Patents by Inventor Richard Volk
Richard Volk 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: 11677322Abstract: Voltage regulator circuits and methods therefor provided. In some embodiments, a voltage regulator circuit comprises: a first switch coupled to a power input; a second switch coupled to the first switch; a switching node between the first switch and the second switch; an inductor coupled between the switching node and an output node; a capacitor coupled between the output node and ground; a driver configured to operate the first and second switches according to a pulse-width-modulated (PWM) signal; a PWM circuit configured to generate the PWM signal based on at least an error signal; and a phase detector configured to generate the error signal based on a phase difference between the PWM signal and a clock reference signal.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2022Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignee: Kinetic Technologies International Holdings LPInventors: Karl Richard Volk, Sofjan Goenawan
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Publication number: 20230009867Abstract: Voltage regulator circuits and methods therefor provided. In some embodiments, a voltage regulator circuit comprises: a first switch coupled to a power input; a second switch coupled to the first switch; a switching node between the first switch and the second switch; an inductor coupled between the switching node and an output node; a capacitor coupled between the output node and ground; a driver configured to operate the first and second switches according to a pulse-width-modulated (PWM) signal; a PWM circuit configured to generate the PWM signal based on at least an error signal; and a phase detector configured to generate the error signal based on a phase difference between the PWM signal and a clock reference signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2022Publication date: January 12, 2023Inventors: Karl Richard VOLK, Sofjan GOENAWAN
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Patent number: 11482932Abstract: Voltage regulator circuits and methods therefor provided. In some embodiments, a voltage regulator circuit comprises: a first switch coupled to a power input; a second switch coupled to the first switch; a switching node between the first switch and the second switch; an inductor coupled between the switching node and an output node; a capacitor coupled between the output node and ground; a driver configured to operate the first and second switches according to a pulse-width-modulated (PWM) signal; a PWM circuit configured to generate the PWM signal based on at least an error signal; and a phase detector configured to generate the error signal based on a phase difference between the PWM signal and a clock reference signal.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2021Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: Kinetic Technologies International Holdings LPInventors: Karl Richard Volk, Sofjan Goenawan
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Patent number: 11018583Abstract: Adaptive on-time switching voltage regulator circuits and methods therefor provided. In some embodiments, a voltage regulator comprises: a switching circuit configured to generate a switching signal at a switching node according to a pulse-width modulated (PWM) signal; a phase-lock loop (PLL) configured to lock the PWM signal to a clock reference signal, the PLL comprising: a PWM signal generator configured to generate the PWM signal according to an error signal, and a phase detector configured to generate the error signal based on the PWM signal and the clock reference signal.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2019Date of Patent: May 25, 2021Assignee: Kinetic TechnologiesInventors: Sofjan Goenawan, Jan Nilsson, Brian North, Karl Richard Volk
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Publication number: 20210152088Abstract: Voltage regulator circuits and methods therefor provided. In some embodiments, a voltage regulator circuit comprises: a first switch coupled to a power input; a second switch coupled to the first switch; a switching node between the first switch and the second switch; an inductor coupled between the switching node and an output node; a capacitor coupled between the output node and ground; a driver configured to operate the first and second switches according to a pulse-width-modulated (PWM) signal; a PWM circuit configured to generate the PWM signal based on at least an error signal; and a phase detector configured to generate the error signal based on a phase difference between the PWM signal and a clock reference signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2021Publication date: May 20, 2021Inventors: Karl Richard VOLK, Sofjan GOENAWAN
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Publication number: 20210126533Abstract: Adaptive on-time switching voltage regulator circuits and methods therefor provided. In some embodiments, a voltage regulator comprises: a switching circuit configured to generate a switching signal at a switching node according to a pulse-width modulated (PWM) signal; a phase-lock loop (PLL) configured to lock the PWM signal to a clock reference signal, the PLL comprising: a PWM signal generator configured to generate the PWM signal according to an error signal, and a phase detector configured to generate the error signal based on the PWM signal and the clock reference signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2019Publication date: April 29, 2021Inventors: Sofjan GOENAWAN, Jan NILSSON, Brian NORTH, Karl Richard VOLK
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Patent number: 10944322Abstract: Voltage regulator circuits and methods therefor provided. In some embodiments, a voltage regulator circuit comprises: a first switch coupled to a power input; a second switch coupled to the first switch; a switching node between the first switch and the second switch; an inductor coupled between the switching node and an output node; a capacitor coupled between the output node and ground; a driver configured to operate the first and second switches according to a pulse-width-modulated (PWM) signal; a PWM circuit configured to generate the PWM signal based on at least an error signal; and a phase detector configured to generate the error signal based on a phase difference between the PWM signal and a clock reference signal.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2019Date of Patent: March 9, 2021Assignee: Kinetic TechnologiesInventors: Karl Richard Volk, Sofjan Goenawan
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Patent number: 8917032Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention allow for active AC ripple noise cancellation. In certain embodiments, noise cancellation is accomplished by modulating an LED driver output in a polarity opposite to the ripple, thereby, preventing interference with ripple-sensitive loads. Certain embodiments take advantage of a filter network to prevent the LED driver from modulating LED current in response to ripple that falls within a visible frequency range so as to prevent flicker in an LED backlight display. In addition to protecting ripple-sensitive loads from large ripple currents, efficiency is increased by reducing both I2·R losses and peak currents, thereby, extending the useful battery life time in mobile devices.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2013Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.Inventors: Karl Richard Volk, Jason Allen Wortham
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Patent number: 8395331Abstract: A system and method is provided for preventing a dropout of an LED current. In one embodiment of the present invention, the system includes a voltage source, a first circuit, a second circuit, a controller, and at least one LED. The first circuit receives a reference voltage from the voltage source, receives set-point current data from the controller, and uses the reference voltage and the set-point current data to produce a threshold voltage. The threshold voltage is then provided to the second circuit, where it is converted into an output current, which is drawn through the LED. The second circuit then compares the threshold voltage to an output voltage corresponding to the output current, and provides an output to the controller. The controller then uses the output to determine whether a dropout has occurred. If a dropout has occurred, then second set-point current data is provided to the first circuit.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2010Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: Semtech CorporationInventors: Karl Richard Volk, Thomas Joseph Karpus, David Paul Keesor, Russell Coleman Deans, Paul Edward Hinson
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Patent number: 8367144Abstract: The invention relates to a pet's chew prepared from natural materials of renewable sources. The chew is both edible and biodegradable, and furthermore has excellent mechanical properties giving it a long lasting time, even if used for strong animals such as large dogs.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2003Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: Paragon Products B.V.Inventors: Willem Theodoor Martinus Pater, Richard Volk, Geraldus Gerardus Johannes Schennink
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Publication number: 20120081036Abstract: A system and method is provided for preventing a dropout of an LED current. In one embodiment of the present invention, the system includes a voltage source, a first circuit, a second circuit, a controller, and at least one LED. The first circuit receives a reference voltage from the voltage source, receives set-point current data from the controller, and uses the reference voltage and the set-point current data to produce a threshold voltage. The threshold voltage is then provided to the second circuit, where it is converted into an output current, which is drawn through the LED. The second circuit then compares the threshold voltage to an output voltage corresponding to the output current, and provides an output to the controller. The controller then uses the output to determine whether a dropout has occurred. If a dropout has occurred, then second set-point current data is provided to the first circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2010Publication date: April 5, 2012Inventors: Karl Richard Volk, Thomas Joseph Karpus, David Paul Keesor, Russell Coleman Deans, Paul Edward Hinson
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Patent number: 7298119Abstract: A step-up/step-down switching regulator control method for a regulator having an inductor with first and second leads, a first switch for controllably coupling the first lead to a source of power, a first device between the first lead and a circuit ground, a second switch for controllably coupling the second lead to the circuit ground, and a second device between the second lead and a regulator, the method comprising operating the switches in a sequence of phases when the source of power has a voltage exceeding the regulator output and in the same sequence of phases when the source of power has a voltage less than the regulator output, the phases being phase 1 with the first and second switches closed, phase 2 with the first switch closed and the second switch open, and phase 3 with both switches open. The first and second devices may be switches or diodes. Various embodiments are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2005Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey Lewis Amram Summit, Brett A. Miwa, Karl Richard Volk
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Publication number: 20030219516Abstract: The invention relates to a pet's chew prepared from natural materials of renewable sources. The chew is both edible and biodegradable, and furthermore has excellent mechanical properties giving it a long lasting time, even if used for strong animals such as large dogs.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2003Publication date: November 27, 2003Inventors: Willem Theodoor Martinus Pater, Richard Volk, Geraldus Gerardus Johannes Schennink
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Patent number: 6571977Abstract: A dual container having an outer container with an inner container aligned centrally within the outer container with the base of the inner container retained by the base of the outer container, each container having a separate access port.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2001Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Inventors: Isaias Goncalez, Richard Volk
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Patent number: 6538394Abstract: Current source methods and apparatus for light emitting diodes providing constant diode current and illumination in the presence of voltage and process variations. The method comprises providing a predetermined current through a first transistor, and mirroring the current through the first transistor to at least one additional transistor while holding the voltage across the first transistor to a predetermined value, wherein each additional transistor is coupled in series with a light emitting diode. An exemplary circuit, as well as various illustrative applications are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2001Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.Inventors: Karl Richard Volk, Andrew J. Mrizek, Gary Hurtz
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Publication number: 20030052130Abstract: A dual container having an outer container with an inner container aligned centrally within the outer container with the base of the inner container retained by the base of the outer container, each container having a separate access port.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2001Publication date: March 20, 2003Inventors: Isaias Gancalez, Richard Volk
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Publication number: 20020140378Abstract: Current source methods and apparatus for light emitting diodes providing constant diode current and illumination in the presence of voltage and process variations. The method comprises providing a predetermined current through a first transistor, and mirroring the current through the first transistor to at least one additional transistor while holding the voltage across the first transistor to a predetermined value, wherein each additional transistor is coupled in series with a light emitting diode. An exemplary circuit, as well as various illustrative applications are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2001Publication date: October 3, 2002Inventors: Karl Richard Volk, Andrew J. Mrizek, Gary Hurtz
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Patent number: 6087816Abstract: Step-up/step-down switching regulators and pulse width modulation control therefor which can provide a high output current, high efficiency, use physically smaller inductor and transistors, have lower output voltage ripple, excellent line and load regulation stability and very fast transient response. The modulation control includes three operating states. The improved operating characteristics are obtained by including, as one of the operating states, the direct flow of current from the input of the regulator to the output of the regulator. This allows delivery of current from the inductor to the output a greater percentage of the time than in the prior art. An exemplary embodiment and exemplary method of operation are described.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 1999Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.Inventor: Karl Richard Volk
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Patent number: 4442055Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a contact mat suitable for a keyboard or ypad is described. This contact mat is produced by the injection-moulding process and consists of a sheet-like composite body made of an electrically non-conductive two-component silicone rubber, and at least one carrier part, which is elastically deformable when pressure is applied to a key and is moulded out in the shape of a calotte. On the inside of the carrier part and in the pole region, there is a contact component which is made of an electrically highly conductive material. When the carrier part is depressed, an electrical connection is made via the contact component between the contact surfaces of a printed circuit located below the contact mat. In order to be able to manufacture the contact component in a simple manner and without waste, the contact component is made in an injection mould, wherein the entire lower mould part is at a temperature above the vulcanization temperature of the contact component.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1982Date of Patent: April 10, 1984Assignee: Preh Elektrofeinmechanische Werke Jakob Preh Nachf. GmbH & Co.Inventors: Jurgen Oelsch, Richard Volk, Karl-Heinz Claassen