Patents by Inventor Robert Ashton
Robert Ashton 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: 20180310816Abstract: A warming device (30) for warming the lens portion (2) of an optical instrument (I), such as a laparoscope, to a temperature above ambient to prevent lens fogging comprising: a double walled cylindrical tube (3) having an intemal wall (3b), and an external wall (3a), an upper surface and an open distal portion (7) with a central cavity (4) therebetween; a protrusion (9) extending from said upper surface, sized and shaped to receive the lens portion; a circular cap (5) sized to attach to said distal portion of said double walled cylindrical tube; and, a heating element (15) enclosed within said central cavity and thermally coupled to said insulation layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 30, 2018Publication date: November 1, 2018Inventors: Michael Joseph Blackhurst, Laurence Gulliver, Robert Ashton Murphy
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Patent number: 9993146Abstract: A warming device (30) for warming the lens portion (2) of an optical instrument (I), such as a laparoscope, to a temperature above ambient to prevent lens fogging comprising: a double walled cylindrical tube (3) having an intemal wall (3b), and an external wall (3a), an upper surface and an open distal portion (7) with a central cavity (4) therebetween; a protrusion (9) extending from said upper surface, sized and shaped to receive the lens portion; a circular cap (5) sized to attach to said distal portion of said double walled cylindrical tube; and, a heating element (15) enclosed within said central cavity and thermally coupled to said insulation layer.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2015Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare LimitedInventors: Michael Joseph Blackhurst, Laurence Gulliver, Robert Ashton Murphy
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Patent number: 9316673Abstract: A device and method of determining a capacitance of a device is provided, which in one embodiment includes connecting a first terminal of a capacitor having a known capacitance to the first terminal of the device, applying an AC voltage to the first terminal of the device and the first terminal of the capacitor, measuring a current through the capacitor, measuring a current through the device, determining a first voltage across the device as a function of time, computing a capacitance of the device as a function of time by multiplying the capacitance of the capacitor by the ratio of the current through the device to the current through the capacitor, determining a capacitance of the device as a function of voltage based on the capacitance as a function of time and the first voltage across the device as a function of time, and outputting data of the first capacitance of the device as a function of voltage.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2014Date of Patent: April 19, 2016Assignee: SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES, LLCInventor: Robert A. Ashton
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Publication number: 20150282700Abstract: A warming device (30) for warming the lens portion (2) of an optical instrument (I), such as a laparoscope, to a temperature above ambient to prevent lens fogging comprising: a double walled cylindrical tube (3) having an intemal wall (3b), and an external wall (3a), an upper surface and an open distal portion (7) with a central cavity (4) therebetween; a protrusion (9) extending from said upper surface, sized and shaped to receive the lens portion; a circular cap (5) sized to attach to said distal portion of said double walled cylindrical tube; and, a heating element (15) enclosed within said central cavity and thermally coupled to said insulation layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2015Publication date: October 8, 2015Inventors: Michael Joseph Blackhurst, Laurence Gulliver, Robert Ashton Murphy
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Patent number: 9060676Abstract: A warming device (30) for warming the lens portion (2) of an optical instrument (1), such as a laparoscope, to a temperature above ambient to prevent lens fogging comprising: a double walled cylindrical tube (3) having an internal wall (3b), and an external wall (3a), an upper surface and an open distal portion (7) with a central cavity (4) therebetween; a protrusion (9) extending from said upper surface, sized and shaped to receive the lens portion; a circular cap (5) sized to attach to said distal portion of said double walled cylindrical tube; and, a heating element (15) enclosed within said central cavity and thermally coupled to said insulation layer.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2005Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare LimitedInventors: Michael Joseph Blackhurst, Laurence Gulliver, Robert Ashton Murphy
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Publication number: 20140312922Abstract: A device and method of determining a capacitance of a device is provided, which in one embodiment includes connecting a first terminal of a capacitor having a known capacitance to the first terminal of the device, applying an AC voltage to the first terminal of the device and the first terminal of the capacitor, measuring a current through the capacitor, measuring a current through the device, determining a first voltage across the device as a function of time, computing a capacitance of the device as a function of time by multiplying the capacitance of the capacitor by the ratio of the current through the device to the current through the capacitor, determining a capacitance of the device as a function of voltage based on the capacitance as a function of time and the first voltage across the device as a function of time, and outputting data of the first capacitance of the device as a function of voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2014Publication date: October 23, 2014Applicant: SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES, LLCInventor: Robert A. ASHTON
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Patent number: 8803529Abstract: A device and method of determining a capacitance of a device is provided, which in one embodiment includes connecting a first terminal of a capacitor having a known capacitance to the first terminal of the device, applying an AC voltage to the first terminal of the device and the first terminal of the capacitor, measuring a current through the capacitor, measuring a current through the device, determining a first voltage across the device as a function of time, computing a capacitance of the device as a function of time by multiplying the capacitance of the capacitor by the ratio of the current through the device to the current through the capacitor, determining a capacitance of the device as a function of voltage based on the capacitance as a function of time and the first voltage across the device as a function of time, and outputting data of the first capacitance of the device as a function of voltage.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2013Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Semiconductor Components Industries, LLCInventor: Robert A. Ashton
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Publication number: 20140009177Abstract: A device and method of determining a capacitance of a device is provided, which in one embodiment includes connecting a first terminal of a capacitor having a known capacitance to the first terminal of the device, applying an AC voltage to the first terminal of the device and the first terminal of the capacitor, measuring a current through the capacitor, measuring a current through the device, determining a first voltage across the device as a function of time, computing a capacitance of the device as a function of time by multiplying the capacitance of the capacitor by the ratio of the current through the device to the current through the capacitor, determining a capacitance of the device as a function of voltage based on the capacitance as a function of time and the first voltage across the device as a function of time, and outputting data of the first capacitance of the device as a function of voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2013Publication date: January 9, 2014Applicant: SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES, LLCInventor: Robert A. Ashton
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Patent number: 8564301Abstract: A device and method of determining a capacitance of a device is provided, which in one embodiment includes connecting a first terminal of a capacitor having a known capacitance to the first terminal of the device, applying an AC voltage to the first terminal of the device and the first terminal of the capacitor, measuring a current through the capacitor, measuring a current through the device, determining a first voltage across the device as a function of time, computing a capacitance of the device as a function of time by multiplying the capacitance of the capacitor by the ratio of the current through the device to the current through the capacitor, determining a capacitance of the device as a function of voltage based on the capacitance as a function of time and the first voltage across the device as a function of time, and outputting data of the first capacitance of the device as a function of voltage.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2010Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: Semiconductor Components Industries, LLCInventor: Robert A. Ashton
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Publication number: 20120112774Abstract: A device and method of determining a capacitance of a device is provided, which in one embodiment includes connecting a first terminal of a capacitor having a known capacitance to the first terminal of the device, applying an AC voltage to the first terminal of the device and the first terminal of the capacitor, measuring a current through the capacitor, measuring a current through the device, determining a first voltage across the device as a function of time, computing a capacitance of the device as a function of time by multiplying the capacitance of the capacitor by the ratio of the current through the device to the current through the capacitor, determining a capacitance of the device as a function of voltage based on the capacitance as a function of time and the first voltage across the device as a function of time, and outputting data of the first capacitance of the device as a function of voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2010Publication date: May 10, 2012Inventor: Robert A. Ashton
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Publication number: 20080194915Abstract: A warming device (30) for warming the lens portion (2) of an optical instrument (1), such as a laparoscope, to a temperature above ambient to prevent lens fogging comprising: a double walled cylindrical tube (3) having an internal wall (3b), and an external wall (3a), an upper surface and an open distal portion (7) with a central cavity (4) therebetween; a protrusion (9) extending from said upper surface, sized and shaped to receive the lens portion; a circular cap (5) sized to attach to said distal portion of said double walled cylindrical tube; and, a heating element (15) enclosed within said central cavity and thermally coupled to said insulation layerType: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2005Publication date: August 14, 2008Inventors: Michael Joseph Blackhurst, Laurence Gulliver, Robert Ashton Murphy
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Publication number: 20060005863Abstract: A filter system for dishwasher with a sump having inlets leading to a wash pump and a drain pump in the bottom wall. The filter assembly includes a vertical filter retainer an overlying perforate hood, a multiple porosity filter element carried on the filter retainer and a back wash sprayer rotatably mounted inside the filter retainer with at least one backwash nozzle directed toward the filter assembly. The inlet leading to the wash pump is positioned inside the filter element and the inlet to the drain pump is located outside the filter element. The filter element has openings that vary in size from the top to the bottom of the filter element. The filter element openings can be arranged in bands of different porosity openings including fine, medium and coarse porosity openings. The perforate hood can have coarse porosity openings.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2004Publication date: January 12, 2006Inventors: Vincent Gurubatham, Joseph Sharkey, Aaron Torberg, Robert Ashton
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Publication number: 20050051201Abstract: An automatic dishwasher having a wash chamber is provided with a filter for filtering wash liquid circulated in the wash chamber. The filter includes a filter chamber outside the wash chamber. An inlet to and outlet from the filter chamber in a wall of the wash chamber allows wash liquid circulating in the wash chamber to enter the filter chamber and to flow out of the filter chamber through a filter element back into the wash chamber for filtering particulate material from wash liquid circulating in the wash chamber. A drain outlet at the bottom of the filter chamber allows wash liquid and material filtered by the filter to flow to the household drain. Sensors can be provided to detect a clogged or partially clogged filter and initiate a purge cycle to remove wash liquid and material filtered by the filter to the household drain.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2003Publication date: March 10, 2005Inventors: Robert Ashton, Joseph Sharkey, Vincent Gurubatham, Aaron Torberg
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Patent number: 6555910Abstract: The present invention provides a semiconductor device and method of manufacture thereof that provides improved dielectric thickness control. The semiconductor device includes a metal feature located on a semiconductor substrate, wherein the metal feature has openings formed therein, or depending on the device, therethrough. The semiconductor device further includes a fluorinated dielectric layer located over the metal feature and within the openings. Thus, the inclusion of openings within the metal feature allows for a substantially planar surface of the fluorinated dielectric layer.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2000Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Agere Systems Inc.Inventors: Robert A. Ashton, Steven A. Lytle, Mary D. Roby, Morgan J. Thoma, Daniel J. Vitkavage
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Patent number: 6534834Abstract: A snapback device functions as a semiconductor protection circuit to prevent damage to integrated circuits due to events such as electrostatic discharge and the like. The snapback device is capable of carrying considerable current at a reduced voltage once it snaps back into bipolar operation mode after its trigger point is achieved. The snapback device includes the advantage of a low breakdown voltage which enables the snapback device to snap back into bipolar mode before damage is done to active circuit components due to their breakdown voltages being exceeded. The snapback device includes n+ active areas formed within a p-well substrate region and each active area includes a polysilicon film overlapping the active area but insulated therefrom by a dielectric film. Each n+ active area and polysilicon film are coupled by a conductive film and the components combine to form one electric node.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2001Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Assignee: Agere Systems, Inc.Inventors: Robert A. Ashton, Yehuda Smooha
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Patent number: 6144040Abstract: The present invention provides a van der Pauw semiconductor test structure for and a method of testing a resistivity of a doped area formed within a substrate of a semiconductor wafer which may be under a diffusion area or a gate structure. The test structure can include field oxide regions formed on a surface of the substrate and a base doped substrate formed within the substrate. Further, the test structure includes a first primary tub and secondary tubs that are formed within the base doped substrate, each of the secondary tubs having a first diffusion region formed adjacent to an inner isolation structure and a second diffusion region formed adjacent to an outer isolation structure. A second primary tub is located adjacent the first primary tub and a dielectric layer is formed over the substrate having contacts formed within the dielectric layer and between the isolation structures.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 1999Date of Patent: November 7, 2000Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.Inventor: Robert A. Ashton
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Patent number: 6048921Abstract: The present invention relates to an applicator for flowable materials which comprises a generally cylindrical housing having a chamber, a discharge opening, a wick projecting through said discharge opening, and a projecting structure for shielding the user from flowable materials and for preventing placement of the applicator in inappropriate receptacles. Further, the present invention relates to a storage and shipping rack for said applicators and to a method of dispensing flowable materials onto a surface. Preferably, the applicator is filled with metal coating and treating compositions such as aqueous acidic chromate compositions. Most preferably, the acidic compositions contain a very low concentration of a fluorinated surfactant.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 1997Date of Patent: April 11, 2000Assignee: Henkel CorporationInventors: Robert Ashton White, Lester Steinbrecher
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Patent number: 6010263Abstract: The present invention relates to an applicator for flowable materials to facilitate the repair of damaged metal coatings by allowing the user to quickly, safely, and accurately apply a metal coating solution to a specific portion of a metal surface, alleviating the need to re-immerse the entire metal item in a coating bath. This is particularly advantageous where the metal item is a portion of an automobile chassis or an aircraft which cannot be easily removed. Further, the applicator is a hand-held device which features a safety collar which protects the user from potentially harmful treatment solutions and, because the applicator enables the user to deliver metal coatings accurately and efficiently, chemical waste is essentially eliminated.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 1997Date of Patent: January 4, 2000Assignee: Henkel CorporationInventors: Robert Ashton White, Lester Steinbrecher
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Patent number: 5702759Abstract: The present invention relates to an applicator for flowable materials which comprises a generally cylindrical housing having a chamber, a discharge opening, a wick projecting through said discharge opening, and a projecting structure for shielding the user from flowable materials and for preventing placement of the applicator in inappropriate receptacles. Further, the present invention relates to a storage and shipping rack for said applicators and to a method of dispensing flowable materials onto a surface. Preferably, the applicator is filled with metal coating and treating compositions such as aqueous acidic chromate compositions. Most preferably, the acidic compositions contain a very low concentration of a fluorinated surfactant.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: December 30, 1997Assignee: Henkel CorporationInventors: Robert Ashton White, Lester Steinbrecher
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Patent number: 4785880Abstract: An apparatus for automatically dispensing chemicals into the well bore of a hydrocarbon producing well utilizes a double acting cylinder and piston to sequentially operate a plurality of valves associated with the well. The handles of each valve have a spring steel tine secured thereto which engages with a portion of the piston shaft which actuates the operation of each valve.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 1987Date of Patent: November 22, 1988Inventor: Robert Ashton