Patents by Inventor Christopher A. Tucker
Christopher A. Tucker 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).
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Publication number: 20160322455Abstract: An integrated sense resistor within an integrated circuit (IC) may be surroundingly positioned near and coupled to a connection such as a pin or ball. The integrated sense resistor may be shaped such that more surface area of the integrated sense resistor is coupled to be positioned closer or in actual contact with the pin or ball than conventional straight layered integrated sense resistor solutions. The integrated sense resistor may be a non-straight shape that entirely surrounds or wraps around a connection to the pin or ball, such as a circular or oval shape, a box or rectangular shape, a triangular shape, or a polygonal shape. The integrated sense resistor may be a non-straight shape that partially surrounds a connection to the pin or ball, such as an open-circular or semi-circular shape, an open-sided box or rectangular shape, an open-sided triangular shape, an angular shape, or an open curved shape.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2016Publication date: November 3, 2016Inventors: Scott Allan Woodford, John Christopher Tucker, Marc L. Tarabbia
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Patent number: 9287839Abstract: A DC servo loop may track DC offset changes of an input signal and apply feedback to amplifiers to adjust a DC offset of the input signal. The DC servo loop may include digital loop tracking and analog loop tracking components. The digital loop tracking components may track small changes in the DC offset. When the DC offset exceeds a certain threshold, analog loop tracking may be activated to apply feedback to the amplifiers to adjust the DC offset. The adjustments to the DC offset may be delayed until an amplitude of the input signal exceeds a threshold to reduce contribution to noise in the input signal.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2013Date of Patent: March 15, 2016Assignee: CIRRUS LOGIC, INC.Inventors: Christophe Jean-Francois Amadi, Jason Lee Wardlaw, Emmanuel A. Marchais, Dylan Alexander Hester, Daniel John Allen, John Christopher Tucker
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Patent number: 9210500Abstract: A circuit including headset type detection provides compatibility with different transducer types, such as headphones provided by different manufacturers. An audio circuit that generates or receives an audio signal includes electrical terminals for coupling to a transducer device, at least one of which carries the audio signal. A transducer device type detection circuit is included and detects a type of a transducer device coupled to the audio device from characteristics measured at the multiple electrical terminals when the transducer is coupled to the audio device. The circuit also includes a configuration control circuit for altering a configuration of the audio device according to a detected type of the transducer device.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2012Date of Patent: December 8, 2015Assignee: CIRRUS LOGIC, INC.Inventors: Daniel John Allen, Thuan Luong Nguyen, Anand S. Ilango, John Christopher Tucker
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Patent number: 9112467Abstract: An energy-efficient consumer device audio power output stage with gain control provides improved battery life and reduced power dissipation without clipping the audio output signal. A power supply having a selectable operating mode supplies the power supply rails to the power amplified output stage. The operating mode is controlled in conformity with an input audio signal level, which may be determined from a volume control setting of the device and/or from a signal level detector that determines the amplitude of the signal being amplified. The gain applied to the audio input signal is reduced for a predetermined time period when a higher output voltage of the power supply is selected, to avoid clipping the audio output signal.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2012Date of Patent: August 18, 2015Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.Inventors: John Christopher Tucker, Daniel John Allen, John L. Melanson, Ammisetti Prasad
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Publication number: 20150032396Abstract: A controller of a boost converter may be configured to dynamically adjust conditions within the boost converter by monitoring conditions in the boost converter. For example, the controller may determine an current inductance value for an inductor of the boost converter by monitoring a current through the inductor. When the inductance value of the inductor is known, a slope compensation value may be used in determining a transition time between charging the inductor of the boost converter and discharging the inductor.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2014Publication date: January 29, 2015Applicant: Cirrus Logic, Inc.Inventors: Ullas Pazhayaveetil, Jeffrey May, Gautham Kamath, John Christopher Tucker, Christian Larsen
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Patent number: 8897630Abstract: An aerosol generator periodically forms aerosolized fragrance material by repeatedly supplying a liquid fragrance material to a capillary passage via only capillary action and heating the capillary passage, such that the liquid fragrance material at least partially volatilizes and is driven out of an outlet of the capillary passage. A wick feeds the liquid fragrance material to an inlet of the capillary passage by capillary action. An apparatus and method for generating such an aerosolized fragrance material, as well as the methods of heating, are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2013Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.Inventors: Walter A. Nichols, David Keeler, Christopher Tucker
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Publication number: 20140174334Abstract: An automobile flagpole comprising a clip portion, where the clip portion is “U” shaped in order to fit over an automobile window and to be held in place when the window is in the up position; a straight portion that extends upwards from the exterior portion of the clip, with an attached flag; the interior portion of the clip extends downward and one or more suction cups are attached in such a way to limit forces applied upon the flagpole from reaching the suction cup(s); thus allowing the flagpole to be operated on the automobile with the window either up or down.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2013Publication date: June 26, 2014Inventor: William Christopher Tucker
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Patent number: 8722815Abstract: A two-package moisture curable composition is provided. The composition comprises a first part comprising at least one silane terminated polyurethane and a second part comprising at least one silanol terminated polysiloxane; wherein the silane terminated polyurethane based polymer has at least one end group of the general formula: —A—(CH2)m-SiR1n(OR2)3-n, where A is a urethane or urea linkage group, R1 is selected from C1-12 alkyl, alkenyl, alkoxy, aminoalkyl, aryl and (meth)acryloxyalkyl groups, R2 is each substituted or unsubstituted C1-1-8 alkyl or C6-C20 aryl groups, m is an integer from 1 to 60 and n is an integer from 0 to 1; wherein the silane terminated polyurethane is prepared using natural oil polyols and their derivatives; and wherein the composition, after moisture cured, forms a surface whose water contact angle is larger than 101°. The composition is suitable for applications in antifouling coatings which afford low surface energy and improved mechanical performance.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2012Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignees: Dow Global Technologies LLC, Rohm and Haas CompanyInventors: Yan Huang, Hongyu Chen, John Roper, III, Christopher Tucker, Gerald Vandezande, Yanxiang Li, Yu Zhang
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Publication number: 20140050330Abstract: A circuit including headset type detection provides compatibility with different transducer types, such as headphones provided by different manufacturers. An audio circuit that generates or receives an audio signal includes electrical terminals for coupling to a transducer device, at least one of which carries the audio signal. A transducer device type detection circuit is included and detects a type of a transducer device coupled to the audio device from characteristics measured at the multiple electrical terminals when the transducer is coupled to the audio device. The circuit also includes a configuration control circuit for altering a configuration of the audio device according to a detected type of the transducer device.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2012Publication date: February 20, 2014Inventors: Daniel John Allen, Thuan Luong Nguyen, Anand S. Ilango, John Christopher Tucker
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Publication number: 20130243410Abstract: An aerosol generator periodically forms aerosolized fragrance material by repeatedly supplying a liquid fragrance material to a capillary passage via only capillary action and heating the capillary passage, such that the liquid fragrance material at least partially volatilizes and is driven out of an outlet of the capillary passage. A wick feeds the liquid fragrance material to an inlet of the capillary passage by capillary action. An apparatus and method for generating such an aerosolized fragrance material, as well as the methods of heating, are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 10, 2013Publication date: September 19, 2013Applicant: Philip Morris USA Inc.Inventors: Walter A. Nichols, David Keeler, Christopher Tucker
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Patent number: 8525710Abstract: An offset correction circuit removes DC offset from an analog audio output signal by comparing transitions of digital audio values to which the analog output signal is related to the output of a monitor that monitors the analog output signal. The monitor may be a zero-crossing detector and the transitions of the digital signal that are compared may be transitions of the most-significant bit (MSB) of the digital audio values. A filtering algorithm or filter circuit may be used to average a result of the comparison of the transitions, so that the offset is slowly and accurately removed. A chopped or autozero comparator may be used to further reduce error in the offset determination.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2010Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.Inventors: Robin Matthew Tsang, Eric J. Swanson, John L. Melanson, John Christopher Tucker
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Patent number: 8452429Abstract: An integrated circuit audio processor having an internal-oscillator generated intermediate frequency reference provides for operation of an audio processor without requiring an external master clock. Input audio streams are sample-rate converted to an intermediate sample rate derived from the internal oscillator, which may be an LC oscillator. One or more output audio streams are generated from the one or more input audio streams at the intermediate sample rate and are converted from the intermediate sample rate to corresponding output sample rates. A divider generates the intermediate sample rate from the oscillator output, and is programmed to control the intermediate sample rate to ensure that the intermediate sample rate is in the proper range for operation of the integrated circuit. The divider can be programmed to accommodate changes in process, voltage and/or temperature of the IC, so that the intermediate sample rate is maintained near an expected frequency.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2009Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.Inventors: Gautham Devendra Kamath, Jeff W. Baumgartner, John Christopher Tucker
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Patent number: 8442390Abstract: An aerosol generator periodically forms aerosolized fragrance material by repeatedly supplying a liquid fragrance material to a capillary passage via only capillary action and heating the capillary passage, such that the liquid fragrance material at least partially volatilizes and is driven out of an outlet of the capillary passage. A wick feeds the liquid fragrance material to an inlet of the capillary passage by capillary action. An apparatus and method for generating such an aerosolized fragrance material, as well as the methods of heating, are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2008Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.Inventors: Walter A. Nichols, David Keeler, Christopher Tucker
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Patent number: 8390493Abstract: A voltage reference circuit provides a precision voltage reference output without requiring a filter capacitor. The voltage reference output is generated by a digitally-controlled source, which has a value set by the output of a digital filter that filters the output of a comparison circuit that compares the voltage reference output to another reference. A selectable mode can be provided to provide a fast response during a startup/reset period and an optional hold or narrowband response after startup. The mode selection may also offer selection of an externally-supplied digital control value and/or a resistor divider type voltage reference as an alternative to the digitally-controlled source.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2010Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.Inventors: Harish Raghavan, John Christopher Tucker, Scott Allan Woodford, Daniel John Allen, Anand Ilango
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Patent number: 8311243Abstract: An energy-efficient consumer device audio power output stage provides improved battery life and reduced power dissipation. A power supply having a selectable operating mode supplies the power supply rails to the power amplified output stage. The operating mode is controlled in conformity with the audio signal level, which may be determined from a volume control setting of the device and/or from a signal level detector that determines the amplitude of the signal being amplified. The power supply may be a charge pump in which the operating mode uses a capacitive divider to provide for selection of a power supply output voltage that is a rational fraction of the power supply output voltage in a full-voltage operating mode.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2006Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.Inventors: John Christopher Tucker, Daniel John Allen, John L. Melanson, Ammisetti Prasad
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Publication number: 20120269977Abstract: A two-package moisture curable composition is provided. The composition comprises a first part comprising at least one silane terminated polyurethane and a second part comprising at least one silanol terminated polysiloxane; wherein the silane terminated polyurethane based polymer has at least one end group of the general formula: -A-(CH2)m-SiR1n(OR2)3-n, where A is a urethane or urea linkage group, R1 is selected from C1-12 alkyl, alkenyl, alkoxy, aminoalkyl, aryl and (meth)acryloxyalkyl groups, R2 is each substituted or unsubstituted C1-1-8 alkyl or C6-C20 aryl groups, m is an integer from 1 to 60 and n is an integer from 0 to 1; wherein the silane terminated polyurethane is prepared using natural oil polyols and their derivatives; and wherein the composition, after moisture cured, forms a surface whose water contact angle is larger than 101°. The composition is suitable for applications in antifouling coatings which afford low surface energy and improved mechanical performance.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2012Publication date: October 25, 2012Inventors: Yan HUANG, Hongyu CHEN, John ROPER, III, Christopher TUCKER, Gerald VANDEZANDE, Yanxiang LI, Yu ZHANG
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Publication number: 20120269976Abstract: A one-package moisture curable composition is provided. The composition comprises, by weight percentage based on the dry weight of the composition, from 50 to 95% at least one silane terminated polybutadiene based polymer or silane terminated polyol based polymer and from 5 to 50% at least one fluoro/fluoroalkoxy-functionalized silane; wherein the composition, after moisture cured, forms a surface whose water contact angle is larger than 101°. The composition is suitable for the applications in antifouling coatings which affords low surface energy and improved mechanical performance.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2012Publication date: October 25, 2012Inventors: Yan HUANG, Hongyu CHEN, John ROPER, III, Christopher TUCKER, Gerald VANDEZANDE, Yu ZHANG
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Patent number: 8249275Abstract: A modulated gain audio control and zipper noise suppression techniques provide reduction in audible artifacts caused by discrete-valued gain changes. The gain of a signal is controlled by modulating between multiple gain values for corresponding time durations, so that a resulting average gain is controlled according to the average of the multiple gain values as weighted by their corresponding time durations. The modulation frequency is above the bandwidth of the signal. Transitions between gain levels are performed by changing the relative proportion of the durations to slowly change the gain according to a transition profile, which may be linear or non-linear. The modulation employed may be pulse-width modulation, or another modulation pattern such as a delta-sigma modulation pattern.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2009Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.Inventors: Robin Matthew Tsang, John Christopher Tucker, Scott Allan Woodford
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Patent number: 8130127Abstract: A discrete time delta-sigma modulator circuit, which may be used to implement an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) provides improved anti-aliasing performance when lower quantization rates are selected, by maintaining the clocking rate of a first stage in the delta-sigma modulator loop filter at a rate higher than would ordinarily be selected for a lower quantization rate. To accomplish the anti-aliasing improvement, the ratio between the quantization rate and the clocking rate of the first integrator is reduced at the lower quantization rate, resulting in a first true alias image at a multiple of the quantization rate, permitting anti-aliasing filters to more effectively attenuate the alias image, and attenuating the images spaced at the quantization rate via the averaging operation of the first integrator.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2010Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.Inventors: Robin Matthew Tsang, John Christopher Tucker, John L. Melanson
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Patent number: 8068622Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a selectable voltage audio power output stage provides a mechanism for raising the selected power amplifier output voltage in time for the arrival of signal peaks to avoid clipping. Signal peaks may either be delayed by delaying an increase in volume control level or enabling signal compression for a predetermined time period, so that sufficient time is provided for the amplifier power supply to stabilize at a higher operating voltage when an increase of power supply voltage is selected. Alternatively, a signal level may be determined at an upstream source, such as a decoder or filter that provides information in sufficient advance of the arrival of the peaks, and used to control the power supply selection, so that the higher power supply voltage level is selected in advance of arrival of the signal peaks that would otherwise cause clipping at the power amplifier output.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2006Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.Inventors: John L. Melanson, John Christopher Tucker