Patents Examined by Tan Nguyen
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Patent number: 9230654Abstract: An apparatus, system, and computer-implemented method for controlling data transfer between a plurality of serial data link interfaces and a plurality of memory banks in a semiconductor memory is disclosed. In one example, a flash memory device with multiple links and memory banks, where the links are independent of the banks, is disclosed. The flash memory devices may be cascaded in a daisy-chain configuration using echo signal lines to serially communicate between memory devices. In addition, a virtual multiple link configuration is described wherein a single link is used to emulate multiple links.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2013Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignee: Conversant Intellectual Property Management Inc.Inventors: Jin-Ki Kim, Hong Beom Pyeon
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Patent number: 9230616Abstract: Memory devices, memory device operational methods, and memory device implementation methods are described. According to one arrangement, a memory device includes memory circuitry configured to store data in a plurality of different data states, temperature sensor circuitry configured to sense a temperature of the memory device and to generate an initial temperature output which is indicative of the temperature of the memory device, and conversion circuitry coupled with the temperature sensor circuitry and configured to convert the initial temperature output into a converted temperature output which is indicative of the temperature of the memory device at a selected one of a plurality of possible different temperature resolutions, and wherein the converted temperature output is utilized by the memory circuitry to implement at least one operation with respect to storage of the data.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2014Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Yogesh Luthra, Makoto Kitagawa
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Patent number: 9184380Abstract: A temperature dependent electric element includes a phase change portion including at least one conductive phase change material having a predetermined phase transition temperature, a detector portion configured to detect a change in conductivity of the phase change material caused by a temperature change to a detect phase transition of the phase change material based on the detected change in conductivity of the phase change material, a temperature calibration part configured to conduct temperature calibration by adjusting a temperature at which the phase change material exhibits the phase transition detected by the detector portion based on the change in the conductivity of the phase change material to the predetermined phase transition temperature of the phase change material, and a substrate on which the phase change portion, the detector portion, and the temperature calibration part are integrally arranged.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2014Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.Inventor: Junji Manaka
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Patent number: 9043561Abstract: To provide a storage device with low power consumption. The storage device includes a plurality of cache lines. Each of the cache lines includes a data field which stores cache data; a tag which stores address data corresponding the cache data; and a valid bit which stores valid data indicating whether the cache data stored in the data field is valid or invalid. Whether power is supplied to the tag and the data field in each of the cache lines is determined based on the valid data stored in the valid bit.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2013Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masashi Fujita
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Patent number: 8958237Abstract: An apparatus and method for executing a write operation in a static random access memory (SRAM) array including memory cells that are coupled to a plurality of word lines and to a plurality of bit lines are provided. A clock signal is generated to start a write operation. A pulse is generated on the plurality of word lines in response to the clock signal. An operation voltage of the SRAM array is lowered for a period of time during the write operation. The period of time is controlled and the pulse is ended using a tracking circuit. The tracking circuit includes a plurality of tracking memory cells. The plurality of tracking memory cells have a timing characteristic that emulates a timing characteristic of the SRAM array during the write operation. The tracking circuit controls the period of time and ends the pulse based on the emulated timing characteristic.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2013Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company LimitedInventors: Hao-I Yang, Yi-Tzu Chen, Cheng-Jen Chang, Geng-Cing Lin, Yu-Hao Hu, Chia-Hao Hsu
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Patent number: 8942024Abstract: A method of writing a first state or a second state to a memory cell may be provided. Writing the first state to the memory cell may include electrically connecting a first switch in electrical connection to a first end of the memory cell to a first voltage and electrically connecting a second switch in electrical connection to a second end of the memory cell to a fourth voltage to apply a first potential difference to cause formation of the first state in the memory cell. Writing the second state to the memory cell may include electrically connecting the first switch to the second voltage and electrically connecting the second switch to the third voltage to apply a second potential difference to cause formation of the second state in the memory cell.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2012Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: Agency for Science, Technology and ResearchInventor: Kejie Huang
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Patent number: 8848436Abstract: A temperature dependent electric element includes a phase change portion including at least one conductive phase change material having a predetermined phase transition temperature, a detector portion configured to detect a change in conductivity of the phase change material caused by a temperature change to a detect phase transition of the phase change material based on the detected change in conductivity of the phase change material, a temperature calibration part configured to conduct temperature calibration by adjusting a temperature at which the phase change material exhibits the phase transition detected by the detector portion based on the change in the conductivity of the phase change material to the predetermined phase transition temperature of the phase change material, and a substrate on which the phase change portion, the detector portion, and the temperature calibration part are integrally arranged.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2011Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventor: Junji Manaka
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Patent number: 8760936Abstract: A system is provided for multi-rank, partial-width memory modules. A memory controller is provided. Additionally, a memory bus is provided. Further, a memory module with a plurality of ranks of memory circuits is provided, the memory module including a first number of data pins that is less than a second number of data pins of the memory bus.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2013Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Suresh Natarajan Rajan, Michael John Smith
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Patent number: 8750068Abstract: A memory system and a refresh control method thereof are provided. The memory system includes a semiconductor memory device including a plurality of memory cells and a memory controller configured to generate a special command for searching for refresh information stored in the semiconductor memory device and to control a refresh operation of the semiconductor memory device. The semiconductor memory device is configured to output the refresh information to the memory controller in response to the special command generated by the memory controller.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2012Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Geun Hee Cho
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Patent number: 8750070Abstract: A memory circuit including at least one memory cell connected to a bit line. The memory circuit further includes a means for providing a bit line reference voltage VBLref to the bit line. A VBLref/VDD ratio of the bit line reference voltage VBLref to a power voltage VDD is adjustable corresponding to a change of the power voltage VDD, and the VBLref/VDD ratio ranges from about 0.4 to about 0.53.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2013Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Ming-Chieh Huang, Kuoyuan (Peter) Hsu
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Patent number: 8711648Abstract: A voltage generating system and a memory device using the same are disclosed. The voltage generating system includes an internal voltage regulator, configured to supply a current to pull an internal supply voltage to a regulated level and maintain at the regulated level; and a substrate-bias controlled selector, configured to receive a regulator power-up mode signal, a regulating mode signal and a substrate-bias voltage of a substrate, and control the internal voltage regulator such that when the substrate-bias voltage is smaller than a predetermined voltage, the internal voltage regulator powers up and operates normally by respectively taking the regulator power-up mode signal and the regulating mode signal into consideration, and when the substrate-bias voltage is larger than or equal to the predetermined voltage, the internal voltage regulator is disabled. The predetermined voltage is smaller than or equal to a forward voltage of a p-n junction formed with the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2012Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Nanya Technology CorporationInventor: Chih Jen Chen
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Patent number: 7756717Abstract: A system (10) for ensuring the quality of lubricating oil in an engine of a locomotive without the need for specialized diagnostic and fluid handling systems on the locomotive. A test portion (28) of lubricating oil is removed from the engine and is analyzed at an oil analysis center (26) to determine an oil quality parameter (32). The oil quality parameter is used as an input to a calculator (34) to determine a quantity of oil (36) that must be replaced by fresh oil during a current maintenance outage in order to ensure that the engine oil quality will remain acceptable throughout a forthcoming operating period. In this manner, a complete change-out of the lubricating oil may be delayed or avoided. The oil replacement decision and quantity is communicated to a service center (18) via a communications link such as the Internet (40) prior to the arrival of the locomotive at the service center.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2002Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Bhupinder Singh Dayal, John Paul Kralik, Keith A. Condran, Robert Douglas Cryer, Thomas Charles Sonney
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Patent number: 7353088Abstract: A system for detecting the presence of a human in a vehicle is provided. The system includes a vibration sensor that is configured to detect vibrations of the vehicle, and to output signals related to the sensed vibrations. A processor is configured to receive the signals output from the vibration sensor. The processor also operates a neural network that has a plurality of nodes, at least some of which are recurrent. The use of the recurrent nodes allows the output of a recurrent node to be fed back into itself, or another node. In addition, the output that is fed back can be combined with other inputs entering the node. In this way, the neural network can quickly learn to distinguish between various conditions, including an occupied state and an unoccupied state of the vehicle. The neural network provides an output indicating whether the vehicle is occupied.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2004Date of Patent: April 1, 2008Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Charles Eagen, Lee Feldkamp, Sam Ebenstein, Kwaku Prakah-Asante, Yelena Rodin, Greg Smith
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Patent number: 7236934Abstract: A book on demand system for manufacturing a set books. The system includes an order placement system and a book manufacturing system. The order placement system includes a computer and a database for storing books in an electronic form. A customer can operate the computer to access the database and to select a set of books to purchase. In addition, the customer can define the storage space will be used to store the set of books. The computer responds to this customer input by manufacturing the set of books so that the books can be placed physically within the storage space.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2000Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventor: Robert C. Mayes
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Patent number: 7167783Abstract: The method includes detecting a brake pedal operation. Thereafter, calculating a non-driven wheel braking force applied to a non-driven wheel of the electric vehicle according to the brake pedal operation. Subsequently, calculating a target braking force for a driven wheel corresponding to the non-driven wheel braking force. Then, calculating an available regenerative braking force for the driven wheel. The method then compares the target braking force and the available regenerative braking force for the driven wheel. The method also controls regenerative braking and hydraulic braking of the driven wheel on the basis of the comparison of the target braking force and the available regenerative braking force for the driven wheel.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2004Date of Patent: January 23, 2007Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Jin Ho Park, Hyun Soo Kim, Hoon Yeo
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Patent number: 7164979Abstract: A G sensor 31 generates a measuring value by measuring an impact acceleration applied to a vehicle. An A/D converter 32 converts the measuring value into a digital value with a resolution of K bits. A transmission interface 33 compresses the digital value into a compression digital signal of L bits being smaller than K bits. When the digital value is outside a given range from (2K?2L)/2 to (2K+2L)/2, the compression digital signal is generated by dividing the digital value by 2(K-L). When within the given range, the compression digital signal is generated without dividing the digital value. The compression digital signal corresponding to the digital value within the given range thereby maintains the resolution of K bits. Thus, even using the single G sensor, a resolution of a compression digital signal can be varied based on a low or high intensity level of G.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2004Date of Patent: January 16, 2007Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Hidehiko Kumazawa
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Patent number: 7162354Abstract: A gas turbine washing-date determination apparatus of the present invention is equipped with a sum cost calculation means for calculating a sum of loss cost due to not washing a compressor from a compressor efficiency calculated, and determines a gas turbine washing-date with using the sum of the loss cost. Meanwhile, in the gas turbine washing-date determination apparatus the compressor efficiency is calculated from process data of a gas turbine plant, and a compressor washing-date is determined, based on the compressor efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2004Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Masatoshi Takada, Yoshiharu Hayashi, Yoshitaka Kojima
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Patent number: 7130728Abstract: A steer-by-wire steering apparatus for a vehicle has a first control system including a first ECU, and a second control system including a second ECU. Each ECU responds to manipulation of the steering wheel by a driver, and controls a steering motor. The first ECU determines whether the second control system is malfunctioning, and the second ECU determines whether the first system is malfunctioning. When any of the system is malfunctioning, the ECU of normally functioning system controls a counter force motor such that steering wheel receives a counter force that is different from that when both systems are functioning normally. Accordingly, the steering apparatus is capable of speedily and reliably causing a driver to realize a malfunction in the steering apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2004Date of Patent: October 31, 2006Assignee: Toyoda Koki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hiroshi Suzuki
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Patent number: 7089113Abstract: A GPS information service system for providing supplemental GPS location correction and signal acquisition information to subscribers. A GPS information server broadcasts GPS information encrypted with subscription keys. Remote GPS subscription unit receive the key enablers for the subscription keys in service activation (SAM) messages for the services for which they have subscribed and then use the subscription keys to decrypt the GPS information. In order to prevent unauthorized use, the SAM messages have signatures derived from identifications of the remote GPS subscription units using an unsymmetrical signature algorithm.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2006Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignee: Trimble Navigation LimitedInventors: James M. Janky, David G. Bird, Ann Ciganer
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Patent number: 7082417Abstract: This invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a method of calculating sorting costs for incoming mail. The foregoing is accomplished by providing a method that can determine the number and types of mailpieces being sorted and associated that number with addressee information. The combination of the number and types of mailpieces being sorted for the addressees can then be used to calculate a charge back amount by using a predetermined cost per mailpiece.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 1999Date of Patent: July 25, 2006Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.Inventors: Richard D. Marry, Robert K. Gottlieb, Edward P. Daniels, Jr.