Patents by Inventor Stephen L. Buchwalter

Stephen L. Buchwalter 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).

  • Publication number: 20110097892
    Abstract: A process for aligning at least two layers in an abutting relationship with each other comprises forming a plurality of sprocket openings in each of the layers for receiving a sprocket of diminishing diameters as the sprocket extends outwardly from a base, with the center axes of the sprocket openings in each layer being substantially alignable with one another, the diameter of the sprocket openings in an abutting layer for first receiving the sprocket being greater than the diameter of the sprocket openings in an abutted layer. This is followed by forming a plurality of reservoir openings in each of at least two of the layers and positioning the sprocket openings in the layers to correspond with one another and the reservoir openings in the layers to correspond with one another so that substantial alignment of the center axes of the corresponding sprocket openings in the layers effects substantial alignment of the center axes of the corresponding reservoir openings in the layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 1, 2011
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen L. Buchwalter, Peter A. Gruber, Jae-Woong Nah, Da-Yuan Shih
  • Patent number: 7932169
    Abstract: An interconnection structure suitable for flip-chip attachment of microelectronic device chips to packages, comprising a two, three or four layer ball-limiting metallurgy including an adhesion/reaction barrier layer, and having a solder wettable layer reactive with components of a tin-containing lead free solder, so that the solderable layer can be totally consumed during soldering, but a barrier layer remains after being placed in contact with the lead free solder during soldering. One or more lead-free solder balls is selectively situated on the solder wetting layer, the lead-free solder balls comprising tin as a predominant component and one or more alloying components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Luc Belanger, Stephen L. Buchwalter, Leena Paivikki Buchwalter, Ajay P. Giri, Jonathan H. Griffith, Donald W. Henderson, Sung Kwon Kang, Eric H. Laine, Christian Lavoie, Paul A. Lauro, Valérie Anne Oberson, Da-Yuan Shih, Kamalesh K Srivastava, Michael J. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 7928585
    Abstract: A process for aligning at least two layers in an abutting relationship with each other comprises forming a plurality of sprocket openings in each of the layers for receiving a sprocket of diminishing diameters as the sprocket extends outwardly from a base, with the center axes of the sprocket openings in each layer being substantially alignable with one another, the diameter of the sprocket openings in an abutting layer for first receiving the sprocket being greater than the diameter of the sprocket openings in an abutted layer. This is followed by forming a plurality of reservoir openings in each of at least two of the layers and positioning the sprocket openings in the layers to correspond with one another and the reservoir openings in the layers to correspond with one another so that substantial alignment of the center axes of the corresponding sprocket openings in the layers effects substantial alignment of the center axes of the corresponding reservoir openings in the layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen L. Buchwalter, Peter A. Gruber, Jae-Woong Nah, Da-Yuan Shih
  • Patent number: 7838954
    Abstract: A semiconductor solder bump structure having a solder bump with at least a first solder and a second solder attached to the first solder, producing one solder bump having at least two different solders with different melting temperatures. A method of fabricating the solder is included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen L Buchwalter, Peter A Gruber, Jae-Woong Nah, Da-Yuan Shih
  • Publication number: 20100276796
    Abstract: An electronic device assembly is provided which includes a substrate, an interposer and an integrated circuit chip. The substrate is fabricated of a first material having a first thermal expansivity, and the interposer and integrated circuit chip are fabricated of a second material having a second thermal expansivity. The second thermal expansivity is different from the first thermal expansivity so that there is a coefficient of thermal expansion mismatch between the substrate and the interposer or chip. The interposer is coupled to the substrate via a first plurality of electrical contacts and an underfill adhesive at least partially surrounding the electrical contacts to bond the interposer to the substrate and thereby reduce strain on the first plurality of electrical contacts. The integrated circuit chip is coupled to the interposer via a second plurality of electrical contacts only, without use of an adhesive surrounding the second plurality of electrical contacts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Paul S. ANDRY, Stephen L. BUCHWALTER, George A. KATOPIS, John U. KNICKERBOCKER, Stelios G. TSAPEPAS, Bucknell C. WEBB
  • Patent number: 7815968
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to semiconductor, integrated circuits, and particularly, but not by way of limitation, to centrifugal methods of filling high-aspect ratio vias and trenches with powders, pastes, suspensions of materials to act as any of a conducting, structural support, or protective member of an electronic component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gareth Hougham, Leena Paivikki Buchwalter, Stephen L. Buchwalter, Jon Casey, Claudius Feger, Matteo Flotta, Jeffrey D. Gelmore, Kathleen C. Hinge, Anurag Jain, Sung K. Kang, John U. Knickerbocker
  • Publication number: 20100224670
    Abstract: A portion of compliant material includes four walls defining a slot. The slot has a relatively large cross-section end in fluid communication with a solder reservoir, and also has a relatively small cross-section end opposed to the relatively large cross-section end. The slot has a generally elongate rectangular shape when viewed in plan, with a length perpendicular to a scan direction, a width, parallel to the scan direction, associated with the relatively large cross section end, and a width, parallel to the scan direction, associated with the relatively small cross section end. The slot is configured in the portion of compliant material such that the relatively small cross-section end of the slot normally remains substantially closed, but locally opens sufficiently to dispense solder from the reservoir when under fluid pressure and locally unsupported by a workpiece. Methods of operation and fabrication are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen L. Buchwalter, Peter A. Gruber, Paul A. Lauro, Jae-Woong Nah
  • Publication number: 20100062597
    Abstract: An interconnection structure suitable for flip-chip attachment of microelectronic device chips to packages, comprising a two, three or four layer ball-limiting metallurgy including an adhesion/reaction barrier layer, and having a solder wettable layer reactive with components of a tin-containing lead free solder, so that the solderable layer can be totally consumed during soldering, but a barrier layer remains after being placed in contact with the lead free solder during soldering. One or more lead-free solder balls is selectively situated on the solder wetting layer, the lead-free solder balls comprising tin as a predominant component and one or more alloying components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventors: Luc Belanger, Stephen L. Buchwalter, Leena Paivikki Buchwalter, Ajay P. Giri, Jonathan H. Griffith, Donald W. Henderson, Sung Kwon Kang, Eric H. Laine, Christian Lavoie, Paul A. Lauro, Valérie Anne Oberson, Da-Yuan Shih, Kamalesh K. Srivastava, Michael J. Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20090181476
    Abstract: A method of stacking a chip, including an integrated circuit, onto a substrate including applying an anisotropic conductive film (ACF) or a solder-filled conductive film onto a surface thereof, the surface being configured to electrically couple to the film, placing the chip onto the film, the chip being configured to electrically couple to the film, compressively pressurizing the chip, the film and the surface such that the chip is electrically coupled to the surface via the film,, testing the chip to determine whether the chip is operating normally, reworking the placement of the chip onto the film and repeating the compressive pressurization if the chip is determined to not be operating normally, repeating the testing to determine whether the chip is operating normally, and once the chip is determined to be operating normally, bonding the chip, the film and the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Stephen L. Buchwalter, Bing Dang, Claudius Feger, Peter A. Gruber, John Knickerbocker
  • Publication number: 20090181223
    Abstract: A semiconductor solder bump structure having a solder bump with at least a first solder and a second solder attached to the first solder, producing one solder bump having at least two different solders with different melting temperatures. A method of fabricating the solder is included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen L. Buchwalter, Peter A. Gruber, Jae-Woong Nah, Da-Yuan Shih
  • Patent number: 7523852
    Abstract: Improved interconnects are produced by injection molded solder which fills mold arrays with molten solder so that columns that have much greater height to width aspect ratios greater than one are formed, rather than conventional flip chip bumps. The columns may have filler particles or reinforcing conductors therein. In the interconnect structures produced, the cost and time of a subsequent underfill step is reduced or avoided. The problem of incompatibility with optical interconnects between chips because underfills require high loading of silica fillers which scatter light, is solved, thus allowing flip chips to incorporate optical interconnects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen L. Buchwalter, Claudius Feger, Peter A. Gruber, Sung K. Kang, Paul A. Lauro, Da-Yuan Shih
  • Patent number: 7516879
    Abstract: A method of forming coaxial solder bumps, which, in essence, provide rigid supports, with the use of hole-producing stencils being formed on a polymer insulator on a sacrificial substrate, wherein posts are formed within a ring structure. The holes are then filled with solder utilizing injection molding of solder, whereby both the ring and post are filled with solder, but are electrically insulated from each other, so as to provide inner and outer coaxial connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen L. Buchwalter, Steven A. Cordes, Peter A. Gruber
  • Publication number: 20090093111
    Abstract: A process for aligning at least two layers in an abutting relationship with each other comprises forming a plurality of sprocket openings in each of the layers for receiving a sprocket of diminishing diameters as the sprocket extends outwardly from a base, with the center axes of the sprocket openings in each layer being substantially alignable with one another, the diameter of the sprocket openings in an abutting layer for first receiving the sprocket being greater than the diameter of the sprocket openings in an abutted layer. This is followed by forming a plurality of reservoir openings in each of at least two of the layers and positioning the sprocket openings in the layers to correspond with one another and the reservoir openings in the layers to correspond with one another so that substantial alignment of the center axes of the corresponding sprocket openings in the layers effects substantial alignment of the center axes of the corresponding reservoir openings in the layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen L. Buchwalter, Peter A. Gruber, Jae-Woong Nah, Da-Yuan Shih
  • Publication number: 20090032962
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to semiconductor, integrated circuits, and particularly, but not by way of limitation, to centrifugal methods of filling high-aspect ratio vias and trenches with powders, pastes, suspensions of materials to act as any of a conducting, structural support, or protective member of an electronic component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation (Yorktown)
    Inventors: Gareth Hougham, Leena P. Buchwalter, Stephen L. Buchwalter, Jon Casey, Claudius Feger, Matteo Flotta, Jeffrey D. Gelorme, Kathleen C. Hinge, Anurag Jain, Sung K. Kang, John U. Knickerbocker
  • Publication number: 20080285136
    Abstract: A wafer-scale apparatus and method is described for the automation of forming, aligning and attaching two-dimensional arrays of microoptic elements on semiconductor and other image display devices, backplanes, optoelectronic boards, and integrated optical systems. In an ordered fabrication sequence, a mold plate comprised of optically designed cavities is formed by reactive ion etching or alternative processes, optionally coated with a release material layer and filled with optically specified materials by an automated fluid-injection and defect-inspection subsystem. Optical alignment fiducials guide the disclosed transfer and attachment processes to achieve specified tolerances between the microoptic elements and corresponding optoelectronic devices and circuits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Lawrence Jacobowitz, Stephen L. Buchwalter, Casimer DeCusatis, Peter A. Gruber, Da-Yuan Shih
  • Patent number: 7452568
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to semiconductor, integrated circuits, and particularly, but not by way of limitation, to centrifugal methods of filling high-aspect ratio vias and trenches with powders, pastes, suspensions of materials to act as any of a conducting, structural support, or protective member of an electronic component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gareth Hougham, Leena Paivikki Buchwalter, Stephen L. Buchwalter, Jon Casey, Claudius Feger, Matteo Flotta, Jeffrey D. Gelorme, Kathleen C. Hinge, Anurag Jain, Sung K. Kang, John U. Knickerbocker
  • Publication number: 20080277154
    Abstract: A process of copper plating a through-hole in a printed circuit board, and the printed circuit board made from such process. The process comprises: providing a printed circuit board with at least two copper interconnect lines separated by an insulator in the vertical direction; providing a through-hole in the printed circuit board in the vertical direction such that the interconnect lines provide a copper land in the through-hole; applying a seed layer to an interior surface of the through-hole; removing an outermost portion of the seed layer from the interior surface of the through-hole with a laser; applying copper on the seed layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Stephen L. Buchwalter, Russell A. Budd
  • Patent number: 7404251
    Abstract: A process of copper plating a through-hole in a printed circuit board, and the printed circuit board made from such process. The process comprises: providing a printed circuit board with at least two copper interconnect lines separated by an insulator in the vertical direction; providing a through-hole in the printed circuit board in the vertical direction such that the interconnect lines provide a copper land in the through-hole; applying a seed layer to an interior surface of the through-hole; removing an outermost portion of the seed layer from the interior surface of the through-hole with a laser; applying copper on the seed layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen L. Buchwalter, Russell Alan Budd
  • Patent number: 7399421
    Abstract: A wafer-scale apparatus and method is described for the automation of forming, aligning and attaching two-dimensional arrays of microoptic elements on semiconductor and other image display devices, backplanes, optoelectronic boards, and integrated optical systems. In an ordered fabrication sequence, a mold plate comprised of optically designed cavities is formed by reactive ion etching or alternative processes, optionally coated with a release material layer and filled with optically specified materials by an automated fluid-injection and defect-inspection subsystem. Optical alignment fiducials guide the disclosed transfer and attachment processes to achieve specified tolerances between the microoptic elements and corresponding optoelectronic devices and circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence Jacobowitz, Stephen L. Buchwalter, Casimer DeCusatis, Peter A. Gruber, Da-Yuan Shih
  • Publication number: 20080157395
    Abstract: An interconnection structure suitable for flip-chip attachment of microelectronic device chips to packages, comprising a two, three or four layer ball-limiting metallurgy including an adhesion/reaction barrier layer, and having a solder wettable layer reactive with components of a tin-containing lead free solder, so that the solderable layer can be totally consumed during soldering, but a barrier layer remains after being placed in contact with the lead free solder during soldering. One or more lead-free solder balls is selectively situated on the solder wetting layer, the lead-free solder balls comprising tin as a predominant component and one or more alloying components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Luc Belanger, Stephen L. Buchwalter, Leena Paivikki Buchwalter, Ajay P. Giri, Jonathan H. Griffith, Donald W. Henderson, Sung Kwon Kang, Eric H. Laine, Christian Lavoie, Paul A. Lauro, Valerie Anne Oberson, Da-Yuan Shih, Kamalesh K. Srivastava, Michael J. Sullivan