Patents by Inventor Michael A. Graf
Michael A. Graf 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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Publication number: 20030135380Abstract: A hardware pay-per-use system and corresponding method allow computer system operators to tailor their hardware utilization to more closely match changing customer demands. The hardware pay-per-use system includes one or more hardware products and a metering mechanism coupled to at least one of the hardware products. The metering mechanism includes a hardware device separate from the hardware products. The metering mechanism acquires metrics data from the hardware products, the metrics data related to an operation at the hardware products. The metering mechanism determines data to report on the operation of the hardware products. A usage repository coupled to the metering mechanism receives the determined data and generates usage reports related to the operation of the hardware products.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2002Publication date: July 17, 2003Inventors: Robert C. Lehr, Arif Sardar, Matthew Lane, Winthrop Reis, Cynthia Alderson, Patrick Allaire, Richard Birrell, Christopher K. Buss, Paula Zimon Clawson, Michael Graf, Arthur F. Green, Monica Lasgoity, Susan C. Neidhart, Anthony Keith Towles, Carol Uno
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Patent number: 6534775Abstract: A system for inhibiting the transport of contaminant particles with an ion beam includes a pair of electrodes that provide opposite electric fields through which the ion beam travels. A particle entrained in the ion beam is charged to a polarity matching the polarity of ion beam when traveling through a first of the electric fields. The downstream electrode provides another electric field for repelling the positively charged particle away from the direction of beam travel.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2000Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Assignee: Axcelis Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Eric R. Harrington, Victor M. Benveniste, Michael A. Graf, Robert D. Rathmell
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Publication number: 20030009269Abstract: An operating strategy for the components of the drive train is defined as a function of data which characterizes a route to be traveled along. Depending on the operating strategy and the route data, expected energy consumption and a time period for which the energy can be made available are calculated. If the time period is detected as being sufficient, the drive train is controlled in accordance with the operating strategy. If the calculated time period is detected as not being sufficient, an alternative operating strategy is defined and the resulting time period is checked again.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2002Publication date: January 9, 2003Inventors: Hans-Michael Graf, Rainer Knorr, Gregor Probst
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Publication number: 20030003643Abstract: In the processes known so far, for a trench-shaped structure the doping of the side walls is coupled to the doping of the bottom region.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2002Publication date: January 2, 2003Applicant: ATMEL Germany GmbHInventors: Christoph Bromberger, Franz Dietz, Volker Dudek, Michael Graf, Joern Herrfurth, Manfred Klaussner
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Publication number: 20030001198Abstract: In the processes known so far, for a trench-shaped structure the doping of the side walls is coupled to the doping of the floor region.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2002Publication date: January 2, 2003Applicant: ATMEL Germany GmbHInventors: Christoph Bromberger, Franz Dietz, Volker Dudek, Michael Graf, Joern Herrfurth, Manfred Klaussner
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Publication number: 20030003669Abstract: In the processes known so far, for a trench-shaped structure the doping of the side walls is coupled to the doping of the floor region.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2002Publication date: January 2, 2003Applicant: ATMEL Germany GmbHInventors: Christoph Bromberger, Franz Dietz, Volker Dudek, Michael Graf, Joern Herrfurth, Manfred Klaussner
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Publication number: 20030003638Abstract: In the processes known so far, for a trench-shaped structure the doping of the side walls is coupled to the doping of the floor region.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2002Publication date: January 2, 2003Applicant: ATMEL Germany GmbHInventors: Christoph Bromberger, Franz Dietz, Volker Dudek, Michael Graf, Joern Herrfurth, Manfred Klaussner
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Publication number: 20020198573Abstract: A retina implant to be implanted into an eye having an eye ball with an exterior and an interior, a sclera, a lens, and a retina is disclosed. The implant comprises a chip adapted to be implanted into the interior of the eye in contact with the retina. The chip, when in an implanted condition, has a plurality of pixel elements on a side thereof facing the lens for receiving an image projected onto the retina. The chip, further, comprises a plurality of electrodes for stimulating retina cells. The electrodes are located on the side of the chip having the pixel elements thereon, such that the chip is adapted to be implanted into a subretinal space of the eye. The implant, further, comprises a receiver coil for inductively coupling thereinto electromagnetic energy. The receiver coil is coupled to a means for converting an alternating voltage induced into the receiver coil in a direct voltage suited for supplying the chip.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2001Publication date: December 26, 2002Inventors: Wilfried Nisch, Alfred Stett, Markus Schubert, Michael Graf, Heinz Gerhard Graf, Hugo Hammerle, Eberhart Zrenner, Martin Stelzle, H. Sachs
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Publication number: 20020177895Abstract: A retina implant, comprises a surface and a plurality of pixel elements disposed on the surface for receiving and converting incoming light energy into electric energy. At least one amplifier is provided in the implant, and a plurality of stimulation electrodes supplied via the at least one amplifier as a function of signals received by the pixel elements. At least one light-sensitive reference element is coupled with the at least one amplifier for controlling amplification thereof as a function of light energy impinging on the at least one reference element.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2001Publication date: November 28, 2002Inventors: Wilfried Nisch, Alfred Stett, Markus Schubert, Michael Graf, Heinz Gerhard Graf, Hugo Hammerle, Eberhart Zrenner, Martin Stelzle
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Patent number: 6476399Abstract: A system for inhibiting the transport of contaminant particles with an ion beam includes a particle charging system for charging particles within a region through which the ion beam travels. An electric field is generated downstream relative to the charged region so as to urge charged particles away from a direction of travel for the ion beam.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2000Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Assignee: Axcelis Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Eric R. Harrington, Victor M. Benveniste, Michael A. Graf, Robert D. Rathmell
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Patent number: 6347250Abstract: An optically controllable microelectrode array for stimulating cells within a tissue is disclosed. The array comprises a substrate having a surface. The substrate is adapted to be placed on the tissue with the surface adjoining the cells. The substrate further comprises a plurality of electrodes on the surface in contact with the cells for stimulating the cells. The electrodes are dimensioned such that a first surface area on the electrodes in contact with the cells is essentially smaller than a second surface area on the cells in which the cells may be contacted by the electrodes. An electrical stimulus is exerted from the electrodes to the cells under the control of light impinging on the tissue.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1999Date of Patent: February 12, 2002Inventors: Wilfried Nisch, Martin Stelzle, Stefan Weiss, Eberhart Zrenner, Elke Günther, Alfred Stett, Heinz Gerhard Graf, Michael Graf, Markus B. Schubert, Harald N. Wanka, Anke Hierzenberger
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Patent number: 6298270Abstract: A retina implant has a substrate with a surface for applying same to a retina. The substrate comprises electrodes for stimulating cells within the retina. The electrodes are provided on the surface and are exposed to visible light impinging on the retina such that stimuli are exerted on the cells by the electrodes. The implant, further, comprises a photovoltaic layer responsive to non-visible light. The stimuli are locally switched utilizing a voltage generated by the photovoltaic layer.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1999Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: Eberhard-Karls-Universitat Tubingen UniversitatsklinkumInventors: Wilfried Nisch, Martin Stelzle, Stefan Weiss, Eberhart Zrenner, Alfred Stett, Heinz Gerhard Graf, Michael Graf, Markus B. Schubert, Harald N. Wanka, Anke Hierzenberger
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Patent number: 6271742Abstract: The iron core (2) and the windings (3, 4) of a transformer (1) are held together by a coil former (21) which is arranged in an injection mould in such a way that it comes into contact with said mould only with small parts at its surface, whereas the transformer (1) is a distance away from its walls. A plastic shell (22) is then moulded on to complete a small and light integral casing (7) enclosing the transformer all round and in an abutting manner. Joints between the coil former (21) and the shell (22) are essentially at the bottom of indentations which separate cooling fins (20).Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 1999Date of Patent: August 7, 2001Assignee: Aspro Technology AGInventor: Michael Graf
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Patent number: 6193043Abstract: A retractable roller system has a main channel mounted on the floor of a vehicle into which cargo is to be loaded. A pneumatically actuated bladder is mounted along the bottom of the channel and a roller tray on which a plurality of roller members are rotatably supported is mounted in the channel above the bladder. Flange members extend inwardly from the side walls of the channel at different vertical levels. Flange members extend outwardly at different vertical levels from the opposing side walls of the roller tray. The rollers are raised to handle the loading of cargo by inflating the bladder and lowered to recess the rollers below the level of a cover plate to keep the cargo in a desired location. The cover plate utilizes a minimum number of screws in conjunction with a mating coupler plate and slots and for adjacent units which engage pins on the channel to provide secure retention of the plate yet facilitating ready removal when the roller tray needs to be removed for repair or replacement.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 1999Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Assignee: Ancra International LLCInventors: Frances J. Langston, Michael Graf
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Patent number: 6135128Abstract: A method and system for in-process cleaning of an ion source (12) is provided. The ion source (12) comprises (i) a plasma chamber (22) formed by chamber walls (112, 114, 116) that bound an ionization zone (120); (ii) a source of ionizable dopant gas (66) and a first mechanism (68) for introducing said ionizable dopant gas into said plasma chamber; (iii) a source of cleaning gas (182) and a second mechanism (184) for introducing said cleaning gas into said plasma chamber; and (iv) an exciter (130) at least partially disposed within said chamber for imparting energy to said ionizable dopant gas and said cleaning gas to create a plasma within said plasma chamber. The plasma comprises disassociated and ionized constituents of said dopant gas and disassociated and ionized constituents of said cleaning gas.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 1998Date of Patent: October 24, 2000Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Michael A. Graf, Victor M. Benveniste
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Patent number: 6101971Abstract: Apparatus and method for implanting ions into a workpiece surface. A concentration of ions is produced. An optical analysis of the concentration of ions is performed and recorded. The constituency of the ion concentration is determined by comparing the optical analysis data with a database of records on a storage medium wherein the optical analysis data for given concentrations of ions have been stored for subsequent access. Ions from the ion concentration are caused to impact a workpiece surface. The dose of ions implanted into the workpiece is measured. Implantation of the workpiece is stopped once an appropriate dose has been reached.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1998Date of Patent: August 15, 2000Assignee: Axcelis Technologies, Inc.Inventors: A. Stuart Denholm, Jiong Cheng, Michael A. Graf, Peter Kellerman, George Stejic
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Patent number: 6088638Abstract: The invention relates to a safety system having electrical consumers (18a, 18b) which are supplied with electrical energy in normal operation from an electrical energy source (2, 4, 6). The safety system includes an electrical energy store (14a, 14b) which supplies the electrical consumers (18a, 18b) with electrical energy when the instantaneous operating voltage at the energy source (2, 4, 6) drops below a limit value. The rated voltage of the energy store (14a, 14b) is less than the rated voltage of the electrical energy source (2, 4, 6) and the electrical energy store (14a, 14b) is connected to the electrical energy source (2, 4, 6) via a switchover element (16a, 16b) which assumes the function of a diode. The switchover element (16a, 16b) ensures that a switchover from normal operation to an emergency operation takes place automatically and that, during normal operation, the electrical energy store (14a, 14b) is not charged unintentionally by the electrical energy source (6).Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 1998Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Assignees: Continental AG, BMW AGInventors: Holger Behrends, Thomas Dieckmann, Rainer Giese, Michael Graf, Ricky Hudi
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Patent number: 5803234Abstract: A roller assembly including a roller and a support frame is removably mounted in a carrier attached to the floor of a vehicle. The roller is raised to an extended position so as to abut against a cargo unit load device when a roller drive system is activated and subsequently automatically lowered to a retracted position within the carrier when this system is deactivated. The roller is rotatably mounted on a support frame. Also mounted on this support frame is a DC motor which has an eccentric arm attached to its drive shaft. When the roller drive system is electrically activated, the DC motor as well as the roller drive motor are both activated, with the DC motor driving its arm against a post member to bring the frame to its extended position in the carrier. In this position, the roller is urged upwardly in abutment against the cargo unit load device. A capacitor is fully charged while the motors are activated.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 1996Date of Patent: September 8, 1998Assignee: Ancra International CorporationInventors: Tadeusz Podkanski, Michael Graf
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Patent number: 5656171Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing corrosion and lime deposits caused by water impurities on surfaces exposed to the water is disclosed herein. The apparatus and method employ a recirculation system for directing water through a magnetic treatment unit and a deflector system for flushing the surfaces subjected to corrosion and lime deposits. In the case of a water heater the deflector system includes a plurality of nozzles arranged to direct flows of magnetically treated water against a tank wall of the water heater, and a spiral loop with perforations facing a heating element or a cluster of heating elements of the water heater for directing flows of magnetically treated water against surfaces of the heating elements.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1993Date of Patent: August 12, 1997Inventor: Michael Graf Strachwitz
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Patent number: 4494999Abstract: Microalloyed steel containing, among other ingredients, at least 0.02% niobium, between 0.005 and 0.01% nitrogen, and titanium in a proportion equaling about 3.5 to 4 times that of nitrogen is continuously cast into a slab which is heated to a temperature between about 1120.degree. and 1160.degree. C. whereby titanium nitride precipitates in particles ranging between about 0.06 and 0.2.mu.. The slab is thermomechanically treated at this temperature and after intermediate cooling in several hot-rolling stages, with an initial deformation of at least 55%; after final rolling, the slab is cooled in water at a rate of at least 10.degree. C. per second to a temperature of about 500.degree. to 550.degree. C. Niobium, which goes into solution at the elevated initial temperature, forms NbC precipitates during the subsequent treatment; this has a hardening and grain-refining effect.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 1983Date of Patent: January 22, 1985Assignee: Mannesmann AktiengesellschaftInventor: Michael Graf