Patents by Inventor Alexander Nickel

Alexander Nickel 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: 20230126674
    Abstract: Technology is described to provide a foot and ankle prosthesis for individuals with lower limb loss. This technology is able to store and release energy and individuals or patients who are using the foot/ankle prosthesis may be able to expend less energy when walking. The system includes a hydraulic damper attached to dynamic energy storing spring elements. The axis of rotation of the system can be near to that of an intact human ankle, providing biomimetic function. The system can utilize spring elements based on the vertical displacement of the center of pressure of an intact normal foot. A hydraulic system can provide user adjustable heel height and adaptation to inclines. The dorsiflexion and plantar flexion resistances can be independently adjusted manually or electrically. In addition, the system can be automatically locked in dorsiflexion when loaded and unlock when unloaded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2021
    Publication date: April 27, 2023
    Inventors: Andrew Howard Hansen, Edwin Kay Iversen, Eric Alexander Nickel, Gregory O. Voss, Gregory James Jacobs, Carter J. Greene, Jeffery David Christenson
  • Patent number: 10490719
    Abstract: Light emitting die (300) comprising a plurality of light emitting elements (310A, 310B), each having a pair of bond pads (N1,P1 and N2,P2), wherein at least two diagonally opposite bond pads of adjacent light emitting elements on a die have their facing corners truncated (330) to enable a direct diagonal coupling of a complementary pair of diagonally opposite bond pads when the die is monted on a substrate on which an interconnection pattern is formed. By enabling diagonal as well as lateral coupling of the bond pads of multiple light emitting elements of a die, the multiple light emitting elements may be arranged in a variety of series and/or parallel configurations, thereby facilitating the use of the same die at different nominal operating voltages with a single interconnect layer on the substrate upon which the die is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: Lumileds Holding B.V.
    Inventors: Wen Yu, Oleg B. Shchekin, Franklin Wall, Kuochou Tai, Mohiuddin Mala, Robert Zona, Jeffrey Kmetec, Alexander Nickel
  • Publication number: 20180337315
    Abstract: Light emitting die (300) comprising a plurality of light emitting elements (310A, 310B), each having a pair of bond pads (N1,P1 and N2,P2), wherein at least two diagonally opposite bond pads of adjacent light emitting elements on a die have their facing corners truncated (330) to enable a direct diagonal coupling of a complementary pair of diagonally opposite bond pads when the die is monted on a substrate on which an interconnection pattern is formed. By enabling diagonal as well as lateral coupling of the bond pads of multiple light emitting elements of a die, the multiple light emitting elements may be arranged in a variety of series and/or parallel configurations, thereby facilitating the use of the same die at different nominal operating voltages with a single inter-connect layer on the substrate upon which the die is mounted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2016
    Publication date: November 22, 2018
    Applicant: Lumileds Holding B.V.
    Inventors: Wen YU, Oleg B. SHCHEKIN, Franklin WALL, Kuochou TAI, Mohiuddin MALA, Robert ZONA, Jeffrey KMETEC, Alexander NICKEL
  • Patent number: 8415256
    Abstract: During semiconductor fabrication homogeneous gap-filling is achieved by depositing a thin dielectric layer into the gap, post deposition curing, and then repeating deposition and post deposition curing until gap-filling is completed. Embodiments include depositing a layer of low deposition temperature gap-fill dielectric into a high aspect ratio opening, such as a shallow trench or a gap between closely spaced apart gate electrode structures, as at a thickness of about 10 ? to about 500 ?, curing after deposition, as by UV radiation or by heating at a temperature of about 400° C. to about 1000° C., depositing another layer of low deposition temperature gap-filled dielectric, and curing after deposition. Embodiments include separately depositing and separately curing multiple layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Inventors: Alexander Nickel, Lu You, Hirokazu Tokuno, Minh Tran, Minh Van Ngo, Hieu Pham, Erik Wilson, Robert Huertas
  • Patent number: 8384146
    Abstract: Methods for fabricating a semiconductor memory cell that has a spacer layer are disclosed. A method includes forming a plurality of source/drain regions in a substrate where the plurality of source/drain regions are formed between trenches, forming a first oxide layer above the plurality of source/drain regions and in the trenches, forming a charge storage layer above the oxide layer and separating the charge storage layer in the trenches where a space is formed between separated portions of the charge storage layer. The method further includes forming a spacer layer to fill the space between the separated portions of the charge storage layer and to rise a predetermined distance above the space. A second oxide layer is formed above the charge storage layer and the spacer layer and a polysilicon layer is formed above the second oxide layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Spansion LLC
    Inventors: Shenqing Fang, Angela Hui, Gang Xue, Alexander Nickel, Kashmir Sahota, Scott Bell, Chun Chen, Wai Lo
  • Patent number: 8309455
    Abstract: Prior to deposition of a silicon nitride (SiN) layer on a structure, a non-plasma enhanced operation is undertaken wherein the structure is exposed to silane (SiH4) flow, reducing the overall exposure of the structure to hydrogen radicals. This results in the silicon nitride being strongly bonded to the structure and in improved performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Spansion LLC
    Inventors: Sung Jin Kim, Alexander Nickel, Minh-Van Ngo, Hieu Trung Pham, Masato Tsuboi, Shinich Imada
  • Publication number: 20120181601
    Abstract: Methods for fabricating a semiconductor memory cell that has a spacer layer are disclosed. A method includes forming a plurality of source/drain regions in a substrate where the plurality of source/drain regions are formed between trenches, forming a first oxide layer above the plurality of source/drain regions and in the trenches, forming a charge storage layer above the oxide layer and separating the charge storage layer in the trenches where a space is formed between separated portions of the charge storage layer. The method further includes forming a spacer layer to fill the space between the separated portions of the charge storage layer and to rise a predetermined distance above the space. A second oxide layer is formed above the charge storage layer and the spacer layer and a polysilicon layer is formed above the second oxide layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventors: Shenqing FANG, Angela HUI, Gang XUE, Alexander NICKEL, Kashmir SAHOTA, Scott BELL, Chun CHEN, Wai LO
  • Patent number: 8202779
    Abstract: Methods for fabricating a semiconductor memory cell that has a spacer layer are disclosed. A method includes forming a plurality of source/drain regions in a substrate where the plurality of source/drain regions are formed between trenches, forming a first oxide layer above the plurality of source/drain regions and in the trenches, forming a charge storage layer above the oxide layer and separating the charge storage layer in the trenches where a space is formed between separated portions of the charge storage layer. The method further includes forming a spacer layer to fill the space between the separated portions of the charge storage layer and to rise a predetermined distance above the space. A second oxide layer is formed above the charge storage layer and the spacer layer and a polysilicon layer is formed above the second oxide layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Spansion LLC
    Inventors: Shenqing Fang, Angela Hui, Gang Xue, Alexander Nickel, Kashmir Sahota, Scott Bell, Chun Chen, Wai Lo
  • Publication number: 20110266609
    Abstract: Prior to deposition of a silicon nitride (SiN) layer on a structure, a non-plasma enhanced operation is undertaken wherein the structure is exposed to silane (SiH4) flow, reducing the overall exposure of the structure to hydrogen radicals. This results in the silicon nitride being strongly bonded to the structure and in improved performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventors: Sung Jin KIM, Alexander NICKEL, Minh-Van NGO, Hieu Trung PHAM, Masato TSUBOI, Sinich IMADA
  • Patent number: 8035153
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a memory device with a self-aligned trap layer which is optimized for scaling is disclosed. In the present invention, a non-conformal film is deposited over the charge trapping layer to form a thick film on top of the core source/drain region and a pinch off and a void or a narrow channel at the top of the STI trench. An etch is performed on the non-conformal film to open pinch-off or widen the narrow channel in the non-conformal. The trapping layer is then completely or partially etched between the core cells. The non-conformal film is removed. And a top oxide is formed. The top oxide converts the remaining trap layer to oxide if the trapping layer is partially etched and thus isolate the trap layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Spansion LLC
    Inventors: Shenqing Fang, Jihwan Choi, Calvin Gabriel, Fei Wang, Angela Hui, Alexander Nickel, Zubin Patel, Phillip Jones, Mark Chang, Minh-Van Ngo
  • Publication number: 20110233647
    Abstract: Methods for fabricating a semiconductor memory cell that has a spacer layer are disclosed. A method includes forming a plurality of source/drain regions in a substrate where the plurality of source/drain regions are formed between trenches, forming a first oxide layer above the plurality of source/drain regions and in the trenches, forming a charge storage layer above the oxide layer and separating the charge storage layer in the trenches where a space is formed between separated portions of the charge storage layer. The method further includes forming a spacer layer to fill the space between the separated portions of the charge storage layer and to rise a predetermined distance above the space. A second oxide layer is formed above the charge storage layer and the spacer layer and a polysilicon layer is formed above the second oxide layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Shenqing FANG, Angela HUI, Gang XUE, Alexander NICKEL, Kashmir SAHOTA, Scott BELL, Chun CHEN, Wai LO
  • Patent number: 8026169
    Abstract: Data retention in flash memory devices, such as mirrorbit devices, is improved by reducing the generation and/or diffusion of hydrogen ions during back end processing, such as annealing inlaid Cu. Embodiments include annealing inlaid Cu in an N2 atmosphere containing low H2 or no H2, and at temperatures less than 200° C., e.g., 100° C. to 150° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Lu You, Alexander Nickel, Minh Q. Tran, Minh-Van Ngo, Hieu Pham, Erik Wilson, Hirokazu Tokuno, Amir Hossein Jafarpour, Inkuk Kang, Robert Huertas
  • Patent number: 8017870
    Abstract: A fastening device for a line, in particular for an electric cable (12) in a motor vehicle, is proposed, the fastening device having a bush (10) which can be locked in a holder (18), at least partially surrounds the line, is made of elastically deformable material and is fastened releaseably in a cutout (16) of the holder (18) by means of a contour (14). According to the invention, the surface of a bush (10), which is injection-moulded from plastic, is of segmented design in order to obtain easier deformability of the bush when fitting it into an associated holder (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Keiji Kawakami, Alexander Nickel
  • Patent number: 7985674
    Abstract: Prior to deposition of a silicon nitride (SiN) layer on a structure, a non-plasma enhanced operation is undertaken wherein the structure is exposed to silane (SiH4) flow, reducing the overall exposure of the structure to hydrogen radicals. This results in the silicon nitride being strongly bonded to the structure and in improved performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Spansion LLC
    Inventors: Sung Jin Kim, Alexander Nickel, Minh-Van Ngo, Hieu Trung Pham, Masato Tsuboi, Shinich Imada
  • Patent number: 7884030
    Abstract: During semiconductor fabrication homogeneous gap-filling is achieved by depositing a thin dielectric layer into the gap, post deposition curing, and then repeating deposition and post deposition curing until gap-filling is completed. Embodiments include depositing a layer of low deposition temperature gap-fill dielectric into a high aspect ratio opening, such as a shallow trench or a gap between closely spaced apart gate electrode structures, as at a thickness of about 10 ? to about 500 ?, curing after deposition, as by UV radiation or by heating at a temperature of about 400° C. to about 1000° C., depositing another layer of low deposition temperature gap-filled dielectric, and curing after deposition. Embodiments include separately depositing and separately curing multiple layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. and Spansion LLC
    Inventors: Alexander Nickel, Lu You, Hirokazu Tokuno, Minh Tran, Minh Van Ngo, Hieu Pham, Erik Wilson, Robert Huertas
  • Publication number: 20100230743
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a memory device with a self-aligned trap layer which is optimized for scaling is disclosed. In the present invention, a non-conformal film is deposited over the charge trapping layer to form a thick film on top of the core source/drain region and a pinch off and a void or a narrow channel at the top of the STI trench. An etch is performed on the non-conformal film to open pinch-off or widen the narrow channel in the non-conformal. The trapping layer is then completely or partially etched between the core cells. The non-conformal film is removed. And a top oxide is formed. The top oxide converts the remaining trap layer to oxide if the trapping layer is partially etched and thus isolate the trap layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: Shenqing Fang, Jihwan Choi, Calvin Gabriel, Fei Wang, Angela Hui, Alexander Nickel, Zubin Patel, Phillip Jones, Mark Chang, Minh-Van Ngo
  • Patent number: 7776682
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for improving cell-to-cell repeatability of electrical performance in memory cells. The methods involve forming an electrically non-conducting material having ordered porosity over a passive layer. The ordered porosity can facilitate formation of conductive channels through which charge carriers can migrate across the otherwise non-conductive layer to facilitate changing a state of a memory cell. A barrier layer can optionally be formed over the non-conductive layer, and can have ordered porosity oriented in a manner substantially perpendicular to the conductive channels such that charge carries migrating across the non-conductive layer cannot permeate the barrier layer. The methods provide for the manufacture of microelectronic devices with cost-effective and electrically reliable memory cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignees: Spansion LLC, GlobalFoundries Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Nickel, Suzette K. Pangrle, Steven C. Avanzino, Jeffrey Shields, Fei Wang, Minh Tran, Juri H. Krieger, Igor Sokolik
  • Patent number: 7732276
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a memory device with a self-aligned trap layer which is optimized for scaling is disclosed. In the present invention, a non-conformal film is deposited over the charge trapping layer to form a thick film on top of the core source/drain region and a pinch off and a void or a narrow channel at the top of the STI trench. An etch is performed on the non-conformal film to open pinch-off or widen the narrow channel in the non-conformal. The trapping layer is then completely or partially etched between the core cells. The non-conformal film is removed. And a top oxide is formed. The top oxide converts the remaining trap layer to oxide if the trapping layer is partially etched and thus isolate the trap layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Spansion LLC
    Inventors: Shenqing Fang, Jihwan Choi, Calvin Gabriel, Fei Wang, Angela Hui, Alexander Nickel, Zubin Patel, Phillip Jones, Mark Chang, Minh-Van Ngo
  • Publication number: 20100109067
    Abstract: Prior to deposition of a silicon nitride (SiN) layer on a structure, a non-plasma enhanced operation is undertaken wherein the structure is exposed to silane (SiH4) flow, reducing the overall exposure of the structure to hydrogen radicals. This results in the silicon nitride being strongly bonded to the structure and in improved performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: Sung Jin Kim, Alexander Nickel, Minh-Van Ngo, Hieu Trung Pham, Masato Tsuboi, Shinich Imada
  • Publication number: 20090242235
    Abstract: A fastening device for a line, in particular for an electric cable (12) in a motor vehicle, is proposed, the fastening device having a bush (10) which can be locked in a holder (18), at least partially surrounds the line, is made of elastically deformable material and is fastened releaseably in a cutout (16) of the holder (18) by means of a contour (14). According to the invention, the surface of a bush (10), which is injection-moulded from plastic, is of segmented design in order to obtain easier deformability of the bush when fitting it into an associated holder (18).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventors: Keiji Kawakami, Alexander Nickel