Patents Represented by Law Firm Marger, Johnson, McCollom & Stolowitz PC
  • Patent number: 5754487
    Abstract: An SRAM, which includes a plurality of bit line pairs, a memory cell connected between each pair of the bit lines, and an address transition detection circuit for detecting transition of the externally applied address signal to generate a detection pulse signal, is provided with an improved bit line precharge circuit requiring only two transistors per bit line pair. The new precharge circuit is controlled by a bit line precharge control signal generator for generating a control signal determined by a ratio of impedances connected between a source voltage and ground voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Du-Eung Kim, Choong-Keun Kwak, Young-Ho Suh, Hyun-Geun Byun
  • Patent number: 5752882
    Abstract: A system for monitoring and configuring gaming devices interconnected over a high-speed network is disclosed. The system can support a file server, one or more floor controllers, one or more pit terminals, and other terminals all interconnected over the network. Each gaming device includes an electronic module which allows the gaming device to communicate with a floor controller over a current loop network. The electronic module includes a player tracking module and a data communication node. The player tracking module includes a card reader for detecting a player tracking card inserted therein which identifies the player. The data communication node communicates with both the floor controller and the gaming device. The data communication node communicates with the gaming device over a serial interface through which the data communication node transmits reconfiguration commands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Acres Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Acres, Alec Ginsburg, David Wiebenson
  • Patent number: 5751642
    Abstract: A voltage control circuit is used to control the voltage levels on input and output lines of a semiconductor memory device. A load transistor is controlled by feeding back an output voltage of the input and output lines in order to increase data access speed. The input and output lines are separately controlled by clamp devices that clamp low voltage levels on the input and output lines to voltages between a ground potential and a power supply voltage. The clamping devices are enabled during read operations by feeding back the output data from a sense amplifier coupled to the input and output lines. The sense amplifier senses and amplifies the voltage difference of the input and output lines. The feedback control signal from the sense amplifier eliminates DC current paths while the voltage of the input and output lines are toggled between high and low states. The voltage control circuit increases operation speed and reduces current consumption in the memory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jei-hwan Yoo
  • Patent number: 5748440
    Abstract: The mountable calculator comprises a calculator body having a rectangular front wall and a substantially flat back wall connected by opposing lateral sides and opposing longitudinal sides. The front wall is positioned over and spaced apart from the back wall to provide a space therebetween. Calculator has a plurality of numeric keys and a plurality of function keys defined on the front wall. To improve use for the visually challenged, the numeric and function keys are sized greater then the fingertip size of an average user. Electronics are disposed within the calculator body and are operatively connected to the numeric and function keys. A display screen for displaying numbers relating to the operation of the calculator is also operatively connected to the electronics. Finally, the calculator can be mounted using first and second lateral wings which integrally formed or separate from the calculator body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Inventor: Lyndsy J. Frey
  • Patent number: 5743510
    Abstract: A mold box for molding concrete products includes a pair of opposed substantially parallel end plates. A pair of opposed substantially parallel mounting brackets are positioned at opposite ends of the end plates and together with the end plates form a substantially rectangular mold box. A corner portion is defined adjacent the juncture of each mounting bracket with each end plate. At least one partition plate extends from one end plate to the other between the mounting brackets. An alignment pin is formed on the mounting bracket at each corner portion and an alignment bore coaxial with the pin is formed on the end plate. The bores are sized and positioned so that when each bore has its associated alignment pin therein the mold box assembly is sufficiently aligned to form molded products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Columbia Machine
    Inventor: Llewellyn L. Johnston
  • Patent number: 5741183
    Abstract: A system for monitoring and configuring gaming devices interconnected over a high-speed network is disclosed. The system can support a file server, one or more floor controllers, one or more pit terminals, and other terminals all interconnected over the network. Each gaming device includes an electronic module which allows the gaming device to communicate with a floor controller over a current loop network. The electronic module includes a player tracking module and a data communication node. The player tracking module includes a card reader for detecting a player tracking card inserted therein which identifies the player. The data communication node communicates with both the floor controller and the gaming device. The data communication node communicates with the gaming device over a serial interface through which the data communication node transmits reconfiguration commands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Acres Gaming Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Acres, Alec Ginsburg, David Wiebenson
  • Patent number: 5732029
    Abstract: A test control circuit and method of testing a memory cell in a semiconductor memory device. The test control circuit includes a memory cell array having a plurality of normal memory cells to store data on a semiconductor substrate and a plurality of redundancy memory cells to substitute for defective normal memory cells. Row and column redundancy fuse boxes include fuse elements to be electrically fused to enable row and column redundancy decoders for selecting rows and columns of the redundancy memory cells. A redundancy cell test signal generator generates, in response to a test signal applied to an extra line in the address bus, a master clock for testing the redundancy memory cell under the same mode as a test mode of the normal memory cell. A test controller provides an enable signal for selecting the redundancy memory cells of a memory array in response to logic levels of the master clock and an address signal applied during the redundancy memory cell test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang-Kil Lee, Yong-Sik Seok
  • Patent number: 5721474
    Abstract: A motor control circuit comprises a current command circuit generates a current command signal proportional to a selected motor speed. A comparator generates a comparator output signal proportional to the difference between the current command signal and a signal proportional to current flow in the motor. An output terminal of the comparator is operatively connected to a logic circuit which generates a control signal having a duty cycle that varies proportional to the comparator output signal. A drive circuit has an input terminal to which the control signal is applied and an output terminal connected to the motor. The drive circuit generates a motor drive signal proportional to the control signal for driving said motor. A current command control circuit has an input terminal to which the current control signal is applied and an output terminal to which the current command signal is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young-Sik Lee, Byoung-Own Min, Young-Ho Kim
  • Patent number: 5715210
    Abstract: A low power semiconductor memory device for minimizing power consumption is disclosed. The low power semiconductor memory device includes a memory cell array with a plurality of memory cells connected to a pair of bit lines, and having first and second pairs of data lines each having a normal data line and a complementary data line. The device further includes a first switching circuit for switch-connecting the pair of bit lines to the first pair of data lines in response to column select information and a sense amplifier connected to the pair of bit lines within the memory cell array. A driving circuit transfers external data to one of the normal data line and the complementary data line of the second pair of data lines in response to a write master signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jei-Hwan Yoo, Bok-Moon Kang
  • Patent number: 5702304
    Abstract: A system for monitoring and configuring gaming devices interconnected over a high-speed network is disclosed. The system can support a file server, one or more floor controllers, one or more pit terminals, and other terminals all interconnected over the network. Each gaming device includes an electronic module which allows the gaming device to communicate with a floor controller over a current loop network. The electronic module includes a player tracking module and a data communication node. The player tracking module includes a card reader for detecting a player tracking card inserted therein which identifies the player. The data communication node communicates with both the floor controller and the gaming device. The data communication node communicates with the gaming device over a serial interface through which the data communication node transmits reconfiguration commands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Acres Gaming, Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Acres, Alec Ginsburg, David Wiebenson
  • Patent number: 5703816
    Abstract: In semiconductor memory devices, failed memory cells are problematic because they draw excessive standby currents. To repair such devices before packaging, the failed memory cell columns are replaced by redundant columns. To ensure that a replaced column having a failed cell does not draw excessive standby current, the invention provides for turning off the precharge circuit transistor pair that otherwise would supply precharge current to the bit line pair in the defective column, and also turning off the cell power line circuit that otherwise would supply current along a cell power line to the cell power nodes in the defective column of the memory array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyo-Yun Nam, Young-Ho Suh
  • Patent number: 5680518
    Abstract: A new probabilistic computing system (PCS) provides computational functionality needed to efficiently realize randomized computing methods in otherwise standard, deterministic digital computing systems. The PCS may be incorporated in a standard computing platform such as a PC or workstation. In the PCS, a computational path includes a random access memory (RAM) where a predetermined computing problem is stored in conjunctive normal form. A nondeterministic subsystem generates random binary values forming a proposed solution to the problem, which solution is rapidly checked through a crosspoint switch array coupled to the RAM. The computational path essentially runs asynchronously, while a delay circuit provides delay and timing signals for interfacing with external DRAM, as well as a synchronizing signal for operation of several of the PCS systems together for enhanced performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Ricky D. Hangartner
  • Patent number: 5666864
    Abstract: A method for making an earth boring drill bit which includes an outer shell having an external surface adapted to carry cutting elements and a unitary shank and bit core which is fitted into the outer shell. The shell and bit core are threadably engaged with one another or are interferingly engaged. The shell and bit core may be welded, secured with brazing alloys or with high temperature adhesives. In one embodiment, a ridge formed on the shank is received in a groove formed on an interior surface of the shell to prevent relative rotational movement of the shank and shell during drilling. In another embodiment, the shell is formed using matrix infiltration techniques. After the shell is formed, it is heated to braze cutters thereto. While still hot from the brazing process, the shell and shank are fitted together. After cooling the shell contracts to form heat shrink connection between the shell and the shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Inventor: Gordon A. Tibbitts
  • Patent number: 5643799
    Abstract: The process of this invention comprises providing a membrane for separating CO.sub.2 into a first CO.sub.2 sample phase and a second CO.sub.2 analyte phase. CO.sub.2 is then transported through the membrane thereby separating the CO.sub.2 with the membrane into a first CO.sub.2 sample phase and a second CO.sub.2 analyte liquid phase including an ionized, conductive, dissociated CO.sub.2 species. Next, the concentration of the ionized, conductive, dissociated CO.sub.2 species in the second CO.sub.2 analyte liquid phase is chemically amplified using a water-soluble chemical reagent which reversibly reacts with undissociated CO.sub.2 to produce conductivity changes therein corresponding to fluctuations in the partial pressure of CO.sub.2 in the first CO.sub.2 sample phase. Finally, the chemically amplified, ionized, conductive, dissociated CO.sub.2 species is introduced to a conductivity measuring instrument. Conductivity changes in the chemically amplified, ionized, conductive, dissociated CO.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Umpqua Research Company
    Inventors: James E. Atwater, James R. Akse, Jeffrey DeHart
  • Patent number: 5629652
    Abstract: Both differential and single-ended band-switchable VCOs are described. The single-ended version of the voltage controlled oscillator in its most basic form includes a load, two transistors, two delay elements, and a switchable current source. The first transistor includes a collector, an emitter and a base coupled to the load to form an output terminal for providing an oscillator output signal. The first delay element is connected between the collector and the base of the first transistor. The second transistor includes a collector, an emitter and a base connected to the base of the first transistor. The second delay element is connected between the collector of the first transistor and the collector of the second transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: Analog Devices
    Inventor: Frederick G. Weiss
  • Patent number: 5593350
    Abstract: A high precision game card generates a digital signal corresponding to each analog input signal from a controller. Each digital signal has a digital value proportional to the number of "reads" to the game card by a computer microprocessor. The digital signals can therefore be read by the computer without disabling the computer interrupts. The game card converts the analog input signals to a corresponding numeric value and this value is compared with an output of a counter which counts the number of "reads" by the computer. If the number of "reads" equals or exceeds the numeric representation, the corresponding digital signal is deasserted. The digital signals are initially asserted responsive to a "write" to the game card by the computer microprocessor. Alternatively, the numeric representations can be provided directly to the computer over the computer data bus. This embodiment provides all of the numeric representations over a single address.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Thrustmaster, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank M. Bouton, Robert L. Church, Joseph C. Rayhawk
  • Patent number: 5586184
    Abstract: A phone housing includes an attachment section for receiving a battery pack. A slot in the phone housing receives a latch made formed from a unitary piece of plastic. The latch inserts and locks inside the slot and is compressible inside the slot allowing the battery pack to be inserted into the attachment section. After the battery pack is seated in the attachment section, the latch springingly expands out of the slot engaging with the battery pack. The latch includes a unique combination of legs that operate as a spring and arms that serve to lock the latch inside the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Kelly Communications Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Haydn K. Piper
  • Patent number: 5571464
    Abstract: A mold box is flexibly mounted to a product forming machine having upper and lower vertically displaceable beams. A feed drawer dispenses concrete material into the mold box while a vibration system vertically vibrates the mold box while dampening horizontal vibration. The vibration system is driven by a single drive shaft that actuates first and second vibrator rods while at the same rotating a counter-weight in a counter-rotating direction. A set of alignment brackets lock the mold box into a predetermined aligned relationship while being mounted in the product forming machine. The bottom side of each mold box is mounted to the product forming machine in the same relative position to reduce machine readjustments. A set of telescoping legs hold the feed drawer assembly variable distances above the mold box. A unitized pallet feeder quickly moves pallets one at a time from an "on-deck" position to a "receiving" position underneath the mold box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Inventors: Allen Aaseth, Robert A. Schmitt
  • Patent number: 5570025
    Abstract: A cellular phone both annunciates and retrieves stored mail messages using a single keypad button. A cellular basestation transmits voice mail messages to the cellular phone indicating that voice mail is ready for retrieval. A light emitting diode (LED) is located underneath a translucent button on the phone keypad and is activated when the voice mail message is received by the cellular phone. The illuminated button is then activated initiating a dialing operation that retrieves the voice mail. Battery charge is measured in a dual mode analog and digital cellular phone according to the various digital and analog modes presently performed. The different measurement values are averaged to provide a more accurate calculation of the amount of charge remaining in the battery supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Inventors: Dan D. Lauritsen, Galen Seitz
  • Patent number: D387897
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Inventors: Chris G. Yorke, Kevin G. Kernen