Patents by Inventor Thomas M. Burke
Thomas M. Burke 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).
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Patent number: 12163999Abstract: An apparatus is described for burn-in and/or functional testing of microelectronic circuits of unsingulated wafers. A large number of power, ground, and signal connections can be made to a large number of contacts on a wafer. The apparatus has a cartridge that allows for fanning-in of electric paths. A distribution board has a plurality of interfaces that are strategically positioned to provide a dense configuration. The interfaces are connected through flexible attachments to an array of first connector modules. Each one of the first connector modules can be independently connected to a respective one of a plurality of second connector modules, thereby reducing stresses on a frame of the apparatus. Further features include for example a piston that allows for tight control of forces exerted by terminals onto contacts of a wafer.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2023Date of Patent: December 10, 2024Assignee: AEHR TEST SYSTEMSInventors: Donald P. Richmond, II, Kenneth W. Deboe, Frank O. Uher, Jovan Jovanovic, Scott E. Lindsey, Thomas T. Maenner, Patrick M. Shepherd, Jeffrey L. Tyson, Mark C. Carbone, Paul W. Burke, Doan D. Cao, James F. Tomic, Long V. Vu
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Publication number: 20220367070Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include nuclear fission reactor cores, nuclear fission reactors, methods of operating a nuclear fission reactor, and methods of managing excess reactivity in a nuclear fission reactor.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2022Publication date: November 17, 2022Inventors: Charles E. Ahlfeld, Thomas M. Burke, Tyler S. Ellis, John R. Gilleland, Jonatan Hejzlar, Pavel Hejzlar, Roderick A. Hyde, David G. McAlees, Jon D. McWhirter, Ashok Odedra, Robert C. Petroski, Nicholas W. Touran, Joshua C. Walter, Kevan D. Weaver, Thomas A. Weaver, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., George B. Zimmerman
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Patent number: 11482344Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include nuclear fission reactor cores, nuclear fission reactors, methods of operating a nuclear fission reactor, and methods of managing excess reactivity in a nuclear fission reactor.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2017Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: TERRAPOWER, LLCInventors: Charles E. Ahlfeld, Thomas M. Burke, Tyler S. Ellis, John Rogers Gilleland, Jonatan Hejzlar, Pavel Hejzlar, Roderick A. Hyde, David G. McAlees, Jon D. McWhirter, Ashok Odedra, Robert C. Petroski, Nicholas W. Touran, Joshua C. Walter, Kevan D. Weaver, Thomas Allan Weaver, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., George B. Zimmerman
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Patent number: 11257600Abstract: Sodium-cesium trap systems and methods for the simultaneous removal of both sodium (Na) and cesium (Cs) in gas are provided. The trap system includes a contacting vessel having an inlet and an outlet with carrier gas channeled therethrough. A heating system maintains a temperature gradient across the contacting vessel between a first temperature at the inlet and a second temperature at the outlet such that sodium and cesium contained within the carrier gas are condensed into liquid and the carrier gas exiting the vessel is substantially free of sodium and cesium.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2020Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Assignee: TerraPower, LLCInventors: Michael Anderson, Thomas M. Burke, Robert A. Corbin, Christopher M. Regan
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Publication number: 20200258644Abstract: Sodium-cesium trap systems and methods for the simultaneous removal of both sodium (Na) and cesium (Cs) in gas are provided. The trap system includes a contacting vessel having an inlet and an outlet with carrier gas channeled therethrough. A heating system maintains a temperature gradient across the contacting vessel between a first temperature at the inlet and a second temperature at the outlet such that sodium and cesium contained within the carrier gas are condensed into liquid and the carrier gas exiting the vessel is substantially free of sodium and cesium.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2020Publication date: August 13, 2020Applicant: TerraPower, LLcInventors: Michael Anderson, Thomas M. Burke, Robert A. Corbin, Christopher M. Regan
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Patent number: 10636532Abstract: Sodium-cesium trap systems and methods for the simultaneous removal of both sodium (Na) and cesium (Cs) in gas are provided. The trap system includes a contacting vessel having an inlet and an outlet with carrier gas channeled therethrough. A heating system maintains a temperature gradient across the contacting vessel between a first temperature at the inlet and a second temperature at the outlet such that sodium and cesium contained within the carrier gas are condensed into liquid and the carrier gas exiting the vessel is substantially free of sodium and cesium.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2017Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignee: TerraPower, LLCInventors: Michael Anderson, Thomas M. Burke, Robert A. Corbin, Christopher M. Regan
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Publication number: 20170337995Abstract: Sodium-cesium trap systems and methods for the simultaneous removal of both sodium (Na) and cesium (Cs) in gas are provided. The trap system includes a contacting vessel having an inlet and an outlet with carrier gas channeled therethrough. A heating system maintains a temperature gradient across the contacting vessel between a first temperature at the inlet and a second temperature at the outlet such that sodium and cesium contained within the carrier gas are condensed into liquid and the carrier gas exiting the vessel is substantially free of sodium and cesium.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2017Publication date: November 23, 2017Applicant: TerraPower, LLCInventors: Michael Anderson, Thomas M. Burke, Robert A. Corbin, Christopher M. Regan
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Publication number: 20170301412Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include nuclear fission reactor cores, nuclear fission reactors, methods of operating a nuclear fission reactor, and methods of managing excess reactivity in a nuclear fission reactor.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2017Publication date: October 19, 2017Inventors: Charles E. Ahlfeld, Thomas M. Burke, Tyler S. Ellis, John Rogers Gilleland, Jonatan Hejzlar, Pavel Hejzlar, Roderick A. Hyde, David G. McAlees, Jon D. McWhirter, Ashok Odedra, Robert C. Petroski, Nicholas W. Touran, Joshua C. Walter, Kevan D. Weaver, Thomas Allan Weaver, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, George B. Zimmerman
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Patent number: 9653187Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include nuclear fission reactor cores, nuclear fission reactors, methods of operating a nuclear fission reactor, and methods of managing excess reactivity in a nuclear fission reactor.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2010Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: TerraPower, LLCInventors: Charles E. Ahlfeld, Thomas M. Burke, Tyler S. Ellis, John Rogers Gilleland, Jonatan Hejzlar, Pavel Hejzlar, Roderick A. Hyde, David G. McAlees, Jon D. McWhirter, Ashok Odedra, Robert C. Petroski, Nicholas W. Touran, Joshua C. Walter, Kevan D. Weaver, Thomas Allan Weaver, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., George B. Zimmerman
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Patent number: 9401228Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include nuclear fission reactor cores, nuclear fission reactors, methods of operating a nuclear fission reactor, and methods of managing excess reactivity in a nuclear fission reactor.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2010Date of Patent: July 26, 2016Assignee: TerraPower, LLCInventors: Charles E. Ahlfeld, Thomas M. Burke, Tyler S. Ellis, John Rogers Gilleland, Jonatan Hejzlar, Pavel Hejzlar, Roderick A. Hyde, David G. McAlees, Jon D. McWhirter, Ashok Odedra, Robert C. Petroski, Nicholas W. Touran, Joshua C. Walter, Kevan D. Weaver, Thomas Allan Weaver, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., George B. Zimmerman
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Patent number: 9236150Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include nuclear fission reactor cores, nuclear fission reactors, methods of operating a nuclear fission reactor, and methods of managing excess reactivity in a nuclear fission reactor.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2010Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: TerraPower, LLCInventors: Charles E. Ahlfeld, Thomas M. Burke, Tyler S. Ellis, John Rogers Gilleland, Jonatan Hejzlar, Pavel Hejzlar, Roderick A. Hyde, David G. McAlees, Jon D. McWhirter, Ashok Odedra, Robert C. Petroski, Nicholas W. Touran, Joshua C. Walter, Kevan D. Weaver, Thomas Allan Weaver, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., George B. Zimmerman
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Publication number: 20110164713Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include nuclear fission reactor cores, nuclear fission reactors, methods of operating a nuclear fission reactor, and methods of managing excess reactivity in a nuclear fission reactor.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2010Publication date: July 7, 2011Inventors: Charles E. Ahlfeld, Thomas M. Burke, Tyler S. Ellis, John Rogers Gilleland, Jonatan Hejzlar, Pavel Hejzlar, Roderick A. Hyde, David G. McAlees, Jon D. McWhirter, Ashok Odedra, Robert C. Petroski, Nicholas W. Touran, Joshua C. Walter, Kevan D. Weaver, Thomas Allan Weaver, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, JR., George B. Zimmerman
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Publication number: 20110164714Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include nuclear fission reactor cores, nuclear fission reactors, methods of operating a nuclear fission reactor, and methods of managing excess reactivity in a nuclear fission reactor.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2010Publication date: July 7, 2011Inventors: Charles E. Ahlfeld, Thomas M. Burke, Tyler S. Ellis, John Rogers Gilleland, Jonatan Hejzlar, Pavel Hejzlar, Roderick A. Hyde, David G. McAlees, Jon D. McWhirter, Ashok Odedra, Robert C. Petroski, Nicholas W. Touran, Joshua C. Walter, Kevan D. Weaver, Thomas Allan Weaver, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, JR., George B. Zimmerman
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Publication number: 20110164712Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include nuclear fission reactor cores, nuclear fission reactors, methods of operating a nuclear fission reactor, and methods of managing excess reactivity in a nuclear fission reactor.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2010Publication date: July 7, 2011Inventors: Charles E. Ahlfeld, Thomas M. Burke, Tyler S. Ellis, John Rogers Gilleland, Jonatan Hejzlar, Pavel Hejzlar, Roderick A. Hyde, David G. McAlees, Jon D. McWhirter, Ashok Odedra, Robert C. Petroski, Nicholas W. Touran, Joshua C. Walter, Kevan D. Weaver, Thomas Allan Weaver, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, JR., George B. Zimmerman
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Publication number: 20110110484Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include nuclear fission reactor cores, nuclear fission reactors, methods of operating a nuclear fission reactor, and methods of managing excess reactivity in a nuclear fission reactor.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2010Publication date: May 12, 2011Inventors: Charles E. Ahlfeld, Thomas M. Burke, Tyler S. Ellis, John Rogers Gilleland, Jonatan Hejzlar, Pavel Hejzlar, Roderick A. Hyde, David G. McAlees, Jon D. McWhirter, Ashok Odedra, Robert C. Petroski, Nicholas W. Touran, Joshua C. Walter, Kevan D. Weaver, Thomas Allan Weaver, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, JR., George B. Zimmerman
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Patent number: 6909792Abstract: An image processing system and method visually documents and displays changes between historical and later mammographic images, preferably in three dimensions. A composite image is created which visually emphasizes temporal differences between the historical and later images. Preferably three-dimensional, digitized images, displayable in various projections, are stored for archival purposes on computer readable media. An image processor preferably exploits an optical correlator to register the historical and later images accurately and provide correlation values as temporal scalars of the differences. The registered images are then compared, voxel-by-voxel, to detect temporal differences. The composite image is displayed with synthetic colors or other visual clues to emphasize apparent changes (for example, tumor growth or shrinkage).Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2000Date of Patent: June 21, 2005Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.Inventors: David T. Carrott, Thomas M. Burke
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Patent number: 6421454Abstract: Ultrasonographic imaging of small calcifications or similar hard bodies distributed in human breast tissue is enhanced by correlating an ultrasonographic data set with a radiographic image of the same region of interest. A “constellation” or cluster of small calcifications is distinguished from speckle noise by the cross-correlation, which is quite sensitive to the coincidence of a pattern of distributed small targets in both the ultrasonographic and radiographic images, notwithstanding the presence of random noise. An optical correlator is preferably used to perform high speed cross-correlations. The three-dimensional position of an individual calcification is preferably found by projecting from an identified point in the radiographic image, along a projection vector, to a voxel with extreme density in the ultrasonographic volumetric data set.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2000Date of Patent: July 16, 2002Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.Inventors: Thomas M. Burke, David T. Carrott
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Patent number: 6396940Abstract: Ultrasonographic information about the internal structure of a subject body is combined with x-ray or other radiographic information from the same subject body by using an optical correlator to quickly find a transformation which aligns the information from both sources, even if they are acquired in different coordinate systems. Various spatial transformations are applied to the information and cross-correlations are quickly performed. The transformation which gives the best cross-correlation is used to align the two data sets, which can then be displayed visually. The resulting display can be used as an aid in medical diagnosis, for example in diagnosing suspected malignant lesions in a woman's breast.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 1999Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.Inventors: David T. Carrott, Thomas M. Burke
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Patent number: 6351660Abstract: An image processing system and method visually documents and displays the in-vivo location from which a biopsy specimen was extracted, by processing pre-biopsy and post-biopsy images. A composite image is created which visually emphasizes differences between the pre-biopsy and post-biopsy images. Preferably three-dimensional, digitized images, displayable in various projections, are stored for archival purposes on computer readable media. An image processor preferably exploits an optical correlator to register the pre-biopsy and post-biopsy images accurately. The images are then compared, voxel-by-voxel, to detect differences between pre-biopsy and post-biopsy images. The composite image is displayed with synthetic colors, synthetic icons, or other visual clues to emphasize probable in-vivo biopsy locations.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2000Date of Patent: February 26, 2002Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.Inventors: Thomas M. Burke, David T. Carrott
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Patent number: 5609301Abstract: The design and practical method of providing an all ceramic externally mixing dual gas torch with a multiplicity of intimately adjacent emissions supplied from separate and isolated internal gas chambers. Four-bore ceramic tubing is used and two of the through bores access the isolated fuel gas chamber and side-slotting or notching accesses the remaining two holes to the isolated oxygen chamber. The bundling of a multiplicity of slotted tubings provides a multiplicity of intimately adjacent dual gas emissions. The slots are oriented to provide a desired flame pattern.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 1996Date of Patent: March 11, 1997Inventors: Thomas M. Burke, deceased, by Bernadette M. Burke, administrator, Dale L. Dickeson