Patents by Inventor John Becker

John Becker 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).

  • Method for implementing component placement suspended within grid array packages for enhanced electrical performance
    Patent number: 7553696
    Abstract: A method and structure are provided for implementing component placement suspended within electrical pin grid array packages for enhanced electrical performance. A solder column grid array is coupled between a printed circuit board and a first level package. A component is connected between a predefined pair of adjacent columns in the solder column grid array suspended between the printed circuit board and the first level package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald Keith Bartley, Darryl John Becker, Paul Eric Dahlen, Philip Raymond Germann, Andrew Benson Maki, Mark Owen Maxson
  • Memory system having self timed daisy chained memory chips
    Patent number: 7545664
    Abstract: A memory system having a memory controller and a memory. The memory comprises one or more daisy chains of self timed memory chips. An address/command word is chained through a daisy chain of memory chips and is handled by one of the memory chips in the daisy chain of memory chips. Data to be written to a memory chip is sent as part of the address/command word, or is transferred on an outgoing data bus chain. Data read from a memory chip is transferred on an incoming data bus chain. Access timing on a memory chip is determined by a self time block on the memory chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald Keith Bartley, Darryl John Becker, Paul Eric Dahlen, Philip Raymond Germann, Andrew Benson Maki, Mark Owen Maxson
  • Self timed memory chip having an apportionable data bus
    Patent number: 7546410
    Abstract: A self timed memory chip having an apportionable data bus. Access timing to an array on the memory chip is dynamically determined by circuitry on the memory chip. A ring oscillator on the memory chip has a frequency that is indicative of how fast an array on the memory chip can be accessed. The ring oscillator includes a bit line that is periodically charged and a memory element that subsequently discharges the bit line. The memory chip has a data bus interface having a number of bits. The data bus interface has a first number of bits apportioned to write data and a second number of bits apportioned to read data. The first number of bits and the second number of bits is programmable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald Keith Bartley, Darryl John Becker, John Michael Borkenhagen, Paul Eric Dahlen, Philip Raymond Germann, Andrew Benson Maki, Mark Owen Maxson
  • IMPLEMENTING ENHANCED WIRING CAPABILITY FOR ELECTRONIC LAMINATE PACKAGES
    Publication number: 20090138832
    Abstract: Structures and a computer program product are provided for implementing enhanced wiring capability for electronic laminate packages. Electronic package physical design data are received. Instances of line width and space limit violations in the electronic package physical design data are identified. The identified instances of line width and space limit violations are evaluated using predefined qualified options and tolerance limitations and the electronic package physical design data are modified to optimize shapes to replace the instances of line width and space limit violations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gerald Keith Bartley, Darryl John Becker, Paul Eric Dahlen, Philip Raymond Germann, Andrew Benson Maki, Mark Owen Maxson, Trevor Joseph Timpane
  • AUDIO VISUAL PLAYER APPARATUS AND SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CONTENT DISTRIBUTION USING THE SAME
    Publication number: 20090069915
    Abstract: A system is presented providing content to a plurality of handheld devices (including musical selections). The devices can access a server over the Internet via a WIFI or other similar wireless interconnection and can download songs requested by a user from the server or from other users using, e,g, a P2P protocol. All downloads are governed by applicable DRM rules. Content and playlists may also be pushed by a server from other sources and means including, e.g., podcasting, based on predetermined rules, favorite preferences of users, and other criteria.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Robert Khedouri, Jonathan Axelrod, Harold Price, John Becker, Mark Edinger, Douglas R. Kraul
  • Memory system having an apportionable data bus and daisy chained memory chips
    Patent number: 7490186
    Abstract: A memory system having a memory controller and a daisy chain of memory chips. The memory controller is coupled to memory chips in the daisy chain of memory chips by an address/command bus chain. The memory controller is coupled to memory chips in the daisy chain of memory chips by a data bus chain having a number of data bus bits. The data bus chain has a first portion of data bus bits dedicated to transmitting write data from the memory controller to a memory chip. The data bus chain has a second portion of data bus bits dedicated to transmitting read data from a memory chip to the memory controller. Apportionment of data bus bits between the first portion and the second portion is programmable. Programming is done by pin connection, scanning of a value, or by request from a processor coupled to the memory controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald Keith Bartley, Darryl John Becker, John Michael Borkenhagen, Paul Eric Dahlen, Philip Raymond Germann, Andrew Benson Maki, Mark Owen Maxson
  • Daisy chainable memory chip
    Patent number: 7480201
    Abstract: A memory chip suitable for use in a daisy chain of memory chips. The memory chip receives an address/command word on a first input, determines if the address command word is directed to the memory chip; if so, the memory chip accesses an array on the memory chip. If not, the memory chip re-drives the address/command word on a first output. Write data is received as part of the address/command word or from a first data bus port. A bus clock is received and is used to receive and transmit information on the first input, the first output, the first data bus port and the second data bus port. The memory chip is incorporated into a design structure that is embodied in a computer readable medium used for designing, manufacturing, or testing the memory chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald Keith Bartley, Darryl John Becker, Paul Eric Dahlen, Philip Raymond Germann, Andrew Benson Maki, Mark Owen Maxson
  • Method for implementing enhanced wiring capability for electronic laminate packages
    Patent number: 7472360
    Abstract: A method is provided for implementing enhanced wiring capability for electronic laminate packages. Electronic package physical design data are received. Instances of line width and space limit violations in the electronic package physical design data are identified. The identified instances of line width and space limit violations are evaluated using predefined qualified options and tolerance limitations and the electronic package physical design data are modified to optimize shapes to replace the instances of line width and space limit violations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald Keith Bartley, Darryl John Becker, Paul Eric Dahlen, Philip Raymond Germann, Andrew Benson Maki, Mark Owen Maxson, Trevor Joseph Timpane
  • Method for implementing vertically coupled noise control through a mesh plane in an electronic package design
    Patent number: 7472368
    Abstract: A method is provided for implementing vertically coupled noise control through a mesh plane in an electronic package design. Electronic package physical design data are received. Instances of vertically coupled noise in the electronic package physical design data are identified. The identified instances of vertically coupled noise are quantified. Then the electronic package physical design data are modified to limit the vertically coupled noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald Keith Bartley, Darryl John Becker, Paul Eric Dahlen, Philip Raymond Germann, Andrew Benson Maki, Mark Owen Maxson
  • Method and Apparatus for Implementing Redundant Memory Access Using Multiple Controllers on the Same Bank of Memory
    Publication number: 20080307253
    Abstract: A method and apparatus implement redundant memory access using multiple controllers on the same bank of memory, and a design structure on which the subject circuit resides is provided. A first memory controller uses the memory as its primary address space, for storage and fetches. A second redundant controller is also connected to the same memory. System control logic is used to notify the redundant controller of the need to take over the memory interface. The redundant controller initializes if required and takes control of the memory. The memory only needs to be initialized if the system has to be brought down and restarted in the redundant mode. This invention allows the system to continue to stay up and continue running during a memory controller or link failure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gerald Keith Bartley, Darryl John Becker, John Michael Borkenhagen, Paul Eric Dahlen, Philip Raymond Germann, William Paul Hovis
  • Method and Apparatus for Implementing Redundant Memory Access Using Multiple Controllers on the Same Bank of Memory
    Publication number: 20080307252
    Abstract: A method and apparatus implement redundant memory access using multiple controllers on the same bank of memory. A first memory controller uses the memory as its primary address space, for storage and fetches. A second redundant controller is also connected to the same memory. System control logic is used to notify the redundant controller of the need to take over the memory interface. The redundant controller initializes if required and takes control of the memory. The memory only needs to be initialized if the system has to be brought down and restarted in the redundant mode. This invention allows the system to continue to stay up and continue running during a memory controller or link failure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventors: Gerald Keith Bartley, Darryl John Becker, John Michael Borkenhagen, Paul Eric Dahlen, Philip Raymond Germann, William Paul Hovis
  • Low skin dose patient positioning device for radiation treatment of prone breast
    Patent number: 7450688
    Abstract: The present invention provides a support for a patient undergoing radiation therapy that preserves radiation build-up, such as normally spares the skin from receiving high amounts of radiation dose. The support includes at least one gas-filled bladder that displaces some tissue from the path of the radiation and/or spaces the tissue being treated from foam or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Stewart John Becker, Thomas Rockwell Mackie
  • APPARATUS, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR IMPLEMENTING VERTICALLY COUPLED NOISE CONTROL THROUGH A MESH PLANE IN AN ELECTRONIC PACKAGE DESIGN
    Publication number: 20080270968
    Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for implementing vertically coupled noise control through a mesh plane in an electronic package design. Electronic package physical design data are received. Instances of vertically coupled noise in the electronic package physical design data are identified. The identified instances of vertically coupled noise are quantified. Then the electronic package physical design data are modified to limit the vertically coupled noise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald Keith Bartley, Darryl John Becker, Paul Eric Dahlen, Philip Raymond Germann, Andrew Benson Maki, Mark Owen Maxson
  • Method and Structure for Connecting, Stacking, and Cooling Chips on a Flexible Carrier
    Publication number: 20080218974
    Abstract: A heat sink apparatus having a plurality of chips attached to a first surface of a flexible carrier and a plurality of heat sink fins. One or more additional chips may be attached to a second surface of the flexible carrier. The flexible carrier has at least one complementary fold, the complementary fold having a counterclockwise fold and a clockwise fold as seen from the side. A first chip back surface of a first chip and a second chip back surface of a second chip are in thermal contact with a particular heat sink fin, that is, sharing the same heat sink fin. Thermal contact between the chips and heat sink fins is effected by force, by thermally conducting adhesive, by thermal grease, or by a combination of force and/or thermally conducting adhesive and/or thermal grease.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: Gerald Keith Bartley, Darryl John Becker, Paul Eric Dahlen, Philip Raymond Germann, Andrew Benson Maki, Mark Owen Maxson
  • POWER CONTROL STRUCTURE FOR MANAGING A PLURALITY OF VOLTAGE ISLANDS
    Publication number: 20080185734
    Abstract: A power control method and power control structures are provided for managing a plurality of voltage islands of a functional chip. The power control structure includes a supply control and partition chip positioned between a substrate carrier and a functional chip including a plurality of voltage islands. The supply control and partition chip includes a plurality of first electrical connections to the functional chip including the plurality of voltage islands. The supply control and partition chip includes a plurality of second electrical connections to the substrate carrier. Power applied to predefined ones of the first electrical connections to the functional chip are selectively switched on and off by the supply control and partition chip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald Keith Bartley, Darryl John Becker, Paul Eric Dahlen, Philip Raymond Germann, Andrew Benson Maki, Mark Owen Maxson
  • Audio visual player apparatus and system and method of content distribution using the same
    Publication number: 20080187115
    Abstract: A system is presented providing content to a plurality of handheld devices (including musical selections). The devices can access a server over the Internet via a WIFI or other similar wireless interconnection and can download songs requested by a user from the server or from other users using, e,g,, a P2P protocol. All downloads are governed by applicable DRM rules. Content and playlists may also be pushed by a server from other sources and means including, e.g., podcasting, based on predetermined rules, favorite preferences of users, and other criteria.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventors: Robert Khedouri, Jonathan Axelrod, Harold Price, John Becker, Mark Edinger, Douglas R. Kraul
  • Audio visual player apparatus and system and method of content distribution using the same
    Publication number: 20080189295
    Abstract: A system is presented providing content to a plurality of handheld devices (including musical selections). The devices can access a server over the Internet via a WIFI or other similar wireless interconnection and can download songs requested by a user from the server or from other users using, e.g., a P2P protocol. All downloads are governed by applicable DRM rules. Content and playlists may also be pushed by a server from other sources and means including, e.g., podcasting, based on predetermined rules, favorite preferences of users, and other criteria.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventors: Robert KHEDOURI, Jonathan Axelrod, Harold Price, John Becker, Mark Edinger, Douglas R. Kraul
  • AUDIO VISUAL PLAYER APPARATUS AND SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CONTENT DISTRIBUTION USING THE SAME
    Publication number: 20080184359
    Abstract: A system is presented providing content to a plurality of handheld devices (including musical selections). The devices can access a server over the Internet via a WIFI or other similar wireless interconnection and can download songs requested by a user from the server or from other users using, e,g, a P2P protocol. All downloads are governed by applicable DRM rules. Content and playlists may also be pushed by a server from other sources and means including, e.g., podcasting, based on predetermined rules, favorite preferences of users, and other criteria.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Robert Khedouri, Jonathan Axelrod, Harold Price, John Becker, Mark Edinger, Douglas R. Kraul
  • AUDIO VISUAL PLAYER APPARATUS AND SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CONTENT DISTRIBUTION USING THE SAME
    Publication number: 20080184317
    Abstract: A system is presented providing content to a plurality of handheld devices (including musical selections). The devices can access a server over the Internet via a WIFI or other similar wireless interconnection and can download songs requested by a user from the server or from other users using, e.g., a P2P protocol. All downloads are governed by applicable DRM rules. Content and playlists may also be pushed by a server from other sources and means including, e.g., podcasting, based on predetermined rules, favorite preferences of users, and other criteria.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Robert Khedouri, Jonathan Axelrod, Harold Price, John Becker, Mark Edinger, Douglas R. Kraul
  • Audio visual player apparatus and system and method of content distribution using the same
    Publication number: 20080182510
    Abstract: A system is presented providing content to a plurality of handheld devices (including musical selections). The devices can access a server over the Internet via a WIFI or other similar wireless interconnection and can download songs requested by a user from the server or from other users using, e.g., a P2P protocol. All downloads are governed by applicable DRM rules. Content and playlists may also be pushed by a server from other sources and means including, e.g., podcasting, based on predetermined rules, favorite preferences of users, and other criteria.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Robert Khedouri, Jonathan Axelrod, Harold Price, John Becker, Mark Edinger, Douglas R. Kraul