Patents Issued in April 24, 2007
  • Patent number: 7209032
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for transmitting tire condition variables from a transmission device mounted on a motor vehicle to an electronic evaluating or control unit arranged in the area of the vehicle body, which is detachably fastened to a motor vehicle wheel described hereinbelow for providing an electromechanical compound arrangement. Further, a transmission device is disclosed wherein tire condition variables can be detected, and wherein a coupling device is integrated into the wheel hub (3) and composed of a rotor and a non-rotating stator for producing a field coupling, and its one or more field coupling elements are arranged opposite one another, separated by a narrow air slot (24), and energy and/or signals are coupled by means of electric fields and/or magnetic fields and/or electromagnetic fields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co., OHG
    Inventors: Helmut Fennel, Peter Lohberg
  • Patent number: 7209033
    Abstract: The device has a transceiver which transmits high-frequency signals, which are reflected back by reflectors in the seats. Occupied seats are detected on the basis of signal propagation delays and/or reflector detections and/or receiving intensities. In addition, it is possible to detect with the aid of a belt sensor whether or not a safety belt is fastened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Klaus Hofbeck, Lorenz Pfau, Birgit Rösel
  • Patent number: 7209034
    Abstract: Providing services with respect to a building, including depicting a building in a data model, the data model including a three-dimensional representation of the building and a current condition of the building, receiving in a gateway computer, from sensors within the building, data describing the current condition of the building, storing in the data model the data describing the current condition of the building, and tailoring services with respect to the building in dependence upon the current condition of the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: William Kress Bodin
  • Patent number: 7209035
    Abstract: The present invention provides a portable handheld security device. The security device comprises a central processing unit in communication with a memory storage device, a video display screen, at least one camera, a transmitting device, a receiving device, an input device, and a power supply. The security device further comprises a device for generating ultra wide band ground penetrating radar and/or millimeter wave radar for identifying objects of interest in closed containers. In addition, the transmitting device and the receiving device are ideally capable of selecting between available communication network signals, determining which network signal is the best signal at a given time, and automatically switching between the available signals to maintain optimum reception and transmission quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Catcher, Inc.
    Inventors: Ira J. Tabankin, John Sutton
  • Patent number: 7209036
    Abstract: A device for guiding a person along a traveled path enables the wearer of the device to be guided back along the traveled path in an electronically supported manner even under conditions under which orientation is difficult. The device has a portable ejection means (2), in which a container (14) for accommodating a plurality of transponders (7) and an ejection mechanism (10), which is actuated by a control device (6) to eject a transponder (7) from the container (14), are present. A control unit (6) is prepared such as to actuate the ejection mechanism (10) at predetermined time intervals or at predetermined distances in space. A portable transmitter/receiver device (8) is designed to detect at least one of the transponders (7) dropped off and to generate a signal representative of the direction in which that transponder (7) is located. A portable display device (4) receives the direction signal of the transmitter/receiver means (8) and offers the wearer a visual and/or acoustic display of the direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Dräger Safety AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Jörg-Uwe Meyer, Frank Sattler, Henning Gerder, Udo Beckmann, Hartmut Stark, Hans Matthiessen
  • Patent number: 7209037
    Abstract: A security system and method for monitoring a security status of fixed and mobile assets. The security system comprises an agent connected with the asset. The agent monitors a security of the asset and transmits the data to a master control unit. The master control unit retransmits the security status to a global operations center for processing the security status to detect a security threat. In response to a security threat, the global operations center generates an output. Periodic reports are generated and transmitted to the customer, and the customer is billed at intervals. For mobile assets, the security system also tracks a location of the asset as the asset is transported between a shipper's loading dock and a designated distribution center, including an origination port and a destination port. For fixed agents, the security system includes an interface for interfacing an existing security device to the master control unit and for controlling the existing security system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: InfrAegis, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory E. Webb, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7209038
    Abstract: A security system for powering and displaying a handheld electronic device includes a stand assembly mounted to a support and a housing removably mounted on a top portion of the stand assembly. The handheld electronic device is secured to a top portion of the housing and a sensor is coupled to the handheld electronic device. The sensor produces a detectable signal if the handheld electronic device is moved from an authorized state. A switch is disposed on the top surface of the housing and indicates whether the handheld electronic device is in contact with the housing. An output voltage controller controls an output voltage to the handheld electronic device which can be set only when the switch indicates that the device is not in contact with the housing. The output voltage is set to zero if device is not brought into contact with the housing within a predetermined time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Protex International Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph F. Deconinck, William J. Azzoli
  • Patent number: 7209039
    Abstract: A technique is provided for printing an RFID antenna using conductive ink on a substrate and incorporating that substrate as a layer in a decorative surface such as a high pressure decorative laminate. In addition, a technique is provided for incorporating a conductive mesh into a surface, such as a high pressure decorative laminate, to form an RFID shield which prevents stray signals from reaching an RFID antenna. A technique is also provided for integrating both a printed antenna and conductive mesh shield into a single surface, such as a decorative surface, to allow the reading of desired RFID tags while preventing the reading of undesired RFID tags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Robert R. Krebs
  • Patent number: 7209040
    Abstract: An RFID circuit comprising an RF carrier signal source, a hybrid coupled to the RF carrier signal source operable to generate first and second phase-shifted RF carrier signals, first and second mixers coupled to the hybrid each operable to multiply a respective one of the first and second carrier signals and a received backscattered modulated carrier signal and generate first and second baseband signals, respectively, and first logic coupled to the first and second mixers operable to select one of the first and second baseband signals having a larger amplitude as a demodulated RFID output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Sirit Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernard Barink, Loek J. d'Hont
  • Patent number: 7209041
    Abstract: The present invention is a mobile method and system for automatically monitoring the location and use of tools using radio-frequency identification (“RFID”) tags. An RFID tag is secured to each tool with a unique numerical identifier. The RFID tag transmits its unique numerical identifier associated with each of the RFID tags using a RF signal, wherein the RF signal is transmitted at different intervals for each of the RFID tags. A receiver on a mobile platform reads the RF signals and determines the unique numerical identifier being transmitted. An information processor interconnected with the receiver analyzes the unique numerical identifier from a predetermined index, and the information processor determines whether any tools were not found on the index and automatically alerts a user when a tool is missing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventors: Tony Hines, Steven Hill, Dennis Lusk
  • Patent number: 7209042
    Abstract: A combination RFID tag intended to be associated with a host product, for example by being secured to the outside of a package containing a perishable product, e.g. foodstuffs or vaccines, which RFID tag is provided with a visually readable environmental condition exposure indicator. The visual indicator can sense the exposure of the RFID tag to an environmental condition e.g. temperature, experienced by the host product providing a visual indication, e.g. a color change, readable externally of the RFID tag of the sensed environmental condition. The visual indicator can be chemically active, for example an acetylenic agent, and may be responsive to cumulative temperature excursions over time. The novel RFID tag 11 and tag inspection methods of the invention permit an efficacious harnessing of information about the condition exposure history of a specific inventory item including product identification and related data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Temptime Corporation
    Inventors: Jean-Paul Martin, Frederick R. Grabiner
  • Patent number: 7209043
    Abstract: Pet sensing is accomplished by detecting pulsed infrared light reflected from a pet worn collar or harness devised of highly reflective material. To avoid false triggering, a dual set of infrared light emitting and detecting sensor units works in conjunction with logic circuitry for reliable activation of an electrically actuated access device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventor: James Austin Anderson, II
  • Patent number: 7209044
    Abstract: A system and method for facilitating the elimination of bedwetting behavior utilizing a number of RF transceivers which include a base unit, an alarm unit, and a remote keypad unit. The method works through programmed sleep interruption based upon a user's previously established sleep and bedwetting pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventor: M. Charles Reustle
  • Patent number: 7209045
    Abstract: Method of monitoring a blood bag, the method including monitoring a maximum allowed time dT that the blood bag may be kept outside a controlled-atmosphere enclosure and an expiration date stored in an electronic chip fixed to the blood bag. The method further including indicating whether the blood bag may be transfused to a patient when the time dT and the expiration date have not expired. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Biolog S.A.
    Inventors: Antoine De Gaulle, Jean-Claude Mongrenier
  • Patent number: 7209046
    Abstract: A method for the detection and signaling of smoke by means of an optical assembly in a detector casing, the optical assembly including at least one optical transmitter element and at least one optical receiver element, and which emits a reception signal which is representative of the incident amount of light. An electronic evaluation device compares the reception signal to a setpoint and an alarm signal is generated when the reception signal reaches the predetermined threshold value. The temperature is measured on or in the detector casing and the temporal characteristic of the temperature is correlated with the temporal characteristic of the reception signal of the optical receiver element and a dew film signal is generated when the rise in the reception signal is correlated to a rise in temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Job Lizenz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Gerhard Röpke
  • Patent number: 7209047
    Abstract: A monitoring system includes a porthole in a tank or conduit that includes threads on an end thereof. A piece of processing equipment is mounted within the porthole by a threaded coupling collar. The threads of the coupling collar engage the threads of the porthole. A sensor collar is mounted in fixed relationship to the porthole at a predetermined distance from an end of the porthole and includes a status sensor mounted thereto. The status sensor detects a position of the threaded coupling collar to ensure that the piece of processing equipment is properly mounted in the porthole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Pharmenta Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas A. Newberg
  • Patent number: 7209048
    Abstract: The present invention is a simple, inexpensive and reliable device for monitoring and alerting of a power disruption to an appliance or a piece of equipment. An audible and/or visual alarm may be generated in the event that a specific or a piece of electrical equipment becomes disconnected from its electrical source. The device for monitoring and alerting of a power disruption may operate from an internal battery in case the electrical power source to the appliance disrupted. Additionally, a power-surge-suppression, a rechargeable battery, and a charger for the battery may make the device more reliable. The remote receiver may receive a broadcasted alarm signal from the monitoring device and then notify a user with a visual and/or audible alarm at a location where the alarm is more likely to be seen and heard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventors: Joseph R. Pace, Michelle L. Pace
  • Patent number: 7209049
    Abstract: A distributed meter reading terminal provides meter communication capabilities. For example, an operator may approach one or more meters with a portable first portion of a distributed meter reading apparatus. Communication is established between the first portion of the distributed meter reading apparatus and the one or more meters so that data can be collected from the one or more meters. Communication is then established between the first portion of the distributed meter reading apparatus and a second portion of the distributed meter reading apparatus, which may also be portable and which may include processing capabilities that allow for the management of collected data. The collected data is then transferred from the first portion to the second portion of the distributed meter reading apparatus. The first portion of the distributed meter reading apparatus and the second portion of the distributed meter reading apparatus may otherwise operate independently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Itron, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Dusenberry, Barry Cahill-O'Brien
  • Patent number: 7209050
    Abstract: An integrated system for automatic vehicle collision avoidance and warning for vehicles operating on any highway or road system globally. The system may be used to not only illuminate the brake lights on the following vehicle but also to begin the application of braking pressure as a result of analysis of the speed of the vehicle. The system includes an RFID transponder (either active or passive) located in the rear and front of the vehicle with discrete recognition capability as to vehicle proximity and resulting action to be taken as a result of driver action. On the vehicle either the brake lights will be illuminated ahead of any actual driver action; an initial application of brake pressure as a result of receiving a signal from the vehicle in front, the pressure which is determined by analysis of the current speed of the vehicle or the system will provide additional warning through brake light illumination to the following vehicle with similar equipment and cruise control will be disengaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventor: James John Corcoran, III
  • Patent number: 7209051
    Abstract: An intersection assistance system includes at least one vehicle sensor and a gap estimator. The vehicle sensor is configured to obtain vehicle information on vehicles approaching the intersection along a main roadway. The gap estimator is configured to estimate gap information relating to a gap between the vehicles based on the vehicle information. The gap information includes a length of the gap, a location of the gap, and a velocity of the gap. In a method of obtaining information for use in assisting a driver of an entering vehicle to safely enter an intersection, vehicle information is obtained on vehicles traveling toward the intersection on a main roadway. Next, gap information is estimated relating to a gap between the vehicles based on the vehicle information. The gap information includes a length of the gap, a location of the gap, and a velocity of the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Craig R. Shankwitz, Lee Alexander, Pi-Ming Cheng, Max Donath, Alec Gorjestani, Arvind Menon, Bryan Newstrom, Nicholas J. Ward
  • Patent number: 7209052
    Abstract: A method and device for determines a safe altitude for an aircraft. The device includes a unit that determines a clear zone corresponding to a lateral area dependent on the flight of the aircraft. A unit determines the highest altitude of the ground that is located under this clear zone. A unit determines a safe altitude, by calculating the sum of the aformentioned highest altitude and a guard height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Airbus France
    Inventors: Franck Artini, Edward Strongman
  • Patent number: 7209053
    Abstract: An improved system and method are disclosed for indicating the validity of airport runway visual approach slope indicators on an aircraft display. An aircraft display system is provided, which includes a database for storing data about the specific visual approach slope lighting indicator system being used by each airport of a plurality of airports and any special distance and/or usage limitations associated with each such visual approach slope indicator system, a processing unit, a position determination unit, and a visual display. As an aircraft approaches an airport, the processing unit receives the aircraft's current position from the position determination unit, and compares the aircraft's current position data with the distance and/or usage limitation data stored in the database for the approach slope indicator system being used by that airport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Aaron J. Gannon
  • Patent number: 7209055
    Abstract: An electrostatic deflector for a particle beam apparatus comprises opposing deflector plates that face one another across a particle beam gap and are electrostatically chargeable. Each deflector plate comprises its own voltage driver, which has a DAC and amplifier. Digital electronics receives an input digital code that expresses the complementary voltages to be applied to opposing deflector plates. When the input digital code is determined to provide a non-linear output response voltage from a DAC, the digital electronics provides an output digital code with a different digital code that provides a linear response from the DAC while providing the same differential voltage between the first and second deflector plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott C. Stovall, Richard L. Lozes
  • Patent number: 7209056
    Abstract: The average amplitude of the samples in a signal sample sequence X in a floating-point format is determined for each frame. If the average amplitude is greater than a predetermined value, an integer formatting part 12 converts the sequence X into a signal sample sequence Y in a 16-bit integer format by truncation, a compressing part 13 codes the sequence Y to output a code sequence Ca, a difference producing part 14 produces a difference signal Z that corresponds to the difference between the signal sample sequence X and a sequence Y? in the floating-point format converted from the sequence Y, and a compressing part 17 performs entropy coding on the least significant (23?n) bits of a mantissa M of the difference signal Z, which is determined by the number of bits n following the most significant “1” in each sample in the sequence Y, and outputs a code sequence Cb. If the average amplitude is not greater than the predetermined value, the sequence X is directly losslessly coded by a compressing part 121.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation
    Inventors: Takehiro Moriya, Dai Yang, Noboru Harada
  • Patent number: 7209057
    Abstract: Multi-bit input data is divided into at least a first bit group and a second bit group, and each of first sub-decode circuits selects one selection target signal/voltage from selection target signal/voltage group in accordance with the first bit group. Then, one signal/voltage is selected according to the second bit group from the signals/voltages selected by the first sub-decode circuits, and is transmitted to an output signal line. Each of second sub-decode circuits is formed of a single train of series switches, and only one of the switch train is made conductive to transmit a finally selected signal/voltage to the output signal line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ryuichi Hashido, Hiroyuki Murai
  • Patent number: 7209058
    Abstract: A method repacks variable width trace data into a different packet length previous to being stored into memory. In order to conserve bandwidth, the trace data may also be compressed during transmission by eliminating the transmission of packets that have the same value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Gary L. Swoboda
  • Patent number: 7209059
    Abstract: A decoding method according to the present invention is a method of decoding a variable length code to a Run symbol and a Level symbol. The Run symbol indicates the number of consecutive coefficients each having a value of zero. The Level symbol indicates a value of a non-zero coefficient following the Run symbol. The decoding method includes: decoding a variable length code to a code number; determining whether the code number obtained in the decoding belongs to a first range or a predetermined range; decoding the code number to a Run symbol and a Level symbol by referring to the table, when it is determined that the code number belongs to the first range; and decoding the code number to a Level symbol and then decoding a variable length code following the decoded variable length code to a Run symbol, without referring to the table, when it is determined that the code number belongs to the predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chong Soon Lim, Sheng Mei Shen, Shinya Kadono
  • Patent number: 7209060
    Abstract: Providing a substantially constant reference voltage to a component from a reference buffer connected by a path. The load that would be offered to the reference buffer in desired durations is estimated, and a dummy load is added to the path such that the aggregate load on the path is approximately constant. In case of the stages of an ADC, the sub-code generated by each stage during a sampling phase is used to estimate the load that would be offered, and the dummy load is added in the hold phase to keep the reference voltage constant in the hold phase, as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Abhaya Kumar, Visvesvaraya A Pentakota
  • Patent number: 7209061
    Abstract: A system includes a digital circuit that may be clocked by a digital clock signal having an associated clock period. The system also includes a sample clock generation circuit coupled to a sampling circuit. The sample clock generation circuit may be configured to receive an input clock having a fixed phase relationship with respect to the digital clock signal. The sample clock generation circuit may also generate a sample clock having a first sampling edge corresponding to a first relative offset within the clock period and a subsequent sampling edge corresponding to a different relative offset within the clock period. The sampling circuit may be configured to sample a designated signal upon a first sampling instance corresponding to the first sampling edge and to sample the designated signal upon a subsequent sampling instance corresponding to the subsequent sampling edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Silicon Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Shyam S. Somayajula
  • Patent number: 7209062
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for gain adjustment for analog YPbPr signals are provided. The apparatus comprises a first clamping circuit, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), and a gain calculator. The first clamping circuit clamps the lowest potential of a horizontal synchronization signal of a Y signal of an analog YPbPr signal to 0 V. The ADC converts the clamped Y signal from an analog signal to a digital signal and then outputs the digital signal. The gain calculator receives the actual peak-to-peak voltage of the horizontal synchronization signal from the ADC, and then calculates and sets the gain for the ADC according to the peak-to-peak voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Novatek Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventors: Yue-Zen Lin, Chui-Hsun Chiu
  • Patent number: 7209063
    Abstract: A switch circuit shifts a bit number of a digital input signal sequentially according to a selection signal and outputs the shifted digital signal as a digital output signal. A switch control circuit receives a shift signal which changes to a random value, performs an operation on the bit number and a value indicated by the shift signal to generate a next bit number, and outputs the generated bit number as the selection signal. Since a random bit number is generated by the switch control circuit, the switch circuit can shift the bit number of the digital input signal in nonregular, random order and output the shifted digital signal as the digital output signal. By supplying the digital output signal to a D/A conversion part, D/A conversion accuracy can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Uichi Sekimoto
  • Patent number: 7209064
    Abstract: The signal processing system includes a pulse width modulator (PWM) that receives a quantizer output signal from a delta sigma modulator. Each quantizer output signal represents one of N quantization levels. For at least one of the quantization levels, the PWM can generate multiple, different PWM patterns. Thus, each quantization level in at least a subset of the N quantization levels is associated with at least two PWM patterns. In at least one embodiment, the subset of quantization levels represents the quantization of low level samples of a quantizer input signal. By associating multiple PWM patterns to at least the subset of the quantization levels, the pulse edges of the PWM patterns in a frame are shifted in time with respect to subsequent PWM patterns, which spreads the spectrum of harmonic frequencies of the PWM output signal. Spreading the spectrum of harmonic frequencies of the PWM output signal can reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.
    Inventors: Johann Gaboriau, John L. Melanson
  • Patent number: 7209065
    Abstract: A system and method for converting an analog signal to a digital signal is disclosed. The system includes a multiphase oscillator preferable a rotary oscillator, a sample and hold circuit, an integrator and a time-to-digital converter. The multiphase oscillator has a plurality of phases that are used in the time-to-digital converter to measure the time of a pulse created by the integrator. The edges of the pulse may optionally be sharpened by passing the pulse through a non-linear transmission line to improve the accuracy of the measurement process. To cut down on noise a tuned power network provides power to the switching devices of the rotary oscillator. Calibration is performed by fragmenting the sample and hold circuit and integrator and performing a closed loop calibration cycle on one of the fragments while the other fragments are joined together for the normal operation of the sample and hold and integrator circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Multigig, Inc.
    Inventor: John Wood
  • Patent number: 7209066
    Abstract: A circuit and method extends the analog input capability of a microcontroller by including an autonomous sequence control circuit that supplies input signal setting data and implements delay functions independent of the microcontroller central processing unit (CPU). The sequence controller supplies input signal selection commands to an input multiplexer, and analog signal processing commands to one or more analog signal processing circuits. After a predetermined settling time, the sequence control circuit then initiates an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) to convert the select analog signal to digital data. The circuit and method extend the number of available external address bits and the maximum settling time of the ADC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Dale A. Trumbo
  • Patent number: 7209067
    Abstract: An extended dynamic range consecutive edge modulation (CEM) method and apparatus provides improved dynamic range in a noise-shaped CEM pulse generator. A limiting circuit is provided to adjust the rising and trailing edge pulse portion widths to correct conditions where a minimum high-state or low-state pulse width would be violated by the commanded output value of the noise-shaping modulator. The adjusting circuit delays the rising edge of the next pulse if the minimum low state pulse width would not be met and/or extends the falling edge portion of the next pulse if the minimum high-state pulse width would not be met. The modulation range may be wider than typically possible for linear operation and may be set to ranges exceeding one-hundred percent modulation. The adjusting circuit overrides commanded modulation values during a next pulse if combination with the previous pulse will cause violation of a minimum pulse width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.
    Inventor: John L. Melanson
  • Patent number: 7209068
    Abstract: Various systems and methods for converting a signal from the analog domain to the digital domain are disclosed herein. As one example, an analog-to-digital converter is disclosed that includes two pipelined analog-to-digital converter stages. The first analog-to-digital converter stage provides an encoded word output and the second analog-to-digital converter stage provides an unencoded word output. A summation device is provided to aggregate the encoded word output with the unencoded word output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Agere Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Mingdeng Chen, James A. Bailey, Siamak Mortezapour
  • Patent number: 7209069
    Abstract: A successive approximation Analog-to-Digital Converter (“ADC”) having a successive approximation controller operably coupled to convert a control signal into a digital output of the successive approximation ADC, a current-steered Digital-to-Analog Converter operably coupled to convert the digital output of the successive approximation ADC into an analog feedback signal, and a comparator module operably coupled to compare the analog feedback signal with an analog input of the successive approximation ADC to produce the control signal. A further aspect is a method for increasing accuracy for a digital successive approximation of an analog input signal. The method includes determining a signal characteristic of the analog input signal to an Analog-to-Digital Converter (“ADC”), and selecting a reference voltage source of a Digital-to-Analog Converter of the ADC from a plurality of reference voltage sources based on the analog input signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Sigmatel, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew D. Felder
  • Patent number: 7209070
    Abstract: A vertical situation display (“VSD”) system according to the invention generates a terrain image that represents a profile view of terrain elevation relative to the position of an aircraft traveling above the terrain. The VSD system generates the VSD image such that the terrain image is biased toward the lower elevation region of the VSD screen, thus making efficient use of the available display area. The VSD image is also generated such that it is continuous across the lateral range of the VSD, thus ensuring that terrain is shown in the VSD at all practical times, depending upon the available range and any priority display rules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Gilliland, Troy A. Nichols
  • Patent number: 7209071
    Abstract: A system and method for performing distance measurement using wireless signals. A time of flight calculation is enabled by an interrogating device that transmits an interrogation signal to a responding device, which returns a synchronized signal back to the interrogating device. The wireless signals between the interrogating device and the receiving device have a harmonic relationship. In one embodiment, a time shift of a received signal relative to a transmitted interrogation signal is determined based on a comparison of a first reference point on a signal representative of the transmitted interrogation signal and a second reference point on a signal representative of the received signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventor: Steele Boring
  • Patent number: 7209072
    Abstract: A method of radar measurement by transmitting and receiving radar signals with at least two spatially separated radar systems. The method further includes exchanging reference radar signals between the at least two radar systems to determine measurement-relevant parameters. Moreover, a determination of at least one of a relative phase relationship of the reference radar signals of the radar systems and a relative time position of time references of the radar systems is based on reference radar signals received. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: EADS Astrium GmbH
    Inventors: Harald Braubach, Michael Voelker
  • Patent number: 7209073
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the filling level of a medium in a container. A mixer that has at least one mixer blade and a mixer frequency (f<1>R</1>) is disposed in the container. Measuring signals are emitted at a predetermined measuring frequency (f<1>M</1>) towards the medium. The measuring signals reflected on the surface of the medium are received and evaluated by a run time method. The aim of the invention is to provide a device which allows for a reliable measurement of the filling level of a medium in a container provided with a mixer. To this end, the measuring frequency (f<1>M</1>) of the measuring signal having the mixer frequency (f<1>R</1>) of the mixer is synchronized (f<1>M</1>=n f<1>R</1>with n ? N) and that the measuring frequency (f<1>M</1>) is shifted by a defined phase (?) with respect to the mixer frequency (f<1>R</1>).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Dietmar Spanke, Robert Lalla
  • Patent number: 7209074
    Abstract: A radar-based distance measurement apparatus comprises a microwave circuit comprising a frequency generator which produces a microwave frequency signal, the frequency of which is modulated by an amount determined by a modulation signal applied to the frequency generator, a temperature sensor which measures the temperature of at least a part of the microwave circuit, compensating means for processing the output of the temperature sensor to produce a compensated temperature signal using information derived from the drive signal and an echo signal detected by a microwave detector; and a frequency regulating means which is adapted to receive the compensated temperature signal and to regulate the frequency of the signal generated by the frequency generator, thereby at least partially correcting for the effect of changes in temperature of the frequency generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: TRW Limited
    Inventor: Brian Keith Taylor
  • Patent number: 7209075
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method and apparatus for an object locator system (10) for requesting and obtaining information about the location of a mobile object, having attached thereon a lightweight object locator (42), operable in a region served by a two-way paging system (12) and a global positioning satellite system (50). The object locator (42) may be selectively activated to conserve power or enabled to respond only when beyond or within a boundary. Further, the object locator system (10) may provide the location information in several forms including rectangular or polar coordinates referred to a base station (18) or origin, position on a map display, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Pfizer, Inc.
    Inventors: Jennifer Durst, Eugene F. Fowler, Joseph C. McAlexander
  • Patent number: 7209076
    Abstract: A method and apparatus mitigating the effects of cross-correlation signals on received satellite signals in a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver is described. MS-Assisted and MS-Based cross-correlation detection and mitigation methods and apparatus are described. A GPS search mode architecture is used to detect SV signals and identify potential cross-correlations. The GPS search modes have different coherent integration lengths and different degrees of sensitivity. After detection, measurements are logged into a database for further processing. Several cross-correlation tests are described. For example, a “Mainlobe” cross-correlation test is described that identifies the most significant cross-correlations that occur when the Doppler difference between the interfering SV signal and the target SV signal is nonzero and a multiple of 1 kHz. Appropriate C/No and Doppler thresholds, or masks, are selected and used to identify the mainlobe cross-correlations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Qualcomm Incorporated
    Inventor: Mark Charles Roh
  • Patent number: 7209077
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method of determining a code phase search window for use by a satellite positioning system receiver associated with a mobile terminal of a communications network when acquiring a signal from a satellite of a satellite positioning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Andrew Corporation
    Inventor: Neil Harper
  • Patent number: 7209078
    Abstract: A smart antenna calibration system is disclosed for calibrating an antenna array having a plurality of antennas. Each antenna has a calibration coupler for providing a monitoring signal indicative of a signal passing through a transceiver associated thereof, and a processing unit including at least one signal splitter that splits at least one monitoring signal and a combiner array comprising one or more combiners for combining at least two split monitoring signals from first and second antennas to produce a first combined signal representing an in-phase sum and a second combined signal representing a quadrature sum. A power detector is in communication with the processing unit, which is configured to estimate a power level of the signal passing each of the first and second antennas and the in-phase power and quadrature power of the in-phase and quadrature sums for determining a phase difference of the signal on the antennas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Navini Networks, Inc.
    Inventors: Hang Jin, John Grabner
  • Patent number: 7209079
    Abstract: A beam steering apparatus including an antenna array having a plurality of antenna elements. The antenna elements are spatially arranged with respect to one another and being operable to receive signals. A plurality of optical modulators, each of which is associated with a different one of the antenna elements and are operable to modulate signals received thereby onto a different respective optical carrier. A plurality of delay units for applying an amount of delay to modulated optical signals passing therethrough in respect of one or more of the antenna elements. A demultiplexer for separating the modulated optical carriers within an optical signal output by the delay units. A demodulator for demodulating the signal received by each antenna element from the respective separated modulated optical carrier. A combiner for combining the demodulated received signals output by the demodulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: BAE Systems plc
    Inventor: Nicholas J Easton
  • Patent number: 7209080
    Abstract: A system and method for combining and radiating electromagnetic energy. The invention includes a novel antenna comprising a first dielectric substrate having opposite first and second surfaces, a patch of conducting material disposed on the first surface, a ground plane of conducting material disposed on the second surface, and at least three input ports, each input coupled to the patch at a feed point. The feed points are positioned to minimize the total power reflected from each input port. In an illustrative embodiment, the feed points are equally distributed around a circle having the same center as the patch and having a radius chosen to minimize the reflections at each input. In accordance with the novel method of the present invention, the outputs of multiple sources are combined in the antenna itself, by coupling the sources directly to the antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Raytheon Co.
    Inventors: David D. Crouch, Michael Sotelo, William E. Dolash
  • Patent number: 7209081
    Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-band antenna to which the arrangement of Koch fractal antenna is applied. The multi-band antenna is designed in triangular shape whose area is smaller than the general antenna structure. By using the arrangement of Koch fractal antenna, the area of the inverted-F dual-band antenna can be reduced efficiently, so as to enhance more usability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Wistron NeWeb Corp
    Inventors: Hung-Yue Chang, Chen-Hsing Fang, Wei-Li Cheng, Chih-Lung Chen
  • Patent number: 7209082
    Abstract: A method and apparatus including, in some embodiments, a first conductor plane, a first array of periodically distributed co-planar conductive patches, each patch in the first array being connected to the first conductor plane, a second conductor plane separated from and parallel to the first conductor plane, and a second array of periodically distributed co-planar conductive patches, with each patch in the second array being connected to the second conductor plane, and where the first array and second array of periodically distributed co-planar elements are distributed in an overlapping and alternating adjacency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Alan E. Waltho