Patents Represented by Attorney Albert C. Smith
-
Patent number: 5432464Abstract: A type of electronic circuit, called an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), is used to customize the functions in a semiconductor chip as defined by a user. ASIC includes a microprocessor, functional inputs and outputs, connection circuits, electronic gates, inhibition gates and links to perform "application specific" operations. The user chooses the functions and the arrangement of the various connection circuits from a menu of predetermined functions. Once the ASIC has been defined by the user, it is ready for manufacturing.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1993Date of Patent: July 11, 1995Assignee: Societe d'Applications Generales d'Electricite et de Mecanique SagemInventor: Patrick Darnault
-
Patent number: 5430670Abstract: A differential analog memory cell provides output signals governed by precisely adjustable voltage levels having minimal drift. The memory cell comprises a pair of differentially connected floating gate MOSFETs, each MOSFET having its source connected to a common current source and its drain connected to one leg of a current mirror. The floating gate of each MOSFET is connected to one electrode of a tunneling capacitor and one electrode of a coupling capacitor. Voltages applied to the other electrode of the tunneling capacitor inject charges onto the corresponding floating gate, the voltage of which is determined by the size of the coupling capacitor. Output voltages taken from the drains of the floating gate MOSFETs can be precisely adjusted up or down by applying single polarity voltage pulses to one or the other injector nodes.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 1993Date of Patent: July 4, 1995Assignee: Elantec, Inc.Inventor: Bruce D. Rosenthal
-
Patent number: 5426396Abstract: A multiplexer circuit includes pairs of control elements such as CMOS transistors serially connected between common circuit nodes to conduct current therebetween in response to one of each pair of control elements being selectively biased to conductive or non-conductive states by an applied control signal. The current enabled to flow between circuit nodes through a pair of control elements biased to conductive state is determined by the magnitude of an applied signal, and a current-difference circuit compares the current flowing between circuit nodes with a reference current to produce an output signal representative of the applied signal which is selected in response to an applied control signal.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 1994Date of Patent: June 20, 1995Assignee: Elantec, Inc.Inventor: Edward C. Bee
-
Patent number: 5426448Abstract: An apparatus for mapping a logical pixel value 2 defining pixel appearance to a plurality of physical appearance component values for driving a display device is described. Read addresses for a plurality of palettes 4, 6, 8 and 10 are derived from bits of the logical pixel value. The portions of the logical pixel value which are used to provide these read addresses overlap. Multiple storage of given physical appearance values GPV0, GPV1, . . . within the palettes is provided so as to ensure the appropriate output irrespective of what particular value a bit has that is non-significant for that palette. Three component color palettes 4, 6 and 8 addressed with 8-bit addresses are provided together with an effects palette 10 addressed by a 4-bit address. In the case of a 16-bit logical pixel value, the system has the flexibility to support any of 6-5-5, 5-6-5 or 5-5-6 depending upon what is stored within the color palettes.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1993Date of Patent: June 20, 1995Assignee: Advanced Risc Machines LimitedInventor: David J. Seal
-
Patent number: 5425137Abstract: A system and method for processing images employs virtual lens objects as image processing elements in a computer-implemented scheme. Each lens object represents one or more image processing operations defined by user-specified lens attributes. The operations may simulate actual physical lens behavior, or they may be abstract operations with no real-world analogs. The user may specify various types of operations for each lens object, and may add, delete, and modify lens objects and lens attributes to experiment with various configurations. The system and method apply the lens objects to a source image to produce a transformed image for output on a screen or printing device.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 1993Date of Patent: June 13, 1995Assignee: US JVC CorporationInventors: Sudhir Mohan, Yusuke Ishii, Saisatyanarayana R. Gadiraju, Sudhir R. Parikh
-
Patent number: 5423008Abstract: A high performance shared-bus signal detection mechanism comprises a plurality of access event registers, an address comparator, an event masking component, and a local processor access detector. The comparator component couples to a bus providing access to a shared memory address space. The bus can be used by a single processor or shared by a plurality of processors. A processor loads the address event registers with address base and extent values and type of access notification desired. As addresses and access-type signals appear on the bus, the comparator simultaneously compares the bus information to access event register information to determine if the bus access meets access event register criteria. When matches occur, the comparator emits an appropriate signal to an event masking component. The local processor also loads the event masking component to selectively mask off unwanted event notifications as well as those performed by itself.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 1992Date of Patent: June 6, 1995Assignee: Silicon Graphics, Inc.Inventors: Desmond W. Young, Kianoosh Naghshineh, William D. Schwaderer
-
Patent number: 5416875Abstract: A composite optical cable for lateral emission of light flux therefrom includes a plural number of sets of transparent optical fibers with each set of fibers assembled into a single cable and with a plurality of single cables assembled in the composite optical cable. The sets of optical fibers forming the single cables may be wound in one direction of rotation to form a spiral of fibers with length, and the single cables may be wound in the opposite direction of rotation to provide the composite optical cable. Selected masking schemes provide apertures at predetermined locations along the single cables through which light flux carried by the cables may be emitted for special lighting effects.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 1994Date of Patent: May 16, 1995Assignee: Fiberstars, Inc.Inventors: John S. Keplinger, Nilesh P. Kacheria, George Awai, David R. Borck
-
Patent number: 5412338Abstract: A frequency synthesizer for generating a sinusoidal analogue signal comprises a digital signal generator for generating a substantially triangular digital signal. A digital to analogue converter (DAC) receives the digital signal. The DAC has a non-linear transfer function shaped to generate a sinusoidal analogue signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 1993Date of Patent: May 2, 1995Assignee: Cambridge Consultants LimitedInventors: Matthew J. Richards, James D. Y. Collier
-
Patent number: 5410385Abstract: The apparatus and method of the present invention uses a register light unit to facilitate manual alignment of master photographic images on a flexible carrier sheet. The carrier sheet and master images are positioned relative to a photosensitive screen using a vacuum contact plate that receives a screen frame in tight registration using a substantially planar surface for supporting the flexible carrier sheet with master images thereon. Vacuum is drawn around the screen to develop a pressure differential across the carrier sheet to urge the master images thereon into surface contact with the photosensitive screen during exposure to a source of illumination. Work stations include storage bins for prepared screens and master films to expedite processing through an exposure unit that includes a vacuum contact plate which is mounted to translate between a load/unload position outside of a housing and an exposure position inside of a housing that shields an operator from radiation from the source of illumination.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 1993Date of Patent: April 25, 1995Inventor: Ernest Ohlig
-
Patent number: 5408577Abstract: An inexpensive, disposable heating element is prepared for medical applications using layers of biologically-compatible materials disposed about a heating element that is formed of an electrically conductive material which exhibits positive temperature coefficient of resistance and that is then operated by a power controller which responds to the resistance of the heating element or to other electrical indication of operating temperature in order to control the level of power supplied to the heating element. A fuse is distributed about the periphery of the heating element to disconnect electrical power from the heating element in response to excessive heating of the element attributable to a portion of the heating element, usually including the periphery, not being immersed in liquid being warmed.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1993Date of Patent: April 18, 1995Assignee: Sonne MedicalInventors: Jaroy Weber, Jr., Kenneth C. Kitlas
-
Patent number: 5408668Abstract: The provision of power to a peripheral of a computer system is controlled by first receiving input signals from an input source, such as a keyboard, mouse, printer port, or an occupancy sensor. The input signals are then processed to determine whether power should be provided to the peripheral, and if so, an activation signal is generated. In response to this activation signal, the peripheral is connected to an external power source, thereby turning the peripheral on. Thereafter, the input signals continue to be processed to determine whether power should be disconnected from the peripheral, and if so, a deactivation signal is generated. The peripheral is disconnected from the power source in response to the deactivation signal to turn the peripheral off. An apparatus for carrying out the method described above comprises an input port for receiving the input signals, a processor the processing the input signals, and a connection circuit for selectively connecting the peripheral to a power source.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1993Date of Patent: April 18, 1995Inventor: Richard Tornai
-
Patent number: 5403882Abstract: Thin impermeable, corrosion-resistant, durable, dry lubricant coatings are provided as well as coated products and methods for the production thereof. The coatings comprise solutions of sulfur-containing metallic compounds and fluorocarbon polymers dissolved in mineral oil solvents and are applied to surfaces of substrates such as metallic surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 1992Date of Patent: April 4, 1995Assignee: Eeonyx CorporationInventor: Gary E. Huggins
-
Patent number: 5402270Abstract: A method for duplicating data on a rotating magnetic disk in sectors on concentric tracks so that the sectors are aligned with each other from track to track and referenced to an index mark. The index mark is sensed as the disk rotates. The time elapsed between sensed index marks is counted to define the angular displacement of the disk. A magnetic head is moved successively to the tracks on the disk. Data to be duplicated is recorded in sequence, sector by sector, on the respective tracks beginning at different offsets from the index mark such that recording begins with the next sector encountered after the head arrives at the respective tracks.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 1994Date of Patent: March 28, 1995Assignee: Trace Mountain Products, Inc.Inventors: Kevin McDonnell, George Barker, deceased
-
Patent number: 5398570Abstract: A supplementary device for vehicle pedal comprising an upper pedal piece having an open hole and a screw hole, a lower supporter having a slot on one end and a screw hole on the other end, and a locking plate located at the bottom of the lower supporter. Each end of the upper pedal piece and the locking plate are screwed, the slot of the lower supporter is inserted between the assembly, and the assembly is tightly screwed by bolts.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 1993Date of Patent: March 21, 1995Inventor: Jong-Chun Chae
-
Patent number: 5396888Abstract: A non-contact tonometer is described for measuring the intra-ocular pressure (IOP) of the eye. An ultrasonic power transducer directs an ultrasonic beam onto the eye and the force generated by the radiation pressure causes indentation or applanation which is detected by ultrasonic or optical means. An optical system provides an image of the eye with appropriate alignment beams injected through a beam splitter for positioning the device with respect to the eye. An additional ultrasonic beam may be used to measure the range to the eye. Another optical means is utilized to measure applanation or indentation; alternatively, an additional ultrasonic transducer and beam could be used. Operation of the device may be through continuous wave or pulsed excitation of the ultrasound. Feed-back control of the ultrasound power level is possible using an additional ultrasonic transducer for measuring the power levels to augment measurement accuracy.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 1994Date of Patent: March 14, 1995Assignee: Massie Research Laboratories, Inc.Inventors: N. A. Massie, Bruce W. Maxfield
-
Patent number: 5398300Abstract: A method for performing a variety of expert system functions on any continuous-state feedforward neural network. These functions include decision-making, explanation, computation of confidence measures, and intelligent direction of information acquisition. Additionally, the method converts the knowledge implicit in such a network into a set of explicit if-then rules.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1991Date of Patent: March 14, 1995Assignee: HNC, Inc.Inventor: Curt A. Levey
-
Patent number: 5398028Abstract: An x- and y-axis translating apparatus independently translates the motion of a primary shaft in the x- and y-axis directions simultaneously to transducers which generate electrical signals representative of the motion of the primary shaft in the x- and y-axis directions. The apparatus may include button-activated switches for convenient activation with the thumb or forefinger, or other fingers.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 1992Date of Patent: March 14, 1995Assignee: Quickshot Patent (BVI) Ltd.Inventor: Lin K. Foon
-
Patent number: 5392932Abstract: A boat transport is fabricated to receive either pins-down or pins-up type semiconductor device assemblies, without damaging the pins, and to position the body of the semiconductor device assembly for subsequent packaging processes. The boat transport includes a planar platform for supporting a peripheral portion of the package body. A single large cutout through the platform receives all of the pins of the semiconductor device assembly. Guides which extend downward from the platform along each side (edge) of the cutout prevent lateral and rotational movement of a pins-down package. Other guides, which ascend upward from the platform along each side (edge) of the cut out, prevent pins-up packages from lateral and rotational movement. Additional cutouts through the platform accommodate chip capacitors.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 1992Date of Patent: February 28, 1995Assignee: LSI Logic CorporationInventor: Sutee Vongfuangfoo
-
Patent number: 5389840Abstract: A four quadrant multiplier comprises X and Y input stages for coupling signals to a gain core amplifier for multiplication, wherein each of the input stages and the gain core amplifier further comprises a pair of complementary circuits, based on devices having opposite conductivity properties. The complementary X-input stage is a dual differential amplifier which provides balanced, differential outputs when loaded by the gain core differential amplifiers, due to separate cancellation of the npn and pnp base currents within the loaded X-input stage. Outputs from the cross-connected gain core amplifiers provide a pair of complete, ground referenced product signals having opposite phases. The X-input stage is also suitable for driving other complementary, differential stages such as two quadrant multipliers, voltage controlled amplifiers, and high speed analog multiplexing circuits.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 1992Date of Patent: February 14, 1995Assignee: Elantec, Inc.Inventor: Ronald N. Dow
-
Patent number: 5387986Abstract: System and method for editing, reading, and quantizing images on an imaged side of a document without repositioning the document. The system includes an integrated edit board unit, digital scanner device, and controller. The edit unit generates an edit set of coordinate signals indicative of coordinate inputs to the edit unit. The scanner device generates a scanner set of coordinate signals corresponding to the position of the images on the document. A controller selectively alters the image, in accordance with the edit set of coordinate signals, and coordinates the two sets of coordinates received from the edit unit and the scanner device. A representation of the images on the document, including any altered image, is output from the system.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1993Date of Patent: February 7, 1995Assignees: Ricoh Company Ltd., Rocoh CorporationInventor: Rodney E. Gerhart