Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm O'Keefe, Egan & Peterman, LLP
  • Patent number: 6576308
    Abstract: This invention concerns a multilayer film useful as release sheet for sheet molding compounds, comprising a first skin layer, a second skin layer, a barrier layer for monomeric resins wherein the barrier layer is between the first and second skin layers and the first and second skin layers comprise a mixture of polyolefin and adhesive resin. This invention also pertains to the multilayer films method of production, as well as an SMC sheet employing the multilayer film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Pliant Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel G. Denehy, Eric D. Tuttle
  • Patent number: 6574288
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for synthesizing high-frequency signals is disclosed that overcomes integration problem associated with prior implementations while meeting demanding phase noise and other impurity requirements. In one embodiment, a phase-locked loop (PLL) frequency synthesizer is disclosed having a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) with a variable capacitance that includes a discretely variable capacitance in conjunction with a continuously variable capacitance. The discretely variable capacitance may provide coarse tuning adjustment of the variable capacitance, and the continuously variable capacitance may provide a fine tuning adjustment of the variable capacitance. In a further detail, discrete control circuitry is disclosed that provides a digital control signal to a discretely variable capacitance circuit to control its overall capacitance and that adjusts the digital control signal depending upon feedback from the output frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Welland, Caiyi Wang
  • Patent number: 6570513
    Abstract: An isolation system is provided that is suitable for use in telephony, medical instrumentation, industrial process control and other applications. Preferred embodiments of the invention comprise a capacitive isolation barrier across which a digital signal is communicated. The system provides a means of communication across the isolation barrier that is highly immune to amplitude and phase noise interference. Clock recovery circuitry may be employed on one side of the isolation barrier to extract timing information from the digital signal communicated across the barrier, and to filter the effects of phase noise introduced at the barrier. Delta-sigma converters may be disposed on both sides of the isolation barrier to convert signals between analog and digital domains. An isolated power supply may also be provided on the isolated side of the barrier, whereby direct current is generated in response to the digital data received across the isolation barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey W. Scott, Navdeep S. Sooch, David R. Welland
  • Patent number: 6562425
    Abstract: This invention concerns a multilayer film useful as release sheet for sheet molding compounds, comprising a first skin layer, a second skin layer, a barrier layer for monomeric resins wherein the barrier layer is between the first and second skin layers and the first and second skin layers comprise a mixture of polyolefin and adhesive resin. This invention also pertains to the multilayer films method of production, as well as an SMC sheet employing the multilayer film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Pliant Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel G. Denehy, Eric D. Tuttle
  • Patent number: 6549765
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for synthesizing high-frequency signals, such as wireless communication signals, includes a phase-locked loop (PLL) frequency synthesizer with a variable capacitance voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) that has a discretely variable capacitance in conjunction with a continuously variable capacitance. The discretely variable capacitance may provide coarse tuning adjustment of the variable capacitance to compensate for capacitor and inductor tolerances and to adjust the output frequency to be near the desired frequency output. The continuously variable capacitance may provide a fine tuning adjustment of the variable capacitance to focus the output frequency to match precisely the desired frequency output. During fine tuning adjustment, the PLL may be controlled by a plurality of analog control signals. The analog control signals may be derived by first generating a plurality of phase shifted signals from a divided version of the VCO output clock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Silicon Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Welland, Caiyi Wang
  • Patent number: 6546581
    Abstract: A casing scraper for cleaning the internal wall of a tube 26 such as a well casing has at least three, rigidly connected, axially and angularly spaced scraper bodies 12, 14, 16 each with a scraping surface 13, 15, 17. The radial dimension of the scraper at each scraping surface is slightly greater than the internal radius of the tube which it will scrape. When the scraper is fully inserted in the tube bore, the scraping surfaces are deflected inwardly and the axial connection 20, 22 between the bodies is accordingly elastically deformed. Th energy stored through this elastic deformation produces a radially outwardly acting force which presses the scraping surfaces 13, 15, 17 against the wall of the tube 26. The eccentric arrangement of the scraping surfaces, and the axial spacing between the surfaces causes the parts of the scraper connecting the scraping surfaces to be placed in bending when the scraper is in place within the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Pilot Drilling Control Limited
    Inventors: George Swietlik, Matthew Clubb
  • Patent number: 6549764
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for synthesizing high-frequency signals is disclosed that overcomes integration problem associated with prior implementations while meeting demanding phase noise and other impurity requirements. In one embodiment, a phase-locked loop (PLL) frequency synthesizer is disclosed having a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) with a variable capacitance that includes a discretely variable capacitance in conjunction with a continuously variable capacitance. The discretely variable capacitance may provide coarse tuning adjustment of the variable capacitance, and the continuously variable capacitance may provide a fine tuning adjustment of the variable capacitance. In a further detail, a plurality of connected capacitor circuits for the discretely variable capacitance are disclosed each having a first switch that selectively couples a capacitor between two nodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.
    Inventor: David R. Welland
  • Patent number: 6531889
    Abstract: An configurable integrated-circuit device includes a plurality of regions that each contain electronic circuitry. The configurable integrated-circuit device also includes common circuitry adapted to provide at least one signal to at least two regions of the plurality of regions. The common circuitry and the at least two regions are positioned within the configurable integrated-circuit device so as to improve the latencies of the at least one signal to each of the at least two regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Altera Corporation
    Inventor: James R. Leitch
  • Patent number: 6526547
    Abstract: This invention pertains to a method for the systematic development of integrated chip technology. The method may include obtaining empirical data of parameters for an existing integrated circuit manufacturing process and extrapolating the known data to a new technology to assess potential yields of the new technology from the known process. Further, process variables of the new process may be adjusted based upon the empirical data in order to optimize the yields of the new technology. A logic based computing system such as a fuzzy logic or neural-network system may be utilized. The computing system may also be utilized to improve the yields of an existing manufacturing process by adjust process variables within downstream process tools based upon data collected in upstream process for a particular semiconductor substrate or lot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Lyle Breiner, Randhir P. S. Thakur
  • Patent number: 6522745
    Abstract: A digital direct access arrangement (DAA) circuitry may be used to terminate the telephone connections at the user's end to provide a communication path for signals to and from the phone lines. Briefly described, a means for providing a proper ringer impedance for a variety of international phone standards while also providing a proper isolation barrier to the phone line is disclosed. More particularly, a DAA circuitry may be utilized which satisfies many or all ringer impedance standards without the use of additional discrete impedance devices. The ringer impedance standards may be satisfied by use of an impedance structure coupled between the TIP and RING lines and actively controlling the current drawn through the hookswitch devices when a ringing event is detected so as to control the impedance seen at the TIP and RING lines during a ringing event. The detection of the ringing event may be performed on the phone line side of an isolation barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.
    Inventors: George Tyson Tuttle, Jeffrey W. Scott, Navdeep S. Sooch, David R. Welland
  • Patent number: 6518474
    Abstract: A process for producing substantially pure isobutylene containing relatively small amounts of higher oligomer byproducts. The process may employ a Y-zeolite catalyst having a silica to alumina ratio of less than or equal to about ten.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Huntsman International LLC
    Inventors: John R. Sanderson, Mark A. Mueller
  • Patent number: 6516024
    Abstract: A digital direct access arrangement (DAA) circuitry may be used to terminate the telephone connections at the user's end that provides a communication path for signals to and from the phone lines. Briefly described, the DAA provides a programmable means for the DC termination for a variety of international phone standards. The invention may also be utilized with means for transmitting and receiving a signal across a capacitive isolation barrier. More particularly, a DC holding circuit is provided in which a programmable DC current limiting mode is available. In the current limiting mode, power may be dissipated in devices external to a DAA integrated circuit. Moreover, much of the power may be dissipated in external passive devices, such as resistors. Further, the current limiting mode includes a distortion adjustment circuit to limit distortion at a crossover point at which current limiting effects occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Dupuis, George Tyson Tuttle, Jeffrey W. Scott, Navdeep S. Sooch, David R. Welland
  • Patent number: 6514190
    Abstract: This invention concerns a composition containing a dimerized or trimerized fatty acid amide of a primary alkanolamine that remains clear of suspended solids during storage, making mixtures containing the additive particularly useful to the metalworking industry. The amide may be formed by the condensation of a primary alkanolamine and a dimerized or trimerized fatty acid. When added to an amide of a primary alkanolamine and fatty acid containing a single carboxylic acid group, these molecules are able to prevent crystallization of the amide mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Huntsman Petrochemical Corporation
    Inventor: Karl E. Griswold
  • Patent number: 6510215
    Abstract: Caller ID (CID) data-reporting circuitry operates in conjunction with direct-access arrangement (DAA) circuitry or other circuitry that operates within the operational requirements of the Audio Codec '97 (AC-97) Component Specification. The CID data-reporting circuitry provides for the transfer of a data word from the DAA circuitry to a host computer or controller that operates within the AC-97 operational specifications. The CID data-reporting circuitry transfers the CID data in an asynchronous manner, i.e., at non-pre-determined intervals. Software running on the host computer or the controller may thus examine each data word or group of data words and take appropriate action, for example, process the data further or terminate the data transfer. A command interpreter begins the data transfer by initializing an address pointer used to facilitate retrieving the data from a CID random-access memory (RAM) and to make the data available to the host computer or controller through an output register.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.
    Inventor: Alan F. Hendrickson
  • Patent number: 6508305
    Abstract: Cement compositions including mixtures of substantially elastic material and cement that may be formulated exhibit reduced bulk volume shrinkage during curing as compared to conventional cement compositions. In one application, such cement compositions may be used for cementing in substantially closed system, such as the interior of a mold used for producing preformed concrete items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: BJ Services Company
    Inventors: Harold D. Brannon, Christopher J. Stephenson, Robert L. Dillenbeck, Dan T. Mueller
  • Patent number: 6503891
    Abstract: A composition comprising an organic carbonate such as propylene carbonate and O,O-diethyl-O-(2-isopropyl-4-methyl-6-pyrimidinyl)phosphorothioate, S-[1,2-bis(ethoxycarbonyl)ethyl]O,O-dimethylphosphorodithioate, or 6,7,8,9,10, 10-hexachloro-1,5,5a,6,9,9a-hexahydro-6,9-methano-2,4,3-benzodioxathiepin-3-oxide, and methods thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Huntsman Petrochemical Corporation
    Inventors: Edward T. Marquis, George P. Speranza, Howard P. Klein
  • Patent number: 6504864
    Abstract: A digital direct access arrangement (DAA) circuitry may be used to terminate the telephone connections at the user's end that provides a communication path for signals to and from the phone lines. Briefly described, the DAA provides a programmable means for the DC termination for a variety of international phone standards. The invention may also be utilized with means for transmitting and receiving a signal across a capacitive isolation barrier. More particularly, a DC holding circuit is provided that is a second order circuit. The use of a second order circuit provides improved distortion characteristics, particularly at low frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Dupuis, George Tyson Tuttle, Jeffrey W. Scott, Navdeep S. Sooch, David R. Welland
  • Patent number: 6498825
    Abstract: A digital direct access arrangement (DAA) circuitry may be used to terminate the telephone connections at the user's end that provides a communication path for signals to and from the phone lines. Briefly described, the DAA provides a programmable means for the DC termination for a variety of international phone standards. The invention may also be utilized with means for transmitting and receiving a signal across a capacitive isolation barrier. More particularly, a DC holding circuit is provided in which a programmable DC current limiting mode is available. In the current limiting mode, power may be dissipated in devices external to a DAA integrated circuit. Moreover, much of the power may be dissipated in external passive devices, such as resistors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Dupuis, George Tyson Tuttle, Jeffrey W. Scott, Navdeep S. Sooch, David R. Welland
  • Patent number: 6483390
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for synthesizing high-frequency signals is disclosed that overcomes integration problem associated with prior implementations while meeting demanding phase noise and other impurity requirements. In one embodiment, a phase-locked loop (PLL) frequency synthesizer is disclosed having a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) with a variable capacitance that includes a discretely variable capacitance in conjunction with a continuously variable capacitance. The discretely variable capacitance may provide coarse tuning adjustment of the variable capacitance, and the continuously variable capacitance may provide a fine tuning adjustment of the variable capacitance. In a further detail, wireless communication frequency synthesizer for generating multiple band high-frequency signals is disclosed having a first VCO selectable for a first frequency band and a second VCO selectable for a second frequency band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Silicon Laboratories Inc.
    Inventor: David R. Welland
  • Patent number: 6482270
    Abstract: A composition useful as a paint remover. The composition may include a carbonate, a dibasic ester and a mono-ester. The composition may also contain an organic sulfur-containing compound such as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), a glycol ether, a ketone, or combination thereof. The composition may be used in a process for removing paint by applying it to a painted surface. The compositions have several important attributes, including low toxicity and high efficacy in removing paint and coatings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Huntsman Petrochemical Corporation
    Inventors: James R. Machac, Jr., Edward T. Marquis, Susan A. Woodrum, Katty Darragas