Patents by Inventor Daniel E. Grindell

Daniel E. Grindell 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).

  • Patent number: 9697934
    Abstract: Surface-mountable conductive polymer devices include a conductive polymer layer between first and second electrodes, on which are disposed first and second insulation layers, respectively. First and second planar conductive terminals are on the second insulation layer. A first cross-conductor connects the second electrode to the first terminal, and is separated from the first electrode by a portion of the first insulation layer. A second cross-conductor connects the first electrode to the second terminal, and is separated from the second electrode by a portion of the second insulation layer. In some embodiments, at least one cross-conductor includes a beveled portion through the first insulation layer to provide enhanced adhesion between the cross-conductor and the first insulation layer, while allowing greater thermal expansion without undue stress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: BOURNS, INC.
    Inventors: Gordon L. Bourns, Stelar Chu, Daniel E. Grindell, David Huang, John Kelly, Erik Meijer
  • Publication number: 20170098495
    Abstract: Surface-mountable conductive polymer devices include a conductive polymer layer between first and second electrodes, on which are disposed first and second insulation layers, respectively. First and second planar conductive terminals are on the second insulation layer. A first cross-conductor connects the second electrode to the first terminal, and is separated from the first electrode by a portion of the first insulation layer. A second cross-conductor connects the first electrode to the second terminal, and is separated from the second electrode by a portion of the second insulation layer. In some embodiments, at least one cross-conductor includes a beveled portion through the first insulation layer to provide enhanced adhesion between the cross-conductor and the first insulation layer, while allowing greater thermal expansion without undue stress.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Applicant: BOURNS, INC.
    Inventors: Gordon L. Bourns, Stelar Chu, Daniel E. Grindell, David Huang, John Kelly, Erik Meijer
  • Patent number: 9552909
    Abstract: Surface-mountable devices include a conductive polymer layer between first and second electrodes, on which are disposed first and second insulation layers, respectively, with first and second planar terminals on the second insulation layer. A first cross-conductor connects the second electrode to the first terminal, and is separated from the first electrode by a portion of the first insulation layer. A second cross-conductor connects the first electrode to the second terminal, and is separated from the second electrode by a portion of the second insulation layer. At least one cross-conductor may include a beveled portion through the first insulation layer. Alternatively, at least one cross-conductor may contact an anchor pad on the first insulation layer, the anchor pad having a small area relative to the areas of the terminals. Enhanced adhesion between the cross-conductor(s) and the first insulation layer is provided, while allowing thermal expansion without excessive stress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: BOURNS, INC.
    Inventors: Gordon L. Bourns, Stelar Chu, Daniel E. Grindell, David Huang, John Kelly, Erik Meijer
  • Publication number: 20140077923
    Abstract: Surface-mountable conductive polymer devices include a conductive polymer layer between first and second electrodes, on which are disposed first and second insulation layers, respectively. First and second planar conductive terminals are on the second insulation layer. A first cross-conductor connects the second electrode to the first terminal, and is separated from the first electrode by a portion of the first insulation layer. A second cross-conductor connects the first electrode to the second terminal, and is separated from the second electrode by a portion of the second insulation layer. In some embodiments, at least one cross-conductor includes a beveled portion through the first insulation layer to provide enhanced adhesion between the cross-conductor and the first insulation layer, while allowing greater thermal expansion without undue stress.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: BOURNS, INC.
    Inventors: Gordon L. Bourns, Stelar Chu, Daniel E. Grindell, David Huang, John Kelly, Erik Meijer
  • Patent number: 8542086
    Abstract: Surface-mountable conductive polymer electronic devices include at least one conductive polymer active layer laminated between upper and lower electrodes. Upper and lower insulation layers, respectively, sandwich the upper and lower electrodes. First and second planar conductive terminals are formed on the lower insulation layer. First and second cross-conductors are provided by plated through-hole vias, whereby the cross-conductors connect each of the electrodes to one of the terminals. Certain embodiments include two or more active layers, arranged in a vertically-stacked configuration and electrically connected by the cross-conductors and electrodes in parallel. Several embodiments include at least one cross-conductor having a chamfered or beveled entry hole through the upper insulation layer to provide enhanced adhesion between the cross-conductor and the insulation layer. Several methods for manufacturing the present surface-mountable conductive polymer electronic devices are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Bourns, Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon L. Bourns, Stelar Chu, Daniel E. Grindell, David Huang, John Kelly, Erik Meijer
  • Publication number: 20110175700
    Abstract: Surface-mountable conductive polymer electronic devices include at least one conductive polymer active layer laminated between upper and lower electrodes. Upper and lower insulation layers, respectively, sandwich the upper and lower electrodes. First and second planar conductive terminals are formed on the lower insulation layer. First and second cross-conductors are provided by plated through-hole vias, whereby the cross-conductors connect each of the electrodes to one of the terminals. Certain embodiments include two or more active layers, arranged in a vertically-stacked configuration and electrically connected by the cross-conductors and electrodes in parallel. Several embodiments include at least one cross-conductor having a chamfered or beveled entry hole through the upper insulation layer to provide enhanced adhesion between the cross-conductor and the insulation layer. Several methods for manufacturing the present surface-mountable conductive polymer electronic devices are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: BOURNS, INC.
    Inventors: Gordon L. Bourns, Stelar Chu, Daniel E. Grindell, David Huang, John Kelly, Eric Meijer