Patents by Inventor J. R. Kinnard

J. R. Kinnard 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: 7112896
    Abstract: A method and system for delivering electrical energy from multiple power supplies to multiple loads. Each power supply can have multiple independent outputs. Each load is coupled in a matrix pattern to at least one output from each of the different power supplies. This wiring system provides redundancy in that if one output or one power supply fails, an output from another power supply can still provide power to the loads. The number of over-current protection devices needed with the matrix wiring system is reduced compared to traditional wiring methods. Also, the level of safety is greater under the matrix approach rather than the traditional approach. The matrix wiring system also aids in pinpointing faulty components. Finally, the matrix wiring approach allows a gradual degradation of the power distribution system when failures of the loads or the power supply outputs occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventor: J. R. Kinnard
  • Publication number: 20030168913
    Abstract: A method and system for delivering electrical energy from multiple power supplies to multiple loads. Each power supply can have multiple independent outputs. Each load is coupled in a matrix pattern to at least one output from each of the different power supplies. This wiring system provides redundancy in that if one output or one power supply fails, an output from another power supply can still provide power to the loads. The number of over-current protection devices needed with the matrix wiring system is reduced compared to traditional wiring methods. Also, the level of safety is greater under the matrix approach rather than the traditional approach. The matrix wiring system also aids in pinpointing faulty components. Finally, the matrix wiring approach allows a gradual degradation of the power distribution system when failures of the loads or the power supply outputs occur.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventor: J.R. Kinnard
  • Patent number: 4859911
    Abstract: A very efficient and compact circuit is provided to power an electroluminescent panel as may be used for back lighting liquid crystal displays in portable computers. The capacitance of the electroluminescent panel is incorporated in a series resonant, self-commutating power oscillator. The power oscillator is powered by a DC-to-DC converter and inherently provides the desired sinusoidal output waveform to the reactive load comprising the capacitance of the electroluminescent panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: J. R. Kinnard, Dennis N. Oliver