Patents by Inventor William P. Wood

William P. Wood 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: 12239030
    Abstract: A superconductor device includes a high superconductivity transition temperature enhanced from the raw material transition temperature. The superconductor device includes a matrix material and a core material. The enhancing matrix material and the core material together create a system of strongly coupled carriers. A plurality of low-dimensional conductive features can be embedded in the matrix. The low-dimensional conductive features (e.g., nanowires or nanoparticles) can be conductors or superconductors. An interaction between electrons of the low-dimensional conductive features and the enhancing matrix material can promote excitations that increase a superconductivity transition temperature of the superconductor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2025
    Assignee: Enterprise Science Fund, LLC
    Inventors: Philipp Braeuninger-Weimer, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Conor L. Myhrvold, Cameron Myhrvold, Clarence T. Tegreene, Roderick A. Hyde, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Victoria Y. H. Wood, David R. Smith, John Brian Pendry, Charles Whitmer, William Henry Mangione-Smith, Brian C. Holloway, Stuart A. Wolf, Vladimir Z. Kresin
  • Patent number: 6881483
    Abstract: Ceramic aggregate particles comprising a plurality of solid particulates bonded together by ceramic binding material and methods of providing a plurality of such particles having substantially uniform cross-sectional shape are provided. The ceramic aggregate particles may incorporate a high percentage of solid particulates. The ceramic binding material may closely conform to the outermost surfaces of the solid particulates contained within the ceramic aggregate particle. When abrasive particulates are employed as the solid particulates, abrasive articles can be made which provide consistent high cut rates and consistent surface finish over relatively long periods of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: James L. McArdle, Scott R. Culler, William P. Wood
  • Publication number: 20040221515
    Abstract: Ceramic aggregate particles comprising a plurality of solid particulates bonded together by ceramic binding material and methods of providing a plurality of such particles having substantially uniform cross-sectional shape are provided. The ceramic aggregate particles may incorporate a high percentage of solid particulates. The ceramic binding material may closely conform to the outermost surfaces of the solid particulates contained within the ceramic aggregate particle. When abrasive particulates are employed as the solid particulates, abrasive articles can be made which provide consistent high cut rates and consistent surface finish over relatively long periods of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: James L. McArdle, Scott R. Culler, William P. Wood
  • Patent number: 6790126
    Abstract: Agglomerate abrasive grain is disclosed. The agglomerate abrasive grain can be incorporated into abrasive products such as coated abrasives, bonded abrasives, nonwoven abrasives, and abrasive brushes. A method of making agglomerate abrasive grain is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: William P. Wood, James L. McArdle
  • Patent number: 6667614
    Abstract: A head testing apparatus is provided for testing an output of a magnetic data recording head. The apparatus includes first and second tester input terminals for coupling to the head, first and second input stages and an AC-coupled differential amplifier. The first input stage has a first buffer input, which is coupled to the first tester input terminal, a first buffer output and a plurality of parallel-connected buffer amplifiers coupled between the first buffer input and the first buffer output. The second input stage has a second buffer input, which is coupled to the second tester input terminal, a second buffer output and a plurality of parallel-connected buffer amplifiers coupled between the second buffer input and the second buffer output. The AC-coupled differential amplifier has first and second amplefier inputs coupled to the first and second buffer outputs through first and second capacitors, respectively, and has a measurement output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Terrence A. McMahon, Ray V. Rigles, David M. Gray, William P. Wood
  • Patent number: 6611167
    Abstract: A balanced bi-directional current source is provided, which includes first and second current output terminals, a current control circuit, first and second amplifiers and first and second sense impedances. The current control circuit has a reference input, a feedback input, and a control output, which is based on the reference input and the feedback input. The first amplifier has a first amplifier input, which is coupled to the control output, and a first amplified output. The second amplifier has a second amplifier input, which is coupled to the control output, and a second amplified output, which is inverted relative to the first amplified output. The first sense impedance is coupled in series between the first amplified output and the first current output terminal and has a feedback output which is coupled to the feedback input. The second sense impedance is matched with the first impedance and is coupled in series between the second amplified output and the second current output terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Terrence A. McMahon, Ray V. Rigles, David M. Gray, William P. Wood
  • Publication number: 20030016027
    Abstract: A voltage measurement circuit is provided, which is has an AC-coupled differential amplifier coupled to first and second input terminals for measuring a voltage across the first and second input terminals. The AC-coupled differential amplifier blocks a DC component of the voltage and presenting a low input bias current to the first and second input terminals while isolating the first and second input terminals from charge stored in capacitances in the AC-coupled differential amplifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventors: Terrence A. McMahon, Ray V. Rigles, David M. Gray, William P. Wood
  • Publication number: 20030016077
    Abstract: A balanced bi-directional current source is provided, which includes first and second current output terminals, a current control circuit, first and second amplifiers and first and second sense impedances. The current control circuit has a reference input, a feedback input, and a control output, which is based on the reference input and the feedback input. The first amplifier has a first amplifier input, which is coupled to the control output, and a first amplified output. The second amplifier has a second amplifier input, which is coupled to the control output, and a second amplified output, which is inverted relative to the first amplified output. The first sense impedance is coupled in series between the first amplified output and the first current output terminal and has a feedback output which is coupled to the feedback input. The second sense impedance is matched with the first impedance and is coupled in series between the second amplified output and the second current output terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventors: Terrence A. McMahon, Ray V. Rigles, David M. Gray, William P. Wood
  • Publication number: 20020160694
    Abstract: Agglomerate abrasive grain is disclosed. The agglomerate abrasive grain can be incorporated into abrasive products such as coated abrasives, bonded abrasives, nonwoven abrasives, and abrasive brushes. A method of making agglomerate abrasive grain is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: William P. Wood, James L. McArdle
  • Publication number: 20020066233
    Abstract: Ceramic aggregate particles comprising a plurality of solid particulates bonded together by ceramic binding material and methods of providing a plurality of such particles having substantially uniform cross-sectional shape are provided. The ceramic aggregate particles may incorporate a high percentage of solid particulates. The ceramic binding material may closely conform to the outermost surfaces of the solid particulates contained within the ceramic aggregate particle. When abrasive particulates are employed as the solid particulates, abrasive articles can be made which provide consistent high cut rates and consistent surface finish over relatively long periods of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: James L. McArdle, Scott R. Culler, William P. Wood
  • Patent number: 6206942
    Abstract: Method for making alpha alumina-based abrasive grain, wherein during an impregnation step of the method, alpha alumina-based ceramic precursor particles conchoidally fracture. The abrasive grain can be incorporated into abrasive products such as coated abrasives, bonded abrasives, and non-woven abrasives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: William P. Wood
  • Patent number: 6053956
    Abstract: Method for making alpha alumina-based abrasive grain, wherein during an impregnation step of the method, alpha alumina-based ceramic precursor particles conchoidally fracture. The abrasive grain can be incorporated into abrasive products such as coated abrasives, bonded abrasives, and non-woven abrasives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: William P. Wood
  • Patent number: 5991698
    Abstract: A lapping system data acquisition unit is disclosed for use in measuring resistances of multiple resistors embedded in a structure to be machined. Each of multiple independent current sources directs a current through one of the multiple resistors embedded in the structure during machining of a surface of the structure. Each of multiple voltage sensing devices couples to a separate one of the multiple resistors and provides a separate analog voltage output signal indicative of the resistance of the resistor. Each of multiple filters is coupled to a separate one of the multiple voltage sensing devices Analog-to-digital conversion circuitry coupled to the multiple filters generates a digitized signal for each of the filtered output signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Seagate Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Shanlin Hao, Ray V. Rigles, William P. Wood, Lars H. Ahlen, John C. Heitke
  • Patent number: 5908478
    Abstract: Method for making alpha alumina-based abrasive grain from a dispersion comprising boehmite, wherein the method involves the impregnation of an alpha alumina-based ceramic precursor material. The abrasive grain can be incorporated into abrasive products such as coated abrasives, bonded abrasives, and non-woven abrasives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: William P. Wood
  • Patent number: 5905610
    Abstract: A combined read/write magnetic head is disclosed in which the read head includes a magnetoresistive element (MRE) overlying a substrate of substantially magnetically impermeable material, a broken (discontinuous) flux guide overlying the MRE and a continuous flux guide overlying the broken flux guide. The write head of the combined read/write magnetic head overlies the read head and shares the continuous flux guide with the read head, the continuous flux guide serving as a bottom pole of the write head. Significantly, the dimensions of the various elements of the combined read/write magnetic head are chosen so that relatively little magnetic flux produced by the write head during writing, or entering the write head during reading, is communicated via the shared flux guide to the MRE.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: North American Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Terry B. Mitchell, William P. Wood, Paul F. Michalek
  • Patent number: 5893935
    Abstract: Method for making alpha alumina-based abrasive grain from a dispersion comprising boehmite, wherein the method involves the impregnation of an alpha alumina-based ceramic precursor material. The abrasive grain can be incorporated into abrasive products such as coated abrasives, bonded abrasives, and non-woven abrasives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: William P. Wood
  • Patent number: 5871555
    Abstract: Abrasive grain including manganese oxide therein are provided. The inclusion of manganese oxide can be utilized to reduce the transition temperature of transitional alumina(s) to alpha alumina(s), during the formation of the abrasive grain. Further, manganese oxide presence can be utilized to generate sintered abrasive grain having a submicrometer, faceted microstructure. The abrasive grain are useful in abrasive articles such as coated abrasives, three-dimensional, low density abrasives, and bonded abrasives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: William P. Wood
  • Patent number: 5779743
    Abstract: Method for making alpha alumina-based abrasive grain from a dispersion comprising boehmite. The abrasive grain can be incorporated into abrasive products such as coated abrasives, bonded abrasives, and non-woven abrasives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: William P. Wood
  • Patent number: 5776214
    Abstract: Method for making alpha alumina-based abrasive grain from a dispersion comprising boehmite. The abrasive grain can be incorporated into abrasive products such as coated abrasives, bonded abrasives, and non-woven abrasives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: William P. Wood
  • Patent number: 5752996
    Abstract: Ceramic abrasive grits are formed by an impregnation process that involves preparing an alumina hydrate sol, drying the sol to form a porous solid, crushing the solid to produce particles, calcining the dried particles, preparing a mixture of an additive metal oxide or its precursor in a liquid vehicle, impregnating the mixture into the calcined particles, drying the impregnated particles, calcining the dried impregnated particles, and firing the particles to produce ceramic abrasive grits. The concentration of the modifying additive metal is greater at or near the surface of the grit than at the interior of the grit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: William P. Wood