Patents by Inventor Richard Nicholson
Richard Nicholson 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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Publication number: 20230198388Abstract: A circuit. In one aspect, the circuit includes a first power stage including a first switch having a first gate terminal, a first drain terminal and a first source terminal, and a second switch having a second gate terminal, a second drain terminal and a second source terminal, the first source terminal coupled to the second drain terminal, and a second power stage including a third switch having a third gate terminal, a third drain terminal and a third source terminal, and a fourth switch having a fourth gate terminal, a fourth drain terminal and a fourth source terminal, the third source terminal coupled to the fourth drain terminal, where the second power stage is coupled in parallel to the first power stage such that the first drain terminal is couped to the third drain terminal and the second source terminal is connected to the fourth source terminal.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2022Publication date: June 22, 2023Applicant: Empower Semiconductor, Inc.Inventors: Richard Nicholson, Feng Yuan
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Publication number: 20230198390Abstract: A power converter circuit. In one aspect, the power converter circuit includes a first buck converter coupled in series to a second buck converter at a junction, and a control circuit coupled to each of the first and second buck converters. In another aspect, the control circuit is arranged to continuously operate the first buck converter, sense a voltage at the junction, compare the sensed voltage to a first threshold voltage and in response to the sensed voltage being at a voltage lower than the first threshold voltage disables the second buck converter. In yet another aspect, the control circuit is arranged to continuously operate the first buck converter, compare the sensed voltage to a second threshold voltage and in response to the sensed voltage being at a voltage higher than the second threshold voltage, the control circuit operates the second buck converter.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2022Publication date: June 22, 2023Applicant: Empower Semiconductor, Inc.Inventor: Richard Nicholson
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Publication number: 20230198406Abstract: A power converter circuit. In one aspect, the power converter circuit includes a first buck converter coupled in series to a second buck converter at a junction, and a control circuit coupled to each of the first and second buck converters. In another aspect, the control circuit is arranged to sense a voltage at the junction, compare the sensed voltage to a first threshold voltage and in response to the sensed voltage being at a voltage lower than the first threshold voltage, the control circuit operates the first buck converter and disables the second buck converter. In yet another aspect, the control circuit is arranged to compare the sensed voltage to a second threshold voltage and in response to the sensed voltage being at a voltage higher than the second threshold voltage, the control circuit operates the second buck converter and disables the first buck converter.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2022Publication date: June 22, 2023Applicant: Empower Semiconductor, Inc.Inventors: Richard Nicholson, Timothy Alan Phillips
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Publication number: 20230057337Abstract: A power converter circuit is disclosed. In one aspect, the power converter circuit includes a first top buck converter circuit coupled in parallel to a second top buck converter circuit at a first connection node and at a second connection node, and a bottom buck converter circuit coupled in series to each of the first and second top buck converter circuits at the second connection node, a power input terminal coupled to the first and second top buck converter circuits, and a power output terminal coupled to the bottom buck converter circuit and to the first connection node.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 19, 2022Publication date: February 23, 2023Applicant: Empower Semiconductor, Inc.Inventors: Richard Nicholson, Xiaogang Feng
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Patent number: 11308046Abstract: A processing system for processing data defining behavior of a physical system, the processing system being configured to operate on: (i) a plurality of data definition objects, each data definition object defining a method for computing one or more output result values for that object in dependence on one or more input values for that object; and (ii) a dependency schema defining one or more dependencies among the data definition objects, each dependency being such that a first data object is dependent on a second data object when the first data object takes as a required input value an output value of the second data object; the data processing system being capable of raising each data definition object to a computed state by executing the method defined in the respective data definition object to thereby compute one or more output values for that data definition object; and being configured to receive from a user an instruction indicating a request to raise a specific data definition object to a computed sType: GrantFiled: November 7, 2019Date of Patent: April 19, 2022Assignee: McLaren Applied Technologies LimitedInventors: Richard Nicholson, Peter Schroder, Anthony Richard Glover, Caroline Hargrove, James Thurley, Adrian Sureshkumar, Lee Cadman
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Publication number: 20200073860Abstract: A processing system for processing data defining behavior of a physical system, the processing system being configured to operate on: (i) a plurality of data definition objects, each data definition object defining a method for computing one or more output result values for that object in dependence on one or more input values for that object; and (ii) a dependency schema defining one or more dependencies among the data definition objects, each dependency being such that a first data object is dependent on a second data object when the first data object takes as a required input value an output value of the second data object; the data processing system being capable of raising each data definition object to a computed state by executing the method defined in the respective data definition object to thereby compute one or more output values for that data definition object; and being configured to receive from a user an instruction indicating a request to raise a specific data definition object to a computed sType: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2019Publication date: March 5, 2020Inventors: Richard Nicholson, Peter Schroder, Anthony Richard Glover, Caroline Hargrove, James Thurley, Adrian Sureshkumar, Lee Cadman
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Patent number: 10503708Abstract: A processing system for processing data defining behaviour of a physical system, the processing system being configured to operate on: (i) a plurality of data definition objects, each data definition object defining a method for computing one or more output result values for that object in dependence on one or more input values for that object; and (ii) a dependency schema defining one or more dependencies among the data definition objects, each dependency being such that a first data object is dependent on a second data object when the first data object takes as a required input value an output value of the second data object; the data processing system being capable of raising each data definition object to a computed state by executing the method defined in the respective data definition object to thereby compute one or more output values for that data definition object; and being configured to receive from a user an instruction indicating a request to raise a specific data definition object to a computedType: GrantFiled: June 24, 2016Date of Patent: December 10, 2019Assignee: McLaren Applied Technologies LimitedInventors: Richard Nicholson, Peter Schroder, Anthony Richard Glover, Caroline Hargrove, James Thurley, Adrian Sureshkumar, Lee Cadman
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Patent number: 10038370Abstract: A capacitor input circuit for a mobile power supply includes a bulk capacitor and a switch. The switch connects the bulk capacitor to receive a rectified AC voltage from a rectifier when an AC line voltage input to the mobile power supply is lower than a threshold voltage. When the AC line voltage is greater than the threshold voltage, the switch electrically floats the bulk capacitor.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2017Date of Patent: July 31, 2018Assignee: FAIRCHILD SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATIONInventor: Richard Nicholson
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Publication number: 20180091042Abstract: A capacitor input circuit for a mobile power supply includes a bulk capacitor and a switch. The switch connects the bulk capacitor to receive a rectified AC voltage from a rectifier when an AC line voltage input to the mobile power supply is lower than a threshold voltage. When the AC line voltage is greater than the threshold voltage, the switch electrically floats the bulk capacitor.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2017Publication date: March 29, 2018Applicant: FAIRCHILD SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATIONInventor: Richard NICHOLSON
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Publication number: 20160378795Abstract: A processing system for processing data defining behaviour of a physical system, the processing system being configured to operate on: (i) a plurality of data definition objects, each data definition object defining a method for computing one or more output result values for that object in dependence on one or more input values for that object; and (ii) a dependency schema defining one or more dependencies among the data definition objects, each dependency being such that a first data object is dependent on a second data object when the first data object takes as a required input value an output value of the second data object; the data processing system being capable of raising each data definition object to a computed state by executing the method defined in the respective data definition object to thereby compute one or more output values for that data definition object; and being configured to receive from a user an instruction indicating a request to raise a specific data definition object to a computedType: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2016Publication date: December 29, 2016Inventors: Richard Nicholson, Peter Schroder, Anthony Richard Glover, Caroline Hargrove, James Thurley, Adrian Sureshkumar, Lee Cadman
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Patent number: 9121305Abstract: A fluid calming member (18, 118, 218) for use in a fluid carrying arrangement (10) is disclosed. The fluid calming member is formed of a material that includes a porous metallic material.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2012Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE PLCInventor: Richard Nicholson
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Patent number: 8840114Abstract: An assembly, for example in a gas turbine engine, includes a rotatable component supported by a bearing in a support structure. A sealing arrangement includes a non-rotating sealing ring which makes sealing contact with sealing features on the rotatable component. The non-rotating sealing ring is radially displaceable with respect to the support structure by means of ribs which engage axially facing support faces of the support structure. The non-rotating sealing ring is radially located by an outer, non-rotating, race of the bearing, by means of a locating surface on a locating body of the non-rotating sealing ring. As a result of this arrangement, the running clearance at the sealing arrangement can be maintained, despite radial displacement of the rotatable component with respect to the support structure, and despite thermal and mechanical deflections of the support structure.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2012Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLCInventors: Jeffrey A. Dixon, Kenneth F. Udall, Richard Nicholson
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Patent number: 8344199Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the removal of catalyst particles from a hydrocarbon stream (14) derived from the reaction of synthesis gas (12) with a particulate Fischer Tropsch catalyst in a Fischer Tropsch reactor (10). The process includes a primary separation step (16) which makes use of a filter, wherein the filter has a pore size which is 70% to 95 of the average size of the particles of the Fischer Tropsch catalyst, thereby forming a primary filtered hydrocarbon stream (18) containing fine catalyst particles. The benefit of this selection of filter pore size is that it mitigates fines build-up on the filter of the primary separator. The primary filtered hydrocarbon stream (18) is then passed to a secondary separation step in a cross-flow filtration unit (20) which removes fine catalyst particles from the primary filtered hydrocarbon stream to provide a retenate (24) containing the catalyst fines, and permeate (22) containing a hydrocarbon product.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2008Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: The Petroleum Oil and Gas Corporation of South Africa (Pty) Ltd.Inventors: Cyril David Knottenbelt, Patrick Otto Taylor, Vernon Jeremay Adams, Volan Richard Nicholson
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Publication number: 20120279597Abstract: A fluid calming member (18, 118, 218) for use in a fluid carrying arrangement (10) is disclosed. The fluid calming member is formed of a material that includes a porous metallic material.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2012Publication date: November 8, 2012Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLCInventor: Richard NICHOLSON
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Publication number: 20120248707Abstract: An assembly, for example in a gas turbine engine, includes a rotatable component supported by a bearing in a support structure. A sealing arrangement includes a non-rotating sealing ring which makes sealing contact with sealing features on the rotatable component. The non-rotating sealing ring is radially displaceable with respect to the support structure by means of ribs which engage axially facing support faces of the support structure. The non-rotating sealing ring is radially located by an outer, non-rotating, race of the bearing, by means of a locating surface on a locating body of the non-rotating sealing ring. As a result of this arrangement, the running clearance at the sealing arrangement can be maintained, despite radial displacement of the rotatable component with respect to the support structure, and despite thermal and mechanical deflections of the support structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2012Publication date: October 4, 2012Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLCInventors: Jeffrey A. DIXON, Kenneth F. UDALL, Richard NICHOLSON
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Publication number: 20120139547Abstract: Example embodiments of the systems and methods of cell imbalance detection disclosed herein may prevent any cell of a multi-cell battery pack from exceeding over voltage conditions of the battery. In an example embodiment, automatic cell imbalance detection may be performed using two cells in series. The example embodiment determines the relative cell voltages. If a difference between the two cells of more than a certain threshold is detected, a cell balancing circuit may be activated to discharge the cell with the higher voltage. Example embodiments use no microprocessor, nor an ADC. An advantage of this approach over previous solutions is the relative knowledge of the cell voltages.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2010Publication date: June 7, 2012Applicant: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: Allen Y. Chen, Richard Nicholson
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Patent number: 8168682Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising a structured benefit agent pre-mix or delivery vehicle comprising benefit agent structured with crystalline materials, as defined, which when separately prepared and combined after preparation, provides enhanced delivery of benefit agent from a personal product bar carrying composition into which the premix is added. The use of structured benefit agent also enhances delivery of separate benefit agents in the premix (which may or may not be structured) and of separate benefit agents added separately from the premix.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2007Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, Division of Conopco, Inc.Inventors: Stephen M. O'Connor, Birnur Aral, John Richard Nicholson, Quynh Pham, John R. Glynn, Jr., Alexander Lips
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Patent number: 8162323Abstract: A leaf seal arrangement is provided in which within a housing there are edge portions to inter associate with non parallel chamfer edges in leaf seal elements. In such circumstances, deflection of the leaf seal elements in an outward direction or inward direction relative to a rotating shaft creates variation in a control gap X, XX between the edges and the chamfer edge. Such increase or decrease in the control gap X, XX adjusts the aerodynamic radial force that is presented to the leaf seal elements whereby those elements can be more accurately maintained at a desired leaf position for optimizing leakage while achieving better wear resistance performance.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2008Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLCInventors: Richard Nicholson, Terence Valentine Jones
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Publication number: 20100256433Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the removal of catalyst particles from a hydrocarbon stream (14) derived from the reaction of synthesis gas (12) with a particulate Fischer Tropsch catalyst in a Fischer Tropsch reactor (10). The process includes a primary separation step (16) which makes use of a filter, wherein the filter has a pore size which is 70% to 95 of the average size of the particles of the Fischer Tropsch catalyst, thereby forming a primary filtered hydrocarbon stream (18) containing fine catalyst particles. The benefit of this selection of filter pore size is that it mitigates fines build-up on the filter of the primary separator. The primary filtered hydrocarbon stream(18) is then passed to a secondary separation step in a cross-flow filtration unit (20) which removes fine catalyst particles from the primary filtered hydrocarbon stream to provide a retenate (24) containing the catalyst fines, and permeate (22) containing a hydrocarbon product.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2008Publication date: October 7, 2010Inventors: Cyril David Knottenbelt, Patrick Otto Taylor, Vernon Jeremay Adams, Volan Richard Nicholson
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Patent number: 7776346Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising a structured benefit agent pre-mix or delivery vehicle comprising benefit agent structured with crystalline materials, as defined, which when separately prepared and combined after preparation, provides enhanced delivery of benefit agent to a carrying composition into which the premix is added.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2003Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, division of Conopco, Inc.Inventors: Stephen M. O'Connor, Michael Joseph Fair, John Richard Nicholson, Bozena Marianna Piatek, David John Lang, Gregory McFann, Birnur Aral