Patents Issued in January 14, 2003
  • Patent number: 6507267
    Abstract: A spring clip is attached to a thermostat bottom wall for attaching the thermostat to tubing in heat exchange relationship. The spring clip has an opening that faces transversely of the thermostat longitudinal axis so that installation forces act in a direction that is more parallel to the bottom wall to avoid denting of the bottom wall. The spring clip has a flat mounting base attached to the thermostat bottom wall to spread forces over a large area of the bottom wall and to reinforce the bottom wall against deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Therm-O-Disc, Incorporated
    Inventors: Larry Russell, Tung-Sheng Yang, Frank Winter, Mark Rader
  • Patent number: 6507268
    Abstract: A low profile mount for a disc varistor. A thermally sensitive switch is provided both for single and multiple electrode embodiments. The switch may be placed in a shorting circuit and include a spring biased conductor prevented from closure by a heat sensitive element which softens in responsive to excessive heat. The varistor may be fused to prevent excessive current from a short circuited but not open circuited varistor. Methods are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Littlefuse, Inc.
    Inventor: Neil McLoughlin
  • Patent number: 6507269
    Abstract: A voltage nonlinear resistor has a voltage nonlinear resistive body including zinc oxide, and a side face high-resistance layer provided on the side face of the resistive body. The high-resistance layer contains zinc in an amount of 1.0 to 25% by weigh in terms of its oxide (ZnO), boron in an amount of 1.0 to 10% by weight in terms of its oxide (B2O3), silicon in an amount of 0.1 to 5% by weight in terms of its oxide (SiO2), aluminum in an amount of 0.05 to 3% by weight in terms of its oxide (Al2O3), and barium in an amount of 0.05 to 3% by weight in terms of its oxide (BaO), with bismuth being substantially the balance in terms of its oxide (Bi2O3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Toshiya Imai, Takeshi Udagawa, Yasunori Kasuga
  • Patent number: 6507270
    Abstract: The present invention provides a linear operation type electric part in which a spring member for restoring the movement of a movable member and a spring member for preventing the backlash of the movable member are formed of the same kind of coil spring, thereby reducing the number of part used therefore, and enabling lower cost and increased productivity, and in which a movable member can be moved smoothly. The linear operation type electric part of the present invention includes the spring assembly, composed of the spring member for restoring the movable member from its movement and the spring member for preventing the movable member from backlash, both formed of the same type of coil springs. Therefore, it is possible to provide a linear operation type electric part which, when compared to conventional counterparts, requires fewer parts, thus providing lower cost and increased productivity. Moreover, in the present invention, the spring member does not slide along the case as in conventional counterparts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirofumi Okumura, Kyuichiro Terui
  • Patent number: 6507271
    Abstract: A resistor is provided that is made by laminating at least two resistive layers, where these resistors have conductive particles held in a binder resin. The resistors are laminated such that a top resistor covers a bottom resistor, and a surface of the top resistor is exposed. The resistivity of the top resistor is made smaller than that of the bottom resistor. The top resistor contains carbon fiber and carbon black, where the central particle size of the carbon fiber ranges from 3.5 to 9.0 &mgr;m. The resistor has excellent durability and micro-linearity characteristics. The resistor may also be used as a variable resistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: ALPS Electric Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Taguchi, Hisashi Komatsu, Takayuki Fujita, Michita Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6507272
    Abstract: Enhanced linearity, low switching perturbation resistor string matrices. The resistor strings are arranged in an array of a plurality of rows of resistive elements and electrically arranged with rows equally spaced above and below the physical centerline of the array being coupled together in an opposite sense. Preferably also physically adjacent rows are equally spaced from the center of the electrical order of rows. This connection prevents accumulation of errors due to vertical and horizontal resistance gradients over the array. Also node selection by controlling node select transistors coupled to column select lines to select one node in each row, and also controlling row select transistors to select the row of the desired node minimizes settling time after a tap change by inducing equal and opposite voltage changes at points close together along the resistor string, whether in the array of the present invention or in the snake configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Nicholson, Simon Churchill, Hao Tang
  • Patent number: 6507273
    Abstract: A networked-based remotely-controlled power switch device is proposed, which can be coupled to an electricity-powered system, such as a personal computer (PC), a TV, or a video recorder, to allow the electricity-powered system to be powered ON or OFF through remote control by a remote computer system via a network system, such as Internet, Ethernet, or PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network). This power switch device allows a user without an Internet account to be nevertheless able to use a remote PC system for remote ON/OFF control of the electricity-powered system. Further, in addition to instant ON/OFF control, this power device also allows the user to perform scheduled ON/OFF control to the electricity-powered system so that the electricity-powered system can be automatically powered ON or OFF at a specified time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Digipower Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: Herlin Chang, Ching Piao Lee
  • Patent number: 6507274
    Abstract: A data display radio pager of the present invention receives a paging signal including an address number and a message following the address number. If the address number is identical with an address number assigned to the pager, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) writes the message in a RAM (Random Access Memory) while displaying it on an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). When the user of the pager operates a read switch, the CPU accesses the RAM to display the message stored therein on the LCD. If a receipt interrupt occurs when the CPU is reading the message out of the RAM, the CPU displays both the message stored and an incoming message on the LCD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Masaaki Morishima
  • Patent number: 6507275
    Abstract: A pill dispensing reminder for assisting a patient to remember to take one or more pills at a preferred time. A microprocessor is held in a case and the microprocessor includes a 24 hour clock and outputs information to both a warning indicator and a data display window at programmed times. The microprocessor is connected to a data link interface which is capable of receiving programming information. A programming information sending unit exists separately from the case and is located at a pharmacy, doctor's office, health food store, or with the user. It includes a data link interface which mates with the data link interface held by the case. The case may include one or more pill compartments. A warning signal transmission unit may also be provided separately from the case and may transmit a warning signal generated from the case to a mobile or stationary receiver via wireless or wired output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Inventors: Irit Romano, Reuben Bahar
  • Patent number: 6507276
    Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring system includes plurality of sensor modules having respective motion switches and pressure sensors respectively attached to the tires of a vehicle. The sensor modules communicate, by RF broadcast transmission, tire pressure messages at staggered times so that the transmitted messages to a passenger compartment monitor do not interfere with each other for improve reliable reception of the messages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: CM Automotive Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Jorge A. Young, Chander P. Mittal, Joe Huayue Zhou
  • Patent number: 6507277
    Abstract: A danger signalling system, including a multiplicity of detectors (M1 to Mn) and other line members, in case of need, which respond to at least one danger criterion and are connected to a two-wire line (line A), a control centre connected to the line (line A), which has a voltage supply and a central processor in which the addresses of the detectors are stored for individually addressing and polling the detectors as well as a program for monitoring the status of the detectors. A testing circuitry is disposed in the control centre for checking the working order of the network formed from the line and the detectors or line members by means of a testing unit wherein the testing circuitry includes a testing processor which, in turn, has an evaluation software, and a switch assembly controlled by the testing processor is provided for selectively connecting the at least one testing unit to the line (line A).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Job Lizenz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Gerhard Röpke
  • Patent number: 6507278
    Abstract: An ingress/egress control system (10) controls passenger (P) flow into and out of an airport concourse. Enplaning passengers pass through an entrance portal (18) on their way to an airplane gate. A security screen (22) screens each person passing through the portal for the presence of prohibited items and identifies any person suspected of carrying such an item. A secondary portal (50) is located downstream of the first portal. A visual display system (52) responds to an indication from the security screening to route a suspected person from the first portal to the secondary portal, for further screening to determine if the person is carrying a prohibited item, while providing a different display to passengers passing the security screen so they can enter the concourse. A separate, exit portal (64) is provided for deplaning passengers exiting the concourse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: ADT Security Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Sam Brunetti, Scott Firesheets, Lee Thew, Don Woody
  • Patent number: 6507279
    Abstract: An integrated self-checkout system and method incorporates access control, electronic article surveillance (EAS), and radio frequency identification (RFID) subsystems, and allows marketing advertisements and pricing to be directed to a specific individual. The customer uses either a cell phone or an interactive personal digital assistant (PDA) when in the store, which displays prices and/or advertisements. The prices and advertisements are selected according to the customer's buying habits. The customer's buying habits are obtained by tracking the customer in the store and recording selected parameters such as the customer's track through the store, the time spent in various locations in the store, items selected by the customer, and items purchased. A database of customer habits is input to a decision program that determines the content of advertisements, and the pricing of various items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Sensormatic Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Per Olof Loof
  • Patent number: 6507280
    Abstract: To provide a device capable of firmly mounting a radio communication unit to a helmet in a simple manner without impairing the beauty and handleability of the helmet when the radio communication unit is detached from the helmet. The device for mounting a radio communication unit to a helmet includes a pair of couplers having a chucking function and a pair of magnetic connectors having a magnetically chucking function. The pair of magnetic connectors are provided with electrical contacts adapted to turn conductive when in a chucked condition. Furthermore, one of the pair of couplers and one of the pair of magnetic connectors is disposed on an outer surface of the helmet, while the other of the pair of couplers and the other of the pair of magnetic connectors is disposed on a main surface of the radio communication unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hajime Tabata, Yukio Miyamaru, Mutsumi Katayama
  • Patent number: 6507281
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for configuring a tunnel fire detection system including a linear heat sensor. The fire detection system is configured based on a plurality of tunnel parameters describing the tunnel, a plurality of sensor parameters describing the linear heat sensor, and a plurality of partial fire models describing aspects of fire development. The system and method calculates fire development based on the plurality of tunnel parameters, the plurality of sensor parameters, and the plurality of partial fire models. The system and method can set the fire alarm time, the installation point of the sensor cable and the alarm limit values of the detection system such that a potential fire is quickly and reliably detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Rudolf Mägerle, Robert Notz, Bruno Covelli
  • Patent number: 6507282
    Abstract: A system for monitoring a percentage of filter life remaining of a filter assembly of filter-fan devices. The system uses a single thermistor that is operated in two separate modes for monitoring the filter assembly. The thermistor is positioned in the airflow of the filter-fan adjacent to the air outlet. A first current is applied to the thermistor for determining the temperature of the airflow from a first thermistor voltage. The first thermistor voltage is responsive to the first current applied to the thermistor. A second current that is greater than the first current is applied to the heat the thermistor. The temperature of the thermistor is determined from a second thermistor voltage which is responsive to the second current applied to the thermistor. The percentage of filter life remaining of the filter assembly is determined from the temperature of the airflow and the second thermistor voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: The Holmes Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Sherwood
  • Patent number: 6507283
    Abstract: A self-validating output module in a control system includes a current detector and an operating component having at least two states. When the operating component is in the first state, current is directed away from a current detector and toward a load. When it is in its second state, current is directed toward the current detector and away from the load. The presence or absence of current on the current detector is thus a status signal indicative of whether or not current is being supplied to the load. This status signal is then made available to a controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: The Foxboro Company
    Inventor: James Calvin
  • Patent number: 6507284
    Abstract: The present invention provides an enclosure sign apparatus for unavoidable viewing of a sign before manipulation of an entryway opening device. The enclosure sign apparatus includes at least one side surface extending out as least as far as the entryway opening device, a back surface interconnected to the side surface, wherein the back surface comprises an opening to accommodate the entryway opening device therethrough, and a front surface having a sign. The front surface is capable of preventing access to the entryway opening device and is interconnected to the side surface. When in use, access is obtained to an entryway opening device by physically removing the enclosure sign apparatus so that there is unavoidable viewing of a sign before manipulation of the entryway opening device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Roche Colorado Corporation
    Inventor: Marc Thomas Rothney
  • Patent number: 6507285
    Abstract: An advanced floor mat is disclosed. In an embodiment of the present invention, the floor mat includes a cleanable portion. The floor mat may also include a water dissipation component, a water absorbing component, a cushioning component, customized graphics, a transparent cleanable portion, a tacky surface on the cleanable portion, an antibacterial composition, an antifungal composition, and a fragrance. Additionally, the cleanable portion may be erodible and may include a plurality of cleanable reusable layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Intellimats, LLC.
    Inventors: Ronald D. Blum, Dwight P. Duston
  • Patent number: 6507286
    Abstract: According to the system and the method of the present invention, a display's visibility is maintained depending on lighting conditions that are sensed by an ambient light sensor (16). Logic (10) is applied to the output of the light sensor (16) and in conjunction with a headlight status indicator (14) to determine whether daytime (D) or nighttime (N) lighting condition exists and to determine a brightness level (18) to be commanded to the display. The logic (10) of the present invention maintains a visible display even in situations where a vehicle's headlights are active during daylight lighting conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul F. L. Weindorf, Gregory John Milne
  • Patent number: 6507287
    Abstract: An Emergency Responder Alerting Marker which is manufactured of molded plastic, which is highly visible due to size and color, and which can be strategically placed so as to attract the attention of approaching Emergency Responders. The apparatus is portable, reducible in size, and is not reliant upon the utility of electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Inventor: James Earl Barnett
  • Patent number: 6507288
    Abstract: A display system for an airplane or other vehicle is disclosed. A rear projection LCD is used to allow for a maximum amount of screen area to be used in displaying operator pertinent data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Sandel Avionics, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald J. Block
  • Patent number: 6507289
    Abstract: In a ground proximity warning system for an aircraft, a signal representing clearance of the aircraft from the underlying terrain is produced from a sea level related altitude signal and a terrain database in addition to the radio altitude signal of the aircraft's radio altimeter. An indication of reasonableness of the aircraft radio altitude signal is formed jointly responsive to the aircraft radio altitude signal and the terrain clearance signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Steven C. Johnson, Glen A. Burlingame
  • Patent number: 6507290
    Abstract: A light source in the form of a light emitting diode (LED) cluster module suitable for use as an aircraft forward position light source. The light source comprises multiple LED components mounted on a base structure together with supporting electronic components to regulate the function of the LED components. The LED components are configured on the base structure in a manner so as to be capable of complying with the Federal Aviation Regulations minimum light intensities or candela requirements and color specifications while in a preferred implementation using a traditional aircraft 28-volt power supply. Furthermore, the preferred implementations are capable of meeting stringent dimensional design criteria and therefore are suitably adaptable as replacement light sources for existing aircraft forward position light housings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Ledtronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Pervaiz Lodhie, Steven R. Becerra
  • Patent number: 6507291
    Abstract: Navigation system for a vehicle having locations (a, o) of different selectable groups stored in memories and having a device for measuring the distance between the selected destination (z) and the locations (a, o) for a selected group, with the ability to call up the locations (a, o) belonging to the selected group as a function of the measured distance from the location (z) and to reproduce them on a reproduction device. A useful selection of the reproduced destinations is obtained by a device for controlling the reproduction of locations (a) whose distance is less than a specific location limit (r).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Joerg Schreiner
  • Patent number: 6507292
    Abstract: A positional encoder assembly including a positional encoder, an interface unit releasably connectable with the positional encoder for connecting the positional encoder with a data bus, and connection elements providing for connection of the interface unit with the positional encoder and for disconnection of the interface unit therefrom upon displacement of the interface unit relative to the positional encoder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH
    Inventor: Kurt Feichtinger
  • Patent number: 6507293
    Abstract: A variable-length encode/decode processor includes a central processing unit and an instruction buffer and a getbits processing engine coupled to the central processing unit. Such a processor can be used to encode data as variable-length symbols or to decode variable-length symbols such as those found in an MPEG bitstream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Equator Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard M. Deeley, Yatin Mundkur, Woobin Lee
  • Patent number: 6507294
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for measuring pseudorandom non-return to zero (NRZ) data rates in a communications device integrated circuit (IC). The system comprises a transition detector to sample a pseudorandom NRZ data stream and to supply a mean frequency of transitions (Fd). A probability analyzer receives the mean frequency of transitions, compares the mean frequency of transitions to a transition probability (P), and supplies a derived mean data stream rate (B), where B=Fd/P. In some aspects of the system, a gating circuit is included to supply a gate time period (Td). Then, the probability analyzer receives the gate time period, compares a mean transition count of the mean frequency of transitions to a transition probability (P), and supplies a compensated transition count (Nc), where Nc=Np/P. A system for selecting the frequency range of a VCO, for use in pseudorandom NRZ communications, is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Applied Micro Circuits Corporation
    Inventor: John Alfred King
  • Patent number: 6507295
    Abstract: A current mode digital to analog converter (DAC) that can provide an output signal having reduced glitch energy over a wide range of manufacturing tolerances and operating conditions includes a cross-over voltage controller with feedback, disposed between the current switch and the input data source. In a further aspect of the present invention, circuitry operable to generate a synchronized differential pair of digital signals as input to the cross-over voltage controller is included. In a still further aspect of the present invention, load matching circuitry is coupled to the cross-over voltage controller output terminals to reduce timing differences between various stages of the DAC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Andrew M. Volk
  • Patent number: 6507296
    Abstract: A current source calibration circuit and methodology reduce noise generated by current switching. In one embodiment, the calibration circuit provides a random or pseudo-random clock signal to control a switching of calibration circuit. A clock signal generator has been described that provide a number of clock signals having different phases. In one embodiment, the clock signals are used to select a current source of a DAC for calibration. By using a random clock to select the current source, noise, which is generated by switching a primary current source with a backup current source, is spread out over a wider frequency range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Xilinx, Inc.
    Inventors: Yvette P. Lee, Marwan N. Hassoun
  • Patent number: 6507297
    Abstract: A variable gain coder-decoder is provided. The variable gain coder-decoder includes a variable gain amplifier in which the amplification gain may be adjusted in one-decibel steps. An analog to digital converter is connected to the variable gain amplifier. The analog to digital converter receives the amplified output of the amplifier, and performs an analog to digital conversion of the amplified output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Skyworks Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert K. Perez, Norman J. Beamish
  • Patent number: 6507298
    Abstract: A method for A/D conversion of analog signals using an A/D converter, and to an appropriate A/D converter circuit. In order to process converter request signals from different converter request sources requesting analog signals for conversion, the invention proposes assigning definable, selectable priorities to the different converter request sources. If there is a request for A/D conversion from a converter request source, the system establishes which of the converter request sources requesting A/D conversion has the highest priority. An analog signal from this selected converter request source is then supplied to the A/D converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Jens Barrenscheen, Gunther Fenzl
  • Patent number: 6507299
    Abstract: An arrangement for embedding supplemental data (e.g. a watermark W) in an information signal. In an embodiment of the invention, the arrangement comprises a conventional sigma-delta modulator for encoding an audio signal and modifying means for periodically replacing a bit of the encoded signal by a bit of the watermark. In the same manner, a sync pattern is embedded in the signal. The sync bits are embedded at a smaller distance than the watermark bits. Preferably, the sync pattern is a pattern of contiguous bits which is typically not generated by the encoder. For the sigma-delta modulator, such a pattern is a run of ones followed by a substantially equally long run of zeroes, or vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Petrus A. C. M. Nuijten
  • Patent number: 6507300
    Abstract: A variable rate decimator is described, intended to reduce a digital signal sample rate while maintaining a level of digital signal integrity at a relatively low cost. It is also a goal of the variable rate decimator described herein to provide a scalable decimator architecture while maintaining relatively low complexity of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Xiaoshu Qian, Nina Shu
  • Patent number: 6507301
    Abstract: In a sigma-delta modulator the feedback circuit (4, 5) has an adjustable feedback factor controlled by an adjusting member (6) for adjusting the feedback factor of the feedback circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Matthias Locher
  • Patent number: 6507302
    Abstract: In the multi-bit A/D converter disclosed by Leslie, since a one-bit feedback is carried out, an output amplitude of an integrator becomes large, and therefore, it is required to be attenuated by a certain constant number time in the analog integrator. Furthermore, a digital quantization noise to be removed is leaked into, and this quantization noise is greatly larger than a quantization noise mixed into with a quantizer, with the result that a SN ratio is remarkably deteriorated. An A/D converter in accordance with the present application includes an n-bit quantizer and a most-significant bit extractor, and further includes a digital processing part receiving an output signal of the most-significant bit extractor, for outputting a sum of the output signal and a value obtained by multiplying a predetermined coefficient and the output signal which was outputted before a predetermined time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Noboru Sakimura
  • Patent number: 6507303
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for shifting of a lowpass signal to a higher frequency and for precompensating distortion caused by a digital to analog converter (DAC). Higher frequency signals are generated by filtering the output of the DAC so that at least one of the replicas generated by the DAC is the signal of interest. In this manner, the higher frequency signals for wireless transmitters, or for other applications, may be generated more easily. Moreover, compensation for distortion caused by the DAC is performed by a precompensator which modifies for distortion, not at the baseband signal, but at a passband frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Inventors: Carl H. Alelyunas, Cotter W. Sayre, Larry Thomson
  • Patent number: 6507304
    Abstract: A segmented digital-to-analog converter circuit employs a tri-level technique to provide an output current in response to a bit code. DAC slice circuits are activated in unary fashion in response to their respective control signal, which are provided by a decoder circuit in response to the high-order bits. Each DAC slice circuit provides a binary weighted current to a summing node in response to the middle-order bits. One of the DAC slice circuits is selected to direct a portion of its total current to the input of a DAC_LOW circuit, where the input current is divided to provide a divided current to the summing node in response to the low-order bits. At certain code transitions a different DAC slice circuit is selected to provide the input current, and the previously selected DAC slice circuit redirects its total current to the summing node such that differential non-linearity errors are minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: National Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventor: Perry Scott Lorenz
  • Patent number: 6507305
    Abstract: An analog-to-digital converter including a first module of the type having a series of processor stages, each of the stages performing two conversions of the signal output by the preceding stage, firstly an analog-to-digital conversion and secondly a digital-to-analog conversion, followed by subtracting the signal obtained from the output signal of the preceding stage to provide the analog output signal of the stage. The first module further assembles together the signals digitized by each stage (S1, . . . , Si) so as to provide an assembled digital signal (SN(nT) which represents the input signal (e(nT) of the converter in digital form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.A.
    Inventors: Eric Andre, Frédéric Paillardet
  • Patent number: 6507306
    Abstract: A universal remote control unit for controlling the operation of a plurality of devices such as a cable box, a television, a video device, and an audio device, includes a processor having a plurality of operating modes, a first mode push button for initiating a mode change, and a plurality of second mode push buttons corresponding respectively to a plurality of devices for enabling a user to select one of the plurality of operating modes. The processor is operable in a selected one of the plurality of operating modes, upon activation of one of the second mode push buttons within a predetermined amount of time of activation of the first mode push buttons. The universal remote control unit is effective to reduce the likelihood of unintentionally changing the operating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Contec Corporation
    Inventors: Gene W. Griesau, Rebecca J. Carlotti
  • Patent number: 6507307
    Abstract: A passive radar decoy comprises a substantially hemispherical upper body portion having its inner surface coated with an RF reflective material, a weighted nose piece, a tapered lower body portion interconnecting the upper body to the nose piece, an RF reflectively-coated corner reflector mounted coaxially within the upper body portion, and means to ram-air inflate the decoy when it is released from an aircraft in flight such that RF energy from a ground source of such energy impinges on the RF reflective surfaces to retro-reflectively return the RF energy back to the source and provide a scintillating and doppler frequency return and enhanced radar target cross section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph C. Huber, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6507308
    Abstract: A microwave detector for detecting faint detection target microwave signals is constructed from a heterodyne-type reception portion equipped with an antenna for picking up microwave signals, a local oscillator for repeatedly carrying out a sweep operation, and a mixer for frequency mixing the output from the antenna with the output from the local oscillator, wherein the heterodyne reception portion outputs detected wave signals based on the output from the mixer; a digital processing portion which receives the detected wave signals outputted from the reception portion, wherein the digital processing portion is designed to output a High pulse when the level of the detected wave signals reaches or exceeds a prescribed reference level, and a Low pulse when the level of the detected wave signals is below the reference level; a sweep control portion for controlling the sweep operation of the local oscillator based on the High and Low pulses outputted from the digital processing portion; and a judgement portion for
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Yupiteru Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisao Ono, Yuichi Kajita
  • Patent number: 6507309
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems, methods, devices, and apparatus to interrogate a clothed individual with electromagnetic radiation to determine one or more body measurements at least partially covered by the individual's clothing. The invention further includes techniques to interrogate an object with electromagnetic radiation in the millimeter and/or microwave range to provide a volumetric representation of the object. This representation can be used to display images and/or determine dimensional information concerning the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Doug L. McMakin, Ronald H. Severtsen, Thomas E. Hall, David M. Sheen
  • Patent number: 6507310
    Abstract: When a question signal of a transmitting frequency band &Dgr;F1 output from a radar device is received in search and rescue radar transponder (SART) of a wreck ship, a response signal is sent from the SART to the radar device. In the radar device, the response signal and an echo of the question signal are received as a reception signal, intensity of components of the reception signal placed in almost the same frequency band as the transmitting frequency band &Dgr;F1 of the question signal is suppressed to produce a filtered response signal, and components of he filtered response signal placed in a receiving frequency band &Dgr;F2, which does not overlap with the transmitting frequency band &Dgr;F1 of the question signal, are extracted from the filtered response signal as an image signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuyosi Takase, Kioo Matuura, Kenichi Nishiguchi
  • Patent number: 6507311
    Abstract: A device and process for measuring distances and/or speeds between a motor vehicle and several objects, like mobile targets and fixed targets, has an FMCW radar system, where the motor vehicle transmits a signal, whose transmitting frequency is modulated with at least two frequency ramps. A device detects the receiving signals from the objects and determines the respective straight lines and the intersecting points of these straight lines in a speed-distance diagram. A sorting device sorts out the intersecting points from fixed targets and the related straight lines. A device outputs the distances and/or the speeds, which correspond to the other intersecting points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Thomas Sauer
  • Patent number: 6507312
    Abstract: A process for evaluating the radar pattern of a phased array antenna subsystem by utilizing transmissions from a global positioning satellite. This process utilizes a delayed radar target on a moving platform, a remote differential global positioning receiver on the moving platform, a fixed global positioning receiver on the phased array antenna, and a communication data link between the remote global positioning receiver and the fixed global positioning receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Fredwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Duane G. Fredericks, Herbert W. Rosebrock, James N. Devlin
  • Patent number: 6507313
    Abstract: A radar tracking antenna system including: a parabolic-cylinder reflector; and, a subset of Flanking Beam Array Steered Technique (FAST) line feeds coupled to the reflector as a feed assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventor: John A. Rougas
  • Patent number: 6507314
    Abstract: A method for beamforming signals for an array of receiving or transmitting elements includes the steps of selecting a beam elevation and azimuth and grouping elements of an antenna array into element ensembles that are substantially aligned with a wavefront projection on the antenna array corresponding to the selected beam elevation and azimuth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Hughes Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Donald C. D. Chang, Kar Yung, Frank A. Hagen, Weizheng Wang
  • Patent number: 6507315
    Abstract: A system and method to individually characterize all of the antenna elements or amplifiers in an array antenna system simultaneously, without the need to perform sequential measurements. A positioning device allows movement of the antenna with respect to a calibration probe or movement of the calibration probe with respect to the antenna. Multiple simultaneous control circuit encoding (CCE) measurements of each of the array elements in an array antenna are performed. A second aspect of the system and method involves changes in the level of signals transmitted by the amplifiers in the elements of an array antenna system in conjunction with the use of orthogonal coding measurements. Changes in the level of signals transmitted permits simultaneous measurement of the amplifier characteristics of each of the array elements in an array antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel S. Purdy, Jeffrey M. Ashe, Erik Lier
  • Patent number: 6507316
    Abstract: This invention relates to an improved design and method of manufacture of patch antenna assemblies which incorporates projections, or tabs, to the sides of the antenna patches to facilitate mounting to the antenna structure, thereby reducing the total number of parts used in the antenna assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Mendelsohn, Richard F. Schwartz