Patents by Inventor Steven R. Nickel

Steven R. Nickel 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: 20130187706
    Abstract: A tamper resistant electronic device includes multiple eFuses that are individually blown in each instance the electronic device is tampered with. For example an eFuse is blown when the electronic device is subjected to a temperature that causes solder reflow. Since it is anticipated that the electronic device may be tampered with in an acceptable way and/or an acceptable number of instances, functionality of the electronic device is altered or disabled only after a threshold number of eFuses are blown. In certain implementations, the threshold number is the number of anticipated acceptable tamper events. Upon a tamper event an individual eFuse is blown. If the total number of blown eFuses is less than the threshold, a next eFuse is enabled so that it may be blown upon a next tamper event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Travis R. Hebig, Joseph Kuczynski, Robert E. Meyer, III, Steven R. Nickel
  • Publication number: 20120074968
    Abstract: A method for performing corrosion testing is provided. The method includes applying a thin film of silicone to an electrical device to be tested, positioning the device in a chamber, connecting the device to electrical testing equipment for determining any change in electrical resistance of the device, and disposing a gaseous compound of sulfur in the chamber. The method also comprises monitoring the device for any change in electrical resistance for indicating failure of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: King M. A. Chu, Steven R. Nickel, Timothy J. Tofil