Patents by Inventor Timothy J. Knowlton

Timothy J. Knowlton 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: 11915211
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and storage media for pre-approving onboarding to a payment platform, executing on a processing device are disclosed. Exemplary implementations may: access a node network; determine a first entity associated with a first node of the plurality of nodes is not a member of a payment platform; determine a total strength of connections of the first node to one or more nodes of the plurality of nodes exceeds a predetermined threshold value; and flag the first node of the plurality of nodes for an offer of onboarding to the payment platform consequent to determining the total strength of connections of the first node to the one or more nodes of the plurality of nodes exceeds the predetermined threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Garner, IV, Lisa G. Hukari, Timothy R. Knowlton, Laura Lee Orcutt, Paul Vittimberga, Lolita Wang
  • Patent number: 9122813
    Abstract: System and method for a USB host to determine whether or not a USB device provides power via a USB coupling between the USB host and the USB device. At a first time, it may be determined that the USB device is coupled to the USB host via a USB coupling and does not provide power. Power may be provided to the USB device via the USB coupling. At a second time it may be determined that the USB device does provide power via the USB coupling. Power may no longer be provided to the USB device via the USB coupling after it is determined that the USB device does provide power via the USB coupling. A battery of the USB host may be charged using power provided by the USB device via the USB coupling based on determining that the USB device does provide power via the USB coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: SMSC HOLDINGS S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Miroslav Oljaca, Timothy J. Knowlton, Xiaoliang Xia
  • Patent number: 9018896
    Abstract: A method and system for detecting a charging current supplied to a portable device through a USB charger. The method includes the steps of connecting a charging circuit to a portable device, allowing the portable device to draw charging current from the charging circuit, measuring the current drawn from the charging circuit, comparing the measured current with a threshold value, making one or more system level decisions regarding charging of the portable device if the detected charging current is below the threshold current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Standard Microsystems Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Fischbach, Timothy J. Knowlton
  • Patent number: 8994321
    Abstract: A charging method and system for rationing charge or energy supplied by a host to a portable device. The system includes a power switch connected to a current sensing module that detects instantaneous current drawn by the portable device. A current register connected to the current sensing module stores the instantaneous current value. A timing module generates timing information. A cumulative charge value obtained by multiplying the instantaneous current value with the timing information is stored in a charge register. Further, a cumulative energy value may be obtained by multiplying the cumulative charge value with a detected voltage value. A threshold database stores a threshold value, and a rationing module connected to the host and the charge register continuously compares the cumulative charge value and/or the cumulative energy value with the threshold charge value. A control signal is generated when the threshold charge value is exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Standard Microsystems Corporation
    Inventor: Timothy J. Knowlton
  • Patent number: 8935557
    Abstract: A port power switch (PPS) may be used for lead compensation in systems where power is provided to a connected device by a switch-mode power supply (SMPS). The PPS may be designed to co-operate with the SMPS, providing a mechanism for the feedback reference point of the SMPS to be automatically switched, in the event of system fault or some other condition that might result in the PPS entering an “OFF’ operating mode, from the application point of load (POL) to the voltage input pin of the PPS without loss of power path continuity. The switching mechanism and the PPS may be manufactured to reside on the same integrated circuit. The PPS may include a control block that generates a control signal to couple the feedback port of the SMPS to the POL under normal operation, and to the voltage input port of the PPS during a fault condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: SMSC Holdings S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Knowlton, Miroslav Oljaca
  • Patent number: 8907633
    Abstract: An emulation system for charging any arbitrary portable device through a communication port on the portable device. The system includes a receptacle port for communicating with the portable device and a profile database for storing multiple charging profiles. Each charging profile including a set of parameters and at least one exit condition. Further, an emulation module applies a first charging profile to the portable device and monitors the set of parameters associated with the charging profile to identify an associated exit condition. Upon a determination that the exit condition for the first charging profile is met, the emulation module applies a next charging profile to the portable device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Standard Microsystems Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Fischbach, Timothy J. Knowlton, James P. McFarland
  • Patent number: 8884589
    Abstract: The invention is related to a method and system for temperature regulation of a power switch during charging of a portable device. The method includes the steps of establishing a connection between the portable device and a charging circuit, monitoring a charging current supplied from the charging circuit to the portable device, monitoring a temperature of the power switch, while the portable device is being charged, comparing the monitored temperature with a predefined threshold temperature, and restricting the charging current, based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Standard Microsystems Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy J. Knowlton, Christopher Fischbach
  • Patent number: 8740456
    Abstract: Adjusting current based on temperature. A change in temperature of a connection between a first device and a second device may be measured. The change in temperature may be performed while the first device provides current to the second device over the connection. If the change in temperature is above a threshold, the current being provided from the first device to the second device may be reduced. The change in temperature may be performed by the first device and/or the second device, e.g., by measuring the temperature of a connector of the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: SMSC Holdings S.A.R.L.
    Inventors: Morgan H. Monks, Kenneth W. Gay, Timothy J. Knowlton
  • Patent number: 8692520
    Abstract: A method and system for optimizing the behavior of a charger connected to a portable device when the portable device current exceeds the charger current limit. The system includes a configuration module configured to set a maximum current limit and a register-based current limit values. The system further includes a port power switch configured to limit the portable device current, in the event that the portable device current exceeds the maximum current limit value. The port power switch is configures to modify the portable device current to a predetermined constant current value or reset the current to zero based on the relation between the maximum current limit and the register-based current limit value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Standard Microsystems Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy J Knowlton, Christopher Fischbach
  • Publication number: 20130238819
    Abstract: System and method for a USB host to determine whether or not a USB device provides power via a USB coupling between the USB host and the USB device. At a first time, it may be determined that the USB device is coupled to the USB host via a USB coupling and does not provide power. Power may be provided to the USB device via the USB coupling. At a second time it may be determined that the USB device does provide power via the USB coupling. Power may no longer be provided to the USB device via the USB coupling after it is determined that the USB device does provide power via the USB coupling. A battery of the USB host may be charged using power provided by the USB device via the USB coupling based on determining that the USB device does provide power via the USB coupling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventors: Miroslav Oljaca, Timothy J. Knowlton, Xiaoliang Xia
  • Publication number: 20130227307
    Abstract: A port power switch (PPS) may be used for lead compensation in systems where power is provided to a connected device by a switch-mode power supply (SMPS). The PPS may be designed to co-operate with the SMPS, providing a mechanism for the feedback reference point of the SMPS to be automatically switched, in the event of system fault or some other condition that might result in the PPS entering an “OFF’ operating mode, from the application point of load (POL) to the voltage input pin of the PPS without loss of power path continuity. The switching mechanism and the PPS may be manufactured to reside on the same integrated circuit. The PPS may include a control block that generates a control signal to couple the feedback port of the SMPS to the POL under normal operation, and to the voltage input port of the PPS during a fault condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventors: Timothy J. Knowlton, Miroslav Oljaca
  • Publication number: 20130069600
    Abstract: A method and system for optimizing the behavior of a charger connected to a portable device when the portable device current exceeds the charger current limit. The system includes a configuration module configured to set a maximum current limit and a register-based current limit values. The system further includes a port power switch configured to limit the portable device current, in the event that the portable device current exceeds the maximum current limit value. The port power switch is configures to modify the portable device current to a predetermined constant current value or reset the current to zero based on the relation between the maximum current limit and the register-based current limit value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: STANDARD MICROSYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Timothy J. Knowlton, Christopher Fischbach
  • Publication number: 20130063098
    Abstract: The invention is related to a method and system for temperature regulation of a power switch during charging of a portable device. The method includes the steps of establishing a connection between the portable device and a charging circuit, monitoring a charging current supplied from the charging circuit to the portable device, monitoring a temperature of the power switch, while the portable device is being charged, comparing the monitored temperature with a predefined threshold temperature, and restricting the charging current, based on the comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: STANDARD MICROSYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Timothy J. Knowlton, Christopher Fischbach
  • Publication number: 20130002192
    Abstract: An emulation system for charging any arbitrary portable device through a communication port on the portable device. The system includes a receptacle port for communicating with the portable device and a profile database for storing multiple charging profiles. Each charging profile including a set of parameters and at least one exit condition. Further, an emulation module applies a first charging profile to the portable device and monitors the set of parameters associated with the charging profile to identify an associated exit condition. Upon a determination that the exit condition for the first charging profile is met, the emulation module applies a next charging profile to the portable device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: STANDARD MICROSYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Christopher Fischbach, Timothy J. Knowlton, James P. McFarland
  • Publication number: 20120313571
    Abstract: A charging method and system for rationing charge or energy supplied by a host to a portable device. The system includes a power switch, and a current sensing module connected to the power switch. The current sensing module detects instantaneous current drawn by the portable device. The system further includes a current register connected to the current sensing module for storing the instantaneous current value. A timing module generates timing information. The system also includes a charge register storing a cumulative charge drawn by the portable device. The cumulative charge is obtained by multiplying the instantaneous current value with the timing information. A threshold database stores a threshold value, and a rationing module connected to the host and the charge register continuously compares the cumulative charge value with the threshold charge value. When the cumulative charge value exceeds the threshold charge value, a control signal is generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: STANDARD MICROSYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Timothy J. Knowlton
  • Publication number: 20120306455
    Abstract: A method and system for detecting a charging current supplied to a portable device through a USB charger. The method includes the steps of connecting a charging circuit to a portable device, allowing the portable device to draw charging current from the charging circuit, measuring the current drawn from the charging circuit, comparing the measured current with a threshold value, making one or more system level decisions regarding charging of the portable device if the detected charging current is below the threshold current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: STANDARD MICROSYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Christopher Fischbach, Timothy J. Knowlton
  • Publication number: 20120294332
    Abstract: Adjusting current based on temperature. A change in temperature of a connection between a first device and a second device may be measured. The change in temperature may be performed while the first device provides current to the second device over the connection. If the change in temperature is above a threshold, the current being provided from the first device to the second device may be reduced. The change in temperature may be performed by the first device and/or the second device, e.g., by measuring the temperature of a connector of the connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventors: Morgan H. Monks, Kenneth W. Gay, Timothy J. Knowlton
  • Patent number: 7139651
    Abstract: A three-dimensional and a two-dimensional GPS unit periodically provide coordinate positions of points on the work machine and are combined with a Kalman filter to produce a point of reference on a work machine. The point of reference is improved by combining the position with an inertial position derived from accelerometer data in another Kalman filter. Additionally, the two-dimensional GPS unit provides a heading that is combined with an inertial orientation derived by the angular rate from a gyroscope in another Kalman filter to produce a precise orientation estimate. Inclinometers provide pitch and roll of the work machine. With the point of reference, orientation estimate, pitch, roll and known geometry of the work machine, the GPS unit calculates the location and orientation of machine components and continuously tracks its movement throughout the mine. Additionally, the accelerometers and gyroscope provide position and orientation when the GPS units are inoperable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Modular Mining Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Knowlton, Kenneth W. Gay