Patents Assigned to Micromem Technologies Inc.
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Patent number: 7616477Abstract: A non-volatile magnetic memory cell having a magnetic element with multiple segments which are not co-linear. Each of the segments is magnetized with a remnant magnetic field using a single write line. The segments can be magnetized in a first direction or a second direction, corresponding to first and second orientations of the memory cell. A sensor is provided to determine the direction in which the segments are magnetized and thereby the orientation of the cell. The segments are oriented such that the magnetic flux fields created by their respective remnant magnetic fields have a cumulative effect at a sensing region of the sensor. The cumulative effect allows a less sensitive sensor to be used than in known device. In various embodiments, the magnetic element can have a number of linear segments or a curved profile. In another embodiment, multiple magnetic elements are magnetized by a single write line.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2008Date of Patent: November 10, 2009Assignee: Micromem Technologies, Inc.Inventors: James Stephenson, Bruce Shipley, Dan Carothers
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Publication number: 20080205129Abstract: A non-volatile magnetic memory cell having a magnetic element with multiple segments which are not co-linear. Each of the segments is magnetized with a remnant magnetic field using a single write line. The segments can be magnetized in a first direction or a second direction, corresponding to first and second orientations of the memory cell. A sensor is provided to determine the direction in which the segments are magnetized and thereby the orientation of the cell. The segments are oriented such that the magnetic flux fields created by their respective remnant magnetic fields have a cumulative effect at a sensing region of the sensor. The cumulative effect allows a less sensitive sensor to be used than in known device. In various embodiments, the magnetic element can have a number of linear segments or a curved profile. In another embodiment, multiple magnetic elements are magnetized by a single write line.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2008Publication date: August 28, 2008Applicant: MICROMEM TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: James STEPHENSON, Bruce Shipley, Dan Carothers
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Patent number: 7376007Abstract: A non-volatile magnetic memory cell having a magnetic element with multiple segments which are not co-linear. Each of the segments is magnetized with a remnant magnetic field using a single write line. The segments can be magnetized in a first direction or a second direction, corresponding to first and second orientations of the memory cell. A sensor is provided to determine the direction in which the segments are magnetized and thereby the orientation of the cell. The segments are oriented such that the magnetic flux fields created by their respective remnant magnetic fields have a cumulative effect at a sensing region of the sensor. The cumulative effect allows a less sensitive sensor to be used than in known device. In various embodiments, the magnetic element can have a number of linear segments or a curved profile. In another embodiment, multiple magnetic elements are magnetized by a single write line.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2006Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Micromem Technologies, Inc.Inventors: James Stephenson, Bruce Shipley, Dan Carothers
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Patent number: 7110312Abstract: A non-volatile magnetic memory cell having a magnetic element with multiple segments which are not co-linear. Each of the segments is magnetized with a remnant magnetic field using a single write line. The segments can be magnetized in a first direction or a second direction, corresponding to first and second orientations of the memory cell. A sensor is provided to determine the direction in which the segments are magnetized and thereby the orientation of the cell. The segments are oriented such that the magnetic flux fields created by their respective remnant magnetic fields have a cumulative effect at a sensing region of the sensor. The cumulative effect allows a less sensitive sensor to be used than in known device. In various embodiments, the magnetic element can have a number of linear segments or a curved profile. In another embodiment, multiple magnetic elements are magnetized by a single write line.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2001Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Assignee: Micromem Technologies Inc.Inventors: James Stephenson, Bruce Shipley, Dan Carothers
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Patent number: 6330183Abstract: A nonvolatile ferromagnetic RAM device which is capable of reading the data stored in each magnet quickly and efficiently utilizing a minimal number of components. Specifically there is a nonvolatile ferromagnetic RAM which is capable of reading the data stored in each magnetic bit. The ferromagnetic memory cell, comprising of a base (19) that is oriented in a horizontal plane. There is also a bit (3), made of a ferromagnetic material, having: a height that is oriented perpendicular to the horizontal plane of the base, and a polarity that can be directed along the height. Additionally, there is a sense line (1), positioned proximate the bit (3) sufficient to detect the directed polarity of the bit; and a write line (2), positioned proximate the bit sufficient to direct the polarity of the bit.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2000Date of Patent: December 11, 2001Assignee: Pageant Technologies, Inc. (Micromem Technologies, Inc.)Inventor: Richard M. Lienau
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Patent number: 6229729Abstract: A non-volatile RAM device is disclosed which utilizes a plurality of ferromagnetic bits (8) each surrounded by a write coil (15) for directing the remnant polarity thereof is disclosed. The direction of magnetic remnance in each bit (8) is dictated by the direction of a current induced into write coil (15). Further, a magneto sensor (9) comprising a magneto resistor (18) coupled to a diode (26) is placed approximate each bit (8). The magneto resistor (18) is coupled to a sense line (20), and receives current at a first point of attachment, and returns current at a second point of attachment. The current passing across magneto resistor (18) is biased in a direction either right or left of the original current flow direction. If current is biased toward the anode end of diode (26) then it is complimentary to the preferred flow direction of diode (26), and flows easily there across.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2000Date of Patent: May 8, 2001Assignee: Pageant Technologies, Inc. (Micromem Technologies, Inc.)Inventor: Richard M. Lienau