Patents by Inventor Harold L. Davis

Harold L. Davis 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: 10192629
    Abstract: A programmable memory including a self-latching read data path. A sense amplifier senses the voltage level at a bit line, the bit line communicating the data state of a selected memory cell in its associated column. A data latch coupled to the output of the sense amplifier passes the sensed data state. Set-reset logic is provided that receives the output of the data latch in the read data path and, in response to a transition of the data state in a read cycle, latches the data latch and isolates it from the sense amplifier. The set-reset logic resets the data latch at the start of the next read cycle. In some embodiments, a timer is provided so that the latch is reset after a time-out period in a long read cycle in which no data transition occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Yunchen Qiu, David J. Toops, Harold L. Davis
  • Publication number: 20180137928
    Abstract: A programmable memory including a self-latching read data path. A sense amplifier senses the voltage level at a bit line, the bit line communicating the data state of a selected memory cell in its associated column. A data latch coupled to the output of the sense amplifier passes the sensed data state. Set-reset logic is provided that receives the output of the data latch in the read data path and, in response to a transition of the data state in a read cycle, latches the data latch and isolates it from the sense amplifier. The set-reset logic resets the data latch at the start of the next read cycle. In some embodiments, a timer is provided so that the latch is reset after a time-out period in a long read cycle in which no data transition occurs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2018
    Publication date: May 17, 2018
    Inventors: Yunchen Qiu, David J. Toops, Harold L. Davis
  • Patent number: 9881687
    Abstract: A programmable memory including a self-latching read data path. A sense amplifier senses the voltage level at a bit line, the bit line communicating the data state of a selected memory cell in its associated column. A data latch coupled to the output of the sense amplifier passes the sensed data state. Set-reset logic is provided that receives the output of the data latch in the read data path and, in response to a transition of the data state in a read cycle, latches the data latch and isolates it from the sense amplifier. The set-reset logic resets the data latch at the start of the next read cycle. In some embodiments, a timer is provided so that the latch is reset after a time-out period in a long read cycle in which no data transition occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Yunchen Qiu, David J. Toops, Harold L. Davis
  • Publication number: 20170178742
    Abstract: A programmable memory including a self-latching read data path. A sense amplifier senses the voltage level at a bit line, the bit line communicating the data state of a selected memory cell in its associated column. A data latch coupled to the output of the sense amplifier passes the sensed data state. Set-reset logic is provided that receives the output of the data latch in the read data path and, in response to a transition of the data state in a read cycle, latches the data latch and isolates it from the sense amplifier. The set-reset logic resets the data latch at the start of the next read cycle. In some embodiments, a timer is provided so that the latch is reset after a time-out period in a long read cycle in which no data transition occurs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Publication date: June 22, 2017
    Inventors: Yunchen Qiu, David J. Toops, Harold L. Davis
  • Patent number: 8324663
    Abstract: One-time programmable (OTP) Electronically Programmable Read-Only Memories (EPROMs) have been used in a number of applications for many years. One drawback with these OTP EPROMs is that these nonvolatile memories tend to be slow and/or may use a considerable amount of area. Here, however, a bit cell is provided that employs a compact dual cell, which generally includes two OTP cells. These OTP cells are generally arranged in differential configuration to increase speed and are arranged to have a small impact on area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Yunchen Qiu, Harold L. Davis
  • Publication number: 20120248538
    Abstract: One-time programmable (OTP) Electronically Programmable Read-Only Memories (EPROMs) have been used in a number of applications for many years. One drawback with these OTP EPROMs is that these nonvolatile memories tend to be slow and/or may use a considerable amount of area. Here, however, a bit cell is provided that employs a compact dual cell, which generally includes two OTP cells. These OTP cells are generally arranged in differential configuration to increase speed and are arranged to have a small impact on area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Yunchen Qiu, Harold L. Davis
  • Patent number: 6045838
    Abstract: An improved grape storage and handling bag is disclosed. The bag has increased size and reduced venting. The bag of the invention has holes on one or both side walls of the bag to provide a percentage perforation ranging from 0.4 to 1.4%. The bag reduces water loss while still permitting SO.sub.2 ventilation. Grapes stored in the bags of this invention show reduced levels of water loss, stem browning, berry shatter, and decay. The grapes may be stacked in one or two layers. The bagged grapes are contained within a container and stacked in one or two layers within the containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Inventors: Harold L. Davis, F. Gordon Mitchell, Carlos H. Crisosto, Larry Faulkner, Rene Contreras
  • Patent number: 5124577
    Abstract: A circuit for presetting the voltage of an output terminal connected to an external load, where the output terminal receives either a high or a low voltage level state for output to the load during a data cycle, includes a voltage detector connected to the output terminal for sensing the voltage level at the output terminal at the end of the data cycle to determine whether the voltage level is at a high or a low voltage level state. A driver is connected to the voltage sensor for driving the voltage level at the output terminal prior to the start of a subsequent data cycle toward the opposite voltage state to a mid-level, as determined by the prior voltage state sensed by the voltage detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Assignees: Benchmarq Microelectronics, Inc., NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Harold L. Davis, Douglas P. Sheppard
  • Patent number: 4758989
    Abstract: A planar array of memory cells is controlled by row lines (word lines) for each row of cells and column lines each serving adjacent columns of cells as well as bit lines interlaced with the column lines so that all memory cells are connected between a column line and a bit line. The least significant bit of the column address provided by the column decoder selects between two sets of bit lines that are interlaced in altercation determining on which side of the column line the selected column will be found. In consequence, the selection of the column line and a set of bit lines selects only one column of cells. Enough columns of the array are selected at one time to address an entire logical field of data bits and also a set of parity bits related to the logical field of data bits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1988
    Assignee: SGS-Thomson Microelectronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold L. Davis, Robert J. Proebsting
  • Patent number: 4687989
    Abstract: An integrated circuit having an option between two or more configurations and also using a patterned ion-implant for impressing data (such as a ROM section of the circuit) may advantageously perform the option-specification simultaneously with the ROM; using a powerless option-specifying circuit permits testing portions of the circuit before the implantation step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1987
    Assignee: Thomson Components-Mostek Corp.
    Inventors: Harold L. Davis, Robert D. Lee
  • Patent number: 4677593
    Abstract: A buffer circuit accepting TTL input levels and generating logic-level signals incorporates means to reduce the power consumption in the circuit in the active phase as well as the inactive phase, without imposing additional restrictions on the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1987
    Assignee: Thomson Components-Mostek Corp.
    Inventor: Harold L. Davis
  • Patent number: 4651305
    Abstract: In a CMOS ROM memory arrangement, the use of the least significant column address bit to perform the dual function of even/odd bit line select and the disconnection of the selected bit line (17' and 17") from the sense amplifier (66) driven, in order to reduce its capacitive load, prior to the time of latching the information into the sense amplifier (66).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1987
    Assignee: Thomson Components-Mostek Corporation
    Inventor: Harold L. Davis
  • Patent number: 4646306
    Abstract: A high speed parity circuit uses a sequence of simplified exclusive-OR circuits responsive to data input terminals containing a data signal and its complement and terminating in a sense amplifier, together with an operating sequence in which the inputs to the sequence are grounded while the data lines are first brought high and then set to the correct data state to form a pair of separate paths through the sequence when no current flows, after which set-up operation an input voltage circuit raises the voltage on one of the paths smoothly, so that the sense amplifier can respond as soon as its input is large enough, without waiting for a settling time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1987
    Assignee: Thomson Components - Mostek Corporation
    Inventors: Harold L. Davis, Douglas P. Sheppard
  • Patent number: 4571708
    Abstract: A data select circuit for selecting a column line in a CMOS ROM and for establishing a connection between a pair of bit lines and corresponding data lines uses a single NMOS pull-down transistor on the column line and a pair of P-channel pass transistors on the bit lines, the pass transistor gates being controlled not by an inverted column decode line, but by the column line itself, thus reducing the capacative load on the column decoder and saving space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1986
    Assignee: Mostek Corporation
    Inventor: Harold L. Davis
  • Patent number: 4337378
    Abstract: An on-hook/off-hook detector circuit (10) is included within a telecommunications integrated circuit. A tone generator power signal (V.sub.G) is monitored as a status signal to determine when a telephone switch hook is in either an on-hook or off-hook condition. The tone generator power signal is subject to interference and transients which prevents direct utilization of it to indicate on-hook and off-hook conditions. A resistor (20) and capacitor (22) are connected externally to the circuit (10) at a junction terminal (16) to provide a time delay following a transition of the status signal (V.sub.G). The junction terminal of the resistor (20) and capacitor (22) is held at two transistor threshold voltages below the upper supply voltage (V+). At the time of transition of the status signal V.sub.G the junction terminal (16) is disconnected from a current path such that the terminal (16) is permitted to charge the capacitor (22) through the resistor (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1982
    Assignee: Mostek Corporation
    Inventor: Harold L. Davis