Patents by Inventor Brian E. Rhodefer

Brian E. Rhodefer 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).

  • Measurement test instrument and associated voltage management system for accessory device
    Patent number: 6629048
    Abstract: A measurement test instrument voltage management system for an accessory device has a accessory device interface that provides a voltage to a memory device in the accessory device. A sensing circuit receives a sensing signal from the accessory device when it is connected to the interface. The sensing circuit generates an interrupt signal that is coupled to a controller. The controller initiates the generation of a clock signal that is coupled to the accessory device through the interface to retrieve accessory device data stored in the device memory. The controller determines if the connected accessory device is a valid device capable of being supported by the measurement test instrument. The controller generates an enable signal for a valid and supported device that is coupled to a voltage switching circuit. The voltage switching circuit generates at least a first output voltage that is coupled to the accessory device via the interface to provide power to the accessory device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventors: William Q. Law, Keith A. Taylor, Brian E. Rhodefer, Marvin E. La Voie, Barton T. Hickman