Patents Issued in August 1, 2017
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Patent number: 9721591Abstract: A magnetic write apparatus has a media-facing surface (MFS) and includes an auxiliary pole, coil(s) and a main pole having a pole tip and a yoke. The pole tip occupies part of the MFS. The yoke has a yoke length measured from the MFS in a yoke direction perpendicular to the MFS. The yoke length is less than four microns. The main pole has a total length in the yoke direction and a width in a cross-track direction. The main pole is continuous along the total length. The aspect ratio of the main pole is the total length divided by the width and exceeds one. The main pole includes surface(s) having a nonzero acute flare angle from the MFS. The auxiliary pole is adjacent to the main pole and recessed from the MFS by not more than 1.05 micron. The coil(s) energizes the main pole and have not more than two turns.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2016Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: WESTERN DIGITAL (FREMONT), LLCInventors: Feng Liu, Zhigang Bai, Peng Luo, Jinqiu Zhang, Ming Sun, Xiaoyu Yang, Yifan Zhang, Xiaojun Zhang, Ming Jiang
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Patent number: 9721592Abstract: This perpendicular magnetic recording head includes: a magnetic pole; a pair of side shields disposed to face each other with the magnetic pole interposed therebetween in a cross track direction; a pair of side gaps each provided between the magnetic pole and the pair of side shields; a trailing gap provided to cover the magnetic pole and the pair of side gaps, and having a first width in the cross track direction; and a first magnetic layer covering the trailing gap and having a second width larger than the first width in the cross track direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2016Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: TDK CORPORATIONInventors: Kei Hirata, Shingo Miyata
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Patent number: 9721593Abstract: Devices having air bearing surfaces (ABS), the devices include a near field transducer (NFT) that includes a disc configured to convert photons incident thereon into plasmons; and a peg configured to couple plasmons coupled from the disc into an adjacent magnetic storage medium, wherein the disc includes a disc material and the peg includes a peg material, wherein the disc material is different from the peg material and wherein the disc material has a first real part of the permittivity and a peg material has a second real part of the permittivity and the second real part of the permittivity is not greater than the first real part of the permittivity.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2016Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Seagate Technology LLCInventors: Martin Blaber, Michael A. Seigler, Michael C. Kautzky, Tong Zhao, Justin Brons, John C. Duda, Yuhang Cheng
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Patent number: 9721594Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided a spin torque oscillator including an oscillation layer formed of a magnetic material, a spin injection layer formed of a magnetic material and configured to inject a spin into the oscillation layer, and a current confinement layer including an insulating portion formed of an oxide or a nitride and a conductive portion formed of a nonmagnetic metal and penetrating the insulating portion in a direction of stacking. The conductive portion of the current confinement layer is positioned near a central portion of a plane of a device region including the oscillation layer and the spin injection layer.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2014Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Akihiko Takeo, Satoshi Shirotori, Kenichiro Yamada, Katsuhiko Koui
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Patent number: 9721595Abstract: A method for providing a storage device that includes a plurality of read sensor stacks for each reader of the storage device. The plurality of read sensor stacks are distributed along a down track direction and offset in a cross-track direction. A plurality of electronic lapping guides (ELGs) are provided for the read sensor stacks. The read sensor stacks are lapped. Lapping is terminated based on signal(s) from the ELG(s).Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2014Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: WESTERN DIGITAL (FREMONT), LLCInventors: Steven C. Rudy, Christopher L. Beaudry, Shaoping Li
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Patent number: 9721596Abstract: A data reader may have an resonant tunnel structure disposed between first and second magnetic structures. The resonant tunnel structure can be configured with a spacer layer disposed between first and second barrier layers. The first barrier layer can have a first thickness that is smaller than a second thickness of the second barrier layers with the thicknesses each measured along a common plane to provide resonant tunneling for the data reader.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2015Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Seagate Technology LLCInventors: David A. Deen, Thomas E. Dunn
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Patent number: 9721597Abstract: An apparatus according to one embodiment includes a transducer structure having: a lower shield having recesses in an upper surface thereof; an upper shield formed above the lower shield; a sensor between the upper and lower shields, the recesses being positioned on opposite sides of the sensor; and a first insulating layer in the recesses in the upper surface of the lower shield. An upper surface of the first insulating layer is coplanar with an uppermost portion of the upper surface of the lower shield. An apparatus according to another embodiment includes a transducer structure having: a lower shield having recesses in an upper surface thereof; an upper shield formed above the lower shield, the upper shield having recesses in a lower surface thereof; a sensor between the shields, the recesses being positioned on opposite sides of the sensor; and insulating layers in the recesses in the shields.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2016Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Robert G. Biskeborn, Robert E. Fontana, Jr., Jason Liang, Calvin S. Lo
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Patent number: 9721598Abstract: A terminal pad of a flexure for a head suspension connected to a functional part through a bonding material includes a terminal body, a base plating formed on a surface of the terminal body and having an uniform thickness, a padding plating made of a same material as the base plating and integrated with the base plating so that the padding plating swells with respect to the base plating, and a surface plating formed on a surface of the padding plating.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2015Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: NHK Spring Co., Ltd.Inventors: Sei Kawao, Yukie Yamada
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Patent number: 9721599Abstract: A suspension board with circuit includes a metal supporting board, an insulating base layer formed on one side of the metal supporting board in a thickness direction thereof, a conductive layer, and an insulating cover layer formed on the one side of the insulating base layer to cover the conductive layer. Either one of the insulating base layer and the insulating cover layer includes an opening extending therethrough in the thickness direction. The conductive layer includes a wire formed on the one side of the insulating base layer, and a connection terminal electrically connected to the wire and exposed from the opening to be capable of electrical connection to an electronic element. The suspension board with circuit further includes a protective layer for protecting the connection terminal exposed from the opening.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2015Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: NITTO DENKO CORPORATIONInventor: Takatoshi Sakakura
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Patent number: 9721600Abstract: Rotational latency is reduced in a standard conventional form factor HDD system by replacing, for example, the prior art rotary arm actuator of a conventional HDD, with one or more belts and pulleys and one or more read/write heads mounted on, or otherwise associated with the belts. Multiple scaled iterations facilitate energy savings and power optimized systems, without compromise to data access performance.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2017Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: L2 Drive Inc.Inventor: Karim Kaddeche
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Patent number: 9721601Abstract: A computer program product for orienting a head, according to one embodiment, includes a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith that are readable/executable by a controller to cause the controller to determine a desired pitch for transducers of a magnetic head for reading and/or writing to a magnetic tape, and are readable/executable by the controller to cause the controller to cause a mechanism to orient the magnetic head towards first and second positions to achieve the desired pitch when the tape travels in first and second directions, respectively. Outer data transducers of the third array are about aligned with outer data transducers of the second array when the magnetic head is positioned towards the first position, and the outer data transducers of the third array are about aligned with outer data transducers of the first array when the magnetic head is positioned towards the second position.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2015Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Robert G. Biskeborn, Calvin S. Lo
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Patent number: 9721603Abstract: An apparatus comprises circuitry configured to apply an AC signal having a frequency to one of a slider of a recording head and a magnetic recording medium. The applied AC signal causes an oscillation in an electrostatic force and clearance between the slider and the medium at the frequency of the AC signal. A thermal sensor is configured to generate a sensor signal at the AC signal frequency in response to sensing changes in temperature resulting from the oscillating clearance. A detector is coupled to the circuitry and the thermal sensor. The detector is configured to detect one or both of head-medium spacing changes and head-medium contact using a phase of a first harmonic or an amplitude of a second harmonic of the thermal sensor signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2016Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: SEAGATE TECHNOLOGY LLCInventors: Daniel W. Olson, Declan Macken, Andrea L. Geer
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Patent number: 9721604Abstract: A perpendicular magnetic recording writer is disclosed with a side shield separated from a write pole side by a gap layer at an air bearing surface (ABS) where the side shield has a first sidewall facing the write pole with an end at height (h1) from the ABS, and a second sidewall at height h1 that is parallel to the ABS. The write pole side is curved such that a first portion proximate to the ABS is at an angle of 0 to 40 degrees with respect to a center plane formed orthogonal to the ABS, and a second section proximate to a corner where the curved side connects with a flared main pole side is formed substantially parallel to the second sidewall. When h1 is 30-80 nm, and the corner is 80-150 nm from the ABS, overwrite is improved while cross-track field gradient is enhanced.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2016Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Headway Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Yuhui Tang, Yaguang Wei, Jiun-Ting Lee, Ping-Wei Zhuang
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Patent number: 9721605Abstract: Provided is a magnetic tape, which comprises, on a nonmagnetic support, a nonmagnetic layer comprising nonmagnetic powder and binder, and on the nonmagnetic layer, a magnetic layer comprising ferromagnetic powder and binder; wherein at least the magnetic layer comprises one or more components selected from the group consisting of a fatty acid and a fatty acid amide; a quantity of components selected from the group consisting of a fatty acid and a fatty acid amide per unit area of the magnetic tape among components that are extracted from a surface on the magnetic layer side of the magnetic tape is less than or equal to 15.0 mg/m2, and a concentration of carbon, C, that is obtained by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy conducted at a photoelectron take-off angle of 10 degrees on the surface on the magnetic layer side of the magnetic tape is greater than or equal to 50 atom %.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2015Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: FUJIFILM CorporationInventors: Masahito Oyanagi, Norihito Kasada, Toshio Tada, Kazuyuki Kitada
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Patent number: 9721606Abstract: The magnetic tape has a magnetic layer containing ferromagnetic powder and binder on one surface of a nonmagnetic support, and has a backcoat layer containing nonmagnetic powder and binder on the other surface thereof, wherein the magnetic layer contains one or more components selected from the group consisting of a fatty acid and a fatty acid amide; the backcoat layer has a thickness of less than or equal to 0.30 ?m and contains one or more components selected from the group consisting of a fatty acid and a fatty acid amide; a magnetic layer side C—H derived C concentration is greater than or equal to 45 atom %; and a backcoat layer side C—H derived C concentration is greater than or equal to 35 atom %.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2016Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: FUJIFILM CorporationInventor: Norihito Kasada
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Patent number: 9721607Abstract: The magnetic recording medium has a magnetic layer comprising ferromagnetic powder and binder on a nonmagnetic support, wherein the ferromagnetic powder is ferromagnetic hexagonal ferrite powder, and the ferromagnetic hexagonal ferrite powder has a crystallite volume as determined by X-ray diffraction analysis ranges from 1,000 nm3 to 2,400 nm3, and a ratio of the crystallite size Dx(107) obtained from a diffraction peak of a (107) plane to a particle size in a direction of an easy axis of magnetization DTEM as determined by observation with a transmission electron microscope, Dx(107)/DTEM, is greater than or equal to 1.1.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2016Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: FUJIFILM CorporationInventors: Toshio Tada, Akinori Sugishima, Tatsuya Yamashita, Norihito Kasada, Masahito Oyanagi
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Patent number: 9721608Abstract: A motor includes a rotating portion including a rotor magnet, and arranged to rotate about a central axis extending in a vertical direction; a bearing mechanism arranged to support the rotating portion such that the rotating portion is rotatable about the central axis; a stator portion arranged opposite to the rotor magnet; a housing arranged to accommodate the rotating portion, the bearing mechanism, and the stator portion therein; and a sealing member. The housing includes a base portion substantially in a shape of a plate and arranged to extend radially below the rotating portion. The base portion includes a first lower surface arranged to face downward, and a through hole arranged to pass through the base portion in the vertical direction and arranged to have a portion of the bearing mechanism arranged therein. The sealing member is arranged to cover a lower side of the through hole, and includes at least a metal layer.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2016Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: NIDEC CORPORATIONInventors: Katsuya Takahashi, Masahiro Shiraishi
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Patent number: 9721609Abstract: An image capturing apparatus comprises an image capturing unit that includes an image sensor that has an effective pixel region and a reference pixel region which outputs a reference signal for correcting an output signal of the effective pixel region. In a case where a predetermined condition is satisfied, a reduction unit reduces a data amount of reference pixel region data that corresponds to the reference pixel region in an image data obtained by the image capturing unit. A recording unit records the image data after the processing performed by the reduction unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2014Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Takenori Kobuse
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Patent number: 9721610Abstract: Managing a file on a tape. In response to a request to write a first file to a tape, whether a second file including data identical to the first file already exists on the tape is detected. If the second file exists, a first index of the second file is updated. After completing the write of the first file, metadata, including data starting position and size of the first file, is added to the first index. In response to a request to read the first or second files, the metadata of the first and second indexes are read. Based on the metadata, which of the first or second files can be accessed faster from a current head position is determined. The first file or the second file that can be accessed faster is then read from the tape.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2015Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Takashi Ashida, Tohru Hasegawa, Hiroshi Itagaki, Shinsuke Mitsuma, Terue Watanabe
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Patent number: 9721611Abstract: Videos may be automatically generated using a set of video clip. Individual moments of interest may be identified within individual video clips of a set of video clips. A moment of interest may correspond to a point in time within a video clip. The point in time may be associated with one or more values of one or more attributes of the video clip. Individual moments of interest may be associated with individual portions of a video. The video may be generated using the set of video clips based on the associations.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2015Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: GoPro, Inc.Inventors: Joven Matias, Ha Phan
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Patent number: 9721612Abstract: An approach is provided for providing content lists using connecting user interface elements. The content-based patching platform causes, at least in part, a rendering of a user interface depicting at least one location-based content list and at least one other location-based content list. Next, the content-based patching platform determines one or more interactions with at least one connecting user interface element to cause, at least in part, an association of the at least one location-based content list with the at least one other location-based content list. Then, the content-based patching platform determines to create at least one mixed content list from the at least one location-based content list, the at least one other location-based content list, or a combination thereof based, at least in part, on the association.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2012Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Nokia Technologies OyInventors: Arto Juhani Lehtiniemi, Juha Henrik Arrasvuori, Antti Johannes Eronen
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Patent number: 9721613Abstract: In a content management system, a still image generation unit generates at least one piece of still image data based on moving image data. A still image selection unit causes a user to select one piece of still image data from among the generated at least one piece of still image data. A management marker registration unit registers the selected still image data or information based on the selected still image data as a management marker in association with the moving image data. An access key issuing unit issues an access key for accessing the moving image data. And a management image generation unit generates management image data including the still image data and the access key.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2015Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: FUJIFILM CorporationInventors: Kei Yamaji, Keiichi Yoshihara
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Patent number: 9721614Abstract: Disclosed is a control method of a display device including displaying a playback screen of video images, the playback screen of the video images showing one video image and a progress bar to visualize the progression of the video images, acquiring time information regarding respective bookmark images associated with the video images, the bookmark images respectively including the time information in the sequence of the video images and/or frame information regarding one video image corresponding to the time information, and displaying the bookmark images close to the progress bar at positions corresponding to the time information regarding the respective bookmark images. When a difference between first time information regarding a first bookmark image and second time information regarding a second bookmark image is a time threshold or less, the first and second bookmark images among the bookmark images are displayed as overlapping each other.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2014Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventor: Kyoungha Lee
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Patent number: 9721615Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for non-linear navigation of video content includes: receiving the video content in a live video review buffer, where the video content is indexed according to a time code index, defining video content windows in the video content according to blocks of time according to the time code index, displaying a grid of video tiles, where each of the video tiles is associated with one of the video content windows in the live video review buffer, defining an in-focus status for one of the video tiles, and in response to user input, navigating the video content window associated with the video tile with the in-focus status.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2014Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.Inventors: Gareth John Bowen, Avraham Poupko, Lawrence Sol Rublin
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Patent number: 9721616Abstract: Systems and methods for displaying content pre-delivered to a user device, playing back content pre-delivered to a user device, and/or pre-delivering content to a user device during concurrent content playback, are described. In some embodiments, the systems and methods include or interact with a mobile application that displays descriptions of content available for playback via the mobile application along with indicators that represent a state of delivery (e.g., a state of pre-delivery) for the content items.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2015Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: OPANGA NETWORKS, INC.Inventors: Ben Hadorn, John Burnette, Robert Burnette, Carlos Gonzales, Jeff Harrang, Michelle Miller, Linh Nguyen, Ethan Nordness, Giles Westerfield, Sean Brown, Dave Gibbons
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Patent number: 9721617Abstract: A media content processing system includes a receiver configured to receive a media content signal, associated with a media content instance, from a plurality of sources including a first source and a second source. The media content processing system further includes a processing device programmed to generate a first recorded segment that includes a portion of the media content instance received from the first source, determine a signal strength of the media content signal received from the first source, compare the signal strength to a predetermined level, request the media content signal from the second source if the signal strength is below the predetermined level, generate a second recorded segment that includes a portion of the media content instance received from the second source, and concatenate the second recorded segment to the first recorded segment.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2015Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.Inventors: Jarrod C. Austin, William Joseph Ivanich
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Patent number: 9721618Abstract: A storage cartridge dock system and method are provided. The storage cartridge dock system in one example includes a case including a front panel, an upper cartridge slot formed in the front panel of the case and configured to receive an upper storage cartridge, with the upper cartridge slot including an upper interface connector, at least a lower cartridge slot formed in the front panel and configured to receive a lower storage cartridge, with the at least lower cartridge slot including a lower interface connector, and a first external connector and a second external connector coupled to the upper interface connector of the upper cartridge slot and coupled to the lower interface connector of the at least lower cartridge slot.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2014Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Dilbag Singh Pannu, Gregory Crosby, John Lynn Harting, William Michael Williams, Timothy George Harrington, II, Thomas F. Meehan
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Patent number: 9721619Abstract: A hermetically-sealed hard disk drive (HDD) utilizes a laminated film seal to seal an interface of an electrical feed-through connector and an HDD enclosure base. The laminated film seal may be constructed of a heat sealant layer that bonds with a surface of the base and a surface of the electrical connector, a barrier layer which inhibits gas from escaping from inside the HDD, and a film surface protective layer which protects the heat sealant and barrier layers. Embodiments may include a heat sealant layer comprising a thermoplastic polymer such as polypropylene, a barrier layer comprising a metal such as aluminum, and a film surface protective layer comprising a thermoplastic polymer such as polyethylene terephthalate.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2015Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Kimihiko Sudo, Takako Hayakawa, Yuichi Arai, Yuta Onobu
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Patent number: 9721620Abstract: A hermetically-sealed hard disk drive (HDD) utilizes a laminated film seal to seal an HDD cover-to-base interface. The laminated film seal may be constructed of a heat sealant layer hermetically-coupled to and forming a seal with the base, a barrier layer which inhibits gas from escaping from inside the HDD, and a film surface protective layer which protects the heat sealant and barrier layers. Embodiments may include a heat sealant layer comprising a thermoplastic polymer such as polypropylene, a barrier layer comprising a metal such as aluminum, and a film surface protective layer comprising a thermoplastic polymer such as polyethylene terephthalate.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2015Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Kimihiko Sudo, Takako Hayakawa, Yuichi Arai, Yuta Onobu
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Patent number: 9721621Abstract: According to an embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a substrate, a connector, a volatile semiconductor memory element, multiple nonvolatile semiconductor memory elements, and a controller. A wiring pattern includes a signal line that is formed between the connector and the controller and that connects the connector to the controller. On the opposite side of the controller to the signal line, the multiple nonvolatile semiconductor memory elements are aligned along the longitudinal direction of the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2016Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBAInventors: Masato Sugita, Naoki Kimura, Daisuke Kimura
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Patent number: 9721622Abstract: Memory devices, memory arrays, and methods of operation of memory arrays with segmentation. Segmentation elements can scale with the memory cells, and may be uni-directional or bi-directional diodes. Biasing lines in the array allow biasing of selected and unselected select devices and segmentation elements with any desired bias, and may use biasing devices of the same construction as the segmentation elements.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2014Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventor: Aaron Yip
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Patent number: 9721623Abstract: A memory apparatus may include first to third pads to provide first to third voltages, respectively, to internal circuits. The first pad may receive a first external voltage, and provide the first voltage. The second and third pads may receive a second external voltage. The second pad may provide the second voltage, and the third pad may provide the third voltage.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2015Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: SK hynix Inc.Inventor: Keun Soo Song
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Patent number: 9721624Abstract: A memory 2 includes a regular array of storage elements 4. A regular array of write multiplexers 8 is provided outside of the regular array of storage elements 4. The storage element pitch is matched to the write multiplexer pitch. The write multiplexers 10 support a plurality of write ports. When forming a memory design 2, a given instance of an array of write multiplexers 8 may be selected in dependence upon the desired number of write ports to support and this combined with a common form of storage element array 4.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2014Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: ARM LimitedInventors: Gus Yeung, Fakhruddin Ali Bohra, Mudit Bhargava, Andy Wangkun Chen, Yew Keong Chong
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Patent number: 9721625Abstract: Time-constrained data copying between storage media is disclosed. When an electronic device is engaged in real-time operations, multiple data blocks may need to be copied from one storage medium to another storage medium within certain time constraints. In this regard, a data port is operatively controlled by a plurality of registers of a first register bank. The plurality of registers is copied from the first register bank to a second register bank within a temporal limit and while the data port remains under control of the plurality of registers being copied. By copying the plurality of registers within the temporal limit, it is possible to prevent operational interruption in the data port and reduce bandwidth overhead associated with the register copying operation.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2015Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventors: Lior Amarilio, Alexander Khazin
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Patent number: 9721626Abstract: A semiconductor apparatus includes a clock buffer and a reference voltage generation unit. The clock buffer generates an internal clock signal, based on first and second clock signals, in a first operation mode, and generates the internal clock signal, based on the first clock signal and a reference voltage, when a normal operation test is performed in a second operation mode. The reference voltage generation unit generates the reference voltage when the normal operation test is performed in the second operation mode.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2014Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: SK Hynix Inc.Inventor: Tae Jin Kang
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Patent number: 9721627Abstract: A method and corresponding apparatus for aligning a data signal with a corresponding clock signal include oversampling the data signal based on the corresponding clock signal and generating corresponding data samples. An indication of skew between the data signal and the corresponding clock signal is detected based on data samples. A variable delay line coupled to the data signal is then adjusted based on the indication of skew detected. According to at least one example implementation, the data signal is oversampled based on the corresponding clock signal and multiple time-shifted versions of the corresponding clock signal. At least one signal of the corresponding clock signal and the multiple time-shifted versions of the corresponding clock signal is employed in sampling the data signal at a potential transition edge of the data signal.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2013Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Cavium, Inc.Inventors: Thucydides Xanthopoulos, David D. Lin, Edward W. Thoenes
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Patent number: 9721628Abstract: Data paths are provided to a memory array. The data paths include switches for selectively aligning the data paths to different multiplexors for reading or writing to the memory array. Read data lines are steered to selected sense amplifiers based on the decode address, using the switches. Write data lines are steered to selected write drivers based on the decode address, using the switches.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2016Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: GLOBALFOUNDRIES INC.Inventors: Venkatraghavan Bringivijayaraghavan, George M. Braceras
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Patent number: 9721629Abstract: A system has a plurality of memory devices arranged in a fly-by topology, each having on-die termination (ODT) circuitry for connecting to an address and control (RQ) bus. The ODT circuitry of each memory device includes a set of one or more control registers for controlling on-die termination of one or more signal lines of the RQ bus. A first memory device includes a first set of one or more control registers storing a first ODT value, for controlling termination of one or more signal lines of the RQ bus by the ODT circuitry of the first memory device, and a second memory device includes a second set of one or more control registers storing a second ODT value different from the first ODT value, for controlling termination of one or more signal lines of the RQ bus by the ODT circuitry of the second memory device.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2016Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: RAMBUS INC.Inventors: Ian Shaeffer, Kyung Suk Oh
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Patent number: 9721630Abstract: A memory controller includes an interface to receive a data strobe signal and corresponding read data. The data strobe signal and the read data correspond to a read command issued by the memory controller, and the read data is received in accordance with the data strobe signal and an enable signal. A circuit in the memory controller is to dynamically adjust a timing offset between the enable signal and the data strobe signal, and control logic is to issue a supplemental read command in accordance with a determination that a time interval since a last read command issued by the memory controller exceeds a predetermined value.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2016Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: RAMBUS INC.Inventors: Bret Stott, Frederick A. Ware, Ian P. Shaeffer, Yuanlong Wang
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Patent number: 9721631Abstract: A magnetic device that includes a perpendicular magnetized polarizing layer configured to provide a first spin-torque and an in-plane magnetized free layer having a magnetization vector having at least a first stable state and a second stable state. The magnetic device also includes a reference layer configured to provide a second spin-torque. The first spin-torque and the second spin-torque can combine. The in-plane magnetized free layer and the reference layer form a magnetic tunnel junction and the combined first spin-torque and second spin-torque influences the magnetic state of the in-plane magnetized free layer. An application of a voltage pulse, having either positive or negative polarity and a selected amplitude and duration, through the magnetic device causes the magnetization vector to oscillate between the first stable state and the second stable state for a portion of the duration regardless of an initial state of the magnetization vector.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: NEW YORK UNIVERSITYInventors: Andrew Kent, Huanlong Liu
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Patent number: 9721632Abstract: Memory cells in a spin-torque magnetic random access memory (MRAM) include at least two magnetic tunnel junctions within each memory cell, where each memory cell only stores a single data bit of information. Access circuitry coupled to the memory cells are able to read from and write to a memory cell even when one of the magnetic tunnel junctions within the memory cell is defective and is no longer functional. Self-referenced and referenced reads can be used in conjunction with the multiple magnetic tunnel junction memory cells. In some embodiments, writing to the memory cell forces all magnetic tunnel junctions into a known state, whereas in other embodiments, a subset of the magnetic tunnel junctions are forced to a known state.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2017Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Everspin Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Dimitri Houssameddine, Jon Slaughter
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Patent number: 9721633Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes: banks each including a memory cell array; word lines connected to rows in each of the banks; and an address latch circuit configured to latch a full address specifying one of the word lines, the full address including a first address and a second address. The address latch circuit receives a first command and a second command to latch the first address and the second address in accordance with the first command and the second command, respectively. Paths for the first address and the second address are configured to be separate from each other.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2014Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBAInventor: Naoki Shimizu
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Patent number: 9721634Abstract: Magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) memory bit cells that decouple source line layout from access transistor node size to facilitate reduced contact resistance are disclosed. In one example, an MTJ memory bit cell is provided that includes a source plate disposed above and in contact with a source contact for a source node of an access transistor. A source line is disposed above and in electrical contact with the source plate to electrically connect the source line to the source node. The source plate allows the source line to be provided in a higher metal level from the source and drain contacts of the access transistor such that the source line is not in physical contact with (i.e., decoupled from) the source contact. This allows pitch between the source line and drain column to be relaxed from the width of the source and drain nodes without having to increase contact resistance.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2015Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventors: Xiaochun Zhu, Yu Lu, Chando Park, Seung Hyuk Kang
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Patent number: 9721635Abstract: Provided are, among others, memory circuits or devices and their applications in electronic devices or systems and various implementations of an electronic device which includes two variable resistance elements in each storage cell, thereby increasing margin and speed of a read operation. One disclosed electronic device includes a semiconductor memory unit which, in one implementation, in addition to two variable resistance elements, further includes a bit line and a bit line bar formed at a metal level; a first word line formed at a transistor level lower than the metal level, and extended in a direction perpendicular to the bit line or the bit line bar; a first selecting element formed at the transistor level and coupled to the bit line and the first word line; a second selecting element formed at the transistor level and coupled to the bit line bar and the first word line.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2014Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: SK hynix Inc.Inventors: Min-Hye Lee, Ji-Hyae Bae, Yong-Ho Kim
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Patent number: 9721636Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlled switching of a magnetoresistive random access memory device is disclosed herein. The method includes delivering a current to a magnetoresistive random access memory device, wherein the MRAM device is in a first state, measuring a voltage drop across the magnetoresistive random access memory device in real-time with a resistance detector, wherein a voltage drop beyond a threshold voltage equates to switching from a first state to a second state, the first state different from the second state, determining whether the MRAM device has switched from the first state to the second state, and stopping the current delivered to the magnetoresistive random access memory device.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2016Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Bedau, Patrick M. Braganca, Kurt Allan Rubin
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Patent number: 9721637Abstract: A method for determining an optimized write pattern for low write error rate operation of a spin torque magnetic random access memory. The method provides a way to optimize the write error rate without affecting the memory speed. The method comprises one or more write pulses. The pulses may be independent in amplitude, duration and shape. Various exemplary embodiments adjust the write pattern based on the memory operating conditions, for example, operating temperature.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2016Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: EVERSPIN TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventor: Dimitri Houssameddine
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Patent number: 9721638Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for operating a ferroelectric memory cell or cells are described. The magnitude of a voltage applied across a ferroelectric capacitor may be dynamically increased during a write operation. For example, a memory cell may be selected for a write operation, and a voltage may be applied to a digit line corresponding to the memory cell during the write operation. An additional charge may be transferred to the digit line—e.g., from an energy storage component, such as a capacitor, that is in electronic communication with the digit line. In turn, the voltage across the ferroelectric capacitor of the memory cell may be increased.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2016Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Christopher Kawamura, Howard Kirsch
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Patent number: 9721639Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for operating a ferroelectric memory cell or cells are described. A cell may be written with a value that is intended to convey a different logic state than may typically be associated with the value. For example, a cell that has stored a charge associated with one logic state for a time period may be re-written to store a different charge, and the re-written cell may still be read to have the originally stored logic state. An indicator may be stored in a latch to indicate whether the logic state currently stored by the cell is the intended logic state of the cell. A cell may, for example, be re-written with an opposite value periodically, based on the occurrence of an event, or based on a determination that the cell has stored one value (or charge) for a certain time period.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2016Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.Inventors: Alessandro Calderoni, Durai Vishak Nirmal Ramaswamy, Kirk Prall, Ferdinando Bedeschi
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Patent number: 9721640Abstract: Embodiments are generally directed to performance of additional refresh operations during self-refresh mode. An embodiment of a memory device includes one or more memory banks, a mode register set, the mode register set including a first set of mode register bits, and a control logic to provide control operations for the memory device, the operations including refresh operations for the one or more memory banks in a refresh credit mode. The control logic is to perform one or more extra refresh cycles in response to receipt of a self-refresh command, the self-refresh command to provide current refresh status information, and is to store information in the first set of mode register bits regarding a modified refresh status after the performance of the one or more extra refresh cycles.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2016Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Kuljit S. Bains, Shay Fux, John B. Halbert
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Patent number: 9721641Abstract: Techniques and mechanisms for determining a timing of a command to access a memory device resource. In an embodiment, a multi-cycle command which is exchanged from a memory controller to a memory device, wherein the multi-cycle command indicates an access to a bank of the memory device. Timing of the one or more other commands is controlled, based on the multi-cycle command, to enforce a time delay parameter which describes an operational constraint of the memory device. In another embodiment, timing of one or more commands is determined with reference to a beginning of a last cycle of a multi-cycle command.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2013Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Intel CorporationInventor: Kuljit S. Bains