Patents by Inventor Robert S. Wright

Robert S. Wright 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: 9485103
    Abstract: A network powered device includes field effect transistors connected as bridge circuit. The bridge circuit includes control circuitry to enable the FETs based on completion of a powered device detection sequence performed by power sourcing equipment coupled to the device via an Ethernet link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert S Wright, Robert C Brooks
  • Patent number: 9413102
    Abstract: An electrical connector assembly may include a connector body and a resilient spring contact configured to electrically contact a data trace formed on a structural surface. The resilient spring contact being enclosed within the connector body when the connector body is attached to the structural surface. The electrical connector assembly may also include a connector arrangement configured to electrically couple the resilient spring contact to a system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Robert S. Wright, Jeffrey Lynn Duce, Robert Nye, Jason Yim
  • Publication number: 20150258760
    Abstract: Processes for bonding lignocellulosic substrates without an added adhesive are described. The processes of the invention may include exposing the surfaces of the lignocellulosic substrate to a rapid heating source to cause one or more physical, chemical, or other modifications on the surface of the substrate. As a result of the modifications, the surfaces may form a bond with another substrate under elevated temperatures and pressures, for example, produced by a means for pressing such as a conventional hot press used in the woodworking arts. The processes allow a variety of composites such as wood materials for use in the furniture making or construction industries to be manufactured. As the processes forgo the need for petroleum-based adhesives, they are more environmentally sound and occupationally safe than prior art wood product manufacturing methods. Additionally, composite materials made by the processes of the invention are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Applicant: VIRGINIA TECH INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES, INC.
    Inventors: Scott Renneckar, William T. Church, Jeffrey A. Dolan, Robert S. Wright, Zhiyuan Lin
  • Publication number: 20150168471
    Abstract: Examples disclose a computing system comprising a host device with a connection socket to support multiple types of cables by detecting a first key position and a second key position for determination of the type of cable. Further, the computing system comprises a switching circuit to determine a logic state of each of the key positions. Additionally, the switching circuit is to deliver power associated with the type of cable based on the logic states of the key positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Publication date: June 18, 2015
    Applicant: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Binh T. Truong, Nam Nguyen, Robert S. Wright
  • Publication number: 20140359337
    Abstract: Circuits for preventing power drawn by a load from exceeding a threshold are provided. A first circuit monitors power supplied to the load and disables a power supply if a threshold is exceeded. A second circuit disconnects the load from the power supply if the threshold is exceeded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Szu Tao Tong, Chien-Hao Lu, Nam Nguyen, Robert S. Wright
  • Patent number: 8806255
    Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to controlling a connection to an interface. In an embodiment, a protection circuit is to detect a voltage at an input rail of a regulator, where the regulator is to provide power to a peripheral device via an interface. Next, the protection circuit is to compare the detected voltage to a reference voltage. Then, the protection circuit is to generate a detection signal based on the comparison. Lastly, the protection circuit is to disable a connection between the regulator and the interface based on the detection signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert C Brooks, Robert S Wright, Nam Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8804292
    Abstract: A protective circuit compares at least two different signals and asserts a control node toward respective logic states accordingly. At least one of the signals is derived from a voltage on a power rail within a computer or other device. A switching element passes or isolates an enable signal based on the logic state of the control node, enabling or preventing operation of a power supply, accordingly. Central processing units (CPUs) or other elements are protected against electrically caused damage in the event that a fault is detected by the protective circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert S Wright, Nam Nguyen, Richard W Clutter
  • Patent number: 8796880
    Abstract: A first resistance (125) within a power supply (110) can be connected to a power supply output (120). A variable resistance (130) can be serially coupled with the first resistance, thereby providing a first intermediate voltage at a point (115) disposed between the first resistance and the variable resistance. The variable resistance can be at a maximum in the absence of an expansion device (140) and at less than maximum in the presence of an expansion device. The first intermediate voltage and a second intermediate voltage (145) can be introduced to a comparator (150). The comparator can provide an output signal (170) when the first intermediate voltage exceeds the second intermediate voltage. The comparator output signal can be used to confirm the power supply capacity to power an external device (180) and to enable one or more external device functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert C Brooks, Patrick L Ferguson, Robert S Wright
  • Patent number: 8760833
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods related to limiting surge current are provided. An under-voltage condition on a node is sensed and respective signals are provided in response. The under-voltage condition correlates to a surge in load current drawn from the node. A foldback signal is provided to a power controller to adjust the voltage on the node. The foldback signal is nullified when the surge current condition has been curtailed. Printers, computers and other apparatus can include surge current-limiting accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Hewlett Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert S Wright, Nam Nguyen, Richard W Clutter
  • Publication number: 20140164795
    Abstract: A network powered device includes field effect transistors connected as bridge circuit. The bridge circuit includes control circuitry to enable the FETs based on completion of a powered device detection sequence performed by power sourcing equipment coupled to the device via an Ethernet link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert S. WRIGHT, Robert C. BROOKS
  • Publication number: 20140016237
    Abstract: A protective circuit compares at least two different signals and asserts a control node toward respective logic states accordingly. At least one of the signals is derived from a voltage on a power rail within a computer or other device. A switching element passes or isolates an enable signal based on the logic state of the control node, enabling or preventing operation of a power supply, accordingly. Central processing units (CPUs) or other elements are protected against electrically caused damage in the event that a fault is detected by the protective circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventors: Robert S. Wright, Nam Nguyen, Richard W. Clutter
  • Publication number: 20130208384
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods related to limiting surge current are provided. An under-voltage condition on a node is sensed and respective signals are provided in response. The under-voltage condition correlates to a surge in load current drawn from the node. A foldback signal is provided to a power controller to adjust the voltage on the node. The foldback signal is nullified when the surge current condition has been curtailed. Printers, computers and other apparatus can include surge current-limiting accordingly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventors: Robert S. Wright, Nam Nguyen, Richard W. Clutter
  • Patent number: 8464078
    Abstract: A system comprises an AC/DC adapter having a connector. The system also comprises a portable computer that receives said connector. The portable computer comprising a delay circuit coupled to a power transistor that is coupled in parallel with a resistor. The delay circuit causes the power transistor to activate following a time delay after current from the adapter begins to flow through the resistor. As a result of a user beginning to remove the connector from the portable computer, a control transistor is activated to reset the delay circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert C. Brooks, Joseph A. Clegg, George F. Squibb, Robert S. Wright
  • Publication number: 20130055002
    Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to controlling a connection to an interface. In an embodiment, a protection circuit is to detect a voltage at an input rail of a regulator, where the regulator is to provide power to a peripheral device via an interface. Next, the protection circuit is to compare the detected voltage to a reference voltage. Then, the protection circuit is to generate a detection signal based on the comparison. Lastly, the protection circuit is to disable a connection between the regulator and the interface based on the detection signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventors: Robert C. Brooks, Robert S. Wright, Nam Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20110316521
    Abstract: A first resistance (125) within a power supply (110) can be connected to a power supply output (120). A variable resistance (130) can be serially coupled with the first resistance, thereby providing a first intermediate voltage at a point (115) disposed between the first resistance and the variable resistance. The variable resistance can be at a maximum in the absence of an expansion device (140) and at less than maximum in the presence of an expansion device. The first intermediate voltage and a second intermediate voltage (145) can be introduced to a comparator (150). The comparator can provide an output signal (170) when the first intermediate voltage exceeds the second intermediate voltage. The comparator output signal can be used to confirm the power supply capacity to power an external device (180) and to enable one or more external device functions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: Robert C. Brooks, Patrick L. Ferguson, Robert S. Wright
  • Publication number: 20110060926
    Abstract: A system comprises an AC/DC adapter having a connector. The system also comprises a portable computer that receives said connector. The portable computer comprising a delay circuit coupled to a power transistor that is coupled in parallel with a resistor. The delay circuit causes the power transistor to activate following a time delay after current from the adapter begins to flow through the resistor. As a result of a user beginning to remove the connector from the portable computer, a control transistor is activated to reset the delay circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventors: Robert C. Brooks, Joseph A. Clegg, George F. Squibb, Robert S. Wright
  • Patent number: 5774736
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fault tolerant system for providing power to a multiple central processing unit computer system. Three DC-DC converters, each sized for providing power to one central processing unit, furnish power to two central processing units through two power planes. Each DC-DC converter has an output voltage level selectable through a voltage identification signal. If the voltage identification signals of the converters match, identification logic couples the power planes together. If only one converter is available to power the two central processing units, a stopclock logic circuit alternatively places the central processing units in known stopclock modes. Thus, the single converter only has to fully power one central processing unit at any one time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Inventors: Robert S. Wright, Kris P. Dehnel, Russell J. Wunderlich, Bassam N. Elkhoury
  • Patent number: 5479087
    Abstract: A synchronized switch tapped coupled inductor circuit which couples a first closed-loop regulated output of a forward converter switching power supply to a second output to assist in regulating the voltage of the second output. The switched power supply includes a converter transformer which is implemented as a forward converter providing the multiple outputs. The second output includes a storage inductor which is coupled to a storage inductor of the first output. The second coupled inductor includes a center tap which is connected to a synchronized switch. The synchronized switch is further connected to the first output and coupled to the converter transformer to detect the forward and flyback portions of each cycle. During the flyback portion of each cycle, the switch is turned on coupling the center tap to the first output. During the forward portion of each cycle, the switch is turned off, isolating the outputs from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: Compaq Computer Corp.
    Inventor: Robert S. Wright