Patents by Inventor Rod Martens

Rod Martens 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: 8889997
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electrical conductor includes providing a substrate layer, depositing a graphene layer on the substrate layer and selectively depositing boundary cappings on defects of the graphene layer to inhibit corrosion of the substrate layer at the defects. Optionally, the boundary cappings may include nano-sized crystals deposited only at the defects. The selectively depositing may include electrodepositing boundary cappings on exposed portions of the substrate layer at the defects. The selectively depositing may include reacting boundary capping material with exposed portions of the substrate layer at the defects to deposit the boundary cappings only at the defects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Zhengwei Liu, Min Zheng, Rod Martens
  • Publication number: 20130292161
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electrical conductor includes providing a substrate layer, depositing a graphene layer on the substrate layer and selectively depositing boundary cappings on defects of the graphene layer to inhibit corrosion of the substrate layer at the defects. Optionally, the boundary cappings may include nano-sized crystals deposited only at the defects. The selectively depositing may include electrodepositing boundary cappings on exposed portions of the substrate layer at the defects. The selectively depositing may include reacting boundary capping material with exposed portions of the substrate layer at the defects to deposit the boundary cappings only at the defects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: Tyco Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Zhengwei Liu, Min Zheng, Rod Martens
  • Patent number: 7868632
    Abstract: An electronic device is moved into a first position with respect to probes for making electrical contact with the device. The electronic device is then moved into a second position in which the electronic device is pressed against the probes, compressing the probes. The movement into the second position includes two components. One component of the movement tends to press the electronic device against the probes, compressing the probes and inducing a stress in the probes. The second movement tends to reduce that stress. Test data are then communicated to and from the electronic device through the probes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: FormFactor, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy E. Cooper, Benjamin N. Eldridge, Igor Y. Khandros, Rod Martens, Gaetan L. Mathieu
  • Patent number: 7731503
    Abstract: A carbon nanotube contact structure can be used for making pressure connections to a DUT. The contact structure can be formed using a carbon nanotube film or with carbon nanotubes in solution. The carbon nanotube film can be grown in a trench in a sacrificial substrate in which a contact structure such as a beam or contact element is then formed by metal plating. The film can also be formed on a contact element and have metal posts dispersed therein to provide rigidity and elasticity. Contact structures or portions thereof can also be plated with a solution containing carbon nanotubes. The resulting contact structure can be tough, and can provide good electrical conductivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: FormFactor, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin N. Eldridge, John K. Gritters, Igor Y. Khandros, Rod Martens, Gaetan L. Mathieu
  • Publication number: 20100112828
    Abstract: A carbon nanotube contact structure can be used for making pressure connections to a DUT. The contact structure can be formed using a carbon nanotube film or with carbon nanotubes in solution. The carbon nanotube film can be grown in a trench in a sacrificial substrate in which a contact structure such as a beam or contact element is then formed by metal plating. The film can also be formed on a contact element and have metal posts dispersed therein to provide rigidity and elasticity. Contact structures or portions thereof can also be plated with a solution containing carbon nanotubes. The resulting contact structure can be tough, and can provide good electrical conductivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: Benjamin N. Eldridge, John K. Gritters, Igor Y. Khandros, Rod Martens, Gaetan L. Mathieu
  • Patent number: 7701243
    Abstract: An electronic device is moved into a first position such that terminals of the electronic device are adjacent probes for making electrical contact with the terminals. The electronic device is then moved horizontally or diagonally such that the terminals contact the probes. Test data are then communicated to and from the electronic device through the probes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: FormFactor, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy E. Cooper, Benjamin N. Eldridge, Igor Y. Khandros, Rod Martens, Gaetan L. Mathieu
  • Patent number: 7560941
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and system compensating for thermally induced motion of probe cards used in testing die on a wafer. A probe card incorporating temperature control devices to maintain a uniform temperature throughout the thickness of the probe card is disclosed. A probe card incorporating bi-material stiffening elements which respond to changes in temperature in such a way as to counteract thermally induced motion of the probe card is disclosed including rolling elements, slots and lubrication. Various means for allowing radial expansion of a probe card to prevent thermally induced motion of the probe card are also disclosed. A method for detecting thermally induced movement of the probe card and moving the wafer to compensate is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: FormFactor, Inc.
    Inventors: Rod Martens, Benjamin N. Eldridge, Gary W. Grube, Ken S. Matsubayashi, Richard A. Larder, Makarand S. Shinde, Gaetan L. Mathieu
  • Publication number: 20090085592
    Abstract: An electronic device is moved into a first position such that terminals of the electronic device are adjacent probes for making electrical contact with the terminals. The electronic device is then moved horizontally or diagonally such that the terminals contact the probes. Test data are then communicated to and from the electronic device through the probes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventors: Timothy E. Cooper, Benjamin N. Eldridge, Igor Y. Khandros, Rod Martens, Gaetan L. Mathieu
  • Patent number: 7463043
    Abstract: An electronic device is moved into a first position such that terminals of the electronic device are adjacent probes for making electrical contact with the terminals. The electronic device is then moved horizontally or diagonally such that the terminals contact the probes. Test data are then communicated to and from the electronic device through the probes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: FormFactor, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy E. Cooper, Benjamin N. Eldridge, Igor Y. Khandros, Rod Martens, Gaetan L. Mathieu
  • Publication number: 20070262767
    Abstract: An electronic device is moved into a first position such that terminals of the electronic device are adjacent probes for making electrical contact with the terminals. The electronic device is then moved horizontally or diagonally such that the terminals contact the probes. Test data are then communicated to and from the electronic device through the probes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Publication date: November 15, 2007
    Inventors: Timothy Cooper, Benjamin Eldridge, Igor Khandros, Rod Martens, Gaetan Mathieu
  • Publication number: 20070170941
    Abstract: An electronic device is moved into a first position with respect to probes for making electrical contact with the device. The electronic device is then moved into a second position in which the electronic device is pressed against the probes, compressing the probes. The movement into the second position includes two components. One component of the movement tends to press the electronic device against the probes, compressing the probes and inducing a stress in the probes. The second movement tends to reduce that stress. Test data are then communicated to and from the electronic device through the probes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Publication date: July 26, 2007
    Inventors: Timothy Cooper, Benjamin Eldridge, Igor Khandros, Rod Martens, Gaetan Mathieu
  • Publication number: 20070139060
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and system compensating for thermally induced motion of probe cards used in testing die on a wafer. A probe card incorporating temperature control devices to maintain a uniform temperature throughout the thickness of the probe card is disclosed. A probe card incorporating bi-material stiffening elements which respond to changes in temperature in such a way as to counteract thermally induced motion of the probe card is disclosed including rolling elements, slots and lubrication. Various means for allowing radial expansion of a probe card to prevent thermally induced motion of the probe card are also disclosed. A method for detecting thermally induced movement of the probe card and moving the wafer to compensate is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Inventors: Rod Martens, Benjamin Eldridge, Gary Grube, Ken Matsubayashi, Richard Larder, Makarand Shinde, Gaetan Mathieu
  • Patent number: 7218127
    Abstract: An electronic device is moved into a first position such that terminals of the electronic device are adjacent probes for making electrical contact with the terminals. The electronic device is then moved horizontally or diagonally such that the terminals contact the probes. Test data are then communicated to and from the electronic device through the probes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: FormFactor, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy E. Cooper, Benjamin N. Eldridge, Igor Y. Khandros, Rod Martens, Gaetan L. Mathieu
  • Patent number: 7202682
    Abstract: An electronic device is moved into a first position with respect to probes for making electrical contact with the device. The electronic device is then moved into a second position in which the electronic device is pressed against the probes, compressing the probes. The movement into the second position includes two components. One component of the movement tends to press the electronic device against the probes, compressing the probes and inducing a stress in the probes. The second movement tends to reduce that stress. Test data are then communicated to and from the electronic device through the probes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: FormFactor, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy E. Cooper, Benjamin N. Eldridge, Igor Y. Khandros, Rod Martens, Gaetan L. Mathieu
  • Patent number: 7119564
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and system compensating for thermally induced motion of probe cards used in testing die on a wafer. A probe card incorporating temperature control devices to maintain a uniform temperature throughout the thickness of the probe card is disclosed. A probe card incorporating bi-material stiffening elements which respond to changes in temperature in such a way as to counteract thermally induced motion of the probe card is disclosed including rolling elements, slots and lubrication. Various means for allowing radial expansion of a probe card to prevent thermally induced motion of the probe card are also disclosed. A method for detecting thermally induced movement of the probe card and moving the wafer to compensate is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: FormFactor, Inc.
    Inventors: Rod Martens, Benjamin N. Eldridge, Gary W. Grube, Ken S. Matsubayashi, Richard A. Larder, Makarand Shinde, Gaetan L. Mathieu
  • Publication number: 20060001440
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and system compensating for thermally induced motion of probe cards used in testing die on a wafer. A probe card incorporating temperature control devices to maintain a uniform temperature throughout the thickness of the probe card is disclosed. A probe card incorporating bi-material stiffening elements which respond to changes in temperature in such a way as to counteract thermally induced motion of the probe card is disclosed including rolling elements, slots and lubrication. Various means for allowing radial expansion of a probe card to prevent thermally induced motion of the probe card are also disclosed. A method for detecting thermally induced movement of the probe card and moving the wafer to compensate is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Publication date: January 5, 2006
    Inventors: Rod Martens, Benjamin Eldridge, Gary Grube, Ken Matsubayashi, Richard Larder, Makarand Shinde, Gaetan Mathieu
  • Patent number: 6972578
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and system compensating for thermally induced motion of probe cards used in testing die on a wafer. A probe card incorporating temperature control devices to maintain a uniform temperature throughout the thickness of the probe card is disclosed. A probe card incorporating bi-material stiffening elements which respond to changes in temperature in such a way as to counteract thermally induced motion of the probe card is disclosed including rolling elements, slots and lubrication. Various means for allowing radial expansion of a probe card to prevent thermally induced motion of the probe card are also disclosed. A method for detecting thermally induced movement of the probe card and moving the wafer to compensate is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: FormFactor, Inc.
    Inventors: Rod Martens, Benjamin N. Eldridge, Gary W. Grube, Ken S. Matsubayashi, Richard A. Larder, Makarand Shinde, Gaetan L. Mathieu
  • Publication number: 20050179455
    Abstract: An electronic device is moved into a first position such that terminals of the electronic device are adjacent probes for making electrical contact with the terminals. The electronic device is then moved horizontally or diagonally such that the terminals contact the probes. Test data are then communicated to and from the electronic device through the probes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Publication date: August 18, 2005
    Inventors: Timothy Cooper, Benjamin Eldridge, Igor Khandros, Rod Martens, Gaetan Mathieu
  • Publication number: 20040130312
    Abstract: An electronic device is moved into a first position with respect to probes for making electrical contact with the device. The electronic device is then moved into a second position in which the electronic device is pressed against the probes, compressing the probes. The movement into the second position includes two components. One component of the movement tends to press the electronic device against the probes, compressing the probes and inducing a stress in the probes. The second movement tends to reduce that stress. Test data are then communicated to and from the electronic device through the probes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Applicant: FormFactor, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy E. Cooper, Benjamin N. Eldridge, Igor Y. Khandros, Rod Martens, Gaetan L. Mathieu
  • Publication number: 20030085723
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and system compensating for thermally induced motion of probe cards used in testing die on a wafer. A probe card incorporating temperature control devices to maintain a uniform temperature throughout the thickness of the probe card is disclosed. A probe card incorporating bi-material stiffening elements which respond to changes in temperature in such a way as to counteract thermally induced motion of the probe card is disclosed including rolling elements, slots and lubrication. Various means for allowing radial expansion of a probe card to prevent thermally induced motion of the probe card are also disclosed. A method for detecting thermally induced movement of the probe card and moving the wafer to compensate is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventors: Rod Martens, Benjamin N. Eldridge, Gary W. Grube, Ken S. Matsubayashi, Richard A. Larder, Makarand Shinde, Gaetan L. Mathieu