Patents by Inventor Mark A. Fischer

Mark A. Fischer 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: 20120061740
    Abstract: Novel etch techniques are provided for shaping silicon features below the photolithographic resolution limits. FinFET devices are defined by recessing oxide and exposing a silicon protrusion to an isotropic etch, at least in the channel region. In one implementation, the protrusion is contoured by a dry isotropic etch having excellent selectivity, using a downstream microwave plasma etch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Kevin J. Torek, Mark Fischer, Robert J. Hanson
  • Patent number: 8131580
    Abstract: In accordance with embodiments, there are provided mechanisms and methods for selecting a synchronous or asynchronous process to determine a forecast. These mechanisms and methods for such synchronous/asynchronous process selection can enable embodiments to determine forecasts for multiple users (e.g. with hierarchical relationships, etc.) over an arbitrary time interval. The ability of embodiments to provide forecasts that involve such a large amount of data in an effective way can enable forecasting that was otherwise infeasible due to resource limitations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: salesforce.com, inc.
    Inventors: Kedar Doshi, Mark Fischer, Evan Chou
  • Publication number: 20120052640
    Abstract: Some embodiments include methods of forming vertical transistors. A construction may have a plurality of spaced apart fins extending upwardly from a semiconductor substrate. Each of the fins may have vertical transistor pillars, and each of the vertical transistor pillars may have a bottom source/drain region location, a channel region location over the bottom source/drain region location, and a top source/drain region location over the channel region location. Electrically conductive gate material may be formed along the fins while using oxide within spaces along the bottoms of the fins to offset the electrically conductive gate material to be above the bottom source/drain region locations of the vertical transistor pillars. The oxide may be an oxide which etches at a rate of at least about 100 ?/minute with dilute HF at room temperature. In some embodiments the oxide may be removed after the electrically conductive gate material is formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Mark Fischer, Sanh D. Tang
  • Publication number: 20120040356
    Abstract: Methods and products for the detection of oncofetal fibronectin indicating molecules in samples are provided. Methods for imaging of oncofetal fibronectin are provided. In some methods provided herein, the sample is treated with a reagent and/or contacted with a non-specific binder. Provided are methods for testing subjects to ascertain health and disease status and to assess the risk of developing a disease or condition. Methods for detecting the presence of oncofetal fibronectin indicating molecules by a variety of methods such as immunoassays and mass spectrometry also are provided. Methods and products for detection of oncofetal fibronection for selection of concepti are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventors: Robert O. Hussa, Mark Fischer-Colbrie, Jerome P. Lapointe, Simon Shorter, Andrew Senyei
  • Publication number: 20120005537
    Abstract: A system and method for identifying bugs in a database system. In one embodiment, a method includes running a plurality of tests on a software application, and rerunning one or more tests of the plurality of tests. The method also includes identifying one or more bugs in the one or more tests based on inconsistent test results.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: Salesforce.com, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhiqiang Chen, Anjesh Dubey, Worley Ortiz, Mark A. Fischer, Fiaz Hossain, Pallav Kothari, Thom Kim, Andrew Tsui
  • Patent number: 8084845
    Abstract: Novel etch techniques are provided for shaping silicon features below the photolithographic resolution limits. FinFET devices are defined by recessing oxide and exposing a silicon protrusion to an isotropic etch, at least in the channel region. In one implementation, the protrusion is contoured by a dry isotropic etch having excellent selectivity, using a downstream microwave plasma etch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin J. Torek, Mark Fischer, Robert J. Hanson
  • Publication number: 20110307510
    Abstract: Knowledge base is gaining popularity as a customer support tool. Customers search the knowledge base for solutions to their issues. Keywords searched in knowledge base are analyzed and reports are made available for managers and supervisors to understand the trends and requirements of customers. The number of keywords searched can be extremely large in some organizations. In this specification, storing the keywords in a meaningful way in order to generate report for further analysis is discussed. Efficient data storage helps in managing voluminous data and also reducing the amount of memory required to store the data. Any of the above embodiments can be used independently or together with any combination of other embodiments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: salesforce.com, Inc.
    Inventors: Francois Lopitaux, Etienne Giraudy, Mark A. Fischer, Xavier Hosxe
  • Publication number: 20110291224
    Abstract: Pitch multiplied and non-pitch multiplied features of an integrated circuit, e.g., features in the array, interface and periphery areas of the integrated circuit, are formed by processing a substrate through a mask. The mask is formed by patterning a photoresist layer which simultaneously defines mask elements corresponding to features in the array, interface and periphery areas of the integrated circuit. The pattern is transferred to an amorphous carbon layer. Sidewall spacers are formed on the sidewalls of the patterned amorphous carbon layer. A layer of protective material is deposited and then patterned to expose mask elements in the array region and in selected parts of the interface or periphery areas. Amorphous carbon in the array region or other exposed parts is removed, thereby leaving a pattern including free-standing, pitch multiplied spacers in the array region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Fischer, Stephen Russell, H.Montgomery Manning
  • Publication number: 20110276601
    Abstract: The present invention features a computer implemented method and network for managing a knowledge base stored in a multi-tenant architecture. The method includes storing information corresponding to a plurality of KnowledgeArticles amongst a plurality of tables. Information in a first of the plurality of tables includes data corresponding to an online version of said KnowledgeArticles and data related to changes to the KnowledgeArticles. Information contained in a second table comprises a subset of the data that is independent of the data related to the changes. Changes to the KnowledgeArticles are recorded in the second table in response to changes made to the first table. Access to information in the first table is restricted access to users having write access to said KnowledgeArticles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: salesforce.com, inc.
    Inventors: Olivier Y. Pin, Etienne Giraudy, Orjan Kjellberg, Mark A. Fischer
  • Publication number: 20110276535
    Abstract: A computer implemented method a document management workflow in a multi-tenant system environment is disclosed. The method includes receiving instructions to create a composition a document. The document is encapsulated in a knowledge article version and the knowledge article version having a document category. The knowledge article version is associated with a knowledge article. The method further includes invoking the document management workflow that is specific to the knowledge article, the knowledge article version and the document category and configuring the document management workflow to include a plurality of workflow steps based on the knowledge article, the knowledge article version and the document category. Each of the plurality of workflow steps are then associated with one or more triggers and actor roles. The actor roles define permissible actions in each of the plurality of workflow steps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: salesforce.com, inc.
    Inventors: Olivier Pin, Etienne Giraudy, Orjan Kjellberg, Mark Fischer, Steven Tamm, Varadarajan Rajaram
  • Publication number: 20110225119
    Abstract: In accordance with embodiments, there are provided mechanisms and methods for versioning content in a database system using content type specific objects. These mechanisms and methods for versioning content in a database system using content type specific objects can enable embodiments to provide a database system which stores information associated with multiple versions of content. The ability of embodiments to provide a database system which supports content versioning can enable an efficient and comprehensive storage of content types having different features by the database system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: salesforce.com, inc.
    Inventors: Simon Wong, Walter Macklem, Mark Fischer, Orjan Kjellberg, Olivier Pin, Sonali Agrawal, Ron Pragides, Etienne Giraudy
  • Patent number: 8012674
    Abstract: Pitch multiplied and non-pitch multiplied features of an integrated circuit, e.g., features in the array, interface and periphery areas of the integrated circuit, are formed by processing a substrate through a mask. The mask is formed by patterning a photoresist layer which simultaneously defines mask elements corresponding to features in the array, interface and periphery areas of the integrated circuit. The pattern is transferred to an amorphous carbon layer. Sidewall spacers are formed on the sidewalls of the patterned amorphous carbon layer. A layer of protective material is deposited and then patterned to expose mask elements in the array region and in selected parts of the interface or periphery areas. Amorphous carbon in the array region or other exposed parts is removed, thereby leaving a pattern including free-standing, pitch multiplied spacers in the array region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Fischer, Stephen Russell, H. Montgomery Manning
  • Patent number: 8006877
    Abstract: A backpack assembly for a self contained breathing apparatus comprises a plurality of components positioned in housings that define a body for the backpack assembly. The body is assembled to a back frame. A pivoting and swiveling hip plate is connected to the back frame in multiple distinct positions to provide a customizable and comfortable fit for the wearer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Sperian Respiratory Protection USA, LLC
    Inventors: Philip L. Lowry, Nicolo J. Luzie, Jr., James T. Dexter, Thuan C. Le, Mark A. Fischer, Aaron D. DeLaby
  • Publication number: 20110121392
    Abstract: A process may include first etching a trench isolation dielectric through a dielectric hard mask that abuts the sidewall of a fin semiconductor. The first etch can be carried out to expose at least a portion of the sidewall, causing the dielectric hard mask to recede to a greater degree in the lateral direction than the vertical direction. The process may include second etching the fin semiconductor to achieve a thinned semiconductor fin, which has receded beneath the shadow of the laterally receded hard mask. The thinned semiconductor fin may have a characteristic dimension that can exceed photolithography limits. Electronic devices may include the thinned semiconductor fin as part of a field effect transistor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventors: Mark Fischer, T. Earl Allen, H. Montgomery Manning
  • Patent number: 7943294
    Abstract: Methods and products for the detection of oncofetal fibronectin indicating molecules in samples are provided. Methods for imaging of oncofetal fibronectin are provided. In some methods provided herein, the sample is treated with a reagent and/or contacted with a non-specific binder. Provided are methods for testing subjects to ascertain health and disease status and to assess the risk of developing a disease or condition. Methods for detecting the presence of oncofetal fibronectin indicating molecules by a variety of methods such as immunoassays and mass spectrometry also are provided. Methods and products for detection of oncofetal fibronection for selection of concepti are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Hologic, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Hussa, Mark Fischer-Colbrie, Jerome P. LaPointe, Simon Shorter, Andrew Senyei
  • Publication number: 20110106808
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides novel systems and methods for providing multi-dimensional categorization within a multi-tenant database system (“MTS”). Data items in entities stored in a MTS may be categorized along one or more category dimensions. A search query may include one or more selected categories in one or more category dimensions. Categorization methodologies include multi-selection, multi-position, and combinations thereof. Users of the MTS may also be categorized along one or more category dimensions. A filter may present a subset of data items relevant to a user in accordance with their categorization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: salesforce.com, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexandre Hersans, Mark Fischer, Orjan Kjellberg, Oliver Pin, Sonali Agrawal, Walter Macklem
  • Publication number: 20110086470
    Abstract: Memory devices, such as DRAM memory devices, may include one or more metal layers above a local interconnect of the DRAM memory that make contact to lower gate regions of the memory device. As the size of semiconductor components decreases and circuit densities increase, the density of the metal routing in these upper metal layers becomes increasingly difficult to fabricate. By providing additional metal routing in the lower gate regions that may be coupled to the upper metal layers, the spacing requirements of the upper metal layers may be eased, while maintaining the size of the semiconductor device. In addition, the additional metal routing formed in the gate regions of the memory devices may be disposed parallel to other metal contacts in a strapping configuration, thus reducing a resistance of the metal contacts, such as buried digit lines of a DRAM memory cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry McDaniel, James Green, Mark Fischer
  • Publication number: 20110062219
    Abstract: A hole in a metal workpiece is filled by friction plug welding. The weld between the workpiece and the plug is reinforced by a weld land in the workpiece that surrounds one end of the plug. The weld land is formed by extruding a portion of the plug into a cavity in an anvil used in the welding process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventors: David M. Bezaire, John M. Comfort, John G. Vollmer, Mark A. Fischer
  • Patent number: 7883959
    Abstract: The invention includes methods of forming electrically conductive material between line constructions associated with a peripheral region or a pitch region of a semiconductor substrate. The electrically conductive material can be incorporated into an electrically-grounded shield, and/or can be configured to create a magnetic field bias. Also, the conductive material can have electrically isolated segments that are utilized as electrical jumpers for connecting circuit elements. The invention also includes semiconductor constructions comprising the electrically conductive material between line constructions associated with one or both of the pitch region and the peripheral region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Fischer, Terrence B. McDaniel
  • Patent number: 7880232
    Abstract: A process may include first etching a trench isolation dielectric through a dielectric hard mask that abuts the sidewall of a fin semiconductor. The first etch can be carried out to expose at least a portion of the sidewall, causing the dielectric hard mask to recede to a greater degree in the lateral direction than the vertical direction. The process may include second etching the fin semiconductor to achieve a thinned semiconductor fin, which has receded beneath the shadow of the laterally receded hard mask. The thinned semiconductor fin may have a characteristic dimension that can exceed photolithography limits. Electronic devices may include the thinned semiconductor fin as part of a field effect transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Fischer, T. Earl Allen, H. Montgomery Manning