Patents Examined by John Le
  • Patent number: 7149645
    Abstract: A device and method for continually monitoring multiple thermal sensors located at hotspots across a processor. The sensors are connected to a sensor cycling and selection block located at a periphery of the die. The output from the sensor selection block is converted into a digital temperature code. Based on the digital temperature code, thermal events trigger various thermal controls. The thermal event triggers may be software-programmable, providing flexible temperature management.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Kedar Mangrulkar, Sanjeev Jahagirdar, Varghese George, Venkatesh Prasanna, Inder Sodhi
  • Patent number: 7146280
    Abstract: Startup and operational techniques for a digital flowmeter are described. The techniques select an optimal mode of operation for the digital flowmeter, depending on a current environment of the flowmeter. For example, during a startup operation of the flowmeter, the mode of operation might include a random sequence mode, in which filtered, random frequencies are applied as a drive signal to a flowtube associated with the digital flowmeter. Once the flowtube reaches a resonant mode of vibration, the digital flowmeter may transition to a positive feedback mode, in which a sensor signal representing a motion of the flowtube is fed back to the flowtube as a drive signal, as part of a feedback loop. Once an oscillation of the flowtube is achieved and analyzed, a digital synthesis mode of operation may be implemented, in which the analyzed sensor signals are used to synthesize the drive signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Manus P. Henry, Mayela E. Zamora
  • Patent number: 7146287
    Abstract: The electrically-powered steering apparatus obtains a steering torque and a steering angle within an allowable input range of those inputted into a first resolver and a second resolver based on a real zero point ? and further, a steering torque and a steering angle out of the allowable input range of those inputted to the first resolver and the second resolver based on (+) virtual zero point ? and (?) virtual zero point ?, which are set to a different value from the real zero point ?. Consequently, of the steering torques and steering angles inputted to the first resolver and the second resolver, the steering torque and steering angle out of the allowable input range impossible to obtain by the real zero point ? can be obtained based on the (+) virtual zero point ? and the (?) virtual zero point ?.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignees: Favess Co., Ltd., Toyoda Koki Kabushiki Kaisha, Koyo Seiko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Kichise, Yutaka Mori
  • Patent number: 7142999
    Abstract: A method for correcting errors in a coordinate measuring machine having a measuring head which is adapted to move in at least two different spatial directions. Measuring scales and measuring lines are assigned to each spatial direction. The measuring lines of different spatial directions intersect, and correction values are determined along the measuring lines at predetermined values of the scales in order to correct for elastic and/or geometric errors of the scales and/or of the guiding mechanism for moving the measuring head. According to one aspect of the invention, the correction values determined along a measuring line of a first spatial direction are modified such that the modified correction value of this measuring line assumes a predetermined value at the point of intersection with a first measuring line of a second spatial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Industrielle Messtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Günter Grupp, Andreas Fuchs, Walter Jenisch, Ralf Bernhardt, Harald Schmid, Ulrich Staaden
  • Patent number: 7143005
    Abstract: A method of extracting the shape of a probe tip of a probe-based instrument from data obtained by the instrument is provided. The method employs algorithms based on the principle that no reconstructed image points can physically occupy the same region as the tip during imaging. Sequential translates of the tip shape or volume sweep out an area or volume that is an “exclusion zone” similar to morphological erosion. The embodiments of the alternative method use either the region defined by the tip boundary or simply the tip boundary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Veeco Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory A. Dahlen, William Foreman
  • Patent number: 7143010
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for communicating with, and receiving data representative of equipment state and status from, movie theatre equipment in theatres. The system includes a central computer storage unit for receiving and storing data representative of equipment state and status, and a plurality of remote computer storage units coupled to the central computer storage unit for transmitting data representative of equipment state and status. Each of the plurality of remote computer storage units includes a first remote computer storage unit coupled to at least one theatre automation unit for detecting and transmitting data representative of automation equipment state and status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: CineCast, LLC
    Inventors: David H. Sprogis, Dan U. Zehme
  • Patent number: 7139676
    Abstract: A method and a system evaluate an efficacy of a test suite in a model-based diagnostic testing system to determine a revision of the test suite. The evaluation comprises suggesting a test to be added to the test suite based on probabilities of a correct diagnosis and an incorrect diagnosis. The evaluation either alternatively or further comprises identifying a test to be deleted from the test suite based on probabilities of a correct diagnosis for the test suite and for a modified test suite that does not include a test. An efficacy value of each test in the test suite is computed. The system has a computer program comprising instructions that implement an evaluation of diagnostic efficacy of the test suite. The system either is a stand-alone system or is incorporated into the testing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc
    Inventor: Lee A. Barford
  • Patent number: 7133795
    Abstract: A technique for testing an electronic system (e.g., a computer system) involves intercepting an initial signal of the electronic system, modifying the initial signal with a distortion to form a distorted signal, and introducing the distorted signal into the electronic system in place of the initial signal. The technique further involves obtaining, from the electronic system, a result having one of (i) a first value indicating that the electronic system handled the distorted signal in a normal operating mode, and (ii) a second value indicating that the electronic system handled the distorted signal in an error handling mode which is different than the normal operating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: EMC Corporation
    Inventors: Edward Iaciofano, Thomas Laviolette
  • Patent number: 7127363
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for simulating a first stimulus into a device under test and measuring first single-ended scattering parameters caused thereby, and directly calculating a differential scattering parameter from the first single-ended scattering parameters. In certain embodiments, second single-ended scattering parameters may be obtained from a second stimulus into the device under test, and the results used to calculate the differential scattering parameter, for example, where a device under test is non-homogeneous.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Jeff W. Loyer
  • Patent number: 7127369
    Abstract: A system with a sensor assembly is used to determine direction of movement of an object so that accuracy of position calculation is improved. The sensor assembly measures at least two operational characteristics and generates corresponding operational characteristic signals. A control unit monitors and compares transitions of the signals to more accurately determine direction of movement for the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Tomohiro Fukumura, Sanjaya Kumar Dash
  • Patent number: 7124058
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of an improved OBT are provided. General concepts of the invention include an OBT combined with an optical scanner. In one embodiment, the OBT includes a housing that at least partially retains a processor; vehicle communication circuitry for linking to a vehicle diagnostic system, and an optical reader for optically obtaining additional information. Another exemplary embodiment includes an OBT used in conjunction with a bar code scanner and/or a camera. In addition, a method of obtaining diagnostic data from the vehicle diagnostic system and optically obtaining information using an off-board device is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: Hamid Namaky, Robert A. Roberts
  • Patent number: 7120562
    Abstract: A signal source identification system and associated method are disclosed that utilize wavelet-based signal processing to facilitate signal source identification. In particular, the wavelet-based signal processing enables the extraction of fingerprint type signatures for signal sources using wavelet packet processing, and supplementary signal processing can be used to further enhance the accuracy of the system. This signal source identification system can be used for identifying signal sources within a received data signal, used for providing security features by verifying the identify of a transmitting device, and/or used in other environments where it is desirable to identify or differentiate among signal sources. Other features and variations can be implemented, if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: L-3 Integrated Systems Company
    Inventor: Amela Kreho Wilson
  • Patent number: 7117109
    Abstract: A method for processing measuring data and a device to perform the method, wherein the measuring data can be determined by using a measurement system, more particularly a chromatographic analyzing system, for the measurement of measuring values that correspond to certain information about, or of, a technical process and that depend on at least two variables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Hubert Kuderer
  • Patent number: 7113886
    Abstract: A circuit and related method for distributing events in an event stream (i.e., an electronic signal having a plurality of rising edge transitions and falling edge transitions). The circuit distributes the events in a primary event stream across multiple secondary event streams in such a way that the event rate in each of the secondary event streams is lower than the event rate in the primary event stream, but the relative timing of the events in the primary event stream is maintained in each of the secondary event streams. The secondary event streams can then be provided to respective timestamp circuits, which record the times at which events occur in the secondary event streams. Since the relative timing of the events in the primary event stream is maintained in each of the secondary event streams, the multiple timestamp circuits collectively record the times at which events occur in the primary event stream. The circuit and related method can be used when debugging/testing semiconductor devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Credence Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Burnell G. West
  • Patent number: 7110911
    Abstract: A code applying device is provided which can efficiently manufacture an information recording paper roll having a code relating to the information recording paper. The code applying device includes a tubular body holding section which holds a tubular body and can rotate around an axis; a code forming section forming a code, which expresses specific information, on an end surface of the tubular body held by the tubular body holding section; and a control section rotating the tubular holding section which is holding the tubular body, and applying the code to the end surface of the tubular body along a peripheral direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Taijiro Fujita, Masayuki Nakagiri, Takehiko Nakayama
  • Patent number: 7107175
    Abstract: Disclosed are new methods and systems for achieving calibration in a pipelined ADC system. The methods and systems may be used to provide continuous digital background calibration in a pipelined ADC. Component mismatch error from each DAC in the pipeline is tabulated to provide an integral nonlinearity profile, which is subtracted from the ADC transfer characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Franco Maloberti, Martin Kithinji Kinyua
  • Patent number: 7103501
    Abstract: A computer program apparatus for analyzing design tolerances having a computer readable medium and computer program instructions. The computer program instructions are recorded on the computer readable medium and are executable by a processor. The computer program instructions are capable of performing the steps of facilitating the graphical identification by a user of a first and a second entity, identifying any objects related to the first and second entities, storing the identified dimensions and tolerances relating to the identified objects, and, analyzing the stored dimensions, to, in turn, determine the interfacing of the objects relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Varatech Engineering Consultants
    Inventors: Mahesh Kamatala, Robert Gardner, Debajit Guha, Hwei-Min Lu, Erik Salisbury, Raj Verma, Ashish Gandhi
  • Patent number: 7096148
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electromagnetic tracking system that includes a field generator and a field sensor arranged to generate and detect, respectively, an electromagnetic field. Both the transmitter and receiver coils are connected to signal conditioning and processing circuitry to provide outputs indicative of the coil signals. A processor operates on the signals to determine the coordinates of the sensing assembly relative to the generator assembly. The signal processor produces ratiometric outputs, and applies a mutual inductance model to solve for position/orientation coordinates. In some embodiments, a disturber in the form of a conductive ring or a sheath is disposed about an interfering piece of equipment to moderate and standardize disturbances due to eddy currents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: GE Medical Systems Global Technology Company, LLC
    Inventors: Peter T. Anderson, Gerald L. Beauregard, Christopher D. Cherry
  • Patent number: 7089133
    Abstract: A method and circuit provide a system level reset function for an electronic device. An initial reset function is provided under a low voltage condition of supply voltage, such as occur upon first energizing the electronic device. A tunable reset function is also provided, which can first be asserted at a voltage level setting less precise than that setting becomes upon tuning. Further, a boot-up reset function is provided, which provides its reset function at a voltage level setting that is set according to a calibration. Calibration can be based on data stored in a non-volatile memory, and can involve a checksum operation. The electronic device, a microcontroller for instance, is held in a reset state with any of the initial, tunable, and boot-up reset functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Cypress Semiconductor Corp.
    Inventors: Timothy Williams, Harold Kutz, Eric Blom, Warren Snyder
  • Patent number: 7082377
    Abstract: A temperature measurement circuit for a dual junction temperature sensor is provided. The temperature measurement circuit is configured to provide separate bias currents to the junctions in the temperature sensor. The temperature measurement circuit includes two signal channels configured to provide an intermediate differential signal from a differential input signal that is received from the temperature sensor. Also, the temperature measurement circuit may include one or more multiplexer circuits that are configured to control the intermediate differential signal. The temperature sensor circuit further includes a control circuit configured to adjust the bias currents and to control the multiplexer circuits such that several different differential voltages can be provided by the signal channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: National Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Mehmet Aslan, Qing Feng Ren, Richard Henderson