Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Harry M. Weiss & Associates, P.C.
  • Digital positioning joystick system and method therefor
    Patent number: 5786808
    Abstract: A digital positioning system for a joystick. The system uses a potentiometer having one input coupled to a constant supply voltage and a second input coupled to a joystick game port for generating a variable resistance representative of a current position of the joystick. A constant current source is coupled to the joystick game port for generating a current for converting the variable resistance representative of the current position of the joystick to a voltage level representative of the current position of the joystick. An analog-to-digital (A/D) converter circuit is coupled to the joystick game port and is used to convert the voltage level representative of the current position of the joystick to a digital representation of the current position of the joystick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: VLSI Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Elie G. Khoury
  • System for reducing the power consumption of a computer system and method therefor
    Patent number: 5787294
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for reducing the power consumption of a computer system, more specifically a notebook computer system. The system comprises a programmable frequency generator and a programmable power supply which alters the current operating frequency and voltage of the computer's microprocessor to match current operating conditions. If the microprocessor is not doing any meaningful work, the programmable frequency generator and the programmable power supply can reduce both the operating frequency and voltage thereby lowering the power consumption of the computer system based on the formula: power=voltage.sup.2 .times.frequency. It should be noted that the programmable frequency generator and the programmable power supply may be attached to other system components in the computer system that consume a large amount of the computer system's power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: VLSI Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: David R. Evoy
  • Test kit for determining the level of ascorbic acid in a patient's body
    Patent number: 5783150
    Abstract: A method of administration of vitamin C to ensure that a continuously-saturated level is produced in the body of a taker. A dose of about 500 mg taken approximately every 12 hours produces a continuously-detectable level of vitamin C in the urine of an average healthy person, which corresponds to a sufficiently high pool of ascorbic acid in the body to provide anti-oxidant protection. The minimum dosage and regimen found to be effective are respectively substantially higher than the U.S. recommended daily allowance and more frequent than administration rates previously used in clinical trials. Also claimed are kits that permit individuals to monitor for elevated urinary excretion of useful substances which are water soluble, excreted in urine, and non-toxic at physiologically beneficial levels, such that optimal dosages and regimens can be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Harry M. Weiss
    Inventor: Alfred B. Ordman
  • First-in-first-out (FIFO) controller for buffering data between systems which are asynchronous and free of false flags and internal metastability
    Patent number: 5781802
    Abstract: This is an improved FIFO controller which is capable of buffering data between systems which are asynchronous relative to one another and is free of false flags and internal metastability. The FIFO controller comprises a controller means for receiving read/write data strobes and for generating an initial read/write pointer and a next read/write pointer. Memory means are coupled to the controller means for storing the read/write pointer and read/write data information. Flag generation means are coupled to the controller means for computing a status of the FIFO flags and for preventing momentary false flags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: VLSI Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: David K. Cassetti
  • Window shutter and method therefor
    Patent number: 5778958
    Abstract: An insulating window shutter comprised of a one-piece, molded window shutter and hinge for coupling two window shutters together and for coupling a window shutter to a window jam. In the preferred embodiment, the window shutter is made from an expanded foam plastic such as Styrofoam.RTM., and the interior and exterior faces of the window shutter comprise a plurality of simulated wooden slats in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Inventor: Richard A. Stebner
  • System for implementing peripheral device bus mastering in mobile computer via micro-controller for programming DMA controller, generating and sending command signals, and receiving completion status
    Patent number: 5774743
    Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for implementing peripheral device bus mastering in a mobile computer system. The system uses the micro-controller of the mobile computer system to program a DMA controller. The DMA controller transfers data to and from the memory of the mobile computer system. A bus controller which is coupled to both the micro-controller and the DMA controller implements a memory data transfer request from the DMA controller and the micro-controller. A device controller, either a IDE hard disk controller or an ECP parallel port controller, is also coupled to the DMA controller and the micro-controller. The device controller receives and responds to the command signals from the micro-controller by transferring data to and from the DMA controller means and generating a completion signal when the transfer is complete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: VLSI Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Franklyn H. Story, David R. Evoy, Peter Chambers, Lonnie Goff
  • Angle attachment for woodworking tools
    Patent number: 5771767
    Abstract: A miter attachment capable of use on radial saws, table saws, drill presses, router tables, and the like, comprises three legs of a triangle. The longest leg constitutes an elongated base member. This base member is pivotally attached at one end to a fence member. The base member has a track in it for engagement by a slider, which is capable of movement along at least a portion of the length of the base member. The slider is pivotally attached to one end of a coupler arm, the other end of which is pivotally attached to the fence member at a point spaced from the end pivotally attached to the base member. As the slider is moved to different relative positions along the length of the base member, the coupler arm causes the angle between the fence and the base member to change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Inventor: Steven D. Itami
  • System using DMA and descriptor for implementing peripheral device bus mastering via a universal serial bus controller or an infrared data association controller
    Patent number: 5774744
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for implementing peripheral device bus mastering in a mobile computer system. The system uses the mobile computer system's microcontroller for programming a DMA controller, generating and sending command signals, and receiving completion status after transfer of data is complete. The micro-controller accesses a data buffer descriptor list. The data buffer descriptor list describes each data transfer that the micro-controller initiates, controls, and completes. The Direct Memory Access controller which is programmed by the micro-controller transfers data to and from a memory section of the mobile computer system. A bus controller is used for implementing a memory data transfer request from the DMA controller means and the micro-controller means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: VLSI Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Franklyn H. Story, David R. Evoy, Peter Chambers, Lonnie Goff
  • Bike hydraulic disk drive and method therefor
    Patent number: 5771754
    Abstract: A hydraulically controlled bicycle drive system for variably transferring rotational motive power from a rider to the chain of a bicycle. The bicycle comprises a chain drive, a plurality of hydraulic clamps, and a plurality of roller clamps; a rotatable disk driven by the pedals of the bicycle received in the hydraulic clamps and roller clamps; and a control mechanism controllable by the rider for applying a variable pressure to the hydraulic clamps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Inventor: Stephen F. Smeeth
  • Dual level horizontal waffle iron apparatus and method
    Patent number: 5768994
    Abstract: A dual horizontal level waffle iron apparatus is disclosed which contains first and second horizontally rotatable waffle iron assemblies each containing a cover member, a base member and grid arrays associated therewith. Horizontal rotation is limited to 180 degrees and a pair of handles in cooperation with a pair of hinge arms permit each cover member to be lifted for ease in loading waffle food mixture, removal of waffles and removal of the grid arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Inventor: Thomas B. Bobo
  • Fail safe non-volatile memory programming system and method therefor
    Patent number: 5768208
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fail safe non-volatile memory programming system. The system uses a high voltage charging capacitor to store a charge for programming a memory device. A second charging capacitor is used for supplying power to the control logic used for programming the memory device. If power is removed during a programming cycle, the charge stored in the two capacitors is sufficient to complete the programming cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Microchip Technology Incorporated
    Inventors: Frederick J. Bruwer, Emile Van Rooyen, Willem Smit, Thomas C. Salt
  • System and method for altering the clock frequency to a logic controller controlling a logic device running at a fixed frequency slower than a computer system running the logic device
    Patent number: 5768571
    Abstract: A system for altering a clock frequency to a logic controlling device that controls logic which runs at a fixed frequency slower than a frequency of a computer system running the logic. The system speeds up the clock signal to a logic controller when the logic controller is arbitrating between different operational requests. When the logic controller acknowledges a specific operational request, the clock controller immediately slows the clock signal down in order to allow a command strobe length that the logic device executing a specific operation request requires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: VLSI Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Walker, James J. Jirgal
  • Venturi ventilation system for an angled tile roof and method therefor
    Patent number: 5766071
    Abstract: A venturi-type system for cooling a roof by rapidly moving the hot air beneath roof tiles. The air cooling system is passive, and accelerates the evacuation of hot air from beneath roof tiles by creating a venturi system at the uppermost portion of an angled tile roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: Howard G. Kirkwood
  • System for combining data packets from multiple serial data streams to provide a single serial data output and method therefor
    Patent number: 5764642
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system that can combine data packets from two serial data streams to provide a single uncorrupted serial data output. The system is comprised of an internal data source and an external data source which each generates serial bit packets containing system information. The outputs of both the internal and external sources are coupled to a packet arbiter which combines the serial bit packet from the internal data source with the serial bit packet from the external data source to form an uncorrupted combined serial data output stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: VLSI Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Chambers, Dave Evoy
  • System and method for altering bus speed based on bus utilization
    Patent number: 5758133
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for dynamically altering the speed of a bus based on utilization of the bus. The system will monitor a bus for a predetermined number of clock cycles. The system will then lower the frequency that the bus runs at if the bus is underutilized, or the system will increase the frequency that the bus runs at if the bus is at or nearing saturation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: VLSI Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: David R. Evoy
  • Apparatus for loading and carrying small recreational water vehicles and method therefor
    Patent number: 5752799
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for loading and storing small recreational water vehicles such as jet skis and wave runners. The apparatus is comprised a lifter apparatus that may be releasably coupled to a carrier vehicle, for lifting and lowering small recreational water vehicles. The apparatus is further comprised of a support rack for supporting a plurality of small water vehicles, which support rack may be coupled to a carrier vehicle and/or to a trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Inventors: James E. Carey, Jesse Lackey
  • Method for optimizing performance versus power consumption using external/internal clock frequency ratios
    Patent number: 5754867
    Abstract: A method for maximizing the performance versus the power consumption of a computer system. The method uses a CPU which has the ability to select an optimum external to internal clock frequency ratio. By changing the external to internal clock frequency ratio, the computer system is able to decrease the internal clock frequency in order to conserve power, while allowing the external clock frequency to be at an optimum level in order to maintain maximum system performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: VLSI Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Walker
  • Signalling system and method for allowing a direct memory access (DMA) input/output (I/O) device on the peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus to perform DMA transfers
    Patent number: 5752081
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for supporting DMA I/O devices on a PCI bus. A DMA I/O device is coupled to a DMA controller via a serial link and two signal lines. The serial link is used by the DMA I/O device to request a DMA transfer. When the DMA controller receives the serialized DMA request, it sends a signal to an arbiter and waits for the PCI bus to be granted to the DMA controller for use during the DMA transfer. When granted the PCI bus, the DMA controller signals the DMA I/O device. The DMA I/O device asserts a signal in response to the one asserted by the DMA controller. The DMA controller recognizes the signal asserted by the DMA I/O device and continues with the DMA transfer. The transfer continues for as long as the DMA I/O device continues to assert the signal or for as long as the DMA controller is programmed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: VLSI Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: James J. Jirgal
  • Klacker set
    Patent number: D394285
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Talent Toy Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Grant Mann
  • Baseball bat having a rattlesnake rattle end
    Patent number: D394686
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Inventor: George E. Krzystofczyk