Patents by Inventor John A. Nielsen

John A. Nielsen 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: 9743167
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device having a diaphragm and a back plate; a clipping circuit coupled to the MEMS device, wherein the clipping circuit is configured to clip an output signal of the MEMS device so that the maximum signal drawn by a buffer is substantially constant over a temperature range; and an integrated circuit coupled to the clipping circuit, the integrated circuit including the buffer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Knowles Electronics, LLC
    Inventors: John Nielsen, Selvakumar Sivarajah, Aziz Yurrtas
  • Patent number: 9702279
    Abstract: A system for controlling variable valve actuation in an automobile engine. A first cam has a first lift profile and a second cam has a second lift profile. A rocker arm assembly engages the cams having a first arm for riding on the first cam, and a second arm for riding on the second cam. The second arm has an activatable latch capable of securing the second arm to the first arm when latched. When the first arm is secured to the second arm, the rocker arm assembly achieves a first lift profile and when the first arm is not secured to the second arm, the rocker arm assembly achieves a second lift profile. A non-contact sensor mounted adjacent the rocker arm assembly is adapted to monitor and create data indicative of whether the first arm is secured to the second arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: EATON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Austin Robert Zurface, David Gerard Genise, Brian Karl VanDeusen, James E. McCarthy, Jr., Douglas John Nielsen, Mark William Hildebrandt
  • Publication number: 20170159581
    Abstract: A system and method for cylinder deactivation in a multi-cylinder diesel engine comprises pumping air in to an intake manifold of the diesel engine using a turbocharger. Air is pumped in to the intake manifold using an intake air assisting device. And, fuel injection is selectively deactivated to at least one of the cylinders in the diesel engine. An intake valve and an exhaust valve is selectively deactivated for the at least one of the cylinders of the diesel engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Publication date: June 8, 2017
    Inventors: James Edward McCarthy, JR., Douglas John Nielsen
  • Patent number: 9668051
    Abstract: A driver, includes a driver block, a controller block, and a comparison block. The driver block includes an adjustable current source configured to produce a digital output stream. The controller block is coupled to the driver block. The comparison block is coupled to the driver block and the controller block. The comparison block is configured to compare the digital output stream to a reference value at a time delayed with respect to a master clock and based upon the comparison cause the controller block to adjust a strength of the driver block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Knowles Electronics, LLC
    Inventors: John Nielsen, Claus Erdmann Furst, Aziz Yurttas, Anders Svava Mortensen, Paul Smith
  • Patent number: 9650921
    Abstract: A method for adding fluid to an hydraulic lash adjuster (HLA) comprises the steps of placing the HLA in to a centrifuge, the centrifuge having a fluid container, placing a sufficient amount of a first fluid in the fluid container to fluidly communicate with at least one fluid port of the HLA, and spinning the HLA at a first speed sufficient to move the first fluid in to at least the second of two fluid chambers in the HLA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas John Nielsen, David Gerard Genise
  • Publication number: 20170074125
    Abstract: An anti-rotation guide for a lifter in an overhead valve valvetrain. The anti-rotation guide includes a plug having two lobes connected through a neck region. A first lobe of the plug is held within a bore in the lifter. The bore forms an opening at the edge of the lifter through which the neck of the plug emerges. The bore in the lifter accommodates a first lobe of the plug that is wider than the opening in the edge of the lifter, whereby the plug is shaped to prevent its slipping from the lifter through the opening. The lifter reciprocates in a first bore in the cylinder head. The second lobe of the plug extends outward from the lifter into a second bore formed in the cylinder head and adjoining the first bore. The second lobe reciprocates in the second bore and limits rotation of the lifter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Publication date: March 16, 2017
    Applicant: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas John Nielsen, Anthony Leon Spoor, Robert D. Hogan
  • Patent number: 9554214
    Abstract: A microphone includes a base, a micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) device disposed on the base, and a front end processing apparatus disposed on the base and coupled to the MEMS device, the front end processing apparatus being configured to convert analog signals received from the MEMS device into digital signals. The microphone also includes a DSP apparatus, the DSP apparatus being a digital programmed device with a computer memory, the DSP apparatus configured to process the digital signals received from the front end processing apparatus. The MEMS device, the front end processing apparatus, and DSP apparatus are enclosed within a single microphone enclosure or assembly. During operation the DSP apparatus generates DSP noise. The DSP apparatus includes a noise reduction structure that substantially prevents the DSP noise from reaching or interfering with the operation of the MEMS device or the front end processing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Knowles Electronics, LLC
    Inventors: John Nielsen, Anders Svava Mortensen, Rene Rye Larsen, Robert A. Popper, Dibyendu Nandy, Jacob Midtgaard
  • Publication number: 20160309256
    Abstract: A driver, includes a driver block, a controller block, and a comparison block. The driver block includes an adjustable current source configured to produce a digital output stream. The controller block is coupled to the driver block. The comparison block is coupled to the driver block and the controller block. The comparison block is configured to compare the digital output stream to a reference value at a time delayed with respect to a master clock and based upon the comparison cause the controller block to adjust a strength of the driver block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Publication date: October 20, 2016
    Applicant: Knowles Electronics, LLC
    Inventors: John NIELSEN, Claus Erdmann FURST, Aziz YURTTAS, Anders Svava MORTENSEN
  • Patent number: 9386370
    Abstract: A driver, includes a driver block, a controller block, and a comparison block. The driver block includes an adjustable current source configured to produce a digital output stream. The controller block is coupled to the driver block. The comparison block is coupled to the driver block and the controller block. The comparison block is configured to compare the digital output stream to a reference value at a time delayed with respect to a master clock and based upon the comparison cause the controller block to adjust a strength of the driver block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Knowles Electronics, LLC
    Inventors: John Nielsen, Claus Erdmann Fürst, Aziz Yurttas, Anders Svava Mortensen
  • Publication number: 20160182988
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device having a diaphragm and a back plate; a clipping circuit coupled to the MEMS device, wherein the clipping circuit is configured to clip an output signal of the MEMS device so that the maximum signal drawn by a buffer is substantially constant over a temperature range; and an integrated circuit coupled to the clipping circuit, the integrated circuit including the buffer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2015
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Inventors: John Nielsen, Selvakumar Sivarajah, Aziz Yurrtas
  • Publication number: 20160138484
    Abstract: A linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) for monitoring engine valve position is disclosed. The system includes a valve guide having an elongated recess through it. The engine valve has a valve head and a valve stem with two adjacent materials having different magnetic properties meeting at an interface. The valve stem fits and moves linearly within the valve guide, and the valve head closes an engine combustion chamber. It also includes monitoring coils within the valve guide that create a signal related to the position of the interface within the valve guide. An engine control unit (ECU) is coupled to the monitoring coils and receives and analyzes the signal from the monitoring coils to determine operation of the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Publication date: May 19, 2016
    Inventors: Douglas John Nielsen, Mark William Hildebrandt
  • Patent number: 9339997
    Abstract: Methods of adhering graphic film on an irregular substrate are disclosed. The methods includes providing a polymer film composite having two or more layers with at least one layer having a glass transition temperature of at least about 40° C., the polymer film composite having a first side and a second side, and an adhesive layer disposed on the second side. Then the method includes, positioning the adhesive layer against the irregular substrate, heating the polymer film composite, and pressing the heated polymer film against the irregular substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Ronald S. Steelman, John A. Nielsen, Frank T. Sher
  • Patent number: 9308773
    Abstract: The present application is directed to articles useful as graphic films. Specifically, the present application is directed to an article comprising a film layer, the film layer comprising a polymer blend comprising a thermoplastic polyurethane and a cellulose ester, and an ink layer adjacent to at least one surface of the film. In some embodiments, the cellulose ester is a cellulose acetate butyrate. In some embodiments, the cellulose ester is a cellulose acetate propionate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Ronald S. Steelman, John A. Nielsen, Keith R. Lyon
  • Publication number: 20160100257
    Abstract: A microphone includes a base, a micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) device disposed on the base, and a front end processing apparatus disposed on the base and coupled to the MEMS device, the front end processing apparatus being configured to convert analog signals received from the MEMS device into digital signals. The microphone also includes a DSP apparatus, the DSP apparatus being a digital programmed device with a computer memory, the DSP apparatus configured to process the digital signals received from the front end processing apparatus. The MEMS device, the front end processing apparatus, and DSP apparatus are enclosed within a single microphone enclosure or assembly. During operation the DSP apparatus generates DSP noise. The DSP apparatus includes a noise reduction structure that substantially prevents the DSP noise from reaching or interfering with the operation of the MEMS device or the front end processing apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Publication date: April 7, 2016
    Inventors: John Nielsen, Anders Svava Mortensen, Rene Rye Larsen, Robert A. Popper, Dibyendu Nandy, Jacob Midtgaard
  • Patent number: 9284859
    Abstract: A linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) for monitoring engine valve position is disclosed. The system includes a valve guide having an elongated recess through it. The engine valve has a valve head and a valve stem with two adjacent materials having different magnetic properties meeting at an interface. The valve stem fits and moves linearly within the valve guide, and the valve head closes an engine combustion chamber. It also includes monitoring coils within the valve guide that create a signal related to the position of the interface within the valve guide. An engine control unit (ECU) is coupled to the monitoring coils and receives and analyzes the signal from the monitoring coils to determine operation of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas John Nielsen, Mark William Hildebrandt
  • Publication number: 20150369087
    Abstract: A method for adding fluid to an hydraulic lash adjuster (HLA) comprises the steps of placing the HLA in to a centrifuge, the centrifuge having a fluid container, placing a sufficient amount of a first fluid in the fluid container to fluidly communicate with at least one fluid port of the HLA, and spinning the HLA at a first speed sufficient to move the first fluid in to at least the second of two fluid chambers in the HLA.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Publication date: December 24, 2015
    Applicant: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas John Nielsen, David Gerard Genise
  • Patent number: 9157339
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine has a cylinder head mounted to an engine block that at least partially forms a plurality of cylinder combustion chambers. The cylinder head has multiple intake ports and multiple exhaust ports. Engine valves regulate the passage of gas into and out of the combustion chamber. Cam-operated engine valves are mechanically coupled to a rotating cam directly or through one or more of a variety of components that assist in transforming the rotational kinetic energy of the cam to linear motion of the engine valves. One of the exhaust valves and one of the intake valves are mechanically coupled to the cam. Electrohydraulic actuators actuate separate intake and exhaust valves of a particular cylinder. The electrohydraulic actuators are in fluid communication with a high pressure fluid source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Dale Arden Stretch, David Gerard Genise, Douglas John Nielsen, James Edward McCarthy, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20150211394
    Abstract: A system for controlling variable valve actuation in an automobile engine. A first cam has a first lift profile and a second cam has a second lift profile. A rocker arm assembly engages the cams having a first arm for riding on the first cam, and a second arm for riding on the second cam. The second arm has an activatable latch capable of securing the second arm to the first arm when latched. When the first arm is secured to the second arm, the rocker arm assembly achieves a first lift profile and when the first arm is not secured to the second arm, the rocker arm assembly achieves a second lift profile. A non-contact sensor mounted adjacent the rocker arm assembly is adapted to monitor and create data indicative of whether the first arm is secured to the second arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Inventors: Austin Robert Zurface, David Gerard Genise, Brian Karl VanDeusen, James E. McCarthy, JR., Douglas John Nielsen, Mark William Hildebrandt
  • Publication number: 20150110291
    Abstract: A differential high impedance circuit for use in an acoustic apparatus includes a first set of transistor devices and a second set of transistor devices. The first set of transistor devices includes a first transistor (302) and a second transistor (306), and the first transistor (302) coupled to Vdd and the second transistor (306) coupled ground. The second set of two transistor devices includes a third transistor (304) and a fourth transistor (308). The third transistor (304) is coupled to the first transistor (302) and provides a first output (Out+), and the fourth transistor (308) is coupled to the second transistor (306) and provides a second output (Out?). The first and second outputs configured to provide a resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Claus Erdmann Furst, John Nielsen
  • Patent number: D768127
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Iridium Satellite LLC
    Inventors: Matthew Desch, Joel Thompson, Joshua Miner, Greg Incoll, David Inglese, Michael Capocchi, John Nielsen, Allan Hooworth