Patents by Inventor Mark Braun

Mark Braun 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: 7652578
    Abstract: A near-field communication circuit (100), such as a radio frequency identification circuit, includes a communication coil (104) and a communication circuit (108) configured to transmit data (109) through the communication coil (104). When the communication circuit (108) is in an idle mode, probing circuitry (124) is configured to detect the presence of a magnetically conductive object within close proximity of a communication coil (104). In one embodiment, a control circuit (110) selectively couples a capacitance (125) in parallel with the communication coil (104). The control circuit (110) then applies a probing signal (116) to the communication coil (104). A comparator (118) monitors a secondary parameter of the communication coil (104), such as inductance or impedance. When a magnetically conductive object is detected, the communication circuit (108) transitions to a communication state and attempts to communicate with the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Braun, Louis Vannatta
  • Publication number: 20090251305
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tire pressure monitoring system with a wheel electronic to be installed in a pneumatic tire, comprising a battery as power source, a pressure sensor for measuring of tire pressure or pressure change, and a transmitter for transmitting pressure data, a receiver to be mounted either in or at the vehicle for receiving pressure data, a control unit for evaluating of pressure data, and a serial bus system via which, during operation, the control unit interrogates the receiver and receives subsequently pressure data from the receiver. In accordance with the invention it is provided that additionally to the serial bus system the receiver is also connected with the control unit via a data transfer line that is separate from the serial bus system, wherein the receiver notifies the control unit of critical pressure data via the data transfer line in an unrequested manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventors: Uli Maier, Mark Braun
  • Publication number: 20090172555
    Abstract: A method and apparatus that personalizes preferences for a thin client using custom menus is disclosed. The method may include receiving registering capabilities from the thin client, storing feature list for all devices, generation of a custom alert settings menu based on the thin client's capabilities, storing selected alert settings, and generating a list of all registered devices that have similar alert capabilities as the thin client. The custom menu can be view by a user on any device that has display capabilities. The user can select from among the alert settings supported by the thin client or select the alert settings for the thin client that is similar to a registered device. Apparatus is also provided for mapping alert capabilities from the feature list and the received alert preferences from a user. Thin client mapping of mapping of alert type is also provided for processing an alert request from an external device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Braun, William M. Carey, William A. Myers, Nitya Narasimhan, William Reinisch, Craig C. Watson
  • Publication number: 20090109032
    Abstract: A near-field communication circuit (100), such as a radio frequency identification circuit, includes a communication coil (104) and a communication circuit (108) configured to transmit data (109) through the communication coil (104). When the communication circuit (108) is in an idle mode, probing circuitry (124) is configured to detect the presence of a magnetically conductive object within close proximity of a communication coil (104). In one embodiment, a control circuit (110) selectively couples a capacitance (125) in parallel with the communication coil (104). The control circuit (110) then applies a probing signal (116) to the communication coil (104). A comparator (118) monitors a secondary parameter of the communication coil (104), such as inductance or impedance. When a magnetically conductive object is detected, the communication circuit (108) transitions to a communication state and attempts to communicate with the object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: Mark Braun, Louis Vannatta
  • Publication number: 20080129479
    Abstract: A method for the assigning of identification codes that are sent in radio signals by tire pressure monitoring devices at the wheels of a vehicle and that are received by a receiver provided in or at the vehicle, which signals are relayed to an evaluation unit connected to the receiver, in which unit is stored a specific identification code for every wheel position of the vehicle and wherein the stored identification codes are compared with identification codes in subsequently sent radio signals, whereby for the storage of the identification code of the tire pressure monitoring device of a chosen wheel the specific wheel position intended for the chosen wheel is entered at a control unit, this is in communication connection with the evaluation unit, subsequently the tire pressure monitoring device of the chosen wheel is caused to send a radio signal containing its identification code, this radio signal is received and the therein contained identification code is stored in the evaluation unit or in the control
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Mark Braun, Ulrich Haefele, Thomas Kienzle
  • Publication number: 20080119159
    Abstract: Automated software loading into a battery-less mobile phone is accomplished through attachment of a special non-standard USB On-The-Go cable to a serial connector of the mobile phone, thereby delivering power supply and unique signals for placing the phone in a special mode of operation used for production or distribution. In operation, when a unique non-standard voltage is asserted on the identification (ID) pin of the USB connector interface, it is detected by special circuitry in the serial connector. The circuitry then enables power supply to the battery-less phone and generates a turn-on signal directing the mobile phone to automatically power-on and enter into a particular state of operation, for example a test or software loading mode. Because this process is automatic, the efficiency of software loading or testing during production or distribution of the mobile device is improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventors: Alan Ruff, Matthew Nakanishi, Mark Carlson, Robert Johnson, Mark Braun
  • Publication number: 20060223486
    Abstract: Automated software loading into a battery-less mobile phone is accomplished through attachment of a special non-standard USB On-The-Go cable to a serial connector of the mobile phone, thereby delivering power supply and unique signals for placing the phone in a special mode of operation used for production or distribution. In operation, when a unique non-standard voltage is asserted on the identification (ID) pin of the USB connector interface, it is detected by special circuitry in the serial connector. The circuitry then enables power supply to the battery-less phone and generates a turn-on signal directing the mobile phone to automatically power-on and enter into a particular state of operation, for example a test or software loading mode. Because this process is automatic, the efficiency of software loading or testing during production or distribution of the mobile device is improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Publication date: October 5, 2006
    Inventors: Alan Ruff, Matthew Nakanishi, Mark Carlson, Robert Johnson, Mark Braun
  • Publication number: 20060001535
    Abstract: A method for allocating first transmitters of a tire monitoring system, especially of a tire-pressure monitoring system having a wheel unit comprising a sensor, a first transmitter, which can be triggered, and a sending antenna on each of N wheels arranged on L axles of a vehicle according to a predetermined axle formula, further having at least one receiving antenna on the vehicle body associated to the first transmitters and an electronic receiver and evaluation system, connected to the at least one receiving antenna by allocating an identifier characteristic of a particular wheel to its respective first transmitter, by emitting data telegrams, which contain the identifier, in response to a triggering action of second transmitters which serve as trigger transmitters, and by passing on such data telegrams to the central electronic receiver and evaluation system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Publication date: January 5, 2006
    Inventors: Ulrich Hafele, Mark Braun