Patents by Inventor Thomas W. Lanni
Thomas W. Lanni 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: 7727005Abstract: A key coded power connector and a system and method for making key coded power connections are disclosed. A power connector such as a power adapter connector is configured with either a visual keying system, a physical keying system, or both. The physical keying system prevents a user from connecting a host device to a connector of the power source which does not support that host device. The visual keying system provides the user with an early indication that the particular device is not supported by a power source. The user can visually compare a marking key on the host device with the making key on the power connector and determine whether or not the power source is capable of outputting sufficient power to operate the device. The visual and physical keying systems prevents a user from improperly connecting a host device to a power source which does not support that device.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2009Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Comarco Wireless Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Thomas W. Lanni
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Publication number: 20100109436Abstract: Power supply equipment includes circuitry for converting an input voltage to first and second DC output voltages. At least one of the output voltages is programmable in response to a voltage control signal. A first output port provides the first DC output voltage to a first electronic device and a second output port provides the second DC output voltage to a second electronic device. The conversion circuitry provides power sufficient to simultaneously power the first electronic device at the first DC voltage and the second electronic device at the second DC voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2009Publication date: May 6, 2010Applicant: Comarco Wireless Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Thomas W. Lanni
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Patent number: 7649279Abstract: Power supply equipment includes circuitry for converting an input voltage to first and second DC voltages provided at respective power ports. One of the ports is connected to a cable having a connector or connector adapter which has a shape and pin out compatible for detachably mating with a first electronic device. A second port is connected to a connector for receiving a cable for coupling to a second electronic device. The power supply powers the first electronic device at the first DC voltage and the second electronic device at the second DC voltage.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2006Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: Comarco Wireless Technologies, IncInventor: Thomas W. Lanni
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Patent number: 7613021Abstract: A small form factor power supply includes a switching transformer, control circuitry and rectifier circuitry, each contained within a housing. The switching transformer has a planar core and windings which surround at least a portion of the planar core. The control circuitry includes at least one surface mounted component, to control a switching device to couple a source of DC power to a primary of the switching transformer at a switching frequency. The rectifier circuitry is coupled to a secondary of the switching transformer to provide a DC voltage. The housing contains the switching transformer, the control circuitry and the rectifier circuitry, wherein a height of the housing is not greater than 0.75 inches.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2008Date of Patent: November 3, 2009Assignee: Comarco Wireless Technologies, IncInventor: Thomas W. Lanni
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Publication number: 20090197457Abstract: A key coded power connector and a system and method for making key coded power connections are disclosed. A power connector such as a power adapter connector is configured with either a visual keying system, a physical keying system, or both. The physical keying system prevents a user from connecting a host device to a connector of the power source which does not support that host device. The visual keying system provides the user with an early indication that the particular device is not supported by a power source. The user can visually compare a marking key on the host device with the making key on the power connector and determine whether or not the power source is capable of outputting sufficient power to operate the device. The visual and physical keying systems prevents a user from improperly connecting a host device to a power source which does not support that device.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2009Publication date: August 6, 2009Applicant: COMARCO WIRELESS TECHNOLOGIESInventor: Thomas W. Lanni
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Patent number: 7545656Abstract: A common mode noise cancellation circuit eliminates common mode noise generated by a high-frequency switching device. The common mode noise reduction circuit includes a single switching device and a transformer. The switching device receives a rectified voltage and produces a switched voltage. The transformer includes a first primary winding, a second primary winding, and a secondary winding. The transformer couples the switched output from the first and the second primary winding to the secondary winding to generate a transformed voltage. A positive signed common mode noise waveform generated by the switching device is coupled from the first primary winding to the first secondary winding, and a negative signed common mode noise waveform generated by the switching device is coupled from the second primary winding to the first secondary winding, which results in a lower magnitude common mode noise waveform being present at the secondary winding.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2006Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignee: Comarco Wireless Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Thomas W. Lanni
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Publication number: 20090096565Abstract: A transformer or inductor includes a core, a printed circuit board, a frame and a gapping plate. The core is positioned in a first plane A winding is located on top of a portion of the core. The frame is positioned in a second plane and the frame is located on top of the winding and has a hole. The gapping plate resides in the second plane and is disposed within the hole of the frame. The gapping plate has a smaller area than the hole of the frame and this creates a gap between the gapping plate and the frame. The magnetic flux generated during operation of the transformer or inductor radiates in a direction perpendicular to the first plane and the second plane.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2007Publication date: April 16, 2009Applicant: Comarco Wireless Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Thomas W. Lanni
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Patent number: 7495941Abstract: Power supply equipment includes a power converter and connector adapters for coupling between the converter and various appliances. The connector adapters bear respective adapter indicators. A particular connector adapter, bearing a corresponding adapter indicator, is chosen for mating with a particular appliance. The power converter generates selectable output voltages which are identified by respective converter indicators. The power converter output voltage is selected so that the converter indicator matches the indicator on the adapter chosen for the particular appliance.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2007Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Assignee: Comarco Wireless Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Thomas W. Lanni
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Patent number: 7489116Abstract: A bi-directional boost circuit for power factor correction includes a power factor control circuit and a pair of diodes, a pair of inductors, and a pair of switches. A first diode, a second diode, a first inductor, a second inductor, a first switch, and a second switch convert the AC input voltage, rectify the AC input voltage, and output an intermediate DC voltage. The power factor control circuit receives the AC input voltage and receives the intermediate DC voltage. The power factor control circuit regulates the DC output voltage. Based on the AC input voltage and the intermediate DC output voltage, the power factor control circuit controls an inductor current waveform by driving the first switch and the second switch to create a substantially sinusoidal current as seen by the power source that is in phase with the AC input voltage.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2007Date of Patent: February 10, 2009Assignee: Comarco Wireless Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Thomas W Lanni
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Patent number: 7460381Abstract: A programmable power supply for providing a regulated DC output power is disclosed. The power supply provides the output power to any one of a plurality of electronic devices adapted for receiving the output power at an operational voltage or an operational current. The power supply receives a programming signal to maintain the output power at the operational voltage or operational current associated with a particular selected electronic device. Accordingly, by varying the programming signal, the power supply can be programmed to provide output power to any one of several electronic devices having differing input power requirements.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2006Date of Patent: December 2, 2008Assignee: Comarco Wireless Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Thomas W. Lanni
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Patent number: 7453171Abstract: An adapter device includes a DC/DC adapter to receive DC power from a DC power source, and output a regulated DC voltage (Vout). A source determination circuitry receives the DC power from the DC power source and compares a magnitude of a voltage of the DC power with a reference magnitude of a reference voltage (Vref). When the magnitude of the voltage of the DC power is greater than the reference magnitude, a data signal (Vdata) having a first value is output. When the magnitude of the voltage of the DC power is less than the reference magnitude, the Vdata signal having a second value is output. The Vdata signal is received by control circuitry of an electronic device. When the Vdata signal has the first value, the electronic device operates in a first mode where battery charging circuitry is disabled. When the Vdata signal has the second value, the battery charging circuitry is enabled.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2004Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Comarco Wireless Technologies, IncInventor: Thomas W. Lanni
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Patent number: 7450390Abstract: A progammable power supply for providing a regulated DC output power is disclosed. The power supply provides the output power to any one of a plurality of electronic devices adapted for receiving the output power at an operational voltage or an operational current. The power supply receives a programming signal to maintain the output power at the operational voltage or operational current associated with a particular selected electronic device. Accordingly, by varying the programming signal, the power supply can be programmed to provide output power to any one of several electronic devices having differing input power requirements.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2006Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Assignee: Comarco Wireless Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Thomas W. Lanni
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Patent number: 7450403Abstract: A switching power supply includes a source of DC voltage and a transformer having primary and secondary windings. A switching circuit is coupled between the DC voltage and the primary winding to provide alternating current to the primary winding. A rectifier circuit is coupled to the secondary winding to provide a DC output voltage. A controller circuit controls the switching circuit to modulate the alternating current provided to the primary winding. A circuit receives a first input signal having a magnitude which is determined by the DC output voltage and a second input signal having a magnitude which is determined by a selected position of a multiposition switch. An output of the circuit generates a feedback signal which is coupled to the controller circuit.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2007Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Assignee: Comarco Wireless Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Thomas W. Lanni
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Patent number: 7420823Abstract: A bi-directional boost circuit for power factor correction includes a power factor control circuit and a pair of diodes, a pair of inductors, and a pair of switches. A first diode, a second diode, a first inductor, a second inductor, a first switch, and a second switch convert the AC input voltage, rectify the AC input voltage, and output an intermediate DC voltage. The power factor control circuit receives the AC input voltage and receives the intermediate DC voltage. The power factor control circuit regulates the DC output voltage. Based on the AC input voltage and the intermediate DC output voltage, the power factor control circuit controls an inductor current waveform by driving the first switch and the second switch to create a substantially sinusoidal current as seen by the power source that is in phase with the AC input voltage.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2007Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: Comarco Wireless Technologies, IncInventor: Thomas W Lanni
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Publication number: 20080151581Abstract: A small form factor power supply includes a switching transformer, control circuitry and rectifier circuitry, each contained within a housing. The switching transformer has a planar core and windings which surround at least a portion of the planar core. The control circuitry includes at least one surface mounted component, to control a switching device to couple a source of DC power to a primary of the switching transformer at a switching frequency. The rectifier circuitry is coupled to a secondary of the switching transformer to provide a DC voltage. The housing contains the switching transformer, the control circuitry and the rectifier circuitry, wherein a height of the housing is not greater than 0.75 inches.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 29, 2008Publication date: June 26, 2008Applicant: Comarco Wireless Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Thomas W. Lanni
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Patent number: 7365524Abstract: A power supply system includes an adapter to receive power from a power source, and output a regulated output voltage (Vout). A tip receives Vout from the adapter, and output Vout to an electronic device. The tip includes active circuitry to adjust a programming voltage (Vprog). Vprog is fed back to the adapter to control a magnitude of Vout.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2007Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: Comarco Wireless Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Thomas W. Lanni
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Patent number: 7355851Abstract: A power converter with a fan assembly cools down a temperature of the power converter. The power converter with a fan assembly includes a housing, a plate, and a second plate. The housing includes a fan assembly (which is integral to the housing) to draw in air. The plate is coupled to the housing to create an air channel between the plate and the housing and the second plated is coupled to the housing to create a second air channel between the second plate and the housing. The fan assembly draws in air through one of the air channel or the second air channel and moves air out through the other of the air channel and the second air channel to cool down the temperature of the power adapter.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2007Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Assignee: Comarco Wireless Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Thomas W Lanni
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Publication number: 20080019156Abstract: A common mode noise cancellation circuit eliminates common mode noise generated by a high-frequency switching device. The common mode noise reduction circuit includes a single switching device and a transformer. The switching device receives a rectified voltage and produces a switched voltage. The transformer includes a first primary winding, a second primary winding, and a secondary winding. The transformer couples the switched output from the first and the second primary winding to the secondary winding to generate a transformed voltage. A positive signed common mode noise waveform generated by the switching device is coupled from the first primary winding to the first secondary winding, and a negative signed common mode noise waveform generated by the switching device is coupled from the second primary winding to the first secondary winding, which results in a lower magnitude common mode noise waveform being present at the secondary winding.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2006Publication date: January 24, 2008Applicant: Comarco Wireless Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Thomas W. Lanni
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Patent number: 7279868Abstract: A bi-directional boost circuit for power factor correction includes a power factor control circuit and a pair of diodes, a pair of inductors, and a pair of switches. A first diode, a second diode, a first inductor, a second inductor, a first switch, and a second switch convert the AC input voltage, rectify the AC input voltage, and output an intermediate DC voltage. The power factor control circuit receives the AC input voltage and receives the intermediate DC voltage. The power factor control circuit regulates the DC output voltage. Based on the AC input voltage and the intermediate DC output voltage, the power factor control circuit controls an inductor current waveform by driving the first switch and the second switch to create a substantially sinusoidal current as seen by the power source that is in phase with the AC input voltage.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2004Date of Patent: October 9, 2007Assignee: Comarco Wireless Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Thomas W. Lanni
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Patent number: 7266003Abstract: A programmable power supply for providing a regulated DC output power is disclosed. The power supply provides the output power to any one of a plurality of electronic devices adapted for receiving the output power at an operational voltage or an operational current. The power supply receives a programming signal to maintain the output power at the operational voltage or operational current associated with a particular selected electronic device. Accordingly, by varying the programming signal, the power supply can be programmed to provide output power to any one of several electronic devices having differing input power requirements.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2006Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: Comarco Wireless Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Thomas W. Lanni