Patents by Inventor Donald Charles

Donald Charles 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: 9270282
    Abstract: A clock signal for use by a circuit can be switched between clocks glitchlessly. A series of delay devices are connected in series based on an integral timing ratio. The integral timing ratio can be based on a ratio of the one of the clock's frequency or period to the other's frequency or period. When a clock select signal is received, the select signal is qualified and then delayed an amount of time based on the integral timing ratio, using the delay devices. The number of delay devices in each series can be the next largest integer to the integral timing ratio, plus one. The clock signal can then be glitchlessly switched from one clock to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Clemenz Portmann, Donald Charles Stark
  • Publication number: 20160016468
    Abstract: A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, inhibiting operation of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle based on a proximity of the vehicle to a fueling location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Inventors: Joseph F. Stanek, Lisa Scott, Jeffrey Alan Palic, Mark Davison, John A. Lockwood, Donald Charles Franks
  • Patent number: 9231703
    Abstract: A segmented optical node exploits a configuration module having arrayed all elements to go from a 1×4 to a 4×4 configuration, save optional redundant switches. A jumper board in the 1×, 2× path configures the node for 1×4 in one orientation and for 2×4 when flipped around 180 degrees. The 4×4 configuration is achieved by rotating the configuration module 90 degrees. In this orientation power to the module is also off, since the 4× configuration is passive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: ACI Communications, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald Charles Dove
  • Patent number: 9229102
    Abstract: Systems and methods for sensing targets on an opposite side of a wall are disclosed. In some aspects, the techniques include providing an indication to a user that portions of reflected radar signals were blocked by radiofrequency-blocking material at the wall. In some aspects, the techniques include identifying candidate targets as multipath echoes or motion-induced errors based on a correlation map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: L-3 Communications Security and Detection Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Charles Wright, Christopher Gary Sentelle, Jeffery Carter May, Rafik Hanna, Liviu Voicu
  • Publication number: 20150309166
    Abstract: A stepped-frequency radar signal is transmitted through a barrier. A transmitter of the stepped-frequency radar is on a first side of the barrier, a first object is on a second side of the barrier, and a second object that is distinct from the first object is on the second side of the barrier. A signal including a reflection of the transmitted signal from the first object and a reflection of the transmitted signal from the second object is sensed. The sensed signal is analyzed to determine that a first detection is associated with the first object and a second detection is associated with a second object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Publication date: October 29, 2015
    Inventors: Christopher Gary Sentelle, Donald Charles Wright, Felix M. Fontan, Juan Antonio Torres-Rosario
  • Patent number: 9118403
    Abstract: A compact automatic gain control module for an RF amplifier includes a microchip Tuner for detection of pilot signals in an incoming RF signal. By selectively tuning into pilot signals in response to command from an on-board microprocessor, the module is frequency agile in the selection of pilot signals, selecting specifically advantageous signals for use as a pilot. Use of a microprocessor also enables specific advantages in receiving firmware upgrades to incorporate algorithms for operation parameter monitoring and adjustment of response in accord with monitored parameters. Such monitoring also enables the recording of on-module events that enable storage of a log to enable maintenance and performance enhancement within the module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: ACI COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Donald Charles Dove, Wen-Chieh Tsai
  • Publication number: 20150226112
    Abstract: A system and method for improving engine starting and stopping is described. In one example, turbine vanes are adjusted to increase engine exhaust backpressure to reduce engine stopping time and to limit engine speed overshoot during engine starting. The system and method may reduce engine emissions and improve a vehicle driving experience.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Publication date: August 13, 2015
    Inventors: Joe F. Stanek, John A. Lockwood, Sam Hashemi, Donald Charles Franks
  • Patent number: 9096248
    Abstract: A portable lift dolly for installing, removing, or transporting a toilet that includes a lifting frame having an end member with a projecting jack tab, two outer tubes vertically projecting from each side of the end member, at least two lifting arms extending away from the end member; two sets of adapter fingers, attaching at a distal end of each lifting aim by a pin, providing a pivot axis allowing rotation of the adapter fingers for setting the under tank; a base frame having an end portion, at least two stabilizing members extending away from the end portion, two inner tubes vertically projecting from the end portion; one jack having a base fixated to the end portion, an upper end contacting the jack tab, and an actuator for controlling the extension and contraction of the jack; having a plurality of wheels attaching to the base frame for maneuvering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Inventor: Donald Charles Herb
  • Publication number: 20150180484
    Abstract: A clock signal for use by a circuit can be switched between clocks glitchlessly. A series of delay devices are connected in series based on an integral timing ratio. The integral timing ratio can be based on a ratio of the one of the clock's frequency or period to the other's frequency or period. When a clock select signal is received, the select signal is qualified and then delayed an amount of time based on the integral timing ratio, using the delay devices. The number of delay devices in each series can be the next largest integer to the integral timing ratio, plus one. The clock signal can then be glitchlessly switched from one clock to the other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Applicant: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Clemenz Portmann, Donald Charles Stark
  • Patent number: 9014952
    Abstract: A system and method for improving engine starting and stopping is described. In one example, turbine vanes are adjusted to increase engine exhaust backpressure to reduce engine stopping time and to limit engine speed overshoot during engine starting. The system and method may reduce engine emissions and improve a vehicle driving experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joe F. Stanek, John A. Lockwood, Sam Hashemi, Donald Charles Franks
  • Patent number: 9001979
    Abstract: An electronic advertising system anonymously directs the attention of a user to content provided by an advertiser, in exchange for subsequently permitting the same user to access otherwise restricted desirable content of another part. Such desirable content may include online entertainment media, digital video content, social media, news media, and other privileged services or data. The user accumulates points, or virtual currency, in exchange for viewing the advertisements of vendor affiliates of the present system. The user may then spend previously accumulated points, or virtual currency, in order to access desirable content of redeemer affiliates of the present system. The present system further facilitates financial transactions between the system operator, vendor affiliates, and redeemer affiliates, relative to the movement of virtual currency amongst the various parties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventors: Joseph D. Nix, Michael Wallace Verhulst, Donald Charles Ganiere, Matthew Wayne Cox, Christopher Warren Smith, Thomas Nathaniel Supple
  • Patent number: 8947039
    Abstract: A solar powered hybrid power system including a solar charge collector; a charge storage system comprising at least a first charge storage device adapted to receive and store charge from said solar charge collector; wherein said charge storage system further comprises a power electronic circuit selectively connectable to at least a second charge storage device, said power electronic circuit adapted to transfer said stored charge to said at least a second charge storage device at a selectable voltage level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Jay Louch, Donald Charles Franks
  • Publication number: 20150026504
    Abstract: A controller timing system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a master controller to generate a timing signal, a first slave controller configured to wake in response to the timing signal, and a second slave controller configured to wake in response to the timing signal. Timing of the first slave controller and timing of the second slave controller is coordinated based on the timing signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Hasdi R. Hashim, Donald Charles Franks
  • Patent number: 8930594
    Abstract: Described is an integrated circuit (IC) that allows for communication between any input/output (I/O) pin and onboard peripherals. Accordingly, the resultant IC can be easily documented and connections between I/O pins and peripherals can be managed for each peripheral independently. The IC may include one or more sets of hardwired connections that provide a connection between of any I/O pin and any onboard peripheral. The hardwired connections may include the use of one or more crossbars. This increases the overall functionality and potential applications for an IC as the only limitation on peripheral connectivity is the number of I/O pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Kingsley Rodman, Donald Charles Stark
  • Publication number: 20140367838
    Abstract: A leadframe that includes a die attachment pad and a lead having a bondwire attach portion with a thickness less than 50% of the thickness of an adjacent portion of the lead. Also a method of forming a leadframe includes forming a lead having a bond wire attach portion with an original thickness and coining the bond wire attach portion to a thickness less than 50% of the original thickness. An integrated circuit package and a method of forming an integrated circuit package are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Donald Charles Abbott, Masood Murtuza
  • Publication number: 20140339483
    Abstract: A portable lift dolly for installing, removing, or transporting a toilet that includes a lifting frame having an end member with a projecting jack tab, two outer tubes vertically projecting from each side of the end member, at least two lifting arms extending away from the end member; two sets of adapter fingers, attaching at a distal end of each lifting aim by a pin, providing a pivot axis allowing rotation of the adapter fingers for setting the under tank; a base frame having an end portion, at least two stabilizing members extending away from the end portion, two inner tubes vertically projecting from the end portion; one jack having a base fixated to the end portion, an upper end contacting the jack tab, and an actuator for controlling the extension and contraction of the jack; having a plurality of wheels attaching to the base frame for maneuvering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventor: Donald Charles Herb
  • Publication number: 20140251267
    Abstract: A system and method for operating an engine is described. In one example, engine boost pressure is adjusted to improve engine starting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Sam Hashemi, Joe F. Stanek, Donald Charles Franks, John A. Lockwood
  • Patent number: 8800318
    Abstract: A hybrid absorber is disclosed for a closed absorption cycle apparatus. The hybrid absorber is comprised of a non-adiabatic section plus an adiabatic spray section in that order, with absorbent solution and vapor supplied sequentially to them. The spray section preferably also includes a non-adiabatic spray cooler. Coolant is supplied to the non-adiabatic absorber and the cooler either in parallel or in series, countercurrently to the absorbent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventor: Donald Charles Erickson
  • Patent number: 8779953
    Abstract: A method and device for testing a digital-to-analog converter is provided. The method may include configuring a decoder to address an individual unit cell of a plurality of unit cells of a digital-to-analog converter. The configured decoder may select a particular unit cell of the plurality of unit cells for testing. The selected unit cell may have digital and analog circuitry. A bias current of the selected unit cell may be increased. The increased bias current of the selected unit cell may be greater during the testing than during normal operation. A test logic signal may be applied to the selected unit cell. In response to the test logic signal, an output signal may be output from the selected unit cell logic circuitry of the digital-to-analog converter. A device may include logic circuitry configured to select an individual unit cell for testing and a current generating circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Clemenz Portmann, Shahriar Rabii, Donald Charles Stark
  • Patent number: 8697496
    Abstract: An integrated circuit package may be formed using a leadframe having an open space extending therethrough. A shunt is located within the open space such that it is not in contact with any portion of the leadframe. Tape may be applied to the lower surface of the leadframe to support the shunt and hold it in place relative to the leadframe until wirebonding and encapsulation have been completed. Thereafter, the tape may be removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Donald Charles Abbott, Ubol Annie Udompanyavit, Brian Eugene Parks