Patents by Inventor Robert C. Block

Robert C. Block 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).

  • Non-contact electrical pathway
    Patent number: 5179279
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for establishing a non-contact signal pathway to conductive surfaces of a circuit includes a laser beam generator and an optical system for focussing a laser beam from the beam generator onto a plasma forming foil. The foil is positioned near the conductive surface so that the plasma touches the foil at a spot. The signal pathway is thus established between the foil and the conductive surface through the plasma. Signals can be applied to and read from the conductive surface through the pathway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1993
    Assignee: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
    Inventors: Don L. Millard, Robert C. Block