Patents by Inventor Kevin Gard

Kevin Gard 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: 9026070
    Abstract: A low-power diversity receiver includes at least two receive paths, each of which is designated as a primary or secondary receive path. A primary receive path is compliant with system requirements (e.g., IS-98D requirements). A secondary receive path is not fully compliant with the system requirements and is designed for lower power, less area, and lower cost than the primary receive path. For a multi-antenna receiver, the two receive paths may be used to simultaneously process two received signals from two antennas. For a single-antenna receiver, either the primary or secondary receive path is selected, e.g., depending on whether or not large amplitude “jammers” are detected, to process a single input signal from one antenna. The receiver may include additional receive paths for additional frequency bands and/or GPS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Charles J. Persico, Kevin Gard, Gurkanwal Kamal Sahota, Shinichi Miyazaki, Steven C. Ciccarelli
  • Patent number: 8526904
    Abstract: Techniques to reduce LO leakage by controlling the amplitude of LO signal based on the level of output signal after the frequency conversion process. An LO generator receives a VCO signal and generates an LO signal having a variable amplitude and a frequency that is related to the frequency of the VCO signal. A variable gain amplifier receives a control signal and adjusts the amplitude of the LO signal based on the control signal. The variable amplitude LO signal is used for frequency upconversion (e.g., direction upconversion) of an input signal (e.g., at baseband) to obtain an output signal (e.g., at RF). The relationship between LO signal amplitude and output signal level may be defined by a particular transfer function. In general, the LO signal is set higher for higher output signal level and is reduced proportionally for lower output signal level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Qualcomm Incorporated
    Inventors: Kevin Gard, Anthony Segoria, Gurkanwal (Kamal) Sahota, Charles Persico
  • Patent number: 8370976
    Abstract: A folding headrest apparatus for massage consisting of an upper plate with a cushion attached thereto for the purpose of placing a massage receiver's head face-down. A rotatable mounted mechanism attached to an upper plate and an upwardly extending base portion for the purpose of rotating said upper plate generally 180-degrees. A lower plate portion for inserting between a mattress and box spring of a typical bed that meets said upwardly extending base portion at a generally 90-degree angle. A removable spacer element(s) sandwiched between the cushion and upper plate for the purpose of adjusting height of the cushion relative to a lower plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventors: David J Matt, Kevin Gard
  • Publication number: 20120278993
    Abstract: A folding headrest apparatus for massage consisting of an upper plate with a cushion attached thereto for the purpose of placing a massage receiver's head face-down. A rotatable mounted mechanism attached to an upper plate and an upwardly extending base portion for the purpose of rotating said upper plate generally 180-degrees. A lower plate portion for inserting between a mattress and box spring of a typical bed that meets said upwardly extending base portion at a generally 90-degree angle. A removable spacer element(s) sandwiched between the cushion and upper plate for the purpose of adjusting height of the cushion relative to a lower plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventors: KEVIN GARD, DAVID J. MATT
  • Patent number: 8176587
    Abstract: A folding headrest product for massage consisting of an upper plate with a cushion attached thereto for the purpose of placing a massage receiver's head face-down. A height adjustment and locking element located on a downwardly extending male portion that is attached to said upper plate with a rotatable mounted mechanism for the purpose of rotating said upper plate generally 180-degrees. A height adjustment and locking element located on an upwardly extending female portion that receives said downwardly extending male portion. A lower plate portion for inserting between a mattress and box spring of a typical bed that meets said upwardly extending female portion at a generally 90-degree angle. A hanger element located on said upwardly extending female portion for the purpose of hanging said product on a closet pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventors: David J Matt, Kevin Gard
  • Publication number: 20110296620
    Abstract: A folding headrest product for massage consisting of an upper plate with a cushion attached thereto for the purpose of placing a massage receiver's head face-down. A height adjustment and locking element located on a downwardly extending male portion that is attached to said upper plate with a rotatable mounted mechanism for the purpose of rotating said upper plate generally 180-degrees. A height adjustment and locking element located on an upwardly extending female portion that receives said downwardly extending male portion. A lower plate portion for inserting between a mattress and box spring of a typical bed that meets said upwardly extending female portion at a generally 90-degree angle. A hanger element located on said upwardly extending female portion for the purpose of hanging said product on a closet pole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventors: KEVIN GARD, DAVID J. MATT
  • Publication number: 20090111419
    Abstract: Techniques to reduce LO leakage by controlling the amplitude of LO signal based on the level of output signal after the frequency conversion process. An LO generator receives a VCO signal and generates an LO signal having a variable amplitude and a frequency that is related to the frequency of the VCO signal. A variable gain amplifier receives a control signal and adjusts the amplitude of the LO signal based on the control signal. The variable amplitude LO signal is used for frequency upconversion (e.g., direction upconversion) of an input signal (e.g., at baseband) to obtain an output signal (e.g., at RF). The relationship between LO signal amplitude and output signal level may be defined by a particular transfer function. In general, the LO signal is set higher for higher output signal level and is reduced proportionally for lower output signal level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Kevin Gard, Anthony Segoria, Gurkanwal (Kamal) Sahota, Charles Persico
  • Patent number: 7460849
    Abstract: Techniques to reduce LO leakage by controlling the amplitude of LO signal based on the level of output signal after the frequency conversion process. An LO generator receives a VCO signal and generates an LO signal having a variable amplitude and a frequency that is related to the frequency of the VCO signal. A variable gain amplifier receives a control signal and adjusts the amplitude of the LO signal based on the control signal. The variable amplitude LO signal is used for frequency upconversion (e.g., direction upconversion) of an input signal (e.g., at baseband) to obtain an output signal (e.g., at RF). The relationship between LO signal amplitude and output signal level may be defined by a particular transfer function. In general, the LO signal is set higher for higher output signal level and is reduced proportionally for lower output signal level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Kevin Gard, Anthony Segoria, Gurkanwal (Kamal) Sahota, Charles Persico
  • Patent number: 7106138
    Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) driver amplifier system and method that provides linear in decibel gain control is provided. The RF driver amplifier system comprises a linear transconductor receiving an input voltage and providing a controlled current based on input voltage received, temperature compensation circuitry for varying current from the linear transconductor according to absolute temperature, an exponential current controller receiving current varied according to temperature and providing an exponential current in response, and an inductive degeneration compensator receiving exponential current and providing a control current to driver amplifier circuitry, thereby compensating for inductive degeneration due to at least one inductor in the driver amplifier circuitry. Control current passes from the inductive degeneration compensator to the driver amplifier circuitry. Output gain from the driver amplifier circuitry varies linearly in decibels with respect to the input voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Qualcomm Incorporated
    Inventors: Kenneth Barnett, Brett C. Walker, Kevin Gard
  • Publication number: 20060189293
    Abstract: Techniques to reduce LO leakage by controlling the amplitude of LO signal based on the level of output signal after the frequency conversion process. An LO generator receives a VCO signal and generates an LO signal having a variable amplitude and a frequency that is related to the frequency of the VCO signal. A variable gain amplifier receives a control signal and adjusts the amplitude of the LO signal based on the control signal. The variable amplitude LO signal is used for frequency upconversion (e.g., direction upconversion) of an input signal (e.g., at baseband) to obtain an output signal (e.g., at RF). The relationship between LO signal amplitude and output signal level may be defined by a particular transfer function. In general, the LO signal is set higher for higher output signal level and is reduced proportionally for lower output signal level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Publication date: August 24, 2006
    Inventors: Kevin Gard, Anthony Segoria, Gurkanwal Sahota, Charles Persico
  • Patent number: 7027793
    Abstract: Techniques to reduce LO leakage by controlling the amplitude of LO signal based on the level of output signal after the frequency conversion process. An LO generator receives a VCO signal and generates an LO signal having a variable amplitude and a frequency that is related to the frequency of the VCO signal. A variable gain amplifier receives a control signal and adjusts the amplitude of the LO signal based on the control signal. The variable amplitude LO signal is used for frequency upconversion (e.g., direction upconversion) of an input signal (e.g., at baseband) to obtain an output signal (e.g., at RF). The relationship between LO signal amplitude and output signal level may be defined by a particular transfer function. In general, the LO signal is set higher for higher output signal level and is reduced proportionally for lower output signal level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Qualcomm Incorporated
    Inventors: Kevin Gard, Anthony Segoria, Gurkanwal (Kamal) Sahota, Charles Persico
  • Publication number: 20060038617
    Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) driver amplifier system and method that provides linear in decibel gain control is provided. The RF driver amplifier system comprises a linear transconductor receiving an input voltage and providing a controlled current based on input voltage received, temperature compensation circuitry for varying current from the linear transconductor according to absolute temperature, an exponential current controller receiving current varied according to temperature and providing an exponential current in response, and an inductive degeneration compensator receiving exponential current and providing a control current to driver amplifier circuitry, thereby compensating for inductive degeneration due to at least one inductor in the driver amplifier circuitry. Control current passes from the inductive degeneration compensator to the driver amplifier circuitry. Output gain from the driver amplifier circuitry varies linearly in decibels with respect to the input voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Publication date: February 23, 2006
    Inventors: Kenneth Barnett, Brett Walker, Kevin Gard
  • Publication number: 20060009177
    Abstract: A low-power diversity receiver includes at least two receive paths, each of which is designated as a primary or secondary receive path. A primary receive path is compliant with system requirements (e.g., IS-98D requirements). A secondary receive path is not fully compliant with the system requirements and is designed for lower power, less area, and lower cost than the primary receive path. For a multi-antenna receiver, the two receive paths may be used to simultaneously process two received signals from two antennas. For a single-antenna receiver, either the primary or secondary receive path is selected, e.g., depending on whether or not large amplitude “jammers” are detected, to process a single input signal from one antenna. The receiver may include additional receive paths for additional frequency bands and/or GPS.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Publication date: January 12, 2006
    Inventors: Charles Persico, Kevin Gard, Gurkanwal Sahota, Shinichi Miyazaki, Steven Ciccarelli
  • Patent number: 6960962
    Abstract: A system and method for generating a local oscillator (LO) frequency in a zero intermediate frequency (IF) receiver or transmitter is presented. A signal is received from a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO). The signal has a VCO frequency. The VCO frequency is divided by a number N to produce a signal having a divided-down frequency. The signal having the VCO frequency is then mixed with the signal having the divided-down frequency to produce an output signal having an output frequency. Local oscillator leakage is reduced. Thus, the receiver or transmitter may operate in multiple wireless communication bands and modes and meet the associated specifications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Qualcomm Inc.
    Inventors: Paul E. Peterzell, David Maldonado, Kevin Gard, Puay Hoe See, Jeremy Dunworth, Gurkanwal Sahota
  • Patent number: 6906592
    Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) driver amplifier system and method that provides linear in decibel gain control is provided. The RF driver amplifier system comprises a linear transconductor receiving an input voltage and providing a controlled current based on input voltage received, temperature compensation circuitry for varying current from the linear transconductor according to absolute temperature, an exponential current controller receiving current varied according to temperature and providing an exponential current in response, and an inductive degeneration compensator receiving exponential current and providing a control current to driver amplifier circuitry, thereby compensating for inductive degeneration due to at least one inductor in the driver amplifier circuitry. Control current passes from the inductive degeneration compensator to the driver amplifier circuitry. Output gain from the driver amplifier circuitry varies linearly in decibels with respect to the input voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Qualcomm Inc
    Inventors: Kenneth Barnett, Brett C. Walker, Kevin Gard
  • Publication number: 20040155708
    Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) driver amplifier system and method that provides linear in decibel gain control is provided. The RF driver amplifier system comprises a linear transconductor receiving an input voltage and providing a controlled current based on input voltage received, temperature compensation circuitry for varying current from the linear transconductor according to absolute temperature, an exponential current controller receiving current varied according to temperature and providing an exponential current in response, and an inductive degeneration compensator receiving exponential current and providing a control current to driver amplifier circuitry, thereby compensating for inductive degeneration due to at least one inductor in the driver amplifier circuitry. Control current passes from the inductive degeneration compensator to the driver amplifier circuitry. Output gain from the driver amplifier circuitry varies linearly in decibels with respect to the input voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Kenneth Barnett, Brett C. Walker, Kevin Gard
  • Publication number: 20040097214
    Abstract: Techniques to reduce LO leakage by controlling the amplitude of LO signal based on the level of output signal after the frequency conversion process. An LO generator receives a VCO signal and generates an LO signal having a variable amplitude and a frequency that is related to the frequency of the VCO signal. A variable gain amplifier receives a control signal and adjusts the amplitude of the LO signal based on the control signal. The variable amplitude LO signal is used for frequency upconversion (e.g., direction upconversion) of an input signal (e.g., at baseband) to obtain an output signal (e.g., at RF). The relationship between LO signal amplitude and output signal level may be defined by a particular transfer function. In general, the LO signal is set higher for higher output signal level and is reduced proportionally for lower output signal level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Kevin Gard, Anthony Segoria, Gurkanwal Sahota, Charles Persico
  • Publication number: 20030040292
    Abstract: A system and method for generating a local oscillator (LO) frequency in a zero intermediate frequency (IF) receiver or transmitter is presented. A signal is received from a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO). The signal has a VCO frequency. The VCO frequency is divided by a number N to produce a signal having a divided-down frequency. The signal having the VCO frequency is then mixed with the signal having the divided-down frequency to produce an output signal having an output frequency. Local oscillator leakage is reduced. Thus, the receiver or transmitter may operate in multiple wireless communication bands and modes and meet the associated specifications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventors: Paul E. Peterzell, David Maldonado, Kevin Gard, Puay Hoe See, Jeremy Dunworth, Gurkanwal Sahota