Patents by Inventor Stephen C. Terry
Stephen C. Terry 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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Publication number: 20160301244Abstract: A device includes a charge controller to regulate a battery output voltage based on an input voltage and an input current received from a charging circuit. A loop controller monitors the input voltage and the input current to generate a feedback signal to adjust the input voltage to the charge controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2016Publication date: October 13, 2016Inventors: Stephen C. Terry, Paul Brohlin
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Patent number: 9331520Abstract: A device includes a charge controller to regulate a battery output voltage based on an input voltage and an input current received from a charging circuit. A loop controller monitors the input voltage and the input current to generate a feedback signal to adjust the input voltage to the charge controller.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2011Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATEDInventors: Stephen C. Terry, Paul Brohlin
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Publication number: 20130162200Abstract: A device includes a charge controller to regulate a battery output voltage based on an input voltage and an input current received from a charging circuit. A loop controller monitors the input voltage and the input current to generate a feedback signal to adjust the input voltage to the charge controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2011Publication date: June 27, 2013Inventors: Stephen C. Terry, Paul Brohlin
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Patent number: 7741823Abstract: Various voltage regulators and/or voltage regulation systems are disclosed. For example, a voltage regulation system that includes a source follower output is disclosed. The source follower output includes a transistor where the source of the transistor provides a baseline voltage to a regulated voltage output node. The voltage regulation system further includes a body damping circuit and a low speed feedback circuit. The body damping circuit is electrically coupled to the body of the transistor, and is operable to provide a rapid opposition to any voltage disturbance at the regulated voltage output node. The low speed feedback circuit is electrically coupled to the gate of the transistor, and is operable to return the regulated voltage output node to the baseline voltage.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2007Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: Agere Systems Inc.Inventors: Stephen C. Terry, Stephen J. Franck
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Publication number: 20080180080Abstract: Various voltage regulators and/or voltage regulation systems are disclosed. For example, a voltage regulation system that includes a source follower output is disclosed. The source follower output includes a transistor where the source of the transistor provides a baseline voltage to a regulated voltage output node. The voltage regulation system further includes a body damping circuit and a low speed feedback circuit. The body damping circuit is electrically coupled to the body of the transistor, and is operable to provide a rapid opposition to any voltage disturbance at the regulated voltage output node. The low speed feedback circuit is electrically coupled to the gate of the transistor, and is operable to return the regulated voltage output node to the baseline voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Applicant: Agere Systems Inc.Inventors: Stephen C. Terry, Stephen J. Franck
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Patent number: 7111518Abstract: Methods and apparatus for an absolute or gauge pressure sensor having a backside cavity with a substantially vertical interior sidewall. The backside cavity is formed using a DRIE etch or other MEMS micro-machining technique. One embodiment provides for a diaphragm having a boss manufactured using a two step process that results in a boss thickness that is independent of the thickness of the starting material. Another provides for various shapes to the backside cavity that reduces the likelihood of crystalline fractures while focusing stress on piezoresistive sensing elements. Another provides for a sensitivity adjustment by thinning the insulating and silicon layers that form the sensor diaphragm. A pressure sensor according to the present invention may incorporate one or more of these, or may incorporate other elements discussed herein.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2003Date of Patent: September 26, 2006Assignee: Silicon Microstructures, Inc.Inventors: Henry V. Allen, Stephen C. Terry, James W. Knutti
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Patent number: 5445006Abstract: An apparatus and method of operation for a self-testable accelerometer having a housing, a diaphragm for detecting movement in response to an applied force, a mass on the diaphragm, at least one capacitive plate attached to the housing and disposed such that a potential difference between the capacitive plate and the mass causes a movement of the mass, means for producing a potential difference between the mass and the capacitive plate, and at least one piezoresistive element attached to the housing and the diaphragm for sensing movement of the mass. The accelerometer's housing comprises a frame, a base and a cap with air gaps providing squeeze film damping and mechanical stops for inhibiting movements of the mass. The combination of the capability to electrostatically produce a movement of the mass and the piezoresistive sensing of that movement allows testing and calibration of the accelerometer at any stage in its manufacture or deployment without the need for external equipment such as shakers.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 1993Date of Patent: August 29, 1995Assignee: IC Sensors, Inc.Inventors: Henry V. Allen, Stephen C. Terry, Diederik W. De Bruin
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Patent number: 5253510Abstract: An apparatus and method of operation for a self-testable accelerometer having a housing, a diaphragm for detecting movement in response to an applied force, a mass on the diaphragm, at least one capacitive plate attached to the housing and disposed such that a potential difference between the capacitive plate and the mass causes a movement of the mass, electrodes for applying a potential difference between the mass and the capacitive plate, and at least one piezoresistive element attached to the housing and the diaphragm for sensing movement of the mass. The accelerometer's housing comprises a frame, a base and a cap with air gaps providing squeeze film damping and mechanical stops for inhibiting movements of the mass. The combination of the capability to electrostatically produce a movement of the mass and the piezoresistive sensing of that movement allows testing and calibration of the accelerometer at any stage in its manufacture or deployment without the need for external equipment such as shakers.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 1992Date of Patent: October 19, 1993Assignee: I C SensorsInventors: Henry V. Allen, Stephen C. Terry, Diederik W. De Bruin
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Patent number: 5184515Abstract: A transducer having a plurality of sensing elements disposed in a single diaphragm wherein each of the sensing elements is spaced from every other of the sensing elements a predetermined distance so as to control interference among the sensing elements. Each of the sensing elements preferably comprises a plurality of piezoresistors each of which are coupled in a Wheatstone bridge configuration. This transducer achieves sensitive, accurate, high spatial resolution measurements of non-uniform pressures.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 1992Date of Patent: February 9, 1993Assignee: IC Sensors, Inc.Inventors: Stephen C. Terry, John H. Jerman
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Patent number: 5103667Abstract: An apparatus and method of operation for a self-testable accelerometer having a housing, a diaphragm for detecting movement in response to an applied force, a mass on the diaphragm, at least one capacitive plate attached to the housing and disposed such that a potential difference between the capacitive plate and the mass causes a movement of the mass, electrodes for applying a potential difference between the mass and the capacitive plate, and at least one piezoresistive element attached to the housing and the diaphragm for sensing movement of the mass. The accelerometer's housing comprises a frame, a base and a cap with air gaps providing squeeze film damping and mechanical stops for inhibiting movements of the mass. The combination of the capability to electrostatically produce a movement of the mass and the piezoresistive sensing of that movement allows testing and calibration of the accelerometer at any stage in its manufacture or deployment without the need for external equipment such as shakers.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 1989Date of Patent: April 14, 1992Assignee: IC Sensors, Inc.Inventors: Henry V. Allen, Stephen C. Terry, Diederik W. De Bruin
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Patent number: 5058435Abstract: A transducer having a plurality of sensing elements disposed in a single diaphragm wherein each of the sensing elements is spaced from every other of the sensing elements a predetermined distance so as to control interference among the sensing elements. Each of the sensing elements preferably comprises a plurality of piezoresistors each of which are coupled in a Wheatstone bridge configuration. This transducer achieves sensitive, accurate, high spatial resolution measurements of non-uniform pressures.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 1989Date of Patent: October 22, 1991Assignee: IC Sensors, Inc.Inventors: Stephen C. Terry, John H. Jerman
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Patent number: 4737660Abstract: A trimmable microminiature force-sensitive switching device for detecting the state of external conditions, such as pressure, acceleration and temperature, is disclosed. The device includes a silicon substrate having a reduced-thickness, deflectable member adapted to change its deflection in response to changes in the external condition to be detected. Increasing deflection of the member establishes electrical contact between a common contact and first one, then progressively more, spaced electrical contacts of a plurality of switches. Each of the spaced electrical contacts is connected to a common terminal. Trimming of the switching device is accomplished by application of a preselected external force, such as pressure, that causes the deflection of the deflectable member and the closing of one or more of the switches.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 1986Date of Patent: April 12, 1988Assignee: Transensory Device, Inc.Inventors: Henry V. Allen, John H. Jerman, Stephen C. Terry
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Patent number: 4474889Abstract: A gas chromatography assembly has a substrate wafer with grooves and a valve seat etched therein. A plate cooperates with the wafer and the grooves to define gas channels: a carrier gas channel and a sample gas channel, each passing through the valve seat. A valve actuator is attached to the valve seat for controlling the flow of sample gas from the sample gas channel into the carrier gas channel. A pump is attached to the wafer and is connected to the sample gas channel. The pump cooperates with the valve actuator to inject sample gas from the sample gas channel into the carrier gas channel. A modular capillary tube and a detector are connected to the carrier gas channel to analyze the properties of the sample gas flowing in the carrier gas channel from the sample gas channel.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 1982Date of Patent: October 2, 1984Assignee: Microsensor Technology Inc.Inventors: Stephen C. Terry, John H. Jerman
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Patent number: 4471647Abstract: There is described a gas chromatographic assembly formed on a semiconductor wafer by etching techniques. There is also described an improved thermal detector for use therewith.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 1982Date of Patent: September 18, 1984Assignee: Board of Regents of Stanford UniversityInventors: John H. Jerman, Stephen C. Terry