Patents by Inventor Robert R. Johnson
Robert R. Johnson 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: 4746989Abstract: Apparatus for scanning the image on an image-bearing member moved past an array of thin film light sensitive elements, said apparatus relying upon the concept of "proximity focusing" in order to generate electrical signals for replicating said image.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1986Date of Patent: May 24, 1988Assignee: Energy Conversion Devices, Inc.Inventors: Vincent D. Cannella, Zvi Yaniv, Robert R. Johnson
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Patent number: 4691244Abstract: Image scanning apparatus including an array of thin film light sensitive elements, said apparatus relying upon the concept of "proximity focusing" in order to generate electrical signals for replicating an image on an image-bearing member. Included is a shielding layer operatively disposed between the abrasion-resistant, transparent coating and the upper electrode of said light sensitive elements for dissipating the harmful affects of static charge build-up.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1986Date of Patent: September 1, 1987Assignee: Energy Conversion Devices, Inc.Inventors: Vincent D. Cannella, Zvi Yaniv, Robert R. Johnson
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Patent number: 4691243Abstract: Image scanning apparatus includes an array of thin film light sensitive elements and relies upon the concept of "proximity focusing" in order to generate electrical signals for replicating an image on an image-bearing member. Included herein is an abrasion-resistant, transparent coating overlying said light sensitive elements.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1986Date of Patent: September 1, 1987Assignee: Energy Conversion Devices, Inc.Inventors: Vincent D. Cannella, Zvi Yaniv, Robert R. Johnson
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Patent number: 4681125Abstract: A tobacco smoke mouthpiece including a smoke impervious plug member having an upstream smoke inlet end and a downstream smoke outlet or mouth end with groove(s) in the periphery of the plug member extending from the inlet end to the mouth end, the plug member being blocked adjacent the inlet end so that the groove(s) forms the path for smoke flow from inlet end to mouth end of the plug member.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 1985Date of Patent: July 21, 1987Assignee: Brown & Williamson Tobacco CorporationInventor: Robert R. Johnson
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Patent number: 4679085Abstract: An apparatus for displaying in real-time a previously recorded video sequence includes a main memory wherein digitized video gray-scale information is stored for selected non-interlaced fields of video images to be displayed. The memory unit is formed of interconnected substrates. Each substrate is a ROM which includes storage elements and a layer of amorphous silicon alloy which forms an array of diode isolation elements. Column select and read-out circuitry as well as row select circuitry for each of the substrates are formed, on each corresponding substrate, utilizing the same amorphous silicon alloy. Digitized fields of presorted information are read out and stored in pairs in an interpolator circuit which is used to form interlaced fields to be displayed timewise between the digitally stored fields. The digitized fields are converted by a digital-to-analog converter and added to sync signals to form a composite analog video signal adapted to drive a raster scan display unit.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 1984Date of Patent: July 7, 1987Assignee: Energy Conversion Devices, Inc.Inventors: Robert R. Johnson, Walter E. Chapelle
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Patent number: 4677742Abstract: A method of making an electronic matrix array atop a non-conductive surface is disclosed. The method includes forming a first set of address lines on the non-conductive surface, depositing continuous layers of semiconductor materials atop the non-conductive surface and the first set of address lines to form a continuous selection means structure, and forming a second set of address lines over the selection means structure. In accordance with one preferred embodiment, the first set of address lines are formed by depositing a continuous layer of material which is convertible from an initially deposited non-conductive state to a conductive state responsive to the impingement of actinic radiation thereon and exposing selected portions of said convertible to actinic radiation.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 1983Date of Patent: July 7, 1987Assignee: Energy Conversion Devices, Inc.Inventor: Robert R. Johnson
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Patent number: 4672454Abstract: An apparatus for providing electrical signals representative of an image formed by X-rays projected thereon includes a two-dimensional array of spaced apart light sensitive sensors formed from deposited semiconductor material. The elements are capable of effecting a detectable electrical characteristic responsive to the intensity of light received thereon. A phosphorescent layer overlying the light sensitive elements receives the projected X-ray image and produces light in response to the impingement of the X-rays thereon. Isolation elements enable the selective addressing of the light sensitive elements. A method of converting an image from electromagnetic energy to a plurality of electrical signals is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 1984Date of Patent: June 9, 1987Assignee: Energy Conversion Devices, Inc.Inventors: Vincent D. Cannella, Zvi Yaniv, Robert R. Johnson
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Patent number: 4666252Abstract: A quick testable subassembly with redundant isolation devices usable in a liquid crystal display has a pair of coplanar spaced apart electrode segments connected to one or more-isolation devices. Address lines are connected to the isolation devices or the electrodes. The isolation devices and electrical connections to the electrode segments can be quickly tested prior to assembly of a complete display. Redundant isolation devices are formed on the subassembly and inoperative isolation devices can be replaced by associated redundant isolation devices. A method of quickly testing the subassembly and of replacing inoperative isolation devices, and several alternate quickly testable subassembly geometries are also disclosed. A self-selecting redundant geometry and method are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 1984Date of Patent: May 19, 1987Assignee: Energy Conversion Devices, Inc.Inventors: Zvi Yaniv, Vincent D. Cannella, Gregory L. Hansell, Robert R. Johnson
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Patent number: 4660095Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus and method for providing electrical signals representative of an image projected thereon. The apparatus includes an array of spaced apart, light sensitive elements formed from deposited semiconductor material and arranged for receiving said image. The elements are capable of effecting a detectable electrical characteristic responsive to the intensity of light received thereon from the image. The apparatus further includes isolation means for enabling the selective detection of the electrical characteristic of each element.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 1984Date of Patent: April 21, 1987Assignee: Energy Conversion Devices, Inc.Inventors: Vincent D. Cannella, Zvi Yaniv, Robert R. Johnson
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Patent number: 4657336Abstract: Miniature socket receptacles employing multiple, flexed legs for contacting an inserted male pin include means for preventing the legs from being overstressed by misalignment of the male pin causing a force transverse to the longitudinal axis of the receptacle. The means can be right angled flanges formed at the terminal portion of the legs or a constriction formed in the throat of the receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1985Date of Patent: April 14, 1987Assignee: GTE Products CorporationInventors: Richard E. Johnson, Robert R. Johnson, Doyle E. Cribbs
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Patent number: 4646762Abstract: A smoking article, such as a cigarette, includes, in one advantageous embodiment, a generally cylindrical, hollow tubular mouth section located in coaxial abutment to one end of the tobacco column of the cigarette. The wall of the mouth section is fabricated of an impermeable material. A plurality of grooves are formed in the periphery of the mouth section extending generally longitudinally thereof and being open to at least the mouth end of the mouth section. Air permeable tipping material circumferentially surrounds the mouth section and overlaps a portion of the tobacco column adjacent the mouth section. In a further embodiment of the present invention as discussed above, the tobacco column is two coaxially located tobacco sections with the tobacco section interfacing with the mouth section being of a different density than the other tobacco section.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 1983Date of Patent: March 3, 1987Assignee: Brown & Williamson Tobacco CorporationInventors: Tilford F. Riehl, Robert R. Johnson
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Patent number: 4646266Abstract: A solid state semiconductor device is disclosed which is programmable so as to alter the impedance between its two terminals. In many embodiments, the device is programmable to have any one of four conditions: a first in which the electrical impedance is relatively high in both directions; a second in which the impedance is relatively high in one direction and relatively low in the opposite direction; a third in which the impedance is relatively high in the opposite direction and relatively low in the first direction; and a fourth in which the impedance is relatively low in both directions. Such a programmable device can be made with semiconductor layers which form two series coupled back-to-back diodes, each of which can be selectively programmed to lose its rectifying feature. Structures are disclosed which include a plurality of such programmable devices in one or more separately programmable planes, each with its own addressing means.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1984Date of Patent: February 24, 1987Assignee: Energy Conversion Devices, Inc.Inventors: Stanford R. Ovshinsky, Robert R. Johnson, Vincent D. Cannella, Zvi Yaniv
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Patent number: 4630355Abstract: Circuit assemblies are disclosed which include a supporting substrate, a plurality of conductive lines supported on the substrate and a deposited phase-change material capable of an energy induced phase change from an initially high resistance state to a relatively low resistance state placed in electrical contact with the conductive lines. The assemblies also include contact receiving means connected to the conductive lines at preselected discrete locations to receive externally applied contact means, such as electric probes, for applying voltages across selected portions of the conductive lines. The application of such voltages can induce a phase change in portions of the phase-change material which bridge breaks in the conductive lines of such circuit subassemblies, changing such portions from their high resistance state to their low resistance state, thereby forming electrically shunting conductive paths around such open circuits. There are also disclosed methods of making such circuit assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 1985Date of Patent: December 23, 1986Assignee: Energy Conversion Devices, Inc.Inventor: Robert R. Johnson
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Patent number: 4620208Abstract: A high performance, small area thin film transistor has a drain region, an insulating layer, and a source region at least portions of the edge of which form a non-coplanar surface with respect to a substrate. The insulative layer is formed in between the source and drain regions. A deposited semiconductor overlies the non-coplanar surface to form a current conduction channel between the drain and source. A gate insulator and gate electrode overly at least a portion of the deposited semiconductor adjacent thereto. The length of the current conduction channel is determined by the thickness of the insulative layer and therefore can be made short without precision photolithography. The non-coplanar surface can be formed by utilizing a dry process to simultaneously etch through several layers in a continuous one-step process. A second dielectric layer may be formed above the three previous layers.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 1983Date of Patent: October 28, 1986Assignee: Energy Conversion Devices, Inc.Inventors: Hellmut Fritzsche, Robert R. Johnson
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Patent number: 4608999Abstract: A filter for a cigarette includes a porous filter rod circumscribed by a non-porous wrapper and a tipping material having selected openings therein for allowing ventilating air to pass therethrough. Spacing members are disposed between the non-porous wrapper and tipping material to form ventilating air channels therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 1984Date of Patent: September 2, 1986Assignee: Brown & Williamson Tobacco CorporationInventor: Robert R. Johnson
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Patent number: 4597162Abstract: A method of making a parallel programmed electronic matrix array including the steps of forming at least one layer of a phase changeable material on a conductive substrate, wherein the phase changeable material has a substantially nonconductive state and a comparatively high conductive state. The layer is formed in one of the states. The method also includes irradiating selected areas of the layer to simultaneously convert the selected areas of the layer to the other one of the states to form selected substantially nonconductive layer portions and selected comparatively high conductive layer portions. Thereafter, in a preprogrammed embodiment, first and second sets of electrically conductive address lines are formed on respective opposite sides of the layer.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1985Date of Patent: July 1, 1986Assignee: Energy Conversion Devices, Inc.Inventors: Robert R. Johnson, Stanford R. Ovshinsky
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Patent number: 4593199Abstract: A device and method for converting an X-ray image into a corresponding output image with light from a different source and a phosphorescent layer in conjunction with a liquid crystal light valve. The light valve includes a photosensor layer comprised of a deposited semiconductor material having distinct light and dark photoconductivities, the light photoconductivity being substantially greater than the dark photoconductivity.When impinged upon by an particular pattern of X-rays, the phosphorescent layer phosphoresces in a corresponding pattern, which phosphorescence in turn causes the semiconductor layer to be switched to its light photoconductivity in a pattern also corresponding to that of the input X-ray image. The pattern of switched semiconductor in the photosensor layer allows a biasing voltage to be switched over to the liquid crystal layer of the light valve in a corresponding pattern.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 1985Date of Patent: June 3, 1986Assignee: Energy Conversion Devices, Inc.Inventors: Zvi Yaniv, Robert R. Johnson
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Patent number: 4588903Abstract: A high speed digital electronic system includes a plurality of logic or switching circuits for providing one or more bits of discrete output in response to applied input signals. At least some of the circuits include devices switchable between at least two logic states, and are formed from materials of the type which exhibit increased switching speeds when maintained in a dynamic mode of operation. Signal source means apply to the system dynamic signals for maintaining the switchable devices in a dynamic mode of operation. The switchable devices are preferably formed from amorphous semiconductor alloys including silicon and may take the form of diodes to form AC logic AND gates, OR gates or a matrix selection circuit. The dynamic signals take the form of alternating major and minor clock pulses having a frequency between 10 and 40 megahertz. The logic circuits are arranged to form a binary adder.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 1983Date of Patent: May 13, 1986Assignee: Energy Conversion Devices, Inc.Inventor: Robert R. Johnson
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Patent number: 4547891Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the operation of a press provides outputs indicating the total number of hits and the operating speed of the press as well as the total amount of product produced by the press.Specifically, an N-Pulser is driven by a proximity switch coupled to the press so as to fill an accumulator that maintains a running total of the amount of product produced. The N-Pulser includes a gate that has an enabling input coupled to the proximity switch and a signal input coupled to a clock. When the gate is enabled the output of the clock is permitted to pass through the gate to the input of a counter, the counter having been preset to a state determined by the amount of product produced during each cycle of the press. The gate is disabled when the counter has counted to a predetermined, ZERO, state. The output of the gate is in a parallel fashion coupled to the accumulator, so that a specified number of pulses are dumped into the accumulator as a result of each cycle of the press.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 1983Date of Patent: October 15, 1985Assignee: GTE Products CorporationInventors: Frank J. Avellino, Robert R. Johnson
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Patent number: 4545391Abstract: A filter for a cigarette includes a smoke impermeable core of generally cylindrical shape and a smoke permeable material overlaying at least a portion of the periphery of the core. The core with the overlaying permeable material is circumscribed by an air pervious tipping material to form a cigarette filter.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 1983Date of Patent: October 8, 1985Assignee: Brown & Williamson Tobacco CorporationInventor: Robert R. Johnson