Patents by Inventor Brent M. Segal
Brent M. Segal 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).
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Patent number: 6942921Abstract: Nanotube films and articles and methods of making the same are disclosed. A conductive article includes an aggregate of nanotube segments in which the nanotube segments contact other nanotube segments to define a plurality of conductive pathways along the article. The nanotube segments may be single walled carbon nanotubes, or multi-walled carbon nanotubes. The various segments may have different lengths and may include segments having a length shorter than the length of the article. The articles so formed may be disposed on substrates, and may form an electrical network of nanotubes within the article itself. Conductive articles may be made on a substrate by forming a nanotube fabric on the substrate, and defining a pattern within the fabric in which the pattern corresponds to the conductive article.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2004Date of Patent: September 13, 2005Assignee: Nantero, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Rueckes, Brent M. Segal
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Patent number: 6944054Abstract: A non-volatile memory array includes a plurality of memory cells, each cell receiving a bit line, word line, and release line. Each memory cell includes a cell selection transistor and a restore transistor with first, second and third nodes. Each cell further includes an electromechanically deflectable switch, the position of which manifests the logical state of the cell. Each cell is bit selectable for read and write operations.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2004Date of Patent: September 13, 2005Assignee: Nantero, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Rueckes, Brent M. Segal, Bernhard Vogeli, Darren K. Brock, Venkatachalam C. Jaiprakash, Claude L. Bertin
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Patent number: 6924538Abstract: Electro-mechanical switches and memory cells using vertically-disposed nanofabric articles and methods of making the same are described. An electro-mechanical device, includes a structure having a major horizontal surface and a channel formed therein. A conductive trace is in the channel; and a nanotube article vertically suspended in the channel, in spaced relation to a vertical wall of the channel. The article is electro-mechanically deflectable in a horizontal direction toward the conductive trace. Under certain embodiments, the vertically suspended extent of the nanotube article is defined by a thin film process. Under certain embodiments, the vertically suspended extent of the nanotube article is about 50 nanometers or less. Under certain embodiments, the nanotube article is clamped with a conducting material disposed in porous spaces between some nanotubes of the nanotube article. Under certain embodiments, the nanotube article is formed from a porous nanofabric.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2004Date of Patent: August 2, 2005Assignee: Nantero, Inc.Inventors: Venkatachalam C. Jaiprakash, Jonathan W. Ward, Thomas Rueckes, Brent M. Segal
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Patent number: 6919592Abstract: Electromechanical circuits, such as memory cells, and methods for making same are disclosed. The circuits include a structure having electrically conductive traces and supports extending from a surface of the substrate, and nanotube ribbons suspended by the supports that cross the electrically conductive traces, wherein each ribbon comprises one or more nanotubes. The electro-mechanical circuit elements are made by providing a structure having electrically conductive traces and supports, in which the supports extend from a surface of the substrate. A layer of nanotubes is provided over the supports, and portions of the layer of nanotubes are selectively removed to form ribbons of nanotubes that cross the electrically conductive traces. Each ribbon includes one or more nanotubes.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2001Date of Patent: July 19, 2005Assignee: Nantero, Inc.Inventors: Brent M. Segal, Darren K. Brock, Thomas Rueckes
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Patent number: 6911682Abstract: Three trace electromechanical circuits and methods of using same are described. A circuit includes first and second electrically conductive elements with a nanotube ribbon (or other electromechanical elements) disposed therebetween. The nanotube ribbon is movable toward at least one of the first and second electrically conductive elements in response to electrical stimulus applied to at least one of the first and second electrically conductive elements and the nanotube ribbon. Such circuits may be formed into arrays of cells. The upper and lower electrically conductive traces may be aligned or unaligned vertically. An electrical stimulus may be applied to at least one of the first and second electrically conductive elements and the nanotube ribbon to move the nanotube ribbon toward at least one of the first and second electrically conductive elements.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2001Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: Nantero, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Rueckes, Brent M. Segal, Darren K. Brock
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Patent number: 6835591Abstract: Nanotube films and articles and methods of making the same. A nanotube films produced from a conductive article includes an aggregate of nanotube segments. The nanotube segments contact other nanotube segments to define a plurality of conductive pathways along the article. The nanotube segments may be single walled carbon nanotubes, or multi-walled carbon nanotubes. The various segments may have different lengths and may include segments having a length shorter than the length of the article. The articles so formed may be disposed on substrates, and may form an electrical network of nanotubes within the article itself. Conductive articles may be made on a substrate by forming a nanotube fabric on the substrate, and defining a pattern within the fabric in which the pattern corresponds to the conductive article.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2002Date of Patent: December 28, 2004Assignee: Nantero, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Rueckes, Brent M. Segal
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Patent number: 6836424Abstract: A hybrid memory system having electromechanical memory cells is disclosed. A memory cell core circuit has an array of electromechanical memory cells, in which each cell is a crossbar junction at least one element of which is a nanotube or a nanotube ribbon. An access circuit provides array addresses to the memory cell core circuit to select at least one corresponding cell. The access circuit is constructed of semiconductor circuit elements.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2003Date of Patent: December 28, 2004Assignee: Nantero, Inc.Inventors: Brent M. Segal, Darren K. Brock, Thomas Rueckes
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Publication number: 20040214366Abstract: Electromechanical circuits, such as memory cells, and methods for making same are disclosed. The circuits include a structure having electrically conductive traces and supports extending from a surface of the substrate, and nanotube ribbons suspended by the supports that cross the electrically conductive traces, wherein each ribbon comprises one or more nanotubes. The electromechanical circuit elements are made by providing a structure having electrically conductive traces and supports, in which the supports extend from a surface of the substrate. A layer of nanotubes is provided over the supports, and portions of the layer of nanotubes are selectively removed to form ribbons of nanotubes that cross the electrically conductive traces. Each ribbon includes one or more nanotubes.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2004Publication date: October 28, 2004Applicant: Nantero, Inc.Inventors: Brent M. Segal, Darren K. Brock, Thomas Rueckes
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Publication number: 20040214367Abstract: Electromechanical circuits, such as memory cells, and methods for making same are disclosed. The circuits include a structure having electrically conductive traces and supports extending from a surface of the substrate, and nanotube ribbons suspended by the supports that cross the electrically conductive traces, wherein each ribbon comprises one or more nanotubes. The electro-mechanical circuit elements are made by providing a structure having electrically conductive traces and supports, in which the supports extend from a surface of the substrate. A layer of nanotubes is provided over the supports, and portions of the layer of nanotubes are selectively removed to form ribbons of nanotubes that cross the electrically conductive traces. Each ribbon includes one or more nanotubes.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2004Publication date: October 28, 2004Applicant: Nantero, Inc.Inventors: Brent M. Segal, Darren K. Brock, Thomas Rueckes
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Publication number: 20040191978Abstract: Methods of producing an electromechanical circuit element are described. A lower structure having lower support structures and a lower electrically conductive element is provided. A nanotube ribbon (or other electromechanically responsive element) is formed on an upper surface of the lower structure so as to contact the lower support structures. An upper structure is provided over the nanotube ribbon. The upper structure includes upper support structures and an upper electrically conductive element. In some arrangements, the upper and lower electrically conductive elements are in vertical alignment, but in some arrangements they are not.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2004Publication date: September 30, 2004Applicant: Nantero, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Rueckes, Brent M. Segal, Darren K. Brock
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Publication number: 20040181630Abstract: New devices having horizontally-disposed nanofabric articles and methods of making same are described. A discrete electromechanical device includes a structure having an electrically-conductive trace. A defined patch of nanotube fabric is disposed in spaced relation to the trace; and the defined patch of nanotube fabric is electromechanically deflectable between a first and second state. In the first state, the nanotube article is in spaced relation relative to the trace, and in the second state the nanotube article is in contact with the trace. A low resistance signal path is in electrical communication with the defined patch of nanofabric. Under certain embodiments, the structure includes a defined gap into which the electrically conductive trace is disposed. The defined gap has a defined width, and the defined patch of nanotube fabric spans the gap and has a longitudinal extent that is slightly longer than the defined width of the gap.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2004Publication date: September 16, 2004Applicant: Nantero, Inc.Inventors: Venkatachalam C. Jaiprakash, Jonathan W. Ward, Thomas Rueckes, Brent M. Segal
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Publication number: 20040175856Abstract: Electro-mechanical switches and memory cells using vertically-disposed nanofabric articles and methods of making the same are described. An electro-mechanical device, includes a structure having a major horizontal surface and a channel formed therein. A conductive trace is in the channel; and a nanotube article vertically suspended in the channel, in spaced relation to a vertical wall of the channel. The article is electro-mechanically deflectable in a horizontal direction toward the conductive trace. Under certain embodiments, the vertically suspended extent of the nanotube article is defined by a thin film process. Under certain embodiments, the vertically suspended extent of the nanotube article is about 50 nanometers or less. Under certain embodiments, the nanotube article is clamped with a conducting material disposed in porous spaces between some nanotubes of the nanotube article. Under certain embodiments, the nanotube article is formed from a porous nanofabric.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2004Publication date: September 9, 2004Applicant: Nantero, Inc.Inventors: Venkatachalam C. Jaiprakash, Jonathan W. Ward, Thomas Rueckes, Brent M. Segal
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Patent number: 6784028Abstract: Methods of producing an electromechanical circuit element are described. A lower structure having lower support structures and a lower electrically conductive element is provided. A nanotube ribbon (or other electromechanically responsive element) is formed on an upper surface of the lower structure so as to contact the lower support structures. An upper structure is provided over the nanotube ribbon. The upper structure includes upper support structures and an upper electrically conductive element. In some arrangements, the upper and lower electrically conductive elements are in vertical alignment, but in some arrangements they are not.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2001Date of Patent: August 31, 2004Assignee: Nantero, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Rueckes, Brent M. Segal, Darren K. Brock
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Publication number: 20040164289Abstract: Three trace electromechanical circuits and methods of using same. A circuit includes first and second electrically conductive elements with a nanotube ribbon (or other electromechanical elements) disposed therebetween. An insulative layer is disposed on one of the first and second conductive elements. The nanotube ribbon is movable toward at least one of the first and second electrically conductive elements in response to electrical stimulus applied to at least one of the first and second electrically conductive elements and the nanotube ribbon. Such circuits may be formed into arrays of cells. One of the conductive elements may be used to create an attractive force to cause the nanotube ribbon to contact a conductive element, and the other of the conductive elements may be used to create an attractive force to pull the nanotube ribbon from contact with the contacted conductive element. The electrically conductive traces may be aligned or unaligned with one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2004Publication date: August 26, 2004Applicant: Nantero, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Rueckes, Brent M. Segal, Claude Bertin
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Publication number: 20040159833Abstract: Nanotube films and articles and methods of making the same are disclosed. A conductive article includes an aggregate of nanotube segments in which the nanotube segments contact other nanotube segments to define a plurality of conductive pathways along the article. The nanotube segments may be single walled carbon nanotubes, or multi-walled carbon nanotubes. The various segments may have different lengths and may include segments having a length shorter than the length of the article. The articles so formed may be disposed on substrates, and may form an electrical network of nanotubes within the article itself. Conductive articles may be made on a substrate by forming a nanotube fabric on the substrate, and defining a pattern within the fabric in which the pattern corresponds to the conductive article.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2004Publication date: August 19, 2004Applicant: Nantero, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Rueckes, Brent M. Segal
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Patent number: 6774052Abstract: A method of making a permeable base transistor (PBT) is disclosed. According to the method, a semiconductor substrate is provided, a base layer is provided on the substrate, and a semiconductor layer is grown over the base layer. The base layer includes metallic nanotubes, which may be grown or deposited on the semiconductor substrate. The nanotube base layer separates emitter and collector layers of semiconductor material.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2002Date of Patent: August 10, 2004Assignee: Nantero, Inc.Inventors: Bernhard Vögeli, Thomas Rueckes, Brent M. Segal
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Patent number: 6759693Abstract: A permeable base transistor (PBT) having a base layer including metallic nanotubes embedded in a semiconductor crystal material is disclosed. The nanotube base layer separates emitter and collector layers of the semiconductor material.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2002Date of Patent: July 6, 2004Assignee: Nantero, Inc.Inventors: Bernhard Vögeli, Thomas Rueckes, Brent M. Segal
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Publication number: 20040085805Abstract: A memory system having electromechanical memory cells and decoders is disclosed. A decoder circuit selects at least one of the memory cells of an array of such cells. Each cell in the array is a crossbar junction at least one element of which is a nanotube or a nanotube ribbon. The decoder circuit is constructed of crossbar junctions at least one element of each junction being a nanotube or a nanotube ribbon.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Applicant: Nantero, Inc.Inventors: Brent M. Segal, Darren K. Brock, Thomas Rueckes
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Patent number: 6706402Abstract: Nanotube films and articles and methods of making the same are disclosed. A conductive article includes an aggregate of nanotube segments in which the nanotube segments contact other nanotube segments to define a plurality of conductive pathways along the article. The nanotube segments may be single walled carbon nanotubes, or multi-walled carbon nanotubes. The various segments may have different lengths and may include segments having a length shorter than the length of the article. The articles so formed may be disposed on substrates, and may form an electrical network of nanotubes within the article itself. Conductive articles may be made on a substrate by forming a nanotube fabric on the substrate, and defining a pattern within the fabric in which the pattern corresponds to the conductive article.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2002Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Nantero, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Rueckes, Brent M. Segal
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Publication number: 20030236000Abstract: A method of making a permeable base transistor (PBT) is disclosed. According to the method, a semiconductor substrate is provided, a base layer is provided on the substrate, and a semiconductor layer is grown over the base layer. The base layer includes metallic nanotubes, which may be grown or deposited on the semiconductor substrate. The nanotube base layer separates emitter and collector layers of semiconductor material.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2002Publication date: December 25, 2003Applicant: Nantero, Inc.Inventors: Bernhard Vogeli, Thomas Rueckes, Brent M. Segal