Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Thompson & Knight, LLP
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Patent number: 7971538Abstract: A hydrogen hybrid locomotive including traction motors for moving the locomotive along a set of tracks, a set of batteries for providing electrical power to the traction motors, a hydrogen fuel cell power plant for charging the set of batteries, an air system having a variable speed compressor for providing air flow to the power plant, and a DC to DC converter for managing power distribution from the hydrogen fuel cell power plant to the batteries. A controller determines an amount of current required from the power plant to produce a selected amount of power, determines a stoic operating setpoint for the power plant based on the current required, sets the speed of a compressor within the air system to provide a selected amount of air flow to the power plant for the determined stoic operating setpoint, determines from a resulting actual air flow to the power module available power, and sets an operating setpoint of the DC to DC converter from the determined an available power.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2010Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: BNSF Railway CompanyInventors: Arnold R. Miller, Kris S. Hess, Timothy L. Erickson, James L. Dippo
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Patent number: 7966945Abstract: A hydrogen hybrid locomotive driven by a set of electric traction motors powered by at least one hydrogen fuel cell power module and plurality of batteries includes a chassis, an isolation structure disposed on the chassis for isolating the at least one hydrogen fuel cell power module from shock and vibration and a battery rack disposed on the chassis for supporting the plurality of batteries. A hydrogen containment module is disposed above the battery rack and includes a support rack supporting a plurality of hydrogen tanks and a manifold coupled to each of the plurality of hydrogen tanks for allowing charging and discharging of the hydrogen tanks.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2010Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: BNSF Railway CompanyInventors: Arnold R. Miller, Kris S. Hess, Timothy L. Erickson, James L. Dippo
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Patent number: 7971170Abstract: A method of forming a scan chain for testing an integrated circuit includes examining an interconnection of register elements in an integrated circuit design. A register element segment is identified which includes a source register element having an output and a destination register element having an input directly coupled to the output of the source register element. The segment is selectively coupled to another scan register element to form a portion of scan chain.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2008Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.Inventors: Bruce Eliot Duewer, Richard Dean Putman
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Patent number: 7913704Abstract: A system for washing-out concrete pouring equipment includes a bin for receiving waste materials washed with water from the concrete pouring equipment. The bin includes openings allowing liquid to drain into a base unit that includes sidewalls defining a receptacle for receiving the bin and a sloped bottom for conveying liquid drained from the bin to a sump. A filtering system filters particulate matter from liquid provided from the sump to recover the water.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2006Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Ricki Joe Abney, Sr.Inventor: Ricki Joe Abney, Sr.
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Patent number: 7890223Abstract: A system for remotely monitoring compliance with a railroad signal associated with a section of railroad track includes a remote aspect compliance subsystem for monitoring compliance with an indication for the section of railroad track represented by an aspect of the railroad signal. The remote aspect compliance subsystem selectively generates corresponding compliance messages, which are communicated via a network to server for display and processing.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2007Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: BNSF Railway CompanyInventor: Ralph Young
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Patent number: 7879248Abstract: A filter system includes a distribution valve operable to direct a received fluid stream to first and second outlets during respective first and second cycles. A filtering system filters at least some fluid output from the first outlet of the distribution valve during the first cycle with a first filter while back-flushing a second filter and filters at least some fluid output from the second outlet of the distribution valve during the second cycle with the second filter while back-flushing the first filter.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2007Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Inventor: Rudy James Svetlik, III
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Patent number: 7860474Abstract: A method of controlling noise in a pulse width modulation circuit includes varying a sample frequency and a range of information levels, wherein each sample within a data sample stream at the sample frequency represents a level within the range of information levels, to shift in frequency noise generated at the sample frequency during encoding of the data sample stream into pulse width modulated patterns.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2006Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.Inventors: Chang Yong Kang, John Laurence Melanson
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Patent number: 7841448Abstract: An access panel is shown in the present invention to provide easy and safe access to an attic space or elevated structure. The access panel is fully automatic. During opening, the access panel only uses gravitational forces for opening a cover. Only during closing is the access panel motorized. The gravitational forces are used to both open the cover and extend the ladder sections, while the motor is only used to retract the latter sections and close the cover. A stow latch keeps the cover closed during non-use. A safety switch keeps the access panel from accidentally opening and the ladder sections from lowering if the stow latch is released. A mechanical lock keeps the cover open when the ladder sections have been lowered.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2007Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Inventor: Jean-Pierre Lair
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Patent number: 7826578Abstract: A data processing system including an input data port for receiving input data samples asynchronous to a native clock signal and having an input sample rate, a first sample rate converter for converting the data samples from the input sample rate to a sample rate synchronous with a rate of the native clock signal, and a data converter for converting data samples output from the first sample rate converter to another format. An analog to digital converter converts an analog signal into output data samples with a sample rate synchronous with the rate of the native clock signal, and a second sample rate converter converts the sample rate of the output data samples from the sample rate synchronous with the rate of the native clock signal to an output sample rate such that output data samples are asynchronous to the native clock signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2005Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.Inventors: John Laurence Melanson, Lingli Zhang, Chang Yong Kang, Johann Guy Gaboriau
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Patent number: 7808263Abstract: An integrated circuit including at least one internal operational block, which includes test control circuitry for initiating a test mode and testing circuitry for verifying an operation of the integrated circuit under a more stringent condition in the test mode as compared to a condition in another operating mode such that proper operation of the integrated circuit is assured in the another operating mode. Pin control circuitry selectively outputs a test signal from a selected pin in the test mode indicative of the operation of the internal block, wherein the selected pin is utilized for exchanging another signal when the integrated circuit is in the another operating mode.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2009Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.Inventors: Murari Kejariwal, John Laurence Melanson, Ammisetti V. Prasad, Sherry Xiaohong Wu
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Patent number: 7808892Abstract: A communications system includes a plurality of operational nodes and a plurality of data distribution systems. A data distribution system operating in an active mode manages exchanges of data between the operational nodes and further operable to periodically transmit go passive messages commanding at least one other of the data distribution systems to operate in a passive mode. A data distribution system operating in the passive mode waits for receipt of one of the go passive messages, continues to operate in the passive mode after receiving one of the go passive messages within a predetermined time out period, and transitions to the active mode after the time out period has expired without receipt of one of the go passive messages.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2007Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: MeteorComm, LLCInventors: Jess D. Babcock, Peter D. Donich
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Patent number: 7774306Abstract: A method of file management in an electronic processing system includes defining in the electronic system an electronic file of a selected file type and at least one electronic sub-folder within the electronic file for storing information of a corresponding information type. Roles are defined in the electronic processing system for participants creating and utilizing the electronic file, including a role for an information collector. The information collector is electronically tasked to collect information of the information type, which is uploaded and selectively stored in the sub-folder in the electronic file. Selected participants are allowed to access the electronic file as defined by the corresponding role.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2007Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: BNSF Railway CompanyInventors: Barry P. Wunker, Donald C Wind, Michelle L Shea, Gracie Lauffer
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Patent number: 7749310Abstract: The invention relates to devices and methods for cleaning centrifugal separators for concurrent and countercurrent separation of solid and/or liquid particles suspended in gaseous media. The device comprises a rotor (12) which is provided with a multiplicity of sedimentation members (14) and which is mounted rotatably in a surrounding housing (20). In concurrent separation, a flushing nozzle (36) is arranged upstream of the sedimentation members (14) in order to supply a cleaning liquid for flushing the sedimentation members clean. In countercurrent separation, the flushing nozzle is arranged upstream and/or downstream of the sedimentation members in order to supply cleaning liquid from outside and/or from inside the rotor for flushing the sedimentation members clean.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2005Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: 3Nine ABInventors: Torgny Lagerstedt, Claes Inge, Peter Franzen, Olev Maehans, Martin Sandgren
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Patent number: 7747917Abstract: A scan including data and shift inputs, and input selection circuitry for selecting between the data and shift inputs during normal, capture, and shift modes in response to only a first control signal and a second control signal. The input selection circuitry includes a first storage element for storing a bit representing a state of the first control signal in response to a change in state of the second control signals and multiplexing circuitry. The multiplexing circuitry is operable in the normal mode to select the data input in response to a first state of the second control signal, in the capture mode to select the data input when the bit stored in the first storage element represents a first state of the first control signal, and in the shift mode to select the shift input when the bit stored in the first storage element represents a second state of the first control signal.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2008Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.Inventors: Richard Putman, Michael Kost, Sanjay Pillay
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Patent number: 7733119Abstract: Programming circuitry 200 includes a terminal 202 for coupling to a resistor having a resistance representing a corresponding programming state. Current control circuitry 204/205 selectively passes at least one exponentially weighted current through terminal 202. Detection Circuitry 201 then determines the resistance of the resistor from the at least one exponentially weighted current to determine the programming state.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2006Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.Inventor: Gautham Devendra Kamath
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Patent number: 7731459Abstract: A transportation container includes an upper section having a plurality of sidewalls defining a space dimensioned to receive oversized cargo for transport and a base section adapted to mate with a standardized interface of a transportation vehicle for supporting the upper section.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2006Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: BNSF Railway CompanyInventor: Warren J. Bell
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Patent number: 7706438Abstract: A pulse width modulation system including a pulse width modulation stage for generating a pulse width modulated signal in response to an input signal and an other pulse width modulation stage for generating an other pulse width modulated signal in response to an other input signal. Additional circuitry ensures that transitions of the pulse width modulated signal and the other pulse width modulated signal are spaced in time by a selected amount for small levels of the input signal.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2004Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.Inventors: Johann Guy Gaboriau, John Laurence Melanson, Lingli Zhang, Melvin L. Hagge
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Patent number: 7681790Abstract: A computer assisted shopping system includes a hand-held scanner for customer scanning of information associated with a product in a retailing facility and a networked system. The networked system stores customer delivery preference information and downloads information from the hand-held scanner, as scanned by a customer, to a register. A product order is generated at the register from the information downloaded from the scanner and the customer delivery preference information, and available delivery dates and times based on inventory availability are determined. Delivery options are provided for the customer based on the available delivery dates and times. A delivery option selection and commitment from the customer close the order.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2006Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: The Container StoreInventors: Thomas Birmingham, Cyrus Dadgar
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Patent number: 7684971Abstract: The invention is a technique that allows very efficient execution of an instruction set simulator (ISS) when certain code fragments are simulated. They occur frequently in operating systems, when a processor waits for something to occur. These loops perform very little, if any, computation. An automatic analysis of the code fragments is performed to determine whether they can be transformed to “fast forward” when execution loops through the code fragment. This is done by the creation of a function g, that takes a number of state changes as an input and can compute the state at a time T by a single application of the function, rather than applying the next state function repeatedly until time T is reached. An important aspect of the resulting optimization is that it produces exactly the same simulated result as compared to when it is not applied, i.e. the optimization is non-intrusive.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2005Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: Virtutech ABInventors: Fredrik Larsson, Bengt Werner
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Patent number: 7685014Abstract: A system for monitoring a queue including an entry sensor subsystem for sensing the entrance of customers into the queue, an exit sensor subsystem for sensing the exit of customers from the queue, and a processing system in communication with the entry and exit sensor subsystems. The processing system is operable to log a customer sensed by the entry sensor as entering the queue, determine from the exit sensor subsystem if the logged customer has exited the queue within a predetermined time period, and if the logged customer has exited the queue within the predetermined time period, log the customer as having received service or, if the logged customer has not exited the queue within the predetermined time period, provide an indication to management personnel.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2007Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Inventor: Cliff Edwards Dean