Patents Examined by Sun Lin
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Patent number: 10038328Abstract: A digital temperature control method for power supply integrated circuits (ICs) is disclosed. The method acts on one or more system variables. For each system variable, the method comprises measuring a temperature of a power supply IC; converting the measured temperature to a digitized temperature; comparing the digitized temperature to at least one temperature threshold; selecting a digital control algorithm from a plurality of digital control algorithms and applying the selected digital control algorithm on a controlled system variable associated with the selected digital control algorithm, thereby obtaining a control value; verifying the obtained control value; and applying the verified control value to control the power supply IC to an external device.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2016Date of Patent: July 31, 2018Assignee: Dialog Semiconductor (UK) LimitedInventors: Marco Tonarelli, Andrea Lazzeri
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Patent number: 10027160Abstract: A method is provided for forming a wireless charging electronic device. An embodiment of the method includes integrating a coil and a collector plate to a chassis of the electronic device to wirelessly charge the electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2016Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Ralph V. Miele, David G. Payne, Brandon Courtney, Isaac A. Simpson, Andrew Larson, David Pidwerbecki, Patrick Chewning
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Patent number: 10020663Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a circuit protection method. The method includes that: a voltage or a current sent by a sending end of a circuit protection apparatus is received, and a voltage value of the received voltage or a current value of the received current is sampled; when it is detected that the sampled voltage value or current value is in a first pre-set threshold range, a pre-set input control switch is controlled to be turned on, and an input of a voltage or a current of the sending end is received; the received voltage or the received current is converted and processed, and a voltage value of the processed received voltage or a current value of the processed received current is sampled; and when it is detected that the processed voltage value or the processed current value is in a second pre-set threshold range, a pre-set output control switch is controlled to be turned on, and the processed received voltage or the processed received current is allowed to be outputted.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2014Date of Patent: July 10, 2018Assignee: ZTE CorporationInventors: Chen Liu, Chuan He, Jianping Zhou, Yong Luo, Jie Fan
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Patent number: 10002224Abstract: Embodiments relate to an interactive routing of connections in a circuit wherein the connections associated with an initial pin of a circuit element (e.g., a row of FinFETs) are replicated in association with at least one other pin of the same circuit element or a different circuit element in the circuit. Replication of connections is performed intelligently by taking into account mapping of pins as well as imposing design rules or other restrictions on the circuit. The connections are in the form of trunks and branches, and are displayed as user inputs are received. A digital representation of the circuit with the connections as displayed is also generated. At least some of the connections in the circuit are replicated without individual user inputs based on user inputs associated with a connection to the initial pin.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2016Date of Patent: June 19, 2018Assignee: Synopsys, Inc.Inventors: Philippe Aubert McComber, Hsiang-Wen Jimmy Lin
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Patent number: 10000136Abstract: A charging control method of a vehicle includes setting a reserved charging, closing a first switch in an on-board charger (OBC) controller, measuring an input voltage at an input side of the OBC controller when an external charger supplies power when the first switch is closed, setting a charging start time based on the measured input voltage, and starting charging a battery when the charging start time is reached.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2016Date of Patent: June 19, 2018Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATIONInventors: Young Jin Jang, Soung Han Noh, Jun Yeon Park, Hyung Souk Kang
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Patent number: 9996651Abstract: A method and apparatus for translating a hierarchical IC layout file into a format that can be used by a mask writer that accepts files having a limited hierarchy. Cover cells of the original IC layout file or a modified file are designated, and the hierarchical file is redefined to include only those designated cover cells. Non-designated cover cells and other geometric data are flattened into the designated cover cells. The hierarchy of the modified file is then redefined to be less than or equal to the hierarchy limit of the mask writing tool.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2016Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: Mentor Graphics CorporationInventors: Emile Y. Sahouria, Weidong Zhang
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Patent number: 9990460Abstract: Source beam optimization (SBO) methods are disclosed herein for enhancing lithography printability. An exemplary method includes receiving an integrated circuit (IC) design layout and performing an SBO process using the IC design layout to generate a mask shot map and an illumination source map. The SBO process uses an SBO model that collectively simulates a mask making process using the mask shot mask and a wafer making process using the illumination source map. A mask can be fabricated using the mask shot map, and a wafer can be fabricated using the illumination source map (and, in some implementations, using the mask fabricated using the mask shot map). The wafer includes a final wafer pattern that corresponds with a target wafer pattern defined by the IC design layout. The SBO methods disclosed herein can significantly reduce (or eliminate) variances between the final wafer pattern and the target wafer pattern.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2016Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Hsu-Ting Huang, Shuo-Yen Chou, Ru-Gun Liu
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Patent number: 9990461Abstract: A method for placing and routing devices in a circuit layout is provided. The method includes determining devices to be placed in a circuit layout and a relative position of two devices in the circuit layout. In some embodiments, the method includes pre-routing channels in the circuit layout, determining routing trunk information from the pre-routed channels, and placing the two devices in the circuit layout based on the routing trunk information. Further, the method includes forming a first routing trunk along channels in the circuit layout, coupling the first routing trunk to one device of the two devices, and checking that a placement of a plurality of devices and the coupling the first routing trunk to one device of the plurality of devices meet a circuit layout specification. A computer system and a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing commands to execute the above method are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2016Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: CADENCE DESIGN SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Regis Colwell, Patrick Hyde, Akshat Shah, Jeremiah Cessna, Timothy Rosek, Khaled Elgalaind
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Patent number: 9990462Abstract: Disclosed herein is a computer-implemented defect prediction method for a device manufacturing process involving processing a portion of a design layout onto a substrate, the method comprising: identifying a hot spot from the portion of the design layout; determining a range of values of a processing parameter of the device manufacturing process for the hot spot, wherein when the processing parameter has a value outside the range, a defect is produced from the hot spot with the device manufacturing process; determining an actual value of the processing parameter; determining or predicting, using the actual value, existence, probability of existence, a characteristic, or a combination thereof, of a defect produced from the hot spot with the device manufacturing process.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2016Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.Inventors: Christophe David Fouquet, Bernardo Kastrup, Arie Jeffrey Den Boef, Johannes Catharinus Hubertus Mulkens, James Benedict Kavanagh, James Patrick Koonmen, Neal Patrick Callan
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Patent number: 9985449Abstract: The present disclosure provides a communication method, a power adaptor, and a terminal. The method includes: receiving, by a terminal, handshake information from a power adaptor before the terminal receives a charging current or a charging voltage from the power adaptor; determining, by the terminal, an initial charging parameter according to the handshake information; and sending, by the terminal, the initial charging parameter to the power adaptor to instruct the power adaptor to charge the terminal according to the initial charging parameter. In the embodiments of the present disclosure, before the power adaptor charges the terminal, the terminal receives the handshake information from the power adaptor, and determines the initial charging parameter according to the handshake information.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2014Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: Guangdong Oppo Mobile Telecommunications Corp., Ltd.Inventor: Jialiang Zhang
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Patent number: 9984920Abstract: A method for local pattern density control of a device layout used by graphoepitaxy directed self-assembly (DSA) processes includes importing a multi-layer semiconductor device design into an assist feature system and determining overlapping regions between two or more layers in the multi-layer semiconductor device design using at least one Boolean operation. A fill for assist features is generated to provide dimensional consistency of device features by employing the overlapping regions to provide placement of the assist features. An updated device layout is stored in a memory device.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2016Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Hsueh-Chung Chen, Cheng Chi, Lin Hu, Kafai Lai, Chi-Chun Liu, Jed W. Pitera
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Patent number: 9981565Abstract: An impedance control device includes a diode bridge rectifier circuit and a controller. The controller is configured to control, based on impedance of a battery that is coupled to output terminals of the diode bridge rectifier circuit, the capacitance of a first capacitance variable unit and capacitance of a second capacitance variable unit of the diode bridge rectifier circuit.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2016Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATIONInventors: Shuichi Muramatsu, Satoru Horiuchi, Noritaka Taguchi
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Patent number: 9985958Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems described herein are for segmentation, handshaking, and access control solutions for Opendots technology. One embodiment described a charging pad that includes a plurality of conductive strips, switches, and decipher circuitry. A switch is coupled to the plurality of conductive strips whereas the decipher circuitry is coupled to the plurality of conductive strips and the switch. In response to contact with one conductive strip of the plurality of conductive strips, the decipher circuitry determines whether a security password has been received. The switch allows a voltage higher than a threshold voltage level to be supplied to an external device if the security password is received by the decipher circuitry. However, the switch can also prevent a voltage higher than a threshold voltage level to be supplied to an external device if the security password is not received by the decipher circuitry.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2016Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Bo Qiu, Jianfang Zhu, Anand S. Konanur, Bradley A. Jackson, Sayan Lahiri
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Patent number: 9975445Abstract: Forms of the disclosure relate to a vehicle, a vehicle control system, a display apparatus for vehicle, a terminal apparatus and a control method of the vehicle. The control method of a vehicle comprises receiving an input of a charge request period after the vehicle is electrically connected to an external power source, determining a power distribution rate of a rechargeable battery and at least one of peripheral device based on the charge request period, displaying the power distribution rate, receiving an input of an adjustment command related to the power distribution rate and distributing and supplying a power, which is supplied to the vehicle, to at least one of the rechargeable battery or the at least one peripheral device, according to a power distribution rate that is adjusted based on the adjustment command.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2016Date of Patent: May 22, 2018Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Hyun Soo Kim
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Patent number: 9975446Abstract: A vehicle charge station includes at least a first interface and second interface coupled with a power converter and a controller. The controller is configured to, in response to detecting a battery electric vehicle (BEV) classified vehicle coupled with the power converter via the first interface while flowing a charge current to a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) classified vehicle via the second interface, redirect the charge current from the second interface to the first interface. Also, a method of controlling a charge station includes receiving first vehicle data from a first vehicle connected to a first interface and transferring power to the first interface. The method then receives second vehicle data from a second vehicle connected to a second interface and, in response to a comparison of the first vehicle data and the second vehicle data indicating a higher priority for the second vehicle, redirects power from the first interface to the second interface.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2016Date of Patent: May 22, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: David Charles Weber, Imtiaz Ali, Mohannad Hakeem, Michael James Uhrich
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Patent number: 9979220Abstract: An electronic device of the present disclosure includes a battery cell configured to be electrically connected between a first node and a second node; an over current protection circuit configured to include a first terminal, a second terminal, and a switching element responsive to an occurrence of over current, and the first terminal is electrically connected to the first node; a power management integrated circuit configured to be electrically connected to the second terminal of the over current protection circuit; and a first protection circuit configured to be electrically connected between the first node and the power management integrated circuit, and to include at least one first passive element, wherein the power management integrated circuit monitors a voltage of the battery cell, based on at least a portion of a voltage or a current which is transmitted through the first protection circuit.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2016Date of Patent: May 22, 2018Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Kuchul Jung, Sanghyun Ryu, Chulwoo Park, Sunggeun Yoon
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Patent number: 9979213Abstract: An animated battery charging assembly provides a charging dock for dual purposes of charging a battery for an electrical device, and providing an entertaining indicator of a power level for the battery during the charging through the use of an animated model that articulates in correlation to the power level of battery. The charging dock charges a battery for an electrical device. The charging dock also supports an attached model that depicts a character, like a fictional or real character capable of animation, audio, and illumination. A fan cools the electrical device during charging, and enhances an animation effect of the animated model. An amount of energy remaining in the battery of the electrical device during charging is depicted as a power level. The model articulates limbs, garment, and accessories in correlation to power level. Software communicates the power level pertinent to the animated model for an appropriate articulation.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2016Date of Patent: May 22, 2018Inventor: Michael Kidakarn
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Patent number: 9969282Abstract: Invention described herein relates to wireless power transfer systems and methods that efficiently and safely transfer power to electronic devices. In an aspect of the invention, an apparatus for wirelessly receiving power is provided. The apparatus comprises a receiver circuit comprising a receiver coil configured to receive wireless power from a wireless power transmitter via a magnetic field sufficient to charge or power a load of the apparatus. The receiver circuit further comprises a ferrite material having a first side coupled to the receiver coil. The apparatus further comprises a first heat exchanger coupled to a second side of the ferrite material.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2016Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventors: Edward van Boheemen, Simon Islinger, Felix Weidner, Michael Werner
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Patent number: 9966773Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a multi-cell battery, with at least two cells electrically connected in a first parallel arrangement, which is connected in series to a second parallel arrangement of at least two additional cells. Each cell is locally connected to a sensor to sense and control current of each cell in parallel or parallel-series combination in the multi-cell battery. A control module is in communication with each sensor, and associated instructions electrically remove or disable a cell from the multi-cell battery determined to be defective based on measurements from the associated sensor. A configuration performs measurements and monitors a state of health of each cell in the multi-cell battery, the measurements including temperature, voltage and current sensing. Identifying one cell of the cells in the multi-cell battery as subject to a performance failure results in electrically switching the identified cell to an off position.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2016Date of Patent: May 8, 2018Assignee: Lenovo Enterprise Solutions (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Yakup Bulur, Richard J. Fishbune, Mark E. Maresh, Neil C. Swenson, Adam M. Wheeler
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Patent number: 9960621Abstract: A connector comprises: an elongated connector body defining a longitudinal direction with an electrical connector frame at one end thereof; the elongated connector body having a longitudinal alignment feature on the elongated connector body configured for aligning the elongated connector body, a guide feature defining a unique orientation thereof, and a retaining feature configured for retaining the elongated connector body in a connector guide.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2016Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: Streamlight, Inc.Inventors: Peter J. Ziegenfuss, Jon C. Zeisler, Raymond L. Sharrah, Thomas D. Boris