Patents by Inventor Mike Pierce

Mike Pierce 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: 9240320
    Abstract: Provided are plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition methods of depositing smooth and conformal ashable hard mask films on substrates containing raised or recessed features. The methods involve using precursors having relatively high C:H ratios, such as acetylene (C:H ratio of 1), and plasmas having low ion energies and fluxes. According to various embodiments, the methods involve depositing smooth ashable hard mask films using high frequency radio frequency-generated plasmas with no low frequency component and/or relatively high pressures. Also provided are methods of depositing ashable hard mask films having good selectivity and improved side wall coverage and roughness. The methods involve depositing a first ashable hard mask film on a substrate having a feature using a process optimized for selectivity and/or optical properties and then depositing a smoothing layer on the first ashable hard mask film using an HF-only process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: Novellus Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Pramod Subramonium, Zhiyuan Fang, Shawn Hancock, Mike Pierce, Jon Henri
  • Patent number: 9196106
    Abstract: An automatic coin sorting device is provided. The sorting device may include a housing having a hopper configured for receiving coins, a coin tray coupled to the housing, wherein the coin tray is moveable from a first position to a second position, and a plurality of tubular coin receiving members removably secured to the coin tray, wherein each tubular coin receiving member is configured for receiving a different-sized coin. Each tubular coin receiving member includes an angled opening near one face of the coin receiving member to prevent jamming or back-filling of the coins when the coin receiving member is filled to capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: MerchSource, LLC
    Inventor: Mike Pierce
  • Patent number: 8435608
    Abstract: Provided are plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition methods of depositing smooth and conformal ashable hard mask films on substrates containing raised or recessed features. The methods involve using precursors having relatively high C:H ratios, such as acetylene (C:H ratio of 1), and plasmas having low ion energies and fluxes. According to various embodiments, the methods involve depositing smooth ashable hard mask films using high frequency radio frequency-generated plasmas with no low frequency component and/or relatively high pressures (e.g., 2-5 Torr). Also provided are methods of depositing ashable hard mask films having good selectivity and improved side wall coverage and roughness. The methods involve depositing a first ashable hard mask film on a substrate having a feature using a process optimized for selectivity and/or optical properties and then depositing a smoothing layer on the first ashable hard mask film using an HF-only process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Novellus Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Pramod Subramonium, Zhiyuan Fang, Shawn Hancock, Mike Pierce, Jon Henri
  • Publication number: 20040021213
    Abstract: A packaged integrated circuit including a substrate 520 including a metal grid 570, 580 over a top surface of the substrate and an integrated circuit chip 500 mounted on the substrate over the grid. The metal grid can be electrically isolated from the integrated circuit or it can be electrically connected to the integrated circuit, through electrical ground for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventors: Shin Shern Low, Mike Pierce
  • Patent number: 5708417
    Abstract: A system for monitoring the status of mobile units includes a module and a local station. The module attaches to the mobile unit and includes a sensor and transmitter. The module transmits signals to a receiver at the local station. The signals can indicate shock, tampering, or theft. The receiver delivers the signal to a computer at the local station. The computer stores and analyzes the data. The computer includes a display, a keyboard, and a printer. The computer is programmed to present the data to the user and is fitted with an internal card to dial a monitoring station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Phone Alert Corp.
    Inventors: Erven Tallman, Jackie Hayes, David Saylor, Mike Pierce