Patents by Inventor Lloyd A. Walls
Lloyd A. Walls 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).
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Patent number: 10795573Abstract: An apparatus includes a touchscreen having an input area and a processor. The apparatus also includes a memory that stores program code. The program code is executable by the processor to determine a location within the input area. The location corresponds to a position of at least a portion of an object relative to the input area. Further, the program code is executable by the processor to generate an output associated with an indication to move the object toward a region of the input area. The output is based on a comparison of the position of the object to the region. The region corresponds to a key of a keyboard.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2016Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Bruce J. MacIsaac, Rosanna S. Mannan, Lloyd A. Walls
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Patent number: 10705134Abstract: An apparatus, multi-layer semiconductor substrate and system for testing a high-speed signal through a printed circuit board is provided. Embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus comprises a multi-layer substrate, one or more transmission lines disposed within the multi-layer substrate, one or more connectors attached to the multi-layer substrate for connecting one or more test cards, a lid, comprising one or more cutouts for the one or more connectors, a clamp for compressing the multi-layer substrate against the lid, and one or more high-speed connectors attached to the one or more test cards, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2017Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Lloyd A. Walls, Nam H. Pham, Jason R. Eagle, Nathan L. Dunfee, Pavel Roy Paladhi
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Patent number: 10620253Abstract: Functionality for estimating characteristics of an on-chip noise signal can be implemented on a processing module. An on-chip noise signal is determined at an on-chip determination point of a computer chip. The on-chip noise signal is converted to a frequency-varying signal using a voltage-controlled oscillator implemented on the computer chip. The frequency-varying signal is measured at an off-chip measurement point and frequency information is extracted from the frequency-varying signal. The frequency information is converted to a voltage level associated with the on-chip noise signal based on the relationship between an input voltage provided to the voltage-controlled oscillator and an output frequency generated by the voltage-controlled oscillator.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2017Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Jose A. Hejase, Nanju Na, Nam H. Pham, Lloyd A. Walls
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Publication number: 20190170809Abstract: An apparatus, multi-layer semiconductor substrate and system for testing a high-speed signal through a printed circuit board is provided. Embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus comprises a multi-layer substrate, one or more transmission lines disposed within the multi-layer substrate, one or more connectors attached to the multi-layer substrate for connecting one or more test cards, a lid, comprising one or more cutouts for the one or more connectors, a clamp for compressing the multi-layer substrate against the lid, and one or more high-speed connectors attached to the one or more test cards, respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2017Publication date: June 6, 2019Inventors: Lloyd A. Walls, Nam H. Pham, Jason R. Eagle, Nathan L. Dunfee, Pavel Roy Paladhi
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Publication number: 20180045766Abstract: Functionality for estimating characteristics of an on-chip noise signal can be implemented on a processing module. An on-chip noise signal is determined at an on-chip determination point of a computer chip. The on-chip noise signal is converted to a frequency-varying signal using a voltage-controlled oscillator implemented on the computer chip. The frequency-varying signal is measured at an off-chip measurement point and frequency information is extracted from the frequency-varying signal. The frequency information is converted to a voltage level associated with the on-chip noise signal based on the relationship between an input voltage provided to the voltage-controlled oscillator and an output frequency generated by the voltage-controlled oscillator.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2017Publication date: February 15, 2018Inventors: Jose A. Hejase, Nanju Na, Nam H. Pham, Lloyd A. Walls
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Patent number: 9893400Abstract: A frequency band splitter is disclosed. The frequency band splitter includes a first, a second, and a third waveguides. A first narrow rectangular waveguide is utilized to connect the first waveguide to second waveguide. The first narrow rectangular waveguide has a first width to allow signals of a frequency band centered around a first frequency to be transmitted from the first waveguide to the second waveguide. A second narrow rectangular waveguide is utilized to connect the first waveguide to the third waveguide. The second narrow rectangular waveguide has a second width, which is different from the first width, to allow signals of a frequency band centered around a second frequency to be transmitted from the first waveguide to the third waveguide.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2015Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Jose A. Hejase, Rubina F. Ahmed, Daniel M. Dreps, James D. Jordan, Nam H. Pham, Lloyd A. Walls
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Publication number: 20180039404Abstract: An apparatus includes a touchscreen having an input area and a processor. The apparatus also includes a memory that stores program code. The program code is executable by the processor to determine a location within the input area. The location corresponds to a position of at least a portion of an object relative to the input area. Further, the program code is executable by the processor to generate an output associated with an indication to move the object toward a region of the input area. The output is based on a comparison of the position of the object to the region. The region corresponds to a key of a keyboard.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2016Publication date: February 8, 2018Inventors: Bruce J. MacIsaac, Rosanna S. Mannan, Lloyd A. Walls
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Patent number: 9835665Abstract: Functionality for estimating characteristics of an on-chip noise signal can be implemented on a processing module. An on-chip noise signal is determined at an on-chip determination point of a computer chip. The on-chip noise signal is converted to a frequency-varying signal using a voltage-controlled oscillator implemented on the computer chip. The frequency-varying signal is measured at an off-chip measurement point and frequency information is extracted from the frequency-varying signal. The frequency information is converted to a voltage level associated with the on-chip noise signal based on the relationship between an input voltage provided to the voltage-controlled oscillator and an output frequency generated by the voltage-controlled oscillator.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2014Date of Patent: December 5, 2017Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Jose A. Hejase, Nanju Na, Nam H. Pham, Lloyd A. Walls
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Patent number: 9797938Abstract: Functionality for estimating characteristics of an on-chip noise signal can be implemented on a processing module. An on-chip noise signal is determined at an on-chip determination point of a computer chip. The on-chip noise signal is converted to a frequency-varying signal using a voltage-controlled oscillator implemented on the computer chip. The frequency-varying signal is measured at an off-chip measurement point and frequency information is extracted from the frequency-varying signal. The frequency information is converted to a voltage level associated with the on-chip noise signal based on the relationship between an input voltage provided to the voltage-controlled oscillator and an output frequency generated by the voltage-controlled oscillator.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2014Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Jose A. Hejase, Nanju Na, Nam H. Pham, Lloyd A. Walls
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Patent number: 9548769Abstract: A method includes manipulating at least one electric signal received from one or more electronic components to provide a slope substantially proportional to a discrete integer data value of n discrete integer data values, n being a positive integer greater than or equal to 3, said discrete integer data value represented by using one of n distinct slopes, said one of n distinct slopes to be transmitted utilizing a particular reference voltage of n predetermined reference voltages. The method further includes transmitting data as the particular reference voltage of the n predetermined reference voltages to at least one electronic component utilizing slope manipulation.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2014Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Kevin J. Bills, Mahesh Bohra, Jinwoo Choi, Lloyd A. Walls
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Patent number: 9536604Abstract: A memory system is deigned for impedance matching using a network of resistors that are tuned to reduce reflections on a shared bus. Any deviation from the matched state causes a mismatch and results in reflections on the bus. Overall signal reflections are reduced by balancing the back reflections occurring at a connector junction coupled to a pair of resistors and the back reflections occurring at the input of the DIMMs. This balance or tradeoff is achieved by changing the resistance value of the resistor pair to reduce the overall back reflections in the memory system.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2016Date of Patent: January 3, 2017Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Daniel M. Dreps, Keenan W. Franz, Nam H. Pham, Lloyd A. Walls
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Patent number: 9368852Abstract: A frequency band splitter is disclosed. The frequency band splitter includes a first, a second, and a third waveguides. A first narrow rectangular waveguide is utilized to connect the first waveguide to second waveguide. The first narrow rectangular waveguide has a first width to allow signals of a frequency band centered around a first frequency to be transmitted from the first waveguide to the second waveguide. A second narrow rectangular waveguide is utilized to connect the first waveguide to the third waveguide. The second narrow rectangular waveguide has a second width, which is different from the first width, to allow signals of a frequency band centered around a second frequency to be transmitted from the first waveguide to the third waveguide.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2014Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Jose A. Hejase, Rubina F. Ahmed, Daniel M. Dreps, James D. Jordan, Nam H. Pham, Lloyd A. Walls
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Publication number: 20160118703Abstract: A frequency band splitter is disclosed. The frequency band splitter includes a first, a second, and a third waveguides, A first narrow rectangular waveguide is utilized to connect the first waveguide to second waveguide. The first narrow rectangular waveguide has a first width to allow signals of a frequency band centered around a first frequency to be transmitted from the first waveguide to the second waveguide. A second narrow rectangular waveguide is utilized to connect the first waveguide to the third waveguide. The second narrow rectangular waveguide has a second width, which is different from the first width, to allow signals of a frequency band centered around a second frequency to be transmitted from the first waveguide to the third waveguide.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2014Publication date: April 28, 2016Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: JOSE A. HEJASE, RUBINA F. AHMED, DANIEL M. DREPS, JAMES D. JORDAN, NAM H. PHAM, LLOYD A. WALLS
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Publication number: 20160118706Abstract: A frequency band splitter is disclosed. The frequency band splitter includes a first, a second, and a third waveguides. A first narrow rectangular waveguide is utilized to connect the first waveguide to second waveguide. The first narrow rectangular waveguide has a first width to allow signals of a frequency band centered around a first frequency to be transmitted from the first waveguide to the second waveguide. A second narrow rectangular waveguide is utilized to connect the first waveguide to the third waveguide. The second narrow rectangular waveguide has a second width, which is different from the first width, to allow signals of a frequency band centered around a second frequency to be transmitted from the first waveguide to the third waveguide.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2015Publication date: April 28, 2016Inventors: JOSE A. HEJASE, RUBINA F. AHMED, DANIEL M. DREPS, JAMES D. JORDAN, NAM H. PHAM, LLOYD A. WALLS
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Patent number: 9253874Abstract: A printed circuit board is disclosed. The printed circuit board includes a first signal transmission layer, a via and a second signal transmission layer. The via connects the first signal transmission layer to the second signal transmission layer. The via includes a first region made of a first dielectric material having a first dielectric constant, and a second region made of a second dielectric material having a second dielectric constant lower than the first dielectric constant. The via allows AC Component of an electromagnetic signal to be transmitted from the first signal transmission layer to the second signal transmission layer while blocking any DC component of the electromagnetic signal.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2012Date of Patent: February 2, 2016Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Jose A. Hajase, Nanju Na, Nam H. Pham, Lloyd Walls
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Patent number: 9209583Abstract: An improved electrical connector for connecting bus lines to a card such as a memory card or media card, including a multi-level connector comprising a latching device having a plurality of insertable latch positions that advantageously allows for selectively connecting or isolating an electrical path to an adjoining connector. The connectors of unpopulated DIMM slots are disconnected from the network along with the traces that would normally form a stub with associated undesirable signal reflections that would otherwise disturb the signal transmitted to the receiving end if not properly terminated. The contacts of the edge connector itself are used as a means to selectively connect or disconnect adjacent/downstream cards in a serially cascaded architecture. The burden of the stubs due to unpopulated card slots and the need to place one card at the far end of the network are thus eliminated.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2013Date of Patent: December 8, 2015Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Michael D. Hasse, Nanju Na, Nam H. Pham, Lloyd A. Walls
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Publication number: 20150276840Abstract: Functionality for estimating characteristics of an on-chip noise signal can be implemented on a processing module. An on-chip noise signal is determined at an on-chip determination point of a computer chip. The on-chip noise signal is converted to a frequency-varying signal using a voltage-controlled oscillator implemented on the computer chip. The frequency-varying signal is measured at an off-chip measurement point and frequency information is extracted from the frequency-varying signal. The frequency information is converted to a voltage level associated with the on-chip noise signal based on the relationship between an input voltage provided to the voltage-controlled oscillator and an output frequency generated by the voltage-controlled oscillator.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2014Publication date: October 1, 2015Inventors: Jose A. Hejase, Nanju Na, Nam H. Pham, Lloyd A. Walls
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Publication number: 20150276838Abstract: Functionality for estimating characteristics of an on-chip noise signal can be implemented on a processing module. An on-chip noise signal is determined at an on-chip determination point of a computer chip. The on-chip noise signal is converted to a frequency-varying signal using a voltage-controlled oscillator implemented on the computer chip. The frequency-varying signal is measured at an off-chip measurement point and frequency information is extracted from the frequency-varying signal. The frequency information is converted to a voltage level associated with the on-chip noise signal based on the relationship between an input voltage provided to the voltage-controlled oscillator and an output frequency generated by the voltage-controlled oscillator.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2014Publication date: October 1, 2015Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Jose A. Hejase, Nanju Na, Nam H. Pham, Lloyd A. Walls
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Patent number: 9118144Abstract: An improved electrical connector for connecting bus lines to a card such as a memory card or media card, including a multi-level connector comprising a latching device having a plurality of insertable latch positions that advantageously allows for selectively connecting or isolating an electrical path to an adjoining connector. The connectors of unpopulated DIMM slots are disconnected from the network along with the traces that would normally form a stub with associated undesirable signal reflections that would otherwise disturb the signal transmitted to the receiving end if not properly terminated. The contacts of the edge connector itself are used as a means to selectively connect or disconnect adjacent/downstream cards in a serially cascaded architecture. The burden of the stubs due to unpopulated card slots and the need to place one card at the far end of the network are thus eliminated.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2012Date of Patent: August 25, 2015Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Michael D. Hasse, Nanju Na, Nam H. Pham, Lloyd A. Walls
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Publication number: 20140226749Abstract: A method includes manipulating at least one electric signal received from one or more electronic components to provide a slope substantially proportional to a discrete integer data value of n discrete integer data values, n being a positive integer greater than or equal to 3, said discrete integer data value represented by using one of n distinct slopes, said one of n distinct slopes to be transmitted utilizing a particular reference voltage of n predetermined reference voltages. The method further includes transmitting data as the particular reference voltage of the n predetermined reference voltages to at least one electronic component utilizing slope manipulation.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2014Publication date: August 14, 2014Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Kevin J. Bills, Mahesh Bohra, Jinwoo Choi, Lloyd A. Walls