Patents by Inventor William Christian

William Christian 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: 6697240
    Abstract: Method and apparatus is disclosed for controlling an electric power distribution system including the use and coordination of information conveyed over communications to dynamically modify the protection characteristics of distribution devices (including but not limited to substation breakers, reclosing substation breakers, and line reclosers). In this way, overall protection and reconfigurability of the distribution system or “team” is greatly enhanced. According to additional aspects of the invention, devices within the system recognize the existence of cooperating devices outside of the team's domain of direct control, managing information from these devices such that more intelligent local decision making and inter-team coordination can be performed. This information may include logical status indications, control requests, analog values or other data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: EnergyLine Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: William Christian Tracy Nelson, Donald S. Berkowitz, Witold Bik, Michael A. Maloney
  • Publication number: 20040002065
    Abstract: Many proteins, when produced recombinantly, suffer from improper processing, folding and lack normal solubility. Modified proteins, including those indicative of disease states, also can have such defects. The present invention is directed to methods of identifying proper and improper protein folding, aberrant processing and/or insolubility. The method relies on the use of two components: a specialized fusion protein and structural complementation. The fusion protein contains sequences from the protein of interest and one portion of a marker protein that, by itself, is not active. A host cell then provides the remainder of the marker protein that serves to “complement” the function of the fused marker protein such that their association restores activity, permitting detection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Inventors: Philip Jordan Thomas, John F. Hunt, William Christian Wigley, Rhesa D. Stidham
  • Patent number: 6630360
    Abstract: A method is provided that comprises forming a copper seed layer on a workpiece and measuring the uniformity of the copper seed layer on the workpiece. The method further comprises applying the uniformity measurement to modify processing to form a copper layer having a desired uniformity profile for increased planarization in subsequent planarizing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig William Christian, James Clayton Stice
  • Publication number: 20030129774
    Abstract: A method is provided that comprises forming a copper seed layer on a workpiece and measuring the uniformity of the copper seed layer on the workpiece. The method further comprises applying the uniformity measurement to modify processing to form a copper layer having a desired uniformity profile for increased planarization in subsequent planarizing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventors: Craig William Christian, James Clayton Stice
  • Patent number: 6582211
    Abstract: A compressor assembly includes a shell which defines a discharge chamber. A discharge valve assembly is attached to the shell in communication with the discharge chamber. The discharge valve assembly includes a stamped or coined valve seat, a drawn tubular element and a stamped valve member. The stamping, drawing and coining operations used to manufacture the discharge valve assembly significantly reduce the manufacturing costs for the discharge valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Copeland Corporation
    Inventors: Frank S. Wallis, Walter T. Grassbaugh, William Christian Gates, Jeffrey L. Berning, Clyde C. Verhoff, Norman G. Beck
  • Patent number: 6500681
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method comprised of forming a metal layer above a structure layer on a workpiece, measuring a thickness of the metal layer, determining, based upon the measured thickness of the metal layer, at least one parameter of an etching process to be performed on the metal layer, and performing the etching process comprised of the determined parameter on the metal layer. Also disclosed is a system comprised of a deposition tool for forming a metal layer above a structure layer on a workpiece, a metrology tool for measuring a thickness of the metal layer, a controller for determining, based upon the measured thickness of the metal layer, at least one parameter of an etch process to be performed on the metal layer, and an etch tool adapted to perform an etch process comprised of the determined parameter on the metal layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig William Christian, H. Jim Fulford
  • Publication number: 20020192944
    Abstract: A system for controlling the thickness of a layer of copper in the formation of a semiconductor device is provided. The system is comprised of an electroplate tool, a metrology tool, and a controller. The electroplate tool is capable of depositing a layer of copper on a surface of a semiconductor device. The electroplate tool has at least one parameter that may be varied to control a thickness of the layer of copper. The metrology tool is capable of measuring the thickness of the copper layer and delivering a signal indicative thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventors: Thomas J. Sonderman, Scott Bushman, Craig William Christian
  • Publication number: 20020187062
    Abstract: A compressor assembly includes a shell which defines a discharge chamber. A discharge valve assembly is attached to the shell in communication with the discharge chamber. The discharge valve assembly includes a stamped or coined valve seat, a drawn tubular element and a stamped valve member. The stamping, drawing and coining operations used to manufacture the discharge valve assembly significantly reduce the manufacturing costs for the discharge valve assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventors: Frank S. Wallis, Walter T. Grassbaugh, William Christian Gates, Jeffrey L. Berning, Clyde C. Verhoff, Norman G. Beck
  • Publication number: 20020168712
    Abstract: The invention is directed to LDCAM as a purified and isolated protein, the DNA encoding the LDCAM, host cells transfected with cDNAs encoding LDCAM, processes for preparing LDCAM polypeptides and compositions and methods for treating utilizing LDCAM polypeptides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventors: Peter Robert Baum, William Christian Fanslow
  • Patent number: 6456025
    Abstract: A motor operator for an overhead power switch is disclosed including a microcontroller, a unique and powerful array of well-integrated sensors, a motor and drive developing substantial torque and speed and coupled to a switch actuator and responsive to the microcontroller, and a sophisticated program algorithm stored in memory at the actuator site for dynamically controlling, i.e., governing the various control modes as called for by changing conditions. The sensors include an encoder associated with the motor and drive that develops position information signals fed to the dynamic microcontroller to compute real time information including position, speed, and stopping distance used in conjunction with remote operate commands to open, close and monitor status of the switch in the various ways disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: EnergyLine Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald S. Berkowitz, Witold Bik, John Hammons, Jeff Heckathorn, Stephen F. Isaacson, Terry R. Klusmeyer, William Christian Tracy Nelson
  • Patent number: 6450264
    Abstract: A sprinkler system for preventing brush and forest fires from engulfing a home. The sprinkler system includes a piping assembly being adapted to extend along a peak of a roof of a building and along an underside of eaves of the building and along a fence line; and also includes a shield assembly including an elongate shield member being adapted to extend along the peak of the roof of the building and also including shield support members being adapted to fasten to the roof of the building for supporting the elongate shield member; and further includes a water supply assembly being connected to the piping assembly for supply water to the piping assembly; and also includes a pump/control assembly being connected to the water supply assembly and to the piping assembly for delivering water to the piping assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Inventor: William Christian
  • Patent number: 6428292
    Abstract: A compressor assembly includes a shell which defines a discharge chamber. A discharge valve assembly is attached to the shell in communication with the discharge chamber. The discharge valve assembly includes a stamped or coined valve seat, a drawn tubular element and a stamped valve member. The stamping, drawing and coining operations used to manufacture the discharge valve assembly significantly reduce the manufacturing costs for the discharge valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Copeland Corporation
    Inventors: Frank S. Wallis, Walter T. Grassbaugh, William Christian Gates, Jeffrey L. Berning, Clyde C. Verhoff, Norman G. Beck
  • Patent number: 6403151
    Abstract: A method is used by a semiconductor processing tool. The method comprises forming a first layer above a substrate layer, and forming an inorganic bottom antireflective coating layer above the first layer by introducing at least two gases at a preselected ratio into the semiconductor processing tools. A signal indicating that the semiconductor processing tool has been serviced is received, and the ratio of the gases is varied in response to receiving the signal to control optical parameters of the bottom antireflective coating layer to enhance subsequent photolithographic processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley Marc Davis, Craig William Christian, Allen Lewis Evans
  • Publication number: 20020064010
    Abstract: Method and apparatus is disclosed for controlling an electric power distribution system including the use and coordination of information conveyed over communications to dynamically modify the protection characteristics of distribution devices (including but not limited to substation breakers, reclosing substation breakers, and line reclosers). In this way, overall protection and reconfigurability of the distribution system or “team” is greatly enhanced. According to additional aspects of the invention, devices within the system recognize the existence of cooperating devices outside of the team's domain of direct control, managing information from these devices such that more intelligent local decision making and inter-team coordination can be performed. This information may include logical status indications, control requests, analog values or other data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Applicant: EnergyLine Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: William Christian Tracy Nelson, Donald S. Berkowitz, Witold Bik, Michael A. Maloney
  • Patent number: 6347027
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling an electric power distribution system including the use and coordination of information conveyed over communications to dynamically modify the protection characteristics of distribution devices (including but not limited to substation breakers, reclosing substation breakers, and line reclosers). In this way, overall protection and reconfigurability of the distribution system or “team” is greatly enhanced. According to additional aspects of the invention, devices within the system recognize the existence of cooperating devices outside of the team's domain of direct control, managing information from these devices such that more intelligent local decision making and inter-team coordination can be performed. This information may include logical status indications, control requests, analog values or other data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: EnergyLine Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: William Christian Tracy Nelson, Donald S. Berkowitz, Witold Bik, Michael A. Maloney
  • Publication number: 20010020834
    Abstract: A motor operator for an overhead power switch is disclosed including a microcontroller, a unique and powerful array of well-integrated sensors, a motor and drive developing substantial torque and speed and coupled to a switch actuator and responsive to the microcontroller, and a sophisticated program algorithm stored in memory at the actuator site for dynamically controlling, i.e., governing the various control modes as called for by changing conditions. The sensors include an encoder associated with the motor and drive that develops position information signals fed to the dynamic microcontroller to compute real time information including position, speed, and stopping distance used in conjunction with remote operate commands to open, close and monitor status of the switch in the various ways disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Publication date: September 13, 2001
    Applicant: Energyline Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald S. Berkowitz, Witold Bik, John Hammons, Jeff Heckathorn, Stephen F. Isaacson, Terry R. Klusmeyer, William Christian Tracy Nelson
  • Patent number: 6243244
    Abstract: A system and method which detects and responds to abnormalities in a distribution system by reconfiguring nodes of the system to minimize the effects of the abnormality without the requirement of communicating with a central controller. The nodes in the system coordinate a response to a system abnormality through a process of self-organization in which each node acts based on its own programming, sensors, and stored data. Each node keeps other nodes apprised of its actions so that they may in turn decide what actions are appropriate for them to take.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: EnergyLine Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: William Christian Tracy Nelson, Daniel Partridge, Donald S. Berkowitz, Witold Bik, Ed Brasher, Barry Tangney
  • Patent number: 6215263
    Abstract: A motor operator for an overhead power switch is disclosed including a microcontroller, a unique and powerful array of well-integrated sensors, a motor and drive developing substantial torque and speed and coupled to a switch actuator and responsive to the microcontroller, and a sophisticated program algorithm stored in memory at the actuator site for dynamically controlling, i.e., governing the various control modes as called for by changing conditions. The sensors include an encoder associated with the motor and drive that develops position information signals fed to the dynamic microcontroller to compute real time information including position, speed, and stopping distance used in conjunction with remote operate commands to open, close and monitor status of the switch in the various ways disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: EnergyLine Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald S. Berkowitz, Witold Bik, John Hammons, Jeff Heckathorn, Stephen F. Isaacson, Terry R. Klusmeyer, William Christian Tracy Nelson
  • Patent number: 6171084
    Abstract: A compressor assembly includes a shell which defines a discharge chamber. A discharge valve assembly is attached to the shell in communication with the discharge chamber. The discharge valve assembly includes a stamped or coined valve seat, a drawn tubular element and a stamped valve member. The stamping, drawing and coining operations used to manufacture the discharge valve assembly significantly reduce the manufacturing costs for the discharge valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Copeland Corporation
    Inventors: Frank S. Wallis, Walter T. Grassbaugh, William Christian Gates, Jeffrey L. Berning, Clyde C. Verhoff, Norman G. Beck
  • Patent number: 6111735
    Abstract: A system and method which detects and responds to abnormalities in a distribution system by reconfiguring nodes of the system to minimize the effects of the abnormality without the requirement of communicating with a central controller. The nodes in the system coordinate a response to a system abnormality through a process of self-organization in which each node acts based on its own programming, sensors, and stored data. Each node keeps other nodes apprised of its actions so that they may in turn decide what actions are appropriate for them to take.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: EnergyLine Systems, L.P.
    Inventors: William Christian Tracy Nelson, Daniel Partridge, Donald S. Berkowitz, Witold Bik, Ed Brasher, Barry Tangney