Patents by Inventor James B. McKim

James B. McKim 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: 8037327
    Abstract: A system for improving dynamic response in a power supply includes a mainframe module having a memory and a mainframe microprocessor, the mainframe processor configured to calculate a plurality of tables in which each table represents a current/voltage (I/V) characteristic curve for the power supply, at least two power supply modules coupled to the mainframe module, each power supply module having a random access memory element, the random access memory element configured to receive and store a first table and a second table, wherein the mainframe microprocessor transfers the first table to each power supply module, and wherein each power supply module executes a respective first table while the mainframe processor calculates the second table for each power supply module and while the mainframe processor transfers the second table to each power supply module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James B. McKim, Jr., Buck H. Chan, Benjamin R. Jansyn
  • Patent number: 7668975
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for synchronous communications using a serial data stream employs a housing with a controller and a back plane. The housing accepts one or more modules for interconnection with the back plane. The back plane distributes power to the modules and provides a communication link from the controller to each module. Each communication link includes a data out line, a data in line and a clock line, where each clock line is derived from one clock source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James B. McKim, Jr., John W. Hyde, Marko Vulovic, Buck H. Chan, John F. Kenny, Richard A. Carlson
  • Publication number: 20090248216
    Abstract: A system for improving dynamic response in a power supply includes a mainframe module having a memory and a mainframe microprocessor, the mainframe processor configured to calculate a plurality of tables in which each table represents a current/voltage (I/V) characteristic curve for the power supply, at least two power supply modules coupled to the mainframe module, each power supply module having a random access memory element, the random access memory element configured to receive and store a first table and a second table, wherein the mainframe microprocessor transfers the first table to each power supply module, and wherein each power supply module executes a respective first table while the mainframe processor calculates the second table for each power supply module and while the mainframe processor transfers the second table to each power supply module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventors: James B. McKim, JR., Buck H. Chan, Benjamin R. Jansyn
  • Publication number: 20080201503
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for synchronous communications using a serial data stream employs a housing with a controller and a back plane. The housing accepts one or more modules for interconnection with the back plane. The back plane distributes power to the modules and provides a communication link from the controller to each module. Each communication link includes a data out line, a data in line and a clock line, where each clock line is derived from one clock source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventors: James B. McKim, John W. Hyde, Marko Vulovic, Buck H. Chan, John F. Kenny, Richard A. Carlson
  • Patent number: 7307413
    Abstract: A device which uses a detection circuit to determine whether an output current thereof is source-induced or load-induced, and the method therefor. The device which performs some type of operation based upon the determination as to whether the output current thereof is source-induced or load-induced, and method therefor. The detection circuit determines whether polarities of the output current and an output voltage are the same, and determines the output current to be source-induced if the polarities are the same and load-induced if the polarities are opposite each other. Such a device may have many applications, including use in systems where distinctions between source and load-induced currents are employed in feedback systems to control the system voltage source, systems where the system voltage source is not controlled, but other sources are controlled to influence a summation of voltages and currents at sensing locations, and systems for measurement instrumentation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James B. McKim, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7302282
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for synchronous communications using a serial data stream employs a housing with a controller and a back plane. The housing accepts one or more modules for interconnection with the back plane. The back plane distributes power to the modules and provides a communication link from the controller to each module. Each communication link includes a data out line, a data in line and a clock line, where each clock line is derived from one clock source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James B. McKim, Jr., John W. Hyde, Marko Vulovic, Buck H. Chan, John F. Kenny, Richard A. Carlson
  • Publication number: 20040196071
    Abstract: A device which uses a detection circuit to determine whether an output current thereof is source-induced or load-induced, and the method therefor. The device which performs some type of operation based upon the determination as to whether the output current thereof is source-induced or load-induced, and method therefor. The detection circuit determines whether polarities of the output current and an output voltage are the same, and determines the output current to be source-induced if the polarities are the same and load-induced if the polarities are opposite each other. Such a device may have many applications, including use in systems where distinctions between source and load-induced currents are employed in feedback systems to control the system voltage source, systems where the system voltage source is not controlled, but other sources are controlled to influence a summation of voltages and currents at sensing locations, and systems for measurement instrumentation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventor: James B. McKim
  • Patent number: 6741103
    Abstract: A device which uses a detection circuit to determine whether an output current thereof is source-induced or load-induced, and the method therefor. The device which performs some type of operation based upon the determination as to whether the output current thereof is source-induced or load-induced, and method therefor. The detection circuit determines whether polarities of the output current and an output voltage are the same, and determines the output current to be source-induced if the polarities are the same and load-induced if the polarities are opposite each other. Such a device may have many applications, including use in systems where distinctions between source and load-induced currents are employed in feedback systems to control the system voltage source, systems where the system voltage source is not controlled, but other sources are controlled to influence a summation of voltages and currents at sensing locations, and systems for measurement instrumentation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: James B. McKim, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6531898
    Abstract: A device which uses a detection circuit to determine whether an output current thereof is source-induced or load-induced, and the method therefor. The device which performs some type of operation based upon the determination as to whether the output current thereof is source-induced or load-induced, and method therefor. The detection circuit determines whether polarities of the output current and an output voltage are the same, and determines the output current to be source-induced if the polarities are the same and load-induced if the polarities are opposite each other. Such a device may have many applications, including use in systems where distinctions between source and load-induced currents are employed in feedback systems to control the system voltage source, systems where the system voltage source is not controlled, but other sources are controlled to influence a summation of voltages and currents at sensing locations, and systems for measurement instrumentation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James B. McKim, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20030030468
    Abstract: A device which uses a detection circuit to determine whether an output current thereof is source-induced or load-induced, and the method therefor. The device which performs some type of operation based upon the determination as to whether the output current thereof is source-induced or load-induced, and method therefor. The detection circuit determines whether polarities of the output current and an output voltage are the same, and determines the output current to be source-induced if the polarities are the same and load-induced if the polarities are opposite each other. Such a device may have many applications, including use in systems where distinctions between source and load-induced currents are employed in feedback systems to control the system voltage source, systems where the system voltage source is not controlled, but other sources are controlled to influence a summation of voltages and currents at sensing locations, and systems for measurement instrumentation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Applicant: Agilent Techologies
    Inventor: James B. McKim
  • Publication number: 20020063592
    Abstract: A device which uses a detection circuit to determine whether an output current thereof is source-induced or load-induced, and the method therefor. The device which performs some type of operation based upon the determination as to whether the output current thereof is source-induced or load-induced, and method therefor. The detection circuit determines whether polarities of the output current and an output voltage are the same, and determines the output current to be source-induced if the polarities are the same and load-induced if the polarities are opposite each other. Such a device may have many applications, including use in systems where distinctions between source and load-induced currents are employed in feedback systems to control the system voltage source, systems where the system voltage source is not controlled, but other sources are controlled to influence a summation of voltages and currents at sensing locations, and systems for measurement instrumentation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventor: James B. McKim
  • Patent number: 5671147
    Abstract: A digital system measures cyclic disturbance signals on an electrical line that are induced by a connected unit under test (UUT). The system includes a digital to analog (D/A) converter which receives and converts a first train of digital signals to a cyclic analog test signal and applies that signal to the electrical line. An analog to digital (A/D) converter receives and converts analog cyclic disturbance signals from the electrical line to a second train of digital signals. A synch generator applies a train of synch pulses, concurrently, to synchronizing inputs of the D/A converter and the A/D converter so that their respective conversion operations are based upon a common time-base signal. A processor is coupled to the D/A converter and A/D converter and outputs the first train of digital signals to the D/A converter and receives the second train of digital signals from the A/D converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: James B. McKim, Jr., John F. Kenny, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5214407
    Abstract: A current shunt for converting a current to a voltage. The current shunt of the invention is made from a conductive material such as a high performance resistance alloy in sheet form which is sheared, punched, and bent to produce a highly stable current shunt with respect to time and temperature. Contact pins of current and potential connections are welded to the material using a fusion welding process, and techniques are also provided for isolating the potential contacts from the current contacts so as to improve stability. Trimming slits of the type used for thin film or foil resistors are also extended to bulk materials in accordance with the invention such that highly accurate resistances may be obtained. An integral heat sink and strain relief mechanism is also provided so as to minimize the adverse effects of temperature on the resistance of the material. The resulting current shunt has an extremely stable resistance value with respect to time and temperature at a minimal cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: James B. McKim, Jr., Robert D. Peck, Richard S. Myers, William H. Pickel, Alan W. Cudworth
  • Patent number: 4185249
    Abstract: Signal currents corresponding to a voltage to be converted into current or to a current to be amplified are applied to one input of an operational amplifier and its other input is referenced to ground. Its output is connected via a power amplifier and a small resistance to an output terminal and means are provided for supplying current proportional to the voltage across the resistance to the signal input of the operational amplifier with such polarity as to tend to cancel the signal current present thereat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1980
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventors: James B. McKim, Jr., Denis Rehse