Patents by Inventor Joe Scheffelin
Joe Scheffelin 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: 11523500Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system that is configured to eject fluid vertically away from a thermal microfluidic die for use with scented oils or other fluids. The die is coupled to a rigid planar support board that separates the die from a reservoir of the fluid. The support board includes an opening that is lined with an inert liner that protects an interior surface of the support board from the fluid. The support board includes contact to an external power supply and contacts to the die on a first surface. The die is coupled to this first surface such that the second surface remains free of electrical connections.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2019Date of Patent: December 6, 2022Assignee: STMicroelectronics International N.V.Inventors: Simon Dodd, Joe Scheffelin, Dave Hunt, Steve Bush, Faiz Sherman
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Patent number: 10646892Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a microfluidic die that includes a plurality of heaters above a substrate, a plurality of chambers and nozzles above the heaters, a plurality of first contacts coupled to the heaters, and a plurality of second contacts coupled to the heaters. The plurality of second contacts are coupled to each other and coupled to ground. The die includes a plurality of contact pads, a first signal line coupled to the plurality of second contacts and to a first one of the plurality of contact pads, and a plurality of second signal lines, each second signal line being coupled to one of the plurality of first contacts, groups of the second signal lines being coupled together to drive a group of the plurality of heaters with a single signal, each group of the second signal lines being coupled to a remaining one of the plurality of contact pads.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2017Date of Patent: May 12, 2020Assignees: STMicroelectronics, Inc., STMICROELECTRONICS S.R.L., STMicroelectronics International N.V.Inventors: Simon Dodd, Joe Scheffelin, Dave Hunt, Matt Giere, Dana Gruenbacher, Faiz Sherman
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Patent number: 10543504Abstract: A microfluidic die is disclosed that includes a plurality of heaters above a substrate, a plurality of chambers and nozzles above the heaters, a plurality of first contacts coupled to the heaters, and a plurality of second contacts coupled to the heaters. The plurality of second contacts are coupled to each other and coupled to ground. The die includes a plurality of contact pads, a first signal line coupled to the plurality of second contacts and to a first one of the plurality of contact pads, and a plurality of second signal lines, each second signal line being coupled to one of the plurality of first contacts, groups of the second signal lines being coupled together to drive a group of the plurality of heaters with a single signal, each group of the second signal lines being coupled to a remaining one of the plurality of contact pads.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2017Date of Patent: January 28, 2020Assignees: STMicroelectronics, Inc., STMICROELECTRONICS S.R.L., STMicroelectronics International N.V.Inventors: Simon Dodd, Joe Scheffelin, Dave Hunt, Matt Giere, Dana Gruenbacher, Faiz Sherman
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Publication number: 20190200453Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system that is configured to eject fluid vertically away from a thermal microfluidic die for use with scented oils or other fluids. The die is coupled to a rigid planar support board that separates the die from a reservoir of the fluid. The support board includes an opening that is lined with an inert liner that protects an interior surface of the support board from the fluid. The support board includes contact to an external power supply and contacts to the die on a first surface. The die is coupled to this first surface such that the second surface remains free of electrical connections.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2019Publication date: June 27, 2019Inventors: Simon Dodd, Joe Scheffelin, Dave Hunt, Steve Bush, Faiz Sherman
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Patent number: 10264667Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system that is configured to eject fluid vertically away from a thermal microfluidic die for use with scented oils or other fluids. The die is coupled to a rigid planar support board that separates the die from a reservoir of the fluid. The support board includes an opening that is lined with an inert liner that protects an interior surface of the support board from the fluid. The support board includes contact to an external power supply and contacts to the die on a first surface. The die is coupled to this first surface such that the second surface remains free of electrical connections.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2014Date of Patent: April 16, 2019Assignees: STMicroelectronics, Inc., STMicroelectronics S.R.L., STMicroelectronics International N.V.Inventors: Simon Dodd, Joe Scheffelin, Dave Hunt, Steve Bush, Faiz Sherman
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Patent number: 9919334Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a microfluidic die that includes a plurality of heaters above a substrate, a plurality of chambers and nozzles above the heaters, a plurality of first contacts coupled to the heaters, and a plurality of second contacts coupled to the heaters. The plurality of second contacts are coupled to each other and coupled to ground. The die includes a plurality of contact pads, a first signal line coupled to the plurality of second contacts and to a first one of the plurality of contact pads, and a plurality of second signal lines, each second signal line being coupled to one of the plurality of first contacts, groups of the second signal lines being coupled together to drive a group of the plurality of heaters with a single signal, each group of the second signal lines being coupled to a remaining one of the plurality of contact pads.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2015Date of Patent: March 20, 2018Assignees: STMicroelectronics, Inc., STMicroelectronics S.R.L., STMicroelectronics International N.V.Inventors: Simon Dodd, Joe Scheffelin, Dave Hunt, Matt Giere, Dana Gruenbacher, Faiz Sherman
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Publication number: 20180056319Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a microfluidic die that includes a plurality of heaters above a substrate, a plurality of chambers and nozzles above the heaters, a plurality of first contacts coupled to the heaters, and a plurality of second contacts coupled to the heaters. The plurality of second contacts are coupled to each other and coupled to ground. The die includes a plurality of contact pads, a first signal line coupled to the plurality of second contacts and to a first one of the plurality of contact pads, and a plurality of second signal lines, each second signal line being coupled to one of the plurality of first contacts, groups of the second signal lines being coupled together to drive a group of the plurality of heaters with a single signal, each group of the second signal lines being coupled to a remaining one of the plurality of contact pads.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2017Publication date: March 1, 2018Inventors: Simon DODD, Joe SCHEFFELIN, Dave HUNT, Matt GIERE, Dana GRUENBACHER, Faiz SHERMAN
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Patent number: 9861720Abstract: One or more embodiments are directed to a microfluidic delivery system that dispenses a fluid in a direction that, at least in part, opposes gravity. In one embodiment, the microfluidic delivery system includes a microfluidic refill cartridge that is configured to be placed in a housing. The microfluidic refill cartridge includes at least one nozzle that faces upward or off to a side. The microfluidic refill cartridge includes a fluid transport member that allows fluid to travel upward from a fluid reservoir in opposition to gravity. A fluid path is located above the fluid transport member placing an end of the fluid transport member in fluid communication with a chamber and a nozzle. In response to the microfluidic delivery system receiving an electrical signal, an ejection element is configured to cause fluid in the chamber to be expelled through the nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2014Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: STMicroelectronics, Inc.Inventors: Simon Dodd, Joe Scheffelin, Dave Hunt, Tim Hoekstra, Faiz Sherman, Steve Bush
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Patent number: 9833806Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a microfluidic die that includes a plurality of heaters above a substrate, a plurality of chambers and nozzles above the heaters, a plurality of first contacts coupled to the heaters, and a plurality of second contacts coupled to the heaters. The plurality of second contacts are coupled to each other and coupled to ground. The die includes a plurality of contact pads, a first signal line coupled to the plurality of second contacts and to a first one of the plurality of contact pads, and a plurality of second signal lines, each second signal line being coupled to one of the plurality of first contacts, groups of the second signal lines being coupled together to drive a group of the plurality of heaters with a single signal, each group of the second signal lines being coupled to a remaining one of the plurality of contact pads.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2015Date of Patent: December 5, 2017Assignees: STMicroelectronics, Inc., STMICROELECTRONICS S.R.L., STMicroelectronics International N.V.Inventors: Simon Dodd, Joe Scheffelin, Dave Hunt, Matt Giere, Dana Gruenbacher, Faiz Sherman
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Publication number: 20170297332Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a microfluidic die that includes a plurality of heaters above a substrate, a plurality of chambers and nozzles above the heaters, a plurality of first contacts coupled to the heaters, and a plurality of second contacts coupled to the heaters. The plurality of second contacts are coupled to each other and coupled to ground. The die includes a plurality of contact pads, a first signal line coupled to the plurality of second contacts and to a first one of the plurality of contact pads, and a plurality of second signal lines, each second signal line being coupled to one of the plurality of first contacts, groups of the second signal lines being coupled together to drive a group of the plurality of heaters with a single signal, each group of the second signal lines being coupled to a remaining one of the plurality of contact pads.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2017Publication date: October 19, 2017Inventors: Simon DODD, Joe SCHEFFELIN, Dave HUNT, Matt GIERE, Dana GRUENBACHER, Faiz SHERMAN
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Patent number: 9561657Abstract: Embodiments are directed to microfluidic refill cartridges and methods of assembling same. The microfluidic refill cartridges include a microfluidic delivery member that includes a filter for filtering fluid passed therethrough. The filter may be configured to block particles above a threshold size to prevent blockage in the nozzles. For instance, particles having a dimension that is larger than the diameter of the nozzles can block or reduce fluid flow through the nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2016Date of Patent: February 7, 2017Assignees: STMicroelectronics S.r.l., STMicroelectronics Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, STMicroelectronics, Inc.Inventors: Simon Dodd, Joe Scheffelin, Dana Gruenbacher, Roberto Brioschi, Teck Khim Neo, Dave Hunt, Faiz Sherman
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Publication number: 20160236471Abstract: Embodiments are directed to microfluidic refill cartridges and methods of assembling same. The microfluidic refill cartridges include a microfluidic delivery member that includes a filter for filtering fluid passed therethrough. The filter may be configured to block particles above a threshold size to prevent blockage in the nozzles. For instance, particles having a dimension that is larger than the diameter of the nozzles can block or reduce fluid flow through the nozzle.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2016Publication date: August 18, 2016Inventors: Simon Dodd, Joe Scheffelin, Dana Gruenbacher, Roberto Brioschi, Teck Khim Neo, Dave Hunt, Faiz Sherman
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Patent number: 9358567Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a microfluidic die that includes a plurality of heaters above a substrate, a plurality of chambers and nozzles above the heaters, a plurality of first contacts coupled to the heaters, and a plurality of second contacts coupled to the heaters. The plurality of second contacts are coupled to each other and coupled to ground. The die includes a plurality of contact pads, a first signal line coupled to the plurality of second contacts and to a first one of the plurality of contact pads, and a plurality of second signal lines, each second signal line being coupled to one of the plurality of first contacts, groups of the second signal lines being coupled together to drive a group of the plurality of heaters with a single signal, each group of the second signal lines being coupled to a remaining one of the plurality of contact pads.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2014Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: STMicroelectronics, Inc.Inventors: Simon Dodd, Joe Scheffelin, Dave Hunt, Matt Giere, Dana Gruenbacher, Faiz Sherman
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Patent number: 9357635Abstract: Embodiments are directed to microfluidic refill cartridges and methods of assembling same. The microfluidic refill cartridges include a microfluidic delivery member that includes a filter for filtering fluid passed therethrough. The filter may be configured to block particles above a threshold size to prevent blockage in the nozzles. For instances, particles having a dimension that is larger than the diameter of the nozzles can block or reduce fluid flow through the nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2015Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Assignees: STMicroelectronics S.r.l., STMicroelectronics Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, STMicroelectronics, Inc.Inventors: Simon Dodd, Joe Scheffelin, Dana Gruenbacher, Roberto Brioschi, Teck Khim Neo, Dave Hunt, Faiz Sherman
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Publication number: 20160107443Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a microfluidic die that includes a plurality of heaters above a substrate, a plurality of chambers and nozzles above the heaters, a plurality of first contacts coupled to the heaters, and a plurality of second contacts coupled to the heaters. The plurality of second contacts are coupled to each other and coupled to ground. The die includes a plurality of contact pads, a first signal line coupled to the plurality of second contacts and to a first one of the plurality of contact pads, and a plurality of second signal lines, each second signal line being coupled to one of the plurality of first contacts, groups of the second signal lines being coupled together to drive a group of the plurality of heaters with a single signal, each group of the second signal lines being coupled to a remaining one of the plurality of contact pads.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2015Publication date: April 21, 2016Inventors: Simon Dodd, Joe Scheffelin, Dave Hunt, Matt Giere, Dana GRUENBACHER, Faiz SHERMAN
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Publication number: 20160107446Abstract: Embodiments are directed to microfluidic refill cartridges and methods of assembling same. The microfluidic refill cartridges include a microfluidic delivery member that includes a filter for filtering fluid passed therethrough. The filter may be configured to block particles above a threshold size to prevent blockage in the nozzles. For instances, particles having a dimension that is larger than the diameter of the nozzles can block or reduce fluid flow through the nozzle.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2015Publication date: April 21, 2016Inventors: Simon Dodd, Joe Scheffelin, Dana Gruenbacher, Roberto Brioschi, Teck Khim Neo, Dave Hunt, Faiz Sherman
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Publication number: 20160101619Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a microfluidic die that includes a plurality of heaters above a substrate, a plurality of chambers and nozzles above the heaters, a plurality of first contacts coupled to the heaters, and a plurality of second contacts coupled to the heaters. The plurality of second contacts are coupled to each other and coupled to ground. The die includes a plurality of contact pads, a first signal line coupled to the plurality of second contacts and to a first one of the plurality of contact pads, and a plurality of second signal lines, each second signal line being coupled to one of the plurality of first contacts, groups of the second signal lines being coupled together to drive a group of the plurality of heaters with a single signal, each group of the second signal lines being coupled to a remaining one of the plurality of contact pads.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2015Publication date: April 14, 2016Inventors: Simon DODD, Joe SCHEFFELIN, Dave HUNT, Matt GIERE, Dana GRUENBACHER, Faiz SHERMAN
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Patent number: 9259754Abstract: Embodiments are directed to microfluidic refill cartridges and methods of assembling same. The microfluidic refill cartridges include a microfluidic delivery member that includes a filter for filtering fluid passed therethrough. The filter may be configured to block particles above a threshold size to prevent blockage in the nozzles. For instances, particles having a dimension that is larger than the diameter of the nozzles can block or reduce fluid flow through the nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2014Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignees: STMICROELECTRONICS ASIA PACIFIC PTE LTD, STMICROELECTRONICS, INC.Inventors: Simon Dodd, Joe Scheffelin, Dana Gruenbacher, Teck Khim Neo, Dave Hunt, Faiz Sherman
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Publication number: 20150367370Abstract: Embodiments are directed to microfluidic refill cartridges and methods of assembling same. The microfluidic refill cartridges include a microfluidic delivery member that includes a filter for filtering fluid passed therethrough. The filter may be configured to block particles above a threshold size to prevent blockage in the nozzles. For instances, particles having a dimension that is larger than the diameter of the nozzles can block or reduce fluid flow through the nozzle.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2014Publication date: December 24, 2015Inventors: Simon Dodd, Joe Scheffelin, Dana Gruenbacher, Roberto Brioschi, Teck Khim Neo, Dave Hunt, Faiz Sherman
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Publication number: 20150367364Abstract: One or more embodiments are directed to a microfluidic delivery system that dispenses a fluid in a direction that, at least in part, opposes gravity. In one embodiment, the microfluidic delivery system includes a microfluidic refill cartridge that is configured to be placed in a housing. The microfluidic refill cartridge includes at least one nozzle that faces upward or off to a side. The microfluidic refill cartridge includes a fluid transport member that allows fluid to travel upward from a fluid reservoir in opposition to gravity. A fluid path is located above the fluid transport member placing an end of the fluid transport member in fluid communication with a chamber and a nozzle. In response to the microfluidic delivery system receiving an electrical signal, an ejection element is configured to cause fluid in the chamber to be expelled through the nozzle.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2014Publication date: December 24, 2015Inventors: Simon Dodd, Joe Scheffelin, Dave Hunt, Tim Hoekstra, Faiz Sherman, Steve Bush