Patents by Inventor James Hofmann
James Hofmann 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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Publication number: 20070048955Abstract: Methods for forming the lower electrode of a capacitor in a semiconductor circuit, and the capacitors formed by such methods are provided. The lower electrode is fabricated by forming a texturizing underlayer and then depositing a conductive material thereover. In one embodiment of a method of forming the lower electrode, the texturizing layer is formed by depositing a polymeric material comprising a hydrocarbon block and a silicon-containing block, over the insulative layer of a container, and then subsequently converting the polymeric film to relief or porous nanostructures by exposure to UV radiation and ozone, resulting in a textured porous or relief silicon oxycarbide film. A conductive material is then deposited over the texturizing layer resulting in a lower electrode have an upper roughened surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2006Publication date: March 1, 2007Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Donald Yates, Garry Mercaldi, James Hofmann
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Publication number: 20060292875Abstract: Methods for forming the lower electrode of a capacitor in a semiconductor circuit, and the capacitors formed by such methods are provided. The lower electrode is fabricated by forming a texturizing underlayer and then depositing a conductive material thereover. In one embodiment of a method of forming the lower electrode, the texturizing layer is formed by depositing a polymeric material comprising a hydrocarbon block and a silicon-containing block, over the insulative layer of a container, and then subsequently converting the polymeric film to relief or porous nanostructures by exposure to UV radiation and ozone, resulting in a textured porous or relief silicon oxycarbide film. A conductive material is then deposited over the texturizing layer resulting in a lower electrode have an upper roughened surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2006Publication date: December 28, 2006Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Donald Yates, Garry Mercaldi, James Hofmann
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Publication number: 20060253748Abstract: Communications equipment can be tested using a test pattern that is modified compared to, and more exploitive than, a standard test pattern. Test patterns can be employed that have lengthened or shortened consecutive identical digit (CID) portions, or that have lengthened or shortened pseudo random bit sequence (PRBS) portions. In some cases, PRBS polynomials are not re-seeded after each CID. Further, different order polynomials can be employed for different applications. Exemplary applications can include test equipment and built-in self-test capability for integrated circuits.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2005Publication date: November 9, 2006Inventors: Robert Brink, James Hofmann, Max Olsen, Gary Schiessler, Lane Smith
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Publication number: 20060253757Abstract: Communications equipment can be tested using a test pattern encapsulated within a frame, and offsetting the test pattern in each successive frame. In equipment having a number of data latches receiving serial input, the introduction of the offset allows each latch, over time, to be exposed to the same pattern as the other latches. That is, the latches “see” different portions of the pattern at a given time, but over time, each can be exposed to the full pattern. Otherwise, each latch would “see” its own static pattern, different from the other latches, but the same over time with respect to itself. The offset can enhance diagnostic capabilities of the test pattern.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2005Publication date: November 9, 2006Inventors: Robert Brink, James Hofmann, Max Olsen, Gary Schiessler, Lane Smith
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Publication number: 20060226761Abstract: An apparatus and a method for stabilizing the threshold voltage in an active matrix field emission device are disclosed. The method includes the formation of radiation-blocking elements between a cathodoluminescent display screen of the FED and semiconductor junctions formed on a baseplate of the FED.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2005Publication date: October 12, 2006Inventors: James Hofmann, John Lee, David Cathey, Glen Hush
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Publication number: 20060186790Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing the threshold voltage in an active matrix field emission device is disclosed. The apparatus includes the formation of radiation-blocking elements between a cathodoluminescent display screen of the FED and semiconductor junctions formed on a baseplate of the FED.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2006Publication date: August 24, 2006Inventors: James Hofmann, John Lee, David Cathey, Glen Hush
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Publication number: 20060183331Abstract: The invention includes methods of forming patterns in low-k dielectric materials by contact lithography. In a particular application, a mold having a first pattern is pressed into a low-k dielectric material to form a second pattern within the material. The second pattern is substantially complementary to the first pattern. The mold is then removed from the low-k dielectric material. The invention also includes a method of forming a mold; and includes a mold configured to pattern a mass over a semiconductor substrate during contact lithography of the mass.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2006Publication date: August 17, 2006Inventor: James Hofmann
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Publication number: 20060139561Abstract: The present invention describes thick film photolithographic molds, methods of making thick film photolithographic molds, and methods of using thick film photolithographic molds to form spacers on a substrate. The thick film photolithographic molds preferably comprise an epoxy bisphenol A novolac resin. The present invention also describes sol gel spacers comprising sodium silicates and potassium silicates. The thick film photolithographic molds and sol gel spacers of the present invention can be used in flat panel displays, such as field emission displays and plasma displays.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2006Publication date: June 29, 2006Inventors: James Hofmann, Brian Vaartstra, Brenda Kraus, Donald Westmoreland
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Publication number: 20060113621Abstract: The invention includes methods of forming patterns in low-k dielectric materials by contact lithography. In a particular application, a mold having a first pattern is pressed into a low-k dielectric material to form a second pattern within the material. The second pattern is substantially complementary to the first pattern. The mold is then removed from the low-k dielectric material. The invention also includes a method of forming a mold; and includes a mold configured to pattern a mass over a semiconductor substrate during contact lithography of the mass.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2006Publication date: June 1, 2006Inventor: James Hofmann
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Publication number: 20060038316Abstract: The invention includes methods of forming patterns in low-k dielectric materials by contact lithography. In a particular application, a mold having a first pattern is pressed into a low-k dielectric material to form a second pattern within the material. The second pattern is substantially complementary to the first pattern. The mold is then removed from the low-k dielectric material. The invention also includes a method of forming a mold; and includes a mold configured to pattern a mass over a semiconductor substrate during contact lithography of the mass.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2005Publication date: February 23, 2006Inventor: James Hofmann
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Publication number: 20060002120Abstract: A lamp assembly mountable on a motorcycle having first and second fork tubes. The lamp assembly includes a bracket that is attachable to only the first fork tube. The bracket is adapted to be solely supported by the first fork tube. A first light is coupled to the bracket and a second light is coupled to the bracket.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2004Publication date: January 5, 2006Applicant: Harley Davidson Motor Company Group, Inc.Inventors: Martin Grigg, James Hofmann, Brian Pendowski
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Publication number: 20050161153Abstract: A controller is used with an anodic bonding system that has a charge flowpath for supplying charge to bond materials together. The controller includes a switch and a circuit. The switch is configured to control a flow of the charge through the charge flowpath. The circuit is configured to monitor a rate of the flow, use the rate to determine an amount of the charge supplied for bonding, and based on the amount or rate, operate the switch to control the flow.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2004Publication date: July 28, 2005Inventors: James Hofmann, Glenn Piper
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Publication number: 20050112298Abstract: The present invention describes thick film photolithographic molds, methods of making thick film photolithographic molds, and methods of using thick film photolithographic molds to form spacers on a substrate. The thick film photolithographic molds preferably comprise an epoxy bisphenol A novolac resin. The present invention also describes sol gel spacers comprising sodium silicates and potassium silicates. The thick film photolithographic molds and sol gel spacers of the present invention can be used in flat panel displays, such as field emission displays and plasma displays.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2004Publication date: May 26, 2005Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: James Hofmann, Brian Vaartstra, Brenda Kraus, Donald Westmoreland
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Publication number: 20050082581Abstract: A controller is used with an anodic bonding system that has a charge flowpath for supplying charge to bond materials together. The controller includes a switch and a circuit. The switch is configured to control a flow of the charge through the charge flowpath. The circuit is configured to monitor a rate of the flow, use the rate to determine an amount of the charge supplied for bonding, and based on the amount or rate, operate the switch to control the flow.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2004Publication date: April 21, 2005Inventors: James Hofmann, Glenn Piper
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Publication number: 20050026438Abstract: The invention includes methods of forming patterns in low-k dielectric materials by contact lithography. In a particular application, a mold having a first pattern is pressed into a low-k dielectric material to form a second pattern within the material. The second pattern is substantially complementary to the first pattern. The mold is then removed from the low-k dielectric material. The invention also includes a method of forming a mold; and includes a mold configured to pattern a mass over a semiconductor substrate during contact lithography of the mass.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2004Publication date: February 3, 2005Inventor: James Hofmann
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Patent number: 6830712Abstract: The present provides deformable molds and methods for manufacturing ophthalmic lenses using deformable molds. The molds of the invention may be used in the custom manufacture of ophthalmic lenses.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2000Date of Patent: December 14, 2004Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey H. Roffman, Gregory James Hofmann, Larry G. Jones
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Patent number: 6375149Abstract: A hexagonal mold is formed by a unitary base and a unitary cover. Each of the base and the cover form three of the six surfaces of a hexagonal mold cavity when the cover is placed on top of the base. The hexagonal mold may be used to form field emission display spacers and field emission display microchannels by placing etchable single fibers in the hexagonal mold to form hexagonal multiple fiber preforms. The preforms are then drawn to form multiple fibers that are placed in a rectangular mold to form a rectangular fiber block. The rectangular fiber block is then sliced into sheets which are then placed between a field emission display baseplate and a field emission display faceplate.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2000Date of Patent: April 23, 2002Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Jason B. Elledge, James Hofmann
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Patent number: 6287487Abstract: A hexagonal mold is formed by a unitary base and a unitary cover. Each of the base and the cover form three of the six surfaces of a hexagonal mold cavity when the cover is placed on top of the base. The hexagonal mold may be used to form field emission display spacers and field emission display microchannels by placing etchable single fibers in the hexagonal mold to form hexagonal multiple fiber preforms. The preforms are then drawn to form multiple fibers that are placed in a rectangular mold to form a rectangular fiber block. The rectangular fiber block is then sliced into sheets which are then placed between a field emission display baseplate and a field emission display faceplate.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2000Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Jason B. Elledge, James Hofmann
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Patent number: 6190929Abstract: In one aspect, the invention encompasses a method of forming a semiconductor device. A masking material is formed over a semiconductor substrate. A mold is provided, and the mold has a first pattern defined by projections and valleys between the projection. The masking material is pressed between the mold and the substrate to form a second pattern in the masking material. The second pattern is substantially complementary to the first pattern. The mold is removed from the masking material, and subsequently the masking material is utilized as a mask during etching of the semiconductor substrate. In another aspect, the invention encompasses a method of forming a field emission display. A first material layer is formed over a conductive substrate, and a masking material is formed over the first material layer. A mold is provided over the mask material, and the mask material is pressed between the mold and the first material layer to pattern the masking material.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 1999Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Dapeng Wang, James Hofmann
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Patent number: 6165390Abstract: A hexagonal mold is formed by a unitary base and a unitary cover. Each of the base and the cover form three of the six surfaces of a hexagonal mold cavity when the cover is placed on top of the base. The hexagonal mold may be used to form field emission display spacers and field emission display microchannels by placing etchable single fibers in the hexagonal mold to form hexagonal multiple fiber preforms. The preforms are then drawn to form multiple fibers that are placed in a rectangular mold to form a rectangular fiber block. The rectangular fiber block is then sliced into sheets which are then placed between a field emission display baseplate and a field emission display faceplate.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 1999Date of Patent: December 26, 2000Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Jason B. Elledge, James Hofmann