Patents by Inventor Jonathan Watkins

Jonathan Watkins 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: 12360211
    Abstract: A signal delay device includes a demultiplexer, D? delay means, D additional delay means, a multiplexer, and a control unit. For each delay means, a delay input and a demultiplexer output are connected, and a delay output and a multiplexer input are connected. For each additional delay means, an additional delay input is connected to a delay signal path, and an additional delay output and a multiplexer input are connected. The demultiplexer divides an input data word stream into parallel data word streams. Each delay means will delay the data words in the parallel data word streams. Each additional delay means will delay the data words in the delayed parallel data word stream by an additional delay time. The control unit controls the multiplexer such that an output data word stream corresponding to the input data word stream with a time delay is output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2025
    Inventors: Jeffrey Paul, Jonathan Watkins
  • Publication number: 20250147150
    Abstract: A test assembly for testing a radar sensor includes: a receptacle for the radar sensor, wherein the radar sensor is configured to transmit a radar signal; at least one receive antenna configured to receive the radar signal; at least two transmit antennas each configured to transmit one reflection signal, wherein a superposition signal, which is a superposition of the reflection signals is receivable by the radar sensor; and a computer configured to ascertain at least one parameter of the respective reflection signals on the basis of the received radar signal. The test assembly comprises more transmit antennas than receive antennas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2023
    Publication date: May 8, 2025
    Inventors: Andreas Himmler, Jeffrey Paul, Jonathan Watkins
  • Patent number: 11994614
    Abstract: A testing device for testing a distance sensor includes a receiving element for receiving an electromagnetic free-space wave as a receive signal, and a radiating element for radiating a simulated reflection signal. The receive signal or a signal derived therefrom is routed via a time delay circuit, and is thus time-delayed to a time-delayed signal. The time-delayed signal or a signal derived therefrom is radiated as the simulated reflection signal. The time delay circuit has an analog delay path and a digital delay path. The analog delay path implements shorter time delays than the digital delay path, apart from a possible overlap region. An input switch is used to switch the receive signal or the signal derived therefrom to the input of the analog delay path or to the input of the digital delay path, and the signal becomes the time-delayed signal after passing through the connected delay path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Inventors: Jeffrey Paul, Jonathan Watkins, Michael Rozmann
  • Patent number: 11940556
    Abstract: A testing device for testing a distance sensor includes: a receiver for receiving an electromagnetic free-space wave as a receive signal; an analog-to-digital converter configured to, in a simulation mode, convert the receive signal into a sampled signal; a signal-processing unit configured to: delay the sampled signal or a modulated sampled signal to form a delayed sampled signal or a modulated delayed sampled signal; and modulate, upon the sampled signal or upon the delayed sampled signal, a predeterminable Doppler signature as a characteristic motion profile of a reflecting object to be simulated to form the modulated sampled signal or the modulated delayed sample signal; a digital-to-analog converter configured to convert the modulated or the modulated delayed sampled signal into a simulated reflected signal; and a transmitter configured to radiate the simulated reflected signal or a simulated reflected signal derived from the simulated reflected signal as an output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: DSPACE GMBH
    Inventors: Tim Fisch, Jeffrey Paul, Jonathan Watkins
  • Publication number: 20230076301
    Abstract: A testing device for testing a distance sensor includes: a receiver for receiving an electromagnetic free-space wave as a receive signal; an analog-to-digital converter configured to, in a simulation mode, convert the receive signal into a sampled signal; a signal-processing unit configured to: delay the sampled signal or a modulated sampled signal to form a delayed sampled signal or a modulated delayed sampled signal; and modulate, upon the sampled signal or upon the delayed sampled signal, a predeterminable Doppler signature as a characteristic motion profile of a reflecting object to be simulated to form the modulated sampled signal or the modulated delayed sample signal; a digital-to-analog converter configured to convert the modulated or the modulated delayed sampled signal into a simulated reflected signal; and a transmitter configured to radiate the simulated reflected signal or a simulated reflected signal derived from the simulated reflected signal as an output signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2021
    Publication date: March 9, 2023
    Inventors: Tim Fisch, Jeffrey Paul, Jonathan Watkins
  • Publication number: 20220120856
    Abstract: A signal delay device includes a demultiplexer, D? delay means, D additional delay means, a multiplexer, and a control unit. For each delay means, a delay input and a demultiplexer output are connected, and a delay output and a multiplexer input are connected. For each additional delay means, an additional delay input is connected to a delay signal path, and an additional delay output and a multiplexer input are connected. The demultiplexer divides an input data word stream into parallel data word streams. Each delay means will delay the data words in the parallel data word streams. Each additional delay means will delay the data words in the delayed parallel data word stream by an additional delay time. The control unit controls the multiplexer such that an output data word stream corresponding to the input data word stream with a time delay is output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2019
    Publication date: April 21, 2022
    Inventors: Jeffrey Paul, Jonathan Watkins
  • Publication number: 20220099797
    Abstract: A testing device for testing a distance sensor includes a receiving element for receiving an electromagnetic free-space wave as a receive signal, and a radiating element for radiating a simulated reflection signal. The receive signal or a signal derived therefrom is routed via a time delay circuit, and is thus time-delayed to a time-delayed signal. The time-delayed signal or a signal derived therefrom is radiated as the simulated reflection signal. The time delay circuit has an analog delay path and a digital delay path. The analog delay path implements shorter time delays than the digital delay path, apart from a possible overlap region. An input switch is used to switch the receive signal or the signal derived therefrom to the input of the analog delay path or to the input of the digital delay path, and the signal becomes the time-delayed signal after passing through the connected delay path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2020
    Publication date: March 31, 2022
    Inventors: Jeffrey Paul, Jonathan Watkins, Michael Rozmann
  • Patent number: 11256032
    Abstract: A programmable fiber-optic delay line simulates spatial distances for an environment sensor. The programmable fiber-optic delay line comprises: at least three optical transfer switches interconnected by a plurality of lengths of optical fiber, wherein the at least three optical transfer switches with the plurality of lengths of optical fiber are configured to provide a continuous delay line having a plurality of different selectable delay values, wherein the different delay values are selectable based on switch positions of the at least three optical transfer switches. A first terminal of a first optical transfer switch of the at least three optical transfer switches is connected to a third optical transfer switch of the at least three optical transfer switches, enabling bypassing of a second optical transfer switch of the at least three optical transfer switches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: DSPACE GMBH
    Inventor: Jonathan Watkins
  • Patent number: 6006849
    Abstract: A single track vehicle having a foot pedal lever activated side wheel extension/retraction mechanism is fitted with a hydraulic system for responding to excessive feedback force imparted to the driver's leg via the foot pedal. The system includes a normally open needle valve installed mechanically in line with a linear actuator to sense the magnitude of the feedback force to the driver's feet. If the feedback force exceeds the amount the driver can counter comfortably, the needle valve is closed as a result of the opposing force vectors between the loaded side wheel and the driver's feet. The system further includes an inertially activated hydraulic valve installed on the vehicle frame. In the event of a head-on crash, the valve closes, freezing a gas strut and thereby holding the foot pedal lever in the aft position, preventing injury to the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Inventor: Jonathan Watkins
  • Patent number: 5904218
    Abstract: A vehicle having a chassis frame and a single front and single rear wheel aligned on the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, and retractable side wheels on opposite sides of the frame. A basic linkage transmits force to the side wheels for extending and retracting them in response to operator activation. The linkage may employ two hanging foot pedal levers and two independently rotatable lateral torque tubes to enable independent actuation of the left and right side wheels. The side wheels further comprise pivotally or caster-mounted side wheels in combination with a mechanism for asymmetrically limiting the range of pivotal side wheel motion, as well as lean compensation springs for controlling caster side wheel position as the lean angle of the vehicle changes. A locking mechanism is further disclosed for locking the caster side wheels in a straight-ahead position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Inventor: Jonathan Watkins
  • Patent number: 5816354
    Abstract: A vehicle having a chassis frame and a single front and single rear wheel aligned on the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, and retractable side wheels on opposite sides of the frame. A basic linkage transmits force to the side wheels for extending and retracting them in response to operator activation. The linkage is activated by a foot pedal lever which stows behind the driver's legs and a mechanism for locking the foot pedal lever in position behind the driver's legs and releasing it only when the driver depresses the foot pedal lever. The side wheels are further automatically steerable in synchronism with the vehicle front wheel by a mechanism which detects the front wheel position and activates an electrical motor to position the side wheels in accordance with the front wheel position. The steering mechanism is further capable of steering the side wheels to a position perpendicular to the track of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: Jonathan Watkins
  • Patent number: 5628379
    Abstract: A vehicle having a chassis frame and a single front and single rear wheel aligned on the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, and retractable side wheels on opposite sides of the frame. A basic linkage transmits force to the side wheels for extending and retracting them in response to operator activation. A family of mechanisms for assisting the operator in extending the side wheels is disclosed, including ratchet-and-pawl, linear actuator, and power assist mechanisms. When retracted, the side wheels are positioned to permit a lean angle of 40 degrees or greater up to the optimum tire traction loss lean angle. Control of the vehicle rear suspension is provided to prevent it from interfering with vehicle lean angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Inventor: Jonathan Watkins
  • Patent number: 5257671
    Abstract: A vehicle having a chassis frame, a single front and a single rear wheel aligned on the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, and retractible outrigger wheels on opposite sides of the frame. A driver compartment supported by the frame and a driver foot pedal inside the compartment. Connection apparatus including ratchet and pawl instrumentalities connecting the foot pedal to the outrigger wheels to move them up and down in two full depressions of the foot pedal. The first depression lowers the outrigger wheels to a first position about half way to full lowering of the outrigger wheels which is suitable for low speed operation. The second depressions lowers the outrigger wheels to a second fully lowered position which is suitable for stopping. The force of the feet required to fully lower the outrigger wheels in two strokes when the vehicle is leaned over with the weight applied to one of the outrigger wheels being generally half of the force required to fully lower the outrigger wheels in one stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1993
    Inventor: Jonathan Watkins
  • Patent number: 4926510
    Abstract: A hand-held dry hydro-massage unit for use in a spa tub to allow the user to direct the soothing effects of the hydro-therapeutic massage to specific portions of the body. The hand held unit is normally used in conjuction with a hydrotherapy spa tub to provide separate air and water supplies to the unit. The air and water are mixed by a discharge jet which forces the mixture onto the inside surface of a flexible diaphragm. The diaphragm encloses the unit such that the water is not discharged but is returned back through the supply line to the tub. The unit therefore provides a dry massage of the user eliminating the annoying water discharge and splash of conventional hydro-therapy devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1990
    Assignee: Watkins Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Jonathan Watkins
  • Patent number: 4920588
    Abstract: In a spa having a tank for body immersion, a flexible tube exhausting pressurized water into the tank having a free end adapted to whip usually in a vertical plane by reaction of the exhausting water. The tube has a cross-section with flattened upper and lower surfaces so the tube bends easier in the vertical plane and whips in a reciprocating motion in the vertical plane. Upper and lower limits on tube travel are formed by roller abutments that are supported by a housing. The housing has a series of holes in which the rollers are journaled extending in lines generally parallel to the tube so that the rollers can be changed in location in order to relocate upper and lower tube bending and reversing points as needed to produce effective whipping action of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Inventor: Jonathan Watkins
  • Patent number: 4908888
    Abstract: A unit for use in a tub or spa to provide a dry hydro-massage of the neck and shoulders. The unit mounts to the tub edge and includes a diaphragm which sealingly covers a discharge jet such that the fluid will flex the diaphragm into massaging relationship with the user's body. The water is exhausted into the tub through a secondary port below the water line such that dry hydro-therapy is provided by the unit. The unit is mounted to the side wall of the tub spa. The inflation of the diaphragm is controlled by pressure regulating ports formed within the housing to control the exhaust of fluid from the jet chamber. In one embodiment, the ports are variable to vary the inflation pressure of the diaphragm. With the unit mounted to the tub the user may remain seated within the spa while the unit provides a dry hydro-massage of the neck and upper back normally positioned above the water line. The diaphragm unit is adapted to be utilized with various jet nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Assignee: Watkins Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Jonathan Watkins
  • Patent number: 4839930
    Abstract: A unit for use in a spa tub to provide a dry hydro-massage of the neck and shoulders. The unit includes a diaphragm which sealingly covers a discharge jet such that the fluid will flex the diaphragm into massaging relationship with the user's body. The water is exhausted into the spa through a secondary port below the water line such that dry hydro-therapy is provided by the unit. The unit is mounted within the side wall of the tub spa and can be telescopingly adjusted between a position just below the water line and a position above the water line. With the unit in the upper position the user may remain seated within the spa while the unit provides a dry hydro-massage of the neck and upper back normally positioned above the water line. Lower positions provide massage of lower body portions and facilitate storage and covering of the spa. The diaphragm unit is adapted to be utilized with various jet nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1989
    Assignee: Watkins Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Jonathan Watkins
  • Patent number: 4716604
    Abstract: A flexible tube exhausting pumped water into a spa tank and whipping by reaction to exhaust of water therefrom. A number of articulated plastic sleeves encircling the tube and guiding the tube to whip only in a vertical plane. The sleeves being pivotally connected to pivot about horizontal parallel axes. Adjacent sleeves having abutments limiting bending of the harness and the tube. An end sleeve being secured against rotation but being slidable longitudinally of the tube so that the harness can adjust longitudinally of the tube during whipping of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1988
    Assignee: Watkins Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Jonathan Watkins
  • Spa
    Patent number: D288125
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1987
    Assignee: Watkins Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Jonathan Watkins
  • Patent number: D306344
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1990
    Assignee: Watkins Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Jonathan Watkins