Patents by Inventor Eric L. King
Eric L. King 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).
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Patent number: 11990896Abstract: This application relates to methods and apparatus for driving a transducer with switching drivers. A switching driver has first and second supply node for receiving supply voltages and includes an output bridge stage, a capacitor and a network of switches. The network of switches is operable in different switch states to provide different switching voltages to the output bridge stage. A controller is configured to control the switch state of the network of switches and a duty cycle of output switches of the output bridge stage based on an input signal to generate an output signal for driving the transducer.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2022Date of Patent: May 21, 2024Assignee: Cirrus Logic Inc.Inventors: Axel Thomsen, Eric J. King, Thomas H. Hoff, John L. Melanson, Angus Black, Ross C. Morgan, Malcolm Blyth
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Patent number: 11980913Abstract: This application relates to methods and apparatus for driving a transducer with switching drivers. A driver circuit has first and second switching drivers for driving the transducer in a bridge-tied-load configuration, each of the switching drivers having a respective output stage for controllably switching the respective driver output node between high and low switching voltages with a controlled duty cycle. Each of switching drivers is operable in a plurality of different driver modes, wherein the switching voltages are different in said different driver modes. A controller controls the driver mode of operation and the duty cycle of the switching drivers based on the input signal. The controller is configured to control the duty cycles of the first and second switching drivers within defined minimum and maximum limits of duty cycles; and to transition between driver modes of operation when the duty cycle of one of the switching drivers reaches a duty cycle limit.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2023Date of Patent: May 14, 2024Assignee: Cirrus Logic Inc.Inventors: Axel Thomsen, Eric J. King, Anthony S. Doy, Thomas H. Hoff, John L. Melanson
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Publication number: 20240136930Abstract: A method for intelligently generating a stimulus for use in characterization of parameters of a model of a battery may include dynamically analyzing a current drawn from the battery by a load, based on analysis of the current, determining an augmented current for augmenting the current drawn by the load, and generating the augmented current based on a determined need to update the parameters.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2023Publication date: April 25, 2024Applicant: Cirrus Logic International Semiconductor Ltd.Inventors: Samuel P. EBENEZER, Emmanuel A. MARCHAIS, Eric J. KING, John L. MELANSON
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Patent number: 11761403Abstract: In at least some implementations, a locking plate may be received between the cover plate and the adjustable valve and be movable to a first position permitting access to the adjustable valve and a second position inhibiting or preventing access to the adjustable valve. In some implementations, a latch assembly may releasably retain the locking plate in its second position. The latch assembly may include a finger carried by the locking plate and releasably engageable with a stop when the locking plate is in its second position.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2021Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Assignee: Walbro LLCInventors: Matthew A. Braun, Eric L. King
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Publication number: 20220025838Abstract: In at least some implementations, a locking plate may be received between the cover plate and the adjustable valve and be movable to a first position permitting access to the adjustable valve and a second position inhibiting or preventing access to the adjustable valve. In some implementations, a latch assembly may releasably retain the locking plate in its second position. The latch assembly may include a finger carried by the locking plate and releasably engageable with a stop when the locking plate is in its second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2021Publication date: January 27, 2022Inventors: Matthew A. Braun, Eric L. King
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Patent number: 11233378Abstract: In at least some implementations, a coupler for a spark plug includes a body formed from an electrically conductive material and including a first connecting portion defining a first cavity, and a second connecting portion defining a second cavity spaced from the first cavity, and the body includes an intermediate portion physically and electrically coupling the first connection portion and the second connecting portion. In at least some implementations, the first connecting portion is formed from a wire coiled to define the first cavity within the coil. In at least some implementations, the second connecting portion is formed from a wire coiled to define the second cavity within the coil.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2018Date of Patent: January 25, 2022Assignee: Walbro LLCInventors: Cyrus M. Healy, Eric L. King
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Publication number: 20210381470Abstract: In at least some implementations, a valve for a charge forming device, includes a needle having a first end and a second end, and a valve body. The valve body has an axis extending between a first end and a second end, and a cavity open to the second end and in which part of the needle is received with the second end of the needle extending out of the second end of the valve body. The valve body also has a projection extending axially from the first end of the valve body to a free end of the projection, and the valve body has at least one drive surface axially spaced from the free end, the drive surface extends axially and radially.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2021Publication date: December 9, 2021Inventors: Eric L. King, George M. Pattullo
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Patent number: 11187191Abstract: A carburetor with a body with a cavity in which an adjustable fuel valve is received. To inhibit access to and manual adjustment of the valve, a cover may overlay at least a portion of the adjustable valve. In some forms, a releasable lock plate may be received between the cover and the adjustable valve. Specialty tools may release the lock plate and adjust the valve.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2017Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: Walbro LLCInventors: Matthew A. Braun, Eric L. King
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Patent number: 11118536Abstract: In at least some implementations, a valve for a charge forming device, includes a needle having a first end and a second end, and a valve body. The valve body has an axis extending between a first end and a second end, and a cavity open to the second end and in which part of the needle is received with the second end of the needle extending out of the second end of the valve body. The valve body also has a projection extending axially from the first end of the valve body to a free end of the projection, and the valve body has at least one drive surface axially spaced from the free end, the drive surface extends axially and radially.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2019Date of Patent: September 14, 2021Assignee: Walbro LLCInventors: Eric L. King, George M. Pattullo
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Publication number: 20210075197Abstract: In at least some implementations, a coupler for a spark plug includes a body formed from an electrically conductive material and including a first connecting portion defining a first cavity, and a second connecting portion defining a second cavity spaced from the first cavity, and the body includes an intermediate portion physically and electrically coupling the first connection portion and the second connecting portion. In at least some implementations, the first connecting portion is formed from a wire coiled to define the first cavity within the coil. In at least some implementations, the second connecting portion is formed from a wire coiled to define the second cavity within the coil.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2018Publication date: March 11, 2021Inventors: Cyrus M. Healy, Eric L. King
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Publication number: 20200191095Abstract: In at least some implementations, a valve for a charge forming device, includes a needle having a first end and a second end, and a valve body. The valve body has an axis extending between a first end and a second end, and a cavity open to the second end and in which part of the needle is received with the second end of the needle extending out of the second end of the valve body. The valve body also has a projection extending axially from the first end of the valve body to a free end of the projection, and the valve body has at least one drive surface axially spaced from the free end, the drive surface extends axially and radially.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2019Publication date: June 18, 2020Inventors: Eric L. King, George M. Pattullo
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Patent number: 10054082Abstract: A carburetor with a fuel and air mixing passage and a fuel delivery system may include a valve actuated by a diaphragm with no penetrations through at least the portion of the diaphragm exposed to a fuel metering chamber. The diaphragm may include at least two convolutions increasing a surface area of the portion of the diaphragm exposed to the fuel metering chamber relative to the surface area of a plane exposed to and covering the fuel metering chamber. A diaphragm may be in the form of a bellows with at least two convolutions. The diaphragm may be made of a suitable polymer or one or more pieces of a thin metal sheet or foil.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2016Date of Patent: August 21, 2018Assignee: WALBRO LLCInventor: Eric L. King
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Publication number: 20170370328Abstract: A carburetor with a body with a cavity in which an adjustable fuel valve is received. To inhibit access to and manual adjustment of the valve, a cover may overlay at least a portion of the adjustable valve. In some forms, a releasable lock plate may be received between the cover and the adjustable valve. Specialty tools may release the lock plate and adjust the valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2017Publication date: December 28, 2017Inventors: Matthew A. Braun, Eric L. King
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Publication number: 20170107947Abstract: A carburetor with a fuel and air mixing passage and a fuel delivery system may include a valve actuated by a diaphragm with no penetrations through at least the portion of the diaphragm exposed to a fuel metering chamber. The diaphragm may include at least two convolutions increasing a surface area of the portion of the diaphragm exposed to the fuel metering chamber relative to the surface area of a plane exposed to and covering the fuel metering chamber. A diaphragm may be in the form of a bellows with at least two convolutions. The diaphragm may be made of a suitable polymer or one or more pieces of a thin metal sheet or foil.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2016Publication date: April 20, 2017Inventor: Eric L. King
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Patent number: 8061322Abstract: A starting system for a combustion engine including a carburetor with a throttle valve moveable between idle and wide open positions, a throttle control to control movement of the throttle valve during normal operation of the engine, and a linkage between the throttle control and the throttle valve. The starting system includes a recoil pulley, a pull-cord to rotate the recoil pulley, an actuator moveable in response to rotation of the recoil pulley, and a throttle override device. The throttle override device has a first control member moveable from a first position to a second position in response to movement of the actuator, and a second control member moveable in response to movement of the first control member from a first to a second position. The second control member is operably associated with the linkage to prevent the throttle valve from being in its wide open position when the second control member is in its second position.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2008Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: Walbro Engine Management, L.L.C.Inventors: Eric L. King, George M. Pattullo, David L. Speirs
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Publication number: 20080121201Abstract: A starting system for a combustion engine including a carburetor with a throttle valve moveable between idle and wide open positions, a throttle control to control movement of the throttle valve during normal operation of the engine, and a linkage between the throttle control and the throttle valve. The starting system includes a recoil pulley, a pull-cord to rotate the recoil pulley, an actuator moveable in response to rotation of the recoil pulley, and a throttle override device. The throttle override device has a first control member moveable from a first position to a second position in response to movement of the actuator, and a second control member moveable in response to movement of the first control member from a first to a second position. The second control member is operably associated with the linkage to prevent the throttle valve from being in its wide open position when the second control member is in its second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2008Publication date: May 29, 2008Applicant: Walbro Engine Management, L.L.C.Inventors: Eric L. King, George M. Pattullo, David L. Speirs
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Patent number: 7013878Abstract: A fuel vapor separator includes a polymeric body that preferably has a polymeric canister and a polymeric lid secured to the canister to define a liquid tight enclosure. The enclosure is preferably divided into at least two chambers. One chamber preferably receives liquid fuel and communicates with a heat exchanger to cool the supply of liquid fuel therein. Vapor is trapped in a vapor dome area above the liquid fuel and is vented through a vent valve carried by the fuel vapor separator. The other chamber of the enclosure preferably receives a high pressure fuel pump adapted to receive liquid fuel from the first chamber, and to deliver liquid fuel under pressure to the engine. Preferably, the chamber in which the fuel pump is received is communicated with a coolant to facilitate cooling the fuel pump in use.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2004Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Assignee: Walbro Engine Management, L.L.C.Inventors: Kenneth J. Cotton, Eric L. King, Roger N. Smith
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Patent number: 6615792Abstract: A fuel shut-off system for a carburetor substantially reduces or prevents the delivery of fuel to an engine when the engine is turned off and as it coasts to a stop. The fuel shut-off system preferably reduces or eliminates the pressure differential across a nozzle through which fuel is delivered from a fuel chamber through a fuel-and-air mixing passage of the carburetor and into the engine. In this manner, the flow of fuel through the nozzle is reduced and preferably eliminated immediately upon engine turn-off to prevent the after-fire and associated problems within a residually hot exhaust system. The system incorporates an actuator, preferably a solenoid valve, having a first position which obstructs a vacuum bypass passage communicating between the fuel chamber and the fuel-and-air mixing passage, and a second position which enables communication between the vacuum bypass passage and a fuel chamber passage which otherwise communicates with a near atmospheric pressure source.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2002Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Assignee: Walbro Engine Management LLCInventors: Timothy K. Grifka, Terry O. Hendrick, Kevin L. Israelson, Eric L. King, Albert L. Sayers, John C. Woody
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Patent number: 6454246Abstract: A carburetor has an upper body and a lower separate nozzle post member that extends into the fuel chamber of a lower fuel bowl. The nozzle post member has a main nozzle mixing passage leading from a main fuel jet inlet to a nozzle. An annular air passage and an annular idle fuel passage surround the mixing passage. The nozzle post member also has integrally formed brackets to pivotally mount the fuel float.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2000Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Assignee: Walbro CorporationInventors: Timothy K. Grifka, Terry O. Hendrick, Kevin L. Israelson, Eric L. King, Albert L. Sayers, John C. Woody
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Publication number: 20020121710Abstract: A carburetor throttle and choke control mechanism incorporating a choke-throttle cold-start fast idle setting latch mechanism having, in a first embodiment, a blade of a fast idle lever specially contoured for creating upon interengagement with a tang on a throttle lever initial torque resistance to co-rotation of the fast idle lever toward latched condition and then effecting force reversal for creating aiding torque to accelerate the fast idle lever relative to choke lever and thereby open a gap in the push coupling that remains in the latched position of the choke and throttle valves. The choke lever has a relatively rigid pusher leg portion adapted for abutment in push relation with a fast idle lever tang. In a second embodiment an extension of the leg portion in the form of a generally U-shaped resilient spring hook portion is adapted to overlap the tang and releasably hook engage the same when the leg portion is brought into full push abutment with said tang.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2001Publication date: September 5, 2002Inventors: Eric L. King, George M. Pattullo