Patents by Inventor Andrew A. Frank

Andrew A. Frank has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10108016
    Abstract: A headband is disclosed for supporting a head-worn device with a comfortable and non-intrusive fit. In examples, the headband includes first and second loops supporting the headband on a wearer's head, and an adjustment mechanism for tightening the first and second loops. The adjustment mechanism tightens down the loops to a desired fit, at which point further actuation of the adjustment mechanism has no effect on the loops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Bosveld, Philip Andrew Frank, Henric Jentz, Nicolas Denhez, Travis Justin Hosler, Errol Mark Tazbaz, Aditha May Adams, William Dieter, Simon Quay
  • Patent number: 10090264
    Abstract: A microelectronic device is formed by providing a substrate having a recess at a top surface, and a liner layer formed over the top surface of the substrate, extending into the recess. A protective layer is formed over the liner layer, extending into the recess. A CMP process removes the protective layer and the liner layer from over the top surface of the substrate, leaving the protective layer and the liner layer in the recess. The protective layer is subsequently removed from the recess, leaving the liner layer in the recess. The substrate may include an interconnect region with a bond pad and a PO layer having an opening which forms the recess; the bond pad is exposed in the recess. The liner layer in the recess may be a metal liner suitable for a subsequently-formed wire bond or bump bond.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Jonathan Philip Davis, Andrew Frank Burnett, Brian Edward Zinn
  • Publication number: 20180259776
    Abstract: A see-through, near-eye mixed reality head mounted display (HMD) device includes left and right see-through display regions within which virtual images are displayable. These left and right see-through display regions each having a transmittance that is less than one hundred percent. The see-through, near-eye mixed reality HMD device also includes a see-through transmittance compensation mask that includes a left window through which the left see-through display region is visible and a right window through which the right see-through display region is visible. In accordance with various embodiments, the see-through transmittance compensation mask is used to provide a substantially uniform transmittance across the field-of-view of a user wearing the HMD device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2018
    Publication date: September 13, 2018
    Inventors: Daniel James Alton, Nathan Ackerman, Philip Andrew Frank, Andrew Hodge, Barry Corlett
  • Patent number: 10034508
    Abstract: A head-worn assembly is disclosed including a head-worn device supported on a headband. The headband may include a first loop positioned around the head, and possibly a second loop affixed to the first loop and positioned over the head. Weight distribution and comfort of the head-worn assembly may be optimized by mounting the head-worn device at an approximate center (front to back) of the headband, and further balancing the weight of the head-worn device (front to back) over the mounting point. The weight distribution and comfort of the head-worn assembly may be further optimized by providing several user-customizable adjustments to the head-worn assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Philip Andrew Frank, Aditha May Adams, Henric Jentz, Errol Mark Tazbaz, Nicolas Denhez, Paul Bosveld, Travis Justin Hosler, YeongKyu Yoo
  • Publication number: 20180194232
    Abstract: Vehicles that are capable of connecting to the AC grid are described that comprise a prime mover and at least one motor generator. In one embodiment, a vehicle may be constructed as a plug-in hybrid system and using the powertrain under controller instruction to either place power on an AC power line (to service AC grids) or to draw power from the AC power line to add electrical energy to the batteries on the vehicle. In some aspects, vehicles may test whether the power needed to service the AC power line may be satisfied by the on-vehicle batteries or, if not, whether and how much power to extract from the prime mover. In some aspects, vehicles may have a thermal management system on board to dynamically supply desired heat dissipation for the powertrain, if the powertrain is using the prime mover to supply power to the AC grid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2018
    Publication date: July 12, 2018
    Inventors: Andrew Frank, Chan-Chiao Lin, Patrick Kaufman, Sean Fountain, Bram Bonsen
  • Patent number: 9995933
    Abstract: A see-through, near-eye mixed reality head mounted display (HMD) device includes left and right see-through display regions within which virtual images are displayable. These left and right see-through display regions each having a transmittance that is less than one hundred percent. The see-through, near-eye mixed reality HMD device also includes a see-through transmittance compensation mask that includes a left window through which the left see-through display region is visible and a right window through which the right see-through display region is visible. In accordance with various embodiments, the see-through transmittance compensation mask is used to provide a substantially uniform transmittance across the field-of-view of a user wearing the HMD device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel James Alton, Nathan Ackerman, Philip Andrew Frank, Andrew Hodge, Barry Corlett
  • Publication number: 20180118187
    Abstract: Systems and/or methods for controlling dual motor-dual clutch powertrains for HEV and PHEV vehicles are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed comprising: determining the state of charge (SOC) of said batteries; determining the speed of the vehicle; if the SOC is greater than a given first threshold, selecting a charge-depleting operational mode of said vehicle; during operation of said vehicle, if the SOC is less than a given second threshold, selecting a charge-sustaining operating mode of said vehicle. In another embodiment, a system having a controller that operates the powertrain according to various embodiments is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Andrew Frank, Chan-Chiao Lin, Krishna Kumar, Anthony Serra
  • Patent number: 9914361
    Abstract: Vehicles that are capable of connecting to the AC grid are described that comprise a prime mover and at least one motor generator. In one embodiment, a vehicle may be constructed as a plug-in hybrid system and using the powertrain under controller instruction to either place power on an AC power line (to service AC grids) or to draw power from the AC power line to add electrical energy to the batteries on the vehicle. In some aspects, vehicles may test whether the power needed to service the AC power line may be satisfied by the on-vehicle batteries or, if not, whether and how much power to extract from the prime mover. In some aspects, vehicles may have a thermal management system on board to dynamically supply desired heat dissipation for the powertrain, if the powertrain is using the prime mover to supply power to the AC grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Efficient Drivetrains, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Frank, Chan-Chiao Lin, Patrick Kaufman, Sean Fountain, Bram Bonsen
  • Patent number: 9849869
    Abstract: Systems and/or methods for controlling dual motor-dual clutch powertrains for HEV and PHEV vehicles are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed comprising: determining the state of charge (SOC) of said batteries; determining the speed of the vehicle; if the SOC is greater than a given first threshold, selecting a charge-depleting operational mode of said vehicle; during operation of said vehicle, if the SOC is less than a given second threshold, selecting a charge-sustaining operating mode of said vehicle. In another embodiment, a system having a controller that operates the powertrain according to various embodiments is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: EFFICIENT DRIVETRAINS, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew Frank, Chan-Chiao Lin, Krishna Kumar, Anthony Serra
  • Patent number: 9766459
    Abstract: Described herein are display devices, and methods for use therewith. Such a device can be used to display one or more virtual images within a first see-through portion of the device, adjacent to which is a second see-through portion that does not overlap with the first see-through portion. The first and second see-through portions of the device collectively cover a substantially entire field-of-view (FOV) of a user. A transmittance (and/or other optical characteristic(s)) corresponding to the first see-through portion of the device and a transmittance (and/or other optical characteristic(s)) corresponding to the second see-through portion of the device can be caused (e.g., controlled) to be substantially the same to provide a substantially uniform transmittance (and/or other optical characteristic(s)) across the substantially entire FOV of a user. More generally, optical characteristics of see-through portions of the device can be controlled, e.g., by a user and/or through feedback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel James Alton, Nathan Ackerman, Andrew Hodge, Philip Andrew Frank
  • Patent number: 9732974
    Abstract: In a thermostat having a plurality of demand circuits and a thermostat controller, a method of controlling devices connected to the demand circuits. One or more demand circuits in a thermostat are connected to devices in an HVAC system. The thermostat is configured to associate each connected demand circuit with the device to which it is connected and control signals are routed from the thermostat controller to the one or more demand circuits to control devices associated with the demand circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Digi International Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Frank
  • Publication number: 20170162526
    Abstract: A microelectronic device is formed by providing a substrate having a recess at a top surface, and a liner layer formed over the top surface of the substrate, extending into the recess. A protective layer is formed over the liner layer, extending into the recess. A CMP process removes the protective layer and the liner layer from over the top surface of the substrate, leaving the protective layer and the liner layer in the recess. The protective layer is subsequently removed from the recess, leaving the liner layer in the recess. The substrate may include an interconnect region with a bond pad and a PO layer having an opening which forms the recess; the bond pad is exposed in the recess. The liner layer in the recess may be a metal liner suitable for a subsequently-formed wire bond or bump bond.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Publication date: June 8, 2017
    Inventors: Jonathan Philip Davis, Andrew Frank Burnett, Brian Edward Zinn
  • Patent number: 9604338
    Abstract: A microelectronic device is formed by providing a substrate having a recess at a top surface, and a liner layer formed over the top surface of the substrate, extending into the recess. A protective layer is formed over the liner layer, extending into the recess. A CMP process removes the protective layer and the liner layer from over the top surface of the substrate, leaving the protective layer and the liner layer in the recess. The protective layer is subsequently removed from the recess, leaving the liner layer in the recess. The substrate may include an interconnect region with a bond pad and a PO layer having an opening which forms the recess; the bond pad is exposed in the recess. The liner layer in the recess may be a metal liner suitable for a subsequently-formed wire bond or bump bond.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Jonathan Philip Davis, Andrew Frank Burnett, Brian Edward Zinn
  • Publication number: 20170066330
    Abstract: Vehicles that are capable of connecting to the AC grid are described that comprise a prime mover and at least one motor generator. In one embodiment, a vehicle may be constructed as a plug-in hybrid system and using the powertrain under controller instruction to either place power on an AC power line (to service AC grids) or to draw power from the AC power line to add electrical energy to the batteries on the vehicle. In some aspects, vehicles may test whether the power needed to service the AC power line may be satisfied by the on-vehicle batteries or, if not, whether and how much power to extract from the prime mover. In some aspects, vehicles may have a thermal management system on board to dynamically supply desired heat dissipation for the powertrain, if the powertrain is using the prime mover to supply power to the AC grid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2016
    Publication date: March 9, 2017
    Inventors: Andrew Frank, Chan-Chiao Lin, Patrick Kaufman, Sean Fountain, Bram Bonsen
  • Publication number: 20170036317
    Abstract: A microelectronic device is formed by providing a substrate having a recess at a top surface, and a liner layer formed over the top surface of the substrate, extending into the recess. A protective layer is formed over the liner layer, extending into the recess. A CMP process removes the protective layer and the liner layer from over the top surface of the substrate, leaving the protective layer and the liner layer in the recess. The protective layer is subsequently removed from the recess, leaving the liner layer in the recess. The substrate may include an interconnect region with a bond pad and a PO layer having an opening which forms the recess; the bond pad is exposed in the recess. The liner layer in the recess may be a metal liner suitable for a subsequently-formed wire bond or bump bond.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2015
    Publication date: February 9, 2017
    Applicant: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Jonathan Philip Davis, Andrew Frank Burnett, Brian Edward Zinn
  • Publication number: 20160347164
    Abstract: Powertrain configurations for hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) are disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2016
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventors: Andrew Frank, Joerg Ferchau, Leonhard Fahredddin, Julio Razo, Krishna Kumar, Anthony Serra
  • Patent number: 9505311
    Abstract: Vehicles that are capable of connecting to the AC grid are described that comprise a prime mover and at least one motor generator. In one embodiment, a vehicle may be constructed as a plug-in hybrid system and using the powertrain under controller instruction to either place power on an AC power line (to service AC grids) or to draw power from the AC power line to add electrical energy to the batteries on the vehicle. In some aspects, vehicles may test whether the power needed to service the AC power line may be satisfied by the on-vehicle batteries or, if not, whether and how much power to extract from the prime mover. In some aspects, vehicles may have a thermal management system on board to dynamically supply desired heat dissipation for the powertrain, if the powertrain is using the prime mover to supply power to the AC grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Efficient Drivetrains, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Frank, Chan-Chiao Lin, Patrick Kaufman, Sean Fountain, Bram Bonsen
  • Publication number: 20160305895
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus and computer-readable media for detecting potential defects in a part are disclosed. A potential defect may be automatically detected in a part, and may be reported to an operator in various ways so that the operator may review the defect and take appropriate action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Inventors: Andrew Frank FERRO, Xingwei YANG, Paulo Ricardo dos Santos MENDONCA, Christopher Allen NAFIS, Patrick Joseph HOWARD
  • Publication number: 20160243009
    Abstract: The present invention provides dental compositions and devices comprising a rechargeable fluoride delivery system wherein the rechargeable fluoride delivery system comprises a layered double hydroxide with the formula M(II)1?x M(III)x (OH)2 (An?)x/n yH2O where M(II) is a divalent cation, M(III) is a trivalent cation, A is an anion with a charge, x is a value between 0.2 and 0.33, y is an integer between 1 and 10 and n has a value of 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Publication date: August 25, 2016
    Applicant: Queen Mary University of London
    Inventors: Corwin Ezra Hine, Mark Andrew Franks, Mangala Patel, Natalia Karpukhina, Robert Hill, Sandra Parker
  • Patent number: 9421856
    Abstract: Powertrain configurations for hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) are disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: EFFICIENT DRIVETRAINS INC.
    Inventors: Andrew Frank, Joerg Ferchau, Leonhard Fahreddin, Julio Razo, Krishna Kumar, Anthony Serra