Patents Examined by Paul Loomis
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Patent number: 6130936Abstract: The present invention comprises an improved telephone system and method for terminating a telephone call after simulating a telephone connection failure. After establishing a telephone connection, a user can terminate the telephone call by depressing a switch on the telephone. The telephone then receives a signal that the switch has been depressed, generates a sound in the telephone line, and then terminates the telephone call. In one embodiment, the user terminates the telephone call because the user no longer wishes to continue conversing with the caller. In another embodiment, the caller terminates the telephone call before the user answers the telephone call after the user determines the identity of the caller. The generated sound simulates a failure in the telephone connection. For example, the sound could be noise to attempt to persuade the caller that the telephone connection is unusable.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 1997Date of Patent: October 10, 2000Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.Inventor: Al Hartmann
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Patent number: 6128152Abstract: In an operational mode in which the tape should come to a stop at predetermined positions, a braking process, which causes the stopping of a tape at an exact predetermined place, is provided. At the beginning of the braking process, a target waveform is determined in dependence on the tape speed, and the values of the speed are controlled or regulated in accordance with the waveform. Control of a slow motion mode of a video tape can also be provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 1995Date of Patent: October 3, 2000Assignee: Deutsche Thomson-Brandt GmbHInventor: Philippe Mace
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Patent number: 6128395Abstract: Loudspeaker system having various loudspeakers (SP.sub.i, i=0, 1, 2, . . . , m) which are arranged in accordance with a predetermined pattern and have associated filters (F.sub.i, i=0, 1, 2, . . . , m), which filters all receive an audio signal (AS) and are equipped to transmit output signals to the respective loudspeakers (SP.sub.i) such that they, during operation, generate a sound pattern of a predetermined form, wherein the loudspeakers (SP.sub.i) have a mutual spacing (l.sub.i), which, insofar as physically possible, substantially corresponds to a logarithmic distribution, wherein the minimum spacing is determined by the physical dimensions of the loudspeakers used.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 1997Date of Patent: October 3, 2000Assignee: Duran B.V.Inventor: Gerard Hendrik Joseph De Vries
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Patent number: 6128393Abstract: A microphone in which stopper means are provided between the mike grip side and the microphone unit assembly side. The stopper means maintain the non-contact state with each other when the microphone receives no shock, and come in contact with each other, when the microphone receives shock, with the movement of the microphone unit assembly in the axial direction of the mike grip caused by the shock to prevent the further movement of the microphone unit assembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 1998Date of Patent: October 3, 2000Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Audio-TechnicaInventor: Kazuhisa Kondo
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Patent number: 6128153Abstract: Head position control is implemented in a disk drive for the case in which a disk is assembled into the disk drive after a precise track is recorded onto it using an external apparatus, which is capable of high-speed access even if there is eccentricity between a track defined by servo information and the center of rotation of the track. Two phase servo bursts consisting of servo information are recorded onto each of the servo information regions of a disk surface, in mutual alternation, the strength ratio between signals detected from these two phase servo bursts being used to determine to which side the head is displaced. By performing control so that this strength ratio is a prescribed value at each angular position, control is achieved so that the head moves along a circular path of rotation, even if there is eccentricity in the servo circular path defined by the recorded servo information with respect to the center of rotation.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 1997Date of Patent: October 3, 2000Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventors: Susumu Hasegawa, Yukihiro Uematsu, Tomoyoshi Yamada, Takahisa Ueno, Nobuyuki Suzuki, Keiji Aruga, Shuichi Hashimoto
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Patent number: 6125171Abstract: A method and system for transmitting a facsimile message uses a public-switched telecommunications network, the public-switched telecommunication network having a messaging platform capable of storing a plurality of facsimile messages. The initiation of a telephone call to a destination is detected, the content of the call including the facsimile message. If the destination is available at a first time to receive a telephone call, the facsimile message is transmitted. The facsimile message may be stored on the messaging platform only if the destination is unavailable at the first time, or every time a telephone call is initiated by the originating party. The method also provides for situations where a telephone call is redirected, where an inter-NPA seven digit dialing case has occurred, and where "busy" or "no.sub.-- answer" triggers are implemented. If the facsimile message was stored, the facsimile message is transmitted at a second time if the destination is available.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 1998Date of Patent: September 26, 2000Assignee: Ameritech CorporationInventors: Jeffrey James Meek, William Harvey Meek, Gordon Lynn Blumenschein
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Disk drive seek control system utilizing predicted motion parameter and dynamic trajectory alignment
Patent number: 6125000Abstract: The present invention relates to a disk drive seek control system which is capable of rapidly moving a transducer from an initial position to a target position above a data storage medium. The system applies control to an actuator motor means based on projected transducer velocity at a future servo sample time rather than velocity at a previous servo sample time. This allows the system to significantly reduce transducer velocity errors relative to a desired velocity profile. In addition, the system utilizes dynamically adapted feed forward deceleration current during a deceleration portion of the seek cycle to further reduce velocity errors during this period. By reducing velocity error during the seek cycle, the system significantly reduces the length of time required for settling the transducer on the target track of the disk after the seek cycle has ended.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 1996Date of Patent: September 26, 2000Assignee: Maxtor CorporationInventors: Lance R. Carlson, Mark Birtzer, Larry Hutsell -
Patent number: 6124992Abstract: A read channel is described for use in a storage device including a storage medium for storing data, an interactive element for reading information from and writing information on the storage medium and a processor for performing control functions in the storage device. The read channel comprises a set of electronic components for receiving and processing information read by the interactive element from the storage medium. Each component of the set of electronic components includes an output and is coupled in a predetermined arrangement to other components of the set of electronic components. A data capture circuit includes an input circuit and an output circuit with the input circuit being coupled to the output of each component of the set of electronic components, and the output circuit being coupled to the input circuit to capture a signal from a preselected one of the outputs coupled to the input circuit. The output circuit is adoptable to transfer the acquired signal to the processor.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 1995Date of Patent: September 26, 2000Assignee: Seagate Technology LLCInventor: Bac V. Pham
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Patent number: 6124999Abstract: Apparatus for recording/reproducing digital information to/from a memory device is for use with a memory device which has plural memories at least one of which stores digital information corresponding to information stored in at least one other of the plural memories. The apparatus include reproducing structure for reproducing digital information from only the part of the memory device which stores the digital information. The apparatus also includes processing circuitry for performing predetermined signal processing on the digital information reproduced by the reproducing structure. Preferably, the memory is a magnetic tape cassette having a magnetic memory and a semiconductor memory. Preferably, the reproducing apparatus is a wireless remote control capable of contacting the tape cassette semiconductor memory to read the digital information stored therein.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 1997Date of Patent: September 26, 2000Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yukinori Yamamoto
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Patent number: 6124997Abstract: In a data reproducing apparatus compatibility among plural recording media can be improved. In the data reproducing apparatus, the latest tap coefficient is stored as a tap coefficient in a transversal filter during the normal reproducing operation. This latest tap coefficient is used as an initial value during next reproducing operation. Accordingly, a capture operation for the reproducing operation can be quickly executed. Thus, even when a plurality of recording media are replaced and reproduced in this data reproducing apparatus, a difference between the characteristics of the recording media can be absorbed.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 1997Date of Patent: September 26, 2000Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Hisato Hirasaka
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Patent number: 6124994Abstract: The present invention provides a system, method and data format wherein a redundant sync byte or group of sync bytes is provided in a data sector at a distance sufficient to isolate the redundant sync byte from the primary sync byte in the event of multiple byte defects. In a first embodiment, a redundant sync byte, or group of sync bytes, is provided in the AGC field preceding the primary sync region. Upon failure to detect the primary sync byte, an attempt is made on a subsequent revolution to read the secondary sync byte, either by holding the AGC gain prior to reaching the data block, or initiating an "early read" just prior to reaching the data block. In a second embodiment of the invention, the redundant sync byte is provided within the data field subsequent to the primary sync region. On failing to detect the primary sync byte, the secondary sync byte can be read immediately or can be postponed until a subsequent revolution. The missed first data region is reconstructed using ECC information.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 1997Date of Patent: September 26, 2000Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: Daniel James Malone, Sr.
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Patent number: 6124991Abstract: The invention is based on a process for reading out binary information magnetically stored in a transparent magnetic layer (1) in which the signals supplied by a magnetic read head (3), pressed against the magnetic layer, (1) is preamplified, frequency-filtered and evaluated. The preamplified signals are filtered in different filter frequency (10a-10d) ranges and differentiated (11-14), and the signal with the most plausible bit sequence is selected from these signals of the various frequency ranges for further processing.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1997Date of Patent: September 26, 2000Assignee: Agfa Gavaert AktiengesellschaftInventor: Volker Weinert
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Patent number: 6122348Abstract: A system and method for providing multisensory signaling capabilities enables a user to manage the receipt of incoming communication events, after an initial notification sequence, using multiple media options. Specifically, a remote device notifies a user of incoming communication events and offers real-time coupling of the notifications with communication management options. The message is delivered or otherwise processed according to the option selected.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1997Date of Patent: September 19, 2000Assignee: Nortel Networks CorporationInventors: Marilyn French-St. George, Mitch A. Brisebois, Laura A. Mahan
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Patent number: 6122129Abstract: An apparatus for reproducing signals which are recorded on a tape to form oblique tracks thereon. The apparatus includes a drum which has a plurality of rotary heads adjoining each other for scanning respective oblique tracks simultaneously to produce reproduced signals. The tape is wrapped around the drum and overlaps a first lead angle so that each of the rotary heads scans a plurality of the oblique tracks during one rotation in a still mode in which the tape is not transported. A control unit is also provided for controlling a rotational speed of the rotary heads and a transport speed of the tape; and a processes unit for processing the reproduced signals.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1997Date of Patent: September 19, 2000Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Osamu Aoki, Hideaki Kondo
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Patent number: 6122132Abstract: A disk drive head position encoder is for use in a disk drive having a storage media, a read/write head and an actuator configured to control a position of the head. The position encoder includes a scale having gratings formed by undulations configured to distort light penetrating therethrough. A light source is configured to penetrate the scale and to direct light onto a photodetector, where the photodetector is configured to generate a photodetector signal in response to the light. A processor is coupled to the photodetector and the actuator and configured to determine a head position of the head on the storage media by processing the photodetector signal. In one embodiment, the is constructed from a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion similar to that of said storage media.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1998Date of Patent: September 19, 2000Assignee: Altra CorporationInventor: Raymond B. Larsen
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Patent number: 6121998Abstract: A cost-effective videophone includes a programmable video/general-purpose processor capable of readily updating program-related data. The processor includes a first circuit section used to process data for videoconferencing and to detect codes data used for revising software-related data provided from a remote location, and a second circuit section used for executing the executable program data stored in the second memory circuit. A volatile memory circuit is coupled to and accessed by the programmable video/general-purpose processor, and is used for storing the revision data until it is validated. Once validated, the revision data is transferred from the first memory circuit to a non-volatile memory circuit. The non-volatile memory circuit is then used by the processor in a subsequent video-related application, such as a videoconferencing application or a web browser application.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 1998Date of Patent: September 19, 2000Assignee: 8.times.8, Inc.Inventors: Paul A. Voois, Bryan R. Martin, Phil Bednarz, Keith Barraclough, Truman Joe
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Patent number: 6122135Abstract: A method to adaptively reduce error introduced by the coil current rise time. A disk drive with a moving arm actuator driven by a voice coil motor is controlled by periodically modeling the coil current rise time. An adjustment to a commanded current value is based on the model of the coil current rise time and a magnitude change in commanded value. The model of the coil current is based on a linear approximation to the exponential rise time of the coil current. The commanded value is adjusted to compensate for the error in the control effort. For small commanded value differences no compensation is made for the coil current rise time. For medium command value differences a slope intercept equation is used to compute the compensated commanded value. For large commanded value differences half of an estimate of the maximum largest physical current change is used. The adjustment is made by the estimator in a position error signal feedback control system.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 1997Date of Patent: September 19, 2000Assignee: Western Digital CorporationInventor: Michael Charles Stich
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Patent number: 6122119Abstract: A method of correcting an output waveform of a head includes the steps of (a) obtaining a sample error value of a sample value when subjecting an analog signal output from a head to an analog-to-digital conversion, and (b) correcting a vertical asymmetry of a waveform of the analog signal when carrying out he analog-to-digital conversion by changing a corresponding relationship between the analog signal and a digital signal which is obtained by the analog-to-digital conversion based on the sample error value. The step (b) calculates a correction value with respect to the analog-to-digital conversion based on the sample error value, and changes an input range of the analog-to-digital conversion to become vertically asymmetric depending on the correction value.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1997Date of Patent: September 19, 2000Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventor: Hideki Omori
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Patent number: 6122347Abstract: The present invention comprises a telephone system and method for self-announcing a caller of an incoming telephone call. After an incoming telephone call is received from a caller, the telephone answers the incoming telephone call before any ring signals are generated. A message is then generated requesting the caller to self-announce him/herself. A speaker on the telephone is activated to enable the telephone users to listen to the announcement. After the caller self-announces him/herself, a user, if present, may decide to answer the incoming telephone call. The user may answer the incoming telephone call either by placing the telephone in speakerphone mode or by activating the handset and engaging in a conversation with the caller. If the user is not present or chooses not answer the incoming telephone call, the telephone transfers control to an answering machine unit so that the caller is given the choice of leaving a message. In one embodiment, the answering machine is built-in to the telephone.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 1997Date of Patent: September 19, 2000Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.Inventor: David J. Borland
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Patent number: 6122134Abstract: An information storage medium has at least a longitudinal bundle comprising three servo tracks (3, 4, 5). The bundle is arranged in consecutive tracking units (T(N)) of a determined longitudinal length. Surfaces of said servo tracks present either a first or a second characteristic (6, 7) and vary in size and distribution inside the tracking units. The bundles may contain longitudinally stored identification information. Methods for obtaining tracking signals indicating a transversal offset between a reading head and the bundle and for retrieving identification information are disclosed. Also methods for obtaining tracking units in which transversal tracking code is combined with distinct information are described.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1997Date of Patent: September 19, 2000Assignee: Deutsche Thomson-Brandt GmbHInventors: Jurgen Kaaden, Klaus Oldermann, Peter Mahr, Gerhard Reiner, Bruno Weihs