Patents by Inventor William Robert Krenik

William Robert Krenik 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: 11799436
    Abstract: A method of forming a resonator includes forming top and bottom dielectric structures over a substrate. A piezoelectric layer is formed between the top and bottom dielectric structures. A bottom electrode is formed between the piezoelectric layer and the bottom dielectric structure, and a top electrode is formed between the piezoelectric layer and the top dielectric structure. A metal layer is formed over the top dielectric structure and is patterned, thereby forming a first contact pad making electrical contact to the top electrode, a second contact pad making electrical contact with the bottom electrode, and a mass bias located over the top dielectric structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Byron Neville Burgess, William Robert Krenik, Stuart M. Jacobsen
  • Patent number: 11265009
    Abstract: A circuit includes a phase-locked loop having a phase-locked loop output to provide a first phase signal and a second phase signal phase delayed with respect to the first phase signal. The circuit further includes a digital circuit having a digital circuit input and an output. The digital circuit input couples to the phase-locked loop output. On the digital circuit output, the digital circuit is configured to provide a first digital-to-analog converter (DAC) enable signal and a second DAC enable signal. The circuit also includes first and second DACs. The first DAC is coupled to the digital circuit. The first DAC has a first enable input coupled to the digital circuit output to receive the first DAC enable signal. The second DAC is coupled to the digital circuit. The second DAC has a second enable input coupled to the digital circuit output to receive the second DAC enable signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Keliu Shu, Gary Franklin Chard, William Robert Krenik
  • Publication number: 20200382131
    Abstract: A circuit includes a phase-locked loop having a phase-locked loop output to provide a first phase signal and a second phase signal phase delayed with respect to the first phase signal. The circuit further includes a digital circuit having a digital circuit input and an output. The digital circuit input couples to the phase-locked loop output. On the digital circuit output, the digital circuit is configured to provide a first digital-to-analog converter (DAC) enable signal and a second DAC enable signal. The circuit also includes first and second DACs. The first DAC is coupled to the digital circuit. The first DAC has a first enable input coupled to the digital circuit output to receive the first DAC enable signal. The second DAC is coupled to the digital circuit. The second DAC has a second enable input coupled to the digital circuit output to receive the second DAC enable signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2019
    Publication date: December 3, 2020
    Inventors: Keliu SHU, Gary Franklin CHARD, William Robert KRENIK
  • Publication number: 20190386627
    Abstract: A method of forming a resonator includes forming top and bottom dielectric structures over a substrate. A piezoelectric layer is formed between the top and bottom dielectric structures. A bottom electrode is formed between the piezoelectric layer and the bottom dielectric structure, and a top electrode is formed between the piezoelectric layer and the top dielectric structure. A metal layer is formed over the top dielectric structure and is patterned, thereby forming a first contact pad making electrical contact to the top electrode, a second contact pad making electrical contact with the bottom electrode, and a mass bias located over the top dielectric structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Publication date: December 19, 2019
    Inventors: Byron Neville BURGESS, William Robert KRENIK, Stuart M. JACOBSEN
  • Patent number: 10396746
    Abstract: A method of forming an integrated resonator apparatus includes depositing alternating dielectric layers of lower and higher acoustic impedance materials over a substrate. First and second resonator electrodes are formed over the alternating dielectric layers, with a piezoelectric layer located between the first and second resonator electrodes. A mass bias is formed over the first and second resonator electrodes. The mass bias, first and second electrodes, piezoelectric layer, and alternating dielectric layers may be encapsulated with a plastic mold fill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Byron Neville Burgess, William Robert Krenik, Stuart M. Jacobsen
  • Publication number: 20190187854
    Abstract: A system includes a receiver that receives an output signal from a touch system to detect a user's touch. The output signal is received in response to an excitation signal that is applied to a row or column of the touch system. A touch force analyzer determines an indication of a touch force applied to the touch system based on detecting a change in phase of the output signal received from the row or column of the touch system in response to a touch applied to the touch system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Inventors: SRINATH HOSUR, ASHISH KHANDELWAL, WILLIAM ROBERT KRENIK
  • Publication number: 20160105156
    Abstract: An integrated resonator apparatus includes a piezoelectric resonator and an acoustic Bragg reflector formed adjacent the piezoelectric resonator. The integrated resonator apparatus also includes a mass bias formed over the Bragg reflector on a side of the piezoelectric resonator opposite the piezoelectric resonator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Inventors: Byron Neville BURGESS, William Robert KRENIK, Stuart M. JACOBSEN
  • Patent number: 9305971
    Abstract: A semiconductor device comprises a semiconductor wafer; a piezoelectric resonator formed on the wafer, and an active circuit also formed on the wafer. The active circuit (e.g., a frequency divider) is electrically connected to the piezoelectric resonator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Stuart M. Jacobsen, Sridhar Ramaswamy, William Robert Krenik
  • Patent number: 9246467
    Abstract: An integrated resonator apparatus includes a piezoelectric resonator and an acoustic Bragg reflector formed adjacent the piezoelectric resonator. The integrated resonator apparatus also includes a mass bias formed over the Bragg reflector on a side of the piezoelectric resonator opposite the piezoelectric resonator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Byron Neville Burgess, William Robert Krenik, Stuart M. Jacobsen
  • Patent number: 9240767
    Abstract: An integrated resonator apparatus comprises a piezoelectric resonator, an acoustic Bragg reflector coupled to the piezoelectric resonator, and a substrate on which the acoustic Bragg reflector is disposed. The apparatus also includes an active heater layer covering the piezoelectric resonator. Heat produced by the active heater layer is controllable by an amount of current provided through the heater layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Byron Neville Burgess, William Robert Krenik, Stuart M. Jacobsen
  • Publication number: 20150340405
    Abstract: A semiconductor device comprises a semiconductor wafer; a piezoelectric resonator formed on the wafer, and an active circuit also formed on the wafer. The active circuit (e.g., a frequency divider) is electrically connected to the piezoelectric resonator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2015
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Inventors: Stuart M. JACOBSEN, Sridhar RAMASWAMY, William Robert KRENIK
  • Patent number: 9129886
    Abstract: A semiconductor device comprises a semiconductor wafer; a piezoelectric resonator formed on the wafer, and an active circuit also formed on the wafer. The active circuit (e.g., a frequency divider) is electrically connected to the piezoelectric resonator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Stuart M. Jacobsen, Sridhar Ramaswamy, William Robert Krenik
  • Publication number: 20150108969
    Abstract: A linear variable differential transformer (“LVDT”) including a semiconductor substrate and a plurality of coils formed at least partially on the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventor: William Robert Krenik
  • Publication number: 20140125198
    Abstract: A semiconductor device comprises a semiconductor wafer; a piezoelectric resonator formed on the wafer, and an active circuit also formed on the wafer. The active circuit (e.g., a frequency divider) is electrically connected to the piezoelectric resonator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Stuart M. JACOBSEN, Sridhar RAMASWAMY, William Robert KRENIK
  • Publication number: 20130320808
    Abstract: An integrated resonator apparatus includes a piezoelectric resonator and an acoustic Bragg reflector formed adjacent the piezoelectric resonator. The integrated resonator apparatus also includes a mass bias formed over the Bragg reflector on a side of the piezoelectric resonator opposite the piezoelectric resonator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Byron Neville BURGESS, William Robert KRENIK, Stuart M. JACOBSEN
  • Patent number: 8353598
    Abstract: Display systems and methods for mobile devices and mobile devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a display system for a mobile device is provided. The mobile device is handheld and includes a primary display screen. The display system includes an auxiliary screen and a connecting device coupled to the auxiliary screen and attachable to the mobile device. An image from the mobile device is producible on the auxiliary screen. The display system is removable from the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Leonardo William Estevez, William Robert Krenik, Steven Edward Smith, Yoram Solomon, Jose Vasquez, Steven Monroe Penn
  • Publication number: 20100164716
    Abstract: A system is capable of monitoring dispensing of medication from a medication container having a volume. The system comprises a measuring portion and a processor portion. The measuring portion is operable to measure a parameter at a first time and to measure the parameter at a second time. The processor portion is in communication with the measuring portion. The processor portion is operable to determine a change in volume of medication within the medication container based on the measured parameter at the first time and the measured parameter at the second time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: Leonardo William Estevez, William Robert Krenik
  • Publication number: 20100045569
    Abstract: Display systems and methods for mobile devices and mobile devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a display system for a mobile device is provided. The mobile device is handheld and includes a primary display screen. The display system includes an auxiliary screen and a connecting device coupled to the auxiliary screen and attachable to the mobile device. An image from the mobile device is producible on the auxiliary screen. The display system is removable from the mobile device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventors: Leonardo William Estevez, William Robert Krenik, Steven Edward Smith, Yoram Solomon, Jose Vasquez, Steven Monroe Penn
  • Patent number: 6709733
    Abstract: A wood panel formed by cutting a layer from a laminated blank formed by bonding wood pieces of various colors, shapes, textures, or grain patterns to create artistic effects in the completed panel through use of several alternative construction techniques, and techniques for providing enhancing modifications and low-stress means for mounting the completed panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Inventor: William Robert Krenik
  • Publication number: 20030124307
    Abstract: A wood panel 60 formed by cutting a layer from a laminated blank 40 formed by bonding wood pieces of various colors, shapes, textures, or grain patterns to create artistic effects in the completed panel through use of several alternative construction techniques 60, 62, 64, 66, and 68, and techniques for providing enhancing modifications 70, 72, 74, 76, 78, 80, 81, and 82 and low-stress means for mounting the completed panels 90, 100 and 118.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventor: William Robert Krenik