Patents by Inventor William Funk

William Funk 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: 7984257
    Abstract: A system for protecting supervisor mode data from user code having a processor which implements a register window architecture supporting as separate window stacks for supervisor and user modes with a transition window in one of the window stacks set with at least one invalid window bit in an invalid window mask of the architecture additional to an invalid window bit set for a reserved window of the invalid window mask for transitioning from the supervisor mode to the user mode, supervisor mode-only memory storing the supervisor mode window stack, and user mode accessible memory storing the supervisor and user mode window stacks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: David William Funk, Barry Gauke
  • Patent number: 7934092
    Abstract: An electronic device comprising an embedded computer system is provided. The device comprises a processor supporting a real-time operating system (RTOS). The processor further supports user and supervisor modes. The computer system is programmed such that only code portions directly controlling essential hardware in the device are run in supervisor mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: David William Funk, Kia Silverbrook
  • Publication number: 20100277536
    Abstract: An electronic device having an embedded computer system is provided. The device has a processor supporting a real-time operating system (RTOS). The processor further supports user and supervisor modes. The computer system is programmed such that only code portions directly controlling essential hardware in the device are run in supervisor mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventors: David William Funk, Kia Silverbrook
  • Publication number: 20100169601
    Abstract: A system for protecting supervisor mode data from user code having a processor which implements a register window architecture supporting as separate window stacks for supervisor and user modes with a transition window in one of the window stacks set with at least one invalid window bit in an invalid window mask of the architecture additional to an invalid window bit set for a reserved window of the invalid window mask for transitioning from the supervisor mode to the user mode, supervisor mode-only memory storing the supervisor mode window stack, and user mode accessible memory storing the supervisor and user mode window stacks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: David William Funk, Barry Gauke
  • Patent number: 7740318
    Abstract: A padded strap is attached to both sides of a child car seat using two sets of hook and loop type fasteners, and alternatively, through use of two rotating discs. A child car seat head support system is thereby provided, which holds a baby's head in a comfortable, upright position while sleeping in a forward facing car seat. Stabilized support is accomplished using the padded strap to gently hold the child's head in an upright position against the back of the child's car seat. The support mechanism prevents the child's head from falling forward or “rolling” to the left or right side while the child is asleep. In an alternative embodiment, the padded strap is attached at both free ends to a tension strap with two sets of fasteners, respectively; thereby forming a single, circular strap, operable for placement over the top of the car seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Inventors: William Funke, III, Heidi Funke
  • Patent number: 7681000
    Abstract: A system for protecting supervisor mode data from user code in a register window architecture of a processor is provided. The system, when transitioning from supervisor mode to user mode, setting at least one invalid window bit in the invalid window mask of the architecture additional to the invalid window bit set for the reserved window of the invalid window mask. The additional bit is set for a transition window between supervisor and user data windows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd
    Inventors: David William Funk, Barry Gauke, Kia Silverbrook
  • Publication number: 20080022083
    Abstract: An electronic device comprising an embedded computer system is provided. The device comprises a processor supporting a real-time operating system (RTOS). The processor further supports user and supervisor modes. The computer system is programmed such that only code portions directly controlling essential hardware in the device are run in supervisor mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventors: David William Funk, Kia Silverbrook
  • Publication number: 20080010637
    Abstract: A system for upgrading firmware in a PictBridge printer is provided. The system comprises: (i) a PictBridge printer having an embedded computer system; and (ii) a digital camera for communicating with the embedded computer system. The camera contains a firmware upgrade for the embedded computer system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Inventors: Simon Robert Walmsley, David William Funk, Kia Silverbrook
  • Publication number: 20080010636
    Abstract: A system for upgrading firmware in a PictBridge printer is provided. The system comprises: (i) a PictBridge printer having an embedded computer system; and (ii) a memory stick for communicating with the embedded computer system. The memory stick contains a firmware upgrade for the embedded computer system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Inventors: David William Funk, Kia Silverbrook
  • Publication number: 20080010425
    Abstract: A system for protecting supervisor mode data from user code in a register window architecture of a processor is provided. The system, when transitioning from supervisor mode to user mode, setting at least one invalid window bit in the invalid window mask of the architecture additional to the invalid window bit set for the reserved window of the invalid window mask. The additional bit is set for a transition window between supervisor and user data windows.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Inventors: David William Funk, Barry Gauke, Kia Silverbrook
  • Publication number: 20070279075
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for terminating a probe that probes a semiconductor device with a signal cable from a tester is provided to connect layers of the probe to layers of the signal cable side by side. The probe and signal cable can be a co-axial or tri-axial probe and signal cable, respectively. A center conductive probe needle of the probe is disposed side by side with and electrically connects to a center signal conductor of the signal cable. A dielectric layer of the probe is disposed side by side with and connects to a dielectric layer of the signal cable. A conductive guard layer of the probe is disposed side by side with and electrically connects to a conductive dispersion/guard layer of the signal cable, and a sleeve of the probe is disposed side by side with and connects to a sleeve of the signal cable. In a tri-axial embodiment, a second dielectric layer of the probe is disposed side by side with and connects to a second dielectric layer of the signal cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventors: Bryan Root, William Funk
  • Publication number: 20070252606
    Abstract: A shielded probe apparatus is provided with a shielded probe and a tri-axial cable that are electrically connected within a shielded chassis. The shielded probe apparatus is capable of electrically testing a semiconductor device at a sub 100 fA operating current and an operating temperature up to 300° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Publication date: November 1, 2007
    Inventors: Bryan Root, William Funk
  • Publication number: 20070087597
    Abstract: A probe apparatus and method of terminating a probe that probes a semiconductor device with a signal cable from a tester side by side at a proximal end of the probe and a distal end of the signal cable. In one embodiment, the probe apparatus includes: a chassis; a dielectric block mounted in the chassis for retaining the probe, the probe extending on the chassis from a proximal end of the probe to the dielectric block, extending through the dielectric block, and projecting from the dielectric block towards the semiconductor device at a distal end of the probe; and a terminating apparatus, mounted in the chassis, for terminating the proximal end of the probe with a distal end of the signal cable side by side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Publication date: April 19, 2007
    Inventors: Bryan Root, William Funk
  • Publication number: 20060186903
    Abstract: A probe apparatus and method of terminating a probe that probes a semiconductor device with a signal cable from a tester side by side at a proximal end of the probe and a distal end of the signal cable. In one embodiment, the probe apparatus includes: a chassis; a dielectric block mounted in the chassis for retaining the probe, the probe extending on the chassis from a proximal end of the probe to the dielectric block, extending through the dielectric block, and projecting from the dielectric block towards the semiconductor device at a distal end of the probe; and a terminating apparatus, mounted in the chassis, for terminating the proximal end of the probe with a distal end of the signal cable side by side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Publication date: August 24, 2006
    Inventors: Bryan Root, William Funk
  • Publication number: 20060114009
    Abstract: A shielded probe apparatus is provided with a shielded probe and a tri-axial cable that are electrically connected within a shielded chassis. The shielded probe apparatus is capable of electrically testing a semiconductor device at a sub 100 fA operating current and an operating temperature up to 300 C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Publication date: June 1, 2006
    Inventors: Bryan Root, William Funk
  • Publication number: 20060061186
    Abstract: A padded strap is attached to both sides of a child car seat using two sets of hook and loop type fasteners, and alternatively, through use of two rotating discs. A child car seat head support system is thereby provided, which holds a baby's head in a comfortable, upright position while sleeping in a forward facing car seat. Stabilized support is accomplished using the padded strap to gently hold the child's head in an upright position against the back of the child's car seat. The support mechanism prevents the child's head from falling forward or “rolling” to the left or right side while the child is asleep. In an alternative embodiment, the padded strap is attached at both free ends to a tension strap with two sets of fasteners, respectively; thereby forming a single, circular strap, operable for placement over the top of the car seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2004
    Publication date: March 23, 2006
    Inventors: William Funke, Heidi Funke
  • Publication number: 20060049841
    Abstract: A probe apparatus for probing a device on a semiconductor wafer to be tested by a testing equipment is provided. The probe apparatus includes a replaceable probe tile removably mounted in a probing location on a base plate. The probe tile is configured into a self-contained assembly which includes a chassis body containing a plurality of probes for probing devices on a wafer, a dielectric block for supporting the probes, and a wireguide for guiding a plurality of cables from the testing equipment into the chassis body. A wafer station having replaceable base plates and replaceable probe tiles are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Publication date: March 9, 2006
    Inventors: Bryan Root, William Funk
  • Publication number: 20050253612
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for terminating a probe that probes a semiconductor device with a signal cable from a tester is provided to connect layers of the probe to layers of the signal cable side by side. The probe and signal cable can be a co-axial or tri-axial probe and signal cable, respectively. A center conductive probe needle of the probe is disposed side by side with and electrically connects to a center signal conductor of the signal cable. A dielectric layer of the probe is disposed side by side with and connects to a dielectric layer of the signal cable. A conductive guard layer of the probe is disposed side by side with and electrically connects to a conductive dispersion/guard layer of the signal cable, and a sleeve of the probe is disposed side by side with and connects to a sleeve of the signal cable. In a tri-axial embodiment, a second dielectric layer of the probe is disposed side by side with and connects to a second dielectric layer of the signal cable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Publication date: November 17, 2005
    Inventors: Bryan Root, William Funk
  • Patent number: 6854234
    Abstract: A panel connector system is provided and includes a plurality of panels and panel connectors. Each panel includes panel sidewall extensions, lips extending from the sidewall extensions, and cross-walls. The sidewall extensions, lips, and cross-walls define outwardly opening edge channels. The panel connectors include a base and a member extending generally transversely from the base. The base includes a base plate and a contact element. The arm portion includes a generally longitudinal slot, a ledge or protruding portion and a spring portion. A male seating surface extends from the ledge and a female seating surface is present on the spring portion. The clip base plate is fastened to the panel cross-wall and one of the lips is disposed in the clip slot when the clip is attached within the edge channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Skyline Displays, Inc.
    Inventors: Dixon Gimpel, Timothy Cota, William Funk
  • Publication number: 20040123548
    Abstract: A panel connector system is provided and includes a plurality of panels and panel connectors. Each panel includes panel sidewall extensions, lips extending from the sidewall extensions, and cross-walls. The sidewall extensions, lips, and cross-walls define outwardly opening edge channels. The panel connectors include a base and a member extending generally transversely from the base. The base includes a base plate and a contact element. The arm portion includes a generally longitudinal slot, a ledge or protruding portion and a spring portion. A male seating surface extends from the ledge and a female seating surface is present on the spring portion. The clip base plate is fastened to the panel cross-wall and one of the lips is disposed in the clip slot when the clip is attached within the edge channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Dixon Gimpel, Timothy Cota, William Funk