Patents by Inventor John S. Fitch
John S. Fitch 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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Publication number: 20100294364Abstract: A solar concentrator including a substantially-transparent optical element, a reflective material disposed on a convex surface of the optical element, an insulator layer on the reflective material, a conductive material that is thermal sprayed onto the insulator layer, and a solar cell mounted in a central region of the convex surface and electrically coupled to the conductive material. The optical element includes a flat surface disposed opposite to the convex surface and a concave surface defined in the flat surface. The convex surface and concave surface are arranged and the reflective material is deposited such that light passing through the flat surface is reflected by the reflective material toward the concave surface, and is re-reflected by the reflective material disposed on the concave surface onto an active surface of the solar cell. Thermal spraying the conductive material may include spraying a molten metal powder onto the insulator layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2010Publication date: November 25, 2010Applicant: Palo Alto Research Center IncorporatedInventors: Hing Wah Chan, John S. Fitch, Michael C. Weisberg, David G. Duff
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Patent number: 7775246Abstract: Disclosed is a small volume, liquid dispenser having particular application in the analytical fields. The liquid dispensers can be quickly and reliably filled to a predetermined volume without monitoring liquid flows or volumes or filling times. Various versions of the dispenser and systems utilizing one or more of the dispensers are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2008Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center IncorporatedInventor: John S. Fitch
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Patent number: 7757730Abstract: Disclosed is a small volume, liquid dispenser having particular application in the analytical fields. The liquid dispensers can be quickly and reliably filled to a predetermined volume without monitoring liquid flows or volumes or filling times. Various versions of the dispenser and systems utilizing one or more of the dispensers are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2008Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center IncorporatedInventor: John S. Fitch
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Patent number: 7574787Abstract: A method of producing at least one piezoelectric element includes depositing a piezoelectric ceramic material onto a surface of a first substrate to form at least one piezoelectric element structure. Then an electrode is deposited on a surface of the at least one piezoelectric element structure. Next, the at least one piezoelectric element structure is bonded to a second substrate, the second substrate being conductive or having a conductive layer. The first substrate is then removed from the at least one piezoelectric element structure and a second side electrode is deposited on a second surface of the at least one piezoelectric element structure. A poling operation is performed to provide the at least one piezoelectric element structure with piezoelectric characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2006Date of Patent: August 18, 2009Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center IncorporatedInventors: Baomin Xu, Steven A. Buhler, Michael C. Welsberg, William S. Wong, Scott E. Solberg, Karl A. Littau, John S. Fitch, Scott A. Elrod
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Publication number: 20090113685Abstract: A method of producing at least one piezoelectric element includes depositing a piezoelectric ceramic material onto a surface of a first substrate to form at least one piezoelectric element structure. Then an electrode is deposited on a surface of the at least one piezoelectric element structure. Next, the at least one piezoelectric element structure is bonded to a second substrate, the second substrate being conductive or having a conductive layer. The first substrate is then removed from the at least one piezoelectric element structure and a second side electrode is deposited on a second surface of the at least one piezoelectric element structure. A poling operation is performed to provide the at least one piezoelectric element structure with piezoelectric characteristics. In another embodiment, a material for a thick film element is deposited onto a surface of a first substrate to form a thick film element structure having a thickness of between greater than 10 ?m to 100 ?m.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2006Publication date: May 7, 2009Inventors: Baomin Xu, Steven A. Buhler, Michael C. Welsberg, William S. Wong, Scott E. Solberg, Karl A. Littau, John S. Fitch, Scott A. Elrod
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Patent number: 7517043Abstract: Various fluidic techniques can employ ducting structures, such as microstructures, that extend between other components, such as plate-like structures. A ducting structure can, for example, include an inlet opening toward or near one plate-like structure, an outlet opening toward or near another plate-like structure, and a duct in which fluid flows after being received through the inlet opening and before being provided through the outlet opening. In some implementations, a ducting structure is photo-defined, such as by exposing a photoimageable structure and then removing either exposed or unexposed regions. In some implementations, a ducting structure is a freestanding polymer microstructure. In some implementations, ducting structures are microstructures that extend approximately the same length between first and second plate-like structures, and have a ratio of length to maximum cavity diameter of approximately two or more.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2004Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: John S. Fitch, Scott Elrod, Jurgen Daniel, James W. Stasiak, Steven A. Buhler, Babur B. Hadimioglu, Joy Roy, Michael C. Weisberg, James C. Zesch
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Publication number: 20090025784Abstract: A system may include an optical element, a thermal-sprayed material disposed on the optical element, and a solar cell coupled to the optical element. Some aspects provide thermal spraying of a first material onto an optical element, and coupling of a solar cell to the optical element. Thermal spraying the first material may include spraying a molten metal powder onto the optical element.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2007Publication date: January 29, 2009Applicants: SOL FOCUS, INC., PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATEDInventors: Hing Wah Chan, John S. Fitch, Michael C. Weisberg, David G. Duff
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Publication number: 20080210335Abstract: Disclosed is a small volume, liquid dispenser having particular application in the analytical fields. The liquid dispensers can be quickly and reliably filled to a predetermined volume without monitoring liquid flows or volumes or filling times. Various versions of the dispenser and systems utilizing one or more of the dispensers are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2008Publication date: September 4, 2008Applicant: PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATEDInventor: John S. Fitch
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Publication number: 20080210332Abstract: Disclosed is a small volume, liquid dispenser having particular application in the analytical fields. The liquid dispensers can be quickly and reliably filled to a predetermined volume without monitoring liquid flows or volumes or filling times. Various versions of the dispenser and systems utilizing one or more of the dispensers are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2008Publication date: September 4, 2008Applicant: PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATEDInventor: John S. Fitch
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Publication number: 20080186593Abstract: A system may include an optical element including a surface defining a recess, conductive material disposed within the recess, and a solder mask disposed over a portion of the conductive material. The solder mask may define an aperture through which light from the optical element may pass. Some aspects provide creation of an optical element including a surface defining a recess, deposition of conductive material on the surface such that a portion of the deposited conductive material is disposed within the recess, and substantial planarization of the surface to expose the portion of the conductive material disposed within the recess.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2007Publication date: August 7, 2008Applicants: SOL FOCUS, INC., PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATEDInventors: Hing Wah Chan, Harold Ackler, Scott E. Solberg, John S. Fitch, David K. Fork, David G. Duff, Michael C. Weisberg
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Patent number: 7387139Abstract: Disclosed is a small volume, liquid dispenser having particular application in the analytical fields. The liquid dispensers can be quickly and reliably filled to a predetermined volume without monitoring liquid flows or volumes or filling times. Various versions of the dispenser and systems utilizing one or more of the dispensers are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2004Date of Patent: June 17, 2008Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center IncorporatedInventor: John S. Fitch
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Patent number: 7347533Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present exemplary embodiment, a printhead includes a printed circuit board having at least one base layer, with at least one electrical trace, at least one fluidic passage and at least one fluidic chamber as part of the printed circuit board. The at least one electrical trace, fluidic passage and fluidic chamber are formed using printed circuit board manufacturing processes. An integrated circuit control chip is attached to the printed circuit board using known printed circuit board techniques. At least one fluidic actuator arrangement and aperture plate are attached to the printed circuit board using known PCB attachment processes.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2004Date of Patent: March 25, 2008Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center IncorporatedInventors: Scott A. Elrod, John S. Fitch, David K. Biegelsen
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Patent number: 7293411Abstract: A selectively configurable beam and systems utilizing such are disclosed. The distribution of mass of the beam can be selectively adjusted or altered by adjusting one or more characteristics of the beam. Specific strategies utilizing continuous electro-wetting, and selective formation or movement of gases in liquid are disclosed. The selectively configurable beams are used in systems for harvesting vibrational energy from vibrating bodies.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2004Date of Patent: November 13, 2007Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center IncorporatedInventors: John S. Fitch, Steven A. Buhler, Eric Shrader
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Patent number: 7290336Abstract: A circuit provides energy to a plurality of piezoelectric diaphragm structures formed in a two-dimensional array. Each piezoelectric diaphragm structure includes a piezoelectric element in operational contact with at least a first side electrode and a second side electrode. A switching system includes a first connection for a first power source, for application of power to the first side electrode and a second connection for a second power source, for application of power to the second side electrode. In a first state, power appropriate for performing a poling operation of the piezoelectric material is available for application to the first electrode, and the second electrode, and in a second state, power appropriate to activate the piezoelectric material to cause operational movement of the poled piezoelectric diaphragm structure is available for application to the first electrode and the second electrode.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2005Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center IncorporatedInventors: Steven A. Buhler, John S. Fitch, Meng H. Lean, Karl A. Littau
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Patent number: 7288327Abstract: Various structures or components can include plated surfaces or other parts. For example, an article can include a base and a plated part with a limit artifact that results from plating adjacent a non-plateable surface; the limit artifact can be disposed away from the base. Exemplary limit artifacts include lack of protrusions, smooth upper surfaces, and curved surfaces, where a curved surface can transition between a smooth upper surface and an irregular side surface. Exemplary plated structures can be tube-shaped or cup-shaped, with an opening at a top end and, around the opening, a lip with a limit artifact. Wall-like structures can similarly have limit artifacts at their top end. If plating on a mold's side surface, the non-plateable surface can be the lower surface of an overhanging polymer disk or structure positioned on the mold. Plated tubes and wall-like structures can be employed in microfluidic structures.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2004Date of Patent: October 30, 2007Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Jurgen Daniel, Brent S. Krusor, Alexandra Rodkin, John S Fitch
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Patent number: 7282129Abstract: An electrophoretic cell configuration and related method are disclosed that employ oppositely directed traveling electrical waves. The waves travel across the cell and samples undergoing separation. Various strategies are used to selectively direct the movement and arrangement of the samples and resulting sample patterns.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2003Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center IncorporatedInventors: Meng H. Lean, Huangpin Ben Hsieh, John S. Fitch, Armin R. Völkel, Bryan Preas, Scott Elrod, Richard H. Bruce, Eric Peeters, Frank Torres, Michael Chabinyc
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Patent number: 7246958Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present exemplary embodiment, provided is a hand-held printer system and method for printing on a target. The system includes a hand-held printer, a target position sensing system which senses a position of the target, and a hand-held printer position sensing system which senses a position of the hand-held printer relative to a printing surface of the target. A control mechanism actuates the printing of the hand-held printer based on the sensed positions.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2004Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Eric Saund, Babur B. Hadimioglu, David L. Hecht, John S. Fitch, Stephen D. White, Marina LaPalma, legal representative, Richard J. Goldstein, deceased
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Patent number: 7234214Abstract: A method of producing at least one thick film element, including depositing a material on a surface of at least one first substrate to form at least one thick film element structure having a thickness of approximately greater than 10 ?m to 100 ?m. Then, then the at least one thick film element structure is bonded to a second substrate, and the at least one first substrate is removed from the at least one thick film element structure using a lift-off process employing radiation energy. The lift-off process including emitting, from a radiation source, a radiation beam through the first substrate to an attachment interface formed between the first substrate and the at least one thick film element structure at the first surface of the first substrate. The first substrate being substantially transparent at the wavelength of the radiation beam, permitting the radiation beam to generate sufficient energy at the interface to break the attachment.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2005Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center IncorporatedInventors: Baomin Xu, Steven A. Buhler, Michael C. Weisberg, William S. Wong, Scott E. Solberg, Karl A. Littau, John S. Fitch, Scott A. Elrod
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Patent number: 7176600Abstract: A circuit provides energy to a plurality of piezoelectric diaphragm structures formed in a two-dimensional array. Each piezoelectric diaphragm structure includes a piezoelectric element in operational contact with at least a first side electrode and a second side electrode. A switching system includes a first connection for a first power source, for application of power to the first side electrode and a second connection for a second power source, for application of power to the second side electrode. In a first state, power appropriate for performing a poling operation of the piezoelectric material is available for application to the first electrode, and the second electrode, and in a second state, power appropriate to activate the piezoelectric material to cause operational movement of the poled piezoelectric diaphragm structure is available for application to the first electrode and the second electrode.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2003Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center IncorporatedInventors: Steven A. Buhler, John S. Fitch, Meng H. Lean, Karl A. Littau
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Patent number: 7156970Abstract: Various traveling wave grids and electrophoretic systems, and electrode assemblies using such grids, are disclosed. A configuration in which a voltage potential is used to load a biomolecule sample against a grid is disclosed. A unique strategy of using multiple, reconfigurable grids in such systems is also described. The strategy involves initially conducting a broad protein separation and then selectively tailoring one or more grids, and conducting one or more secondary processing operations. Related strategies and specific methods are additionally disclosed for separating samples of biomolecules and components thereof using the noted systems, assemblies, and grids.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2003Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center IncorporatedInventors: Meng H. Lean, Huangpin Ben Hsieh, John S. Fitch, Armin R. Völkel, Bryan Preas, Scott Elrod, Richard H. Bruce, Eric Peeters, Frank Torres, Michael Chabinyc