Patents Represented by Attorney Girard & Equitz LLP
  • Patent number: 7134822
    Abstract: A guide apparatus for applying a cover to a bound stack of sheets, including a base unit which defines a book receiving surface and a first alignment member having a lower cover stop disposed along a reference line, and a first upper cover stop also disposed along the first reference line. A first book stop is included defining a stack engaging surface which is positioned intermediate the cover engaging surfaces of the first upper and lower cover stops and with said stack engaging surface extending a distance past said first reference line towards the book receiving surface. The first upper and lower cover stops are positioned to engage top and bottom cover sections of the cover, with the stack engaging surface being positioned to contact the edge of the stack so as to precisely align the stack with respect to the top and bottom cover sections in one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Powis Parker Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin P. Parker, Evelyn Steiner, Wayne Kassom
  • Patent number: 7131004
    Abstract: A communication system including a transmitter, a receiver, and a serial link (for example, a TMDS-like link) in which video data (or other data) are encrypted, the encrypted data are transmitted from the transmitter to the receiver, and the transmitted data are decrypted in the receiver, a transmitter and a receiver for use in such systems, a cipher engine for use in such a transmitter or receiver, a method for operating such a transmitter or receiver to encrypt or decrypt data, and a method for authenticating a receiver prior to transmission of encrypted data to the receiver over a serial link. Each transmitter, receiver, and cipher engine is configured to implement a content protection protocol in a manner that implements at least one and preferably more than one of a class of attack prevention features disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Silicon Image, Inc.
    Inventor: James D. Lyle
  • Patent number: 7102446
    Abstract: A phase lock loop (PLL) for controlling a sampling clock or other clock, and a data sampling circuit, transceiver, or other device including such a PLL. The PLL includes a multi-range VCO, at least one fine control loop for controlling the VCO, and a coarse control loop for controlling the VCO by changing its frequency-voltage characteristic. The coarse control loop includes a frequency lock detector and voltage range monitoring logic. Typically, the frequency lock detector locks operation of the coarse control loop when the difference between the VCO output clock frequency and a reference frequency decreases to within a predetermined threshold, and the unlocked coarse control loop employs the voltage range monitoring logic to change the VCO frequency-voltage characteristic when the VCO's fine control voltage leaves a predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Silicon Image, Inc.
    Inventors: Hyung-Rok Lee, Moon-Sang Hwang, Sang-Hyun Lee, Bong-Joon Lee, Deog-Kyoon Jeong
  • Patent number: 7088398
    Abstract: A communication system including a transmitter, a receiver, and a serial link, in which encoded data (e.g., video, audio, and optionally also other auxiliary data) are transmitted from the transmitter to the receiver. The serial link can but need not be a TMDS or TMDS-like link. In typical embodiments, packets of encoded audio data are transmitted over each of one or more channels of the link during data islands between bursts of encoded video data, a pixel clock is transmitted over the link, and the receiver regenerates a clock for the audio data using time code data in the packets and the pixel clock. Other aspects of the invention are transmitters for transmitting encoded data and a pixel clock over a serial link, receivers for receiving such data and pixel clock and performing audio clock regeneration, and methods for transmitting encoded data and a pixel clock over a serial link and performing clock regeneration using the transmitted data and pixel clock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Silicon Image, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Daniel Wolf, Adrian Sfarti, John D. Banks, Stephen J. Keating, Duane Siemens, Eric Lee, Albert M. Scalise, Gijung Ahn, Seung Ho Hwang, Keewook Jung
  • Patent number: 7035290
    Abstract: A communication system including a transmitter, a receiver, and a serial link, that is capable of transmitting packets of data (e.g., frames of video data) over the link. The transmitter and receiver are operable in any selected one of a transmission mode (in which the data are transmitted over the link from the transmitter to the receiver) and a mute mode in which transmission of data over the link has been interrupted. Typically in the transmission mode, encrypted video data are transmitted and decrypted by the receiver. Other aspects of the invention are transmitters and receivers for use in, and methods implemented by, any embodiment of such system. Typically, each transition between transmission mode and mute mode operation requires that the device undergoing the transition (whether a transmitter or receiver) receives a warning that the transition is to occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Silicon Image, Inc.
    Inventor: James D. Lyle
  • Patent number: 7031858
    Abstract: Methods and circuits for measuring clock phase uniformity of multi-phase clock set, including by generating at least one DC phase difference signal such that the DC phase difference signal is, or the DC phase difference signals are, indicative of the phase difference between the clocks of each of multiple pairs of clocks of the clock set, and methods and circuitry for generating such DC phase difference signals. Preferably, multiplexer circuitry asserts to DC signal generation circuitry any selected one of a number of pairs of clocks of the clock set, and the DC signal generation circuitry includes logic (for generating a binary signal in response to each clock pair) and a low pass filter for generating a DC phase difference signal in response to the binary signal. Other aspects are receivers and transmitters that include circuitry for generating at least one DC phase difference signal, and systems including at least one such transmitter (or receiver) and a link (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Silicon Image, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Lee, Gyudong Kim
  • Patent number: 7009827
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a device detection circuit for detecting whether a device is coupled to a differential link, a transmitter (e.g., a transceiver) including such a circuit, and a system including such a transmitter. Preferably, the device detection circuit includes two branches (each branch including a switch), a current source that causes current to flow through either branch, or to be shared by both branches, depending on the state of each switch, and a voltage swing detector configured to detect the voltage between a node (of one branch) and a node (of the other branch) during a device detection operation. In other embodiments, the invention is a device (e.g., a receiver) including a differential termination that can be coupled to a differential link, and an electrical overstress protection circuit coupled to the termination and configured to protect the device against electrical stress during a hot plug event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Silicon Image, Inc.
    Inventors: Dongyun Lee, Chieh-Yuan Chao, Jen-Dong Yuh
  • Patent number: 6998660
    Abstract: An array of vertical color filter (VCF) sensor groups, each VCF sensor group including at least two vertically stacked, photosensitive sensors. Preferably, the array is fabricated, or the readout circuitry is configured (or has a state in which it is configured), to combine the outputs of sensors of multiple sensor groups such that the array emulates a conventional array of single-layer sensors arranged in a Bayer pattern or other single-layer sensor pattern, and such that the outputs of at least substantially all of the sensors of each of the VCF sensor groups are utilized to emulate the array of single-layer sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Foveon, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard F. Lyon, Richard B. Merrill
  • Patent number: 6985969
    Abstract: A networked computer includes a system controller having a network interface. When the networked computer enters a reduced-power state, the network interface receives frame data. The network interface filters the frame data and saves selected frame data to a memory. The memory provides the frame data to the system controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: National Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventor: Shelley Cheng
  • Patent number: 6969535
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for pitting olives (or other fruit) and slicing the pitted fruit. In preferred embodiments, a pitting knife and a coring knife horizontally translate each olive to be pitted while the pitting knife, coring knife, and olive revolve together about a horizontal axis, the pitting knife pushes out the pit horizontally as the olive and cup translate along a segment of a circular first path around the axis, the apparatus includes slicing pockets (in positions horizontally separated from the first path) which translate along a circular second path parallel to the first path, after pitting, a pitting knife pulls the pitted olive horizontally away from the first path and into one of the pockets, and the pitted olive in the pocket is sliced by slicing knives as the pitted olive and pocket translate around the axis along a segment of the second path into engagement with the slicing knives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Ashlock Company, a Division of Vistan Corporation
    Inventors: William M. Riesenberg, Jeff S. Davis
  • Patent number: 6937025
    Abstract: A current sensing method and circuit for reading out a sensor cell, and a sensing apparatus comprising an array of sensor cells arranged along column lines and a current sensing readout circuit coupled to each column line. The sensor cell is configured to assert a sensor current indicative of a sensed value. In operation, an input node of the readout circuit is coupled to the sensor cell, typically by a column line of a sensor array that includes the sensor cell. Preferably, to read out the sensor cell, the sensor current flows from the sensor cell to the input node and in response, the readout circuit charges a capacitor to a voltage indicative of the sensed value while clamping the input node at a potential that is at least substantially fixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Foveon, Inc.
    Inventors: Edison Fong, Robert S. Hannebauer, Richard B. Merrill
  • Patent number: 6914314
    Abstract: A vertical color filter sensor group formed on a substrate (preferably a semiconductor substrate) and including at least two vertically stacked, photosensitive sensors, each having a different spectral response. At least one of the sensors includes at least one layer of a semiconductor material other than crystalline silicon (for example, silicon carbide, or InxGa1-xN, or another III-V semiconductor material, or polysilicon, or amorphous silicon). Other aspects of the invention are arrays of such vertical color filter sensor groups, and methods for fabricating such vertical color filter sensor groups and arrays thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Foveon, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard B. Merrill, Russel A. Martin
  • Patent number: 6914637
    Abstract: A communication system including a transmitter, a receiver, and a serial link, in which encoded data (e.g., video, audio, and optionally also other auxiliary data) are transmitted from the transmitter to the receiver. The serial link can but need not be a TMDS or TMDS-like link. In typical embodiments, packets of encoded audio data are transmitted over each of one or more channels of the link during data islands between bursts of encoded video data. Other aspects of the invention are transmitters for use in encoding data for transmission over a serial link, receivers for receiving such data, and methods for sending encoded data over a serial link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Silicon Image, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Daniel Wolf, John D. Banks, Stephen J. Keating, Duane Siemens, Eric Lee, Albert M. Scalise, Gijung Ahn, Seung Ho Hwang, Keewook Jung, James D. Lyle, Michael Anthony Schumacher, Vladimir Grekhov
  • Patent number: 6897793
    Abstract: A serial data transmission system in which a transmitter encodes data in accordance with a TMDS-like encoding algorithm and transmits the TMDS-like encoded data over a serial link to a receiver. The encoded data are transmitted as a run length limited (“RLL”) code word sequence, including transition-minimized code words. In some embodiments, the RLL code word sequence includes only Min words, including both DC balancing Min words and DC unbalancing Min words. In other embodiments, the RLL code word sequence includes both transition-maximized code words and transition-minimized code words. Other aspects of the invention are circuitry and methods for TMDS-like encoding of data for transmission as an RLL code word sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Silicon Image, Inc.
    Inventors: Gyudong Kim, Hoon Choi, Min-Kyu Kim, Daeyun Shim
  • Patent number: 6894265
    Abstract: A vertical color filter sensor group, formed on a substrate (preferably a semiconductor substrate) by a semiconductor integrated circuit fabrication process, and including at least two vertically stacked, photosensitive sensors. Other aspects of the invention are arrays of such vertical color filter sensor groups, and methods for fabricating such vertical color filter sensor groups and arrays thereof. In some embodiments, the sensor group is a block of solid material having a readout surface. At least two vertically stacked sensors are formed in the block and a trench contact is provided between one of the sensors and the readout surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Foveon, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard B. Merrill, Russel A. Martin
  • Patent number: 6888765
    Abstract: An integrated circuit including operational circuitry operable in response to at least one control signal asserted to an external node from an external source, and test circuitry coupled to the external node and the operational circuitry. In response to data asserted to the external node from an external source, the test circuitry enters a test mode in which it tests, configures, or reconfigures the operational circuitry. The test circuitry also asserts to the operational circuitry each control signal received at the external node (or an amplified or translated version thereof). Other aspects of the invention include test circuitry for use in a circuit having an access node and methods for performing on-chip testing, configuration, and control of operational circuitry within a chip in response to test data and at least one control signal asserted from an external source to an external node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: National Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey P. Kotowski, Kyle Fodchuk
  • Patent number: 6862216
    Abstract: A non-volatile memory cell including a gated diode and a single readout transistor, methods for programming and reading out such a cell, and a memory including an array of such cells. The readout transistor is an MOS transistor. The transistor and gated diode are formed in a volume of semiconductor material of one type, and share a source region, a control gate, and a floating gate. The transistor has a drain region formed of semiconductor material of one type and the diode has a drain region formed of semiconductor material of the opposite type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: National Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Peter J. Hopper, Yuri Mirgorodski, Vladislav Vashchenko
  • Patent number: 6841816
    Abstract: A vertical color filter sensor group formed on a substrate (preferably a semiconductor substrate) and including at least two vertically stacked, photosensitive sensors. In preferred embodiments, the sensor group includes at least one filter positioned relative to the sensors such that radiation that has propagated through or reflected from the filter will propagate into at least one sensor. Preferably, the filter is or includes a layer that has been integrated with the sensors by a semiconductor integrated circuit fabrication process. In other embodiments, the sensor group includes a micro-lens. Other aspects of the invention are arrays of vertical color filter sensor groups, some or all of which include at least one filter or micro-lens, and methods for fabricating vertical color filter sensor groups and arrays thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Foveon, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard B. Merrill, Richard F. Lyon, Richard M. Turner, Robert S. Hannebauer, Russel A. Martin
  • Patent number: 6819166
    Abstract: In a class of embodiments, an adaptive equalization circuit that implements a joint adaptation algorithm. Other embodiments are receivers that include such an adaptive equalization circuit, and joint adaptation equalization methods. The equalization circuit includes a filter having a low-frequency-gain path (sometimes referred to as a low-frequency filter) and a high-frequency-boosting path (sometimes referred to as a high-frequency filter). The high-frequency filter typically includes a high-pass filter in series with an amplifier having adjustable gain. A high-frequency-boosting tuning loop controls the adjustable gain applied by the high-frequency filter. A low-frequency-gain tuning loop controls the adjustable gain applied by the low-frequency filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Silicon Image, Inc.
    Inventors: Jong-Sang Choi, Moon-Sang Hwang, Deog-Kyoon Jeong
  • Patent number: RE38789
    Abstract: Disclosed is a packaged integrated circuit device. The device includes a die having a plurality of electrical contacts on a first surface of the die and a protective film adhered directly to a back surface of the die, the protective film being thick enough to allow laser marking of the protective film without the laser penetrating to the die. In one preferred embodiment, the protective film of the device is a thick film formed by screen printing. In a preferred embodiment, the protective film has a thickness of between about 1.5 and 5 mils. Also, disclosed is a method of fabricating a semiconductor wafer having a wafer substrate with a top surface and a bottom surface and a plurality of dies. In this embodiment, the method includes providing a plurality of dies on the top surface of the wafer substrate, applying a thick film over the bottom surface of the wafer substrate, adhering the thick film to a mounting tape that is not ultraviolet curable, and dicing the wafer to separate the dies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: National Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Pai-Hsiang Kao, William Jeffrey Schaefer, Nikhil Vishwanath Kelkar