Patents by Inventor Brian R. Merrill

Brian R. Merrill 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).

  • Patent number: 8548326
    Abstract: An optical communication system is disclosed. The optical communication system includes a reflection hub connected to a plurality of communication modules. The communication modules communicate optical signals to one another via two way light channels, such that an optical signal is scattered off a diffuse surface at a distal end of the reflection hub and into the two way light channel of each communication module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Brian R. Merrill, Philip Chamberlain
  • Publication number: 20120243867
    Abstract: An optical communication system is disclosed. The optical communication system includes a reflection hub connected to a plurality of communication modules. The communication modules communicate optical signals to one another via two way light channels, such that an optical signal is scattered off a diffuse surface at a distal end of the reflection hub and into the two way light channel of each communication module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventors: Brian R Merrill, Philip Chamberlain
  • Patent number: 6137374
    Abstract: A low power clock oscillator circuit for driving microprocessors and other digital circuits is provided. The clock oscillator includes a resonant network for providing a sinusoidal waveform at a predetermined frequency. A first amplifier for amplifying the sinusoidal input waveform provides an output to a second amplifier. The second amplifier converts the amplified sinusoidal waveform to a continuous pulse output having a level-shifted voltage level greater than the amplitude of the sinusoidal waveform. The first amplifier is powered from a power source having a voltage level that is less than the power source that powers the second amplifier. Additionally, the second amplifier includes an enable input for disabling the continuous pulse output to permit decreased power operation with fast restart capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventor: Brian R. Merrill