Patents by Inventor Robert A. Allan

Robert A. Allan 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: 11552565
    Abstract: A switch-mode power supply circuit includes a low-side switching transistor, a high-side switching transistor, a low-side current sensing circuit, and a gate driver circuit. The low-side current sensing circuit is coupled to the low-side switching transistor and is configured to sense a current flowing through the low-side switching transistor. The gate driver circuit is coupled to the low-side current sensing circuit and the high-side switching transistor. The gate driver circuit is configured to generate a signal having a first drive strength to switch the high-side switching transistor based on current flowing through the low-side switching transistor being less than a threshold current, and to generate a signal having a second drive strength to switch the high-side switching transistor based on current flowing through the low-side switching transistor being greater than the threshold current. The first drive strength is greater than the second drive strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Saurav Bandyopadhyay, Thomas Matthew LaBella, Huy Le Nhat Nguyen, Michael G. Amaro, Robert Allan Neidorff
  • Patent number: 11541854
    Abstract: An electronic parking brake control system and method for controlling a parking brake of a vehicle. The system includes an electronic parking brake variable switch configured to produce an application signal based on an amount or an amount of time the switch is pulled upward or pushed downward. The system also includes an indicator configured to indicate an amount of application of the parking brake based on the application signal. The system also includes an electronic brake unit coupled to the electronic parking brake variable switch. The electronic brake unit is configured to receive the application signal, and transmit a rear brake signal to a plurality of rear brake actuators to apply a plurality of rear brakes based on the application signal when a speed of the vehicle is below a threshold speed or the vehicle is in a low gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Jeremy Daniel Bultman, Robert Allan Ditner, Randall Steven Badia
  • Publication number: 20220411716
    Abstract: A consumer product composed of ?1% of a High-Performance fragrance composition and a consumer product active is provided. Use of reduced levels of the High-Performance fragrance composition provides for improved aesthetics such as improved clarity and viscosity, and reduced discoloration and caking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2021
    Publication date: December 29, 2022
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL FLAVORS & FRAGRANCES INC.
    Inventors: Miguel A. Teixeira, Franc T. Schiet, Judith Lynne Kerschner, Franco Doro, Timothy Young, Jill Kristine Calindas De Jesus, Yan Liang Betty Fan, Robert Allan Hunter, Volkert De Villeneuve, Caroline Celine Rose Girod, Joseph Brain, Nicole Giffin, Jason Geno, John Brahms
  • Publication number: 20220399067
    Abstract: In some examples, a circuit comprises a first polyfuse and a first diode having a first diode anode and a first diode cathode, where the first diode anode is coupled to the first polyfuse. The circuit comprises a second polyfuse coupled to the first polyfuse and a second diode having a second diode anode and a second diode cathode, where the second diode cathode is coupled to the second polyfuse. The circuit comprises a probe pad coupled to the first diode cathode and the second diode anode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2021
    Publication date: December 15, 2022
    Inventor: Robert Allan NEIDORFF
  • Patent number: 11521695
    Abstract: In some examples, a circuit comprises a first polyfuse and a first diode having a first diode anode and a first diode cathode, where the first diode anode is coupled to the first polyfuse. The circuit comprises a second polyfuse coupled to the first polyfuse and a second diode having a second diode anode and a second diode cathode, where the second diode cathode is coupled to the second polyfuse. The circuit comprises a probe pad coupled to the first diode cathode and the second diode anode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Robert Allan Neidorff
  • Publication number: 20220374946
    Abstract: A computerized system, apparatus, and method of grading collectibles. The system comprises a grading apparatus that receives at least one image of the collectible. The grading apparatus applies at least one processing routine to said at least one image. The grading apparatus generates a grade report of the collectible based at least on results of the at least one processing routine. The system comprises an encasing apparatus configured to encase the graded collectible within a protective slab.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2022
    Publication date: November 24, 2022
    Inventors: Stephen Brent Kass, Edward Korbel, Daniel R. Barbakow, Robert Allan Cook, Scot Maxwell, Kate Aplin, Hayden Blauzvern, Megan Shao, Ben Teng, Avi Thaker, Matthew R. Cook, Mark N. Cook, Brandon M. Cook, Maxfield A. Korbel
  • Patent number: 11505341
    Abstract: A robotic case packer is provided. The packer includes a case conveying apparatus, a case set up station, a case loading station, downstream of the case set up station, and a loaded case closure station, downstream of the case loading station, the case conveying apparatus receiving and conveying a case blank for case set up, case loading and loaded case closure operations, a process flow path as to case operations delimited by the case conveying apparatus. The case set up station, characterized by a case set up robot operable in a process flow path direction, secures a case blank from a source of case blanks and transfers the blank to the case conveying apparatus. The case loading station, characterized by a case loading robot operable across the process flow path direction, transfers an article group for case loading into a set up case conveyed by the case conveying apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Douglas Machine Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Allan Danner, Jr., Christopher Todd Davis, Aaron M. Frederick, Richard W. Lukanen, Jr., David L. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20220346612
    Abstract: A cleaner head including suction chamber having a suction opening; an agitator including a hollow body and supported the suction chamber by a support member, the support member having a first end that is fixed to a side wall of the suction chamber,and second end that free and over which the hollow body of the agitator can be slideably received; and a drive assembly forming part of the support member, and arranged to rotate the agitator about an axis. The fixed end of the support member is pivotal fixed to the side all of the suctionchamber such that the free end of the support member, together with the agitator supported thereon, can be pivoted to protrude out frome suction opening, to allow the agitator o be removed and replaced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2019
    Publication date: November 3, 2022
    Applicant: Dyson Technology Limited
    Inventors: Edward Richard OLDFIELD, Giles SMITH, Nichola Lauren CLIFTON, Frederick Michael THORNTON, James Robert Allan MACDONALD, Robert Michael COX
  • Patent number: 11476760
    Abstract: In some examples, a system includes a voltage source terminal, a voltage reference terminal, a field effect transistor (FET), a current source, a comparator, and adjustment circuitry. The FET has a gate terminal and a non-gate terminal, the gate terminal coupled to the voltage source terminal. The current source is coupled to the non-gate terminal. The comparator has a comparator output and first and second comparator inputs, the first comparator input coupled to the non-gate terminal, and the second comparator input coupled to the voltage reference terminal. The adjustment circuitry has a circuitry input and a circuitry output, the circuitry input coupled to the comparator output, and the adjustment circuitry configured to adjust the circuitry output responsive to the circuitry input, in which the adjustment reduces a drive strength of the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Robert Allan Neidorff, Saurav Bandyopadhyay, Ramanathan Ramani
  • Publication number: 20220250025
    Abstract: Microcapsule compositions as disclosed comprising a microcapsule dispersed in an aqueous phase. The microcapsule has a microcapsule core and a microcapsule wall encapsulating the microcapsule core. The microcapsule core contains an active material. The microcapsule wall is formed of a polymeric network comprising a first moiety derived from a protein, and a second moiety derived from a multi-functional electrophile. Also disclosed are preparation methods and consumer products containing the microcapsule compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Publication date: August 11, 2022
    Applicant: International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.
    Inventors: NIELS AKEROYD, Jeroen van Holland, Volkert de Villeneuve, Robert Allan HUNTER, Ronald GABBARD, Yabin LEI, Lewis Michael POPPLEWELL, Takashi SASAKI, Julie Ann WIELAND
  • Publication number: 20220209667
    Abstract: In at least some examples, an apparatus includes a logic circuit, first transistor, and second transistor. The logic circuit has a first logic circuit output, and a second logic circuit output. The first transistor has a first transistor gate, a first transistor source, and a first transistor drain, the first transistor gate coupled to the first logic circuit output, the first transistor drain adapted to couple to a voltage source, and the first transistor source coupled to a switching terminal. The second transistor has a second transistor gate, a second transistor source, and a second transistor drain, the second transistor gate coupled to the second logic circuit output, the second transistor drain adapted to couple to the voltage source, and the second transistor source coupled to the switching terminal, wherein a transistor width of the second transistor is larger than a transistor width of the first transistor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2020
    Publication date: June 30, 2022
    Inventors: Robert Allan NEIDORFF, Robert Kenneth OPPEN
  • Publication number: 20220187337
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a leadframe having a first level and a second level. The semiconductor device includes a semiconductor die and a conductive alloy. The conductive alloy is between the semiconductor die and the first level of the lead frame. The conductive alloy is configured to be a current sense element. The semiconductor device further includes a first conductive post coupling the semiconductor die to the conductive alloy, a second conductive post coupling the semiconductor die to the conductive alloy, and a third conductive post coupling the semiconductor die to the second level of the lead frame. The second conductive post is configured to be a first sense terminal. The third conductive post is configured to be a second sense terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Publication date: June 16, 2022
    Inventors: Robert Allan NEIDORFF, Sreenivasan K KODURI
  • Publication number: 20220154471
    Abstract: A modular guardrail system relates to a set of interconnected beams that each fit into pairs of detachable bases, thus allowing for the creation, adjustment, and removal of a variety of configurations of temporary fence-style barriers. Each guardrail section may include two vertical posts, one on each end of each guardrail section, connected by a set of horizontal beams and, in some cases, a horizontal toeplate. Adjacent guardrail sections share a common base, thus allowing for the chain assembly of an extended barrier. The base that connects to the guardrail sections may include several vertically-oriented brackets that may slide into the different guardrail posts. The placement of the vertical brackets upon the base is selected so that each of the attached guardrail sections can be arranged independently of one another in any direction. The vertical brackets may be rotatably attached, thereby allowing for more flexible arrangements of the guardrail sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2021
    Publication date: May 19, 2022
    Inventors: Robert Allan Martin, Lucas Banquer
  • Patent number: 11296016
    Abstract: Semiconductor devices and methods and apparatus to produce such semiconductor devices are disclosed. An integrated circuit package includes a lead frame including a die attach pad and a plurality of leads; a die including a MEMs region defined by a plurality of trenches, the die electrically connected to the plurality of leads; and a mold compound covering portions of the die, the mold compound defining a cavity between a surface of the die and a surface of the mold compound, wherein the mold compound defines a vent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Robert Allan Neidorff, Benjamin Cook, Steven Alfred Kummerl, Barry Jon Male, Peter Smeys
  • Patent number: 11292624
    Abstract: A robotic end of arm tool to effectuate loaded case closure is provided. The tool includes a loaded case flap folding assembly to effectuate folding of flaps extending from a first case panel of a loaded case and, advantageously, loaded case squaring assemblies. The folding assembly includes flap engaging elements, a linkage and an actuator, the flap engaging elements operatively united with the linkage, the linkage actuatable via the actuator in furtherance of causing the flap engaging elements to engage the flaps extending from the first case panel. Flap engaging elements include a first flap engaging element for engagement with a first flap extending from the first case panel of the loaded case, and second and third flap engaging elements for engagement with second and third flaps opposingly extending from the first case panel, each of the second and third flaps adjacent the first flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Douglas Machine Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron M. Frederick, Travis John Bakker, Robert Allan Danner, Jr., Christopher Todd Davis, Richard W. Lukanen, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20220059439
    Abstract: A method includes performing a non-screen printing process that deposits solder on a lead frame or on conductive features of a semiconductor die or wafer, or on or in a conductive via of a laminate structure. The method further comprises engaging the semiconductor die to the lead frame, performing a thermal process that reflows the solder, performing a molding process that forms a package structure which encloses the semiconductor die and a portion of the lead frame, and separating a packaged electronic device from a remaining portion of the lead frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2020
    Publication date: February 24, 2022
    Applicant: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert Allan Neidorff, Benjamin Cook, Stefan Herzer
  • Publication number: 20220008886
    Abstract: Disclosed are biodegradable core-shell microcapsule compositions composed of microcapsules having a wall formed by self-condensation of an isocyanate in the presence of a denatured pea protein as dispersant. Also disclosed are consumer products containing such a core-shell microcapsule composition and methods for producing core-shell microcapsule compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2021
    Publication date: January 13, 2022
    Inventors: Yabin LEI, Julie WIELAND, Li XU, Lewis Michael POPPLEWELL, Niels AKEROYD, Florine ANQUETIN, Pedro GARCIA CAVERO, Robert Allan HUNTER, Florin LUCA VILCIU, Sonia-Patricia STOICA
  • Publication number: 20210325443
    Abstract: An example method provides a power MOSFET, a voltage source coupled to the power MOSFET, and a current measurement device coupled to a first non-control terminal of the power MOSFET. The voltage source, the current measurement device, and a second non-control terminal of the power MOSFET couple to ground. The method uses the voltage source to apply a voltage between a gate terminal and the second non-control terminal of the power MOSFET, the voltage greater than zero volts and less than a threshold voltage of the power MOSFET. The method also uses the current measurement device to measure a first current flowing through the first non-control terminal while applying the voltage. The method further uses the first current to predict a second current through the first non-control terminal for a voltage between the gate terminal and the second non-control terminal that is approximately zero.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2021
    Publication date: October 21, 2021
    Inventors: Robert Allan NEIDORFF, Henry Litzmann EDWARDS
  • Publication number: 20210300308
    Abstract: An electronic parking brake control system and method for controlling a parking brake of a vehicle. The system includes an electronic parking brake variable switch configured to produce an application signal based on an amount or an amount of time the switch is pulled upward or pushed downward. The system also includes an indicator configured to indicate an amount of application of the parking brake based on the application signal. The system also includes an electronic brake unit coupled to the electronic parking brake variable switch. The electronic brake unit is configured to receive the application signal, and transmit a rear brake signal to a plurality of rear brake actuators to apply a plurality of rear brakes based on the application signal when a speed of the vehicle is below a threshold speed or the vehicle is in a low gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2020
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Inventors: Jeremy Daniel Bultman, Robert Allan Ditner, Randall Steven Badia
  • Publication number: 20210285710
    Abstract: A container with an axle-less wheel assembly can include: a substantially hollow body including a first wheel retention portion and a second wheel retention portion; and a wheel assembly including a first wheel including a shaft continuously formed with the first wheel extending from a center portion of the first wheel, and a second wheel including a shaft continuously formed with the second wheel extending from a center portion of the second wheel. The first wheel can be rotatably secured in the first wheel retention portion when the shaft is inserted into the first wheel retention portion, and the second wheel can be rotatably secured in the second wheel retention portion when the shaft is inserted into the second wheel retention portion. The first wheel can be uncoupled to the second wheel such that the first wheel and the second wheel operate independently from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2019
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Inventors: Roque BARROS, Robert Allan ROSS, Quang Lee DUONG, Nicholas DEKEYSER, James MCKENRICK, Ninh PHAM