Patents by Inventor K. Reed Gleason

K. Reed Gleason 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: 9874585
    Abstract: Resilient electrical interposers that may be utilized to form a plurality of electrical connections between a first device and a second device, as well as systems that may utilize the resilient electrical interposers and methods of use and/or fabrication thereof. The resilient electrical interposers may include a resilient dielectric body with a plurality of electrical conduits contained therein. The plurality of electrical conduits may be configured to provide a plurality of electrical connections between a first surface of the electrical interposer and/or the resilient dielectric body and a second, opposed, surface of the electrical interposer and/or the resilient dielectric body. The systems and methods disclosed herein may provide for improved vertical compliance, improved contact force control, and/or improved dimensional stability of the resilient electrical interposers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Cascade Microtech, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Smith, Mike Jolley, Eric Strid, Peter Hanaway, K. Reed Gleason, Koby L. Duckworth
  • Patent number: 9372214
    Abstract: High frequency interconnect structures, electronic assemblies that utilize high frequency interconnect structures, and methods of operating the same. The high frequency interconnect structures include a plurality of dielectric waveguides and are configured to communicatively connect a plurality of transmitters with a plurality of receivers and to convey a plurality of signals therebetween. The plurality of signals may include a plurality of electromagnetic waves and may have a frequency of at least 200 GHz. The high frequency interconnect structures further may be configured to decrease a potential for crosstalk between a first signal that is conveyed by a first dielectric waveguide of the plurality of dielectric waveguides and a second signal that is conveyed by a second dielectric waveguide of the plurality of dielectric waveguides, such as through control of a passband of the first dielectric waveguide relative to the second dielectric waveguide and/or the use of a crosstalk mitigation structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Cascade Microtech, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric W. Strid, Richard L. Campbell, Kenneth R. Smith, K. Reed Gleason, Kooho Jung
  • Publication number: 20150301082
    Abstract: Resilient electrical interposers that may be utilized to form a plurality of electrical connections between a first device and a second device, as well as systems that may utilize the resilient electrical interposers and methods of use and/or fabrication thereof. The resilient electrical interposers may include a resilient dielectric body with a plurality of electrical conduits contained therein. The plurality of electrical conduits may be configured to provide a plurality of electrical connections between a first surface of the electrical interposer and/or the resilient dielectric body and a second, opposed, surface of the electrical interposer and/or the resilient dielectric body. The systems and methods disclosed herein may provide for improved vertical compliance, improved contact force control, and/or improved dimensional stability of the resilient electrical interposers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Publication date: October 22, 2015
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Smith, Mike Jolley, Eric Strid, Peter Hanaway, K. Reed Gleason, Koby L. Duckworth
  • Patent number: 9099449
    Abstract: Resilient electrical interposers that may be utilized to form a plurality of electrical connections between a first device and a second device, as well as systems that may utilize the resilient electrical interposers and methods of use and/or fabrication thereof. The resilient electrical interposers may include a resilient dielectric body with a plurality of electrical conduits contained therein. The plurality of electrical conduits may be configured to provide a plurality of electrical connections between a first surface of the electrical interposer and/or the resilient dielectric body and a second, opposed, surface of the electrical interposer and/or the resilient dielectric body. The systems and methods disclosed herein may provide for improved vertical compliance, improved contact force control, and/or improved dimensional stability of the resilient electrical interposers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Cascade Microtech, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Smith, Mike Jolley, Eric Strid, Peter Hanaway, K. Reed Gleason, Koby L. Duckworth
  • Publication number: 20150114925
    Abstract: Resilient electrical interposers that may be utilized to form a plurality of electrical connections between a first device and a second device, as well as systems that may utilize the resilient electrical interposers and methods of use and/or fabrication thereof. The resilient electrical interposers may include a resilient dielectric body with a plurality of electrical conduits contained therein. The plurality of electrical conduits may be configured to provide a plurality of electrical connections between a first surface of the electrical interposer and/or the resilient dielectric body and a second, opposed, surface of the electrical interposer and/or the resilient dielectric body. The systems and methods disclosed herein may provide for improved vertical compliance, improved contact force control, and/or improved dimensional stability of the resilient electrical interposers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2015
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Smith, Mike Jolley, Eric Strid, Peter Hanaway, K. Reed Gleason, Koby L. Duckworth
  • Patent number: 8970240
    Abstract: Resilient electrical interposers that may be utilized to form a plurality of electrical connections between a first device and a second device, as well as systems that may utilize the resilient electrical interposers and methods of use and/or fabrication thereof. The resilient electrical interposers may include a resilient dielectric body with a plurality of electrical conduits contained therein. The plurality of electrical conduits may be configured to provide a plurality of electrical connections between a first surface of the electrical interposer and/or the resilient dielectric body and a second, opposed, surface of the electrical interposer and/or the resilient dielectric body. The systems and methods disclosed herein may provide for improved vertical compliance, improved contact force control, and/or improved dimensional stability of the resilient electrical interposers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Cascade Microtech, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Smith, Mike Jolley, Eric Strid, Peter Hanaway, K. Reed Gleason, Koby L. Duckworth
  • Patent number: 8451017
    Abstract: A substrate, preferably constructed of a ductile material and a tool having the desired shape of the resulting device for contacting contact pads on a test device is brought into contact with the substrate. The tool is preferably constructed of a material that is harder than the substrate so that a depression can be readily made therein. A dielectric (insulative) layer, that is preferably patterned, is supported by the substrate. A conductive material is located within the depressions and then preferably lapped to remove excess from the top surface of the dielectric layer and to provide a flat overall surface. A trace is patterned on the dielectric layer and the conductive material. A polyimide layer is then preferably patterned over the entire surface. The substrate is then removed by any suitable process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Cascade Microtech, Inc.
    Inventors: K. Reed Gleason, Michael A. Bayne, Kenneth Smith, Timothy Lesher, Martin Koxxy
  • Publication number: 20130015871
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for two-sided testing of electronic devices. These systems, devices, and methods may include the use of a test fixture that is configured to electrically connect a back side electrical pad of a device under test with an auxiliary pad that faces in a different direction than the back side electrical pad. Additionally or alternatively, these systems, devices, and methods also may include the use of a probe head that is configured to form an electrical connection with both the auxiliary pad and a front side electrical pad of the device under test. The systems, devices, and methods also may include providing a test signal to the device under test, receiving a resultant signal from the device under test, and/or analyzing the resultant signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: Cascade Microtech, Inc.
    Inventors: Tim Cleary, Peter Hanaway, Eric Strid, David Leslie, Eric Hill, Ken Smith, K. Reed Gleason
  • Publication number: 20120306587
    Abstract: High frequency interconnect structures, electronic assemblies that utilize high frequency interconnect structures, and methods of operating the same. The high frequency interconnect structures include a plurality of dielectric waveguides and are configured to communicatively connect a plurality of transmitters with a plurality of receivers and to convey a plurality of signals therebetween. The plurality of signals may include a plurality of electromagnetic waves and may have a frequency of at least 200 GHz. The high frequency interconnect structures further may be configured to decrease a potential for crosstalk between a first signal that is conveyed by a first dielectric waveguide of the plurality of dielectric waveguides and a second signal that is conveyed by a second dielectric waveguide of the plurality of dielectric waveguides, such as through control of a passband of the first dielectric waveguide relative to the second dielectric waveguide and/or the use of a crosstalk mitigation structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: Cascade Microtech, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric W. Strid, Richard L. Campbell, Kenneth R. Smith, K. Reed Gleason, Kooho Jung
  • Publication number: 20120112779
    Abstract: Resilient electrical interposers that may be utilized to form a plurality of electrical connections between a first device and a second device, as well as systems that may utilize the resilient electrical interposers and methods of use and/or fabrication thereof. The resilient electrical interposers may include a resilient dielectric body with a plurality of electrical conduits contained therein. The plurality of electrical conduits may be configured to provide a plurality of electrical connections between a first surface of the electrical interposer and/or the resilient dielectric body and a second, opposed, surface of the electrical interposer and/or the resilient dielectric body. The systems and methods disclosed herein may provide for improved vertical compliance, improved contact force control, and/or improved dimensional stability of the resilient electrical interposers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: Cascade Microtech, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Smith, Mike Jolley, Eric Strid, Peter Hanaway, K. Reed Gleason, Koby L. Duckworth
  • Patent number: 7898273
    Abstract: A probe measurement system for measuring the electrical characteristics of integrated circuits or other microelectronic devices at high frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Cascade Microtech, Inc.
    Inventors: K. Reed Gleason, Tim Lesher, Mike Andrews, John Martin
  • Patent number: 7893704
    Abstract: A membrane probing assembly includes a support element having an incompressible forward support tiltably coupled to a rearward base and a membrane assembly, formed of polyimide layers, with its central region interconnected to the support by an elastomeric layer. Flexible traces form data/signal lines to contacts on the central region. Each contact comprises a rigid beam and a bump located in off-centered location on the beam, which bump includes a contacting portion. After initial touchdown of these contacting portions, further over-travel of the pads causes each beam to independently tilt locally so that different portions of each beam move different distances relative to the support thus driving each contact into lateral scrubbing movement across the pad thereby clearing away oxide buildup. The elastomeric member backed by the incompressible support ensures sufficient scrub pressure and reliable tilt recovery of each contact without mechanical straining of the beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Cascade Microtech, Inc.
    Inventors: K. Reed Gleason, Kenneth R. Smith, Mike Bayne
  • Publication number: 20100253377
    Abstract: A probe suitable for probing a semiconductor wafer that includes an active circuit. The probe may include a flexible interconnection between the active circuit and a support structure. The probe may impose a relatively low capacitance on the device under test.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: Cascade Microtech, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Strid, K. Reed Gleason
  • Patent number: 7759953
    Abstract: A probe suitable for probing a semiconductor wafer that includes an active circuit. The probe may include a flexible interconnection between the active circuit and a support structure. The probe may impose a relatively low capacitance on the device under test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Cascade Microtech, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Strid, K. Reed Gleason
  • Patent number: 7618590
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing apparatus and system for facilitating dispensing small volume, fluid samples to microfluidic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Cascade Microtech, Inc.
    Inventors: K. Reed Gleason, Peter Navratil, John Martin, John Dunklee, Cali Sartor, Thane Allison
  • Publication number: 20090267625
    Abstract: A probe measurement system for measuring the electrical characteristics of integrated circuits or other microelectronic devices at high frequencies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventors: K. Reed Gleason, Tim Lesher, Mike Andrews, John Martin
  • Publication number: 20090224783
    Abstract: A membrane probing assembly includes a support element having an incompressible forward support tiltably coupled to a rearward base and a membrane assembly, formed of polyimide layers, with its central region interconnected to the support by an elastomeric layer. Flexible traces form data/signal lines to contacts on the central region. Each contact comprises a rigid beam and a bump located in off-centered location on the beam, which bump includes a contacting portion. After initial touchdown of these contacting portions, further over-travel of the pads causes each beam to independently tilt locally so that different portions of each beam move different distances relative to the support thus driving each contact into lateral scrubbing movement across the pad thereby clearing away oxide buildup. The elastomeric member backed by the incompressible support ensures sufficient scrub pressure and reliable tilt recovery of each contact without mechanical straining of the beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: K. Reed Gleason, Kenneth R. Smith, Mike Bayne
  • Patent number: 7550983
    Abstract: A membrane probing assembly includes a support element having an incompressible forward support tiltably coupled to a rearward base and a membrane assembly, formed of polyimide layers, with its central region interconnected to the support by an elastomeric layer. Flexible traces form data/signal lines to contacts on the central region. Each contact comprises a rigid beam and a bump located in off-centered location on the beam, which bump includes a contacting portion. After initial touchdown of these contacting portions, further over-travel of the pads causes each beam to independently tilt locally so that different portions of each beam move different distances relative to the support thus driving each contact into lateral scrubbing movement across the pad thereby clearing away oxide buildup. The elastomeric member backed by the incompressible support ensures sufficient scrub pressure and reliable tilt recovery of each contact without mechanical straining of the beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Cascade Microtech, Inc.
    Inventors: K. Reed Gleason, Kenneth R. Smith, Mike Bayne
  • Patent number: 7541821
    Abstract: A membrane probing assembly includes a support element having an incompressible forward support tiltably coupled to a rearward base and a membrane assembly, formed of polyimide layers, with its central region interconnected to the support by an elastomeric layer. Flexible traces form data/signal lines to contacts on the central region. Each contact comprises a rigid beam and a bump located in off-centered location on the beam, which bump includes a contacting portion. After initial touchdown of these contacting portions, further over-travel of the pads causes each beam to independently tilt locally so that different portions of each beam move different distances relative to the support thus driving each contact into lateral scrubbing movement across the pad thereby clearing away oxide buildup. The elastomeric member backed by the incompressible support ensures sufficient scrub pressure and reliable tilt recovery of each contact without mechanical straining of the beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Cascade Microtech, Inc.
    Inventors: K. Reed Gleason, Kenneth R. Smith, Mike Bayne
  • Patent number: 7518387
    Abstract: A probe measurement system for measuring the electrical characteristics of integrated circuits or other microelectronic devices at high frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Cascade Microtech, Inc.
    Inventors: K. Reed Gleason, Tim Lesher, Eric W. Strid, Mike Andrews, John Martin, John Dunklee, Leonard Hayden, Amr M. E. Safwat