Patents by Inventor Patrick Franklin
Patrick Franklin 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: 10677656Abstract: A device is disclosed including a substrate and a floating blinded infrared detector and/or a shunted blinded infrared detector. The floating blinded infrared detector may include an infrared detector coupled to and thermally isolated from the substrate; and a blocking structure disposed above the infrared detector to block external thermal radiation from being received by the infrared detector; and wherein the blocking structure comprises a plurality of openings. The shunted blinded infrared detector may include an additional infrared detector coupled to the substrate; an additional blocking structure disposed above the infrared detector to block external thermal radiation from being received by the additional infrared detector; and a material that thermally couples the additional infrared detector to the substrate and the additional blocking structure. Methods for using and forming the device are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2017Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: FLIR Systems, Inc.Inventors: Eric A. Kurth, Chris Chan, Kevin Peters, Patrick Franklin, Robert F. Cannata, James L. Dale, Tommy Marx, David Howard, Jefferson Rose, Michael DeBar
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Patent number: 10677657Abstract: Systems and methods are directed to contacts for an infrared detector. For example, an infrared imaging device includes a substrate having a first metal layer and an infrared detector array coupled to the substrate via a plurality of contacts. Each contact includes for an embodiment a plurality of metal studs each having a first end and a second end and each disposed between the first metal layer and a second metal layer, wherein the first end of each metal stud is disposed on a portion of the first metal layer that is at least partially on the surface of the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2017Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: FLIR SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Eric A. Kurth, Patrick Franklin
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Patent number: 10082263Abstract: A vehicle lighting system or assembly is shown. A lighting system or assembly comprises a reflector, a light bar for mounting on the reflector, a light pipe adapted to be mounted on the reflector and a bracket for securing to the reflector. The light pipe, the light bar and the reflector comprise locators or locating means for causing the components to become registered in a predetermined position when the components of the system are assembled.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2016Date of Patent: September 25, 2018Assignee: VALEO NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventor: Patrick Franklin Miller
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Patent number: 9945729Abstract: Systems and methods may be provided for forming enhanced infrared absorption microbolometers. An enhanced infrared absorption microbolometer may include a metal cap formed from a thin layer of oxidizing metal such as titanium and/or a titanium oxide. The metal cap may be formed within a bridge portion of the microbolometer. The bridge portion may include other layers such as first and second absorber layers disposed on opposing sides of a layer of temperature sensitive resistive material. The layer of temperature sensitive resistive material may be located between the metal cap and a reflecting metal layer formed on a readout integrated circuit for the microbolometer.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2015Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: FLIR SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Robert F. Cannata, Kevin Peters, Patrick Franklin, Eric A. Kurth, James L. Dale, Tommy Marx, Craig Shott, Reza Salafian, Richard E. Bornfreund, Saumya Kothari
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Publication number: 20180087734Abstract: A vehicle lighting system or assembly is shown. A lighting system or assembly comprises a reflector, a light bar for mounting on the reflector, a light pipe adapted to be mounted on the reflector and a bracket for securing to the reflector. The light pipe, the light bar and the reflector comprise locators or locating means for causing the components to become registered in a predetermined position when the components of the system are assembled.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2016Publication date: March 29, 2018Inventor: Patrick Franklin Miller
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Publication number: 20170254705Abstract: Systems and methods are directed to contacts for an infrared detector. For example, an infrared imaging device includes a substrate having a first metal layer and an infrared detector array coupled to the substrate via a plurality of contacts. Each contact includes for an embodiment a plurality of metal studs each having a first end and a second end and each disposed between the first metal layer and a second metal layer, wherein the first end of each metal stud is disposed on a portion of the first metal layer that is at least partially on the surface of the substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2017Publication date: September 7, 2017Inventors: Eric A. Kurth, Patrick Franklin
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Publication number: 20170191868Abstract: A device is disclosed including a substrate and a floating blinded infrared detector and/or a shunted blinded infrared detector. The floating blinded infrared detector may include an infrared detector coupled to and thermally isolated from the substrate; and a blocking structure disposed above the infrared detector to block external thermal radiation from being received by the infrared detector; and wherein the blocking structure comprises a plurality of openings. The shunted blinded infrared detector may include an additional infrared detector coupled to the substrate; an additional blocking structure disposed above the infrared detector to block external thermal radiation from being received by the additional infrared detector; and a material that thermally couples the additional infrared detector to the substrate and the additional blocking structure. Methods for using and forming the device are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2017Publication date: July 6, 2017Inventors: Eric A. Kurth, Chris Chan, Kevin Peters, Patrick Franklin, Robert F. Cannata, James L. Dale, Tommy Marx, David Howard, Jefferson Rose, Michael DeBar
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Patent number: 9658111Abstract: Systems and methods are directed to contacts for an infrared detector. For example, an infrared imaging device includes a substrate having a first metal layer and an infrared detector array coupled to the substrate via a plurality of contacts. Each contact includes for an embodiment a plurality of metal studs each having a first end and a second end and each disposed between the first metal layer and a second metal layer, wherein the first end of each metal stud is disposed on a portion of the first metal layer that is at least partially on the surface of the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2015Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Assignee: FLIR Systems, Inc.Inventors: Eric A. Kurth, Patrick Franklin
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Publication number: 20170082497Abstract: Systems and methods may be provided for forming enhanced infrared absorption microbolometers. An enhanced infrared absorption microbolometer may include a metal cap formed from a thin layer of oxidizing metal such as titanium and/or a titanium oxide. The metal cap may be formed within a bridge portion of the microbolometer. The bridge portion may include other layers such as first and second absorber layers disposed on opposing sides of a layer of temperature sensitive resistive material. The layer of temperature sensitive resistive material may be located between the metal cap and a reflecting metal layer formed on a readout integrated circuit for the microbolometer.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2015Publication date: March 23, 2017Inventors: Robert F. Cannata, Kevin Peters, Patrick Franklin, James L. Dale, Tommy Marx, Craig Shott, Reza Salafian, Richard E. Bornfreund, Saumya Kothari
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Patent number: 9340595Abstract: Crosslinked proteins, proteins and polymers, and polymers and methods of making the same are disclosed. In one illustrative embodiment, a method is provided comprising the steps of attaching a chelator to one or more polymers; creating a coordination complex between the first protein, the second protein, and a metal ion; and crosslinking the first and second proteins by exposing the coordination complex to an oxidant.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2004Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Assignee: University of Utah Research FoundationInventors: Russell John Stewart, Patrick Franklin Kiser, Richard Scott Stayner
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Publication number: 20150311246Abstract: Systems and methods are directed to contacts for an infrared detector. For example, an infrared imaging device includes a substrate having a first metal layer and an infrared detector array coupled to the substrate via a plurality of contacts. Each contact includes for an embodiment a second metal layer formed on the first metal layer; a third metal layer formed on the second metal layer, wherein the third metal layer at least partially fills an inner portion of the contact; and a first passivation layer formed on the third metal layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2014Publication date: October 29, 2015Applicant: FLIR Systems, Inc.Inventors: Eric A. Kurth, Patrick Franklin
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Publication number: 20150247758Abstract: Systems and methods are directed to contacts for an infrared detector. For example, an infrared imaging device includes a substrate having a first metal layer and an infrared detector array coupled to the substrate via a plurality of contacts. Each contact includes for an embodiment a plurality of metal studs each having a first end and a second end and each disposed between the first metal layer and a second metal layer, wherein the first end of each metal stud is disposed on a portion of the first metal layer that is at least partially on the surface of the substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2015Publication date: September 3, 2015Inventors: Eric A. Kurth, Patrick Franklin
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Patent number: 9038226Abstract: The toothbrush having light emitters on a bottom side includes a handle that may be gripped by a user. The handle is positionable proximate the user's mouth. A bristle is coupled to the handle. The bristle engages the user's teeth when the handle is positioned proximate the user's mouth. A processor is coupled to the handle. A light emitter is coupled to the handle. The light emitter is operationally coupled to the processor. The light emitter selectively emits light. The light emitter may communicate the maximum duration of time. An actuator is coupled to the handle. The actuator is operationally coupled top the processor. The actuator selectively actuates the processor.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2014Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Inventor: Patrick Franklin
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Patent number: 9029783Abstract: A microbolometer is disclosed, including a bottom multilayered dielectric, having a first silicon oxynitride layer and a second silicon oxynitride layer disposed above the first silicon oxynitride layer, the first and second silicon oxynitride layers having different refractive indices. The microbolometer further includes a detector layer disposed above the bottom multilayered dielectric, the detector layer comprised of a temperature sensitive resistive material, and a top dielectric disposed above the detector layer.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2011Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: FLIR Systems, Inc.Inventors: Robert F. Cannata, Yaroslava Petraitis, Patrick Franklin, Robert Simes, Richard E. Bornfreund
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Patent number: 8729474Abstract: Systems and methods are directed to contacts for an infrared detector. For example, an infrared imaging device includes a substrate having a first metal layer and an infrared detector array coupled to the substrate via a plurality of contacts. Each contact includes for an embodiment a second metal layer formed on the first metal layer; a third metal layer formed on the second metal layer, wherein the third metal layer at least partially fills an inner portion of the contact; and a first passivation layer formed on the third metal layer.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2009Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: FLIR Systems, Inc.Inventors: Eric A. Kurth, Patrick Franklin
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Publication number: 20120312992Abstract: A microbolometer is disclosed, including a bottom multilayered dielectric, having a first silicon oxynitride layer and a second silicon oxynitride layer disposed above the first silicon oxynitride layer, the first and second silicon oxynitride layers having different refractive indices. The microbolometer further includes a detector layer disposed above the bottom multilayered dielectric, the detector layer comprised of a temperature sensitive resistive material, and a top dielectric disposed above the detector layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2011Publication date: December 13, 2012Applicant: FLIR SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Robert F. Cannata, Yaroslava Petraitis, Patrick Franklin, Robert Simes, Richard E. Bornfreund
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Publication number: 20100267005Abstract: Crosslinked proteins, proteins and polymers, and polymers and methods of making the same are disclosed. In one illustrative embodiment, a method is provided comprising the steps of attaching a chelator to one or more polymers; creating a coordination complex between the first protein, the second protein, and a metal ion; and crosslinking the first and second proteins by exposing the coordination complex to an oxidant.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2004Publication date: October 21, 2010Applicant: University of Utah Research FoundationInventors: Russell John Stewart, Patrick Franklin Kiser, Richard Scott Staynor
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Patent number: 7655496Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor device includes patterning a layer of photoresist onto a surface of a wafer to define metal feature areas and residual metal areas. A layer of metal is deposited over the patterned layer of photoresist, the metal layer includes metal feature portions in the metal feature areas, residual metal areas in the residual metal areas, and residual metal flaps at the edges of the metal feature portions. The wafer is sprayed with high-pressure solvent at a pressure to dissolve the layer of photoresist and to physically remove the residual metal portions from the residual metal areas, leaving only at least a portion of the residual metal flaps. The wafer is sprayed with a stream of frozen gas particles to remove the residual metal flaps.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2007Date of Patent: February 2, 2010Assignee: FLIR Systems, Inc.Inventors: Patrick Franklin, John J. Naughton