Patents by Inventor Brad P. Whitney

Brad P. Whitney has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20160267787
    Abstract: An APS wireless network that wirelessly connects multiple APS systems with pedestrians and authorized traffic or transportation personnel via wireless enabled peripheral devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Publication date: September 15, 2016
    Inventors: Brad P. Whitney, Craig B. Stein, Ryan P. Macias
  • Publication number: 20160172136
    Abstract: A pushbutton switch that utilizes a Hall Effect sensor. The Hall Effect pushbutton switch may be utilized in an Accessible Pedestrian Signal (APS) system or in variety of applications where pushbutton movement needs to be measured. The pushbutton switch comprises a pushbutton exposed to a user and slidably received in a pushbutton housing of a pushbutton station. A magnet is attached to the pushbutton at a side opposite to the side exposed to the user. A Hall Effect sensor (either analog or digital) is coupled to a circuit board and positioned in spaced relation to the magnet and pushbutton. For tactile feedback or vibration, the sensor is mounted at the center or within close proximity of a coil. The magnetic field generated from the coil during vibration/tactile feedback can be monitored as a means of self-checking for proper functionality of both the sensor and coil working together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Brandon J. McGaffey, Brian J. Beckwith, Brad P. Whitney
  • Patent number: 5455523
    Abstract: A non-linear transmission line terminator (10) is provided in which voltages appearing on a transmission line are sensed. If the voltage level sensed is equal to a predetermined voltage, the non-linear transmission line terminator (10) couples a reference voltage to the transmission line. If the sensed voltage is less than the predetermined voltage, the non-linear transmission line terminator (10) delivers current to the transmission line having a magnitude related non-linearly to the sensed voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Dean A. Wallace, Brad P. Whitney, Todd M. Neale, Mark E. Granahan
  • Patent number: 5291121
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a circuit physically realizing a virtual ground function producing a virtual ground voltage halfway between the supply and common voltages and having improved accuracy and stability is described. A stable bias current source is coupled to a precision resistor voltage divider network, which is used as a voltage reference generator to produce a virtual ground voltage of a precise value. This reference voltage is coupled to an operational amplifier configured in a unity gain configuration. The circuit thus created offers numerous advantages over the virtual ground circuits in use in the prior art. An integrated circuit implementing this circuit is described, and alternative packaging embodiments are disclosed. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Todd M. Neale, Brad P. Whitney, Mark E. Granahan
  • Patent number: 5280235
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a circuit physically realizing a virtual ground function and having improved accuracy and stability is described. A stable bias current source is coupled to a bandgap reference generator and resistances to produce a virtual ground voltage of a precise value, this voltage is then coupled to an operational amplifier configured in a unity gain configuration. The circuit thus created offers numerous advantages over the virtual ground circuits in use in the prior art. An integrated circuit implementing this circuit is described, and alternative packaging embodiments are disclosed. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Todd M. Neale, Brad P. Whitney, Mark E. Granahan