Patents Examined by Anthony Dinkins
  • Patent number: 6958899
    Abstract: Terminal electrodes 11 and 12 of a main body 2 of a multilayer capacitor 1 are connected to electrode connection parts 21A and 22A of a pair of external terminals 21 and 22 formed by a metal material. At the bottom part of the electrode connection part 21A, an external connection part 21B connected to the electrode connection part 21A is formed. At the bottom part of the electrode connection part 22A, an external connection part 22B connected to the electrode connection part 22A is formed. The widths of the terminal electrodes 11 and 12 and the widths of the external connection parts 21B and 22B are substantially the same, but the widths of the electrode connection parts 21A and 22A are formed narrower. Due to this, propagation of vibration can be suppressed and generation of noise reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventors: Masaaki Togashi, Taisuke Ahiko, Akitoshi Yoshii, Atsushi Takeda
  • Patent number: 6958901
    Abstract: In a semiconductor device, a capacitor is provided which has a gap in at least one of its plates. The gap is small enough so that fringe capacitance between the sides of this gap and the opposing plate at least compensates, if not overcompensates, for the missing conductive material that would otherwise fill the gap and add to parallel capacitance. As a result, the capacitance of a storage device can be increased without taking up more die area. Alternatively, the size of a capacitor can be reduced with no decrease in capacitance. Various gap configurations and methods for providing them are also within the scope of the current invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: David Y. Kao, James Peacher
  • Patent number: 6956731
    Abstract: A laminate type electronic component 1 has, at least, a dielectric part 2 containing a dielectric as a constituent material, and a pair of a first external electrode 31 and a second external electrode 32, each disposed in close contact with the dielectric part 2, opposing each other by way of the dielectric part 2. The dielectric part 2 has laminated dielectric layers 21a to 21f; and at least two internal electrodes 23a to 23e disposed one by one between layers adjacent each other in the dielectric layers 21a to 21f, while each being electrically connected to one of the first external electrode 31 and second external electrode 32. At least one of the internal electrodes 23a to 23e is electrically connected to the first external electrode 31, and at least one of the internal electrodes 23a to 23e is electrically connected to the second external electrode 32.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventors: Akitoshi Yoshii, Hideki Yokoyama, Takashi Kamiya, Atsushi Takeda, Masauki Okabe
  • Patent number: 6956169
    Abstract: A simplified installation design for an in-use cover for an electrical outlet includes conical mounting screw holes in the outlet box and movement-restricting guides to ensure the mounting screw aligns with the mounting screw holes. Angled side mounting screw holes allow the outlet box to be installed with screws from within the box rather than the conventional nails outside the box. In particular embodiments of the invention, prongs, screws, clamps, heat stakes or other attachment components extend from the back of the insert to allow for pre-installment attachment of the electrical device directly to the insert. This also simplifies installation of the recessed in-use covers. Adaptors may optionally be included to allow the device to be adapted for use with a variety of sizes and shapes of electrical devices. An alternate embodiment of the invention includes a recessed in-use outlet formed of an electrical box, a receptacle, a cover plate and a cover to allow for simple installation with fewer parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Taymac Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Shotey, Marcus Shotey, Edgar Maltby, John Kinnard
  • Patent number: 6953894
    Abstract: An electric box assembly that includes a box extender having a tubular body with opposed sides arranged to be received within an electric box, and which box extender is formed with a pair of laterally outwardly extending face flanges arranged to be flush mounted against a wall surface in the assembled position. The box extender is devoid of any top or bottom flanges and is adapted to be secured in place within an electric box by the electric device, outlet receptacle, switch or the like. In an embodiment of the invention, the sides of the tubular body are tapered inwardly toward the central axis of the tubular body so as to permit the box extender to be nested one within the other to facilitate shipping and handling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Bridgeport Fittings, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E. Ungerman, Kenneth M. Kiely
  • Patent number: 6954351
    Abstract: A method for producing a solid electrolytic capacitor, involving a step of loading a metal oxide on at least a part of the surface in the anode part of a capacitor element having a valve-acting metal substrate having there on a solid electrolyte, the valve-acting metal substrate having a dielectric film obtained by the electrochemical forming, and a solid electrolytic capacitor obtained by stacking two or more single plate capacitor elements having a metal oxide on at least a part of the surface in the anode part of a capacitor element comprising a valve-acting metal substrate having thereon a solid electrolyte, the valve-acting metal substrate having a dielectric film obtained by the electrochemical forming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Showa Denko K.K.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Konuma, Eiji Komazawa, Katsuhiko Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 6954348
    Abstract: Various embodiments of tunable capacitors are disclosed. One embodiment is in the form of a tunable capacitor (368) having a pair of stationary capacitor electrodes (392) that are fixed to and disposed the same distance above a substrate (388) in the vertical dimension. A tuning element (416) is suspended above the substrate (388) by an elevation system (460) that accommodates movement of the tuning element (416) in the vertical dimension. Changing the capacitance of the tunable capacitor (368) is accomplished by moving the tuning element (416) in the vertical dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: MEMX, Inc.
    Inventor: M. Steven Rodgers
  • Patent number: 6951981
    Abstract: A method of encapsulating an article having first and second surfaces, includes positioning a first molding section in a sealing relationship with the first surface of the article and positioning a second molding section adjacent the second surface of the article. The first molding section is filled first thereby forcing the second surface of the article into a sealing engagement with the second molding section. The second molding section is then filled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Johnson, Todd O. Bolken
  • Patent number: 6950296
    Abstract: A nanoscale grasping device comprising at least three electrostatically actuated grasping elements. The use of at least three elements, which together define a plane, allows an object to be grasped more accurately, more easily held, and more readily manipulated. The grasping elements preferably comprise conductive nanotubes which are grown at specific points on a substrate (e.g., directly on an electrode), using chemical vapor deposition (“CVD”) techniques, thereby allowing the grasping device to be manufactured with greater control. Different types of electrostatic forces may be used to open or close the grasping tool. Such attractive and repulsive forces can be created through the application of either a constant voltage or an oscillating voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: NanoLab, Inc.
    Inventor: David L. Carnahan
  • Patent number: 6949708
    Abstract: A switch and switch box masking cover is adapted for frictional mounting to the switch box when pressed into switch box in one orientation, and for frictional mounting to a toggle type of switch that is already mounted in the switch box, when the cover is pressed onto the switch in an alternate, reversed orientation. The masking cover is formed in continuous strips wherein one or more of the covers may be disconnected from the strip for use on a switch box of any size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Inventors: Daniel M. Hausen, Eli Geoffrey Spehar
  • Patent number: 6950298
    Abstract: A monolithic capacitor array (18) is disclosed which may be suitable for incorporation into a multi-way electrical connector and comprises a dielectric body (20)with a set of through-going cavities (22) for receiving respective connector pins. The cavities are associated with respective capacitors (30, 32) each formed by a first and a second set of capacitor plates (38, 40, 44, 46) interleaved within the dielectric body. The first set of capacitor plates is connectable to ground through a contact (42) at the body's exterior. The second set of capacitor plates is interconnected by metallization of the interior of a connection cavity (62) formed in the dielectric body, the connection-cavity being separately formed form its associated pin-receiving cavity and the metallization therein being contactable from the body's exterior to enable connection of a pin received in the pin-receiving cavity to the second capacitor plates of the associated capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Oxley Developments Company Limited
    Inventors: Geoffrey Stephen Edwards, William Henderson
  • Patent number: 6946602
    Abstract: A housing assembly, structured to enclose a plurality of electrical components and flexible cables, each the electrical component coupled at least one other electrical component or to an input device by the cables, includes a plurality of mounting plate members and a plurality of vertical walls. The plurality of mounting plate members includes at least a bottom mounting plate member and at least one movable mounting plate member. Each mounting plate structured to support one or more electrical components. The plurality of vertical walls include a front wall coupled to, and extending generally perpendicular to, the base plate member, a first side wall coupled to, and extending generally perpendicular to, the base plate member, a second side wall coupled to, and extending generally perpendicular to, the base plate member, a back wall coupled to, and extending generally perpendicular to, the base plate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Irving Albert Gibbs, Steven Dale Walker, Thomas Arthur Farr, Marcus Eugene Case, Tap Van Pham, Rafael Gutierrez
  • Patent number: 6947276
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a multilayer ceramic capacitor, having the steps of: (a) alternately layering internal electrodes and ceramic green sheets containing a ceramic material having barium titanate to form a laminated body; (b) sintering the laminated body to obtain a sintered body; and (c) forming an external electrode on end faces of the sintered body to obtain a multilayer ceramic capacitor. The barium titanate has a diffraction line derived from (002) plane and a diffraction line derived from (200) plane in an X-ray diffraction chart. The ratio I(200)/Ib of peak intensity I(200) at 2?(200) to diffraction intensity Ib at a midpoint angle between peak angle 2?(002) of the diffraction line derived from the (002) plane and peak angle 2?(200) of the diffraction line derived from the (200) plane is 2 to 10. The product r·Sa of mean particle size r (?m) of the barium titanate and specific surface area Sa (m2/g) is 1 to 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuki Hirata, Kenji Oka, Kazuhiro Komatsu, Atsuo Nagai
  • Patent number: 6943287
    Abstract: An electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding cage for an electronic module is comprised an electrically-conductive bottom, an electrically-conductive rear panel electrically coupled to said bottom, an electrically-conductive, elongated cover electrically coupled to said bottom and first and second side walls that are electrically and mechanically coupled to said bottom, said rear panel and said elongated cover. Numerous ground lugs, electrically coupled to at least one of: said bottom; rear panel; and first and second side walls provide an electrical pathway for EMI signals to a reference potential. An electrically-conductive, compressible gasket encircling the bottom, top and side walls provides an electrical connection to a front panel, providing additional EMI suppression. Gasket engagement tabs in the top and bottom provide electrical connection between the gasket and panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Molex Incorporated
    Inventors: Brian Keith Lloyd, Dennis Lee Doye
  • Patent number: 6944007
    Abstract: A capacitor is configured by a bottom electrode BE, an inter-electrode dielectric D, and a top electrode TE. Directly under the bottom electrode BE, for example, silicon oxide (SiO2) is disposed, and directly above the top electrode TE as well, for example, silicon oxide (SiO2) is disposed. The capacitor is covered with an insulating layer Low-k having a low dielectric constant. The insulating layer Low-k is formed from a material having as low of a dielectric constant as possible in order to reduce the parasitic capacitance between wirings. High-dielectrics High-k for suppressing the swelling of electric lines of force are disposed on side walls of an inter-electrode dielectric D. A dielectric constant of the High-dielectric High-k is at least higher than a dielectric constant of the insulating layer Low-k.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Yoshiro Shimojo, Susumu Shuto
  • Patent number: 6944009
    Abstract: Systems and apparatuses for providing a broadband capacitor assembly. One broadband capacitor assembly includes a first capacitor operable to provide a first end of an operational band of frequencies within an operational band of a broadband capacitor assembly. The broadband capacitor assembly also includes a second capacitor coupled in parallel to the first capacitor, the second capacitor operable to provide a second end of the operational band of frequencies within the operational band of the broadband capacitor assembly. A DC block can be provided including a broadband capacitor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Oplink Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Nguyen, Anand Gundavajhala
  • Patent number: 6943295
    Abstract: A dual use low voltage electrical box is useful for both old electrical work and new electrical work. The box includes a rectangular mounting plate, as well as top and bottom truncated, cut-off rectangle walls. Each of the truncated walls has a short edge parallel to the long edge, extending back from the front of the box. The short edge of the box is shorter than the long edge and the top and bottom walls each has a diagonal edge which extends from a rear of the short edge, to a shoulder joined to a rear of the long edge. This shoulder is located at a right angle to, and joins a rear of the mounting plate. The box is open in the front and receives a plate enclosing the front opening and providing entry for low voltage wires into the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Inventor: Greg Herth
  • Patent number: 6940011
    Abstract: A high voltage electrical packaging box structure includes a case member having an opening portion, and a cover member which is detachably attached to the case member so as to cover the opening portion of the case member. The case member is installed so that a plane of the opening portion is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane. In the high voltage electrical packaging box structure, a pawl member is provided on one of the case member and the cover member, and a receiving member, which engages with the pawl member, is provided on the other one of the case member and the cover member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hirotomo Koike, Harumi Takedomi
  • Patent number: 6940708
    Abstract: An electronic component includes: an element having a pair of terminal electrodes; and a pair of metal terminals formed of metal materials respectively and connected to the pair of terminal electrodes respectively, in which: a portion of the metal terminal that extends from a base-end side of the metal terminal connectable to an external circuit to face the terminal electrode of the element is an electrode facing portion; and a tip side portion of the metal terminal in the electrode facing portion is connected to the terminal electrode, and a gap exists between a base-end side portion of the metal terminal in the electrode facing portion and the terminal electrode. Therefore, the electronic component is capable of fully absorbing a stress and realizes reduction in production cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventors: Akitoshi Yoshii, Masanori Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6940707
    Abstract: In a differential capacitor1, first and second capacitors 1003 and 1004 are formed in substantially symmetrical positions from each other with respect to a vertical plane B-B?, on a semiconductor substrate 1020. The differential capacitor 1 further includes a shield plate 1022 interposed between the semiconductor substrate 1020 and the lower electrodes 1016 and 1018. When each of the lower electrodes 1016 and 1018 is projected onto the shield plate 1022 along the vertical direction, each projected lower electrode 1016 or 1018 has a partial overlap with the shield plate 1022.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshifumi Nakatani, Hisashi Adachi, Kayo Nakanishi