Patents by Inventor John M. Baker

John M. Baker 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: 11963324
    Abstract: Electronic equipment may include structured fabric. Structured fabric may be used as a protective case or cosmetic cover for an electronic device, may be used to form a band that holds an electronic device against a user's body, or may be used to cover one or more openings in an electronic device. Structured fabrics may be soft and pliable while maintaining the ability to hold a given shape without added support. Structured fabric may be formed by laminating fabric such as warp-knit fabric with a stiffener such as polymer film. Structured fabrics may include openings through which signals such as optical or audio signals pass. To maintain the geometry and shape of the openings in the structured fabric without covering the openings, the stiffener and adhesive that are attached to the fabric may be cut to form a pattern of openings that align with the openings in the fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Yohji Hamada, John J. Baker, Peter F. Coxeter, Benjamin M. Rappoport, Joseph B. Walker
  • Publication number: 20240043229
    Abstract: Repulsive force created by actuated permanent magnets is used to levitate and transport heavy loads. A bed of permanent magnets is selectively actuated to levitate an array of magnets positioned above the bed, such that the magnets in the levitated array are opposed to the actuated magnets, and of the same magnetic pole, thereby creating a repulsive force. The actuated magnets are vertically offset from magnets in the bed of permanent magnets that have not been raised, thereby imparting maximum levitation forces to the magnets in the levitated array. These systems can levitate and transport objects over level or sloped surfaces, in a straight path or along curves and corners. A bed of magnets can be attached to the floor, or to a set of moving decks that rearrange themselves in a desired path. Our systems can simulate walking or running, similar to a treadmill or virtual gaming platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2021
    Publication date: February 8, 2024
    Applicants: SRI International, US Positronix Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Baker, Remigio Perales, Clifford J. P. Gilman
  • Publication number: 20230286552
    Abstract: We use permanent magnets to levitate and transport heavy loads. A bed of permanent magnets is selectively actuated to levitate an array of magnets positioned above the bed, such that the magnets in the levitated array are opposed to the actuated magnets, and of the same magnetic pole, thereby creating a repulsive force. The actuated magnets are offset from magnets in the bed of permanent magnets that have not been actuated, thereby imparting maximum levitation forces to the magnets in the levitated array. Our systems use magnetic repulsive force for levitating and transporting goods across a warehouse, simulating walking or running such as on a treadmill or in a virtual gaming platform, and for transporting people such as on a moving sidewalk. Our systems are electrical machines for holding or levitating devices using magnetic levitation, and also use permanent magnets to transmit power wirelessly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2021
    Publication date: September 14, 2023
    Applicants: US Positronix Inc., SRI International
    Inventors: John M. Baker, Remigio Perales, Clifford J. P. Gilman
  • Patent number: 7094614
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for controlling a CVD process used to deposit films on semiconductor substrates wherein the by-products of the reaction are measured and monitored during the reaction preferably using mass spectrometry and the results used to calculate the concentrations of the by-products and to control the CVD reaction process based on the by-product concentrations. An exemplary CVD process is the deposition of tungsten metal on a semiconductor wafer. A preferred method and apparatus uses a capillary gas sampling device for removing the by-product gases of the reaction as a feed for the mass spectrometer. The capillary gas sampling device is preferably connected to a differential pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas S. Armbrust, John M. Baker, Arne W. Ballantine, Roger W. Cheek, Doreen D. DiMilia, Mark L. Reath, Michael B. Rice
  • Patent number: 6445530
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for supplying bi-directional load current to a load device. Four current sensing metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors are operably configured to form an H-bridge with the load device, each transistor having separately insulated gate, source and drain and sense terminals with a source to drain conductivity determined in relation to a voltage applied to the gate terminal and a sense current from the sense terminal determined in relation to a magnitude of source to drain current. Drive voltages are applied to the gate terminals of alternating pairs of the transistors to apply the load current to the load device. The sense currents are used to provide adaptive, closed-loop clamping of the drive voltages at levels sufficient to maintain the non-load current conducting transistors in a quiescent state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventor: John M. Baker
  • Publication number: 20020094681
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for controlling a CVD process used to deposit films on semiconductor substrates wherein the by-products of the reaction are measured and monitored during the reaction preferably using mass spectrometry and the results used to calculate the concentrations of the by-products and to control the CVD reaction process based on the by-product concentrations. An exemplary CVD process is the deposition of tungsten metal on a semiconductor wafer. A preferred method and apparatus uses a capillary gas sampling device for removing the by-product gases of the reaction as a feed for the mass spectrometer. The capillary gas sampling device is preferably connected to a differential pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventors: Douglas S. Armbrust, John M. Baker, Arne W. Ballantine, Roger W. Cheek, Doreen D. DiMilia, Mark L. Reath, Michael B. Rice
  • Patent number: 6420274
    Abstract: A method for conditioning the inside walls of a process chamber is described incorporating a selected process gas such as Br, Br2, HBr, Cl2, HCl, F2, SiFx, and NF3, a pressure controller, and a timer for soaking the chamber. The invention overcomes the problem of running dummy product wafers to condition the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: John M. Baker, Marc Waine Cantell, Paul Wiliam Pastel, Alejandro Gabriel Schrott, Ying Zhang
  • Patent number: 6272733
    Abstract: An improved method and procedure of change-out of a defective power transformer. A replacement transformer is temporarily substituted for the defective transformer which is to be removed. The replacement transformer is brought to the transformer site and placed on a suitable support while the defective transformer is disconnected. The replacement transformer is temporarily electrically connected between the incoming utility lines and customer facility, and the defective transformer is removed. In the event the site has become contaminated by leaking transformer fluid or the like, the site is cleaned up. Then, the replacement transformer or another transformer, is moved to the site and connected in place of the removed defective transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventor: John M. Baker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6208280
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for converting a pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal to an analog voltage signal. A current source is provided to supply electrical charge at a controllable rate to a ramp capacitor which, during successively occurring cycles of the PWM signal, alternatively receives electrical charge from the current source and discharges previously received electrical charge. A first sampling capacitor receives electrical charge from the ramp capacitor to output a feedback voltage to a feedback circuit to adjust the rate of electrical charge supplied by the current source, with the charge transferred to the first sampling capacitor determined in relation to the charge stored on the ramp capacitor over an entire PWM cycle. A second sampling capacitor receives electrical charge from the ramp capacitor to output the analog voltage, with the charge transferred to the second sampling capacitor determined in relation to the duty cycle of the PWM signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: John M. Baker, Edward N. Jeffrey, Robert Whyte, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6016043
    Abstract: A motor control circuit controls a motor in a disc drive is provided. The motor control circuit includes a commutation circuit which provides commutation signals to the motor to commutate the motor at a commutation frequency. A frequency modulation circuit is operably coupled to the commutation circuit. The frequency modulation circuit provides a modulation signal which frequency modulates the commutation frequency according to a predetermined pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Seagate Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew R. Motzko, Garry E. Korbel, John M. Baker, Stuart K. Francis
  • Patent number: 5686696
    Abstract: A transformer pad is disclosed for receiving and supporting a utility transformer and for collecting and containing leaking liquid from the transformer. The transformer pad includes a container in the shape of a box having an open top and providing a containment reservoir for containing liquid leaking from a transformer. A cover is provided on the open top, and the cover has a containment area onto which a utility transformer can be disposed and which includes one or more openings for receiving any leaking liquid from the transformer and directing the liquid to the interior of the container. A seal member is disposed on the cover adjacent the containment area for providing a seal around the periphery of a transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Inventors: John M. Baker, Jr., Jimmie Ray Meuir
  • Patent number: 5204652
    Abstract: A solenoid valve comprising with a plunger which is readily and accurately adjustable to various heights whereby the solenoid is able to function with virtually all fluid flow control systems. The solenoid includes an elongated base which may have multiple threads to accommodate a variety of connectors and a bleed screw formed to be minimally disruptive to the electromagnetic field. A measurement standard, in the form of a cylinder and piston combination, is shaped to fit within the solenoid body and accurately determine the desired length of the specific plunger. The piston is mounted to move in the cylinder and, in conjunction with the cylinder, to assume the exact length required for the plunger within the solenoid to function correctly in operating the valve. The plunger is adjustable which allows the height thereof to be precisely and securely set to the height determined by the measurement standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Assignee: National Irrigation Specialists, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Baker, Ronald C. Jess
  • Patent number: 5074326
    Abstract: A solenoid valve comprising with a plunger which is readily and accurately adjustable to various heights whereby the solenoid is able to function with virtually all fluid flow control systems. The solenoid includes an elongated base which may have multiple threads to accommodate a variety of connectors and a bleed screw formed to be minimally disruptive to the electromagnetic field. A measurement standard, in the form of a cylinder and piston combination, is shaped to fit within the solenoid body and accurately determine the desired length of the specific plunger. The piston is mounted to move in the cylinder and, in conjunction with the cylinder, to assume the exact length required for the plunger within the solenoid to function correctly in operating the valve. The plunger is adjustable which allows the height thereof to be precisely and securely set to the height determined by the measurement standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1991
    Assignee: National Irrigation Specialists
    Inventors: John M. Baker, Ronald C. Jess
  • Patent number: 4995083
    Abstract: The method comprises transmitting an initiating signal in the form of a bit pattern as a continuous burst from one radio unit to the other. The pattern incorporates a preamble pattern and a security code having a plurality of bit sequences. Each sequence is transmitted a number of times. The received security code is compared with stored codes in the other unit, and if a matching pair is identified a response signal is transmitted from the other unit to said one unit. The response signal incorporates the preamble pattern for establishing synchronization between the radio units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignee: GEC Plessey Telecommunications Limited
    Inventors: John M. Baker, Peter N. Proctor, Andrew S. Pearce
  • Patent number: 4853346
    Abstract: A method for forming an ohmic contact on a GaAs semiconductor material comprising depositing a non-uniform layer of Au onto the surface layer of the semiconductor material, depositing a multi-layer ohmic contact of AuGeNi onto the non-uniform layer and alloying the ohmic contact to the semiconductor material. The non-uniform Au layer may be deposited by backscattering Au during sputter cleaning of the semiconductor surface wherein the electrode is coated with Au. After alloying, the ohmic contact comprises a two layer structure having a high density of large area NiAs(Ge) grains contacting the semiconductor material as the first layer and an AuGa phase as the top layer. The ohmic contact has reduced contact resistance and exhibits a reduction in the spread of contact resistance after high temperature annealing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1989
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: John M. Baker, Alessandro C. Callegari, Dianne L. Lacey, Yih-Cheng Shih
  • Patent number: 4672515
    Abstract: The present invention consists of a device that provides for easy adjustment of the direction of illumination produced by a utility light through a multiplicity of orientations from one attachment position. The device herein uses a metal track attached to the utility light, which track passes through a clamp and wherein the clamp can be releasably attached to various points along the track. Thus, by movement of the clamp along the track, the direction of illumination produced by the utility light can be adjusted. In addition, the device herein includes a magnet connected to the clamp for mounting of the utility light on suitable ferrous-metal support objects. Engagement and disengagement of the clamp from the track is accomplished by rotating the magnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1987
    Inventor: John M. Baker
  • Patent number: 4661719
    Abstract: A circuit device which is connected to an existing clocked memory circuit to provide additional clocked memory circuitry for a plurality of substantially independent switches within the parameters and constraints established at the main control station for an existing switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1987
    Assignee: J. B. Enterprises
    Inventors: Loyal E. Burchfiel, John M. Baker
  • Patent number: D316292
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1991
    Inventor: John M. Baker
  • Patent number: D329797
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1992
    Inventor: John M. Baker