Patents by Inventor Garritt W. Foote

Garritt W. Foote 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: 9800229
    Abstract: Provided is a method for processing data samples from a plurality of data channels. The method may include obtaining a plurality of data samples from the plurality of data channels. Obtaining the plurality of data samples may involve successively obtaining a data sample from each data channel of the plurality of data channels. Successively obtaining a data sample from each data channel may be performed a plurality of times during a specified time period. Each data sample of the plurality of data samples may be associated with a respective sample time, and each respective sample time may be relative to a single specified reference point in time. The method may further include, for each data sample of the plurality of data samples, determining a time-dependent coefficient value that may correspond to the sample time associated with the data sample, and applying the determined time-dependent coefficient value to the data sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Garritt W. Foote, Hector Rubio
  • Patent number: 9002917
    Abstract: Provided is a system for generating coefficient values. The system may include a base function generator and a series of accumulators including a leading and a last accumulator. In the series of accumulators, the data output of each accumulator, except the last, may be coupled to the data input of a successive adjacent accumulator. The base function generator may be configured to output, to the leading accumulator, a series of data values that may correspond to a base function that is a specified order derivative of a filter function. Each accumulator may be configured to: add a data value currently at its data input to a currently stored data value to produce an updated data value that may correspond to a respective value of a specified order integral of the base function; store the updated data value in the accumulator; and output the updated data value at its data output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: National Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Hector Rubio, Garritt W. Foote
  • Publication number: 20140285180
    Abstract: An improved measurement circuit includes a current transformer and an active feedback circuit operated as a negative resistance that matches the value of the winding resistance of the current transformer. An amplifier in the feedback circuit provides power to drive a secondary current through a sense resistor and the transformer winding resistance, reducing the most significant error source in a current transformer circuit by presenting a negative impedance to the current transformer. Combined with the positive resistance of the transformer's winding, the negative impedance results in a net burden of zero on the current transformer, which eliminates the need for the transformer having to provide power to drive the secondary current. This facilitates the use of smaller transformers while achieving reduced measurement errors. Thus, a single, compact measurement device may be used in a wide range of applications with high measurement performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: National Instruments Corporation
    Inventor: Garritt W. Foote
  • Publication number: 20140244705
    Abstract: Provided is a method for processing data samples from a plurality of data channels. The method may include obtaining a plurality of data samples from the plurality of data channels. Obtaining the plurality of data samples may involve successively obtaining a data sample from each data channel of the plurality of data channels. Successively obtaining a data sample from each data channel may be performed a plurality of times during a specified time period. Each data sample of the plurality of data samples may be associated with a respective sample time, and each respective sample time may be relative to a single specified reference point in time. The method may further include, for each data sample of the plurality of data samples, determining a time-dependent coefficient value that may correspond to the sample time associated with the data sample, and applying the determined time-dependent coefficient value to the data sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Garritt W. Foote, Hector Rubio
  • Patent number: 8755460
    Abstract: Provided is a method for processing data samples from a plurality of data channels. The method may include obtaining a plurality of data samples from the plurality of data channels. Obtaining the plurality of data samples may involve successively obtaining a data sample from each data channel of the plurality of data channels. Successively obtaining a data sample from each data channel may be performed a plurality of times during a specified time period. Each data sample of the plurality of data samples may be associated with a respective sample time, and each respective sample time may be relative to a single specified reference point in time. The method may further include, for each data sample of the plurality of data samples, determining a time-dependent coefficient value that may correspond to the sample time associated with the data sample, and applying the determined time-dependent coefficient value to the data sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: National Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Garritt W. Foote, Hector Rubio
  • Patent number: 8560592
    Abstract: A system for processing sample sequences, that may include an input, a sequence of coupled registers, including an accumulator register, and first circuitry that may be coupled to the accumulator register and to the input. The input may be configured to receive a first number of sample sequences having two or more samples. To process the first number of sample sequences, the first circuitry may be configured to generate a current effective sample corresponding to the sample for each sample in each sample sequence, write the current effective sample to the accumulator register, and shift the contents of each register into a successive register in the sequence of registers. After processing, each register of at least a subset of the sequence of registers may hold a respective final effective sample that may correspond to a different position in a processed sample sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: National Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Hector Rubio, Garritt W. Foote
  • Patent number: 8237598
    Abstract: Provided is a method for performing analog to digital conversion of a plurality of analog signal channels. The method may comprise successively processing each analog signal channel of a plurality of analog signal channels. The processing of an analog signal channel of the plurality of analog signal channels may comprise: selecting the analog signal channel from the plurality of analog signal channels, generating an analog output signal corresponding to an analog input signal transmitted over the selected analog signal channel, and sampling the analog output signal using a successive approximation register (SAR) converter. Sampling the analog output signal using a SAR converter may comprise sampling the analog output signal a specific number of times to produce a respective plurality of digital samples corresponding to the selected analog input signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: National Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Garritt W. Foote, Hector Rubio
  • Publication number: 20120025903
    Abstract: Provided is a method for performing analog to digital conversion of a plurality of analog signal channels. The method may comprise successively processing each analog signal channel of a plurality of analog signal channels. The processing of an analog signal channel of the plurality of analog signal channels may comprise: selecting the analog signal channel from the plurality of analog signal channels, generating an analog output signal corresponding to an analog input signal transmitted over the selected analog signal channel, and sampling the analog output signal using a successive approximation register (SAR) converter. Sampling the analog output signal using a SAR converter may comprise sampling the analog output signal a specific number of times to produce a respective plurality of digital samples corresponding to the selected analog input signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: Garritt W. Foote, Hector Rubio
  • Publication number: 20120030267
    Abstract: A system for processing sample sequences, that may include an input, a sequence of coupled registers, including an accumulator register, and first circuitry that may be coupled to the accumulator register and to the input. The input may be configured to receive a first number of sample sequences having two or more samples. To process the first number of sample sequences, the first circuitry may be configured to generate a current effective sample corresponding to the sample for each sample in each sample sequence, write the current effective sample to the accumulator register, and shift the contents of each register into a successive register in the sequence of registers. After processing, each register of at least a subset of the sequence of registers may hold a respective final effective sample that may correspond to a different position in a processed sample sequence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: Hector Rubio, Garritt W. Foote
  • Publication number: 20120027128
    Abstract: Provided is a method for processing data samples from a plurality of data channels. The method may include obtaining a plurality of data samples from the plurality of data channels. Obtaining the plurality of data samples may involve successively obtaining a data sample from each data channel of the plurality of data channels. Successively obtaining a data sample from each data channel may be performed a plurality of times during a specified time period. Each data sample of the plurality of data samples may be associated with a respective sample time, and each respective sample time may be relative to a single specified reference point in time. The method may further include, for each data sample of the plurality of data samples, determining a time-dependent coefficient value that may correspond to the sample time associated with the data sample, and applying the determined time-dependent coefficient value to the data sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: Garritt W. Foote, Hector Rubio
  • Publication number: 20120030269
    Abstract: Provided is a system for generating coefficient values. The system may include a base function generator and a series of accumulators including a leading and a last accumulator. In the series of accumulators, the data output of each accumulator, except the last, may be coupled to the data input of a successive adjacent accumulator. The base function generator may be configured to output, to the leading accumulator, a series of data values that may correspond to a base function that is a specified order derivative of a filter function. Each accumulator may be configured to: add a data value currently at its data input to a currently stored data value to produce an updated data value that may correspond to a respective value of a specified order integral of the base function; store the updated data value in the accumulator; and output the updated data value at its data output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: Hector Rubio, Garritt W. Foote
  • Patent number: 7881899
    Abstract: System and method for measurement, DAQ, and control operations which uses small form-factor measurement modules or cartridges with a re-configurable carrier unit, sensors, and a computer system to provide modular, efficient, cost-effective measurement solutions. The measurement module includes measurement circuitry, e.g., signal conditioner and/or signal conversion circuitry, and interface circuitry for communicating with the carrier unit. The module communicates interface information to the carrier unit, which informs the computer system how to program or configure a functional unit on the carrier unit to implement the communicated interface, or sends the information directly to the computer system. The computer system programs the carrier unit with the interface, and the programmed carrier unit and measurement module together function as a DAQ, measurement, and/or control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: National Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Perry C. Steger, Garritt W. Foote, David L. Potter, James J. Truchard, Brian Keith Odom
  • Patent number: 7865326
    Abstract: In some embodiments, an input measurement module may be configured to insert into a slot of a carrier using alignment guide slots and corresponding guide projections. Clips on the input measurement module or the carrier may engage corresponding depressions to secure the input measurement module to the carrier. The clips may be spring-loaded. The input measurement module may include a first outer casing and a second outer casing coupled together around a circuit board that interfaces with a backplane of the carrier through a backplane connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: National Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Chris S. Johnson, Christopher D. White, Glen E. Clifton, James J. Truchard, Garritt W. Foote
  • Patent number: 7542867
    Abstract: System and method for measurement, DAQ, and control operations which uses small form-factor measurement modules or cartridges with a re-configurable carrier unit, sensors, and a computer system to provide modular, efficient, cost-effective measurement solutions. The measurement module includes measurement circuitry, e.g., signal conditioner and/or signal conversion circuitry, and interface circuitry for communicating with the carrier unit. The module communicates interface information to the carrier unit, which informs the computer system how to program or configure a functional unit on the carrier unit to implement the communicated interface, or sends the information directly to the computer system. The computer system programs the carrier unit with the interface, and the programmed carrier unit and measurement module together function as a DAQ, measurement, and/or control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: National Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Perry C. Steger, Garritt W. Foote, David L. Potter, James J. Truchard
  • Publication number: 20090105985
    Abstract: System and method for measurement, DAQ, and control operations which uses small form-factor measurement modules or cartridges with a re-configurable carrier unit, sensors, and a computer system to provide modular, efficient, cost-effective measurement solutions. The measurement module includes measurement circuitry, e.g., signal conditioner and/or signal conversion circuitry, and interface circuitry for communicating with the carrier unit. The module communicates interface information to the carrier unit, which informs the computer system how to program or configure a functional unit on the carrier unit to implement the communicated interface, or sends the information directly to the computer system. The computer system programs the carrier unit with the interface, and the programmed carrier unit and measurement module together function as a DAQ, measurement, and/or control device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventors: Perry C. Steger, Garritt W. Foote, David L. Potter, James J. Truchard, Brian Keith Odom
  • Patent number: 7512512
    Abstract: System and method for measurement, DAQ, and control operations which uses small form-factor measurement modules or cartridges with a re-configurable carrier unit, sensors, and a computer system to provide modular, efficient, cost-effective measurement solutions. The measurement module includes measurement circuitry, e.g., signal conditioner and/or signal conversion circuitry, and interface circuitry for communicating with the carrier unit. The module communicates interface information to the carrier unit, which informs the computer system how to program or configure a functional unit on the carrier unit to implement the communicated interface, or sends the information directly to the computer system. The computer system programs the carrier unit with the interface, and the programmed carrier unit and measurement module together function as a DAQ, measurement, and/or control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: National Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Garritt W. Foote, James J. Truchard, Brian Keith Odom
  • Patent number: 7366631
    Abstract: System and method for measurement, DAQ, and control operations which uses small form-factor measurement modules or cartridges with a re-configurable carrier unit, sensors, and a computer system to provide modular, efficient, cost-effective measurement solutions. The measurement module includes measurement circuitry, e.g., signal conditioner and/or signal conversion circuitry, and interface circuitry for communicating with the carrier unit. The module communicates interface information to the carrier unit, which informs the computer system how to program or configure a functional unit on the carrier unit to implement the communicated interface, or sends the information directly to the computer system. The computer system programs the carrier unit with the interface, and the programmed carrier unit and measurement module together function as a DAQ, measurement, and/or control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: National Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Perry C. Steger, Garritt W. Foote, David L. Potter, James J. Truchard, Brian Keith Odom
  • Patent number: 7165005
    Abstract: System and method for providing a measurement module (MM) interface for configuring a measurement system. The method includes creating a MM and one or more MM interface programs implementing respective MM interface protocols (MMIP) for the measurement module. An MMIP server is accessed and the MM registered with the MMIP server. The MM interface programs are stored on the MMIP server, where they are each downloadable from the MMIP server and usable to program a functional unit on a carrier unit, enabling the carrier unit to communicate with the MM in accordance with the respective MMIP. A MM is installed in the measurement system and provides ID to a carrier unit of the system. The MMIP server is accessed and, based on the ID, payment information, etc., a MM interface program is downloaded and used to configure the carrier unit to enable communication with the MM in performing a task.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: National Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Perry Steger, Garritt W. Foote, David Potter, James J. Truchard
  • Patent number: 6823283
    Abstract: System and method for measurement, DAQ, and control operations. A measurement module includes measurement circuitry for performing signal conditioning and/or signal conversion, and interface circuitry which provides an interface for the measurement circuitry. A carrier unit couples to the interface circuitry of the module. A computer system couples to the carrier unit and stores one or more hardware configuration programs. The interface circuitry communicates an interface protocol describing the interface, e.g., to the carrier unit or the computer system. The computer system provides a hardware configuration program in response to the communicated interface protocol, and programs one or more programmable hardware elements on the carrier unit with the hardware configuration program. After being configured, the programmable hardware elements interface with the measurement module in accordance with the communicated interface protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: National Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Perry Steger, Garritt W. Foote, David Potter, James J. Truchard, Hugo A. Andrade, Joseph E. Peck, Brian Keith Odom
  • Publication number: 20030074489
    Abstract: System and method for measurement, DAQ, and control operations which uses small form-factor measurement modules or cartridges with a re-configurable carrier unit, sensors, and a computer system to provide modular, efficient, cost-effective measurement solutions. The measurement module includes measurement circuitry, e.g., signal conditioner and/or signal conversion circuitry, and interface circuitry for communicating with the carrier unit. The module communicates interface information to the carrier unit, which informs the computer system how to program or configure a functional unit on the carrier unit to implement the communicated interface, or sends the information directly to the computer system. The computer system programs the carrier unit with the interface, and the programmed carrier unit and measurement module together function as a DAQ, measurement, and/or control device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventors: Perry C. Steger, Garritt W. Foote, David L. Potter, James J. Truchard