Patents by Inventor David L. Spengler

David L. Spengler 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).

  • Assessing energy requirements for a refreshed device
    Patent number: 7321521
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for assessing a time interval during which a refresh device can be maintained in a self-refresh mode by an associated energy source. The refresh device is initially operated in a self-refresh mode to maintain the device in a selected state. The time interval during which the refresh device can be subsequently maintained in the refresh mode is next determined in relation to an energy requirement value obtained during the self-refresh mode and an energy capacity value from the associated energy source. The energy capacity value is preferably obtained by fully discharging the associated energy source. Preferably, the refresh device is characterized as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and the associated energy source is characterized as a rechargeable backup battery. A selected test pattern is preferably written to the refresh device and maintained thereby during the self-refresh mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventor: David L. Spengler
  • Assessing energy requirements for a refreshed device
    Patent number: RE44009
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for assessing a time interval during which a refresh device can be maintained in a self-refresh mode by an associated energy source. The refresh device is initially operated in a self-refresh mode to maintain the device in a selected state. The time interval during which the refresh device can be subsequently maintained in the refresh mode is next determined in relation to an energy requirement value obtained during the self-refresh mode and an energy capacity value from the associated energy source. The energy capacity value is preferably obtained by fully discharging the associated energy source. Preferably, the refresh device is characterized as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), and the associated energy source is characterized as a rechargeable backup battery. A selected test pattern is preferably written to the refresh device and maintained thereby during the self-refresh mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventor: David L. Spengler