Patents by Inventor Peter A. Gruber

Peter A. Gruber 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: 8242010
    Abstract: An electrical interconnect forming method. The electrical interconnect includes a first substrate comprising a first electrically conductive pad, a second substrate comprising a second electrically conductive pad, and an interconnect structure electrically and mechanically connecting the first electrically conductive pad to the second electrically conductive pad. The interconnect structure comprises a non-solder metallic core structure, a first solder structure, and a second solder structure. The first solder structure electrically and mechanically connects a first portion of the non-solder metallic core structure to the first electrically conductive pad. The second solder structure electrically and mechanically connects a second portion of the non-solder metallic core structure to the second electrically conductive pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Leslie Buchwalter, Bruce K. Furman, Peter A. Gruber, Jae-Woong Nah, Da-Yuan Shih
  • Publication number: 20120201596
    Abstract: A solder joint comprising a solder capture pad on a substrate having a circuit; and a lead containing or a lead free solder selected from the group comprising Sn—Ag—Cu solder, Sn—Cu solder and Sn—Ag solder adhered to the solder capture pad; the solder selected from the group comprising between 0.1 and 6.0 percent by weight Zn. A solder joint, comprising a solder capture pad on a substrate having a circuit; and a Sn—Cu lead free solder adhered to the solder capture pad, the solder comprising between 0.1 and 6.0% by weight Zn. Formation of voids at an interface between the solder and the solder capture pad is suppressed. A method for forming solder joints using the solders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventors: Peter A. Gruber, Donald W. Henderson, Sung K. Kang, Da-Yuan Shih
  • Patent number: 8237271
    Abstract: The present invention allows for direct chip-to-chip connections using the shortest possible signal path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Steven A. Cordes, Matthew J. Farinelli, Sherif A. Goma, Peter A. Gruber, John U. Knickerbocker, James L. Speidell
  • Publication number: 20120187577
    Abstract: The present invention allows for direct chip-to-chip connections using the shortest possible signal path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Steven A. Cordes, Matthew J. Farinelli, Sherif A. Goma, Peter A. Gruber, John U. Knickerbocker, James L. Speidell
  • Publication number: 20120138769
    Abstract: Interconnects are formed on attachment points of a wafer by performing several steps. A plurality of cavities having a predetermined shape is formed in a semiconductor substrate. These cavities are then filled with an interconnect material to form the interconnects. The interconnects are subsequently attached to the attachment points of the wafer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Bing Dang, Peter A. Gruber, Luc Guerin, Chirag S. Patel
  • Publication number: 20120132694
    Abstract: A portion of compliant material includes four walls defining a slot. The slot has a relatively large cross-section end in fluid communication with a solder reservoir, and also has a relatively small cross-section end opposed to the relatively large cross-section end. The slot has a generally elongate rectangular shape when viewed in plan, with a length perpendicular to a scan direction, a width, parallel to the scan direction, associated with the relatively large cross section end, and a width, parallel to the scan direction, associated with the relatively small cross section end. The slot is configured in the portion of compliant material such that the relatively small cross-section end of the slot normally remains substantially closed, but locally opens sufficiently to dispense solder from the reservoir when under fluid pressure and locally unsupported by a workpiece. Methods of operation and fabrication are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Stephen L. Buchwalter, Peter A. Gruber, Paul A. Lauro, Jae-Woong Nah
  • Patent number: 8162200
    Abstract: A portion of compliant material includes four walls defining a slot. The slot has a relatively large cross-section end in fluid communication with a solder reservoir, and also has a relatively small cross-section end opposed to the relatively large cross-section end. The slot has a generally elongate rectangular shape when viewed in plan, with a length perpendicular to a scan direction, a width, parallel to the scan direction, associated with the relatively large cross section end, and a width, parallel to the scan direction, associated with the relatively small cross section end. The slot is configured in the portion of compliant material such that the relatively small cross-section end of the slot normally remains substantially closed, but locally opens sufficiently to dispense solder from the reservoir when under fluid pressure and locally unsupported by a workpiece. Methods of operation and fabrication are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen L. Buchwalter, Peter A. Gruber, Paul A. Lauro, Jae-Woong Nah
  • Patent number: 8162203
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods of making solder balls having a uniform size. More particularly, the disclosure relates to improved solder ball formation processes that prevent or reduce bridging/merging of two or more solder balls during reflow. The processes of the instant disclosure are desirable because they do not require a sifting step to obtain uniformly-sized solder balls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Peter A. Gruber, Jae-Woong Nah
  • Patent number: 8162199
    Abstract: An apparatus for the removal of excess solder or contaminant, which are encountered on the surfaces of injection mold prior to the transfer of a solder on a silicon wafer. More particularly, there is provided an apparatus for the removal of excess solder, which may be present on a mold surface, without removing any solder, which is located in cavities formed in the mold, and wherein the solder is applied through an injection molded soldering process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Eric E. Bourchard, Guy Brouillette, David H. Danovitch, Peter A. Gruber, Jean-Luc Landreville
  • Patent number: 8157158
    Abstract: A solder joint comprising a solder capture pad on a substrate having a circuit; and a lead containing or a lead free solder selected from the group comprising Sn—Ag—Cu solder, Sn—Cu solder and Sn—Ag solder adhered to the solder capture pad; the solder selected from the group comprising between 0.1 and 6.0 per cent by weight Zn. A solder joint, comprising a solder capture pad on a substrate having a circuit; and a Sn—Cu lead free solder adhered to the solder capture pad, the solder comprising between 0.1 and 6.0% by weight Zn. Formation of voids at an interface between the solder and the solder capture pad is suppressed. A method for forming solder joints using the solders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Peter A. Gruber, Donald W. Henderson, Sung K. Kang, Da-Yuan Shih
  • Patent number: 8148255
    Abstract: Interconnects are formed on attachment points of a wafer by performing several steps. A plurality of cavities having a predetermined shape is formed in a semiconductor substrate. These cavities are then filled with an interconnect material to form the interconnects. The interconnects are subsequently attached to the attachment points of the wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Bing Dang, Peter A. Gruber, Luc Guerin, Chirag S. Patel
  • Patent number: 8138020
    Abstract: A wafer level integrated interconnect decal manufacturing method and wafer level integrated interconnect decal arrangement. In accordance with the technology concerning the soldering of integrated circuits and substrates, and particularly providing for solder decal methods forming and utilization, in the present instance there are employed underfills which consist of a solid film material and which are applied between a semiconductor chip and the substrate in order to enhance the reliability of a flip chip package. In particular, the underfill material increases the resistance to fatigue of controlled collapse chip connect (C4) bumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Peter A. Gruber, Jae-Woong Nah
  • Patent number: 8136714
    Abstract: A portion of compliant material includes four walls defining a slot. The slot has a relatively large cross-section end in fluid communication with a solder reservoir, and also has a relatively small cross-section end opposed to the relatively large cross-section end. The slot has a generally elongate rectangular shape when viewed in plan, with a length perpendicular to a scan direction, a width, parallel to the scan direction, associated with the relatively large cross section end, and a width, parallel to the scan direction, associated with the relatively small cross section end. The slot is configured in the portion of compliant material such that the relatively small cross-section end of the slot normally remains substantially closed, but locally opens sufficiently to dispense solder from the reservoir when under fluid pressure and locally unsupported by a workpiece. Methods of operation and fabrication are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen L. Buchwalter, Peter A. Gruber, Paul A. Lauro, Jae-Woong Nah
  • Publication number: 20120052263
    Abstract: A method for fine positioning a component through the use of fusible elements having two or more melting points so as to establish intermediate displacements between totally melted fusible elements and unmelted fusible elements. Because of the use of non-eutectic fusible materials, fine adjustments in the displacement may be achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Peter A. Gruber, Philip Charles Danby Hobbs
  • Patent number: 8117982
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the formation of coplanar electrical interconnectors. Solder material is deposited onto a wafer, substrate, or other component of an electrical package using a complaint mold such that the terminal ends of the solder material being deposited, i.e., the ends opposite to those forming an attachment to the wafer, substrate, or other component of an electrical package are coplanar with one another. A complaint mold is used having one or more conduits for receiving solder material and having a compliant side and a planar side. The compliant side of the mold is positioned adjacent to the wafer, substrate, or other component of an electrical package allowing solder material to be deposited onto the surface thereof such that the planar side of the compliant mold provides coplanar interconnectors. An Injection Molded Solder (IMS) head can be used as the means for filling the conduits of the compliant mold of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Peter A. Gruber, John Ulrich Knickerbocker
  • Patent number: 8104668
    Abstract: A method for fine positioning a component through the use of fusible elements having two or more melting points so as to establish intermediate displacements between totally melted fusible elements and unmelted fusible elements. Because of the use of non-eutectic fusible materials, fine adjustments in the displacement may be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Peter A. Gruber, Philip Charles Danby Hobbs
  • Publication number: 20110272450
    Abstract: A die level integrated interconnect decal manufacturing method and apparatus for implementing the method. In accordance with the technology concerning the soldering of integrated circuits and substrates, and particularly providing for solder decal methods forming and utilization, in the present instance there are employed underfills which consist of a solid film material and which are applied between a semiconductor chip and the substrate in order to enhance the reliability of a flip chip package. In particular, the underfill material increases the resistance to fatigue of controlled collapse chip connect (C4) bumps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Peter A. Gruber, Jae-woong Nah
  • Patent number: 8053283
    Abstract: A die level integrated interconnect decal manufacturing method and apparatus for implementing the method. In accordance with the technology concerning the soldering of integrated circuits and substrates, and particularly providing for solder decal methods forming and utilization, in the present instance there are employed underfills which consist of a solid film material and which are applied between a semiconductor chip and the substrate in order to enhance the reliability of a flip chip package. In particular, the underfill material increases the resistance to fatigue of controlled collapse chip connect (C4) bumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Peter A. Gruber, Jae-Woong Nah
  • Publication number: 20110237030
    Abstract: A die level integrated interconnect decal manufacturing method and apparatus for implementing the method. In accordance with the technology concerning the soldering of integrated circuits and substrates, and particularly providing for solder decal methods forming and utilization, in the present instance there are employed underfills which consist of a solid film material and which are applied between a semiconductor chip and the substrate in order to enhance the reliability of a flip chip package. In particular, the underfill material increases the resistance to fatigue of controlled collapse chip connect (C4) bumps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Peter A. Gruber, Jae-Woong Nah
  • Publication number: 20110233762
    Abstract: A wafer level integrated interconnect decal manufacturing method and wafer level integrated interconnect decal arrangement. In accordance with the technology concerning the soldering of integrated circuits and substrates, and particularly providing for solder decal methods forming and utilization, in the present instance there are employed underfills which consist of a solid film material and which are applied between a semiconductor chip and the substrate in order to enhance the reliability of a flip chip package. In particular, the underfill material increases the resistance to fatigue of controlled collapse chip connect (C4) bumps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Peter A. Gruber, Jae-woong Nah