Patents by Inventor Arne W. Ballantine
Arne W. Ballantine has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 7361556Abstract: A double gated silicon-on-insulator (SOI) MOSFET is fabricated by forming epitaxially grown channels, followed by a damascene gate. The double gated MOSFET features narrow channels, which increases current drive per layout width and provides low out conductance.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2006Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: James W. Adkisson, Paul D. Agnello, Arne W. Ballantine, Rama Divakaruni, Erin C. Jones, Edward J. Nowak, Jed H. Rankin
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Patent number: 7351639Abstract: A method and structure for increasing an electrical resistance of a resistor that is within a semiconductor structure, by oxidizing or nitridizing a fraction of a surface layer of the resistor with oxygen/nitrogen (i.e., oxygen or nitrogen) particles, respectively. The semiconductor structure may include a semiconductor wafer, a semiconductor chip, and an integrated circuit. The method and structure comprises five embodiments. The first embodiment comprises heating an interior of a heating chamber that includes the oxygen/nitrogen particles as gaseous oxygen/nitrogen-comprising molecules (e.g., molecular oxygen/nitrogen). The second embodiment comprises heating the fraction of the surface layer by a beam of radiation (e.g., laser radiation), or a beam of particles, such that the semiconductor structure is within a chamber that includes the oxygen/particles as gaseous oxygen/nitrogen-comprising molecules (e.g., molecular oxygen/nitrogen).Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2004Date of Patent: April 1, 2008Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Arne W. Ballantine, Daniel C. Edelstein, Anthony K. Stamper
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Patent number: 7332054Abstract: In a process using a hot phosphoric acid etchant (12) to etch silicon nitride on a semiconductor wafer (15) submerged in a tank (11) of the etchant (12), a recirculating path is established for the etchant (12). A porous filter (35) is coated with silicon nitride and installed in the recirculating path. As the etchant (12) in the recirculating path flows through the porous filter (35), the silicon nitride on the porous filter (35) dissolves into the etchant (12). In the tank (11), the silicon nitride dissolved in the etchant (12) significantly suppresses the etch of silicon dioxide on the semiconductor wafer (15), thereby enhancing the etch selectivity of the process. Monitoring and maintaining the concentration of the silicon nitride in the etchant (12) stabilizes the etch selectivity of the process.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2004Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Arne W. Ballantine, Scott A. Estes, Emily E. Fisch, Gary Milo, Ronald A. Warren
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Patent number: 7332236Abstract: A cogeneration fuel cell system and associated methods of operation are provided that accommodate a demand for heat as well as a demand for electric power. The system is operated among various modes to balance heat and power demand signals. In general, a fuel cell system is coupled to a power sink and a heat sink, and a controller is adapted to respond to data signals from the power sink and the heat sink. As examples, such data signals from the heat sink may include a temperature indication or a heat demand signal (such as from a thermostat), and such data signals from the power sink may include a voltage or current measurement, an electrical power demand signal, or an electrical load.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2005Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Plug Power Inc.Inventors: Arne W. Ballantine, Ryan Hallum, John W. Parks, Dustan L. Skidmore
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Patent number: 7326481Abstract: The invention provides a reactant delivery system for a dead-headed PEM fuel cell system, comprising a fuel cell, a fuel supply, a purge valve, an inlet orifice, an outlet orifice, and a controller. A first fuel flow circuit is provided, wherein fuel is flowed from the fuel supply to the inlet orifice, through the fuel cell from the inlet orifice, and through the outlet orifice from the fuel cell to the purge valve. A second fuel flow circuit is also provided, wherein fuel is flowed from the fuel supply to the outlet orifice, through the fuel cell from the outlet orifice, and through the inlet orifice from the fuel cell to the purge valve. A valve means is coupled to the controller and adapted to transfer fuel flow between the first flow circuit and the second flow circuit.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2005Date of Patent: February 5, 2008Assignee: Plug Power Inc.Inventors: Arne W. Ballantine, Scott K. Lobdell, Sean S. Lyons
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Publication number: 20080023322Abstract: An electrochemical cell includes an anode, a cathode and a proton conductor. The anode includes a catalyst to reform a hydrocarbon to generate hydrogen at the anode. The proton conductor is in electrical contact with the anode and cathode to receive an applied voltage to cause protons to be transferred from the anode to the cathode to produce hydrogen at the cathode.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2006Publication date: January 31, 2008Inventors: Robert A. Sinuc, Arne W. Ballantine, Michael D. Gasda
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Publication number: 20070298292Abstract: A system includes a fuel generator, a thermal swing adsorber and a fuel cell-based power generator. The fuel generator provides fuel for the fuel cell-based power generator and has an exhaust flow. The thermal swing adsorber includes a bed to enrich a first oxidant flow with oxygen to produce a second oxidant flow. The fuel cell-based power generator produces electrical power in response to the second oxidant flow and the fuel. The system includes a subsystem to route the exhaust flow from the fuel generator to the thermal swing adsorber to regenerate the bed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2006Publication date: December 27, 2007Inventors: Robert A. Sinuc, Arne W. Ballantine
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Patent number: 7285346Abstract: A cogeneration fuel cell system and associated methods of operation are provided that accommodate a demand for heat as well as a demand for electric power. The system is operated among various modes to balance heat and power demand signals. In general, a fuel cell system is coupled to a power sink and a heat sink, and a controller is adapted to respond to data signals from the power sink and the heat sink. As examples, such data signals from the heat sink may include a temperature indication or a heat demand signal (such as from a thermostat), and such data signals from the power sink may include a voltage or current measurement, an electrical power demand signal, or an electrical load.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2005Date of Patent: October 23, 2007Assignee: Plug Power Inc.Inventors: Arne W. Ballantine, Ryan Hallum, John W. Parks, Dustan L. Skidmore
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Patent number: 7276307Abstract: A cogeneration fuel cell system and associated methods of operation are provided that accommodate a demand for heat as well as a demand for electric power. The system is operated among various modes to balance heat and power demand signals. In general, a fuel cell system is coupled to a power sink and a heat sink, and a controller is adapted to respond to data signals from the power sink and the heat sink. As examples, such data signals from the heat sink may include a temperature indication or a heat demand signal (such as from a thermostat), and such data signals from the power sink may include a voltage or current measurement, an electrical power demand signal, or an electrical load.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2005Date of Patent: October 2, 2007Assignee: Plug Power Inc.Inventors: Arne W. Ballantine, Ryan Hallum, John W. Parks, Dustan L. Skidmore
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Patent number: 7271699Abstract: A resistor and a structure for changing an electrical resistance of a resistor. Initially, the resistor is provided, wherein the resistor has a length L and an electrical resistance R1. A portion of the resistor is exposed to a laser radiation, wherein the portion includes a fraction F of the length L of the resistor. After the resistor has been exposed to the laser radiation, the resistor has an electrical resistance R2, wherein R2 is unequal to R1.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2003Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Arne W. Ballantine, Cyril Cabral, Jr., Daniel C. Edelstein, Anthony K. Stamper
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Patent number: 7265417Abstract: A double gated silicon-on-insulator (SOI) MOSFET is fabricated by forming epitaxially grown channels, followed by a damascene gate. The double gated MOSFET features narrow channels, which increases current drive per layout width and provides low out conductance.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2004Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: James W. Adkisson, Paul D. Agnello, Arne W. Ballantine, Rama Divakaruni, Erin C. Jones, Edward J. Nowak, Jed H. Rankin
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Patent number: 7252900Abstract: A combination fuel cell and hydrogen or oxygen pump includes an electrochemical cell comprising an anode inlet for receiving fuel, an anode outlet for exhausting fuel, a cathode inlet for receiving oxidant, a cathode outlet for exhausting oxidant, and first and second electrical connectors. A controller is operable for applying an electrical load to the electrochemical cell for generating electricity, and for applying an electrical potential to the electrochemical cell for purifying hydrogen or purifying oxygen. Methods and infrastructure systems are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2003Date of Patent: August 7, 2007Assignees: Plug Power Inc., Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Arne W. Ballantine, Glenn A. Eisman, Richard L. Chartrand, Norio Komura, Ikuya Yamashita
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Patent number: 7179554Abstract: A method of operating a fuel cell system having a fuel cell stack and a plurality of fuel cells associated with the fuel cell stack. The method includes monitoring an operating parameter associated with the fuel cell stack, and adjusting a temperature of the fuel cell stack based on the operating parameter.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2001Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Plug Power Inc.Inventors: Arne W. Ballantine, Ron H. Farkash
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Patent number: 7163864Abstract: A double gated silicon-on-insulator (SOI) MOSFET is fabricated by forming epitaxially grown channels, followed by a damascene gate. The double gated MOSFET features narrow channels, which increases current drive per layout width and provides low out conductance.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2000Date of Patent: January 16, 2007Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: James W. Adkisson, Paul D. Agnello, Arne W. Ballantine, Rama Divakaruni, Erin C. Jones, Edward J. Nowak, Jed H. Rankin
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Method and apparatus for electrochemical compression and expansion of hydrogen in a fuel cell system
Patent number: 7141323Abstract: The invention relates to fuel cell systems and associated methods of operation where an electrochemical cell such as a fuel cell is used as an electrochemical hydrogen separator to separate hydrogen from a process stream (e.g., reformate or synthesis gas), or as an electrochemical hydrogen expander to inject hydrogen into a process stream. In one aspect, the invention provides a method of operating a fuel cell system, including the following steps: flowing hydrogen from a hydrogen supply conduit through a fuel cell to provide an electric current to a load coupled to the fuel cell; actuating an electrochemical hydrogen separator in a first mode of operation of the system to transfer hydrogen from the hydrogen supply conduit to a hydrogen storage vessel; and actuating an electrochemical hydrogen expander in a second mode of operation of the system to transfer hydrogen from the hydrogen storage vessel to the fuel cell.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2002Date of Patent: November 28, 2006Assignee: Plug Power Inc.Inventors: Arne W. Ballantine, Richard L. Chartrand -
Method and apparatus for electrochemical compression and expansion of hydrogen in a fuel cell system
Patent number: 7132182Abstract: The invention relates to fuel cell systems and associated methods of operation where an electrochemical cell such as a fuel cell is used as an electrochemical hydrogen separator to separate hydrogen from a process stream (e.g., reformate or synthesis gas), or as an electrochemical hydrogen expander to inject hydrogen into a process stream. In one aspect, the invention provides a method of operating a fuel cell system, including the following steps: flowing hydrogen from a hydrogen supply conduit through a fuel cell to provide an electric current to a load coupled to the fuel cell; actuating an electrochemical hydrogen separator in a first mode of operation of the system to transfer hydrogen from the hydrogen supply conduit to a hydrogen storage vessel; and actuating an electrochemical hydrogen expander in a second mode of operation of the system to transfer hydrogen from the hydrogen storage vessel to the fuel cell.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2002Date of Patent: November 7, 2006Assignee: Plug Power Inc.Inventors: James F. McElroy, Arne W. Ballantine, Richard L. Chartrand -
Patent number: 7112845Abstract: A field effect transistor is formed with a sub-lithographic conduction channel and a dual gate which is formed by a simple process by starting with a silicon-on-insulator wafer, allowing most etching processes to use the buried oxide as an etch stop. Low resistivity of the gate, source and drain is achieved by silicide sidewalls or liners while low gate to junction capacitance is achieved by recessing the silicide and polysilicon dual gate structure from the source and drain region edges.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2002Date of Patent: September 26, 2006Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: James W. Adkisson, Paul D. Agnello, Arne W. Ballantine, Rama Divakaruni, Erin C. Jones, Jed H. Rankin
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Patent number: 7094614Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for controlling a CVD process used to deposit films on semiconductor substrates wherein the by-products of the reaction are measured and monitored during the reaction preferably using mass spectrometry and the results used to calculate the concentrations of the by-products and to control the CVD reaction process based on the by-product concentrations. An exemplary CVD process is the deposition of tungsten metal on a semiconductor wafer. A preferred method and apparatus uses a capillary gas sampling device for removing the by-product gases of the reaction as a feed for the mass spectrometer. The capillary gas sampling device is preferably connected to a differential pump.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2001Date of Patent: August 22, 2006Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Douglas S. Armbrust, John M. Baker, Arne W. Ballantine, Roger W. Cheek, Doreen D. DiMilia, Mark L. Reath, Michael B. Rice
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Patent number: 7045372Abstract: A method and structure that provides a battery within an integrated circuit for providing voltage to low-current electronic devices that exist within the integrated circuit. The method includes Front-End-Of-Line (FEOL) processing for generating a layer of electronic devices on a semiconductor wafer, followed by Back-End-Of-Line (BEOL) integration for wires connecting the electronic devices together to form completed electrical circuits of the integrated circuit. The BEOL integration includes forming a multilayered structure of wiring levels on the layer of electronic devices. Each wiring level includes conductive metallization (e.g., metal-plated vias, conductive wiring lines, etc.) embedded in insulative material. The battery is formed during BEOL integration within one or more wiring levels, and the conductive metallization conductively couples positive and negative terminals of the battery to the electronic devices.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2003Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Arne W. Ballantine, Robert A. Groves, Jennifer L. Lund, James S. Nakos, Michael B. Rice, Anthony K. Stamper
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Method and apparatus for electrochemical compression and expansion of hydrogen in a fuel cell system
Patent number: 7045233Abstract: The invention relates to fuel cell systems and associated methods of operation where an electrochemical cell such as a fuel cell is used as an electrochemical hydrogen separator to separate hydrogen from a process stream (e.g., reformate or synthesis gas), or as an electrochemical hydrogen expander to inject hydrogen into a process stream. In one aspect, the invention provides a method of operating a fuel cell system, including the following steps: flowing hydrogen from a hydrogen supply conduit through a fuel cell to provide an electric current to a load coupled to the fuel cell; actuating an electrochemical hydrogen separator in a first mode of operation of the system to transfer hydrogen from the hydrogen supply conduit to a hydrogen storage vessel; and actuating an electrochemical hydrogen expander in a second mode of operation of the system to transfer hydrogen from the hydrogen storage vessel to the fuel cell.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2002Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: Plug Power Inc.Inventors: James F. McElroy, Arne W. Ballantine, Richard L. Chartrand