Patents by Inventor Kevin C. O'Brien
Kevin C. O'Brien 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).
-
Publication number: 20240120415Abstract: Technologies for a field effect transistor (FET) with a ferroelectric gate dielectric are disclosed. In an illustrative embodiment, a perovskite stack is grown on a buffer layer as part of manufacturing a transistor. The perovskite stack includes one or more doped semiconductor layers alternating with other lattice-matched layers. Growing the doped semiconductor layers on lattice-matched layers can improve the quality of the doped semiconductor layers. The lattice-matched layers can be etched away, leaving the doped semiconductor layers as fins for a ribbon FET. A ferroelectric layer can be conformally grown on the fins, creating a high-quality ferroelectric layer above and below the fins. A gate can then be grown on the ferroelectric layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2022Publication date: April 11, 2024Applicant: Intel CorporationInventors: Scott B. Clendenning, Sudarat Lee, Kevin P. O'Brien, Rachel A. Steinhardt, John J. Plombon, Arnab Sen Gupta, Charles C. Mokhtarzadeh, Gauri Auluck, Tristan A. Tronic, Brandon Holybee, Matthew V. Metz, Dmitri Evgenievich Nikonov, Ian Alexander Young
-
Publication number: 20240113220Abstract: Technologies for a transistor with a thin-film ferroelectric gate dielectric are disclosed. In the illustrative embodiment, a transistor has a thin layer of scandium aluminum nitride (ScxAl1-xN) ferroelectric gate dielectric. The channel of the transistor may be, e.g., gallium nitride or molybdenum disulfide. In one embodiment, the ferroelectric polarization changes when voltage is applied and removed from a gate electrode, facilitating switching of the transistor at a lower applied voltage. In another embodiment, the ferroelectric polarization of a gate dielectric of a transistor changes when the voltage is past a positive threshold value or a negative threshold value. Such a transistor can be used as a one-transistor memory cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2022Publication date: April 4, 2024Applicant: Intel CorporationInventors: Arnab Sen Gupta, Ian Alexander Young, Dmitri Evgenievich Nikonov, Marko Radosavljevic, Matthew V. Metz, John J. Plombon, Raseong Kim, Uygar E. Avci, Kevin P. O'Brien, Scott B. Clendenning, Jason C. Retasket, Shriram Shivaraman, Dominique A. Adams, Carly Rogan, Punyashloka Debashis, Brandon Holybee, Rachel A. Steinhardt, Sudarat Lee
-
Patent number: 9403128Abstract: A device according to one embodiment includes a porous membrane having a surface charge and pore configuration characterized by a double layer overlap effect being present in pores of the membrane, where the porous membrane includes functional groups that preferentially interact with either cations or anions. A device according to another embodiment includes a porous membrane having a surface charge in pores thereof sufficient to impart anion or cation selectivity in the pores. Additional devices, systems and methods are also presented.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2014Date of Patent: August 2, 2016Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: Kevin C. O'Brien, Jeffery J. Haslam, William L. Bourcier, William Clary Floyd, III
-
Publication number: 20140166489Abstract: A device according to one embodiment includes a porous membrane having a surface charge and pore configuration characterized by a double layer overlap effect being present in pores of the membrane, where the porous membrane includes functional groups that preferentially interact with either cations or anions. A device according to another embodiment includes a porous membrane having a surface charge in pores thereof sufficient to impart anion or cation selectivity in the pores. Additional devices, systems and methods are also presented.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2014Publication date: June 19, 2014Applicant: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: Kevin C. O'Brien, Jeffery J. Haslam, William L. Bourcier, William Clary Floyd, III
-
Patent number: 8696882Abstract: A device according to one embodiment includes a porous membrane having a surface charge and pore configuration characterized by a double layer overlap effect being present in pores of the membrane. A device according to another embodiment includes a porous membrane having a surface charge in pores thereof sufficient to impart anion or cation selectivity in the pores. Additional devices, systems and methods are also presented.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2009Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC.Inventors: Kevin C. O'Brien, Jeffery J. Haslam, William L. Bourcier
-
Patent number: 8460532Abstract: The present invention provides a new method and apparatus/system for purifying ionic solutions, such as, for example, desalinating water, using engineered charged surfaces to sorb ions from such solutions. Surface charge is applied externally, and is synchronized with oscillatory fluid movements between substantially parallel charged plates. Ions are held in place during fluid movement in one direction (because they are held in the electrical double layer), and released for transport during fluid movement in the opposite direction by removing the applied electric field. In this way the ions, such as salt, are “ratcheted” across the charged surface from the feed side to the concentrate side. The process itself is very simple and involves only pumps, charged surfaces, and manifolds for fluid collection.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2011Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignees: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC, Regents of the University of MinnesotaInventors: William L. Bourcier, Roger D. Aines, Jeffery J. Haslam, Charlene M. Schaldach, Kevin C. O'Brien, Edward Cussler
-
Patent number: 8211499Abstract: A system of fabricating a composite membrane from a membrane substrate using solvent-less vapor deposition followed by in-situ polymerization. A first monomer and a second monomer are directed into a mixing chamber in a deposition chamber. The first monomer and the second monomer are mixed in the mixing chamber providing a mixed first monomer and second monomer. The mixed first monomer and second monomer are solvent-less vapor deposited onto the membrane substrate in the deposition chamber. The membrane substrate and the mixed first monomer and second monomer are heated to produce in-situ polymerization and provide the composite membrane.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2006Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: Kevin C. O'Brien, Stephan A. Letts, Christopher M. Spadaccini, Jeffrey D. Morse, Steven R. Buckley, Larry E. Fischer, Keith B. Wilson
-
Patent number: 8101023Abstract: A system of fabricating a composite membrane from a membrane substrate using solvent-less vapor deposition followed by in-situ polymerization. A first monomer and a second monomer are directed into a mixing chamber in a deposition chamber. The first monomer and the second monomer are mixed in the mixing chamber providing a mixed first monomer and second monomer. The mixed first monomer and second monomer are solvent-less vapor deposited onto the membrane substrate in the deposition chamber. The membrane substrate and the mixed first monomer and second monomer are heated to produce in-situ polymerization and provide the composite membrane.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2010Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: Kevin C. O'Brien, Stephan A. Letts, Christopher M. Spadaccini, Jeffrey C. Morse, Steven R. Buckley, Larry E. Fischer, Keith B. Wilson
-
Publication number: 20110253538Abstract: The present invention provides a new method and apparatus/system for purifying ionic solutions, such as, for example, desalinating water, using engineered charged surfaces to sorb ions from such solutions. Surface charge is applied externally, and is synchronized with oscillatory fluid movements between substantially parallel charged plates. Ions are held in place during fluid movement in one direction (because they are held in the electrical double layer), and released for transport during fluid movement in the opposite direction by removing the applied electric field. In this way the ions, such as salt, are “ratcheted” across the charged surface from the feed side to the concentrate side. The process itself is very simple and involves only pumps, charged surfaces, and manifolds for fluid collection.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2011Publication date: October 20, 2011Applicant: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: William L. Bourcier, Roger D. Aines, Jeffery J. Haslam, Charlene M. Schaldach, Kevin C. O'Brien, Edward Cussler
-
Patent number: 7981268Abstract: The present invention provides a new method and apparatus/system for purifying ionic solutions, such as, for example, desalinating water, using engineered charged surfaces to sorb ions from such solutions. Surface charge is applied externally, and is synchronized with oscillatory fluid movements between substantially parallel charged plates. Ions are held in place during fluid movement in one direction (because they are held in the electrical double layer), and released for transport during fluid movement in the opposite direction by removing the applied electric field. In this way the ions, such as salt, are “ratcheted” across the charged surface from the feed side to the concentrate side. The process itself is very simple and involves only pumps, charged surfaces, and manifolds for fluid collection.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2007Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: William L. Bourcier, Roger D. Aines, Jeffery J. Haslam, Charlene M. Schaldach, Kevin C. O'Brien, Edward Cussler
-
Publication number: 20110132762Abstract: A device according to one embodiment includes a porous membrane having a surface charge and pore configuration characterized by a double layer overlap effect being present in pores of the membrane. A device according to another embodiment includes a porous membrane having a surface charge in pores thereof sufficient to impart anion or cation selectivity in the pores.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2009Publication date: June 9, 2011Inventors: Kevin C. O' Brien, Jeffery J. Haslam, William L. Bourcier
-
Publication number: 20100236481Abstract: A system of fabricating a composite membrane from a membrane substrate using solvent-less vapor deposition followed by in-situ polymerization. A first monomer and a second monomer are directed into a mixing chamber in a deposition chamber. The first monomer and the second monomer are mixed in the mixing chamber providing a mixed first monomer and second monomer. The mixed first monomer and second monomer are solvent-less vapor deposited onto the membrane substrate in the deposition chamber. The membrane substrate and the mixed first monomer and second monomer are heated to produce in-situ polymerization and provide the composite membrane.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2010Publication date: September 23, 2010Inventors: Kevin C. O'Brien, Stephan A. Letts, Christopher M. Spadaccini, Jeffrey C. Morse, Steven R. Buckley, Larry E. Fischer, Keith B. Wilson
-
Patent number: 7754281Abstract: A system of fabricating a composite membrane from a membrane substrate using solvent-less vapor deposition followed by in-situ polymerization. A first monomer and a second monomer are directed into a mixing chamber in a deposition chamber. The first monomer and the second monomer are mixed in the mixing chamber providing a mixed first monomer and second monomer. The mixed first monomer and second monomer are solvent-less vapor deposited onto the membrane substrate in the deposition chamber. The membrane substrate and the mixed first monomer and second monomer are heated to produce in-situ polymerization and provide the composite membrane.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2006Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: Kevin C. O'Brien, Stephan A. Letts, Christopher M. Spadaccini, Jeffrey C. Morse, Steven R. Buckley, Larry E. Fischer, Keith B. Wilson
-
Publication number: 20090294289Abstract: A system for removing contaminants from water utilizes a layered stack of anion permeable membranes and cation permeable membranes positioned between an anode and a cathode. The layered stack of membranes forms a concentrate water stream flow channel and a diluent water stream flow channel. Ion specific ion exchange resins are inserted within the diluent water stream flow channel. The water stream is pumped through the layered stack of anion permeable membranes. By using the anode, the cathode, and the voltage source to place an electrical potential gradient across the layered stack of membranes the negative ions are drawn toward the anode and the positive ions are drawn toward the cathode in the diluent water stream that flows through the diluent water stream flow channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2008Publication date: December 3, 2009Inventors: Jeffery J. Haslam, William L. Bourcier, Kevin C. O'Brien
-
Patent number: 7040094Abstract: A combustion engine method and system provides increased fuel efficiency and reduces polluting exhaust emissions by burning fuel in a two-stage combustion system. Fuel is combusted in a piston engine in a first stage producing piston engine exhaust gases. Fuel contained in the piston engine exhaust gases is combusted in a second stage turbine engine. Turbine engine exhaust gases are used to supercharge the piston engine.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2003Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Larry E. Fischer, Brian L. Anderson, Kevin C. O'Brien
-
Publication number: 20040055298Abstract: A combustion engine method and system provides increased fuel efficiency and reduces polluting exhaust emissions by burning fuel in a two-stage combustion system. Fuel is combusted in a piston engine in a first stage producing piston engine exhaust gases. Fuel contained in the piston engine exhaust gases is combusted in a second stage turbine engine. Turbine engine exhaust gases are used to supercharge the piston engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2003Publication date: March 25, 2004Applicant: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Larry E. Fischer, Brian L. Anderson, Kevin C. O'Brien
-
Patent number: 6577959Abstract: A fluid level measuring system for machines which utilizes fluids and has rotating and/or reciprocating elements. The system receives data from sensors as to the measured fluid level and measured fluid temperature. Optionally, data is received from other sensors such as to the angle of inclination of the machine, gear setting (for a transmission), idle speed (for an engine or transmission), and dielectric constant of the fluid. The measured data is stored in a first data storage device. A second data storage device contains data as to the recommended fluid level and acceptable deviations thereof based upon a variety of possible sensor readings, which can be obtained from sources such as the manufacturer of the machine or by controlled dynamic measurements. A processor compares the stored sensor readings to the data stored in the second memory to arrive at the operational fluid level. The processor controls a display to identify the operational fluid level to the operator.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2000Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Assignee: Power Plus CorporationInventors: Zdzislaw W. Chajec, Steven D. Nelson, Eric A. Nelson, Kevin C. O'Brien
-
Patent number: RE42875Abstract: A combustion engine method and system provides increased fuel efficiency and reduces polluting exhaust emissions by burning fuel in a two-stage combustion system. Fuel is combusted in a piston engine in a first stage producing piston engine exhaust gases. Fuel contained in the piston engine exhaust gases is combusted in a second stage turbine engine. Turbine engine exhaust gases are used to supercharge the piston engine.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2009Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventors: Larry E. Fischer, Brian L. Anderson, Kevin C. O'Brien