Patents Examined by Joseph Chang
  • Electronic oscillator
    Patent number: 10411648
    Abstract: The present invention concerns an electronic oscillator comprising: an LC resonant circuit comprising an inductive component and a capacitive component, the LC resonant circuit being connected to a first reference voltage node and to an oscillator output node; a first transistor connected to the oscillator output node and arranged to periodically operate in a conducting state and a non-conducting state; and a phase shift circuit. A phase shift circuit output is connected to the first transistor, while a phase shift circuit input is connected by a first feedback circuit to the oscillator output node. The phase shift circuit comprises a signal phase shifter for shifting the phase of a first feedback signal from the first feedback circuit by substantially 180 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: EM Microelectronic-Marin SA
    Inventors: Tu Cao-Thong, Mario Dellea
  • Tapped inductor voltage controlled oscillator
    Patent number: 10411647
    Abstract: A voltage controlled oscillator includes a resonator and an amplifier. The resonator includes a capacitive element and an inductive element. The inductive element has a plurality of conductive segments forming a physical loop. The inductive element has electrical connections on the physical loop to the plurality of conductive segments forming at least one electrical loop disposed within an interior space formed by the physical loop. The amplifier has an input and an output, the input coupled to a first conductive segment forming a first impedance and the output coupled to a second conductive segment forming a second impedance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Futurewei Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Bushman, Charles J. Duey, James W. Caldwell
  • Superconductive cavity oscillator
    Patent number: 10404210
    Abstract: A cavity oscillator comprising: an amplifier operable to provide energy to a local oscillating signal; a superconducting resonant cavity arranged to receive the local oscillating signal and being operable to reflect a portion of the local oscillating signal for use in a feedback circuit, to support an electromagnetic wave related to the local oscillating signal in a desired TM mode, and to output a filtered signal of a desired frequency or frequencies based on the geometry of the cavity; a feedback circuit operable to generate an error signal based on the local oscillating signal and the reflected signal; and a phase shifter arranged operable to adjust the filtered signal based on the error signal to generate an adjusted filtered signal. The amplifier can amplify the adjusted filtered signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Lee Lemay, Eric Bozeman, Kari Moran, Teresa Emery-Adleman, Anirudha Siripuram
  • Transformer feed-back quadrature voltage controlled oscillator for correcting dynamic phase error and communication apparatus using the same
    Patent number: 10396712
    Abstract: A transformer feed-back quadrature voltage controlled oscillator (QVCO) includes a first VCO; a second VCO; and a dynamic phase error correction circuit, having a plurality of coupling capacitors connected between the first and second VCOs, wherein the capacitances of the coupling capacitors are varied according to a digital control signal to correct a phase error of local oscillating (LO) signals of quadrature phases output by the first and second VCOs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: NATIONAL CHUNG SHAN INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Hsiao-Chin Chen, Yen-Ting Chiang, Chien-Te Yu
  • Method for controlling DC-AC converter and ground assembly and wireless power transfer method using the same
    Patent number: 10389178
    Abstract: Disclosed are DC-to-AC converter control methods, ground assemblies and wireless power transfer methods using the same. A method for controlling a DC-to-AC converter of a ground assembly used for wireless power transfer, which includes first, second, third, and fourth switches arranged in a form of a bridge circuit between a power source and a primary coil, may comprise detecting a current flowing through the primary coil at a rising edge of an output voltage signal of the DC-to-AC converter; determining whether a strength of the current is at a negative level which falls within a predetermined reference range; and in response to a determination that the current is not at the negative level, changing switching frequencies of the DC-to-AC converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Woo Young Lee, Hyun Wook Seong, Gyu Yeong Choe
  • Load scheduling in multi-battery devices
    Patent number: 10379587
    Abstract: Various embodiments provide techniques and devices for scheduling power loads in devices having multiple batteries. Loads are characterized based on the power required to serve them. Loads are then assigned to batteries in response to the type of load and relative monitored characteristics of the batteries. The monitored battery characteristics can change over time. In some embodiments, stored profile information of the batteries can also be used in scheduling loads. In further embodiments, estimated workloads can also be used to schedule loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Bojun Huang, Julia L Meinershagen, Thomas Moscibroda, Stephen E. Hodges, Ranveer Chandra
  • Smart charging portable electronic device
    Patent number: 10374449
    Abstract: A smart electronic system is disclosed. The system can analyze any input voltage to determine whether the input voltage is sufficient to charge the battery of an electronic device and/or to operate the electronic device. If not, the cable is capable of transforming the input voltage to a voltage sufficient to charge and/or operate. The electronic device may be incorporated into the housing of the smart electronic system, and can be any known mobile devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Societe BIC
    Inventors: Steve Burkhart, Gerard F. McLean, Jean-Louis Iaconis
  • Hermetically sealed package for mm-wave molecular spectroscopy cell
    Patent number: 10364144
    Abstract: Disclosed examples provide gas cells and a method of fabricating a gas cell, including forming a cavity in a first substrate, forming a first conductive material on a sidewall of the cavity, forming a glass layer on the first conductive material, forming a second conductive material on a bottom side of a second substrate, etching the second conductive material to form apertures through the second conductive material, forming conductive coupling structures on a top side of the second substrate, and bonding a portion of the bottom side of the second substrate to a portion of the first side of the first substrate to seal the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Juan Alejandro Herbsommer, Adam Joseph Fruehling, Simon Joshua Jacobs
  • Temperature-compensated crystal oscillator based on digital circuit
    Patent number: 10367451
    Abstract: The present invention provides a temperature-compensated crystal oscillator based on digital circuit, a closed-loop compensation architecture is employed to realize the high precision compensation of the crystal oscillator. The output frequency f(T) of the TCXO to be compensated is directly connected with the compensation voltage Vc(T) in real time, and the compensation voltage is fed back to the voltage control terminal of the VCXO to be compensated to compensate, so that the output frequency after compensation is equal to the target frequency signal, thus avoiding the frequency shift of output signal caused by temperature hysteresis, i.e. the discrepancy between the temperature acquired by a temperature sensor and the real temperature of the resonant wafer in the prior art.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF ELECTRONIC SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OF CHINA
    Inventors: Peng Ye, Feng Tan, Xingqi Liu, Duyu Qiu, Lianping Guo, Kuojun Yang, Qinchuan Zhang, Huiqing Pan
  • Electronic watch recharging device
    Patent number: 10367367
    Abstract: An electronic watch charging device includes a body, a charging assembly configured to engage and inductively charge an electronic watch, and an adapter mechanically coupled to the body and electrically coupled to the charging assembly receptacle, the adapter being configured to be coupled to a power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Inventor: Keith A. Jacobs
  • Acoustic resonator devices and methods providing patterned functionalization areas
    Patent number: 10352904
    Abstract: A micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) resonator device includes a top side electrode overlaid with an interface layer including a material having a surface (e.g., gold or other noble metal, or a hydroxylated oxide) that may be functionalized with a functionalization (e.g., specific binding or non-specific binding) material. The interface layer and/or an overlying blocking material layer are precisely patterned to control locations of the interface layer available to receive a self-assembled monolayer (SAM), thereby addressing issues of misalignment and oversizing of a functionalization zone that would arise by relying solely on microarray spotting. Atomic layer deposition may be used for deposition of the interface layer and/or an optional hermeticity layer. Sensors and microfluidic devices incorporating MEMS resonator devices are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: QORVO US, INC.
    Inventors: Rio Rivas, John Belsick, Matthew Ryder
  • Wireless power receiver localization
    Patent number: 10355536
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of determining a location of a wireless power receiver. The method involves determining a first coupling coefficient between a transmitter and a receiver coupled via a wireless resonant coupling link, where the receiver is disposed at a first location. Further, the method involves receiving, by the transmitter, kinematic data generated by a sensor coupled to the receiver. Yet further, the method involves determining, based on the kinematic data and the first coupling coefficient, the first location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: X Development LLC
    Inventors: Michael Grundmann, Martin Schubert
  • Hybrid phase-locked loop
    Patent number: 10355702
    Abstract: A hybrid PLL is provided that includes an digital integral path and an analog proportional path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Zhuo Gao, Bupesh Pandita, Eskinder Hailu
  • Wireless power transmission device, wireless power transmission method, non-transitory computer readable medium and wireless power transmission system
    Patent number: 10348132
    Abstract: A wireless power transmission device related to embodiments of the present invention includes a plurality of power transmission resonators, a communicator, a power transmission controller and a power transmission circuit. The communicator receives information related to a power receiving resonator provided in a power receiving device. The power transmission controller selects a power transmission resonator to be used in power transmission from the plurality of power transmission resonators based on the information related to the power receiving resonator. The power transmission circuit transmits an electric current to the power transmission resonator to be used in the power transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Kenichirou Ogawa, Tetsu Shijo
  • Apparatus and method for solar energy micro-forecasts for solar generation sources and utilities
    Patent number: 10345486
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method of forecasting solar energy irradiance potential and subsequent photovoltaic output in a region. The apparatus and method includes collecting meteorological data for a given region and then estimating irradiance levels using parameters collected from the meteorological data. Solar energy production is then simulated using the collected meteorological data, estimated irradiance levels, and physical characteristics of a solar generating system in the given region at a predetermined time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: STC.UNM
    Inventors: Anthony Robert Menicucci, Thomas P. Caudell, Andrea A. Mammoli
  • Tapped inductor voltage controlled oscillator
    Patent number: 10348242
    Abstract: A voltage controlled oscillator includes a resonator and an amplifier. The resonator includes a capacitive element and an inductive element. The inductive element has a plurality of conductive segments forming a physical loop. The inductive element has electrical connections on the physical loop to the plurality of conductive segments forming at least one electrical loop disposed within an interior space formed by the physical loop. The amplifier has an input and an output, the input coupled to a first conductive segment forming a first impedance and the output coupled to a second conductive segment forming a second impedance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Futurewei Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Bushman, Charles J. Duey, James W. Caldwell
  • Light-emitting element module, atomic oscillator, and electronic apparatus
    Patent number: 10348318
    Abstract: A light-emitting element module includes a light-emitting element that emits light, a base that has a depression portion in which the light-emitting element is accommodated, and a lid that covers an opening of the depression portion and is joined to the base. The lid includes a protrusion portion that protrudes on an opposite side to the base and has a hole through which the light passes and a window that is installed in the protrusion portion to block the hole and transmits the light. A surface of the window on a side of the light-emitting element is inclined with respect to a surface perpendicular to an optical axis of the light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Maki, Tsunenori Shibata, Koji Chindo
  • Fractional-N PLL with sleep modes
    Patent number: 10348315
    Abstract: A phase-locked loop (PLL) has an oscillator, a counter and a register to sample the oscillator phase as an integer number. A phase predictor uses a fractional-N frequency control word (FCW) to calculate a predicted phase as an integer number. The integer difference between the sampled phase and the predicted phase is used as loop filter input, to generate an oscillator control signal that adjusts the oscillator frequency. The phase predictor may provide noise shaping, for example via a MASH modulator. A first sleep mode control signal blocks a reference clock and feedback of the oscillator clock to the counter. It may also freeze loop filter parameters and block the output clock. A second sleep mode control signal may stop the oscillator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Perceptia IP Pty Ltd
    Inventors: André Grouwstra, Julian Jenkins
  • Bias circuit for temperature-compensated varactor
    Patent number: 10340922
    Abstract: A bias circuit is provided that is configure to control the bias for a diode-connected transistor operating in the sub-threshold region to produce a gate-to-source voltage. A differential tuning voltage derived from the gate-to-source voltage tunes a plurality of varactors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Luis Chen, Jeffrey Mark Hinrichs
  • Redundant power supply apparatus
    Patent number: 10340808
    Abstract: A redundant power supply apparatus includes at least two power inlets, at least two power supply units, and a common component. Each power inlet is connected to an AC power source. Each power supply unit has an input side and the at least two power supply units having a common output side, each input side is connected to the power inlet, and each power supply unit is configured to convert the AC power source into a DC power source. The common component is connected at the common output side and configured to receive DC power sources. Accordingly, the redundant power supply apparatus is provided to improve reliability of redundant operations between multiple external power sources without using mechanical switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: ACBEL POLYTECH INC.
    Inventors: Andrew Ferencz, Qun Lu, Jui-Yang Chiu, Hsuan-An Chen, Chia-An Yeh