Patents by Inventor Luigi Occhipinti
Luigi Occhipinti 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: 7272511Abstract: Described herein are a molecular memory obtained using DNA strand molecular switches and carbon nanotubes, and a manufacturing method thereof. In particular, the nonvolatile memory is manufactured according to an architecture that envisages the use of carbon nanotubes as electrical connectors and DNA strands as physical means on which to write the information. In other words, the nonvolatile memory is made by means of a set of molecular DNA strand switches, the addressing of which is controlled by molecular wires made up of carbon nanotubes.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2003Date of Patent: September 18, 2007Assignee: STMicroelectronics, S.r.l.Inventors: Luigi Occhipinti, Francesco Buonocore, Vincenzo Vinciguerra, Gianguido Rizzotto, Giuseppe Panzera, Floriana San Biagio, Francesco Italia
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Patent number: 7110571Abstract: A sensor having an array of photo sensitive elements for acquiring images of the passenger compartment in a motor vehicle and a circuit for processing the signals corresponding to the images generated by said photo sensitive elements. The processing circuit is configured according to a cellular neural network processing architecture of the image signals and can generate an output signal indicating the decision on whether to deploy an airbag to which the sensor is associated or to control the explosion of the airbag. Preferably, the photo sensitive array and the processing circuit are comprised on a single integrated component, preferably implementing CMOS technology.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2001Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventor: Luigi Occhipinti
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Publication number: 20060158760Abstract: Described herein is an optically controlled electrical-switch device which includes a first current-conduction terminal and a second current-conduction terminal, and a carbon nanotube connected between the first and the second current-conduction terminals, the carbon nanotube being designed to be impinged upon by electromagnetic radiation and having an electrical conductivity that can be varied by varying the polarization of the electromagnetic radiation incident thereon. In particular, the carbon nanotube may for example, in given conditions of electrical biasing, present a high electrical conductivity when it is impinged upon by electromagnetic radiation having a given wavelength and a polarization substantially parallel to the axis of the carbon nanotube itself, and a reduced electrical conductivity when it is impinged upon by electromagnetic radiation having a given wavelength and a polarization substantially orthogonal to the axis of the carbon nanotube itself.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2004Publication date: July 20, 2006Inventors: Michele Portico Ambrosio, Maria Maglione, Maria Bevilacqua, Luigi Occhipinti, Salvatore Coffa, Salvatore Castorina
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Patent number: 7067341Abstract: A method manufactures a single electron transistor device by electro-migration of nanocluster wherein said nanoclusters are metallically passivated and forced to assembly over a lithographic patterned substrate under control of a non homogeneous electric field at room temperature. A controlled migration and the desired location of the metallic passivated nanoclusters are based on a dielectrophoretic process.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2003Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: Danilo Mascolo, Rossana Scaldaferri, Teresa Napolitano, Valeria Casuscelli, Luigi Occhipinti
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Patent number: 7013033Abstract: The system can be used for the automatic analysis of images, including a matrix of spots, such as images of DNA microarrays after hybridization. The system can be associated—and preferably integrated in a single monolithic component implementing VLSI CMOS technology—to a sensor for acquiring the images. The system includes a circuit for processing the signals corresponding to the images, configured according to a cellular neural network (CNN) architecture for the parallel analogue processing of signals.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2001Date of Patent: March 14, 2006Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.R.L.Inventors: Paolo Arena, Luigi Fortuna, Mario Lavorgna, Luigi Occhipinti
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Publication number: 20050288713Abstract: The invention is directed to a microdevice for containing electrically coupled cells while allowing their growth that allows the addition or removal of cells from their containment by providing an actuatable gate. When the gate is actuated, for example with electric current, the cells may be added or removed from their containment. The invention may be applied to a neurochip or any device for growing cells in a defined spatial arrangement. This Abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an Abstract that allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain subject matter of the technical disclosure. This Abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 CFR 1.72(b).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2005Publication date: December 29, 2005Applicant: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: Manuela La Rosa, Donata Nicolosi, Luigi Occhipinti, Giuseppe Spoto
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Publication number: 20050090081Abstract: A method manufactures a single electron transistor device by electro-migration of nanocluster wherein said nanoclusters are metallically passivated and forced to assembly over a lithographic patterned substrate under control of a non homogeneous electric field at room temperature. A controlled migration and the desired location of the metallic passivated nanoclusters are based on a dielectrophoretic process.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2003Publication date: April 28, 2005Applicant: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: Danilo Mascolo, Rossana Scaldaferri, Teresa Napolitano, Valeria Casuscelli, Luigi Occhipinti
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Patent number: 6842745Abstract: A chaotic signal generator includes a set of elements connected together for generating chaotic signals. The connection scheme may correspond to the circuit generally referred to as Chua's circuit, particularly when implemented as a cellular neural network. Interposed in the connection scheme is at least one switch, such as a MOS transistor. Opening and closing of the switch causes variation in the chaotic dynamics of the generated signals. A command signal applied to the switch may correspond to a modulating signal for transmission on a channel, such as a high noise channel. The modulating signal may be a binary signal, and the command signal may be a switching signal having a frequency that increases or decreases depending on the logic level of the binary signal.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2002Date of Patent: January 11, 2005Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: Luigi Occhipinti, Luigi Fortuna, Alessandro Rizzo, Mattia Frasca
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Neuro-fuzzy network architecture with on-line learning capabilities and corresponding control method
Patent number: 6766310Abstract: A neuro-fuzzy integrated architecture which permits on-line self-training includes at least one microcontroller of the fuzzy type dedicated to fuzzy rules computing and integrated monolithically on a semiconductor together with a non-volatile memory. Also included within the same integrated circuit are a microprocessor, a volatile memory unit, and an arbiter block linked to a bus interconnecting the fuzzy microcontroller, the microprocessor, and the volatile memory unit. The arbiter block controls access to the memory unit by the microprocessor or the fuzzy microcontroller. An additional fuzzy co-processor may be connected between the fuzzy microcontroller and the microprocessor for performing the fuzzy logic operations.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2000Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: Luigi Occhipinti, Eusebio Di Cola, Mario Lavorgna -
Publication number: 20040114445Abstract: Described herein are a molecular memory obtained using DNA strand molecular switches and carbon nanotubes, and a manufacturing method thereof. In particular, the nonvolatile memory is manufactured according to an architecture that envisages the use of carbon nanotubes as electrical connectors and DNA strands as physical means on which to write the information. In other words, the nonvolatile memory is made by means of a set of molecular DNA strand switches, the addressing of which is controlled by molecular wires made up of carbon nanotubes.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2003Publication date: June 17, 2004Applicant: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: Luigi Occhipinti, Francesco Buonocore, Vincenzo Vinciguerra, Gianguido Rizzotto, Giuseppe Panzera, Floriana San Biagio, Francesco Italia
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Patent number: 6748370Abstract: An integrated cellular network structure that is programmable to solve partial derivative differential equations in order to control a phenomenon of diffusion or a propagation of electric drive pulses for robot actuators. Such structure includes analog and digital portions interconnected with each other; the analog portion having a matrix array of analog cells arranged to receive data from an I/O interface, and the digital portion having first and second memory arrays for storing a desired configuration and the initial state of such analog matrix array, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2001Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: Paolo Arena, Luigi Occhipinti, Marco Branciforte, Giovanni Di Bernardo
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Patent number: 6743654Abstract: A method of making a monolithically integrated pressure sensor includes making a cavity in the semiconductor substrate. This may be formed by plasma etching the front side or the back side of the silicon wafer to cut a plurality of trenches or holes deep enough to extend for at least part of its thickness into a doped buried layer of opposite type of conductivity of the substrate and of the epitaxial layer grown over it. The method may also include electrochemically etching through such trenches, and the silicon of the buried layer with an electrolytic solution suitable for selectively etching the doped silicon of the opposite type of conductivity, thereby making the silicon of the buried layer porous. The method may also include oxidizing and leaching away the silicon so made porous.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2001Date of Patent: June 1, 2004Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: Salvatore Coffa, Luigi Occhipinti
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Patent number: 6728687Abstract: A method of controlling the movements of a multi-actuator electro-mechanical system having a matrix of locally interconnected analog cells associated therewith is provided. Each cell represents a hardware implementation of a model of fuzzy inference rules. The model includes a fuzzy circuit architecture which may be implemented in an integrated circuit with VLSI CMOS technology that generates and controls a reaction diffusion mechanism typical of auto-waves using a fuzzy neural network. The fuzzy neural network defines the functional relationships that may duplicate simultaneous reaction diffusion equations. The duplication of the simultaneous reaction diffusion equations is provided using two sets of fuzzy rules processing, in a linguistic manner, the state variables of the cells. An oscillatory type dynamic is imposed on each cell where two dynamic processes having different kinetic characteristics coexist.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2000Date of Patent: April 27, 2004Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: Paolo Arena, Marco Branciforte, Giovanni Di Bernardo, Luigi Occhipinti
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Publication number: 20040027889Abstract: Described herein is an optically readable memory device comprising a molecular memory obtained using carbon nanotubes. In particular, the molecular memory uses, as memory element, a bundle of carbon nanotubes, for which it is possible to obtain at least two stable states by modifying their geometrical configuration and, consequently, their optical transmission properties.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2003Publication date: February 12, 2004Applicant: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: Luigi Occhipinti, Michele Portico Ambrosio
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Patent number: 6647493Abstract: The method for authentication and electronic signature is of the private-key, challenge and response type between a user requesting an authorization, via, for example, a smart card and a controller—check terminal—supplying the authorization. To increase security of the authorization or authentication operations, the smart card comprises a chaotic generator generating user's acknowledgement code, which is compared with a comparison code generated by the check terminal using a chaotic generator which is the same.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1999Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: Luigi Occhipinti, Giovanni Di Bernardo, Eusebio Di Cola, Riccardo Caponetto
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Publication number: 20020191831Abstract: Three-dimensional analysis of surface defects and microdefects of an object is performed by correlating two images of the surface of the object based upon a stereoscopic view thereof. Analyzing surface defects may be implemented by integrating, in a single monolithic component made using VLSI CMOS technology, an optical sensor with a cellular neural network. The optical sensor includes a matrix of cells configured as analog processors.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2002Publication date: December 19, 2002Applicant: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: Giuseppe Spoto, Marco Branciforte, Francesco Doddo, Luigi Occhipinti
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Publication number: 20020154677Abstract: A chaotic signal generator includes a set of elements connected together for generating chaotic signals. The connection scheme may correspond to the circuit generally referred to as Chua's circuit, particularly when implemented as a cellular neural network. Interposed in the connection scheme is at least one switch, such as a MOS transistor. Opening and closing of the switch causes variation in the chaotic dynamics of the generated signals. A command signal applied to the switch may correspond to a modulating signal for transmission on a channel, such as a high noise channel. The modulating signal may be a binary signal, and the command signal may be a switching signal having a frequency that increases or decreases depending on the logic level of the binary signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2002Publication date: October 24, 2002Applicant: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: Luigi Occhipinti, Luigi Fortuna, Alessandro Rizzo, Mattia Frasca
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Publication number: 20020151100Abstract: Abstract of the Disclosure A monolithically integrated pressure sensor is produced through micromechanical surface structure definition techniques. A microphone cavity in the semiconductor substrate may be monolithically formed by plasma etching the front side or the back side of the silicon wafer to cut a plurality of trenches or holes deep enough to extend for at least part of its thickness into a doped buried layer of opposite type of conductivity of the substrate and of the epitaxial layer grown over it. The method may also include electrochemically etching through such trenches, the silicon of the buried layer with an electrolytic solution suitable for selectively etching the doped silicon of the opposite type of conductivity, thereby making the silicon of the buried layer porous. The method may also include oxidizing and leaching away the silicon so made porous.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2001Publication date: October 17, 2002Applicant: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventors: Salvatore Coffa, Luigi Occhipinti
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Publication number: 20020111700Abstract: A method of controlling the movements of a multi-actuator electromechanical system having a matrix of locally interconnected analog cells associated therewith is provided. Each cell represents a hardware implementation of a model of fuzzy inference rules. The model includes a fuzzy circuit architecture which may be implemented in an integrated circuit with VLSI CMOS technology that generates and controls a reaction diffusion mechanism typical of auto-waves using a fuzzy neural network. The fuzzy neural network defines the functional relationships that may duplicate simultaneous reaction diffusion equations. The duplication of the simultaneous reaction diffusion equations is provided using two sets of fuzzy rules processing, in a linguistic manner, the state variables of the cells. An oscillatory type dynamic is imposed on each cell where two dynamic processes having different kinetic characteristics coexist.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2000Publication date: August 15, 2002Applicant: STMicroelectronics S.r.lInventors: Paolo Arena, Marco Branciforte, Giovanni Di Bernardo, Luigi Occhipinti
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Publication number: 20020105177Abstract: A sensor having an array of photo sensitive elements for acquiring images of the passenger compartment in a motor vehicle and a circuit for processing the signals corresponding to the images generated by said photo sensitive elements. The processing circuit is configured according to a cellular neural network processing architecture of the image signals and can generate an output signal indicating the decision on whether to deploy an airbag to which the sensor is associated or to control the explosion of the airbag. Preferably, the photo sensitive array and the processing circuit are comprised on a single integrated component, preferably implementing CMOS technology.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2001Publication date: August 8, 2002Applicant: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventor: Luigi Occhipinti