Patents by Inventor Thomas Gregory McKay
Thomas Gregory McKay 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: 10804038Abstract: The invention provides an electric circuit device including a conductive element configured to provide an electrical input to an electrical component, the resistivity of the conductive element being variable based at least on the extent of deformation thereof, and a deformable body coupled directly or indirectly to, or integral with, the conductive element such that deformation of the body causes the conductive element to deform, thereby varying the resistance thereof and altering the input to the electrical component. Said devices may be used singularly or in combination as logic elements within electrical circuits, providing drive and/or control functionality. Particular embodiments provide improved electrostatic generators.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2011Date of Patent: October 13, 2020Assignee: Auckland UniServices LimitedInventors: Benjamin Marc O'Brien, Iain Alexander Anderson, Thomas Gregory McKay, Emilio Patricio Calius
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Patent number: 10374092Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a circuit structure and method for power amplifier control with forward and reverse voltage biases to transistor back-gate regions. A circuit structure according to the disclosure can include: a power amplifier (PA) circuit having first and second transistors, the first and second transistors each including a back-gate region, wherein the back-gate region of each of the first and second transistors is positioned within a doped substrate separated from a semiconductor region by a buried insulator layer; and an analog voltage source coupled to the back-gate regions of the first and second transistors of the PA circuit, such that the analog voltage source alternatively supplies a forward bias voltage or a reverse bias voltage to the back-gate regions of the first and second transistors of the PA circuit to produce a continuously sloped power ramping profile.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2017Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Assignee: GLOBALFOUNDRIES INC.Inventors: Arul Balasubramaniyan, Thomas Gregory Mckay
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Patent number: 10250166Abstract: The invention relates to transformers. More particularly, the invention relates to transformers using (preferably electrostatic and more preferably dielectric elastomer) transducers such as generators and actuators. The invention further provides a priming circuit therefor.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2010Date of Patent: April 2, 2019Assignee: Auckland UniServices LimitedInventors: Iain Alexander Anderson, Thomas Gregory McKay, Benjamin Marc O'Brien, Emilio Patricio Calius
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Patent number: 10228396Abstract: The invention provides circuits, systems and methods for dielectric elastomer device (DED) self-sensing. The circuit comprises a first DED coupled or adapted for coupling to a first voltage source (for providing an actuating or priming signal, for example); a current sensor provided in series with the first DED; and an oscillating signal source coupled to the first DED and adapted to cause an oscillation in a voltage across the DED, wherein the oscillating signal source is decoupled from the first voltage source.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2013Date of Patent: March 12, 2019Assignee: Auckland Uniservices LimitedInventors: Todd Alan Gisby, Thomas Gregory McKay, Ho Cheong Lo, Benjamin Marc O'Brien, Iain Alexander Anderson
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Publication number: 20180302038Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a circuit structure and method for power amplifier control with forward and reverse voltage biases to transistor back-gate regions. A circuit structure according to the disclosure can include: a power amplifier (PA) circuit having first and second transistors, the first and second transistors each including a back-gate region, wherein the back-gate region of each of the first and second transistors is positioned within a doped substrate separated from a semiconductor region by a buried insulator layer; and an analog voltage source coupled to the back-gate regions of the first and second transistors of the PA circuit, such that the analog voltage source alternatively supplies a forward bias voltage or a reverse bias voltage to the back-gate regions of the first and second transistors of the PA circuit to produce a continuously sloped power ramping profile.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2017Publication date: October 18, 2018Inventors: Arul Balasubramaniyan, Thomas Gregory Mckay
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Patent number: 9697959Abstract: The present invention provides a mechanically-actuated switch comprising a deformable conductive element providing a conductive path between a first terminal and a second terminal, wherein the effective geometry of the conductive element changes suddenly upon deformation to cause a disproportionately large change in a resistance between the first and second terminals. The switch can be made from lightweight and soft materials, and is particularly suited for integration with dielectric elastomer devices. Also disclosed are various circuits and a method for controlling circuits including the switch.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2013Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Auckland UniServices LimitedInventors: Iain Alexander Anderson, Thomas Gregory McKay, Benjamin Marc O'Brien, Todd Alan Gibsy
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Publication number: 20170010130Abstract: The present invention relates to pliable capacitive structures such as dielectric elastomers and similar smart materials which can be used for sensing externally applied strains which can be inferred by the determining the capacitance of the structure/material. There is provided an apparatus comprising a pliable capacitive structure for use in detecting shape or strain changes, the pliable capacitive structure having a dielectric material positioned between two electrodes; means for applying a steady-state voltage across the two electrodes; and means for determining changes in capacitance of the pliable capacitive structure using said steady state voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2015Publication date: January 12, 2017Inventors: Daniel Xu, Iain Alexander Anderson, Ho Cheong Lo, Thomas Gregory McKay
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Publication number: 20150287552Abstract: The present invention provides a mechanically-actuated switch comprising a deformable conductive element providing a conductive path between a first terminal and a second terminal, wherein the effective geometry of the conductive element changes suddenly upon deformation to cause a disproportionately large change in a resistance between the first and second terminals. The switch can be made from lightweight and soft materials, and is particularly suited for integration with dielectric elastomer devices. Also disclosed are various circuits and a method for controlling circuits including the switch.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2013Publication date: October 8, 2015Inventors: Iain Alexander Anderson, Thomas Gregory McKay, Benjamin Marc O'Brien, Todd Alan Gibsy
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Publication number: 20150123647Abstract: The invention provides circuits, systems and methods for dielectric elastomer device (DED) self-sensing. The circuit comprises a first DED coupled or adapted for coupling to a first voltage source (for providing an actuating or priming signal, for example); a current sensor provided in series with the first DED; and an oscillating signal source coupled to the first DED and adapted to cause an oscillation in a voltage across the DED, wherein the oscillating signal source is decoupled from the first voltage source.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2013Publication date: May 7, 2015Inventors: Todd Alan Gisby, Thomas Gregory McKay, Ho Cheong Lo, Benjamin Marc O'Brien, Iain Alexander Anderson
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Publication number: 20140247624Abstract: The invention provides a passive converter comprising an input for electrical coupling to an intermittent or variable power source, an output for electrical coupling to load, and a conversion circuit for converting from a first voltage level of the input to a second voltage level suitable for the output, wherein the conversion circuit includes a passive switching circuit adapted to passively couple the input to the output when the input exceeds a first threshold and decouple the input from the output when the input falls below a second threshold. In particular, the passive switching circuit preferably comprises a spark gap, thyristor and avalanche diode, breakover diode, discharge tube, or a thyristor operated as breakover diodes. Circuits and dielectric elastomer generator (DEG) systems including the passive converter are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2012Publication date: September 4, 2014Applicant: AUCKLAND UNISERVICES LIMITEDInventors: Iain Alexander Anderson, Todd Alan Gisby, Ho Cheong Lo, Thomas Gregory McKay, Benjamin Marc O'Brien
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Patent number: 8718591Abstract: Embodiments of a radio frequency (RF) circuit provide translational filtering in accordance with an input impedance response that is an impedance image of a reactive circuit impedance response from a poly phase reactive circuit. The RF circuit may include a first mixer circuit that provides a first frequency offset for the impedance image and a second mixer circuit that provides an additional frequency offset. Accordingly, the second mixer circuit may allow for adjustments to a total frequency offset of the impedance image. The second mixer circuit may also be configured so that the impedance image rejects a negative frequency impedance response of the reactive circuit impedance response.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2013Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: RF Micro Devices, Inc.Inventors: Stephen Allott, Thomas Gregory McKay
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Patent number: 8638024Abstract: The invention provides an actuator for an electric motor and an electric motor including said actuator. The actuator includes one or more body formed from a dielectric elastomer, each body having at least one active region that is directly or indirectly coupled to a drive means. The active regions are arranged such that, in use, actuation thereof causes driven means to move with components in at least first and second directions, preferably within a plane of the body.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2009Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: Auckland UniServices, LimitedInventors: Iain Alexander Anderson, Benjamin Marc O'Brien, Thomas Gregory McKay, Todd Alan Gisby, Emilio Patricio Calius, Scott Hayden Walbran, Thomas Swithun Hale
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Publication number: 20130267188Abstract: Embodiments of a radio frequency (RF) circuit provide translational filtering in accordance with an input impedance response that is an impedance image of a reactive circuit impedance response from a poly phase reactive circuit. The RF circuit may include a first mixer circuit that provides a first frequency offset for the impedance image and a second mixer circuit that provides an additional frequency offset. Accordingly, the second mixer circuit may allow for adjustments to a total frequency offset of the impedance image. The second mixer circuit may also be configured so that the impedance image rejects a negative frequency impedance response of the reactive circuit impedance response.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2013Publication date: October 10, 2013Inventors: Stephen Allott, Thomas Gregory McKay
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Patent number: 8478220Abstract: Embodiments of a radio frequency (RF) circuit provide translational filtering in accordance with an input impedance response that is an impedance image of a reactive circuit impedance response from a polyphase reactive circuit. The RF circuit may include a first mixer circuit that provides a first frequency offset for the impedance image and a second mixer circuit that provides an additional frequency offset. Accordingly, the second mixer circuit may allow for adjustments to a total frequency offset of the impedance image. The second mixer circuit may also be configured so that the impedance image rejects a negative frequency impedance response of the reactive circuit impedance response.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2011Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: RF Micro Devices, Inc.Inventors: Stephen Allott, Thomas Gregory McKay
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Publication number: 20130100575Abstract: The invention provides an electric circuit device including a conductive element configured to provide an electrical input to an electrical component, the resistivity of the conductive element being variable based at least on the extent of deformation thereof, and a deformable body coupled directly or indirectly to, or integral with, the conductive element such that deformation of the body causes the conductive element to deform, thereby varying the resistance thereof and altering the input to the electrical component. Said devices may be used singularly or in combination as logic elements within electrical circuits, providing drive and/or control functionality. Particular embodiments provide improved electrostatic generators.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2011Publication date: April 25, 2013Applicant: AUCKLAND UNISERVICES LIMITEDInventors: Benjamin Marc O'Brien, Iain Alexander Anderson, Thomas Gregory McKay, Emilio Patricio Calius
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Publication number: 20120299514Abstract: The invention relates to transformers. More particularly, the invention relates to transformers using (preferably electrostatic and more preferably dielectric elastomer) transducers such as generators and actuators. The invention further provides a priming circuit therefor.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2010Publication date: November 29, 2012Applicant: AUCKLAND UNISERVICES LIMITEDInventors: Iain Alexander Anderson, Thomas Gregory McKay, Benjamin Marc O'Brien, Emilio Patricio Calius
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Publication number: 20120062285Abstract: Embodiments of a radio frequency (RF) circuit provide translational filtering in accordance with an input impedance response that is an impedance image of a reactive circuit impedance response from a polyphase reactive circuit. The RF circuit may include a first mixer circuit that provides a first frequency offset for the impedance image and a second mixer circuit that provides an additional frequency offset. Accordingly, the second mixer circuit may allow for adjustments to a total frequency offset of the impedance image. The second mixer circuit may also be configured so that the impedance image rejects a negative frequency impedance response of the reactive circuit impedance response.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2011Publication date: March 15, 2012Applicant: RF MICRO DEVICES, INC.Inventors: Stephen Allott, Thomas Gregory McKay
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Patent number: 8121577Abstract: The present invention is a controllable input impedance RF mixer, which when fed from a high impedance source, such as a current source, provides a high quality factor (Q) impedance response associated with an impedance peak. The high-Q impedance response may be used as a high-Q RF bandpass filter in a receive path upstream of down conversion, which may improve receiver selectivity and replace surface acoustic wave (SAW) or other RF filters. The present invention uses polyphase reactive circuitry, such as capacitive elements, coupled to the down conversion outputs of an RF mixer. The RF mixer mixes RF input signals with local oscillator signals to translate the impedance of the polyphase reactive circuitry into the RF input impedance of the RF mixer. The RF input impedance includes at least one impedance peak. The local oscillator signals are non-overlapping to maximize the energy transferred to the polyphase reactive circuitry.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2008Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: RF Micro Devices, Inc.Inventor: Thomas Gregory McKay
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Patent number: 8076750Abstract: The present invention relates to using a trap-rich layer, such as a polycrystalline Silicon layer, over a semiconductor substrate to substantially immobilize a surface conduction layer at the surface of the semiconductor substrate at radio frequency (RF) frequencies. The trap-rich layer may have a high density of traps that trap carriers from the surface conduction layer. The average release time from the traps may be longer than the period of any present RF signals, thereby effectively immobilizing the surface conduction layer, which may substantially prevent capacitance and inductance changes due to the RF signals. Therefore, harmonic distortion of the RF signals may be significantly reduced or eliminated. The semiconductor substrate may be a Silicon substrate, a Gallium Arsenide substrate, or another substrate.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2010Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: RF Micro Devices, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Charles Kerr, Thomas Gregory McKay, Michael Carroll, Joseph M. Gering
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Publication number: 20110101823Abstract: The invention provides an actuator for an electric motor and an electric motor including said actuator. The actuator includes one or more body formed from a dielectric elastomer, each body having at least one active region that is directly or indirectly coupled to a drive means. The active regions are arranged such that, in use, actuation thereof causes driven means to move with components in at least first and second directions, preferably within a plane of the body.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2009Publication date: May 5, 2011Applicant: AUCKLAND UNISERVICES LIMITEDInventors: Iain Alexander Anderson, Benjamin Marc O'Brien, Thomas Gregory McKay, Todd Alan Gisby, Emilio Patricio Calius, Scott Hayden Walbran, Thomas Swithun Hale