Patents by Inventor Alan Frank

Alan Frank 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: 20110266439
    Abstract: A method of using a direct electron detector in a TEM, in which an image with a high intensity peak, such as a diffractogram or an EELS spectrum, is imaged on said detector. As known the high intensity peak may damage the detector. To avoid this damage, the centre of the image is moved, as a result of which not one position of the detector is exposed to the high intensity, but the high intensity is smeared over the detector, displacing the high intensity peak before damage results.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: FEI Company
    Inventors: Uwe Luecken, Alan Frank de Jong, Gerrit Cornelis van Hoften, Frank Jeroen Pieter Schuurmans
  • Patent number: 8040116
    Abstract: Automatically configurable dual regulator type circuits and methods are provided. On embodiment of the invention includes an automatically configurable dual regulator type circuit. The circuit comprises a high-side switching device (HS-SD) coupled to a low-side switching device (LS-SD) at an output node. The circuit further comprises a control logic device that turns on the HS-SD to provide an output current to a user selected circuit configuration through the output node, turns off the HS-SD after a voltage fed back from an output terminal of the user selected circuit configuration exceeds a first threshold and sets a regulator type configuration mode based on the presence or absence of a flyback period at the output node after the HS-SD has been turned off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Degang Xia, Chuan Ni, Matthew Alan Frank
  • Publication number: 20110249570
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for generating path length information for two (usually redundant) receive paths in a receiving device such as a server blade so that the proper amount of equalization and/or pre-emphasis may be applied to receiver and driver circuits in the server blade. In one embodiment, the path length information comprises a longer or shorter path determination, and may also include a estimation of the slot location. In another embodiment, the path length information comprises a representation of the length of two receive paths. The path length information generating circuit is connected to the two receive inputs of the receiving device though high impedance elements, and the path length information may be utilized by hardware or a processor to set the equalization or pre-emphasis in the receiver and/or driver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventors: Alan Frank Jovanovich, Stephen Eugene Holness
  • Patent number: 8004997
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for generating path length information for two (usually redundant) receive paths in a receiving device such as a server blade so that the proper amount of equalization and/or pre-emphasis may be applied to receiver and driver circuits in the server blade. In one embodiment, the path length information comprises a longer or shorter path determination, and may also include a estimation of the slot location. In another embodiment, the path length information comprises a representation of the length of two receive paths. The path length information generating circuit is connected to the two receive inputs of the receiving device though high impedance elements, and the path length information may be utilized by hardware or a processor to set the equalization or pre-emphasis in the receiver and/or driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Emulex Design & Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Alan Frank Jovanovich, Stephen Eugene Holness
  • Patent number: 7995919
    Abstract: An optical intensity control system for use with an optical switch providing individual signal paths between input and output ports. The system has a optical splitters connectable to output multiplexers of the switch and also has variable optical intensity controllers (VOICs) for insertion into the individual signal paths. The VOICs individually control the intensity of optical signals present in the signal paths in accordance with intensity control signals. An equalizer is connected to the splitters and to the VOICs, for producing an estimate of the optical power of each individual switched optical signal and generating the intensity control signals. The equalizer is adapted to controllably isolate individual switched optical signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Nortel Networks Limited
    Inventors: Alan Frank Graves, John G. Gruber, Andrew John Bryant
  • Patent number: 7962843
    Abstract: A method includes storing one or more resource identifiers identifying one or more associated resources visited using a browser application, and presenting the resource identifiers in an order designated by one of a plurality of history presentation settings and resource navigation context specifications. The history presentation setting and navigation context can be selected by a user. Exemplary history presentation settings include chronological and domain-name grouped. Exemplary navigation context includes resource identifier, such as name, URI, or domain of the currently viewed resource. The method may further include presenting a thumbnail when a pointer icon is positioned over one of the resource identifiers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Natasa Milic-Frayling, Samuel Gavin Smyth, Kerry Rodden, Rachel Jones, Alan Frank Blackwell
  • Publication number: 20110097706
    Abstract: The invention relates to a micro-reactor for observing small particles, cells, bacteria, viruses or protein molecules in a fluid. The micro-reactor shows a first channel formed between two layers for containing the fluid, with an inlet and an outlet, the two layers separated by a first distance. A likewise second channel with an inlet and an outlet is placed adjacent to the first channel. A gap connects the first channel and the second channel, at the gap at least one layer showing a window transparent to the method of inspection and at the window the two layers being separated by a very small distance of, for example, 1 ?m or less. The micro-reactor may be used with an optical microscope (in which all particles are in focus), inspection with a Scanning Transmission Electron Microscope (in which the range of the electrons is limited), inspection with soft X-rays in the 250-500 eV range (also showing a limited range), etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicants: FEI COMPANY, STICHTING HET NEDERLANDS KANKER INSTITUUT
    Inventors: Gerard Anne Nicolaas van Veen, Jacobus Peter Johannes Peters, Pleun Dona, Alan Frank De Jong
  • Patent number: 7915584
    Abstract: The invention relates to a TEM with a corrector (330) to improve the image quality and a phase plate (340) to improve contrast. The improved TEM comprises a correction system completely placed between the objective lens and the phase plate, and uses the lenses of the corrector to form a magnified image of the diffraction plane on the phase plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: FEI Company
    Inventors: Peter Christiaan Tiemeijer, Alan Frank De Jong
  • Publication number: 20100331309
    Abstract: Compounds of a formula entitled, trans-4-[[(5S)-5-[[[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]methyl](2-methyl-2H-tetrazol-5-yl)amino]-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-7,9-dimethyl-1H-1-benzazepin-1-yl]methyl]-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid, as a free acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; and hydrates and other solvates in crystalline form; pharmaceutical formulations; and methods of use are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: ELI LILLY AND COMPANY
    Inventors: Xinchao Chen, Scott Alan Frank, David Michael Remick, Steven Wayne Pedersen
  • Publication number: 20100306665
    Abstract: A system for navigating among resources includes a target detection module detecting whether a first resource has been branched from to two other different resources and a backward navigation module operable to detect selection of a backward navigation button and cause navigation to the first resource. A method includes designating a target resource accessible via a backward navigation button in a first browser session, detecting selection of the backward navigation button in a second browser session, and navigating to the target resource in the second browser session. The method can involve detecting hovering of a pointer icon over the backward navigation button and responsively presenting a thumbnail of a resource associated with the backward navigation button.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: NATASA MILIC-FRAYLING, SAMUEL GAVIN SMYTH, KERRY RODDEN, RALPH SOMMERER, RACHEL JONES, ALAN FRANK BLACKWELL
  • Publication number: 20100281884
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a thermal management unit including a housing, at least one fan, a plurality of thermoelectric modules, at least one heat sink assembly coupled to the plurality of thermoelectric modules, and controller providing power to the plurality of thermoelectric modules. The thermal management unit also includes a printed circuit board incorporating the plurality of thermoelectric modules and electrically connecting the plurality of thermoelectric modules to the controller. The printed circuit board separates an ambient side of the thermal management unit and an enclosure side of the thermal management unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventors: John Myron Rawski, Larry Allen Larson, Jason William Dickmann, Pedro Ramon Guitart, Joseph David Ricke, William James Hanson, Alan Frank Wells
  • Publication number: 20100255213
    Abstract: A method for forming microscopic 3D structures. In the method according to the invention a substrate (105) is placed in a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The SEM is equipped with a Gas Injection System (GIS) (110) for directing a jet of precursor fluid to the substrate. The substrate is cooled below the freezing point of the precursor gas so that a frozen layer of the precursor gas can be applied to the substrate. By now repeatedly applying a frozen layer of the precursor to the substrate and irradiate the frozen layer with an electron beam (102), a stack of frozen layers (130) is built, each layer showing an irradiated part (131) in which the precursor is converted to another material. After applying the last layer the temperature is raised so that the unprocessed precursor (132) can evaporate. As a result 3D structures with overhanging features can be built.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: FEI COMPANY
    Inventors: Jacob Simon Faber, Johannes Jacobus Lambertus Mulders, Alan Frank de Jong, Carmen Francisca Maria van Vilsteren
  • Publication number: 20100224592
    Abstract: Electron-beam-induced chemical reactions with precursor gases are controlled by adsorbate depletion control. Adsorbate depletion can be controlled by controlling the beam current, preferably by rapidly blanking the beam, and by cooling the substrate. The beam preferably has a low energy to reduce the interaction volume. By controlling the depletion and the interaction volume, a user has the ability to produce precise shapes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: FEI COMPANY
    Inventors: MILOS TOTH, Richard J. Young, Alexander Henstra, Alan Frank de Jong, Johannes Jacobus Lambertus Mulders
  • Patent number: 7774721
    Abstract: A system for navigating among resources includes a target detection module detecting whether a first resource has been branched from to two other different resources and a backward navigation module operable to detect selection of a backward navigation button and cause navigation to the first resource. A method includes designating a target resource accessible via a backward navigation button in a first browser session, detecting selection of the backward navigation button in a second browser session, and navigating to the target resource in the second browser session. The method can involve detecting hovering of a pointer icon over the backward navigation button and responsively presenting a thumbnail of a resource associated with the backward navigation button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Natasa Milic-Frayling, Samuel Gavin Smyth, Kerry Rodden, Ralph Sommerer, Rachel Jones, Alan Frank Blackwell
  • Publication number: 20100159370
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for forming microscopic structures. By scanning a focused particle beam over a substrate in the presence of a precursor fluid, a patterned seed layer is formed. By now growing this layer with Atomic Layer Deposition or Chemical Vapour Deposition, a high quality layer can be grown. An advantage of this method is that forming the seed layer takes relatively little time, as only a very thin layer needs to be deposited.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: FEI COMPANY
    Inventors: Alan Frank de Jong, Johannes Jacobus Lambertus Mulders, Wilhelmus Mathijs Marie Kessels, Adriaan Jacobus Martinus Mackus
  • Publication number: 20100126287
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for analyzing the release of active agent(s) from pharmaceutical and pharmaceutical-like products. The apparatus and method provide for more accurate simulation of the conditions in the GI tract and oral cavity including forces that are applied to the dosage form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventors: Matthew D. Burke, Lida Kalantzi, Alan Frank Parr
  • Publication number: 20100072366
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for correcting distortions introduced by the projection system (106) of a TEM. As known to the person skilled in the art distortions may limit the resolution of a TEM, especially when making a 3D reconstruction of a feature using tomography. Also when using strain analysis in a TEM the distortions may limit the detection of strain. To this end the invention discloses a detector equipped with multipoles (152), the multipoles warping the image of the TEM in such a way that distortions introduced by the projection system are counteracted. The detector may further include a CCD or a fluorescent screen (151) for detecting the electrons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: FEI COMPANY
    Inventors: Peter Christiaan Tiemeijer, Uwe Luecken, Alan Frank De Jong, Hendrik Nicolaas Slingerland
  • Publication number: 20090309559
    Abstract: Automatically configurable dual regulator type circuits and methods are provided. On embodiment of the invention includes an automatically configurable dual regulator type circuit. The circuit comprises a high-side switching device (HS-SD) coupled to a low-side switching device (LS-SD) at an output node. The circuit further comprises a control logic device that turns on the HS-SD to provide an output current to a user selected circuit configuration through the output node, turns off the HS-SD after a voltage fed back from an output terminal of the user selected circuit configuration exceeds a first threshold and sets a regulator type configuration mode based on the presence or absence of a flyback period at the output node after the HS-SD has been turned off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventors: Degang Xia, Chuan Ni, Matthew Alan Frank
  • Publication number: 20090238565
    Abstract: An optical intensity control system for use with an optical switch providing individual signal paths between input and output ports. The system has a optical splitters connectable to output multiplexers of the switch and also has variable optical intensity controllers (VOICs) for insertion into the individual signal paths. The VOICs individually control the intensity of optical signals present in the signal paths in accordance with intensity control signals. An equalizer is connected to the splitters and to the VOICs, for producing an estimate of the optical power of each individual switched optical signal and generating the intensity control signals. The equalizer is adapted to controllably isolate individual switched optical signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: Nortel Networks Limited
    Inventors: Alan Frank Graves, John G. Gruber, Andrew John Bryant
  • Patent number: 7593607
    Abstract: A fast optical switch is needed to realize an economical and scaleable optical-core network. In the disclosed optical switch, switching is effected by rapid wavelength conversion. Either channel switching, Time Division Multiplex (TDM) switching or both may be provided by the fast optical switch. The operation of the fast optical switch is enabled by a fast scheduler. The throughput of the optical switch may be increased through a process of bimodal pipelined connection-packing. An in-band exchange of control signals with external nodes may serve to minimize the control overhead. Such control signals may include time-locking signals and connection-requests. A modular structure may be configured to comprise several fast optical switches to yield a high-speed, high-capacity, fully-connected optical switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Nortel Networks Limited
    Inventors: Maged E Beshai, Alan Frank Graves