fiber compositions, which have at least about 20% of a fiber component, by weight of the formula, that provide a safe and effective amount of fiber component to a user are disclosed. This delivery method can utilize either a bulk forming fiber like psyllium, or a non-bulk forming fiber like inulin or a combination of both types of fiber components. The fiber easily can be incorporated into the compositions without adversely affecting the stability, feel, and taste of the compositions. The nutritional profiles of these fiber compositions are consistent with dietary guidelines, which physicians follow when prescribing fiber compositions as supplements or for cholesterol reduction purposes. Also disclosed is a method of producing such compositions and a method of providing a safe and effective amount of fiber component to a user.11-24-2011
20110288182HEALTH CHARACTERISTIC DULCE DE LECHE CONFECTION COMPOSITIONS AND FLAVORED MILK - The present invention provides for Dulce de Leche confection compositions and Dulce de Leche based flavored milk that has an improved, healthier fat structure, unique antioxidant taste profile, lower sugar content, fiber component, and a 0% or greater supplement component that can add additional dietary benefits. Cholesterol reduction can be accomplished within certain embodiments of this invention. Specific ratios of ingredients within our compositions create a taste, texture, mouth feel, and rich and creamy true Dulce de Leche confection without the negative health ramifications of high milk fat content and sugar content characteristic of traditional Dulce de Leche products. Additionally, the method for preparing these Dulce de Leche confection products and flavored milk are covered.11-24-2011
20110313055HEALTH CHARACTERISTIC CHEWY OR GUMMY CANDY CONFECTION - The present invention provides for flavored chewy or gummy candy confections made by making a flavored chewy or gummy candy confection from scratch or adjusting a current flavored chewy or gummy candy confection brand product with our invention. This invention can have a healthier group of edible oils component, unique antioxidant taste profile component, fiber component, water component, emulsifier component, and potentially a 0% or greater supplement component that can add additional dietary benefits. Specific ratios of ingredients can lower sugar content up to 75% while creating a product with a taste, texture, and mouth feel similar to regular flavored chewy or gummy candy. The reduction of sugar possible within this invention can reduce the negative health ramifications of high sugar content that current flavored chewy or gummy candy confections suffer from and the addition of the healthier ingredients adds some improved health characteristics to the products that usually are devoid of nutrition. Additionally, the method for preparing a flavored chewy or gummy candy confection with these improved health characteristics, taste profile, and dietary benefits are covered.12-22-2011

Fredrick W. Ervin, Maple Valley, WA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080301159PARTITIONING A NETWORK INTO SUB-NETWORKS BASED ON USER UTILITY - To perform a query, a set of nodes for an origin is loaded, it is determined if a node is a destination for each node of the set of nodes, and a path is recorded in response to the node being the destination. A hypothetical path is generated in response to the node not being the destination, it is determined if the hypothetical path exceeds a stopping rule, and the hypothetical path is recorded in response to the hypothetical path not exceeding the stopping rule.12-04-2008
20090106083DETERMINING A STOP FROM A LAYOVER IN A MULTI-STOP ITINERARY - To determine if an intermediate stop in a multistop travel itinerary is a layover or an intermediate destination, a passenger utility value is calculated for the intermediate stop and the passenger utility value for the intermediate stop is compared to a passenger utility for a layover. The intermediate stop is determined to be a layover in response to the passenger utility value for the intermediate stop being greater than or equal to the passenger utility for a layover and the intermediate stop is determined to be an intermediate destination in response to the passenger utility value for the intermediate stop being less than the passenger utility for a layover.04-23-2009

Gary Ervin, Naples, FL US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100278977Health characteristic Caramel Flavored Confection, Chews, Hard Candy, and Caramel Flavored Milk - The present invention provides for caramel flavored confections, chews, hard candies or caramel flavored milk that has an improved, healthier fat structure, unique antioxidant taste profile, fiber component, and a 0% or greater supplement component that can add additional dietary benefits. Cholesterol reduction and cardiovascular health and removal of cholesterol from the bloodstream can be accomplished within certain compositions of this invention. Specific ratios of ingredients create a taste, texture, to mouthfeel, and rich flavor similar to a high milk fat or butter fat based caramel without the negative health ramifications of high milk fat based type caramels. Additionally, the method for preparing a caramel flavored confection, chews, and milk with these improved health characteristics, taste profile, and dietary benefits are covered.11-04-2010
20100278978Reduced Milk Fat Non-standardized Milk Chocolate (Milk Fat Free/Low Milk fat) and Standardized Reduced Milk Fat Milk Chocolate with Improved Health Characteristics - A reduced milk fat, reduced sugar, improved health characteristic, higher antioxidant content, improved taste, texture, melt, and creaminess non-standardized milk chocolate that can have a milk fat content of 0% to 8% and is blended with a standardized chocolate, an edible oil blend, 100% Cocoa Powder, Confectionery Sugar, Cocoa Seed Butter Crystals, and synergistic antioxidant flavor blend including; Virgin Coconut Oil, Vanilla Powder, Blackberry, and Acai Berry. A standardized milk chocolate product with 3.69% or higher milk fat that has improved health characteristics , higher antioxidant content, improved taste, texture, melt, and creaminess from a synergistic antioxidant flavor blend including; Virgin Coconut Oil, Vanilla Powder, Blackberry, and Acai Berry. The ingredients are in specific amounts and ratios such that they can be easily incorporated into the compositions without adversely affecting the stability or feel, and actually improve taste, texture, melt, and creaminess as well as improve health characteristics of the compositions. The compositions can be manufactured and sold in any format that current chocolate confectionery products are sold in including; squares, tablet bars, molded shapes, as coatings or as enrobing material, or as ingredients in foods that have chocolate or chocolate compositions in them, etc. Additionally the process for preparing such compositions is provided.11-04-2010
20100278981Meal Replacement and Appetite Control/ Diet System - The present invention provides a composition of nutritive based ingredients that together provide a source of balanced and provides the ability to control food cravings, increase satiety, promote a feeling of fullness and provide a user a method to maintain a healthy weight and or achieve weight loss. This composition of ingredients includes a chocolate or caramel flavored confection component, a high protein component, a fiber blend component, an edible oil component, an antioxidant component from natural occurring sources, a supplement component that can provide specific health benefits as well as a balanced group of vitamins and minerals. The composition of ingredients can be delivered in a variety of food platforms. A functional food confectionery is a preferred platform for our invention delivery system. Portion control bars and/or bars that have pre-determined break points that control portion size and portioned squares or other shapes would be the preferred product structure. A complete weight loss and weight maintenance methodology, including use instructions for incorporating the products within the daily diet is identified. Methods of manufacturing and compositions are also included.11-04-2010
20110287134CHOCOLATE DIETARY FIBER SUPPLEMENT AND DELIVERY METHOD - Chocolate or compound coating based fiber compositions, which have at least about 20% of a fiber component, by weight of the formula, that provide a safe and effective amount of fiber component to a user are disclosed. This delivery method can utilize either a bulk forming fiber like psyllium, or a non-bulk forming fiber like inulin or a combination of both types of fiber components. The fiber easily can be incorporated into the compositions without adversely affecting the stability, feel, and taste of the compositions. The nutritional profiles of these fiber compositions are consistent with dietary guidelines, which physicians follow when prescribing fiber compositions as supplements or for cholesterol reduction purposes. Also disclosed is a method of producing such compositions and a method of providing a safe and effective amount of fiber component to a user.11-24-2011
20110288182HEALTH CHARACTERISTIC DULCE DE LECHE CONFECTION COMPOSITIONS AND FLAVORED MILK - The present invention provides for Dulce de Leche confection compositions and Dulce de Leche based flavored milk that has an improved, healthier fat structure, unique antioxidant taste profile, lower sugar content, fiber component, and a 0% or greater supplement component that can add additional dietary benefits. Cholesterol reduction can be accomplished within certain embodiments of this invention. Specific ratios of ingredients within our compositions create a taste, texture, mouth feel, and rich and creamy true Dulce de Leche confection without the negative health ramifications of high milk fat content and sugar content characteristic of traditional Dulce de Leche products. Additionally, the method for preparing these Dulce de Leche confection products and flavored milk are covered.11-24-2011
20110313055HEALTH CHARACTERISTIC CHEWY OR GUMMY CANDY CONFECTION - The present invention provides for flavored chewy or gummy candy confections made by making a flavored chewy or gummy candy confection from scratch or adjusting a current flavored chewy or gummy candy confection brand product with our invention. This invention can have a healthier group of edible oils component, unique antioxidant taste profile component, fiber component, water component, emulsifier component, and potentially a 0% or greater supplement component that can add additional dietary benefits. Specific ratios of ingredients can lower sugar content up to 75% while creating a product with a taste, texture, and mouth feel similar to regular flavored chewy or gummy candy. The reduction of sugar possible within this invention can reduce the negative health ramifications of high sugar content that current flavored chewy or gummy candy confections suffer from and the addition of the healthier ingredients adds some improved health characteristics to the products that usually are devoid of nutrition. Additionally, the method for preparing a flavored chewy or gummy candy confection with these improved health characteristics, taste profile, and dietary benefits are covered.12-22-2011

George E. Ervin, Valparaiso, IN US

Jacob Edward Ervin, Urbandale, IA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090108606Grapple Attachment For Handling Wrapped Round Modules And Including A Wrap Cutter - A grapple attachment is equipped with driven rollers for selectively turning a wrapped round module about its axis so as to position it for having the wrapping slit at the bottom side of the module. When the module is properly located for having the wrapping slit, a powered cutting blade is caused to move into engagement with the wrapping and slit it across the length of the module. An interlock is provided for preventing operation of the grapple cylinders and driven roller motors unless the cutting blade assembly is located in a standby position wherein it is removed from a zone normally occupied by the round module when the latter is supported by the fixed and moveable grapple sections of the grapple attachment.04-30-2009

Jeffrey R. Ervin, Bellevue, WA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110311928HEATER FOR LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS STORAGE TANK - A catalytic tank heater includes a catalytic heating element supported on an LPG tank by a support structure that holds the element in a position facing the tank. Vapor from the tank is provided as fuel to the heating element, and is regulated to increase heat output as tank pressure drops. The heating element is internally separated into a pilot heater and a main heater, with respective separate fuel inlets. The pilot heater remains in continual operation, but the main heater is operated only while tank pressure is below a threshold. Operation of the pilot heater keeps a portion of the catalyst hot, so that, when tank pressure drops below the threshold, and fuel is supplied to the main heater, catalytic combustion quickly expands from the area surrounding the pilot heater to the remainder of the catalyst.12-22-2011

Jimmy Ervin, Raleigh, NC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080298236Dynamic link aggregation - A method and apparatus for dynamically distributing traffic over links grouped together in a data transmission channel are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving data at the network device, distributing the data over a first array, mapping the first array to a second array having entries corresponding to the links, and measuring data traffic. The mapping between the first array and the second array is updated based on traffic measurements to balance traffic load over the links.12-04-2008

Jon Ervin, Gaston, OR US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080216352Article of Footwear with Multiple Cleat Sizes - An article of footwear including different cleat sizes is disclosed. The article of footwear includes cleats of a first size along the medial side of the outsole and cleats of a second size along the lateral side of the outsole. The cleats also include spherical indentations along their tips. The outsole also includes an internal structural plate with notches associated with the cleats.09-11-2008
20100293813Article Of Footwear With Multiple Cleat Sizes - An article of footwear including different cleat sizes is disclosed. The article of footwear includes cleats of a first size along the medial side of the outsole and cleats of a second size along the lateral side of the outsole. The cleats also include spherical indentations along their tips. The outsole also includes an internal structural plate with notches associated with the cleats.11-25-2010

Joseph Ervin US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120119310STRUCTURE AND METHOD TO FABRICATE A BODY CONTACT - A structure and method to fabricate a body contact on a transistor is disclosed. The method comprises forming a semiconductor structure with a transistor on a handle wafer. The structure is then inverted, and the handle wafer is removed. A silicided body contact is then formed on the transistor in the inverted position. The body contact may be connected to neighboring vias to connect the body contact to other structures or levels to form an integrated circuit.05-17-2012

Joseph Ervin, Hopewell Junction, NY US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110201161METHOD OF FORMING A BURIED PLATE BY ION IMPLANTATION - A mask layer formed over a semiconductor substrate is lithographically patterned to form an opening therein. Ions are implanted at an angle that is normal to the surface of the semiconductor substrate through the opening and into an upper portion of the semiconductor substrate. Straggle of the implanted ions form a doped region that laterally extends beyond a horizontal cross-sectional area of the opening. A deep trench is formed by performing an anisotropic etch of a semiconductor material underneath the opening to a depth above a deep end of an implanted region. Ion implantation steps and anisotropic etch steps are alternately employed to extend the depth of the doped region and the depth of the deep trench, thereby forming a doped region around a deep trench that has narrow lateral dimensions. The doped region can be employed as a buried plate for a deep trench capacitor.08-18-2011
20110215412STRUCTURE AND METHOD TO FABRICATE pFETS WITH SUPERIOR GIDL BY LOCALIZING WORKFUNCTION - A semiconductor structure and a method of forming the same are provided in which the gate induced drain leakage is controlled by introducing a workfunction tuning species within selected portions of a pFET such that the gate/SD (source/drain) overlap area of the pFET is tailored towards flatband, yet not affecting the workfunction at the device channel region. The structure includes a semiconductor substrate having at least one patterned gate stack located within a pFET device region of the semiconductor substrate. The structure further includes extension regions located within the semiconductor substrate at a footprint of the at least one patterned gate stack. A channel region is also present and is located within the semiconductor substrate beneath the at least one patterned gate stack. The structure further includes a localized workfunction tuning area located within a portion of at least one of the extension regions that is positioned adjacent the channel region as well as within at least a sidewall portion of the at least one gate stack. The localized workfunction tuning area can be formed by ion implantation or annealing.09-08-2011
20110272762EMBEDDED DRAM FOR EXTREMELY THIN SEMICONDUCTOR-ON-INSULATOR - A node dielectric and a conductive trench fill region filling a deep trench are recessed to a depth that is substantially coplanar with a top surface of a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) layer. A shallow trench isolation portion is formed on one side of an upper portion of the deep trench, while the other side of the upper portion of the deep trench provides an exposed surface of a semiconductor material of the conductive fill region. A selective epitaxy process is performed to deposit a raised source region and a raised strap region. The raised source region is formed directly on a planar source region within the SOI layer, and the raised strap region is formed directly on the conductive fill region. The raised strap region contacts the raised source region to provide an electrically conductive path between the planar source region and the conductive fill region.11-10-2011
20110291169REDUCED CORNER LEAKAGE IN SOI STRUCTURE AND METHOD - A structural alternative to retro doping to reduce transistor leakage is provided by providing a liner in a trench, undercutting a conduction channel region in an active semiconductor layer, etching a side, corner and/or bottom of the conduction channel where the undercut exposes semiconductor material in the active layer and replacing the removed portion of the conduction channel with insulator. This shaping of the conduction channel increases the distance to adjacent circuit elements which, if charged, could otherwise induce a voltage and cause a change in back-channel threshold in regions of the conduction channel and narrows and reduces cross-sectional area of the channel where the conduction in the channel is not well-controlled; both of which effects significantly reduce leakage of the transistor.12-01-2011
20120068237SELF-ALIGNED STRAP FOR EMBEDDED CAPACITOR AND REPLACEMENT GATE DEVICES - After forming a planarization dielectric layer in a replacement gate integration scheme, disposable gate structures are removed and a stack of a gate dielectric layer and a gate electrode layer is formed within recessed gate regions. Each gate electrode structure is then recessed below a topmost surface of the gate dielectric layer. A dielectric metal oxide portion is formed above each gate electrode by planarization. The dielectric metal oxide portions and gate spacers are employed as a self-aligning etch mask in combination with a patterned photoresist to expose and metalize semiconductor surfaces of a source region and an inner electrode in each embedded memory cell structure. The metalized semiconductor portions form metal semiconductor alloy straps that provide a conductive path between the inner electrode of a capacitor and the source of an access transistor.03-22-2012
20120122315SELF-ALIGNED DEVICES AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE - A method includes forming patterned lines on a substrate having a predetermined pitch. The method further includes forming spacer sidewalls on sidewalls of the patterned lines. The method further includes forming material in a space between the spacer sidewalls of adjacent patterned lines. The method further includes forming another patterned line from the material by protecting the material in the space between the spacer sidewalls of adjacent patterned lines while removing the spacer sidewalls. The method further includes transferring a pattern of the patterned lines and the another patterned line to the substrate.05-17-2012

Joseph Ervin, Wappingers Falls, NY US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110316061STRUCTURE AND METHOD TO CONTROL BOTTOM CORNER THRESHOLD IN AN SOI DEVICE - Semiconductor structures and methods to control bottom corner threshold in a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) device. A method includes doping a corner region of a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) island. The doping includes tailoring a localized doping of the corner region to reduce capacitive coupling of the SOI island with an adjacent structure.12-29-2011
20120064694FORMING IMPLANTED PLATES FOR HIGH ASPECT RATIO TRENCHES USING STAGED SACRIFICIAL LAYER REMOVAL - A method of forming a deep trench structure for a semiconductor device includes forming a mask layer over a semiconductor substrate. An opening in the mask layer is formed by patterning the mask layer, and a deep trench is formed in the semiconductor substrate using the patterned opening in the mask layer. A sacrificial fill material is formed over the mask layer and into the deep trench. A first portion of the sacrificial fill material is recessed from the deep trench and a first dopant implant forms a first doped region in the semiconductor substrate. A second portion of the sacrificial fill material is recessed from the deep trench and a second dopant implant forms a second doped region in the semiconductor substrate, wherein the second doped region is formed underneath the first doped region such that the second doped region and the first doped region are contiguous with each other.03-15-2012
20120104547LATERAL EPITAXIAL GROWN SOI IN DEEP TRENCH STRUCTURES AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE - Deep trench capacitor structures and methods of manufacture are disclosed. The method includes forming a deep trench structure in a wafer comprising a substrate, buried oxide layer (BOX) and silicon (SOI) film. The method further includes forming a plate on a sidewall of the deep trench structure in the substrate by an implant process. The implant processes contaminate exposed edges of the SOI film in the deep trench structure. The method further includes removing the contaminated exposed edges of the SOI film by an etching process to form a void in the SOI film. The method further includes growing epitaxial Si in the void, prior to completing a capacitor structure.05-03-2012

Joseph E. Ervin, Spring Grove, IL US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100320508HORIZONTALLY DEPLETED METAL SEMICONDUCTOR FIELD EFFECT TRANSISTOR - The present invention provides a horizontally depleted Metal Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (MESPET). A drain region, a source region, and a channel region are formed in the device layer such that the drain region and the source region are spaced apart from one another and the channel region extends between the drain region and the source region. First and second gate contacts are formed in the device layer on either side of the channel region, and as such, the first and second gate contacts will also reside between opposing portions of the source and drain regions. With this configuration, voltages applied to the first and second gate contacts effectively control vertical depletion regions, which form on either side of the channel region.12-23-2010

Laureen A. Ervin, Carnation, WA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090153343METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DISPLAY OF TRAFFIC INFORMATION IN THE FLIGHT DECK - Context-Sensitive Reference (CSR) for situational awareness, and associated methods and systems are disclosed. A system in accordance to one embodiment includes an aircraft display system having a traffic application with traffic symbols representing traffic aircraft and a CSR associated with traffic aircraft displayed proximate to the respective traffic symbol. The CSR improves situational awareness of the traffic scenario by further refining the depiction of actual traffic on a traffic display relative to own-ship suitable to the traffic situational awareness need at hand. Such depiction may be in time or distance relative to own-ship or to fixed structure, and engaged in an automatic or manual mode.06-18-2009

Matthew H. Ervin US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110024305Differential Amplifier Sensor Architecture for Increased Sensing Selectivity - A differential amplifier and method of sensing includes a first carbon nanotube field effect transistor (CNTFET) that selectively detects an analyte from an environment comprising analytes and nonspecific interferences, and produces a first signal associated with the detected analyte and any nonspecific interferences; a second CNTFET adjacent to the first CNTFET, wherein the second CNTFET detects the nonspecific interferences of the environment, and produces a second signal associated with the detected nonspecific interferences; and means for generating a differential output signal using the first signal and the second signal as input, wherein the differential output signal is completely devoid of the second signal.02-03-2011

Matthew J. Ervin, New York, NY US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100091960INTERACTIVE VOICE RESPONSE SYSTEM AND METHOD WITH COMMON INTERFACE AND INTELLIGENT AGENT MONITORING - A modular interactive voice recognition (“IVR”) overlay system and a method of processing calls. The system provides an application server, a plurality of agent workstations and a graphical user interface (“GUI”) to allow a hybrid approach to processing calls using an automated IVR and live agents. The system and method allow a single agent to process multiple calls simultaneously and is compatible with existing IVR systems and can be implemented as an add-on to existing IVR systems.04-15-2010
20110133948METHOD, SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING PATIENT ACCESS TO MEDICAMENTS - A method, system and apparatus for controlling and tracking patient access to medicaments. A patient is provided with medication in locked pill containers that must be unlocked with an access code before the patient can access a limited quantity of medication in each container. Thus the patient is forced to go through an interactive session periodically with a master system, via a communicative intermediary, in order to obtain a valid passcode for each batch of medications and follow a treatment regimen. The patient may be assessed during each interaction with the master system. That assessment can include various questions, including questions about status codes that may optionally be displayed on each medication container. These status codes may optionally encode detail about the patient's pattern of accessing medication. The general rate of medication usage can also be deduced by the rate at which the patient contacts the master system. After patient assessment, the master system may elect to not provide the patient with an access code, typically if the patient meets certain criteria that indicate overuse of the medication. Conversely, the master system can elect to proactively contact the patient if the patient fails to make contact with the master system at an expected time, as this lack of contact suggests that the patient is underusing the medication and requires a reminder.06-09-2011

Matthew J. Ervin, Mount Vernon, NY US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080228317Method, system and apparatus for controlling patient access to medicaments - A method, system and apparatus for controlling patient access to medicaments are disclosed. A method, system and apparatus can include an interfacing system such as an IVR system that can receive identifying data from a user of a medicament dispensing device. The interfacing system can also communicate limited-use access authorization data to the user via a communicative intermediary. The limited-use access authorization data enables the dispensing device to dispense a medicament up to a certain limit in response to entering the access authorization data into the dispensing device. The dispensing device may not be connected to a network, but is capable of computing and storing a limited-use access authorization data as well as validating an inputted access authorization data.09-18-2008

Melbourne F. Ervin, Pevely, MO US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080291656CABLE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM WITH INSPECTION WINDOW - A cable management system with an inspection window allows a technician to see available ports in a telecommunications module. The cable management systems inspection window is substantially transparent to permit visual access to underlying ports and associated electrical connectors. The inspection window is solid to prevent physical access to the electrical connectors, thereby preventing contamination, short-circuiting or other damage. The visual access permitted by an inspection window prevents the need to remove a cable trough to find available ports, which reduces the chance of causing a disruption in service by inadvertently disconnecting a cable that is in or around the cable trough.11-27-2008

Paul R. Ervin, Pittsburgh, PA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110014644METHODS FOR PREDICTING A CANCER PATIENT'S RESPONSE TO ANTIFOLATE CHEMOTHERAPY - The present invention provides methods for individualizing therapy for cancer treatment, and particularly for evaluating a patient's responsiveness to one or more antifolate therapeutic agents prior to treatment with such agents. Particularly, the invention provides an in vitro chemoresponse assay for predicting a patient's response to an antifolate agent, such as pemetrexed or methotrexate.01-20-2011
20110129822MULTI DRUG RESPONSE MARKERS FOR BREAST CANCER CELLS - The present invention provides methods for preparing a gene expression profile of a breast cancer cell, tumor, or cell line, where the gene expression profile may be evaluated for one or more gene expression signatures indicative of multidrug resistance. The signature may be indicative of resistance to one or more chemotherapeutic agents selected from a Taxol (e.g., Docetaxel or Paclitaxel), an antibiotic (e.g., Doxorubicin or Epirubicin), an antimetabolite (e.g., Fluorouracil and/or Gemcitabine), and an alkylating agent (e.g., Cyclophosphamide). Generally, the gene expression profile contains the level of expression for a plurality of genes listed in FIGS. 06-02-2011
20110130302BIOLOGICAL PATHWAYS ASSOCIATED WITH CHEMOTHERAPY OUTCOME FOR BREAST CANCER - The present invention provides methods for preparing drug response and/or resistance profiles for breast tumor specimens, or cells derived therefrom. The drug response and/or resistance profiles are useful for determining effective chemotherapeutic agents for treatment of the tumor or cell to thereby individualize patient therapy. In other aspects, the invention provides a method for identifying a pathway or gene expression signature indicative of a breast cancer cell's sensitivity to a chemotherapeutic agent, which is useful for identifying a population response rate, or patient sub-population likely to respond to the drug candidate.06-02-2011

Steve Ervin, Woodruff, SC US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110272140FIELD JOINT FOR A DOWNHOLE TOOL - A field joint for connecting a plurality of downhole tool modules is disclosed. The modules include a housing and an electrical line. A bulkhead is coupled to a first module that includes a first conduit aperture for receiving an electrical connector assembly. The first electrical connector assembly is releasably coupled to the exterior portion of the first module and includes a first connector having a first end adapted for electrical coupling to an electrical line. A connector block is coupled to the second module that includes a second conduit aperture positioned to substantially face the first conduit aperture when the first and second modules are joined. A second electrical connector is disposed in the second conduit aperture and is electrically coupled to an electrical line such that an electrical contact is established with a second end of the first connector when the first and second modules are joined.11-10-2011