James R Macdonald

US Patent:

6538196, Mar 25, 2003

Filed:

Oct 28, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/429333

Inventors:

James D. MacDonald - Apex NC
Walter Marcinkiewicz - Apex NC
Gregory S. Mendolia - Forest VA

Assignee:

Ericsson Inc. - Research Triangle Park NC

International Classification:

H05K 900

US Classification:

174 35GC, 174 35 R

Abstract:

A microelectric module including a circuit substrate having one or more covers or electromagnetic shields disposed thereon. To secure the covers or electromagnetic shields to the circuit substrate, and provide an electrical contact with an underlying ground pattern, a thin plastic film is extended over the covers or electromagnetic shields and the circuit substrate. This film is subjected to heat, causing it to shrink and effectively provide a controlled force that acts to hold and lock the covers or electromagnetic shields to the circuit substrate. Thus the heat-shrunk film mechanically secures the covers or electromagnetic shields to the circuit substrate and at the same time seals the microelectric module formed.

US Patent:

59056380, May 18, 1999

Filed:

Dec 18, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/993815

Inventors:

James D. MacDonald - Apex NC
Walter M. Marcinkiewicz - Apex NC
Rahul Gupta - Cary NC

Assignee:

Ericsson Inc. - Research Triangle Park NC

International Classification:

H05K7/10;7/12

US Classification:

361769

Abstract:

An apparatus and method for packaging a microelectronic device to be connectable to a distribution circuit. The apparatus is in the form of a microelectronic package including a microelectronic device having first and second oppositely facing surfaces and a plurality of Input/Output pads on the first surface capable of being electrically interconnected to a distribution circuit, a base adapted to support the microelectronic device in a predetermined operative relationship to a distribution circuit, and a first layer of elastomer gel sandwiched between the first surface and the base. The first surface of the microelectronic device overlays the base so as to allow an electrical interconnection through the base between the microelectronic device and a distribution circuit.

US Patent:

62048163, Mar 20, 2001

Filed:

Mar 20, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/045753

Inventors:

James D. MacDonald - Apex NC
Gerard James Hayes - Wake Forest NC
John Michael Spall - Raleigh NC

Assignee:

Ericsson, Inc. - Research Triangle Park NC

International Classification:

H01Q 124

US Classification:

343702

Abstract:

An antenna assembly has a shaft element with first and second ends. The antenna assembly also has a tube-like element disposed about the first end of the shaft element which tube-like element acts as a matching structure for the antenna assembly and strengthens and rigidifies the antenna assembly to resist bending of the shaft element proximate to the first end thereof. The antenna assembly further has a dielectric material disposed between the tube-like element and the shaft element at the first end. Moreover, the antenna assembly may be combined with a housing to form a radio-communication assembly, the housing having a surface with an edge, the tube-like element acting as a matching structure and strengthening and rigidifying the antenna assembly to resist bending of the shaft element at a fulcrum defined by the edge. Furthermore, a method reconfiguring an antenna on a radio-communication assembly is provided.

US Patent:

59148640, Jun 22, 1999

Filed:

Dec 22, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/995388

Inventors:

James D. MacDonald - Apex NC
Walter M. Marcinkiewicz - Apex NC
Rahul Gupta - Cary NC

Assignee:

Ericsson Inc. - Research Triangle Park NC

International Classification:

H05K 702
F16M 1300

US Classification:

361752

Abstract:

A shock and vibration attenuating structure and method is provided for an electronic assembly including a distribution circuit and at least one electronic component mounted on a surface of the distribution circuit. The shock and vibration attenuating structure includes a layer of elastomer material adapted to overlay the distribution circuit and substantially conform to the at least one electronic component. The layer includes a negative image of at least part of the at least one electronic component to allow the elastomer material to envelope the at least part of the at least one electronic component, and at least one relief formed in the elastomer material. The at least one relief is spaced from the negative image of the at least one electronic component and has a predetermined size, shape, and location in the elastomer material selected to protect the electronic component from shock and vibration induced loads and deflections with the layer overlaying the electronic assembly.

US Patent:

60467088, Apr 4, 2000

Filed:

Feb 3, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/017658

Inventors:

James D. MacDonald - Apex NC
Gerard James Hayes - Wake Forest NC
John Michael Spall - Raleigh NC
Walter M. Marcinkiewicz - Apex NC

Assignee:

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson - Stockholm

International Classification:

H01Q 150

US Classification:

343906

Abstract:

A termination contact for an antenna that has a Ni--Ti radiating element is formed by a layer of electrically conductive carbon filler disposed on the Ni--Ti radiating element. A conductive element is positioned on the layer of conductive carbon filler to provide electrical interface between the Ni--Ti radiating element and external RF circuitry. In to prevent contamination, a protective layer of silicon elastomer covers the conductive layer and the Ni--Ti radiating element such that a portion of the conductive element is exposed to provide a RF feed point.

US Patent:

58857109, Mar 23, 1999

Filed:

Mar 26, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/824472

Inventors:

James D. MacDonald - Apex NC
Walter M. Marcinkiewicz - Apex NC

Assignee:

Ericsson, Inc. - Research Triangle Park NC

International Classification:

D02G 300
H01B 734

US Classification:

428375

Abstract:

A flexible strip transmission line is disclosed. The flexible strip transmission lines consists of a plurality of flexible layers enabling the transmission line to be folded or repeatably bent. The central layer consists of a flexible dielectric material. On opposing side of the dielectric layer are first and second flexible ground planes formed of a metalized fabric. The flexible ground plane layers are bonded to the dielectric material using a bonding agent such as silicone adhesive. An abrasion resistant material is connected to the outer surface of the flexible ground plane layers to provide a protective exterior shell.

US Patent:

60258160, Feb 15, 2000

Filed:

Dec 24, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/773661

Inventors:

Paul Dent - Pittsboro NC
Amer Hassan - Cary NC
James MacDonald - Apex NC
Yawei Ma - Cary NC

Assignee:

Ericsson Inc. - Research Triangle Park NC

International Classification:

H01Q 124
H01Q 136

US Classification:

343895

Abstract:

An antenna operable in two disparate frequency bands is disclosed as including a first quadrifilar helix having four conductive elements arranged helically to define a cylinder of substantially constant radius, where the first quadrifilar helix is formed of two bifilar helices arranged orthogonally and excited in phase quadrature. A quadrature feed network is connected to the first quadrifilar helix, wherein one end of a coupling element thereof is connected to a first end of each conductive element. The quadrature feed network also includes a first feedpoint for operation of the antenna with circular polarization in a first frequency band and a second feedpoint for operation of the antenna with linear polarization in a second frequency band. The antenna may include a second quadrifilar helix connected to the quadrature feed network and having four conductive elements arranged helically to define a cylinder of substantially constant radius, where the second quadrifilar helix is formed by two bifilar helices arranged orthogonally and excited in phase quadrature. The second quadrifilar helix is wound in opposite sense with respect to the first quadrifilar helix so as to be conductively coupled therewith.

US Patent:

60610360, May 9, 2000

Filed:

Feb 3, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/017660

Inventors:

James D. MacDonald - Apex NC
Walter M. Marcinkiewicz - Apex NC
Gerard James Hayes - Wake Forest NC
John Michael Spall - Raleigh NC

Assignee:

Ericsson, Inc. - Research Triangle Park NC

International Classification:

H01Q 124

US Classification:

343873

Abstract:

A thin flexible antenna has radiating elements made of thin nickel-titanium, a highly flexible and rigid alloy. The radiating elements are covered with silicone elastomer dielectric layers that have suitable elongation properties to withstand extreme bending stresses outer jackets cover the antenna. The outer jackets have a textured exterior surface that evenly distributes the bending stresses across the antenna.