Patents by Inventor Gary D. McCormack

Gary D. McCormack 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: 9444146
    Abstract: A system for transmitting or receiving signals may include an integrated circuit (IC), a transducer operatively coupled to the IC for converting between electrical signals and electromagnetic signals; and insulating material that fixes the locations of the transducer and IC in spaced relationship relative to each other. The system may further include a lead frame providing external connections to conductors on the IC. An electromagnetic-energy directing assembly may be mounted relative to the transducer for directing electromagnetic energy in a region including the transducer and in a direction away from the IC. The directing assembly may include the lead frame, a printed circuit board ground plane, or external conductive elements spaced from the transducer. In a receiver, a signal-detector circuit may be responsive to a monitor signal representative of a received first radio-frequency electrical signal for generating a control signal that enables or disables an output from the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Keyssa, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian A. Kyles, Gary D. McCormack
  • Publication number: 20160248482
    Abstract: Circuit connectors for establishing EHF communication include a receiver configured to receive a transmitted EHF electromagnetic signal, and an output circuit coupled to the receiver. The output circuit has two states of operation that correspond to enabling a signal output and disabling the signal output. The output circuit is also configured to change its state of operation responsive to a state of a control signal, and a controller is coupled to the receiver and configured to produce the control signal. The control signal has two states that correspond to a first condition when the received signal exceeds a first threshold and a second condition when the received signal is less than a second threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Publication date: August 25, 2016
    Inventors: Ian A. Kyles, Gary D. McCormack, Norbert Seitz
  • Publication number: 20160241347
    Abstract: Shielded extremely high frequency (EHF) connector assemblies are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a first extremely high frequency (EHF) shielded connector assembly configured to be coupled with a second EHF shielded connector assembly. The first EHF connector assembly can include a first EHF communication unit operative to contactlessly communicate EHF signals with a second EHF communication unit included in the second EHF shielded connector assembly. The first connector can include a connector interface that includes a configuration to interface with a respective connector interface of the second EHF shield connector assembly, and several different material compositions that, in conjunction with the configuration, provide shielding to prevent or substantially reduce EHF signal leakage when the first EHF assembly connector is coupled to the second EHF assembly connector and the first EHF communication unit is contactlessly communicating EHF signals with the second EHF communication unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2016
    Publication date: August 18, 2016
    Inventors: Gary D. McCormack, Roger D. Isaac
  • Patent number: 9407731
    Abstract: An extremely high frequency (EHF) protocol converter may include a transducer, an EHF communication circuit, a protocol conversion circuit, and a circuit port. The transducer may be configured to convert between an electromagnetic EHF data signal and an electrical EHF signal. The EHF communication circuit may be configured to convert between a baseband data signal and the electrical EHF signal. The protocol conversion circuit may be adapted to convert between the baseband data signal having data formatted according to a first data protocol associated with a first external device and a second baseband data signal having data formatted according to a second data protocol associated with a second external device. The second data protocol may be different from the first data protocol. The circuit port may conduct the second baseband data signal to the second external device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Keyssa, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary D. McCormack, Roger Isaac, Eric Almgren
  • Patent number: 9407311
    Abstract: A first electronic device may include a first electronic circuit and a second electronic circuit. The first electronic device may include an internal communication link providing a signal path for conducting communication signals between the first electronic circuit and the second electronic circuit. An interface circuit may be operatively coupled to the internal communication link. The interface circuit may include an extremely high frequency (EHF) communications circuit configured to receive an EHF electromagnetic signal from another EHF communications circuit of a second electronic device. This EHF electromagnetic signal may enable the second electronic device to control or monitor the first electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Keyssa, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary D. McCormack, Ian A. Kyles
  • Patent number: 9379450
    Abstract: A system for transmitting or receiving signals may include an integrated circuit (IC), a transducer operatively coupled to the IC for converting between electrical signals and electromagnetic signals; and insulating material that fixes the locations of the transducer and IC in spaced relationship relative to each other. The system may further include a lead frame providing external connections to conductors on the IC. An electromagnetic-energy directing assembly may be mounted relative to the transducer for directing electromagnetic energy in a region including the transducer and in a direction away from the IC. The directing assembly may include the lead frame, a printed circuit board ground plane, or external conductive elements spaced from the transducer. In a receiver, a signal-detector circuit may be responsive to a monitor signal representative of a received first radio-frequency electrical signal for generating a control signal that enables or disables an output from the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Keyssa, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian A. Kyles, Gary D. McCormack
  • Patent number: 9373894
    Abstract: A system for transmitting or receiving signals may include an integrated circuit (IC), a transducer operatively coupled to the IC for converting between electrical signals and electromagnetic signals; and insulating material that fixes the locations of the transducer and IC in spaced relationship relative to each other. The system may further include a lead frame providing external connections to conductors on the IC. An electromagnetic-energy directing assembly may be mounted relative to the transducer for directing electromagnetic energy in a region including the transducer and in a direction away from the IC. The directing assembly may include the lead frame, a printed circuit board ground plane, or external conductive elements spaced from the transducer. In a receiver, a signal-detector circuit may be responsive to a monitor signal representative of a received first radio-frequency electrical signal for generating a control signal that enables or disables an output from the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Keyssa, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian A. Kyles, Gary D. McCormack
  • Patent number: 9374154
    Abstract: Circuit connectors for establishing EHF communication include a receiver configured to receive a transmitted EHF electromagnetic signal, and an output circuit coupled to the receiver. The output circuit has two states of operation that correspond to enabling a signal output and disabling the signal output. The output circuit is also configured to change its state of operation responsive to a state of a control signal, and a controller is coupled to the receiver and configured to produce the control signal. The control signal has two states that correspond to a first condition when the received signal exceeds a first threshold and a second condition when the received signal is less than a second threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Keyssa, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian A. Kyles, Gary D. McCormack, Norbert Seitz
  • Publication number: 20160173210
    Abstract: An EHF communication system including an EHF communication chip. The EHF communication chip may include an EHF communication circuit having at least one controllable parameter-based module having a testable and controllable operating parameter The EHF communication chip may further include a test and trim circuit coupled to the EHF communication circuit, where the test and trim circuit includes a logic circuit having one or more memory elements, where the logic circuit is coupled to the controllable parameter-based module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2016
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Ian A. Kyles, Gary D. McCormack
  • Patent number: 9344201
    Abstract: Shielded extremely high frequency (EHF) connector assemblies are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a first extremely high frequency (EHF) shielded connector assembly configured to be coupled with a second EHF shielded connector assembly. The first EHF connector assembly can include a first EHF communication unit operative to contactlessly communicate EHF signals with a second EHF communication unit included in the second EHF shielded connector assembly. The first connector can include a connector interface that includes a configuration to interface with a respective connector interface of the second EHF shield connector assembly, and several different material compositions that, in conjunction with the configuration, provide shielding to prevent or substantially reduce EHF signal leakage when the first EHF assembly connector is coupled to the second EHF assembly connector and the first EHF communication unit is contactlessly communicating EHF signals with the second EHF communication unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: KEYSSA, INC.
    Inventors: Gary D McCormack, Roger D. Isaac
  • Patent number: 9322904
    Abstract: A system for sensing proximity using EHF signals may include a communication circuit configured to transmit via a transducer an EM signal at an EHF frequency, and a proximity sensing circuit configured to sense a nearby transducer field-modifying object by detecting characteristics of a signal within the communication circuit. A system for determining distance using EHF signals may include a detecting circuit coupled to a transmitting communication circuit and a receiving communication circuit, both communication circuits being mounted on a first surface. The transmitting communication circuit may transmit a signal toward a second surface, and the receiving communication circuit may receive a signal relayed from the second surface. The detecting circuit may determine distance between the first surface and a second surface based on propagation characteristics of the signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Keyssa, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary D. McCormack, Ian A. Kyles
  • Publication number: 20160100249
    Abstract: A contactless, electromagnetic (EM) replacement for cabled Standards-based interfaces (such as USB, I2S) which handles data transfer requirements associated with the Standard, and capable of measuring and replicating relevant physical conditions on data lines so as to function compatibly and transparently with the Standard. A contactless link between devices having transceivers. A non-conducting housing enclosing the devices. A dielectric coupler facilitating communication between communications chips. Conductive paths or an inductive link providing power between devices. An audio adapter communicates over a contactless link with a source device, and via a physical link with a destination device such as a conventional headset. Power may be provided to the adapter from the source device, and by the adapter to the destination device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Publication date: April 7, 2016
    Inventors: Gary D. McCormack, Ian A. Kyles
  • Patent number: 9300349
    Abstract: An EHF communication system including an EHF communication chip. The EHF communication chip may include an EHF communication circuit having at least one controllable parameter-based module having a testable and controllable operating parameter The EHF communication chip may further include a test and trim circuit coupled to the EHF communication circuit, where the test and trim circuit includes a logic circuit having one or more memory elements, where the logic circuit is coupled to the controllable parameter-based module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Keyssa, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian A. Kyles, Gary D. McCormack
  • Publication number: 20160043776
    Abstract: A contactless, electromagnetic (EM) replacement (substitute, alternative) for cabled (electric) Standards-based interfaces (such as, but not limited to USB) which effectively handles the data transfer requirements (such as bandwidth, speed, latency) associated with the Standard, and which is also capable of measuring and replicating relevant physical conditions (such as voltage levels) on data lines so as to function compatibly and transparently with the Standard. A contactless link may be provided between devices having transceivers. A non-conducting housing may enclose the devices. Some applications for the contactless (EM) interface are disclosed. A dielectric coupler facilitating communication between communications chips which are several meters apart. Conductive paths may provide power and ground for bus-powered devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Publication date: February 11, 2016
    Inventors: Gary D. McCormack, Ian A. Kyles
  • Patent number: 9219956
    Abstract: A contactless, electromagnetic (EM) replacement for cabled Standards-based interfaces (such as USB, I2S) which handles data transfer requirements associated with the Standard, and capable of measuring and replicating relevant physical conditions on data lines so as to function compatibly and transparently with the Standard. A contactless link between devices having transceivers. A non-conducting housing enclosing the devices. A dielectric coupler facilitating communication between communications chips. Conductive paths or an inductive link providing power between devices. An audio adapter communicates over a contactless link with a source device, and via a physical link with a destination device such as a conventional headset. Power may be provided to the adapter from the source device, and by the adapter to the destination device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: KEYSSA, INC.
    Inventors: Gary D McCormack, Ian A Kyles
  • Patent number: 9203597
    Abstract: A communication device includes an EHF communication unit, a data signal line, and a protocol bridge element. The EHF communication unit includes a transceiver, and an antenna coupled to the transceiver. The data signal line carries a data signal conforming to a first communication protocol. The protocol bridge element is coupled to the data signal line and EHF communication unit, and configured to receive a first protocol-compliant data signal from the data signal line, translate the first protocol-compliant data signal to an outbound binary signal, time-compress the outbound binary signal, and transmit the outbound time-compressed signal to the transceiver. The protocol bridge element is further configured to receive an inbound time-compressed signal from the transceiver, time-decompress inbound time-compressed signal to an inbound binary signal, translate inbound binary signal to conform to a second communication protocol, and provide second protocol-compliant signal to the first data signal line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Keyssa, Inc.
    Inventors: John Byren Wolcott, Gary D. McCormack, Ian A. Kyles
  • Patent number: 9197011
    Abstract: A first connector may include a housing defining a first connector face to be positioned in a first position or a second position proximate to a second connector face of a second connector. A first extremely high frequency (EHF) communication unit may be disposed in the housing for communicating with a second EHF communication unit of the second connector when the first connector face is positioned in first or second position relative to the second connector face. A first magnet may be disposed in the housing. The first magnet may align with and repel a second magnet disposed relative to the second connector face when the first connector face is positioned in the second position. The first magnet may be configured not to align with and not to repel the second magnet when first connector face is positioned in the first position relative to the second connector face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Keyssa, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary D. McCormack
  • Patent number: 9191263
    Abstract: A contactless, electromagnetic (EM) replacement (substitute, alternative) for cabled (electric) Standards-based interfaces (such as, but not limited to USB) which effectively handles the data transfer requirements (such as bandwidth, speed, latency) associated with the Standard, and which is also capable of measuring and replicating relevant physical conditions (such as voltage levels) on data lines so as to function compatibly and transparently with the Standard. A contactless link may be provided between devices having transceivers. A non-conducting housing may enclose the devices. Some applications for the contactless (EM) interface are disclosed. A dielectric coupler facilitating communication between communications chips which are several meters apart. Conductive paths may provide power and ground for bus-powered devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: KEYSSA, INC.
    Inventors: Gary D McCormack, Ian A Kyles
  • Publication number: 20150126047
    Abstract: A first connector may include a housing defining a first connector face to be positioned in a first position or a second position proximate to a second connector face of a second connector. A first extremely high frequency (EHF) communication unit may be disposed in the housing for communicating with a second EHF communication unit of the second connector when the first connector face is positioned in first or second position relative to the second connector face. A first magnet may be disposed in the housing. The first magnet may align with and repel a second magnet disposed relative to the second connector face when the first connector face is positioned in the second position. The first magnet may be configured not to align with and not to repel the second magnet when first connector face is positioned in the first position relative to the second connector face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2015
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventor: Gary D. McCormack
  • Publication number: 20150111496
    Abstract: Contactless extremely high frequency (EHF) signal directing and blocking structures are disclosed herein. The EHF signal directing structures may focus EHF signal energy along a desired EHF signal pathway. The EHF signal blocking structures may minimize signal propagation through substrates such as circuit boards. Focusing EHF signal energy and selectively blocking the EHF signal energy can minimize or eliminate crosstalk and enhance data transmission speed and integrity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Gary D. McCormack, Emilio Sovero, Eric Sweetman, Bojana Zivanovic