Patents by Inventor Steven A. Buhler

Steven A. Buhler 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).

  • Publication number: 20050134153
    Abstract: A multi-electrode piezoelectric diaphragm structure includes a diaphragm, piezoelectric material located on the diaphragm, which is defined as having a first area, and a second area. The first area of the piezoelectric is poled in a first direction, and the second area of the piezoelectric is poled in a second direction. The poled first direction is in a Z-axis of the piezoelectric and the poled second direction is in a Radial axis of the piezoelectric. A first electrode is positioned in the first area, on the first surface, of the piezoelectric. A second electrode is positioned in the second area, on the first surface, of the piezoelectric. A third electrode is located on a second surface of the piezoelectric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Publication date: June 23, 2005
    Inventors: John Bachellerie, Steven Buhler, John Fitch, Meng Lean, Karl Littau
  • Publication number: 20050134152
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present application, a piezoelectric diaphragm structure includes a diaphragm, with a piezoelectric material located on the diaphragm. The piezoelectric material is being poled in a radial direction to the piezoelectric material, wherein the poling direction is in-plane with the piezoelectric material. An inter-digitated electrode grid is positioned on a first surface of the piezoelectric material, the inter-digitated electrode grid including a plurality of electrodes configured to selectively receive positive and negative voltage. The application of the positive and negative voltages generate electric fields in the piezoelectric material, at least a portion of which are in-plane with the piezoelectric material, resulting in an actuation of the piezoelectric material, causing a length change of the piezoelectric material in the Radial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Publication date: June 23, 2005
    Inventors: Meng Lean, Steven Buhler, John Fitch, Karl Littau
  • Publication number: 20050134148
    Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present exemplary embodiment, an energy generation device is provided. A base is fixedly secured to a source of mechanical energy of an oscillatory nature. At least one mass is movably suspended relative to the base. First and second members movably suspend the at least one mass relative to the base. The first and second flexible members convert mechanical energy from oscillations emitted by the source of mechanical energy into electrical signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Publication date: June 23, 2005
    Inventors: Steven Buhler, John Fitch, Eric Shrader
  • Publication number: 20050104479
    Abstract: A piezoelectric thick film element array includes at least one piezoelectric element structure having a thickness between 10 ?m to 100 ?m formed by a deposition process. The at least one piezoelectric element is patterned during the deposition process, and includes a first electrode deposited on a first surface of the piezoelectric elements structure, and a second electrode deposited on a second surface of the piezoelectric element structure. In a further embodiment, several devices are provided using a piezoelectric element or an array having a piezoelectric element structure with a thickness of between 10 ?m to 100 ?m formed by a deposition process. These devices include microfluidic ejectors, transducer arrays and catheters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Inventors: Baomin Xu, Steven Buhler, Michael Welsberg, William Wong, Scott Solberg, Karl Littau, John Fitch, Scott Elrod
  • Publication number: 20040164650
    Abstract: A method of producing at least one piezoelectric element includes depositing a piezoelectric ceramic material onto a surface of a first substrate to form at least one piezoelectric element structure. Then an electrode is deposited on a surface of the at least one piezoelectric element structure. Next, the at least one piezoelectric element structure is bonded to a second substrate, the second substrate being conductive or having a conductive layer. The first substrate is then removed from the at least one piezoelectric element structure and a second side electrode is deposited on a second surface of the at least one piezoelectric element structure. A poling operation is performed to provide the at least one piezoelectric element structure with piezoelectric characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Applicant: PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Baomin Xu, Steven A. Buhler, Michael C. Weisberg, William S. Wong, Scott E. Solberg, Karl A. Littau, John S. Fitch, Scott A. Elrod
  • Publication number: 20040163478
    Abstract: A flexible detection/test tape includes a first flexible conductive layer, and a second flexible conductive layer positioned opposite the first conductive layer. A plurality of at least one of sensors, actuators or transducers are positioned between and are bonded to the first flexible conductive layer and the second flexible conductive layer. An insulative material is inserted around the plurality of at least one of the sensors, actuators or transducers. An electrical contact network connects to the first flexible conductive layer and the second flexible conductive layer, whereby power and control signals are provided to the flexible detection/test tape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Applicant: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Baomin Xu, Steven A. Buhler, William S. Wong, Michael C. Weisberg, Scott E. Solberg, Karl A. Littau, Scott A. Elrod
  • Publication number: 20040130242
    Abstract: A system and method of operation for a piezoelectric transducer is described which utilizes a mesa structure interposed between a piezoelectric material element and a chamber diaphragm. The mesa structure may further comprise a series of mesa openings at least partially filled with adhesive and mesa grooves. The system can be used as a sensor where a net motion to the diaphragm causes a net charge equal to the sum of the charges on each piezoelectric diaphragm. Alternatively, the system can be used as an actuator wherein an applied voltage causes movement of the piezoelectric transducer and the chamber diaphragm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Applicant: Palo Alto Research Center, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven A. Buhler, Karl A. Littau, John S. Fitch
  • Publication number: 20040130243
    Abstract: A system and method of operation for a piezoelectric transducer is described which utilizes a mesa structure interposed between a piezoelectric material element and a chamber diaphragm. The system can be used as a sensor where a net motion to the diaphragm causes a net charge equal to the sum of the charges on each piezoelectric diaphragm. Alternatively, the system can be used as an actuator wherein an applied voltage causes movement of the piezoelectric transducer and the chamber diaphragm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Applicant: Palo Alto Research Center, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven A. Buhler, Karl A. Littau, John S. Fitch, John R. Andrews, Cathie J. Burke, Peter J. Nystrom, Richard Schmachtenberg
  • Publication number: 20040115396
    Abstract: A product and process for bonding porous materials, such as piezoelectric materials, to substantially non-porous substrates is described. The non-porous substrate contains a plurality of apertures extending through the bonding surface. Adhesive is dispensed on the bonding substrate to at least partially fill the apertures. The porous material is then pressed against the bonding surface and the combination is cured. During curing, a portion of the adhesive is absorbed into the porous material from the apertures, however, sufficient adhesive remains in the apertures to bond the porous material to the substantially non-porous substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Applicant: Palo Alto Research Center, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven A. Buhler, Karl A. Littau
  • Publication number: 20040113521
    Abstract: A system and method of operation is described which utilizes an array of piezoelectric actuators distributed over the surface of a diaphragm. In one embodiment, the piezoelectric actuator array is used to cause a net motion of the diaphragm equal to the sum of the motions of each individual sub-chamber diaphragm. The system can be used as a sensor where a common motion applied to the sub-chamber diaphragm causes a net charge equal to the sum of the charges on each piezoelectric diaphragm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Applicant: Palo Alto Research Center, Incorporated
    Inventors: Steven A. Buhler, John S. Fitch, Meng H. Lean, Karl A. Littau
  • Publication number: 20040112530
    Abstract: A product and process for bonding porous materials, such as piezoelectric materials, to substantially non-porous substrates is described. The non-porous substrate contains a plurality of apertures extending through the bonding surface. Adhesive is dispensed on the bonding substrate to at least partially fill the apertures. The porous material is then pressed against the bonding surface and the combination is cured. During curing, a portion of the adhesive is absorbed into the porous material from the apertures, however, sufficient adhesive remains in the apertures to bond the porous material to the substantially non-porous substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Applicant: Palo Alto Research Center, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven A. Buhler, Karl A. Littau
  • Publication number: 20040085438
    Abstract: An electronic circuit is utilized to correct scan non-linearity of a raster output scanner. The circuit modulates a clock frequency to match a scan linearity error profile. Because it is a separate circuit, the exiting closed-loop clock generator does not need to be modified. The correction circuit synchronizes itself with the clock signal using a counter/subtractor phase detector, which ensures that the phase and frequency of the internal clock matches the phase and frequency of the master.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: Xerox Corporation.
    Inventors: Mehrdad Zomorrodi, Steven A. Buhler
  • Patent number: 6650151
    Abstract: An electronic driver circuitry for an RF switch diode used in Acoustic Ink Jet Printing (AIP) systems is disclosed The electronic driver circuitry consists of a PMOS transistor and a poly resistor used to control the on/off states of the RF switch diode wherein the drive current for the RF switch diode is the same as the current in the PMOS transistor. To compensate for undesirable variations in the RF switch diode, the driver circuitry is designed such that the current in the PMOS transistor is adjusted in an opposite direction to cancel the unwanted variations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Mostafa R. Yazdy, Lamar T. Baker, Steven A. Buhler
  • Publication number: 20030116829
    Abstract: An electronic driver circuitry for an RF switch diode used in Acoustic Ink Jet Printing (AIP) systems is disclosed The electronic driver circuitry consists of a PMOS transistor and a poly resistor used to control the on/off states of the RF switch diode wherein the drive current for the RF switch diode is the same as the current in the PMOS transistor. To compensate for undesirable variations in the RF switch diode, the driver circuitry is designed such that the current in the PMOS transistor is adjusted in an opposite direction to cancel the unwanted variations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Applicant: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Mostafa R. Yazdy, Lamar T. Baker, Steven A. Buhler
  • Patent number: 6447097
    Abstract: An image forming system is provided having a printhead including a plurality of ejectors arranged in one or more sequenced groups. Each of the ejectors has a sequence number assigned thereto, ranging from a minimum value and incremented to a maximum value within each sequence group. The plurality of ejectors have an arrangement such that a difference between the sequence number assignment of any two adjacent ejectors is less than a difference between the maximum and minimum sequence number assignment values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Folkins, Richard N. Ellson, Steven A. Buhler, David A. Mantell
  • Patent number: 6447086
    Abstract: A number of architectures of switch compensation networks are described for the provision of a compensation current which ensures the maintaining of a desired switching ratio in an acoustic printhead. The described architectures include those which provide column compensation, row compensation, and row and column compensation to a transducer switching matrix. Control of the switching ratio by the compensation networks, is used in consideration of the dissipation of heat energy through expulsion of a heated drop, to provide a precisely controlled balance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Lamar T. Baker, Steven A. Buhler, Scott Elrod, William F. Gunning, Babur B. Hadimioglu, Abdul M. El Hatem, Joy Roy, Richard Stearns
  • Patent number: 6299272
    Abstract: An acoustic inkjet printhead utilizes a pulse width modulation to control droplet size or ejection velocity. An individual control pulse controls the duration and the time a RF signal is applied to each transducer. To modify the RF signal of each transducer, the pulse width of each control signal can be modified according to a predetermined correction data. The rising edge of the control data is delayed according to the correction data while the falling edge is kept the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Lamar T. Baker, Steven A. Buhler, Abdul M. Elhatem, Scott A. Elrod, Babur B. Hadimioglu, Jaime Lerma, Mostafa R. Yazdy
  • Patent number: 5786722
    Abstract: An integrated CMOS diode with an injection ring that enables construction of an integrated CMOS RF switch. Construction techniques of using a diffused n-well resistor, parasitic capacitance and construction of the diode underneath a bonding input pad contribute to performance of the switch as well as saving space needed to construct the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Steven A. Buhler, Jaime Lerma, Mohammad M. Mojarradi
  • Patent number: 5757065
    Abstract: An integrated CMOS diode with an injection ring which enables construction of an integrated CMOS diode that has the performance characteristics of a high impedance value, when the diode is in the off state, and low impedance, when the diode is in the on state in addition to high breakdown voltages using standard CMOS processing techniques to construct the integrated circuit diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Steven A. Buhler, Jaime Lerma
  • Patent number: 5742047
    Abstract: An imager using an array of photodiodes that does not require non-standard voltages nor multiphase clocking schemes and retains good linearity with low fixed pattern and random noise generation while requiring a minimum of silicon area is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Steven A. Buhler, Mehrdad Zomorrodi