Patents by Inventor James A. Kohout

James A. Kohout 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).

  • Publication number: 20190288507
    Abstract: Disclosed are advances in the arts with novel methods and apparatus for detecting faulty connections in an electrical system. Exemplary preferred embodiments include monitoring techniques and systems for monitoring signals at one or more device loads and analyzing the monitored signals for determining fault conditions at the device loads and/or at the main transmission lines. The invention preferably provides the capability to test and monitor electrical interconnections without fully activating the host system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2019
    Publication date: September 19, 2019
    Applicant: TRIUNE SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Ross E. Teggatz, Wayne Chen, Brett Smith, James Kohout
  • Patent number: 10312680
    Abstract: Disclosed are advances in the arts with novel methods and apparatus for detecting faulty connections in an electrical system. Exemplary preferred embodiments include monitoring techniques and systems for monitoring signals at one or more device loads and analyzing the monitored signals for determining fault conditions at the device loads and/or at the main transmission lines. The invention preferably provides the capability to test and monitor electrical interconnections without fully activating the host system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: TRIUNE SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Ross E. Teggatz, Wayne Chen, Brett Smith, James Kohout
  • Publication number: 20180159324
    Abstract: Disclosed are advances in the arts with novel methods and apparatus for detecting faulty connections in an electrical system. Exemplary preferred embodiments include monitoring techniques and systems for monitoring signals at one or more device loads and analyzing the monitored signals for determining fault conditions at the device loads and/or at the main transmission lines. The invention preferably provides the capability to test and monitor electrical interconnections without fully activating the host system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Publication date: June 7, 2018
    Applicant: TRIUNE IP LLC
    Inventors: Ross E. Teggatz, Wayne Chen, Brett Smith, James Kohout
  • Patent number: 9906018
    Abstract: Disclosed are advances in the arts with novel methods and apparatus for detecting faulty connections in an electrical system. Exemplary preferred embodiments include monitoring techniques and systems for monitoring signals at one or more device loads and analyzing the monitored signals for determining fault conditions at the device loads and/or at the main transmission lines. The invention preferably provides the capability to test and monitor electrical interconnections without fully activating the host system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: TRIUNE SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Ross E. Teggatz, Wayne T. Chen, Brett Smith, James Kohout
  • Patent number: 9680309
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided to automatically detect and control a load switch for a wireless power receiver. In one novel aspect, a method is provided to adaptively control the load switch based on the output condition of a rectified output according to a predefined criteria. In one embodiment of the invention, the methods to adaptively control the load switch comprises a first stage that turns on the load switch quickly; a second stage that stops turning on the load switch and holds the load switch at its current value; a third stage that slowly pulls down the load switch; and a fourth stage that quickly turns off the load switch. In another embodiment, an integrated circuit for a wireless power pick up unit is provided to control the load switch adaptively based on a rectified output feedback and a predefined criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Active-Semi, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Kohout
  • Patent number: 9559585
    Abstract: The invention provides advances in the arts with useful and novel driver methods. The invention provides circuit driver and control methods for relatively high-current drivers, usable with relatively low-voltage battery power sources. Preferred embodiments include one or more high series resistance capacitors electrically connected with a power source. A low resistance driver circuit regulates power supplied from the capacitors to the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: TRIUNE SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Ross E. Teggatz, Wayne Chen, Amer Atrash, Brett Smith, Narasimhan Trichy, James Kohout, Jonathan R. Knight
  • Publication number: 20160352224
    Abstract: The invention provides advances in the arts with useful and novel driver methods. The invention provides circuit driver and control methods for relatively high-current drivers, usable with relatively low-voltage battery power sources. Preferred embodiments include one or more high series resistance capacitors electrically connected with a power source. A low resistance driver circuit regulates power supplied from the capacitors to the load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Publication date: December 1, 2016
    Inventors: Ross E. Teggatz, Wayne Chen, Amer Atrash, Brett Smith, Narasimhan Trichy, James Kohout, Jonathan R. Knight
  • Patent number: 9484906
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided to power an N-type load switch using a bootstrap capacitor. In one embodiment, an integrated circuit for a wireless power receiver comprises a first rectifier input terminal (RX1), a second rectifier input terminal (RX2), a first bootstrap terminal (HSB1), a second bootstrap terminal (HSB2), and a load switch terminal (LSW). A first and a second bootstrap circuit are coupled with HSB1 and HSB2 to power the rectifier in a regular mode. A load switch driver circuit is coupled between LSW and either HSB1 or HSB2. In the regular mode the load switch driver circuit powers a load switch through a corresponding bootstrap circuit. In an output shutdown mode, an output shutdown circuit is turned on to turn off the load switch. In one embodiment, the load switch is external to the integrated circuit. In another embodiment, the load switch is internal to the integrated circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Active-Semi, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Kohout
  • Patent number: 9413237
    Abstract: The invention provides advances in the arts with useful and novel driver methods. The invention provides circuit driver and control methods for relatively high-current drivers, usable with relatively low-voltage battery power sources. Preferred embodiments include one or more high series resistance capacitors electrically connected with a power source. A low resistance driver circuit regulates power supplied from the capacitors to the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: TRIUNE SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Ross E. Teggatz, Wayne Chen, Amer Atrash, Brett Smith, Narasimhan Trichy, James Kohout, Jonathan R. Knight
  • Publication number: 20150326118
    Abstract: The invention provides advances in the arts with useful and novel driver methods. The invention provides circuit driver and control methods for relatively high-current drivers, usable with relatively low-voltage battery power sources. Preferred embodiments include one or more high series resistance capacitors electrically connected with a power source. A low resistance driver circuit regulates power supplied from the capacitors to the load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Publication date: November 12, 2015
    Inventors: Ross E. Teggatz, Wayne Chen, Amer Atrash, Brett Smith, Narasimhan Trichy, James Kohout, Jonathan R. Knight
  • Patent number: 9106071
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for bootstrap and over voltage protection (OVP) combination clamping. In one embodiment, method is provided to use the same bootstrap capacitors and bootstrap terminals for an over voltage protection circuit. In one embodiment, an integrated circuit for a wireless power receiver comprises a first rectifier input terminal RX1, a second rectifier input terminal RX2, a first bootstrap terminal HSB1, a second bootstrap terminal HSB2. A first and a second bootstrap circuit are coupled to HSB1 and HSB2 to power the rectifier circuit in a regular mode. A over voltage protection (OVP) circuit is coupled between HSB1 and HSB2. The OVP circuit is turned on to connect HSB1 and HSB2 together in an OVP mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Active-Semi, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Kohout
  • Patent number: 9089029
    Abstract: The invention provides advances in the arts with useful and novel driver methods. The invention provides circuit driver and control methods for relatively high-current drivers, usable with relatively low-voltage battery power sources. Preferred embodiments include one or more high series resistance capacitors electrically connected with a power source. A low resistance driver circuit regulates power supplied from the capacitors to the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: TRIUNE SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Ross Teggatz, Wayne Chen, Amer Atrash, Brett Smith, Narasimhan Trichy, James Kohout, Jonathan Knight
  • Publication number: 20150137610
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided to automatically detect and control a load switch for a wireless power receiver. In one novel aspect, a method is provided to adaptively control the load switch based on the output condition of a rectified output according to a predefined criteria. In one embodiment of the invention, the methods to adaptively control the load switch comprises a first stage that turns on the load switch quickly; a second stage that stops turning on the load switch and holds the load switch at its current value; a third stage that slowly pulls down the load switch; and a fourth stage that quickly turns off the load switch. In another embodiment, an integrated circuit for a wireless power pick up unit is provided to control the load switch adaptively based on a rectified output feedback and a predefined criteria.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: ACTIVE-SEMI, INC.
    Inventor: James A. Kohout
  • Publication number: 20150098162
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for bootstrap and over voltage protection (OVP) combination clamping. In one embodiment, method is provided to use the same bootstrap capacitors and bootstrap terminals for an over voltage protection circuit. In one embodiment, an integrated circuit for a wireless power receiver comprises a first rectifier input terminal RX1, a second rectifier input terminal RX2, a first bootstrap terminal HSB1, a second bootstrap terminal HSB2. A first and a second bootstrap circuit are coupled to HSB1 and HSB2 to power the rectifier circuit in a regular mode. A over voltage protection (OVP) circuit is coupled between HSB1 and HSB2. The OVP circuit is turned on to connect HSB1 and HSB2 together in an OVP mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Active-Semi, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Kohout
  • Publication number: 20150097439
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided to power an N-type load switch using a bootstrap capacitor. In one embodiment, an integrated circuit for a wireless power receiver comprises a first rectifier input terminal RX1, a second rectifier input terminal RX2, a first bootstrap terminal HSB1, a second bootstrap terminal HSB2. A first and a second bootstrap circuit are coupled with HSB1 and HSB2 to power the rectifier circuit in a regular mode. A LSW driver circuit is coupled between the LSW terminal and either HSB1 or HSB2. In the regular mode the LSW driver circuit powers a load switch through a corresponding bootstrap circuit. In an output shutdown mode, an output shutdown circuit is turned on to turn off the load switch. In one embodiment, the load switch is external to the integrated circuit. In another embodiment, the load switch is internal to the integrated circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Active-Semi, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Kohout
  • Publication number: 20120235601
    Abstract: The invention provides advances in the arts with useful and novel driver methods. The invention provides circuit driver and control methods for relatively high-current drivers, usable with relatively low-voltage battery power sources. Preferred embodiments include one or more high series resistance capacitors electrically connected with a power source. A low resistance driver circuit regulates power supplied from the capacitors to the load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: TRIUNE IP LLC
    Inventors: Ross Teggatz, Wayne Chen, Amer Atrash, Brett Smith, Narasimhan Trichy, James Kohout, Jonathan Knight
  • Publication number: 20120188673
    Abstract: Disclosed are advances in the arts with novel methods and apparatus for detecting faulty connections in an electrical system. Exemplary preferred embodiments include monitoring techniques and systems for monitoring signals at one or more device loads and analyzing the monitored signals for determining fault conditions at the device loads and/or at the main transmission lines. The invention preferably provides the capability to test and monitor electrical interconnections without fully activating the host system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: TRIUNE IP LLC
    Inventors: Ross E. Teggatz, Wayne T. Chen, Brett Smith, James Kohout
  • Publication number: 20110227525
    Abstract: The invention provides methods, circuits and systems for charging batteries and other storage media including methods steps and apparatus for monitoring one or more parameters such that a charger may be operated in a first mode to deliver charge to the storage medium and/or load, and when at least one of the monitored parameters reaches a selected threshold level, the operation of the charger in the first mode is terminated in favor of operation in a second mode, delivering a different level of charge from the charger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: TRIUNE IP LLC
    Inventors: Eric Blackall, James Kohout, Ross Teggatz, Wayne Chen
  • Patent number: 7982447
    Abstract: A switched mode power supply has a high side switching transistor coupled between a voltage source and a load for generating the output voltage at the load. A driver circuit drives the high side switching transistor. A first resistor divider is coupled to the output voltage and has a first tap. An error amplifier has a first input coupled to the first tap and a compensated feedback loop. A second resistor divider is coupled to the output voltage and has a second tap, resistance of the second resistor divider being less than resistance of the first resistor divider. A switch is coupled to the second tap and to the first input of the error amplifier for connecting the second tap to the first input of the error amplifier when the output voltage of the switched mode power supply reaches a first predetermined voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Shanmuganand Chellamuthu, James A. Kohout, Luthuli E. Dake
  • Patent number: 7940076
    Abstract: Various driver circuit apparatuses and methods for driving an electrical signal are disclosed herein. For example, some embodiments provide a driver circuit including a controlled-slew rate input circuit, a buffer that is connected to the controlled-slew rate input circuit, and an output driver that is connected to the buffer. The driver circuit is adapted to drive an output signal from the output driver based on an input signal to the controlled-slew rate input circuit. The impedance at the input of the output driver is lower than the impedance at the output of the controlled-slew rate input circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Lakshmi Sri Jyothi Chimakurthy, James Kohout