Patents by Inventor Terry Gafron

Terry Gafron 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: 10051936
    Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing item or luggage loss prevention, which, in some cases, is based on weight measurement. In some embodiments, a device with a processor can be placed under a bag's handle, within an interior compartment of the bag, below or in the feet or wheels of the bag, and/or the like. The device can allow a user to lock in a weight of the bag. If any item is subsequently removed from (and not returned to) the bag, the device will notify the user, using one or more of audio notification, visual notification, and/or mobile device notification (e.g., via e-mail, text message, SMS, MMS, chat message, and/or the like) that the weight of the bag has changed. In some cases, location detection devices may be implemented to allow the user to backtrack where the missing item might have been left behind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Nolo Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Faisal Shah, Terry Gafron
  • Publication number: 20180132588
    Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing item or luggage loss prevention, which, in some cases, is based on weight measurement. In some embodiments, a device with a processor can be placed under a bag's handle, within an interior compartment of the bag, below or in the feet or wheels of the bag, and/or the like. The device can allow a user to lock in a weight of the bag. If any item is subsequently removed from (and not returned to) the bag, the device will notify the user, using one or more of audio notification, visual notification, and/or mobile device notification (e.g., via e-mail, text message, SMS, MMS, chat message, and/or the like) that the weight of the bag has changed. In some cases, location detection devices may be implemented to allow the user to backtrack where the missing item might have been left behind.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2018
    Publication date: May 17, 2018
    Inventors: Faisal Shah, Terry Gafron
  • Patent number: 9888756
    Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing item or luggage loss prevention, which, in some cases, is based on weight measurement. In some embodiments, a device with a processor can be placed under a bag's handle, within an interior compartment of the bag, below or in the feet or wheels of the bag, and/or the like. The device can allow a user to lock in a weight of the bag. If any item is subsequently removed from (and not returned to) the bag, the device will notify the user, using one or more of audio notification, visual notification, and/or mobile device notification (e.g., via e-mail, text message, SMS, MMS, chat message, and/or the like) that the weight of the bag has changed. In some cases, location detection devices may be implemented to allow the user to backtrack where the missing item might have been left behind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Nolo Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Faisal Shah, Terry Gafron
  • Publication number: 20150237980
    Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing item or luggage loss prevention, which, in some cases, is based on weight measurement. In some embodiments, a device with a processor can be placed under a bag's handle, within an interior compartment of the bag, below or in the feet or wheels of the bag, and/or the like. The device can allow a user to lock in a weight of the bag. If any item is subsequently removed from (and not returned to) the bag, the device will notify the user, using one or more of audio notification, visual notification, and/or mobile device notification (e.g., via e-mail, text message, SMS, MMS, chat message, and/or the like) that the weight of the bag has changed. In some cases, location detection devices may be implemented to allow the user to backtrack where the missing item might have been left behind.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Faisal Shah, Terry Gafron
  • Patent number: 8374037
    Abstract: A semiconductor magnetic memory device has a magnetic tunneling junction formed over a memory cell. The memory cell has a control gate surrounded by a floating gate. The floating gate is coupled to the magnetic tunneling junction through a pinning layer that maintains the magnetic orientation of the lower magnetic layer of the junction. A current through a selected word line, coupled to the control gate, generates a first magnetic field. A current through a cell select line generates a second magnetic field that is orthogonal to the first magnetic field. This changes the magnetic orientation of the upper magnetic layer of the junction to lower its resistance, thus allowing a write/erase voltage on a program/erase line to program/erase the floating gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Parag Banerjee, Terry Gafron, Fernando Gonzalez
  • Publication number: 20110273929
    Abstract: A semiconductor magnetic memory device has a magnetic tunneling junction formed over a memory cell. The memory cell has a control gate surrounded by a floating gate. The floating gate is coupled to the magnetic tunneling junction through a pinning layer that maintains the magnetic orientation of the lower magnetic layer of the junction. A current through a selected word line, coupled to the control gate, generates a first magnetic field. A current through a cell select line generates a second magnetic field that is orthogonal to the first magnetic field. This changes the magnetic orientation of the upper magnetic layer of the junction to lower its resistance, thus allowing a write/erase voltage on a program/erase line to program/erase the floating gate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventors: Parag BANERJEE, Terry GAFRON, Fernando GONZALEZ
  • Patent number: 7995402
    Abstract: A semiconductor magnetic memory device has a magnetic tunneling junction formed over a memory cell. The memory cell has a control gate surrounded by a floating gate. The floating gate is coupled to the magnetic tunneling junction through a pinning layer that maintains the magnetic orientation of the lower magnetic layer of the junction. A current through a selected word line, coupled to the control gate, generates a first magnetic field. A current through a cell select line generates a second magnetic field that is orthogonal to the first magnetic field. This changes the magnetic orientation of the upper magnetic layer of the junction to lower its resistance, thus allowing a write/erase voltage on a program/erase line to program/erase the floating gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Parag Banerjee, Terry Gafron, Fernando Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 7852668
    Abstract: A semiconductor magnetic memory device has a magnetic tunneling junction formed over a memory cell. The memory cell has a control gate surrounded by a floating gate. The floating gate is coupled to the magnetic tunneling junction through a pinning layer that maintains the magnetic orientation of the lower magnetic layer of the junction. A current through a selected word line, coupled to the control gate, generates a first magnetic field. A current through a cell select line generates a second magnetic field that is orthogonal to the first magnetic field. This changes the magnetic orientation of the upper magnetic layer of the junction to lower its resistance, thus allowing a write/erase voltage on a program/erase line to program/erase the floating gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Parag Banerjee, Terry Gafron, Fernando Gonzalez
  • Publication number: 20090129167
    Abstract: A semiconductor magnetic memory device has a magnetic tunneling junction formed over a memory cell. The memory cell has a control gate surrounded by a floating gate. The floating gate is coupled to the magnetic tunneling junction through a pinning layer that maintains the magnetic orientation of the lower magnetic layer of the junction. A current through a selected word line, coupled to the control gate, generates a first magnetic field. A current through a cell select line generates a second magnetic field that is orthogonal to the first magnetic field. This changes the magnetic orientation of the upper magnetic layer of the junction to lower its resistance, thus allowing a write/erase voltage on a program/erase line to program/erase the floating gate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventors: Parag Banerjee, Terry Gafron, Fernando Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 7486550
    Abstract: A semiconductor magnetic memory device has a magnetic tunneling junction formed over a memory cell. The memory cell has a control gate surrounded by a floating gate. The floating gate is coupled to the magnetic tunneling junction through a pinning layer that maintains the magnetic orientation of the lower magnetic layer of the junction. A current through a selected word line, coupled to the control gate, generates a first magnetic field. A current through a cell select line generates a second magnetic field that is orthogonal to the first magnetic field. This changes the magnetic orientation of the upper magnetic layer of the junction to lower its resistance, thus allowing a write/erase voltage on a program/erase line to program/erase the floating gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Parag Banerjee, Terry Gafron, Fernando Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 7371587
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for inhibiting diffusion of mobile atoms from an antiferromagnetic layer toward a tunnel oxide layer and through a ferromagnetic layer which is pinned by the antiferromagnetic layer. Diffusion of the mobile atoms is inhibited by an oxide layer provided between the anti-ferromagnetic layer and the ferromagnetic layer. Alternatively, the ferromagnetic layer can have boron atoms located on or in the layer to fill interstices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel A. Drewes, Terry Gafron
  • Publication number: 20070279977
    Abstract: A semiconductor magnetic memory device has a magnetic tunneling junction formed over a memory cell. The memory cell has a control gate surrounded by a floating gate. The floating gate is coupled to the magnetic tunneling junction through a pinning layer that maintains the magnetic orientation of the lower magnetic layer of the junction. A current through a selected word line, coupled to the control gate, generates a first magnetic field. A current through a cell select line generates a second magnetic field that is orthogonal to the first magnetic field. This changes the magnetic orientation of the upper magnetic layer of the junction to lower its resistance, thus allowing a write/erase voltage on a program/erase line to program/erase the floating gate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventors: Parag Banerjee, Terry Gafron, Fernando Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 6881993
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for inhibiting diffusion of mobile atoms from an antiferromagnetic layer toward a tunnel oxide layer and through a ferromagnetic layer which is pinned by the antiferromagnetic layer. Diffusion of the mobile atoms is inhibited by an oxide layer provided between the anti-ferromagnetic layer and the ferromagnetic layer. Alternatively, the ferromagnetic layer can have boron atoms located on or in the layer to fill interstices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel A. Drewes, Terry Gafron
  • Publication number: 20050047263
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for inhibiting diffusion of mobile atoms from an antiferromagnetic layer toward a tunnel oxide layer and through a ferromagnetic layer which is pinned by the antiferromagnetic layer. Diffusion of the mobile atoms is inhibited by an oxide layer provided between the anti-ferromagnetic layer and the ferromagnetic layer. Alternatively, the ferromagnetic layer can have boron atoms located on or in the layer to fill interstices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Publication date: March 3, 2005
    Inventors: Joel Drewes, Terry Gafron
  • Publication number: 20040042246
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for inhibiting diffusion of mobile atoms from an antiferromagnetic layer toward a tunnel oxide layer and through a ferromagnetic layer which is pinned by the antiferromagnetic layer. Diffusion of the mobile atoms is inhibited by an oxide layer provided between the anti-ferromagnetic layer and the ferromagnetic layer. Alternatively, the ferromagnetic layer can have boron atoms located on or in the layer to fill interstices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventors: Joel A. Drewes, Terry Gafron