Patents by Inventor Thomas J. Fitzgerald

Thomas J. Fitzgerald 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: 10236233
    Abstract: Embodiments of heat spreaders with integrated preforms, and related devices and methods, are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a heat spreader may include: a frame formed of a metal material, wherein the metal material is a zinc alloy or an aluminum alloy; a preform secured in the frame, wherein the preform has a thermal conductivity higher than a thermal conductivity of the metal material; and a recess having at least one sidewall formed by the frame. The metal material may have an equiaxed grain structure. In some embodiments, the equiaxed grain structure may be formed by squeeze-casting or rheocasting the metal material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Aravindha R. Antoniswamy, Thomas J. Fitzgerald
  • Publication number: 20190027379
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of sintered heat spreaders with inserts and related devices and methods. In some embodiments, a heat spreader may include: a frame including aluminum and a polymer binder; an insert disposed in the frame, wherein the insert has a thermal conductivity higher than a thermal conductivity of the frame; and a recess having at least one sidewall formed by the frame. The polymer binder may be left over from sintering frame material and insert material to form the heat spreader.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Applicant: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Wei Hu, Aravindha R. Antoniswamy, Thomas J. Fitzgerald, Nikunj P. Patel, Syadwad Jain, Zhizhong Tang, Shrenik Kothari
  • Publication number: 20180012820
    Abstract: Embodiments of heat spreaders with integrated preforms, and related devices and methods, are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a heat spreader may include: a frame formed of a metal material, wherein the metal material is a zinc alloy or an aluminum alloy; a preform secured in the frame, wherein the preform has a thermal conductivity higher than a thermal conductivity of the metal material; and a recess having at least one sidewall formed by the frame. The metal material may have an equiaxed grain structure. In some embodiments, the equiaxed grain structure may be formed by squeeze-casting or rheocasting the metal material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2017
    Publication date: January 11, 2018
    Applicant: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Aravindha R. Antoniswamy, Thomas J. Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 9799584
    Abstract: Embodiments of heat spreaders with integrated preforms, and related devices and methods, are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a heat spreader may include: a frame formed of a metal material, wherein the metal material is a zinc alloy or an aluminum alloy; a preform secured in the frame, wherein the preform has a thermal conductivity higher than a thermal conductivity of the metal material; and a recess having at least one sidewall formed by the frame. The metal material may have an equiaxed grain structure. In some embodiments, the equiaxed grain structure may be formed by squeeze-casting or rheocasting the metal material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Aravindha R. Antoniswamy, Thomas J. Fitzgerald
  • Publication number: 20170141008
    Abstract: Embodiments of heat spreaders with integrated preforms, and related devices and methods, are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a heat spreader may include: a frame formed of a metal material, wherein the metal material is a zinc alloy or an aluminum alloy; a preform secured in the frame, wherein the preform has a thermal conductivity higher than a thermal conductivity of the metal material; and a recess having at least one sidewall formed by the frame. The metal material may have an equiaxed grain structure. In some embodiments, the equiaxed grain structure may be formed by squeeze-casting or rheocasting the metal material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Applicant: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Aravindha R. Antoniswamy, Thomas J. Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 9330999
    Abstract: A multi-component heat spreader comprising a top component having a first surface and an opposing second surface with either a cavity extending therein from the second surface thereof or a projection extending from the second surface thereof. The multi-component heat spreader further includes at least one additional component, such as a footing component or a spacer component, having a first surface and an opposing second surface with either a cavity extending therein from the second surface thereof or a projection extending from the second surface thereof, which is opposite from the top component cavity/projection. The additional component is attached to the top component, such as by brazing, wherein the top component cavity/projection is mated to the additional component cavity/projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J. Fitzgerald, Aravindha R. Antoniswamy, Carl L. Deppisch, Nikunj P. Patel
  • Publication number: 20150357258
    Abstract: A multi-component heat spreader comprising a top component having a first surface and an opposing second surface with either a cavity extending therein from the second surface thereof or a projection extending from the second surface thereof. The multi-component heat spreader further includes at least one additional component, such as a footing component or a spacer component, having a first surface and an opposing second surface with either a cavity extending therein from the second surface thereof or a projection extending from the second surface thereof, which is opposite from the top component cavity/projection. The additional component is attached to the top component, such as by brazing, wherein the top component cavity/projection is mated to the additional component cavity/projection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2014
    Publication date: December 10, 2015
    Applicant: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J. Fitzgerald, Aravindha R. Antoniswamy, Carl L. Deppisch, Nikunj P. Patel
  • Patent number: 8179337
    Abstract: One particular implementation of the present invention may take the form of a mobile set configured to include one or more projection devices to display a media presentation to a viewer. The mobile set may be configured to follow a fixed path or may move through autonomous navigation. In one embodiment, the mobile set may be included as part of an amusement park ride to interact with the ride patrons and provide them with a greater entertainment experience. For example, the mobile projected set may be synchronized to move with a carrier vehicle carrying the ride patrons and project a presentation or display to the ride patrons during the ride. Placing the projected scene on a mobile set allows the patrons to interact with the projected scene for a longer period of time then if the projected scene was stationary. Further, the mobile sets may be used to configure and control sightlines through the ride to provide a more dynamic environment for the amusement park ride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises
    Inventors: Gregory A. Wilzbach, Janice L. Mulholland, Thomas J. Fitzgerald, David A. Durham, David W. Crawford
  • Patent number: 7996989
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention includes a heat dissipating device. The heat dissipating device includes a main body having a surface, wherein the surface is plated or coated with at least two different metals to form a design effective for bonding to solder and for adhering to polymer in a polymer solder hybrid. The heat dissipating device also includes surface perturbations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Ashay A. Dani, Sabina J. Houle, Christopher L. Rumer, Thomas J Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 7882683
    Abstract: Waste-processing and transportation systems and methods are described. An exemplary waste processing and transportation system (10) comprises a receiving area (20) where loose waste (28) is delivered, a baler (22) for processing the loose waste (28) into waste bales (34), and a loading area (26) where the waste bales (34) are loaded onto a transport vehicle (e.g., a barge 36). A loader (32a) may operate in the receiving area (20) to load the loose waste (28) into the baler (22). At least one material handler (42a) may be configured to move the waste bales (34) onto the transport vehicle (36) for transport to a waste transfer facility (14). The waste bales (34) are configured such that the waste bales are unloaded from the transport vehicle (36) at the waste transfer facility (14) and loaded onto other transport vehicles (e.g., railcars 38) without further processing of the waste bales (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: TDM America, LLC
    Inventors: Ritchie G. Studer, Rick R. Redle, Irfan A. Toor, F. Scott Crawford, Thomas J. Fitzgerald
  • Publication number: 20100053029
    Abstract: One particular implementation of the present invention may take the form of a mobile set configured to include one or more projection devices to display a media presentation to a viewer. The mobile set may be configured to follow a fixed path or may move through autonomous navigation. In one embodiment, the mobile set may be included as part of an amusement park ride to interact with the ride patrons and provide them with a greater entertainment experience. For example, the mobile projected set may be synchronized to move with a carrier vehicle carrying the ride patrons and project a presentation or display to the ride patrons during the ride. Placing the projected scene on a mobile set allows the patrons to interact with the projected scene for a longer period of time then if the projected scene was stationary. Further, the mobile sets may be used to configure and control sightlines through the ride to provide a more dynamic environment for the amusement park ride.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory A. Wilzbach, Janice L. Mulholland, Thomas J. Fitzgerald, David A. Durham, David W. Crawford
  • Patent number: 7672132
    Abstract: An electronic assembly includes a substrate, a device attached to the substrate, and a thermally conductive heat spreader covering the device and at least a portion of the substrate. A metal substantially fills the space between the device and the thermally conductive heat spreader. A method includes attaching at least one die to a substrate, placing a thermally conductive heat spreader over the die, and injecting a molten metal material into the space between the thermally conductive heat spreader and the die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J Fitzgerald, Carl L. Deppisch, Manjit Dhindsa, Mark Norwil, Matthew J. Schaenzer
  • Publication number: 20090293426
    Abstract: Waste-processing and transportation systems and methods are described. An exemplary waste processing and transportation system (10) comprises a receiving area (20) where loose waste (28) is delivered, a baler (22) for processing the loose waste (28) into waste bales (34), and a loading area (26) where the waste bales (34) are loaded onto a transport vehicle (e.g., a barge 36). A loader (32a) may operate in the receiving area (20) to load the loose waste (28) into the baler (22). At least one material handler (42a) may be configured to move the waste bales (34) onto the transport vehicle (36) for transport to a waste transfer facility (14). The waste bales (34) are configured such that the waste bales are unloaded from the transport vehicle (36) at the waste transfer facility (14) and loaded onto other transport vehicles (e.g., railcars 38) without further processing of the waste bales (34).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: Ritchie G. Studer, Rick R. Redle, Irfan A. Toor, F. Scott Crawford, Thomas J. Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 7553702
    Abstract: An integrated heat spreader and die coupled with solder are disclosed herein. The heat spreader may have solder reservoirs. Additionally, the heat spreader and die may be coupled during a reflow process where the gaseous pressure surrounding the integrated heat spreader and the die is varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J Fitzgerald, Mukul P Renavikar, Susheel G Jadhav
  • Patent number: 7527090
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention includes a heat dissipating device. The heat dissipating device includes a main body having a surface, wherein the surface is plated or coated with at least two different metals to form a design effective for bonding to solder and for adhering to polymer in a polymer solder hybrid. The heat dissipating device also includes surface perturbations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Ashay A. Dani, Sabina J. Houle, Christopher L. Rumer, Thomas J Fitzgerald
  • Publication number: 20080185713
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention includes a heat dissipating device. The heat dissipating device includes a main body having a surface, wherein the surface is plated or coated with at least two different metals to form a design effective for bonding to solder and for adhering to polymer in a polymer solder hybrid. The heat dissipating device also includes surface perturbations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventors: Ashay A. Dani, Sabina J. Houle, Christopher L. Rumer, Thomas J Fitzgerald
  • Publication number: 20080156457
    Abstract: The base of a heat sink may be selectively plated with a solder wetting material and soldered to an integral heat spreader also selectively plated with gold. In another embodiment, the solder may be applied in the form of an insert made up of an electrical heating wire sandwiched between indium foil which acts as solder when heated by the intervening wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Matthew J. Schaenzer, Thomas J. Fitzgerald, Tim A. Renfro, Manjit Dhindsa, Vaibhav P. Trivedi
  • Publication number: 20080153210
    Abstract: Embodiments include electronic packages and methods for forming electronic packages. One method includes providing a die and a thermal interface material on the die. A metal body is adapted to fit over the die. A wetting layer of a material comprising indium is formed on the metal body. The thermal interface material on the die is brought into contact with the wetting layer of material comprising indium. The thermal interface material is heated to form a bond between the thermal interface material and the wetting layer so that the thermal interface material is coupled to the metal body, and to form a bond between the thermal interface material and the die so that the thermal interface material is coupled to the die.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Fay HUA, Thomas J. FITZGERALD, Carl L. DEPPISCH, Gregory M. CHRYSLER
  • Patent number: 7364063
    Abstract: The base of a heat sink may be selectively plated with a solder wetting material and soldered to an integral heat spreader also selectively plated with gold. In another embodiment, the solder may be applied in the form of an insert made up of an electrical heating wire sandwiched between indium foil which acts as solder when heated by the intervening wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew J. Schaenzer, Thomas J. Fitzgerald, Tim A. Renfro, Manjit Dhindsa, Vaibhav P. Trivedi
  • Patent number: 7362580
    Abstract: Embodiments include electronic packages and methods for forming electronic packages. One method includes providing a die and a thermal interface material on the die. A metal body is adapted to fit over the die. A wetting layer of a material comprising indium is formed on the metal body. The thermal interface material on the die is brought into contact with the wetting layer of material comprising indium. The thermal interface material is heated to form a bond between the thermal interface material and the wetting layer so that the thermal interface material is coupled to the metal body, and to form a bond between the thermal interface material and the die so that the thermal interface material is coupled to the die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Fay Hua, Thomas J. Fitzgerald, Carl L. Deppisch, Gregory M. Chrysler