Patents Represented by Attorney Warn, Hoffmann, Miller & LaLone, P.C.
  • Patent number: 6847204
    Abstract: Position sensing control of the displacement of a first member relative to a second member particularly in a vehicular environment is aided by having a ratiometric relationship between the voltage supply for the sensor and the measuring/control portion of the apparatus. In an embodiment, the relative position of a rear view mirror to its housing is controlled. To facilitate the return of a mirror to a preferred position, the conversion of sensor voltage output to a current and the storage of the current of one or more preferred positions allows for the repeatable setting of the rear view mirror. Over and under voltage protection of the sensor supply voltage provides for consistent measurement and control characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Shefenacker Visions Systems Australia Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Roger Kent Duance
  • Patent number: 6842091
    Abstract: A reflective grating (36) for a SAW filter (10) or resonator. The reflective grating (36) is formed by selectively dithering grating grid lines (38) with respect to a uniform spaced grid of M number of grid lines (38) per each N wavelength (?) of the grating (36) (N?/M), where ? is the wavelength of the center of the frequency band of interest, M and N are integers and M>N. M and N are selected so that the grating (36) does not have a net reflection when all of the grid lines (38) are uniformly spaced. By controlling the dithering pattern of the grid line in each sampling period of N?, any desired net distributed reflectivity from the grating can be implemented in both magnitude and phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: David S. Yip
  • Patent number: 6842570
    Abstract: An optical system (10) that couples pump light (30) into a signal fiber (12) of a fiber array laser/amplifier. The system (10) includes a tapered light guide (TLG) (24) optically coupled to the signal fiber (12) so that the signal light propagates into a single-mode core (48) extending through the TLG (24). The TLG (24) includes a diffraction grating aperture (34) through which the pump light (30) is coupled into the TLG (24). An array of diode emitters (28) is positioned adjacent to the diffraction grating aperture (34) so that the pump light (30) is diffracted into the TLG (24). The pump light (30) is reflected off of the interface (40) between the TLG (24) and air. The angle of the pump light (30) as it is reflected off of an interface (40) between the TLG (24) and air decreases so that the pump light (30) is contained within the signal fiber (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Komine
  • Patent number: 6840851
    Abstract: A bevel edge wheel having a swarf clearance slot across the shaping face. The slot reduces the amount of hand removal of swarf from a processed lens blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Inland Diamond Products Company
    Inventor: Dennis R. Raffaelli
  • Patent number: 6837819
    Abstract: A common carrier assembly that is particularly adapted for use in supporting planetary gear sets used in a four-wheel drive vehicle transfer case. The common carrier includes a drive plate, a differential plate, and a reduction plate. The drive plate positioned between the reduction planetary gear set and the differential planetary gear set. The drive plate selectively engages a clutch that operates to position the reduction gear set in various operation modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Foster
  • Patent number: 6836197
    Abstract: A dual track SAW reflector filter (150) including a first track (152) and a second track (154). The first track and the second track (152, 154) include an input transducer (156, 164), an output transducer (158, 166), first reflectors (160, 168) and second reflectors (162, 170). The reflectivity function of the first reflectors (160, 168) and the second reflectors (162, 170) are equal in magnitude and opposite in phase. The input transducers (156, 164) have the same polarity and the output transducers (158, 166) have opposite polarities. Surface acoustic waves produced by the input transducers (156, 164) and received directly by the output transducers (158, 166) are in phase and cancel at the output transducers (158, 166). Surface acoustic waves reflected by the reflectors (160, 162, 168 and 170) are in phase and add at the output transducers (158, 166).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Davis S. Yip, Edward M. Garber, Alvin M. Kong
  • Patent number: 6822251
    Abstract: A collector optic assembly for a EUV radiation source. The collector optic assembly includes an elliptical meniscus having a reflective Si/Mo coating for collecting and reflecting EUV radiation generated by the source. The meniscus is machined from a single piece of silicon. The collector optic assembly further includes a heat exchanger that includes cooling channels through which flows a liquid coolant. The heat exchanger is fabricated from a plurality of machined silicon sections fused together by a glass frit bonding process. The meniscus is fused to a front side of the heat exchanger by a glass frit bonding process. A liquid coolant inlet manifold and a liquid coolant outlet manifold are also each machined from a single silicon block and are mounted to a back side of the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: University of Central Florida Research Foundation
    Inventors: Jonathan W. Arenberg, Frank R. Hassell
  • Patent number: 6817457
    Abstract: A clutch system is described wherein a two-way roller clutch system transmits torque in from one direction (i.e., input side) only, and allows the clutch system to be physically decoupled from the power steering system when torque is forced in from the output side, e.g., during loss of electrical power to the power steering motor. Additionally, the clutch system can include a torque limiting system that permits slip when overall torque exceeds a preset limit. Both the clutch system and the torque limitation system are especially useful in conjunction with automotive power steering systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Russell E. Monahan, Thomas Houtman, Shiro Goto
  • Patent number: 6814476
    Abstract: An exterior mirror assembly including an attachment member for supporting an approach light. The attachment member interconnects a mirror housing to a vehicle and includes an opening for receiving a lens. Light projects through the lens from the attachment member in order to illuminate a predetermined area in proximity to the vehicle. A light source may be housed within the support member or, alternatively, a light source may be housed interior to the vehicle and a light path transports light from the light source to the lens for projection from the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignees: Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty Ltd, Schefenacker Vision Systems UK Limited
    Inventors: Andrew J. Assinder, Neil J. Francis
  • Patent number: 6814682
    Abstract: A transfer case for a vehicle that allows shifting between AWD and two-wheel drive at any vehicle speed. The transfer case includes a center differential employing pinion and sun gears that allow a front drive shaft and a rear drive shaft to turn at different speeds to provide the all-wheel drive function. The transfer case further includes an electrically actuated synchronizer assembly that allows the speed of the front drive shaft to be synchronized to the speed of the rear drive shaft when shifting from two-wheel drive to all-wheel drive to provide the shift on the fly function. The synchronizer assembly also includes a neutral position where both the front drive shaft and the rear drive shaft are not engaged to the vehicle transmission to allow for vehicle towing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph J. Spitale
  • Patent number: 6813320
    Abstract: A receiver (10) for a wireless telecommunications system that provides relatively wideband signal processing of received signals without increased signal distortion so that multiple received signals can be simultaneously processed. The receiver (10) includes a specialized LNA (16), frequency down-converter (18) and ADC (20) to perform the wideband signal processing while maintaining receiver performance. The frequency down-converter (18) employs a suitable mixer (28), BPA (32), attenuator (34), and transformer (36) that are tuned to provide the desired frequency down-conversion and amplitude control over the desired wideband. The down-converter devices are selected depending on the particular performance criteria of the ADC (20). A specialized digital channelizer (22) is included in the receiver (10) that receives the digital signal from the ADC (20), and separates the signals into the multiple channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Shimen K. Claxton, Bert K. Oyama, Eric L. Upton, Barry R. Allen, Mark Kintis, Andrew D. Smith, Craig R. Talbott, David J. Brunone, Donald R. Martin, William M. Skones, Ronald P. Smith, Vincent C. Moretti
  • Patent number: 6804308
    Abstract: A receiver (10) for a wireless telecommunications system that provides relatively wideband signal processing of received signals without increased signal distortion so that multiple received signals can be simultaneously processed. The receiver (10) includes a specialized LNA (16), frequency down-converter (18) and ADC (20) to perform the wideband signal processing while maintaining receiver performance. The frequency down-converter (18) employs a suitable mixer (28), BPA (32), attenuator (34), and transformer (36) that are tuned to provide the desired frequency down-conversion and amplitude control over the desired wideband. The down-converter devices are selected depending on the particular performance criteria of the ADC (20). A specialized digital channelizer (22) is included in the receiver (10) that receives the digital signal from the ADC (20), and separates the signals into the multiple channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Shimen K. Claxton, Bert K. Oyama, Mark Kintis, Andrew D. Smith, Craig R. Talbott, Donald R. Martin, William M. Skones, Vincent C. Moretti
  • Patent number: 6798848
    Abstract: A receiver (10) for a wireless telecommunications system that provides relatively wideband signal processing of received signals without increased signal distortion so that multiple received signals can be simultaneously processed. The receiver (10) includes a specialized LNA (16), frequency down-converter (18) and ADC (20) to perform the wideband signal processing while maintaining receiver performance. The frequency down-converter (18) employs a suitable mixer (28), BPA (32), attenuator (34), and transformer (36) that are tuned to provide the desired frequency down-conversion and amplitude control over the desired wideband. The down-converter devices are selected depending on the particular performance criteria of the ADC (20). A specialized digital channelizer (22) is included in the receiver (10) that receives the digital signal from the ADC (20), and separates the signals into the multiple channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Shimen K. Claxton, Bert K. Oyama, Mark Kintis, Andrew D. Smith, Craig R. Talbott, Donald R. Martin, William M. Skones, Ronald P. Smith, Vincent C. Moretti
  • Patent number: 6792975
    Abstract: A solenoid control valve having a spool valve disposed within a valve body and an enlarged diameter, axially sealing land. An upper surface of the sealing land seats against an upper valve stop when the spool valve is in a first sealing position and a lower surface of the sealing land seats against a lower valve stop when the spool valve in a second sealing position, to provide sealing pressure in an axial direction relative to the movement of the spool valve. The control valve includes an actuating portion having a coil and an armature. The armature is in direct contact with the spool valve, preferably through a stem that extends through the upper valve stop. When the coil is not energized, a valve spring biases the spool valve to seat against the upper valve stop so that a source pressure is provided at a control port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley C. Erickson, Richard E. Jungwirth
  • Patent number: 6783448
    Abstract: A buffing/polishing pad that is designed so that the buffing or polishing compound or dressing does not saturate or load up in the central portion of the pad. A frustro-conical cut out at the center of the pad biases buffing material towards movement from the center of the pad toward an outer peripheral edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: Gary L. Sabo
  • Patent number: 6782879
    Abstract: A breather assembly for connection to a protected chamber for use in both positive and negative pressure environments, is described. The breather assembly has a central intake chamber that is protected from the ingress of water or contaminants. The breather assembly provides drain paths for any water or contaminants that may get into the inner chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Duda, Ben Arndt
  • Patent number: 6779901
    Abstract: A position sensing device for a mirror assembly displaced by an electric motor for a mirror assembly having a memory unit which relies upon position information. The position sensing device connects directly between the housing reinforcement member and the mirror glass. The position sensing device also includes inherent damping capabilities. A dampening assembly provides additional damping capabilities, thereby further limiting vibration of the mirror due to road and wind vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Schefenacker Vision Systems Australia Pty Ltd
    Inventors: David Swindon, Adam S. Peacock, Andrew Churchett, Tony Gilbert, Paul R. Henion, James S. Sturek
  • Patent number: 6778614
    Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of determining the envelope of a complex baseband signal having an in-phase component I and a quadrature component Q by determining (I2+Q2)½ for sampled values of the baseband signal. The maximum and minimum values of I and Q are detected by detecting the larger of I and Q in a first detection circuit (18) and the smaller of I and Q in a second detection circuit (20). A value x=½{(the detected minimum value)÷(the detected maximum value)}2 is calculated in a first calculation circuit (22). The value of (I2+Q2)½ is then calculated based on the value of x. In a first embodiment the value of (I2+Q2)½ is calculated in a second calculation circuit (24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38) as the (the detected maximum value)×(1+x)/2+½(1+x−x2+x3−x4+x5−x6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: Michael H. Myers
  • Patent number: 6778116
    Abstract: A DAC including a first switch and a second switch. The first switch receives a digital signal to be converted, and the second switch receives the digital signal delayed by one-half of a clock signal. A third switch receives a current signal from a current source and the clock signal. The third switch alternately switches the current signal to the first and second switches so that when the clock signal is positive, the current signal is applied to the first switch and when the clock signal is zero, the current signal is applied to the second switch. The first switch will output the current signal during the first half of the clock cycle to a first output or a second output, and the second switch will output the current signal during the second half of the clock cycle to the first output or the second output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: William M. Skones, Steve R. Nelson
  • Patent number: D495614
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventor: Richard J. Dickinson