Patents by Inventor David Kirtland Fork

David Kirtland Fork 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: 11568299
    Abstract: Superconducting tunnel junctions for use in, for instance, quantum processors. In one example, a quantum processor can have at least one qubit structure. The at least one qubit structure includes a first aluminum layer, a second aluminum layer, and a crystalline dielectric layer disposed between the first aluminum layer and the second aluminum layer. The crystalline dielectric layer includes a spinel crystal structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: GOOGLE LLC
    Inventor: David Kirtland Fork
  • Patent number: 7687108
    Abstract: Disclosed is a MEMS device which comprises at least one shape memory material such as a shape memory alloy (SMA) layer and at least one stressed material layer. Examples of such MEMS devices include an actuator, a micropump, a microvalve, or a non-destructive fuse-type connection probe. The device exhibits a variety of improved properties, for example, large deformation ability and high energy density. Also provided is a method of easily fabricating the MEMS device in the form of a cantilever-type or diaphragm-type structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Baomin Xu, David Kirtland Fork, Michael Yu Tak Young, Eugene Michael Chow
  • Publication number: 20090320992
    Abstract: Disclosed is a MEMS device which comprises at least one shape memory material such as a shape memory alloy (SMA) layer and at least one stressed material layer. Examples of such MEMS devices include an actuator, a micropump, a microvalve, or a non-destructive fuse-type connection probe. The device exhibits a variety of improved properties, for example, large deformation ability and high energy density. Also provided is a method of easily fabricating the MEMS device in the form of a cantilever-type or diaphragm-type structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventors: Baomin Xu, David Kirtland Fork, Michael Yu Tak Young, Eugene Michael Chow
  • Patent number: 7372348
    Abstract: Disclosed is a MEMS device which comprises at least one shape memory material such as a shape memory alloy (SMA) layer and at least one stressed material layer. Examples of such MEMS devices include an actuator, a micropump, a microvalve, or a non-destructive fuse-type connection probe. The device exhibits a variety of improved properties, for example, large deformation ability and high energy density. Also provided is a method of easily fabricating the MEMS device in the form of a cantilever-type or diaphragm-type structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Baomin Xu, David Kirtland Fork, Michael Yu Tak Young, Eugene Michael Chow
  • Patent number: 6658728
    Abstract: Efficient methods for lithographically fabricating spring structures onto a substrate containing contact pads or metal vias by forming both the spring metal and release material layers using a single mask. Specifically, a pad of release material is self-aligned to the spring metal finger using a photoresist mask or a plated metal pattern, or using lift-off processing techniques. A release mask is then used to release the spring metal finger while retaining a portion of the release material that secures the anchor portion of the spring metal finger to the substrate. When the release material is electrically conductive (e.g., titanium), this release material portion is positioned directly over the contact pad or metal via, and acts as a conduit to the spring metal finger in the completed spring structure. When the release material is non-conductive, a metal strap is formed to connect the spring metal finger to the contact pad/via.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: David Kirtland Fork, Jackson Ho, Rachel King-ha Lau, JengPing Lu
  • Publication number: 20030100145
    Abstract: Efficient methods are disclosed for fabricating metal plated spring structures in which the metal is plated onto the spring structure after release. A conductive release layer is deposited on a substrate and a spring metal layer is then formed thereon. A first mask is then used to form a spring metal finger, but etching is stopped before the release layer is entirely removed. A second mask is then deposited that defines a release window used to remove a portion of the release layer and release a free end of the spring metal finger. The second mask is also used to plate at least some portions of the free end of the finger and selected structures exposed through the second mask. Remaining portions of the release layer are utilized as electrodes during electroplating. The resulting spring structure includes plated metal on both upper and lower surfaces of the finger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Applicant: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: David Kirtland Fork
  • Patent number: 6528350
    Abstract: Efficient methods are disclosed for fabricating metal plated spring structures in which the metal is plated onto the spring structure after release. A conductive release layer is deposited on a substrate and a spring metal layer is then formed thereon. A first mask is then used to form a spring metal finger, but etching is stopped before the release layer is entirely removed. A second mask is then deposited that defines a release window used to remove a portion of the release layer and release a free end of the spring metal finger. The second mask is also used to plate at least some portions of the free end of the finger and selected structures exposed through the second mask. Remaining portions of the release layer are utilized as electrodes during electroplating. The resulting spring structure includes plated metal on both upper and lower surfaces of the finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: David Kirtland Fork
  • Publication number: 20020173146
    Abstract: Efficient methods are disclosed for fabricating metal plated spring structures in which the metal is plated onto the spring structure after release. A conductive release layer is deposited on a substrate and a spring metal layer is then formed thereon. A first mask is then used to form a spring metal finger, but etching is stopped before the release layer is entirely removed. A second mask is then deposited that defines a release window used to remove a portion of the release layer and release a free end of the spring metal finger. The second mask is also used to plate at least some portions of the free end of the finger and selected structures exposed through the second mask. Remaining portions of the release layer are utilized as electrodes during electroplating. The resulting spring structure includes plated metal on both upper and lower surfaces of the finger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Applicant: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: David Kirtland Fork
  • Patent number: 6361331
    Abstract: Efficient methods for lithographically fabricating spring structures onto a substrate containing contact pads or metal vias by forming both the spring metal and release material layers using a single mask. Specifically, a pad of release material is self-aligned to the spring metal finger using a photoresist mask or a plated metal pattern, or using lift-off processing techniques. A release mask is then used to release the spring metal finger while retaining a portion of the release material that secures the anchor portion of the spring metal finger to the substrate. When the release material is electrically conductive (e.g., titanium), this release material portion is positioned directly over the contact pad or metal via, and acts as a conduit to the spring metal finger in the completed spring structure. When the release material is non-conductive, a metal strap is formed to connect the spring metal finger to the contact pad or metal via, and also to further anchor the spring metal finger to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: David Kirtland Fork, Jackson Ho, Rachel King-ha Lau, JengPing Lu
  • Patent number: 6339289
    Abstract: A mechanism for deterring dark spot propagation by dividing the active emitting area, i.e., pixel, of each light emitting device into sub-regions that are separated by a dielectric barrier. This division prevents spreading of one affected region to adjacent current carrying regions. A side benefit of the division is improved out-coupling of light from the active emitting area of the light emitting device because the morphology resulting from the incorporation of the dielectric barrier can be configured to increase the externally radiated, and thereby collectable, portion of the generated light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: David Kirtland Fork
  • Patent number: 6290510
    Abstract: Efficient methods for lithographically fabricating spring structures onto a substrate containing contact pads or metal vias by forming both the spring metal and release material layers using a single mask. Specifically, a pad of release material is self-aligned to the spring metal finger using a photoresist mask or a plated metal pattern, or using lift-off processing techniques. A release mask is then used to release the spring metal finger while retaining a portion of the release material that secures the anchor portion of the spring metal finger to the substrate. When the release material is electrically conductive (e.g., titanium), this release material portion is positioned directly over the contact pad or metal via, and acts as a conduit to the spring metal finger in the completed spring structure. When the release material is non-conductive, a metal strap is formed to connect the spring metal finger to the contact pad or metal via, and also to further anchor the spring metal finger to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: David Kirtland Fork, Jackson Ho, Rachel King-ha Lau, JengPing Lu
  • Patent number: 6292208
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for stitching a at least two imagers together in a scanning system to produce accurate, wide and seamless images. The system includes a photoreceptor adapted to move in a process direction and at least two imagers for simultaneously forming a single scan line at a time, in a direction transverse to the process direction. The system also includes circuitry for stitching together the at least two imagers and for forming registration marks on the surface of the photoreceptor. Finally, the scanning system includes sensing circuitry for detecting displacements of successive registration marks and providing adjustment values to the stitching circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Robert M. Lofhus, David Kirtland Fork, Dcai Sun
  • Patent number: 6160273
    Abstract: A OLED-based edge emitter mitigates the problem of unacceptably large losses by physically separating the OLED from the waveguide using an optical cladding layer. An additional advantage over conventional surface emitting OLEDs used in image bars is the pixel aspect ratio of the edge emitter. The pixel-aspect ratio is narrow in the process direction forming a rectangle. This rectangular shape allows movement to make an effective square. Therefore, emission modulation can be performed at a high duty-cycle because the edge is much shorter in the process direction than in the lateral, i.e., fast scan direction. As a result, the duty cycle of the light source can be higher, i.e., the light source is on for a longer time, without smearing an irradiated spot into locations corresponding to adjacent pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: David Kirtland Fork, Zoran D. Popovic
  • Patent number: 6042013
    Abstract: An illuminator apparatus for a scanner device includes a support structure that extends along the longitudinal axis and an array of light emitting elements that are disposed on and supported by the support structure. The array of light emitting elements are arranged on the support structure in at least three longitudinal rows. The at least three rows of light emitting elements are associated with a respective one of blue, green and red colored light emitting elements. A color image sensor apparatus for a scanner device capable of scanning a multi-colored document and a method for illuminating a colored document being scanned in a scanning device are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: David Kirtland Fork