Patents Represented by Attorney Farjami & Farjami LLP
  • Patent number: 8265577
    Abstract: Methods and systems for dynamically tuning and calibrating an antenna using antenna hopping are disclosed. In this regard, in a wireless device comprising an antenna that is configurable into a plurality of configurations, determining a subset of the configurations, where each configuration of the subset enables received signal strength above a threshold for a wireless channel, may be determined. During a time interval in which the wireless device is receiving signals on the wireless channel, the antenna may be configured to sequentially utilize each configuration of the subset. During the time interval, a plurality of samples of the wireless channel may be generated, where each of the samples corresponds to a different one of the configurations of the subset. The plurality of samples may be aggregated. The aggregated samples may be processed to recover information communicated on the wireless channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Ahmadreza Rofougaran
  • Patent number: 8261553
    Abstract: The invention is characterized in that the expander is integrated into the secondary side of the transmission by means of one or more of the following features: the expander has a housing which substantially completely surrounds the expander; the expander is equipped with a drive shaft which projects out of the housing and has a coupling element that is fixed to the drive shaft and that produces a drive connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Voith Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Stephan Bartosch, Jurgen Berger
  • Patent number: 8264073
    Abstract: A voltage regulator module that includes components for a multi-phase converter, the converter including a plurality of power stage elements on one circuit board, a control element, driver elements, and elements for the output stages of the power stage elements on another circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: International Rectifier Corporation
    Inventor: Martin Standing
  • Patent number: 8260248
    Abstract: There is provided a method for use by a computing device for automatically establishing a dial-up connection to a network through a mobile device. The method includes establishing a communication link with a mobile device. For example, the mobile device can be a cellular telephone and the communication link can be a Bluetooth communication link. The method further includes receiving network identification data from the mobile device, where the network identification data indicates the type of the network, e.g., Global System for Mobile (“GSM”) communications or Code Division Multiple Access (“CDMA”). The method further includes configuring a dial-up connection entry in the computing device and configuring connection entry in the mobile device based on the type of the network, and establishing the dial-up connection to the network using the dial-up connection entry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Victor Zhodzishsky, Ron Wong
  • Patent number: 8259834
    Abstract: Certain aspects of a method and system for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) based multi-input multi-output (MIMO) system having enhanced diversity are disclosed. Aspects of one method may include selecting a group of antennas from a plurality of antennas within a radio frequency (RF) system. Data may be communicated via the selected group of antennas. The selected group of antennas may comprise at least one polarized antenna that is orthogonally polarized with respect to adjacent polarized antennas. The plurality of coherently polarized antennas may be placed at a particular distance from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Ahmadreza Rofougaran
  • Patent number: 8258727
    Abstract: The regenerative torque shifter is a system for electric/hybrid electric vehicles that includes a driver-operated control device mounted in the vehicle and a control unit linked to a motor controller. The driver sets a level of regenerative braking desired by manipulating the control device. Based on output from the control device, the control unit directs the motor controller to apply a corresponding level of regenerative braking action by varying the amount of load seen by the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: International Rectifier Corporation
    Inventor: Randy Dunn
  • Patent number: 8253610
    Abstract: Poly-phase filters are used to offer an efficient and low complexity solution to rate conversion. However, they suffer from inflexibility and are not easily reconfigured. A novel design for rate converters employ poly-phase filters but utilize interpolation between filter coefficients to add flexibility to rate conversion. This interpolation can be implemented as an interpolation of the poly-phase filter results. Additional approximations can be made to further reduce the amount of calculations required to implement a flexible rate converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Conexant Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ragnar H Jonsson, Vilhjalmur S Thorvaldsson, Trausti Thormundsson
  • Patent number: 8253224
    Abstract: A copper strap for a semiconductor device package having a contact electrically connected to a die electrode, a leg portion electrically connected to a lead frame, a web portion positioned between the contact and the leg portion and connected to the leg portion and a connection region connecting the web portion to the contact. The contact includes a body having a plurality of formations, each of the plurality of formations having a concavity and an opposing convexity positioned to generally face the die electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: International Rectifier Corporation
    Inventors: Kunzhong Hu, Chuan Cheah
  • Patent number: 8255858
    Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, a method for adjusting geometry of a capacitor includes fabricating a first composite capacitor residing in a first standard cell with a first set of process parameters. The method further includes using a second standard cell having substantially same dimensions as the first standard cell. The method further includes using a capacitance value from the first composite capacitor to adjust a geometry of a second composite capacitor residing in the second standard cell, wherein the second composite capacitor is fabricated with a second set of process parameters. The geometry of the second composite capacitor can be adjusted to cause the second composite capacitor to have a capacitance value substantially equal to the capacitance value from the first composite capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Huang, Ming-Chun Chen
  • Patent number: 8253542
    Abstract: There is provided a physical token for use in a defined venue with a server having communication with the physical token. The physical token may comprise an identification data and a transmitter configured to transmit the identification data. The physical token is configured to transmit the identification data to the server to cause the server to initiate a sensory interaction with a user possessing the physical token. The sensory interaction may comprise a character in the defined venue interacting with the user possessing the physical token. The sensory interaction may also comprise a display screen in the defined venue displaying information to the user possessing the physical token. The sensory interaction may further comprise an audio speaker in the defined venue announcing information to the user possessing the physical token. The physical token may represent an affinity comprising an experience, entitlement, or characteristic of the user possessing the physical token.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: David Canora, David Worrall, Andy Schwalb, John Padgett, Eric Jacobson, Jim MacPhee, Kevin Rice, Dan Soto
  • Patent number: 8254953
    Abstract: There is provided a wireless portable device for providing location-based data to a user in a defined geographical area including a plurality of points of interest, the wireless portable device comprising a wireless transmitter, a wireless receiver, and an expansion bay with an attached expansion cartridge. The wireless transmitter can transmit location information to a wireless server over a wireless network. The wireless receiver can receive location-based data relating to a point of interest from the wireless server periodically and automatically, based on the location of the wireless portable device. The expansion cartridge can receive location-based data while the wireless portable device is in a low power sleep state. There is also provided a method for a wireless server to provide location-based data to a wireless portable device after a pre-determined period of time, including an interactive game relating to a point of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Greg Mcbride, Christopher Purvis
  • Patent number: 8249573
    Abstract: Methods and systems for software definition of a power amplifier for multi-band applications are disclosed and may comprise configuring a single programmable output stage of a transmitter to transmit a signal via one of a plurality of selectively coupled antennas, wherein each antenna handles signals in a different frequency band. A power amplifier within the single programmable output stage may be tuned to a frequency within a range of frequencies handled by the selectively coupled antenna. The tuning may be accomplished by programmably adjusting at least one inductance and capacitance. The antennas may be impedance matched to the power amplifier using transformers and may be activated by at least one integrated transistor. The power amplifier may be biased in a class of operation, which may include Class A, AB, C and F, and may be biased utilizing a digitally-controlled current source and a digitally-controlled voltage source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Ahmadreza Rofougaran
  • Patent number: 8249650
    Abstract: A method for wireless communication may include, in an RF chip including transmit and receive functions, performing generating a first signal to enable transmission and/or reception of Bluetooth signals. The first signal may be input to a plurality of direct digital frequency synthesizers (DDFSs). The plurality of DDFSs may be clocked via the generated first signal to enable simultaneous transmission and reception of frequency modulated (FM) signals, and to enable transmission and/or reception of near field communication (NFC) signals. The first signal may be generated via a local oscillator generator (LOGEN) to enable the transmission and/or reception of the Bluetooth signals. The first signal may be generated via a phase locked loop (PLL) to enable the transmission and/or reception of the Bluetooth signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Ahmadreza Rofougaran, Maryam Rofougaran
  • Patent number: 8249523
    Abstract: Methods and systems for a multi-port distributed antenna are disclosed and may include configuring one or more amplifiers to communicate signals via one or more ports on a distributed antenna. A characteristic impedance of the distributed antenna at each of the one or more ports may be configured by a location of the one or more ports on the distributed antenna. The amplifiers may be impedance matched to the distributed antenna by coupling each of the amplifiers to the ports based on the characteristic impedance. The amplifiers may include power amplifiers and/or low noise amplifiers. The signals may be time division duplexed. The signals communicated via the ports on the distributed antenna may include RF signals. The distributed antenna may be integrated on a chip with the amplifiers or may be located external to a chip with the amplifiers. The distributed antenna may include a microstrip antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Ahmadreza Rofougaran, Maryam Rofougaran
  • Patent number: 8246471
    Abstract: There is provided a system and method for providing dynamic recap sequences to a player of a video game. There is provided a method for use by a processor to present a recap sequence to a player of a video game, the method comprising storing, in a memory, identification data identifying the player and associated event data relating to the video game played by the player after a first game play, receiving the identification data to identify the player for a second game play, retrieving the event data from the memory, creating a prioritized event list including a number of events from the event data, generating the recap sequence based on the prioritized event list, and presenting the recap sequence to the player prior to the second game play. Creation of the prioritized event list can be customized to suit particular requirements of the video game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek Thomas Dutilly, Michael Jacob, Amy Kalson
  • Patent number: 8249414
    Abstract: A media playback device capable of displaying multiple streams simultaneously and with expanded picture-in-picture capabilities is provided. The placement, size, aspect ratio, cropping, scale, transparency, tint, contrast, and cropping of the media can be set or adjusted arbitrarily. Furthermore, the audio may be mixed between separate tracks accompanying the video streams and may also be set or adjusted arbitrarily. Each variable can be dynamically changed during playback through either automated or user-initiated means. A system and method are provided for simultaneously displaying a first video stream and at least a second video stream on a display comprising the steps of feeding the video streams into a video player; providing control of the display of the video streams; displaying a first video stream substantially across the display; and displaying the other video streams in a secondary display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Ackley, Christopher T. Carey, Bennet S. Carr, Kathleen S. Poole
  • Patent number: 8244175
    Abstract: A repeater device may be utilized to enable forwarding extreme high frequency (EHF) communication between EHF-enabled wireless devices. The repeater device may utilize spatial isolation to prevent and/or reduce interference between received and transmitted EHF RF signals, wherein reception and/or transmission of EHF RF signals in the repeater device may be performed via narrow beams that may enable minimal interference by transmit EHF RF signals to reception of EHF RF. The repeater device may utilize phased arrays to enable performing beamforming, and signal processing operations, including shift and/or amplitude adjustment, may be performed on signals received and/or transmitted via antenna elements in the phased arrays to enable beamforming during reception and transmission of EHF RF signals. Signal processing operations performed in the repeater device may be modifiable to enable continued spatial isolation between receive and transmit EHF RF signal in the repeater device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Ahmadreza Rofougaran
  • Patent number: 8243476
    Abstract: A half-bridge circuit in accordance with an embodiment of the present application includes an input voltage terminal operable to receive an input voltage, a first bi-directional switch, a second bi-directional switch connected in series with the first bi-directional switch, wherein the first and second bi-directional switches are connected to the input voltage terminal such that the input voltage is provided across the first and second bi-directional switches and a controller operable to turn the first and second bi-directional switches ON and OFF such that a desired voltage is provided at an midpoint node positioned between the first bi-directional switch and the second bi-directional switch. The first bi-directional switch and the second bi-directional switch are high electron mobility transistors structured to allow for conduction in two directions when ON and to prevent conduction in any direction when OFF.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: International Rectifier Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas Ribarich
  • Patent number: 8244189
    Abstract: A wireless device comprising a plurality of chips may be operable to communicate wireless signals via a mesh network comprising a plurality of integrated directional antennas on the plurality of chips. Wireless signals may be communicated between the plurality of the chips and/or with devices external to the wireless device via the mesh network. Beam-formed wireless signals may be communicated via the plurality of integrated directional antennas. The plurality of chips may be integrated on a single package or on a plurality of packages, which may comprise one or more circuit boards. Wireless signals may be communicated with devices external to the single package via the mesh network. The directional antennas may comprise patch antennas and/or dipole antennas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Ahmadreza Rofougaran, Maryam Rofougaran
  • Patent number: 8242858
    Abstract: Methods and systems for matching networks embedded in an integrated circuit package are disclosed and may include controlling impedance within an integrated circuit via one or more impedance matching networks. The impedance matching networks may be embedded within a multi-layer package bonded to the integrated circuit. The impedance of one or more devices within the integrated circuit may be configured utilizing the impedance matching networks. The multi-layer package may include one or more impedance matching networks. The impedance matching networks may provide impedance matching between devices internal to the integrated circuit and external devices. The impedance matching networks may be embedded within the multi-layer package, and may include transmission lines, inductors, capacitors, transformers and/or surface mount devices. The impedance matching networks may be deposited on top of and/or on bottom of the multi-layer package. The integrated circuit may be flip-chip bonded to the multi-layer package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Ahmadreza Rofougaran, Maryam Rofougaran