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Franklin, CA

Alexander Salem Franklin, Redwood City, CA US

Allan Craig Franklin, Santa Barbara, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120151451Post-execution software debugger with event display - A method finds an error in a computer program. A sequence of machine instructions performed by a processor is recorded as trace data. Further, at least one event is selected from a plurality of events. In addition, an operating system instruction address is determined for the at least one event. Further, at least a portion of the trace data is searched for the operating system instruction address. The execution time for an operating system instruction stored in the operating system instruction address is determined. The execution time is searched through in the database to find task related data. The task related data is displayed.06-14-2012
20120174077Backward post-execution software debugger - A method finds an error in a computer program. A plurality of execution breakpoints are set in the computer program. A portion of the execution of the computer program is simulated as recorded in the trace data in the reverse order until one a plurality of conditions is met, wherein one of the plurality of conditions is an attempt to execute a machine instruction associated with one of the plurality of execution breakpoints.07-05-2012
20120317550Forward post-execution software debugger - A method and system debug a computer program by using trace data, which is a recording of the sequence of machine instructions executed by a program during a time period along with the addresses and values of memory locations accessed and modified by each machine instruction. After the time period, the method and system use the trace data to simulate the execution of the program during the time period under the control of a debugger. In addition, the method and system use the trace data to simulate the execution of the program during the time period backwards in time under the control of the debugger.12-13-2012
20140298301Backward post-execution software debugger - A method finds an error in a computer program. A plurality of execution breakpoints are set in the computer program. A portion of the execution of the computer program is simulated as recorded in the trace data in the reverse order until one a plurality of conditions is met, wherein one of the plurality of conditions is an attempt to execute a machine instruction associated with one of the plurality of execution breakpoints.10-02-2014

Amie B. Franklin, Mill Valley, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100038280Hermetically Sealed Package for A Therapeutic Diffusion Device - A package for a diffusion device including more than one device layer and at least one reservoir containing a therapeutic agent, the package including at least one packaging layer, and at least one sealing surface disposed along one or more edges of the at least one packaging layer. The package is characterized in that the sealing surface engages one of a device layer or another packaging layer to form the package.02-18-2010
20100042057Multiple Cell Therapeutic Diffusion Device - A diffusing device for treating tissue has multiple cells arranged in a cell layer, the cells filled with or charged with a therapeutic agent, an occlusive layer in direct communication with the cell layer, and a diffusion layer in direct communication with the cell layer. In use the diffusing device is sealed peripherally about an area of tissue and therapeutic agent is released from the cells through the diffusion layer based on the diffusion properties of the diffusion layer.02-18-2010
20100063462Methods and Apparatus for Charging and Evacuating a Diffusion Dressing - A system for introducing a therapeutic agent into a diffusion device and for enabling evacuation of contents contained therein the diffusion device characterized as having at least one interior reservoir accessible through a penetrable external device layer comprising one or more ports installed or installable to the external device layer, and an agent delivery mechanism coupled to at least one of the ports.03-11-2010
20100087946Methods for Automated Fabrication and Dispense of Diffusion Dressings for Use in Tissue Treatment - A method supported by machine automation is provided for fulfilling a request for a diffusion dressing comprising the steps (a) translating the request into a set of machine readable instructions the translation performed by the machine receiving the request, (b) equating the commands in the machine instruction set to a build sequence known to the machine that received the request, (c) executing the build sequence to create the diffusion dressing, and (d) dispensing the diffusion dressing from the machine.04-08-2010

Amie E. Franklin, Pacifica, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090214643IMPROVED PHARMACOKINETIC PROFILE OF BETA-ADRENERGIC INVERSE AGONISTS FOR THE TREATMENT OF PULMONARY AIRWAY DISEASES - Methods for administering beta-adrenergic inverse agonists with improved pharmacokinetic profiles for the treatment of pulmonary airway diseases are disclosed. The beta adrenergic inverse agonists are formulated in a controlled-release formulation comprising: (1) a beta-adrenergic inverse agonist in a therapeutically effective quantity; and (2) at least one agent that controls release of the beta-adrenergic inverse agonist resulting in a pharmacokinetic profile that minimizes acute detrimental reduction in airway function with the first dose and with each successive dose. This pharmacokinetic profile typically results in slow release of the drug into the bloodstream resulting in a large average T08-27-2009

Amie Ellen Franklin, Pacifica, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110021499URETHRAL SUPPOSITORIES FOR OVERACTIVE BLADDER - Urethral suppositories containing a mixed-activity anti-cholinergic drug and methods of use for treatment of over-active bladder are provided. Buffering drugs to pH near their pKas can result in a desired proportion of uncharged drug and can enhance absorption of the agents into urethral tissues.01-27-2011

Andrew J. Franklin, Santa Clara, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110235425METHOD OF DIRECTLY READING OUTPUT VOLTAGE TO DETERMINE DATA STORED IN A NON-VOLATILE MEMORY CELL - An NVM cell design enables direct reading of cell output voltage to determine data stored in the cell, while providing low current consumption and a simple program sequence that utilizes reverse Fowler-Nordheim tunneling.09-29-2011
201102428984-TRANSISTOR NON-VOLATILE MEMORY CELL WITH PMOS-NMOS-PMOS-NMOS STRUCTURE - A non-volatile memory (NVM) cell structure comprises a PMOS program transistor having source, drain and bulk region electrodes and a gate electrode that is connected to a data storage node; an NMOS control transistor having source, drain and bulk region electrodes that are commonly-connected to receive a control voltage and a gate electrode that is connected to the data storage node; a PMOS erase transistor having source, drain and bulk region electrodes that are commonly-connected to receive an erase voltage and a gate electrode that is connected to the data storage node; and an NMOS read transistor having source, drain and bulk region electrodes and a gate electrode connected to the data storage node.10-06-2011
201200141833 TRANSISTOR (N/P/N) NON-VOLATILE MEMORY CELL WITHOUT PROGRAM DISTURB - A non-volatile memory (NVM) cell structure comprises an NMOS control transistor having source, drain and bulk region electrodes that are commonly-connected to receive a control voltage and a gate electrode that is connected to a data storage node; a PMOS erase transistor having source, drain and bulk region electrodes that are commonly-connected to receive an erase voltage and a gate electrode that is connected to the data storage node; and an NMOS data transistor having source, drain and bulk region electrodes and a gate electrode connected to the data storage node.01-19-2012

Barrett W. Franklin, San Diego, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20130208420MODULAR STACKABLE SHELVING FRAMEWORK AND EQUIPMENT STORAGE SYSTEM - A modular storage system and method, a module and a method of making the same include a top panel and a bottom panel, each of the top panel and bottom panel comprising first and second opposed edges, and first and second side members. Each of the first and second side members comprises: a top edge and a bottom edge, the top edges of the first and second side members being attached to the opposed edges of the top panel, and the bottom edges of the first and second side members being attached to the opposed edges of the bottom panel; and a longitudinal attachment feature running along a length of the side member along a longitudinal axis of the side member, longitudinal attachment features of first and second modules enabling coupling together of the first and second modules.08-15-2013

Cole Franklin, Sunnyvale, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080230092METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SINGLE-SUBSTRATE CLEANING - A single-substrate cleaning apparatus and method of use are described. In an embodiment of the present invention, a liquid cleaning solution is dispensed in small volumes to form a substantially uniform static liquid layer over a substrate surface by atomizing the viscous liquid with an inert gas in a two-phase nozzle. In another embodiment of the present invention, after a layer of the cleaning solution is formed over the substrate to be cleaned, acoustic energy is applied to the substrate to improve the cleaning efficiency. In a further embodiment, cleaning solution precipitates are avoided by dispensing de-ionized water with a spray nozzle to gradually dilute the cleaning solution prior to dispensing de-ionized water with a stream nozzle.09-25-2008

Ethan Franklin, Santa Barbara, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20160095984DEVICES FOR INJECTION AND DOSING - Injection devices are provided which include a handpiece capable of housing a cartridge containing an injectable composition, and a head coupled to the handpiece and housing a plurality of retractable needles and a dosing mechanism. Methods of treating skin surfaces are also provided.04-07-2016

Ethan Franklin, Goleta, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090264901IMPLANTABLE ACCESS PORT DEVICE AND ATTACHMENT SYSTEM - A system for attaching an access port to bodily tissue includes an access port assembly and including an access port having a generally central axis. The access port assembly further includes an attachment mechanism structured to enable the access port to be attached, for example, to an abdominal muscle of a patient. The delivery tool includes a handle having a generally longitudinal axis and a delivery head structured to engage the access port assembly, and an activation mechanism for enabling deployment of the attachment mechanism when the delivery head is so engaged with the access port assembly. The delivery tool is configured such that the longitudinal axis of the handle is spaced apart from the generally central axis of the access port when the delivery head is so engaged with the access port assembly.10-22-2009
20100217198IMPLANTABLE ACCESS PORT DEVICE HAVING A SAFETY CAP - A system for attaching an access port to bodily tissue includes an access port assembly and including an access port having a generally central axis. The access port assembly further includes an attachment mechanism structured to enable the access port to be attached, for example, to an abdominal muscle of a patient. The system includes a safety cap which lies substantially flush against the anchor base to provide no space for movement of the anchors. The safety cap prevents the anchors from deploying prematurely.08-26-2010
20100324358HYDRAULIC GASTRIC BAND WITH COLLAPSIBLE RESERVOIR - A self-regulating gastric band apparatus for adjusting stoma size. The apparatus includes an adjustable gastric band that has an inner ring expanding with injected fluid. A band adjustment assembly is provided for implanting with the gastric band that includes a sensor for sensing fluid pressure in the inner ring. The band adjustment assembly further includes a pump assembly connected to the expandable inner ring and to a controller that can operate the pump assembly to adjust the volume of the fluid in the band based on the sensed fluid pressure. The band adjustment assembly includes memory storing an operating range relative to a target fluid pressure, and the pump assembly is operated to maintain the sensed band pressure within the operating range. The target pressure being set to maintain pressure variations below a predefined variation limit generally corresponding with satiated fill volumes for a particular patient and implanted band. An elongated fluid reservoir may extend along a substantial part of a fill tube. A balloon-like expandable fluid reservoir in fluid communication with the pump assembly may store a volume of the fluid for adjusting the volume of fluid in the lumen. A protective outer sheath may be provided around the exterior of an expandable fluid reservoir in both a first, deflated state, and a second, inflated state of the reservoir.12-23-2010
20110213199IMPLANTABLE ACCESS PORT DEVICE AND ATTACHMENT SYSTEM - A system for attaching an access port to bodily tissue includes an access port assembly and including an access port having a generally central axis. The access port assembly further includes an attachment mechanism structured to enable the access port to be attached, for example, to an abdominal muscle of a patient. The delivery tool includes a handle having a generally longitudinal axis and a delivery head structured to engage the access port assembly, and an activation mechanism for enabling deployment of the attachment mechanism when the delivery head is so engaged with the access port assembly. The delivery tool is configured such that the longitudinal axis of the handle is spaced apart from the generally central axis of the access port when the delivery head is so engaged with the access port assembly.09-01-2011
20110270023IMPLANTABLE DEVICE TO PROTECT TUBING FROM PUNCTURE - An implantable device used in a gastric band system includes an access port, a tube coupled to the access port, and a shielding device covering a portion of the tube. The shielding device is positioned adjacent to the access port and covers the end of the tube coupled to the access port. The shielding device is made from a puncture resistant material, to protect the tube from puncture by a misplaced syringe needle inserted by a physician.11-03-2011
20110270030HYDRAULIC GASTRIC BAND WITH COLLAPSIBLE RESERVOIR - A self-regulating gastric band apparatus for adjusting stoma size. The apparatus includes an adjustable gastric band with an expandable inner ring. A band adjustment assembly includes a sensor for sensing fluid pressure in the inner ring and a pump assembly connected to the inner ring and to a controller for adjusting the volume of the fluid in the band based on the sensed fluid pressure. A memory stores an operating range of a target fluid pressure, and the pump assembly maintains the sensed band pressure within the operating range. An elongated fluid reservoir extends along part of a fill tube. An expandable fluid reservoir stores a volume of the fluid for adjusting the volume of fluid in the lumen. A protective outer sheath is provided around the exterior of an expandable fluid reservoir in both a first, deflated state, and a second, inflated state of the reservoir.11-03-2011
20110270131METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING THE PRESSURE OF A FLUID IN A SYRINGE, AN ACCESS PORT, A CATHETER, AND A GASTRIC BAND - A method and system for determining pressure in a syringe, and more specifically to a syringe pressure accessory which can be connected to a syringe to determine pressure in a syringe and a gastric band. The syringe pressure accessory can detect a pressure of a syringe and/or a gastric band and digitally display the pressure. The syringe pressure accessory can include a durable unit and a disposable unit. The disposable unit can be disposed of after a single use, while the durable unit can be reused with multiple disposable units. The syringe pressure accessory can also include a syringe attachment unit and one or more display units for a caretaker or a patient. The display unit can be wirelessly connected to the syringe attachment unit to display a pressure chart or the results of various analysis of the pressure data. Markers can be added to the pressure chart.11-03-2011
20110306826OVER MOLDED IMPLANTABLE DEVICE TO PROTECT TUBING FROM PUNCTURE - An implantable device used in a gastric band system includes an access port, a tube coupled to the access port, and a shielding device covering a portion of the tube. The shielding device is positioned adjacent to the access port and covers the end of the tube coupled to the access port. The shielding device is made from a puncture resistant material, to protect the tube from puncture by a misplaced syringe needle inserted by a physician.12-15-2011
20120088962SELF-ADJUSTING GASTRIC BAND - Generally described herein are automatic, self-adjusting, gastric banding systems and improvements thereof, that are capable of automatically relaxing and contracting in response to a large bolus passing through the area of a patient's stomach constricted by a gastric band. Alternatively, and/or in addition in one or more embodiments, the gastric banding systems described herein may also help prevent pouch dilatation and/or erosion. The apparatus and systems described herein aid in facilitating obesity control and/or treating obesity-related diseases while generally being non-invasive once implanted. Furthermore, certain embodiments of the self-adjusting gastric banding systems disclosed herein are automatically adjustable without complicated fluid control mechanisms, flow rate limiting devices, and/or valves. The automatic adjustments may also be made in response to other changes in the patient's esophageal-gastric junction, for example, in response to size, shape, and or location changes.04-12-2012
20120095288SELF-ADJUSTING GASTRIC BAND - Generally described herein are automatic, self-adjusting, gastric banding systems and improvements thereof, that are capable of automatically relaxing and contracting in response to a large bolus passing through the area of a patient's stomach constricted by a gastric band. Alternatively, and/or in addition in one or more embodiments, the gastric banding systems described herein may also help prevent pouch dilatation and/or erosion. The apparatus and systems described herein aid in facilitating obesity control and/or treating obesity-related diseases while generally being non-invasive once implanted. Furthermore, certain embodiments of the self-adjusting gastric banding systems disclosed herein are automatically adjustable without complicated fluid control mechanisms, flow rate limiting devices, and/or valves. The automatic adjustments may also be made in response to other changes in the patient's esophageal-gastric junction, for example, in response to size, shape, and or location changes.04-19-2012
20120277524IMPLANTABLE ACCESS PORT DEVICE HAVING A SAFETY CAP - A system for attaching an access port to bodily tissue includes an access port assembly and including an access port having a generally central axis. The access port assembly further includes an attachment mechanism structured to enable the access port to be attached, for example, to an abdominal muscle of a patient. The system includes a safety cap which lies substantially flush against the anchor base to provide no space for movement of the anchors. The safety cap prevents the anchors from deploying prematurely.11-01-2012
20130053629IMPLANTABLE ACCESS PORT WITH MESH ATTACHMENT RIVETS - The present invention generally provides a gastric banding system, including an implantable access port. The access port assembly may comprise a self-sealing septum, a housing, a mesh rivet and a mesh layer. The housing may include a septum retaining portion for holding the septum in place, and a base for defining an internal fluid reservoir and further defining a rivet receiving portion and a rivet engaging member, the housing further including a tubing connector configured to connect to a tubing for the movement of fluid into and out of the internal fluid reservoir. The mesh layer may be positioned beneath the housing and may define a plurality of spaces. The mesh rivet may engage the rivet engaging member to hold the mesh rivet in place while holding the mesh layer between a base of the mesh rivet and the housing of the access port.02-28-2013
20130102840IMPLANTABLE INJECTION PORT - Injection ports are disclosed for use with a gastric band for the treatment of obesity. An injection port may include a septum having a top surface, a bottom surface, and a side wall connecting the top surface to the bottom surface. The injection port may also include a housing including a first inner side wall being tapered inwards such that an opening defined at a first end is larger than an opening defined at a second end, the tapering of the first inner side wall being used to secure the septum within the housing. The housing may further include a second inner side wall having a first end and a second end, the first end of the second inner side wall joined to the second end of the first inner side wall, and a bottom surface joined to the second end of the second inner side wall.04-25-2013
20130197449DOSING INJECTOR - A metered dose syringe includes a barrel having an open end and a opposing spaced apart port adapted to receive a needle. A plunger rod is provided and slidably disposed within the barrel through the barrel open end. Structure interconnected with the barrel and the plunger rod is provided for enabling stepwise movement of the plunger rod within the barrel. A syringe within the scope of our present invention permits injection of repeated and accurate doses due to the physical stops or dosage administered indicators.08-01-2013
20130331643SELF-ADJUSTING GASTRIC BAND - Generally described herein are automatic, self-adjusting, gastric banding systems and improvements thereof, that are capable of automatically relaxing and contracting in response to a large bolus passing through the area of a patient's stomach constricted by a gastric band. Alternatively, and/or in addition in one or more embodiments, the gastric banding systems described herein may also help prevent pouch dilatation and/or erosion. The apparatus and systems described herein aid in facilitating obesity control and/or treating obesity-related diseases while generally being non-invasive once implanted. Furthermore, certain embodiments of the self-adjusting gastric banding systems disclosed herein are automatically adjustable without complicated fluid control mechanisms, flow rate limiting devices, and/or valves. The automatic adjustments may also be made in response to other changes in the patient's esophageal-gastric junction, for example, in response to size, shape, and or location changes.12-12-2013
20140066696METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING THE PRESSURE OF A FLUID IN A SYRINGE, AN ACCESS PORT, A CATHETER, AND A GASTRIC BAND - A method and system for determining pressure in a syringe, and more specifically to a syringe pressure accessory which can be connected to a syringe to determine pressure in a syringe and a gastric band. The syringe pressure accessory can detect a pressure of a syringe and/or a gastric band and digitally display the pressure. The syringe pressure accessory can include a durable unit and a disposable unit. The disposable unit can be disposed of after a single use, while the durable unit can be reused with multiple disposable units. The syringe pressure accessory can also include a syringe attachment unit and one or more display units for a caretaker or a patient. The display unit can be wirelessly connected to the syringe attachment unit to display a pressure chart or the results of various analysis of the pressure data. Markers can be added to the pressure chart.03-06-2014
20140066697IMPLANTABLE DEVICE TO PROTECT TUBING FROM PUNCTURE - An implantable device used in a gastric band system includes an access port, a tube coupled to the access port, and a shielding device covering a portion of the tube. The shielding device is positioned adjacent to the access port and covers the end of the tube coupled to the access port. The shielding device is made from a puncture resistant material, to protect the tube from puncture by a misplaced syringe needle inserted by a physician.03-06-2014
20140276384ADIPOSE TISSUE COMBINATIONS, DEVICES, AND USES THEREOF - Described are devices, systems, and methods for processing adipose tissue for reintroduction into a body. In some embodiments, adipose tissue is mixed with an additive prior to reintroduction.09-18-2014
20140350517INJECTION DEVICE WITH STRESS PROTECTION - Described are devices and systems for protection of injectable substances such as adipose cells from excessive stress or pressure during injection procedures. Further described are stress control mechanisms for detecting and/or controlling stress or pressure within injection devices.11-27-2014
20150093362FAT PROCESSING SYSTEM - Methods and devices for treating lipoaspirate for use in fat grafting procedures are provided and generally include a canister for containing lipoaspirate, a separation mechanism structured to separate both oils and other materials from cellular components of lipoaspirate contained in the canister. The separation mechanism includes filters having different filtering capacities, for example, different pore sizes.04-02-2015
20150126929DERMAL FILLER INJECTOR - A dermal filler injector is provided which includes a handpiece and a coupling mechanism for operationally coupling the handpiece with a dermal filler cartridge. The handpiece includes a motor for controllably driving a plunger in the cartridge to provide effective and controlled injection of a dermal filler into skin.05-07-2015
20150328405HIGH FORCE INJECTION DEVICES - Described herein are assisted syringes. The syringes provide a higher force to the plunger tip than the extrusion force applied to the plunger. The assisted syringes can be used to inject or extrude viscous materials.11-19-2015
20150343147INJECTION DEVICE - Disclosed herein are devices and methods that can provide assistance with extruding and/or aspirating high viscosity materials such as dermal fillers.12-03-2015
20150374916LATERALLY CONNECTED SYRINGES WITH INTEGRATED MIXING HUB AND STATIC MIXER - Described herein are laterally connected syringes with an integrated mixing hub and static mixer designed to facilitate mixing two or more substances at specific user-selectable ratios.12-31-2015

Patent applications by Ethan Franklin, Goleta, CA US

Ethan W. Franklin, Goleta, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20140271308GEROTOR ROTARY STIRLING CYCLE ENGINE - Stirling cycle engines with hot and cold gerotor sets separated by an insulation barrier. The barrier has regenerative gas passages to allow gasses to flow therethrough thus connecting displacing chambers of the hot and cold gerotor sets. Each gerotor set has a rotor within a stator and displacing chambers created in an offset space therebetween. The stators may rotate about the rotors, or vice-versa. Either the rotor of the cold gerotor set has an axis of rotation offset with respect to the rotor of the hot gerotor set or the stator of the cold gerotor set has an axis of rotation offset with respect to the stator of the hot gerotor set, and the non-offset rotors or stators rotate about a common axis and are rotationally connected and create an angular phase offset between connected hot and cold chambers. The gerotor apparatuses may be utilized for a Stirling cycle engine for generating electricity, for example.09-18-2014
20140350518SYRINGE EXTRUSION ACCESSORY - Described herein are syringe extrusion accessories comprising: a handle operatively coupled to an attachment portion configured to attach to a syringe; and at least one prawl operatively coupled to the handle and configured to engage with a plunger of the syringe, wherein the syringe extrusion accessory is configured to transfer a substantially perpendicular force applied to the handle to an axial force to push the plunger and extrude a product from the syringe.11-27-2014

Hal Franklin, San Ramon, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100128852Detector Characterization and Calibration - Characterization, calibration and gain stabilization of gamma ray detectors are carried out using one or more spectral features that are present in the background radiation. Such a spectral feature may be the spectral peak associated with Potassium-40 nuclide. The disclosed methods, apparatus and computer program products enable uninterrupted operation of gamma ray detection systems, while eliminating the costs associated with the procurement and integration of external reference sources into these systems, and without compromising the sensitivity of the detection system.05-27-2010

James D. Franklin, Manhattan Beach, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100021184APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR HANDLING AN OPTICAL SIGNAL - An apparatus for handling an optical signal includes: an optical transmitting unit transmitting the optical signal from an input locus to an output locus. The optical transmitting unit includes a plurality of optical transmitting sections. Each respective optical transmitting section of the plurality of optical transmitting sections has a respective length and a respective attenuation gradient to establish a respective length-and-attenuation gradient configuration. Each respective optical transmitting section effects attenuation of the optical signal according to its respective length-and-attenuation gradient configuration.01-28-2010
20100073092METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TREATING A RECEIVED SIGNAL TO PRESENT A RESULTING SIGNALWITH IMPROVED SIGNAL ACCURACY - A signal treating apparatus for presenting an output signal representing an input signal over a signal range includes: (a) an input section receiving the input signal and presenting a first filtered signal limited to a first bandwidth at a first circuit locus; the input section presenting a second filtered signal limited to a second bandwidth at a second circuit locus; (b) an amplifying unit receiving the first filtered signal and presenting an increased gain signal at an amplifier output locus; (c) a detector coupled with the amplifier output locus and presenting third bandwidth-limited signal limited to a third bandwidth less than the first bandwidth at a third circuit locus; and (d) a combining section coupled with the second and third circuit loci and presenting a resulting signal related with the second filtered signal and the third filtered signal; said resultant signal being said output signal.03-25-2010
20100196013SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A PHOTONIC SYSTEM - A photonic system and method are provided. The system includes an optical source configured to generate a carrier signal; and a modulator configured to modulate the carrier signal with a radio frequency, (“RF”) input signal to generate a modulated signal. The system also includes an optical filter configured to filter the modulated signal to generate a vestigial sideband modulated signal; and an optical detector configured to demodulate the vestigial sideband signal to generate an RF output signal. The system further includes a wavelength controller module configured to set an operating parameter of the optical source.08-05-2010

Jeremy C. Franklin, San Francisco, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120194393ANTENNA, SHIELDING AND GROUNDING - A portable computing device is disclosed. The portable computing device can take many forms such as a laptop computer, a tablet computer, and so on. The portable computing device can include a single piece housing formed from a radio opaque material with a cover formed from a radio transparent material. To implement a wireless interface, an antenna stack-up can be provided that allows an antenna to be mounted to a bottom of the cover. Methods and apparatus are provided for improving wireless performance. For instance, in one embodiment, a metal housing can be thinned to improve antenna performance. As another example, a faraday cage can be formed around speaker drivers to improve antenna performance.08-02-2012
20120194997COMPONENT ASSEMBLY - A portable computing device is disclosed. The portable computing device can take many forms, such as a laptop computer, a tablet computer, and so on. The portable computing device can include at least a single piece housing with a cavity having a substantially flat bottom wall. A battery assembly and main logic board can be mounted directly to the substantially flat bottom wall with a plurality of additional components arranged around a peripheral edge of the battery assembly and main logic board.08-02-2012
20120194998HANDHELD PORTABLE DEVICE - A portable computing device is disclosed. The portable computing device can take many forms such as a laptop computer, a tablet computer, and so on. The portable computing device can include at least a single piece housing. The single piece housing can be machined from a single billet of material, such as a billet of aluminum. The single piece housing can include ledges with a surface receiving a trim bead and a cover. Corner brackets can be attached to the single piece housing to improve the damage resistance of the housing.08-02-2012
20120196510MACHINING PROCESS AND TOOLS - A method and an apparatus for machining an exterior surface of a metal alloy casing of a portable electronic device to form a combination of a flat edge surface, a curved edge surface and a flat bottom surface is disclosed. The flat edge surface is abraded by contacting a first flat section of a rotating cutting tool along a first circuit of a pre-determined continuous spiral path. The curved edge surface is abraded by contacting a convex section of the rotating cutting tool along additional circuits of the first pre-determined continuous spiral path. The pitch of vertical movement of the cutting tool is adjusted for each circuit of the continuous spiral path based on a resulting curvature of the metal alloy casing. The bottom surface is abraded by contacting a flat section of the cutting tool along a second pre-determined alternating direction linear path.08-02-2012
20120218219DISPLAYS WITH MINIMIZED BORDERS - An electronic device may be provided with a display having a flexible substrate with bent edges. The flexible substrate may have a planar active region that includes an array of light-emitting elements such as organic light-emitting diodes with associated control lines. The flexible substrate may also have inactive regions that lie outside of the active region. The bent edges may be formed from portions of the flexible substrate in the inactive regions. Traces for distributing control signals to the control lines in the active region may be formed in the inactive regions. Corner openings may be formed at the corners of the flexible substrate to accommodate bending of the flexible substrate in the inactive regions. A jumper or a portion of the flexible substrate that lies outside of a corner opening may be used to convey signals between traces on adjoining inactive regions.08-30-2012
20120243719Display-Based Speaker Structures for Electronic Devices - Electronic devices that contain flexible displays and one or more display-based speaker structures may be provided. The speaker structures may be positioned under the flexible display. Portions of the flexible display may be used as speaker membranes for the speaker structures. The speaker structures may be driven by transducers that convert electrical audio signal input into sound. Piezoelectric transducers or transducers formed from coils and magnets may be used to drive the speaker structures. Speaker membranes may be formed from active display areas of the flexible display. Some, all, or substantially all of the flexible display may be used as a speaker membrane for one or more display-based speaker structures. An optional cover layer may be provided with speaker openings so that sound may pass from the display-based speaker structures to the exterior of the device.09-27-2012
20130077217HIGH STRENGTH COSMETIC LOGO CONSTRUCTION - A cosmetic logo insert is adapted for fitting into an opening in the housing of an associated computing device, is formed from a single piece of metal, has a thickness less than about 0.8 mm, and provides by itself adequate shock impact and fire enclosure protection at the opening for internal device components. The insert can include a lower portion having a first circumferential shape in the form of a logo and an outer surface that is substantially flat and polished to a mirrored finish, and also an upper portion integrally formed with the lower portion and having a second circumferential shape that is larger than the first circumferential shape. A computing device can include an outer housing having a wall with a stepped and logo shaped opening, a processor located within the housing, and a cosmetic housing insert fitted into the wall opening.03-28-2013
20130081756Methods for Forming Electronic Devices with Bent Display Edges - An electronic device may have a display with a bent portion such as one or more bent edge portions. The display may be formed from a flexible display layer such as an organic light-emitting-diode layer. The organic light-emitting-diode layer may include a substrate layer such as a sheet of polymer. The flexible display may be attached to a support structure such as a flexible support layer using adhesive. To facilitate bending, the display may be heated. Bending and heating equipment may simultaneously heat the display layer and the flexible support layer to form a bent edge portion for the display. The bending and heating equipment may include heated structures for pressing the display layer into a desired shape.04-04-2013
20130082984DISPLAY AND MULTI-LAYER PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD WITH SHARED FLEXIBLE SUBSTRATE - An electronic device may be provided with a display and a multi-layer printed circuit. Integrated circuits and other components may be mounted to the multi-layer printed circuit. The display and multi-layer printed circuit may share a common layer formed from a flexible substrate. The flexible substrate may have portions that are integrated into the display and portions that are integrated into the multi-layer printed circuit board. The flexible substrate may contain patterned conductive traces that are used to route signals from components in the multi-layer printed circuit to display circuitry such as a display driver integrated circuit. An array of thin-film transistors may be used to control the emission of light from the display and may be formed on portions of the flexible substrate that are integrated into the display. The display may be a flexible display that includes an array of organic light-emitting diodes.04-04-2013
20130083491Electronic Devices With Cover Layers Mounted to Displays - An electronic device may be provided with a display cover layer mounted to the device using an adhesive bond with a display. The display may be a flexible display. The flexible display may include Organic Light Emitting Diode display technology. The display may be mounted to a rigid support structure. The rigid support structure may be mounted to a device housing member. Mounting the display cover layer to the display may eliminate the need to mount the display cover layer to the device housing and may allow active display pixels to be visible under the display cover layer closer to the device housing than in conventional devices. Providing the electronic device with active display pixels closer to the device housing may reduce the need for an inactive border around the display and may improve the aesthetic appeal of the electronic device.04-04-2013
20130083496Flexible Electronic Devices - Flexible electronic devices may be provided. A flexible electronic device may include a flexible display, a flexible housing and one or more flexible internal components configured to allow the flexible electronic device to be deformed. Flexible displays may include flexible display layers, flexible touch-sensitive layers, and flexible display cover layers. The flexible housing may be a multi-stable flexible housing having one or more stable positions. The flexible housing may include a configurable support structure that, when engaged, provides a rigid support structure for the flexible housing. The flexible internal components may include flexible batteries, flexible printed circuits or other flexible components. A flexible battery may include flexible and rigid portions or may include a lubricious separator layer that provides flexibility for the flexible battery. A flexible printed circuit may include flexible and rigid portions or openings that allow some rigid portions to flex with respect to other rigid portions.04-04-2013
20130088671Displays with Minimized Border Regions - An electronic device may be provided with a display having a thin-film transistor layer. One or more holes in the thin-film transistor layer may be used to form pathways from display circuitry to other circuitry underneath the display. One or more conductive bridges may pass through holes in the thin-film transistor layer and may have one end that couples to the display circuitry and a second end that couples to a printed circuit underneath the display. These conductive bridges may be formed from wire bonding. Wire bond connections may be encapsulated with potting material to improve the reliability of the wire bond and increase the resiliency of the display. Display signal lines may be routed through holes in a thin-film transistor layer to run along a backside of the display thereby reducing the need for space in the border region for display circuitry.04-11-2013
20130094126Electronic Devices Having Displays with Openings - An electronic device may have a display. The display may have an active region in which display pixels are used to display images. The display may have one or more openings and may be mounted in a housing associated with the electronic device. An electronic component may be mounted in alignment with the openings in the display. The electronic component may include a camera, a light sensor, a light-based proximity sensor, status indicator lights, a light-based touch sensor array, a secondary display that has display pixels that may be viewed through the openings, antenna structures, a speaker, a microphone, or other acoustic, electromagnetic, or light-based component. One or more openings in the display may form a window through which a user of the device may view an external object. Display pixels in the window region may be used in forming a heads-up display.04-18-2013
20130135328DEVICES AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING ACCESS TO INTERNAL COMPONENT - Systems, methods, and devices are disclosed for applying concealment of components of an electronic device. In one embodiment, an electronic device may include a component that is disposed behind a display (e.g., a transparent organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display) that is configured to selectively become transparent at certain transparency regions. Additionally, the electronic device includes data processing circuitry configured to determine when an event requesting that the component be exposed occurs. The data processing circuitry may control portions of the display to become transparent, to expose the component upon the occurrence of the event requesting that the component be exposed.05-30-2013
20130140965Electronic Devices With Structural Glass Members - Electronic devices may be provided having internal components mounted to a structural glass support member. The structural glass support member may have a planar front surface that forms a front surface of the device. The structural glass support member may have bent portions that form sidewall surfaces of the device. Portions of the structural glass support member may form a transparent display cover layer. A rigid or flexible display may be mounted to the structural glass support member. Additional internal device components may be mounted to the display. A thin enclosure for enclosing the internal components in the device may be mounted to the structural glass support member. The thin enclosure may be mounted to the structural glass support member using a peripheral member. The thin enclosure may be free from attachments to internal components or may be adhesively bonded to one or more internal components.06-06-2013
20130171490FLEXIBLE BATTERY PACK - Flexible battery packs for use in electronic devices are disclosed. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the flexible battery pack may include a plurality of cells, such as galvanic or photovoltaic cells. The battery pack also may include a plurality of laminate layers coupled to the cells that include a top laminate layer and a bottom laminate layer. An adhesive may be used to couple the top and bottom laminate layers together such that each of the plurality of cells is isolated from each other. This arrangement may allow the battery to be shaped to fit a form factor of the electronic device. This arrangement also may allow one or more of the cells to be selectively removed from the plurality, which may be desirable from a manufacturing perspective.07-04-2013
20130235611Light Guide Structures for Display Backlights - An electronic device may have a display with backlight structures. The backlight structures may produce backlight that passes through the display layers in the display. The backlight structures may include a light guide plate that distributes light across the display layers. A light source such as a light-emitting diode light source may be used to provide light to the light guide plate. The light source may overlap an edge portion of the light guide plate. A light guide structure having a bend may be coupled between the light source and the light guide plate. The light guide structure may be used to guide the light from the light source to the light guide plate via total internal reflection. A light guide structure may be provided with light leakage promotion structures to evenly distribute light from a centralized light source along the edge of a light guide plate.09-12-2013
20130242600Backlight Structures and Backlight Assemblies for Electronic Device Displays - An electronic device may have a liquid crystal display with backlight structures. The backlight structures may produce backlight that passes through the display layers in the display. The display layers may include a layer of liquid crystal material interposed between a color filter layer and a thin-film transistor layer. The backlight structures may include a light guide plate. A plurality of light-emitting diodes mounted on a flexible printed circuit may be coupled to an edge of the light guide plate. The flexible printed circuit may be curled into a spring element to bias the light-emitting diodes against the edge of the light guide plate. A plurality of gaps may be formed in the flexible printed circuit and may be used to separate and mechanically decouple adjacent light-emitting diodes. Individual light-emitting diodes may independently register to the light guide plate to maximize optical efficiency in the display.09-19-2013
20130328051Notched Display Layers - An electronic device may have a display mounted in a housing. The display may have layers such as polarizer layers, a color filter layer, and a thin-film transistor layer. Display layers such as color filter layers and thin-film-transistor layers may have glass substrates. Notches or other openings may be formed in the layers of a display. For example, a notch with a curved chamfered edge may be formed in a lower end of a thin-film-transistor layer. A component such as a button may overlap the notch. Structures such as sensors, cameras, acoustic components, and other electronic components, buttons, communications path structures such as flexible printed circuit cables and wire bonding wires, and housing structures may be received within a display layer notch.12-12-2013
20130328914PEEK MODE AND GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE (GUI) EXPERIENCE - A tablet device determines a spatial relationship between the tablet device and a protective cover. The tablet device operates in accordance with the spatial relationship.12-12-2013
20130328917SMART COVER PEEK - A tablet device includes a display configured to present visual content, a sensor array configured to detect a status of a foldable flap in relation to the display, and a processor configured to operate the tablet device in accordance with the determined status of the foldable flap in relation to the display. In one embodiment, the processor receives a setting value and uses the setting value to execute an application in accordance with the determined relationship of the flap and the display.12-12-2013
20130342495Tape-Based Grounding Structures - An electronic device housing may have conductive walls and planar metal internal housing structures. A display in the electronic device may have a touch sensor layer such as an array of capacitive touch sensor electrodes. The display may have display layers in a plastic chassis structure and a metal chassis structure. A display layer may have a conductive surface. Conductive tape may be used to couple the touch sensor to the metal chassis structure and a metal radio-frequency shielding structure. Conductive tape may also be used to short the conductive surface of the display layer to the internal metal housing structure. Segments of conductive tape may run along each of the four edges of a display and may overlap at display corners. Conductive foam structures may be used to short the segments to adjacent portions of the conductive housing walls.12-26-2013
20130342970LOW-FORCE DUST SEAL - An electronic device may have polarizer layers, color filter layers, thin-film-transistor layers, and other display layers. A display layer may be separated from structures such as a display cover layer formed from clear glass or plastic and a touch sensor layer mounted on an inner surface of the display cover layer by an air gap. Cavities within an electronic device housing may serve as a source of dust and other contaminants. The air gap may be sealed against dust intrusion from a cavity within an electronic device using a dust sealing structure. The dust sealing structure may have a rectangular ring shape that runs around a rectangular peripheral portion of a display layer. The dust sealing structure may be formed from a tape-based structure, an elastomeric structure, a compressible foam structure, or a cured liquid structure.12-26-2013
20130343085Electronic Device Display Chassis - An electronic device display may include display layers mounted in a display chassis. The display chassis may have a plastic chassis structure and a metal chassis structure. Backlight structures may include a rectangular light guide plate. Light-emitting diodes within the backlight structures may emit light that is coupled into the light guide plate. The display chassis may have four edges that surround a rectangular opening. The rectangular opening may be configured to receive display layers such as the light guide plate. The metal chassis may have a C-shaped cross-section that forms a cavity in which the light-emitting diodes are mounted. The metal chassis structure may have engagement features such as holes and bent tabs. The plastic chassis structure may be overmolded on the metal chassis structure in engagement with the engagement features. Mounting structures may be formed from protruding portions of the plastic chassis structure.12-26-2013
20140003083THERMAL MITIGATION OF FLAT-PANEL DISPLAYS01-02-2014
20140043741MAGNETIC SYSTEMS FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND ACCESSORIES - A cover is described that is magnetically attached to a tablet device. The cover includes at least as flap. In the described embodiment, the flap includes a plurality of segments where the first segment includes a first plurality of edge attach magnets arrayed along a first edge of the flap and where a second segment includes a second plurality of edge attach magnets arrayed along a second edge of the flap opposite the first edge.02-13-2014
20140062629MAGNETIC ASSEMBLY - A magnetic assembly for use in a housing of an electronic device can include a first and a second magnet and a magnetic shield. The magnetic shield can reduce magnetic flux density from the first and the second magnets that can appear on the outside of the housing. A magnetic hinge assembly can include magnets configured to correlate with the first and second magnets. The magnetic hinge can magnetically attach to the housing by cooperating with the first and second magnets with magnets that can be included in the magnetic hinge.03-06-2014
20140075743HANDHELD PORTABLE DEVICE - A portable computing device is disclosed. The portable computing device can take many forms such as a laptop computer, a tablet computer, and so on. The portable computing device can include at least a single piece housing. The single piece housing can be machined from a single billet of material, such as a billet of aluminum. The single piece housing can include ledges with a surface receiving a trim bead and a cover. Corner brackets can be attached to the single piece housing to improve the damage resistance of the housing.03-20-2014
20140078412Exposed Glass Article with Inner Recessed Area for Portable Electronic Device Housing - Transparent articles for use as outer surfaces of electronic devices and methods therefor are disclosed. A transparent cover can be provided over a display of portable electronic device to provide a protective outer cover over the display. The transparent cover can include material to mark, mask or color a portion of the transparent cover, such portion thereupon becoming opaque. The material can be provided in a recessed portion of an inner surface of the transparent cover, such portion being a portion of the transparent cover that is not over a usable portion of the display. The electronic device can, for example, be a portable electronic device.03-20-2014
20140092034Electronic Devices With Flexible Circuit Light Shields - Electronic devices may include displays. A display may include backlight structures that generate light and display layers that generate images using the generated light. An electronic device may include an opaque flexible printed circuit that is wrapped around one or more edges of the backlight structures. The opaque flexible printed circuit may prevent light from the backlight structures from reaching other electronic components or escaping from the device. The opaque flexible printed circuit may include signal lines that communicate signals between a printed circuit board and the display. The opaque flexible printed circuit may be a layer of the printed circuit board that extends from an edge of the printed circuit board. The printed circuit board may include an additional flexible extended printed circuit layer that wraps around a surface of the printed circuit board and forms a portion of a conductive shield over that surface.04-03-2014
20140092342Electronic Devices With Displays Having Optical Films - Electronic devices may include displays having backlight structures that include optical films. The optical films may help guide light from the backlight structures to display layers that generate display images using the light. The optical films may be attached together at one or more locations. The optical films may be attached to a structural member of the backlight structures. The structural member may be formed along each edge of the optical films and prevent the optical films from sliding within the display. Each optical film may be designed to expand to a common lateral size when the display is operated at a display operating temperature. The optical films may each include an elongated opening such as a slot through which a pin can be placed to partially constrain the movement of the optical films while allowing the optical films to expand or contract under changing thermal conditions in the display.04-03-2014
20140092583Electronic Device with Display Backlight Alignment Structures - Electronic devices may include displays having backlight structures and display layers. The display layers may include alignment features. The backlight structure may include alignment features. The alignment features on the backlight structures may include transparent portions of the backlight structures. The alignment features on the display layers may include alignment marks that are visible through the transparent portions of the backlight structures. The transparent portions of the backlight structures may include openings that extend from a first surface of the backlight structures to an opposing second surface of the backlight structures. The openings may be filled by transparent members formed from plastic or glass. The transparent members may include additional alignment marks. The transparent members may include lensing portions that magnify the alignment marks on the display layers when viewed through the lensing portions.04-03-2014
20140092630Backlight Structures and Assemblies for Electronic Device Displays - Electronic devices may include displays. A display may include backlight components such as a light guide plate that distributes light from a light source across the display. The light source may include a plurality of light-emitting diodes mounted on a printed circuit substrate. A portion of the light guide plate may be attached to the printed circuit substrate using adhesive. The adhesive may be a supported adhesive that includes a lining of reflective material. A reflective coating such as a layer of white coverlay may be formed on the surface of the printed circuit substrate and may be configured to reflect light into the light guide plate. The reflective coating may serve as a solder mask. The printed circuit substrate may be attached to a metal display chassis using adhesive. A shim may be used to raise the height of the light source relative to the printed circuit substrate.04-03-2014
20140118531Methods for Assembling Display Structures - Electronic devices may include displays. A display may include a display unit that includes an array of display pixels and a backlight unit that provides backlight illumination for the display pixels. An automated alignment system may be used to align the display unit to the backlight unit. The alignment system may include a camera, a control unit, and computer-controlled positioners. The control unit may gather alignment feature location information from the display unit and the backlight unit using the camera. The control unit may determine a centroid of the backlight unit based on the alignment feature location information. The alignment feature location information may include the respective locations of openings in the backlight unit. The control unit may operate computer-controlled positioners to align the display unit with respect to the backlight unit using the centroid and to subsequently attach the display unit to the backlight unit.05-01-2014
20140133174Displays and Display Chassis Structures - Electronic devices may include displays. A display may include backlight components that provide backlight illumination for the display. Backlight components may include a light guide plate that distributes light from a light source across the display. A plastic display chassis may be used to support display layers and backlight components. A light blocking material such as a layer of metal or opaque coating material may be formed on a surface of the plastic display chassis and may be used to reduce light leakage from the backlight components to the exterior of the electronic device. A metal barrier structure may be formed on a surface of the support structure and may be used to ground a conductive display layer to a conductive support structure such as a metal display chassis or a metal housing member. The plastic display chassis may be insert molded around a light barrier structure.05-15-2014
20140133179Electronic Device with Display Chassis Structures - Electronic devices may include displays. A display may include backlight components that provide backlight illumination for the display. Backlight components may include a light guide plate that distributes light from a light source across the display. Display chassis structures may be used to support display layers and backlight components. A metal chassis may include a portion that partially surrounds the light source. Openings or perforations in the metal chassis may allow the portion that surrounds the light source to flex about a flex axis. A portion of a display layer may be mounted to a plastic chassis. The plastic chassis may be insert molded over a light source, may form part of a package for a light source, may be adhered to a light source, or may wrap around the light source. An encapsulant may be formed over the light source to protect the light source from vibrations and contaminants.05-15-2014
20140211505Backlight Structures and Backlight Assemblies for Electronic Device Displays - An electronic device may have a liquid crystal display with backlight structures. The backlight structures may produce backlight that passes through the display layers in the display. The display layers may include a layer of liquid crystal material interposed between a color filter layer and a thin-film transistor layer. The backlight structures may include a light guide plate. A plurality of light-emitting diodes mounted on a flexible printed circuit may be coupled to an edge of the light guide plate. The flexible printed circuit may be curled into a spring element to bias the light-emitting diodes against the edge of the light guide plate. A plurality of gaps may be formed in the flexible printed circuit and may be used to separate and mechanically decouple adjacent light-emitting diodes. Individual light-emitting diodes may independently register to the light guide plate to maximize optical efficiency in the display.07-31-2014
20140215758ASSEMBLY PROCESS FOR GLUE-FREE HINGE - The described embodiment relates generally to the field of press-fit technology. Press-fit technology results in deformation of one component to lock another component in place. This deformation commonly causes surface strain to occur on the deforming component. When a component is anodized surface strain can result in anodization cracking; this ruins the finished appearance of cosmetic surfaces, generally resulting in ghosting lines and splotches appearing on the surface of a component. The described embodiment achieves a careful balance between component deformation and surface strain. By utilizing specific press-fit geometries and assembly methods, surface strain can be sufficiently limited to eliminate anodization cracking while also achieving a durable press-fit joint.08-07-2014
20140354900Flexible Printed Circuit Cables With Slits - An electronic device contains electrical circuits. The circuits may include circuitry on printed circuit boards and components such as a touch screen display and buttons. Signal paths for routing signals between the electrical circuits may be formed from metal traces on flexible printed circuit cables. The flexible printed circuit cables may be bent around one or more bend axes. A flexible printed circuit cable may be formed from a flexible polymer substrate having one or more layers of polymer. Upper and lower ground layers may be supported by the flexible polymer substrate. The metal traces for the signal paths may lie between the upper and lower ground layers. Longitudinal slits within the flexible printed circuit may be formed that pass through the ground layers and the polymer layers. Vias may be formed that couple the ground layers together. The vias may run along the edges of the slits.12-04-2014
20150046991SENSOR DERIVED AUTHENTICATION FOR ESTABLISHING PEER-TO-PEER NETWORKS - Methods, systems and devices for generating an authentication key are provided. Two or more communications devices can generate an authentication key by monitoring a physical stimulus that is experienced by both devices (e.g., a common physical stimulus). Each device can then use an identical, predetermined algorithm to generate a common authentication key based on the stimulus. The devices can use the common authentication key to establish a secure network.02-12-2015
20150049285Non-Planar Display Backlight Structures - An electronic device may be provided with a display. The display may include display layers characterized by an active area and backlight structures that provide backlight to the active area. To accommodate components such as a button, an edge portion of a light guide plate in the backlight structures that does not overlap the active area is bent out of the plane of the light guide plate. The bent edge portion of the light guide plate may be formed by molding clear plastic in a die or by bending a flexible sheet of clear polymer. Flared structures may be formed on the flexible sheet of clear polymer to help guide light from light-emitting diodes into the flexible sheet of clear polymer. The flared structures may be formed by applying resin coating layers to the flexible sheet of clear polymer.02-19-2015
20150077372PEEK MODE AND GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE (GUI) EXPERIENCE - A tablet device determines a spatial relationship between the tablet device and a protective cover. The tablet device operates in accordance with the spatial relationship.03-19-2015
20150116920Flexible Electronic Devices - Flexible electronic devices may be provided. A flexible electronic device may include a flexible display, a flexible housing and one or more flexible internal components configured to allow the flexible electronic device to be deformed. Flexible displays may include flexible display layers, flexible touch-sensitive layers, and flexible display cover layers. The flexible housing may be a multi-stable flexible housing having one or more stable positions. The flexible housing may include a configurable support structure that, when engaged, provides a rigid support structure for the flexible housing. The flexible internal components may include flexible batteries, flexible printed circuits or other flexible components. A flexible battery may include flexible and rigid portions or may include a lubricious separator layer that provides flexibility for the flexible battery. A flexible printed circuit may include flexible and rigid portions or openings that allow some rigid portions to flex with respect to other rigid portions.04-30-2015
20150119114MAGNETIC SYSTEMS FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND ACCESSORIES - A cover is described that is magnetically attached to a tablet device. The cover includes at least as flap. In the described embodiment, the flap includes a plurality of segments where the first segment includes a first plurality of edge attach magnets arrayed along a first edge of the flap and where a second segment includes a second plurality of edge attach magnets arrayed along a second edge of the flap opposite the first edge.04-30-2015
20150144934Electronic Devices Having Displays With Openings - An electronic device may have a display. The display may have an active region in which display pixels are used to display images. The display may have one or more openings and may be mounted in a housing associated with the electronic device. An electronic component may be mounted in alignment with the openings in the display. The electronic component may include a camera, a light sensor, a light-based proximity sensor, status indicator lights, a light-based touch sensor array, a secondary display that has display pixels that may be viewed through the openings, antenna structures, a speaker, a microphone, or other acoustic, electromagnetic, or light-based component. One or more openings in the display may form a window through which a user of the device may view an external object. Display pixels in the window region may be used in forming a heads-up display.05-28-2015
20150179324MAGNETIC ASSEMBLY - A magnetic assembly for use in a housing of an electronic device can include a first and a second magnet and a magnetic shield. The magnetic shield can reduce magnetic flux density from the first and the second magnets that can appear on the outside of the housing. A magnetic hinge assembly can include magnets configured to correlate with the first and second magnets. The magnetic hinge can magnetically attach to the housing by cooperating with the first and second magnets with magnets that can be included in the magnetic hinge.06-25-2015
20150248142EXPOSED GLASS ARTICLE WITH ENHANCED STIFFNESS FOR PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE HOUSING - A transparent article, such as a transparent cover, for use as a cover glass for an electronic device, as well as methods for producing transparent articles, are disclosed. The transparent article can form a part of a housing of the portable electronic device and can provide an outer surface for a portion of the housing. The transparent article can be provided over a display of portable electronic device to provide a protective outer cover over the display. In one embodiment, the transparent article can be formed with a laminate structure. In another embodiment, the transparent article can be formed with a ribbed structure. In still another embodiment, a sapphire coating can be deposited on the transparent article to improve it strength. Advantageously, the transparent article is able to be not only thin and lightweight but also provide sufficient stiffness for use as a cover glass.09-03-2015
20150331444Electronic Devices With Cover Layers Mounted to Displays - An electronic device may be provided with a display cover layer mounted to the device using an adhesive bond with a display. The display may be a flexible display. The flexible display may include Organic Light Emitting Diode display technology. The display may be mounted to a rigid support structure. The rigid support structure may be mounted to a device housing member. Mounting the display cover layer to the display may eliminate the need to mount the display cover layer to the device housing and may allow active display pixels to be visible under the display cover layer closer to the device housing than in conventional devices. Providing the electronic device with active display pixels closer to the device housing may reduce the need for an inactive border around the display and may improve the aesthetic appeal of the electronic device.11-19-2015

Patent applications by Jeremy C. Franklin, San Francisco, CA US

Jeremy C. Franklin, San Rafael, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100199092SENSOR DERIVED AUTHENTICATION FOR ESTABLISHING PEER-TO-PEER NETWORKS - Methods, systems and devices for generating an authentication key are provided. Two or more communications devices can generate an authentication key by monitoring a physical stimulus that is experienced by both devices (e.g., a common physical stimulus). Each device can then use an identical, predetermined algorithm to generate a common authentication key based on the stimulus. The devices can use the common authentication key to establish a secure network.08-05-2010

Jeremy C. Franklin, San Franciso, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20140185857Antenna, Shielding and Grounding - A portable computing device is disclosed. The portable computing device can take many forms such as a laptop computer, a tablet computer, and so on. The portable computing device can include a single piece housing formed from a radio opaque material with a cover formed from a radio transparent material. To implement a wireless interface, an antenna stack-up can be provided that allows an antenna to be mounted to a bottom of the cover. Methods and apparatus are provided for improving wireless performance. For instance, in one embodiment, a metal housing can be thinned to improve antenna performance. As another example, a faraday cage can be formed around speaker drivers to improve antenna performance.07-03-2014

Jerrold E. Franklin, Sacramento, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110162784MEMBRANE ELECTRODE ASSEMBLY FABRICATION - A method for fabricating MEAs employing such gas diffusion layers and or gas diffusion electrodes that address the problems attendant to conventional methods. Due to the mechanically unstable nature of the electrolyte membrane material, it is advantageous to attach or bond the electrolyte membrane material to a supportive substrate before being sized for incorporation into a fuel cell. The GDL or GDE is used as the supportive substrate for the electrolyte membrane material.07-07-2011

Kevin Franklin, San Diego, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110267416Laser Marking Using Scalable Fonts - A system directs a laser beam to mark a material with an alphanumeric code. Character and quality information corresponding to a mark to apply to the material with the laser beam can be received, a font definition that specifies character segments can be obtained, a set of multiple spaced locations can be generated from the character segments in accordance with the character and quality information, and the material can be marked with the laser beam by directing the laser beam to dwell at the locations and move between the locations without deactivating the laser beam.11-03-2011
20130300814Laser Marking Using Scalable Fonts - A system directs a laser beam to mark a material with an alphanumeric code. Character and quality information corresponding to a mark to apply to the material with the laser beam can be received, a font definition that specifies character segments can be obtained, a set of multiple spaced locations can be generated from the character segments in accordance with the character and quality information, and the material can be marked with the laser beam by directing the laser beam to dwell at the locations and move between the locations without deactivating the laser beam.11-14-2013

Martin Franklin, San Diego, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100100551SYSTEM AND METHOD OF DYNAMICALLY GENERATING INDEX INFORMATION - A system and method of generating index information for electronic documents. The system includes a client, one or more information retrieval (IR) engines, such as a search engine, which are each in communication with each other via a network. In one embodiment of the invention, the server maintains a plurality or data objects that are protected by digital rights management (DRM) software. Upon receiving a network request from one of the IR systems, the server dynamically generates an electronic document that provides index information that is associated with one of the data objects. In one embodiment of the invention, the server dynamically generates the contents of the electronic document based upon the indexing characteristics of the IR system. Furthermore, upon receiving a network request from one of the client, the server determines whether the client is authorized to access the data object that is associated with the network request. If the client is authorized to access the data object, the server transmits the data object to the user. Alternatively, if the client is not authorized to access the data object, the server dynamically prepares instructions to the client, the instructions describing additional steps the user at the client may perform to get authorized to access the data object.04-22-2010

Matthew Franklin, Berkeley, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090034714Systems and methods for identity-based encryption and related cryptographic techniques - A method and system for encrypting a first piece of information M to be sent by a sender [02-05-2009
20120159188Systems and Methods for Identity-Based Encryption and Related Cryptographic Techniques - A method and system for encrypting a first piece of information M to be sent by a sender [100] to a receiver [110] allows both sender and receiver to compute a secret message key using identity-based information and a bilinear map. The sender uses a bilinear map to encrypt a message M, producing ciphertext V to be sent from the sender [100] to the receiver [110]. The receiver [110] uses the bilinear map to decrypt V and recover the original message M. According to one embodiment, the bilinear map is based on a Weil pairing or a Tate pairing defined on a subgroup of an elliptic curve. Also described are several applications of the techniques, including key revocation, credential management, and return receipt notification.06-21-2012

Patent applications by Matthew Franklin, Berkeley, CA US

Matthew C. Franklin, San Francisco, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090148921Compositions and methods for enhancing apoptosis - The present invention is directed to compositions of matter useful for the enhancement of apoptosis in mammals and to methods of using those compositions of matter for the same.06-11-2009
20110039324COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR ENHANCING APOPTOSIS - The present invention is directed to compositions of matter useful for the enhancement of apoptosis in mammals and to methods of using those compositions of matter for the same.02-17-2011
20120058953COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR ENHANCING APOPTOSIS - The present invention is directed to compositions of matter useful for the enhancement of apoptosis in mammals and to methods of using those compositions of matter for the same.03-08-2012
20130143824COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR ENHANCING APOPTOSIS - The present invention is directed to compositions of matter useful for the enhancement of apoptosis in mammals and to methods of using those compositions of matter for the same.06-06-2013

Patent applications by Matthew C. Franklin, San Francisco, CA US

Michael Franklin, Marina Del Rey, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20150262230WEAR TIME AS METRIC OF BUYING INTENT - Example embodiments of the present disclosure include a system comprising a computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program and a computer-implemented method for providing an offer based on a level of buying intent of an individual. Consistent with some embodiments, the method may include monitoring an amount of time an individual wears a particular garment while in a fitting room of a retail store, and determining an interest level of the individual in purchasing the garment based on the amount of time the individual wears the garment. The method may further include generating and provisioning an offer to the individual based on the determined level of intent.09-17-2015
20150262236FOLLOW-UP MESSAGES AFTER IN-STORE SHOPPING - Example embodiments of the present disclosure include a system comprising a computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program and a computer-implemented method for provisioning follow up messages to individuals after an in-store retail shopping experience. Consistent with some embodiments, the method may include identifying an item of interest to an individual while in a retail store. The method may further include detecting the individual leaving the retails store, and in response to the individual leaving the retail store, transmitting a message to a mobile device of the individual to remind the individual of the item of interest.09-17-2015
20150262280SOCIAL FITTING ROOM EXPERIENCE - Example embodiments of the present disclosure include a system comprising a computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program and a computer-implemented method for providing an interactive and social fitting room experience. Consistent with some embodiments, the method may include selecting a target audience to poll for feedback on an image of an individual wearing a garment in a fitting room. The method may further include transmitting the image to a computing device of each member of the target audience, and compiling feedback regarding the image from members of the target audience. The method may further include causing the compiled feedback to be displayed to the individual on an interactive mirror display in the fitting room.09-17-2015
20150262286INTERACTIVE DISPLAYS BASED ON USER INTEREST - Example embodiments of the present disclosure include a system comprising a computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program and a computer-implemented method for providing an interactive graphical user interface (GUI) on an interactive mirror display responsive to user interest. Consistent with some embodiments, the method may include identifying an item of interest to an individual in a retail store and accessing detailed product information for the item from a product database. The method may further include generating the interactive GUI using the detailed product information and causing the interactive GUI to be presented to the individual on the interactive mirror display.09-17-2015
20150262288CUSTOMIZED FITTING ROOM ENVIRONMENT - Example embodiments of the present disclosure include a system comprising a computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program and a computer-implemented method for providing a customized fitting room environment. Consistent with some embodiments, the method may include identifying a garment being brought into a fitting room, and determining a garment type of the garment. The method may further include adjusting one or more environmental settings of the fitting room based on the garment type. Additional aspects of the present disclosure include further adjusting environmental settings based on various combinations of user data and a desired use case of the garment specified by the individual.09-17-2015

Michael Franklin, Claremont, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20150096890MANIPULATING THE SIZE OF LIQUID DROPLETS IN DIGITAL MICROFLUIDICS - A biological sample processing system (04-09-2015

Michael Franklin, Carlsbad, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090307125METHODS AND INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS FOR PERFORMING TAX-DEFERRED REAL ESTATE EXCHANGES - Methods and investment instruments for investing in real estate are described wherein a portfolio of investment real estate is divided into a plurality of tenant-in-common deeds of predetermined denominations, and which are subject to a master agreement and master lease to form “deedshares.” Holders of the deedshares receive a guaranteed income stream from the master lease and yearly depreciation, without having to maintain or manage the real estate. The holders of deedshares are subject, under the master agreement, to a mechanism that enables the master tenant to purchase, or arrange for the purchase of the deedshares at fair market value (or some other calculable value) at the end of a specified term. Because the deedshares qualify as interests in investment real estate, they are eligible for tax-deferred treatment under § 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code.12-10-2009
20110184850METHODS AND INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS FOR PERFORMING TAX-DEFERRED REAL ESTATE EXCHANGES - Methods and investment instruments for investing in real estate are described wherein a portfolio of investment real estate is divided into a plurality of tenant-in-common deeds of predetermined denominations, and which are subject to a master agreement and master lease to form “deedshares.” Holders of the deedshares receive a guaranteed income stream from the master lease and yearly depreciation, without having to maintain or manage the real estate. The holders of deedshares are subject, under the master agreement, to a mechanism that enables the master tenant to purchase, or arrange for the purchase of the deedshares at fair market value (or some other calculable value) at the end of a specified term. Because the deedshares qualify as interests in investment real estate, they are eligible for tax-deferred treatment under §1031 of the Internal Revenue Code.07-28-2011
20120185412METHODS AND INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS FOR PERFORMING TAX-DEFERRED REAL ESTATE EXCHANGES - Methods and investment instruments for investing in real estate are described wherein a portfolio of investment real estate is divided into a plurality of tenant-in-common deeds of predetermined denominations, and which are subject to a master agreement and master lease to form “deedshares.” Holders of the deedshares receive a guaranteed income stream from the master lease and yearly depreciation, without having to maintain or manage the real estate. The holders of deedshares are subject, under the master agreement, to a mechanism that enables the master tenant to purchase, or arrange for the purchase of the deedshares at fair market value (or some other calculable value) at the end of a specified term. Because the deedshares qualify as interests in investment real estate, they are eligible for tax-deferred treatment under §1031 of the Internal Revenue Code.07-19-2012
20130282619METHODS AND INVESTMENT INSTRUMENTS FOR PERFORMING TAX-DEFERRED REAL ESTATE EXCHANGES - Methods and investment instruments for investing in real estate are described wherein a portfolio of investment real estate is divided into a plurality of tenant-in-common deeds of predetermined denominations, and which are subject to a master agreement and master lease to form “deedshares.” Holders of the deedshares receive a guaranteed income stream from the master lease and yearly depreciation, without having to maintain or manage the real estate. The holders of deedshares are subject, under the master agreement, to a mechanism that enables the master tenant to purchase, or arrange for the purchase of the deedshares at fair market value (or some other calculable value) at the end of a specified term. Because the deedshares qualify as interests in investment real estate, they are eligible for tax-deferred treatment under §1031 of the Internal Revenue Code.10-24-2013

Patent applications by Michael Franklin, Carlsbad, CA US

Michael Benjamin Franklin, Claremont, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20130126358SYSTEM FOR MANIPULATING SAMPLES IN LIQUID DROPLETS - A liquid droplet manipulation system has a substrate with at least one electrode array and a central control unit for controlling selection of individual electrodes of the electrode array and for providing the electrodes with individual voltage pulses for manipulating liquid droplets by electrowetting. A working film is placed on top of the electrodes for manipulating samples in liquid droplets with the electrode array. At least one selected individual electrode of the electrode array is configured to be penetrated by light of an optical detection system for the optical inspection or analysis of samples in liquid droplets that are located on the working film. Also disclosed is working film that is to be placed on the electrode array and a cartridge that includes such a working film for manipulating samples in liquid droplets.05-23-2013
20130134039DIGITAL MICROFLUIDICS SYSTEM WITH DISPOSABLE CARTRIDGES - A digital microfluidics system manipulates samples in liquid droplets within disposable cartridges and has disposable cartridges each with a bottom layer, a top layer and a gap therebetween. A base unit with cartridge accommodation sites and at least one electrode array with electrodes works with a cover plate at the sites and a control unit for controlling selection of the electrodes and for providing them with voltage pulses for manipulating liquid droplets within the cartridges by electrowetting. The cover plate has an electrically conductive material that extends parallel to the array. A selection of disposable cartridges and a method for manipulating samples in liquid droplets that adhere to a hydrophobic surface can be used with the system.05-30-2013
20130175169MANIPULATING THE SIZE OF LIQUID DROPLETS IN DIGITAL MICROFLUIDICS - Liquid droplet manipulation instrument has electrode array for inducing movement of a droplet by electrowetting, substrate supporting the array and control with electrode selector connected to a voltage control. The selector selects each electrode and provides each with a controlled voltage. The control includes central processing unit for providing the selected electrode with an individual voltage pulse which is a drive voltage or a ground voltage or a stop voltage. The control defines a path for movement of a liquid portion of a larger volume that covers more than one electrode by the simultaneous selection of a group of two or more subsequent drive electrodes and to provide each selected drive electrode with a drive voltage pulse along the path. The control simultaneously provides a group of two or more electrodes adjacent to or identical with the pulsed drive electrodes, with a ground or stop voltage pulse.07-11-2013

Michael D. Franklin, Costa Mesa, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110144742Expansion Device for Treatment of Vascular Passageways - A delivery system for delivering an expandable member to a treatment location includes an elongate shaft and an expandable member coupled to a distal end of the elongate shaft. The expandable member is moveable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration, and has an inner expandable member and a plurality of outer expandable members that at least partially surround the inner expandable member.06-16-2011
20140214069Inflatable Embolic Deflector - The present disclosure concerns embodiments of an expandable and collapsible embolic deflector that can be collapsed to a very small profile for insertion through a patient's vasculature and then expanded once inside the body. The embolic deflector comprises a flexible, inflatable frame that supports a blood-permeable membrane that prevents emboli above a predetermined size from entering vasculature that is blocked by the membrane. The frame comprises an inflatable body made of a soft polymeric material, such as urethane, Pebax, or nylon, similar to a balloon of a balloon catheter. In particular embodiments, the frame does not include any metal components. In certain embodiments, the frame can include one or more radiopaque markers, which can be made of a metal or metal alloy. In either case, the risk of potential trauma to the patient can be reduced since the amount of hard metal components is significantly reduced or completely eliminated.07-31-2014
20140371847EXPANSION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR TREATING VASCULAR PASSAGEWAYS - Method for delivering an expandable member to a treatment location includes an elongate shaft and an expandable member coupled to a distal end of the elongate shaft. Embodiments of the expandable member are moveable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration, and have an inner expandable member and a plurality of outer expandable members that at least partially surround the inner expandable member, and are suitable for delivering prosthetic heart valves and performing vavuloplasties.12-18-2014

Michael J. Franklin, Piedmont, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120047186Encoding Semi-Structured Data for Efficient Search and Browsing - A method for encoding XML tree data that includes the step of encoding the semi-structured data into strings of arbitrary length in a way that maintains non-structural and structural information about the XML data, and enables indexing the encoded XML data in a way that facilitates efficient search and browsing.02-23-2012

Nathan Franklin, San Mateo, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090001338Seek-and-scan probe memory devices with nanostructures for improved bit size and resistance contrast when reading and writing to phase-change media - A seek-and-scan probe memory device comprising a patterned capping layer over a phase-change media, where the patterned capping layer defines the bit locations on the phase-change media. The patterned capping layer may be formed from self-assembled structures. In other embodiments, nanostructures are formed on the bottom electrode below the phase-change media to focus an applied electric field from the probe, so as to increase bit density and contrast. The nanostructures may be a regular or random array of nanostructures, formed by using a self-assembling material. The nanostructures may be conductive or non-conductive. Other embodiments are described and claimed.01-01-2009
20090003030METHODS FOR FERROELECTRIC DOMAIN READING - Methods and arrangements for data storage are discussed. Embodiments include applying a first voltage between a tip and an electrode, thereby forming a polarized domain in a ferroelectric material between 1 nanometer (nm) and 50 nm in thickness. The embodiments may also include applying another voltage through the tip, thereby generating a current responsive to an orientation of the polarized domain. The embodiments may also include measuring the current and determining the orientation of the polarized domain, based upon the measuring.01-01-2009
20100068509MEDIA HAVING IMPROVED SURFACE SMOOTHNESS AND METHODS FOR MAKING THE SAME - Provided herein are media for storing information and methods of forming such media. A strontium ruthenate (SRO) layer is provided. In certain embodiments, a titanium terminated (Ti-terminated) surface is formed on the SRO layer, and a lead zirconate titanate (PZT) layer is formed on the Ti-terminated surface. In other embodiments, a Ti-terminated surface is formed on the SRO layer, a lead titanate (PTO) layer is formed on the Ti-terminated surface, and a PZT layer is formed on the PTO layer. Preferably, the PZT layer is grown on the Ti-terminated surface, or the PTO layer, by step-flow or layer-by-layer growth, so that the resulting media has an atomically smooth surface.03-18-2010
20100085863RETUNING OF FERROELECTRIC MEDIA BUILT-IN-BIAS - Provided herein are embodiments for adjusting a built-in bias of a media including a conductive layer and a ferroelectric layer above the conductive layer. In certain embodiments, a voltage signal is applied between the conductive layer of the media and an electrode (provided over at least a portion of the ferroelectric layer) to thereby tune the built-in bias so that the built-in bias moves in a direction of (i.e., towards) the desired built-in bias. In other embodiments, the temperature of the at least a portion of the ferroelectric layer of the media is elevated to thereby tune the built-in bias so that the built-in bias moves in a direction of (i.e., towards) the desired built-in bias. The desired built-in bias can be a zero built-in bias, or a non-zero built-in bias.04-08-2010
20150380111THERMAL DISTURB AS HEATER IN CROSS-POINT MEMORY - The present disclosure relates to thermal disturb as heater in cross-point memory. An apparatus includes a memory controller. The memory controller is configured to identify a target memory cell in response to at least one of a selection failure and a set fail memory read error associated with the target memory cell. The memory controller is further configured to apply a first sequence of recovery pulses to a first number of selected adjacent memory cells adjacent the target memory cell, the first sequence of recovery pulses configured to induce heating in the target memory cell.12-31-2015

Patent applications by Nathan Franklin, San Mateo, CA US

Nathan R. Franklin, Belmont, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20140380108METHOD AND SYSTEM TO OBTAIN STATE CONFIDENCE DATA USING MULTISTROBE READ OF A NON-VOLATILE MEMORY - An apparatus may include a processor circuit a processor circuit to retrieve data from a non-volatile memory, and a multistrobe read module operable on the processor circuit to set a read operation to read a memory cell over a multiplicity of sense operations, where each sense operation is performed under a different sense condition. The multistrobe read module may be further operable to schedule a new sense operation to succeed a prior sense operation of the multiplicity of sense operations without recharge of the wordline when a value of one or more read condition is within a preset range. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.12-25-2014

Nathan R. Franklin, San Mateo, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090146126PROBE-BASED MEMORY - Apparatuses, a method, and a system for a non-volatile, probe-based memory device are disclosed herein. In various embodiments, probe-based memory may be one-time programmable or rewritable nonvolatile probe-based memory.06-11-2009
20090168635Memory Media Including Domains HavingTrapped Charges at a Top Region Thereof - A memory media and a method to provide same. The memory media includes: a media layer comprising a ferroelectric layer having a bottom surface and a top surface; a plurality of adjacent charge domains defined in the ferroelectric layer, the domains including alternating up domains and down domains each extending between the bottom surface and the top surface; and a trapped charge region adjacent a top surface of the media layer, the trapped charge region including charges in addition to the charges present in the charge domains at regions thereof other than regions adjacent the top surface of the media layer.07-02-2009
20090168637Arrangement and Method to Perform Scanning Readout of Ferroelectric Bit Charges - An arrangement, a method and a system to read information stored in a layer of ferroelectric media. The arrangement includes a layer including a ferroelectric media having one or more ferroelectric domains holding bit charges, a domain corresponding to information; a probe having a tip, wherein the media and the tip are adapted to move relative to one another such that the tip scans the ferroelectric domains of the media while applying a contact force to the domains to generate a direct piezoelectric effect within the domains; and circuitry coupled to the tip and adapted to generate a signal in response to an electrical coupling between the tip and the domains while scanning the tip in contact with the domains, the signal corresponding to a readout signal for ferroelectric bit charges stored in the media07-02-2009
20120002482CHARGE EQUILIBRIUM ACCELERATION IN A FLOATING GATE MEMORY DEVICE VIA A REVERSE FIELD PULSE - Methods for accelerating charge equilibrium in a non-volatile memory device using floating gate memory cells are disclosed. Memory devices and storage systems using charge equilibrium acceleration are also disclosed. In one such method, a programming pulse is applied to the word line to change an amount of charge stored on the floating gate of the memory cells being programmed. A reverse field pulse is then applied to the memory cell using only voltages greater than or equal to about 0 volts. The reverse field pulse accelerates charge equilibrium by moving any electrons trapped in the insulating oxide layers to a stable location so that the threshold voltage is stabilized. After the reverse field pulse, a program verify operation is performed and additional programming pulses and reverse field pulses are applied as needed to properly program the memory cell.01-05-2012
20130003521ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD TO PERFORM SCANNING READOUT OF FERROELECTRIC BIT CHARGES - An arrangement, a method and a system to read information stored in a layer of ferroelectric media. The arrangement includes a layer including a ferroelectric media having one or more ferroelectric domains holding bit charges, a domain corresponding to information; a probe having a tip, wherein the media and the tip are adapted to move relative to one another such that the tip scans the ferroelectric domains of the media while applying a contact force to the domains to generate a direct piezoelectric effect within the domains; and circuitry coupled to the tip and adapted to generate a signal in response to an electrical coupling between the tip and the domains while scanning the tip in contact with the domains, the signal corresponding to a readout signal for ferroelectric bit charges stored in the media01-03-2013
20150078075PROGRAMMING MEMORY CELLS USING A PROGRAM PULSE - Described herein are techniques related to one or more systems, apparatuses, methods, etc. for programming a memory cell through the use of a program pulse.03-19-2015
20150262661MITIGATING READ DISTURB IN A CROSS-POINT MEMORY - The present disclosure relates to mitigating read disturb in a cross-point memory. An apparatus may include a memory controller configured to select a target memory cell for a memory access operation. The memory controller includes a sense module configured to determine whether a snap back event occurs during a sensing interval; and a write back module configured to write back a logic one to the memory cell if a snap back event is detected.09-17-2015
20150269994CROSS-POINT MEMORY BIAS SCHEME - The present disclosure relates to a cross-point memory bias scheme. An apparatus includes a memory controller including a word line (WL) control module and a bit line (BL) control module, the memory controller configured to initiate selection of a target memory cell; a sense module configured to determine whether the target memory cell has been selected; and a C-cell bias module configured to establish a C-cell bias if the target cell is not selected.09-24-2015

Patent applications by Nathan R. Franklin, San Mateo, CA US

Olivia Franklin, Emerald Hills, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20130282682Method and System for Search Suggestion - Method, system, and programs for intent-based search suggestion are disclosed. A query suggestion is determined from a plurality of query suggestions in response to a user entering a query. Annotated intent information associated with the determined query suggestion is then fetched. The annotated intent information includes one or more intents with annotation information. The determined query suggestion is presented with one or more labels to the user. Each label indicates one of the one or more intents. The one or more labels are ranked based on their corresponding intents.10-24-2013

Olivia Franklin, Santa Clara, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120246165SEARCH ASSISTANT SYSTEM AND METHOD - Disclosed is a system and method for presenting content in response to receiving a portion of a search query. A computing device receives, over a network from a user computer, a portion of a search query submitted by a user in a search query entry area. The computing device receives, from a search suggestion module, one or more search suggestions related to the portion of the query. The computing device transmits, to the user computer, the one or more search suggestions for display in a search suggestion region, the search suggestion region displayed differently than a search results area. The computing device transmits a search suggestion of the one or more search suggestions to a rich content module. The rich content module generates rich content related to the transmitted search suggestion. The computing device transmits, to the user computer, the rich content for display in the search suggestion region.09-27-2012

Olivia Franklin, San Francisco, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20130282749INSTANT SEARCH RESULTS WITH PAGE PREVIEWS - Methods, systems, and programming for providing search previews is disclosed. At least one input is received. At least one query suggestion is generated based on the at least one input. The at least one query suggestion is displayed in a first display area. At least one web page preview is generated based on the at least one input. The at least one web page preview is displayed in a second display area. Each web page preview is viewable and actionable.10-24-2013
20130283203METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DISPLAYING SEARCH RESULTS - Method, system, and programs for displaying search results are disclosed. A first page that contains a first piece of content is presented to a user. A second page that contains a second piece of content including one or more search results is generated. The second page is arranged behind the first page such that the second page is invisible to the user. A first triggering event associated with a predetermined user input is detected. In response to the first triggering event, at least part of the first page is moved in a direction from a default position for a distance to expose at least part of the second page such that the second piece of content on the second page becomes visible to the user.10-24-2013

Olivia Raebel Franklin, Santa Clara, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110193795HAPTIC SEARCH FEATURE FOR TOUCH SCREENS - A search method includes steps of: receiving information required to render a first map of a geographical area on a touch screen display; delivering the map for presentation on a first visual area rendered on the touch screen display; receiving from a user of the touch screen display a selection of a target search area within the geographical area, wherein the user desires to restrict a search for items of interest to said target search area, wherein said selection of the target search area is produced by the user drawing a shape encompassing at least a portion of the target search area over the first map presented on the touch screen display.08-11-2011

Patrick Franklin, Santa Barbara, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120312992MULTILAYERED MICROBOLOMETER FILM DEPOSITION - A microbolometer is disclosed, including a bottom multilayered dielectric, having a first silicon oxynitride layer and a second silicon oxynitride layer disposed above the first silicon oxynitride layer, the first and second silicon oxynitride layers having different refractive indices. The microbolometer further includes a detector layer disposed above the bottom multilayered dielectric, the detector layer comprised of a temperature sensitive resistive material, and a top dielectric disposed above the detector layer.12-13-2012
20150247758MICROBOLOMETER CONTACT SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Systems and methods are directed to contacts for an infrared detector. For example, an infrared imaging device includes a substrate having a first metal layer and an infrared detector array coupled to the substrate via a plurality of contacts. Each contact includes for an embodiment a plurality of metal studs each having a first end and a second end and each disposed between the first metal layer and a second metal layer, wherein the first end of each metal stud is disposed on a portion of the first metal layer that is at least partially on the surface of the substrate.09-03-2015
20150311246MICROBOLOMETER CONTACT SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Systems and methods are directed to contacts for an infrared detector. For example, an infrared imaging device includes a substrate having a first metal layer and an infrared detector array coupled to the substrate via a plurality of contacts. Each contact includes for an embodiment a second metal layer formed on the first metal layer; a third metal layer formed on the second metal layer, wherein the third metal layer at least partially fills an inner portion of the contact; and a first passivation layer formed on the third metal layer.10-29-2015

Philip G. Franklin, Anaheim, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110006877Method and apparatus for the zonal transmission of data using building lighting fixtures - This invention relates to systems and methods for the transmission of data by a wireless controller connected between a power source and a lighting device. The wireless controller wirelessly receives control signals to control dimming and on/off operation of the lighting device. Furthermore, energy use of the lighting device is monitored and information about the energy use is sent wirelessly to a receiver.01-13-2011
20130243425METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE ZONAL TRANSMISSION OF DATA USING BUILDING LIGHTING FIXTURES - This invention relates to systems and methods for the transmission of data by a wireless controller connected between a power source and a lighting device. The wireless controller wirelessly receives control signals to control dimming and on/off operation of the lighting device. Furthermore, energy use of the lighting device is monitored and information about the energy use is sent wirelessly to a receiver.09-19-2013
20140285091METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE ZONAL TRANSMISSION OF DATA USING BUILDING LIGHTING FIXTURES - This invention relates to systems and methods for the transmission of data by a wireless controller connected between a power source and a lighting device. The wireless controller wirelessly receives control signals to control dimming and on/off operation of the lighting device. Furthermore, energy use of the lighting device is monitored and information about the energy use is sent wirelessly to a receiver.09-25-2014

Patent applications by Philip G. Franklin, Anaheim, CA US

Philip George Franklin, Fullerton, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20150117038Mechanically adjustable light bulb for use in high temperature areas - A sturdy mechanically adjustable light bulb, employing a semiconductor-based light source, is disclosed wherein the semiconductor light source is thermally isolated from the remaining portion of the light bulb assembly, so that the light source may be placed outside of thermally harsh climate located at the bulb's plug.04-30-2015

Robert C. Franklin, Los Gatos, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100012282Velocity reduction system for retractable screen doors - A velocity reduction system for use in retractable screen door installations. A pneumatic cylinder is located within a moveable housing that is used to capture the leading edge of the screen material. The pneumatic cylinder contains a moveable weight that is fastened to the screen doorframe using a cable. Incorporated within the weight is a check valve that restricts the passage of air when the weight is being pulled in an upward direction, associated with the opening of the screen door. The size of an aperture at the lower end of the pneumatic cylinder, along with the strength of the retracting spring that rewinds the screen material, control the velocity of air entering the pneumatic cylinder and therefore the opening speed of the screen door.01-21-2010

Ronald D. Franklin, Sacramento, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20100183362TOOL POSITIONING SYSTEM - A tool positioning apparatus permitting tool adjustment in two planes, the apparatus generally including an articulating joint apparatus and a resistance thread mechanism for rotatably positioning a tool about a central axis. In one embodiment the joint includes two halves rotatable about a central axis. The two halves are positionable through use of a push-button release that disengages a gear member and permits movement of the two halves relative to each other. In one embodiment, a gear has teeth disposed on one surface, two opposing substantially straight sides, and two opposing substantially curved sides, with a triangular protrusion mounted on each of the gear's two straight portions. The thread resistance mechanism utilizes an elastomeric threading in a narrowing taper.07-22-2010

Ruth E. Franklin, Santa Barbara, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090084945PHOTODIODE ARRAY FOR AN OPTICAL ENCODER, PHOTODIODE DETECTION SYSTEM, AND OPTICAL ENCODER - A photodiode detector array for an optical encoder includes a sequence of photodiodes having a pitch between adjacent photodiodes that alternates between a first pitch and a second pitch, the second pitch being different than the first pitch.04-02-2009
20120013279CODE DISK, OPTICAL ENCODER, AND MOTOR SYSTEM - An optical encoder includes a light source, a light sensor array, and a code disk having a data track and a commutation pattern. The commutation pattern includes first, second, and third commutation tracks, each including a series of apertures configured to allow light to continuously pass from the light source to a respective light sensor of the light sensor array as the series of apertures passes over the first light sensor. The relative positions of the first, second, and third commutation tracks correspond to a commutation sequence of a brushless motor.01-19-2012

Patent applications by Ruth E. Franklin, Santa Barbara, CA US

Scott Franklin, South San Francisco, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090004715Glycerol Feedstock Utilization for Oil-Based Fuel Manufacturing - The invention provides methods of manufacturing biodiesel and other oil-based compounds using glycerol and combinations of glycerol and other feedstocks as an energy source in fermentation of oil-bearing microorganisms. Methods disclosed herein include processes for manufacturing high nutrition edible oils from non-food feedstock materials such as waste products from industrial waste transesterification processes. Also included are methods of increasing oil yields by temporally separating glycerol and other feedstocks during cultivation processes. Also provided herein are oil-bearing microbes containing exogenous oil production genes and methods of cultivating such microbes on glycerol and other feedstocks.01-01-2009
20090011480Use of Cellulosic Materials for Cultivation of Microorganisms - The invention provides methods of cultivating oil-bearing microbes using cellulosic material. Also provided are microorganisms that manufacture non-alcohol-based fuels and fuel feedstocks through a process of converting cellulosic materials into oils. Also provided are compositions comprising depolymerized cellulosic materials and oil-bearing microbes. Some methods of microbial fermentation are provided that comprise combining depolymerized cellulosic materials with other non-cellulosic feedstocks to enhance the economics of renewable fuel manufacturing. Particular advantages of the processes provided herein include production of oils rather than alcohols through cellulosic processes. Additional advantages include methods for manufacturing high nutrition oils from non-edible feedstocks such as wood chips, switchgrass, and bagasse.01-08-2009
20090035842Sucrose Feedstock Utilization for Oil-Based Fuel Manufacturing - The invention provides methods of manufacturing oils and oil-based products such as transportation fuels, industrial chemicals, edible oils, lubricants and plastics using sugar cane, sugar beets, and cane/beet agricultural processing byproducts as a feedstock for bioproduction processes. The disclosed processes utilize oil-bearing microbes as a conversion technology to convert chemical energy produced by sugar cane and sugar beets into energy-containing oils and oil derivatives. Also provided herein are oil-bearing microbes containing one or more exogenous sucrose utilization genes.02-05-2009
20090047721Renewable Diesel and Jet Fuel from Microbial Sources - The invention provides methods of manufacturing alkanes from triglyceride oils produced through fermentation of oil-bearing microbes. The processes provided herein can utilize a variety of carbohydrate feedstocks including cane bagasse, sugar beet pulp, corn stover, glycerol, corn starch, sorghum, molasses, waste glycerol, and other renewable materials. These processes further comprise hydrotreating, hydrocracking, isomerization, distillation, and other petrochemical processes for use with oil-bearing microbes and products derived therefrom to manufacture fuels. Particular embodiments include the manufacture of ASTM D975 and ASTM D1655 compliant fuels. Genetically engineered microbes provided herein can be used in the manufacture of renewable diesel and renewable jet fuel.02-19-2009
20090061493Lipid Pathway Modification in Oil-Bearing Microorganisms - The invention provides methods of modifying the lipids produced by microbial organisms through genetic engineering. The invention also provides genetically engineered microbes and methods of fermenting microbes for oil production. Also provided are oils, fuels, oleochemicals, chemical precursors, and other compounds manufactured by such modified microorganisms. Exemplary oil-bearing organisms include organisms containing one or more exogenous genes encoding a fatty acyl-ACP thioesterase, fatty acyl-CoA/aldehyde reductase, fatty acyl-CoA reductase, fatty aldehyde reductase, fatty aldehyde decarbonylase, and/or an acyl carrier protein.03-05-2009
20090148918Glycerol Feedstock Utilization for Oil-Based Fuel Manufacturing - The invention provides methods of manufacturing biodiesel and other oil-based compounds using glycerol and combinations of glycerol and other feedstocks as an energy source in fermentation of oil-bearing microorganisms. Methods disclosed herein include processes for manufacturing high nutrition edible oils from non-food feedstock materials such as waste products from industrial waste transesterification processes. Also included are methods of increasing oil yields by temporally separating glycerol and other feedstocks during cultivation processes. Also provided herein are oil-bearing microbes containing exogenous oil production genes and methods of cultivating such microbes on glycerol and other feedstocks.06-11-2009
20140275586THIOESTERASES AND CELLS FOR PRODUCTION OF TAILORED OILS - The invention features plant acyl-ACP thioesterase genes of the FatB class and proteins encoded by these genes. The genes are useful for constructing recombinant host cells having altered fatty acid profiles. Oleaginous microalga host cells with the new genes or previously identified FatB genes are disclosed. The microalgae cells produce triglycerides with useful fatty acid profiles.09-18-2014
20140288320THIOESTERASES AND CELLS FOR PRODUCTION OF TAILORED OILS - The invention features plant acyl-ACP thioesterase genes of the FatB class and proteins encoded by these genes. The genes are useful for constructing recombinant host cells having altered fatty acid profiles. Oleaginous microalga host cells with the new genes or previously identified FatB genes are disclosed. The microalgae cells produce triglycerides with useful fatty acid profiles.09-25-2014
20160083758ACYL-ACP THIOESTERASES AND MUTANTS THEREOF - Novel plant acyl-ACP thioesterase genes of the FatB and FatA classes and proteins encoded by these genes are disclosed. The genes are useful for constructing recombinant host cells having altered fatty acid profiles. Expression of the novel and/or mutated FATB and FATA genes is demonstrated in oleaginous microalga host cells. Furthermore, a method for producing an oil elevated in one or more of C12:0, C14:0, C16:0, C18:0 and/or C18:1 fatty acids includes transforming a cell with novel and/or mutated FATB and/or FATA genes, e.g., having an N-terminal deletion. The cells produce triglycerides with altered and useful fatty acid profiles.03-24-2016

Patent applications by Scott Franklin, South San Francisco, CA US

Scott Franklin, Daly City, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20110151515PRODUCTION OF FC-FUSION POLYPEPTIDES IN EUKARYOTIC ALGAE - Methods and compositions are disclosed to engineer plastids comprising heterologous genes encoding immuno-activating domains fused to an extracellular domain (ECD) of a receptor or surface glycoprotein, a growth factor or an enzyme and produced within a subcellular organelle, such as a chloroplast. The immuno-activating domains may include those regions of a protein capable of modulating the interaction between immune effector cells via proteins containing stereoselective binding domains and specific ligands, such as the Fc regions of antibodies. The present disclosure also demonstrates the utility of plants, including green algae, for the production of complex multi-domain fusion proteins as soluble bioactive therapeutic agents.06-23-2011

Scott Franklin, Woodside, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20140256024Nucleic Acids Useful in the Manufacture of Oil - Novel gene sequences from microalgae are disclosed, as well as novel gene sequences useful in the manufacture of triglyceride oils. Also disclosed are sequences and vectors that allow microalgae to be cultivated on sugar cane and sugar beets as a feedstock. In some embodiments, the vectors are useful for the purpose of performing targeted modifications to the nuclear genome of heterotrophic microalgae.09-11-2014
20140305031Hydroprocessing Microalgal Oils - Fuels and other valuable compositions and compounds can be made from oil extracted from microbial biomass and from oil-bearing microbial biomass via hydroprocessing and/or other chemical treatments, including the alkaline hydrolysis of glycerolipids and fatty acid esters to fatty acid salts.10-16-2014
20140315267Tailored Oils Produced from Recombinant Heterotrophic Microorganisms - Methods and compositions for the production of oil, fuels, oleochemicals, and other compounds in recombinant microorganisms are provided, including oil-bearing microorganisms and methods of low cost cultivation of such microorganisms. Microalgal cells containing exogenous genes encoding, for example, a lipase, a sucrose transporter, a sucrose invertase, a fructokinase, a polysaccharide-degrading enzyme, a keto acyl-ACP synthase enzyme, a fatty acyl-ACP thioesterase, a fatty acyl-CoA/aldehyde reductase, a fatty acyl-CoA reductase, a fatty aldehyde reductase, a fatty aldehyde decarbonylase, and/or an acyl carrier protein are useful in manufacturing transportation fuels such as renewable diesel, biodiesel, and renewable jet fuel, as well as oleochemicals such as functional fluids, surfactants, soaps and lubricants.10-23-2014
20140336100Modified Lipids Produced from Oil-Bearing Microbial Biomass and Oils - Chemically modified lipids and methods for their preparation are provided.11-13-2014
20140377847Tailored Oils - Recombinant DNA techniques are used to produce oleaginous recombinant cells that produce triglyceride oils having desired fatty acid profiles and regiospecific or stereospecific profiles. Genes manipulated include those encoding stearoyl-ACP desturase, delta 12 fatty acid desaturase, acyl-ACP thioesterase, ketoacyl-ACP synthase, and lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase. The oil produced can have enhanced oxidative or thermal stability, or can be useful as a frying oil, shortening, roll-in shortening, tempering fat, cocoa butter replacement, as a lubricant, or as a feedstock for various chemical processes. The fatty acid profile can be enriched in midchain profiles or the oil can be enriched in triglycerides of the saturated-unsaturated-saturated type.12-25-2014
20150125914TAILORED OILS - Recombinant DNA techniques are used to produce oleaginous recombinant cells that produce triglyceride oils having desired fatty acid profiles and regiospecific or stereospecific profiles. Genes manipulated include those encoding stearoyl-ACP desaturase, delta 12 fatty acid desaturase, acyl-ACP thioesterase, ketoacyl-ACP synthase, and lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase. The oil produced can have enhanced oxidative or thermal stability, or can be useful as a frying oil, shortening, roll-in shortening, tempering fat, cocoa butter replacement, as a lubricant, or as a feedstock for various chemical processes. The fatty acid profile can be enriched in midchain profiles or the oil can be enriched in triglycerides of the saturated-unsaturated-saturated type.05-07-2015
20150150776Microalgal Polysaccharide Compositions - Provided herein are microalgal polysaccharide compositions and. Also provided are methods of using polysaccharides for applications such as topical personal care products, cosmetics, and wrinkle reduction compositions. The invention also provides novel microalgal compositions useful for improving the health and appearance of skin. The invention also includes insoluble polysaccharide particles for application to human skin.06-04-2015
20150218604Renewable Chemical Production from Novel Fatty Acid Feedstocks - Disclosed herein are methods of manufacturing renewable chemicals through the manufacture of novel triglyceride oils followed by chemical modification of the oils. Methods such as transesterification, hydrogenation, hydrocracking, deoxygenation, isomerization, interesterification, hydroxylation, hydrolysis and saponification are disclosed. Novel oils containing fatty acid chain lengths of C8, C10, C12 or C14 are also disclosed and are useful as feedstocks in the methods of the invention.08-06-2015
20150344917Microbial Oils with Lowered Pour Points, Dielectric Fluids Produced Therefrom, and Related Methods - Methods and compositions for the production of dielectric fluids from lipids produced by microorganisms are provided, including oil-bearing microorganisms and methods of low cost cultivation of such microorganisms. Microalgal cells containing exogenous genes encoding, for example, a sucrose transporter, a sucrose invertase, a fructokinase, a polysaccharide-degrading enzyme, a lipid pathway modification enzyme, a fatty acyl-ACP thioesterase, a desaturase, a fatty acyl-CoA/aldehyde reductase, and/or an acyl carrier protein are useful in manufacturing dielectric fluids.12-03-2015
20160024538Hydroxylated Triacylglycerides - Methods and compositions for the production of food compositions, oils, fuels, oleochemicals, and other compounds in recombinant microorganisms are provided, including oil-bearing microorganisms and methods of low cost cultivation of such microorganisms. Microalgal cells containing exogenous genes encoding, for example, a lipase, a sucrose transporter, a sucrose invertase, a fructokinase, a polysaccharide-degrading enzyme, a keto acyl-ACP synthase enzyme, a fatty acyl-ACP thioesterase, a fatty acyl-CoA/aldehyde reductase, a fatty acyl-CoA reductase, a fatty aldehyde reductase, a fatty aldehyde decarbonylase, and/or an acyl carrier protein are useful in manufacturing food compositions, and transportation fuels such as renewable diesel, biodiesel, and renewable jet fuel, as well as oleochemicals such as functional fluids, surfactants, soaps and lubricants.01-28-2016

Patent applications by Scott Franklin, Woodside, CA US

Scott Barrett Franklin, Los Angeles, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090046097Method of making animated video - A method of making an animated movie includes the steps of casting one or more animated characters as performers in a play of the animated video; creating one or more scenes of the animated video; canvassing the animated character in the scene to form a motion picture, and outputting the motion picture in a realtime playback manner. The motion picture is canvassed by the steps creating a timeline of the scene; setting a light effect of the scene; setting a shooting angle of the animated character in the scene; and setting a movement of the animated character in the scene in responsive to the timeline.02-19-2009

Timothy Franklin, Campbell, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20150176117Interchangeable Sputter Gun Head - In some embodiments, apparatus are provided that provide for flexible processing in both high productivity combinatorial (HPC) and full wafer modes. The apparatus allow for interchangeable functionality that includes deposition with different sizes of targets, plasma treatment, ion beam treatment, and in-situ metrology. The functional modules are designed so that the modules may be interchanged with minimal effort and reduced system downtime.06-25-2015

Timothy J. Franklin, Campbell, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090032068SINGLE WAFER METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DRYING SEMICONDUCTOR SUBSTRATES USING AN INERT GAS AIR-KNIFE - In one aspect, a method is provided. The method comprises forming a meniscus at an interface between a substrate and a fluid surface by moving the substrate through the fluid; shortening the meniscus by applying an air knife to the meniscus at the interface between the substrate and the fluid surface; and Marangoni drying the substrate by applying a drying vapor to the shortened meniscus. Numerous other aspects are provided.02-05-2009
20090044839SINGLE WAFER METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DRYING SEMICONDUCTOR SUBSTRATES USING AN INERT GAS AIR-KNIFE - In one aspect, a substrate processing apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises a mechanism for forming a meniscus on a surface of a substrate by moving the substrate through a fluid; an air knife apparatus positioned to apply an air knife to shorten the meniscus formed on the surface of the substrate; and a drying vapor nozzle positioned to direct a drying vapor to the meniscus shortened by the air knife. Numerous other aspects are provided.02-19-2009
20090078292SINGLE WAFER METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DRYING SEMICONDUCTOR SUBSTRATES USING AN INERT GAS AIR-KNIFE - In one aspect, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises a chamber; a plurality of rollers adapted to support a wafer in a vertical orientation within a chamber; a pair of brushes adapted to scrub a first and a second side of the wafer respectively; a first spray bar adapted to spray a liquid on the wafer to form a meniscus on the wafer as the wafer is lifted out of the chamber; and a second spray bar adapted to direct a vapor to the meniscus, the vapor being adapted to lower a surface tension of the liquid at the meniscus to perform Marangoni drying of the wafer as the wafer is lifted out of the chamber. Numerous other aspects are provided.03-26-2009

Timothy J. Franklin, Sunnyvale, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20090011573Carrier used for deposition of materials on a non-planar surface - A carrier for effectuating semiconductor processing on a non-planar substrate is disclosed. The carrier is configured for holding at least one non-planar substrate throughout a semiconductor processing step and concurrently rotating non-planar substrates as they travel down a translational path of a processing chamber. As the non-planar substrates simultaneously rotate and translate down a processing chamber, the rotation exposes the whole or any desired portion of the surface area of the non-planar substrates to the deposition process, allowing for uniform deposition as desired. Alternatively, any predetermined pattern is able to be exposed on the surface of the non-planar substrates. Such a carrier effectuates manufacture of non-planar semiconductor devices, including, but not limited to, non-planar light emitting diodes, non-planar photovoltaic cells, and the like.01-08-2009
20100081289METHOD OF DEPOSITING MATERIALS ON A NON-PLANAR SURFACE - A carrier for effectuating semiconductor processing on a non-planar substrate is disclosed. The carrier is configured for holding at least one non-planar substrate throughout a semiconductor processing step and concurrently rotating non-planar substrates as they travel down a translational path of a processing chamber. As the non-planar substrates simultaneously rotate and translate down a processing chamber, the rotation exposes the whole or any desired portion of the surface area of the non-planar substrates to the deposition process, allowing for uniform deposition as desired. Alternatively, any predetermined pattern is able to be exposed on the surface of the non-planar substrates. Such a carrier effectuates manufacture of non-planar semiconductor devices, including, but not limited to, non-planar light emitting diodes, non-planar photovoltaic cells, and the like.04-01-2010

Timothy Joseph Franklin, Campbell, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20130130481METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ATOMIC HYDROGEN SURFACE TREATMENT DURING GaN EPITAXY - Methods and apparatus for generating and delivering atomic hydrogen to the growth front during the deposition of a III-V film are provided. The apparatus adapts HWCVD technology to a system wherein the Group III precursor and the Group V precursor are delivered to the surface in isolated processing environments within the system. Multiple HWCVD units may be incorporated so that the atomic hydrogen parameters may be varied in a combinatorial manner for the development of III-V films.05-23-2013
20130171350High Throughput Processing Using Metal Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition - A metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) system is provided for high throughput processing. The system comprises a chamber containing a substrate support system comprising a plurality of substrate support planets operable to support one or more substrates, and a gas emission system operable to provide a plurality of isolated environments suitable for depositing uniform layers on the substrates. The MOCVD system is operable to independently vary one or more process parameters in each isolated environment, and to provide common process parameters to all substrates for depositing one or more layers on all substrates. Methods of forming uniform layers on a substrate are provided wherein at least one of the layers is deposited in an isolated environment.07-04-2013
20140014965Chemical vapor deposition system with in situ, spatially separated plasma - Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) systems and methods for forming layers on a substrate are disclosed. Embodiments of the system comprise a chamber having a controlled environmental temperature and pressure and containing a first environment for performing CVD on a substrate, and a second environment for contacting the substrate with a plasma; a substrate transport system capable of positioning a substrate for sequential processing in each environment, and a gas control system capable of maintaining site isolation. Methods of forming layers on a substrate comprise forming a first layer from a precursor on a substrate in a CVD environment, contacting the substrate with plasma in a plasma environment, wherein the forming and contacting steps are performed in the unitary system and repeating the forming and contacting steps until a layer of desired thickness is formed. The forming and contacting steps can be performed to form devices having multiple distinct layers, such as Group III-V thin film devices.01-16-2014

Walter Franklin, Canyon Country, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20120279312COMBINED BENDING AND TORSION TEST SYSTEM AND METHOD - A fixture for testing a tubular member simultaneously in bending and torsion is disclosed. The fixture includes first and second attachment elements that are configured to couple to the tubular member, and a load shoe that is configured to fit within the tubular member. The load shoe includes a body having a contact surface configured to contact a portion of an internal surface of the tubular member and at least one load reaction strut coupled to the body. The load reaction strut is configured to pass through a hole in the tubular member and accept a first force applied in a first direction that is perpendicular to an axis of symmetry of the tubular member.11-08-2012

William James Franklin, San Ramon, CA US

Patent application numberDescriptionPublished
20080270492METHOD OF CHANGING THE PAGE SIZE OF A DB2 TABLE SPACE WHILE KEEPING THE OBJECT AVAILABLE - Provided is a method for online reorganization and increasing the page size of a DB2 object. A base table and related auxiliary table spaces are reorganized concurrently via a database utility, DB2 REORG utility. The database utility determines which auxiliary tables are related to the base table and automatically includes their respective auxiliary table in the same invocation of the utility. The reorganization is performed via allocated shadow data sets; page size of the allocated shadow data sets is dynamically updated during reorganization. The original data sets are switched with the newly built shadow data sets, and DB2 catalog values and control blocks are updated with new page size values.10-30-2008

Patent applications by William James Franklin, San Ramon, CA US

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