Patents Issued in September 2, 2008
  • Patent number: 7420420
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an FET (Field Effect Transistor) bias circuit comprising a current-changing information circuit having a power source, a resistor connected to the signal output end of this circuit, the other end of the resistor connected to a reference voltage source, and the node between the resistor and the current-changing information circuit acting as the output end providing voltage-changing information; and a voltage divider circuit connected to at least one voltage source, and connected to the output end providing the voltage-changing information; the current in a signal FET is controlled by providing the voltage-changing information at the output end to the voltage divider circuit, and getting a dividing voltage from the voltage divider circuit as an output end of the FET bias circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Inventor: Yuejun Yan
  • Patent number: 7420421
    Abstract: Open-Loop RF Transmitter Output Power Control for Increased Power Efficiency (NC#97507) system includes microprocessor, battery, bias control circuitry, supply control circuitry and power amplifier. Microprocessor receives desired RF output power and battery voltage value and transmits bias control voltage and supply control voltage. Bias control circuitry is operatively coupled to microprocessor and receives bias control voltage and transmits bias output voltage. Supply control circuitry is operatively coupled to battery and microprocessor, and receives battery voltage and supply control voltage, and transmits supply collector voltage. Power amplifier is operatively coupled to supply control circuitry and bias control circuitry via inductor, and receives supply collector voltage and bias output voltage, and transmits RF output signal in response to RF input signal, supply collector voltage and bias output voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Donald Y. C. Lie, Jeremy Daniel Popp
  • Patent number: 7420422
    Abstract: After coupling a first voltage source to a voltage supply circuit, a second voltage source having a same electrical level but an opposite electrical pole with said first voltage source is generated. An audio amplifier is then driven by both the first voltage source and the second voltage source, where said audio amplifier requires a pair of voltage sources having the same electrical level but opposite electrical poles to be driven. The voltage supply circuit generates the second voltage source from the first voltage source by simultaneously switching two sets of switches, where said both sets of switches have non-synchronous statuses in switching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Princeton Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Ming-Hsiung Chen, Shang-Shu Chung, Ming-Chung Li
  • Patent number: 7420423
    Abstract: An active balun device is provided. The active balun device includes: a differential input portion for receiving an external single input signal to output two complementary differential signals; and a differential amplifier connected to the differential input portion in cascade to amplify the two differential signals received from the differential input portion. Thus, the active balun device has a sufficient gain and a desired bandwidth in a semiconductor circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Young Jae Lee, Hyun Kyu Yu
  • Patent number: 7420424
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a power amplifier which is used in a wireless communication system and is capable of improving efficiency in an entire output power range and extending the dynamic range without additional switches, by including a drive amplification unit and a power amplification unit, connecting the drive amplification and the power amplification unit to a matching circuit, and a power coupler included in a transmission line transformer such that the drive amplification unit drives the power amplification unit, or directly outputs power to an output terminal, through the transmission line transformer, that is, the output power of the drive amplification unit is outputted to a load by switching on/off the power amplification unit and the drive amplification unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Changkun Park, Songcheol Hong
  • Patent number: 7420425
    Abstract: A power amplifier amplifying an input signal to generate an output signal, comprising a cascode unit and a bias circuit. The cascode unit comprises a cascode stage, a first input stage, and a second input stage. The cascode stage generates the output signal. The first input stage, in cascode with the cascode transistor, has a first signal input to be biased to provide a first amplifier gain. The second input stage, in cascode with the cascode transistor, has a second signal input to be biased to provide a second amplifier gain. The bias circuit, coupled to the first and the second input stages comprises first and second switches. The first switch, coupled to the first input stage, is switched on to bias the first input stage with a bias voltage. The second switch, coupled to the second input stage, is switched on to bias the second input stage with the bias voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Via Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Ming-Lin Tsai
  • Patent number: 7420426
    Abstract: A frequency modulated output of a digital locked loop (DLL) is implemented with a Johnson Counter outputting a sample clock and a synchronized digital code at a multiple of the sample clock. The digital code drives a digital-to-analog converter to generate a frequency modulated control signal. The control signal is summed with the center frequency control from the digital locked loop digital filter to provide a frequency modulated center frequency control signal to the DLL oscillator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott W. Herrin, Chris C. Dao, Patrick M. Falvey, Thomas J. Rodriguez, Jules D. Campbell, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7420427
    Abstract: A phase-locked loop (PLL) architecture (100) is provided that includes a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) (116). The PLL architecture (100) also includes a digital calibration loop (132) coupled to the VCO (116). The digital calibration loop (132) implements a digital filter (126) to provide a digital control to the VCO (116) for centering a VCO frequency output. The PLL architecture (100) also includes an analog calibration loop (130) coupled to the VCO (116). The analog calibration loop (130) provides an analog control to the VCO (116) for adjusting the centered VCO frequency output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: James Easton Cameron Brown, Hans Thomas Cramer
  • Patent number: 7420428
    Abstract: A phase lock loop (PLL) includes a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) for providing a VCO output signal. A first phase/frequency detector (PFD) for providing a first voltage tuning signal is included for controlling a frequency of the VCO output signal by comparing a first reference signal to the VCO output signal. A second phase/frequency detector (PFD) for providing a second voltage tuning signal is included for controlling the frequency of the VCO output signal by comparing a second reference signal to the VCO output signal. The first and second voltage tuning signals provide, respectively, first and second gains of frequency per volt for controlling the frequency of the VCO output signal. The first voltage tuning signal has a higher gain than the second voltage tuning signal. The first voltage tuning signal provides coarse frequency control of the VCO output signal and the second voltage tuning signal provides fine frequency control of the VCO output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Florin Pera, Dennis Whittaker
  • Patent number: 7420429
    Abstract: A source coupled differential complementary Colpitts oscillator is described, which enables a differential oscillation and also can improve phase noise performance by source-coupling a complementary Colpitts oscillator using an inductor. A differential complementary Colpitts oscillator includes: a plurality of complementary Colpitts oscillators and a source coupler which couples a source node of the plurality of complementary Colpitts oscillators, enables the Colpitts oscillators to differentially oscillate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Choong-Yul Cha, Hoon Tae Kim, Chun Deok Suh
  • Patent number: 7420430
    Abstract: Method and arrangement for generating an output clock signal with an adjustable phase relation from a plurality of input clock signals. A method and an arrangement are provided for generating an output clock signal (o), in which a plurality of input clock signals (s, c) that have a predetermined phase relationship to one another, are weighted with respective weighting factors (A, 1-A), and in which the weighted input clock signals (s?, c?) are added in order to generate a summated clock signal (i). The summated clock signal (i) is integrated in an integrator (8) and optionally amplified in order to generate the output clock signal (o). An output clock signal (o) with an adjustable phase relation can be generated with such a method and such an arrangement, in which the requirements placed on the input clock signals are less stringent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Claudio Andreotti, Edoardo Prete, Anthony Sanders
  • Patent number: 7420431
    Abstract: An RC oscillator integrated circuit includes: an active current mirror connected to an external resistor, for receiving a current signal corresponding to a voltage signal applied to the external resistor, performing 1/N-times division of the received current signal according to an input clock signal, and generating a 1/N-times current signal; an oscillation circuit for generating an output voltage corresponding to a charging- or discharging-operation of a capacitor via a current path formed by the active current mirror; a feedback switching circuit for controlling a charging- or discharging-path of the capacitor by a feedback of an output signal Vo of the oscillation circuit; and a divider for generating not only a first clock signal capable of driving the active current mirror according to the output signal of the oscillation circuit, but also a second output clock signal having a compensated mismatch of the active current mirror.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Fairchild Korea Semiconductor, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jong-Tae Hwang, Dae-Ho Kim, Moon-Sang Jung, Dong-Hwan Kim
  • Patent number: 7420432
    Abstract: A noise removal circuit. The noise removal circuit comprises a crystal oscillator and a level decision module. The crystal oscillator generates an oscillating signal and an output clock signal. The level decision module detects the signal level of the oscillating signal and outputs the output clock signal when the signal level of the oscillating signal exceeds a first reference level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: MediaTek Inc.
    Inventors: Chuan-Cheng Hsiao, Chuan Liu
  • Patent number: 7420433
    Abstract: A phase lock loop RF modulator system including a phase lock loop circuit having a phase detector circuit responsive to an input reference signal and a feedback signal, an oscillator circuit responsive to the phase detector circuit for providing an output signal, a forward path from the phase detector circuit to the oscillator circuit, and a feedback path from the oscillator circuit to the phase detector circuit. The system also includes a first modulation port coupled to the feedback path, a second modulation port coupled to the forward path, and a gain mismatch detection circuit responsive to modulation data and a phase error between the reference signal and the feedback signal for providing an indicator output signal that represents the gain mismatch between the first modulation port and the second modulation port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Cormac E. O'Sullivan, Colin Lyden, Hyman N. Shanan
  • Patent number: 7420434
    Abstract: A compact circular waveguide system can connect circular waveguides through a bend while avoiding excessive interaction between the orthogonal modes of the circular waveguides. A compact bend system with circular waveguide input and output can be achieved by providing short quarter wave transformers. The quarter wave transformers can be positioned at the transitions between the circular waveguides and a single-mode quasi-rectangular waveguide segment. Within the single-mode quasi-rectangular waveguide segment, a bend can be formed without concern for mixing of the orthogonal modes of the circular guided wave. The undesired mode of propagation can be substantially reduced or eliminated within the quarter wave transformers with a resistive mode suppressor. The compact system can be machined out of a single block of material from the outside flange faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: EMS Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: John C. Hoover
  • Patent number: 7420435
    Abstract: A non-reciprocal circuit element is equipped with a ferrite-magnet assembly which includes a pair of permanent magnets and a ferrite sandwiched between the permanent magnets. A first center electrode and a second center electrode defined by conducting films are provided on principal surfaces of the ferrite, such that the first center electrode and the second center electrode are insulated from each other and intersect each other. The permanent magnets have principal surfaces having substantially the same shape as the principal surfaces of the ferrite. The ferrite has upper and lower surfaces provided with recesses. The recesses have a conductor material embedded therein, whereby intermediate electrodes and connector electrodes are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Kawanami
  • Patent number: 7420436
    Abstract: In one aspect, an embodiment of the invention provides a transition from a planar substrate/chip circuit microwave transmission line to waveguide transmission media on the back of the substrate/chip. The transition enables planar waveguide fed MMW ESA architectures to be realized within the tight grid spacing required for emerging MMW ESAs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventor: Peter A. Stenger
  • Patent number: 7420437
    Abstract: A balancing/unbalancing (balun) structure for operating at frequency f1 includes a microstrip printed circuit board (PCB). A balun on the PCB includes two input ports are coupled to a differential signal. An isolated port is connected to ground through a matched resistance. An output port is coupled to a single-ended signal corresponding to the differential signal. A plurality of traces on the PCB connect the two input ports, the load connection port and a tap point to the output port. A f2 rejection filter on the PCB is wrapped around the balun and includes a first folded element with a transmission length of ?2/4 and connected to the output port. A second folded element has a transmission length of ?2/4 and connected to the tap point. A third folded element connects the tap point to the output port and has a transmission length of ?2/4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Franco De Flaviis
  • Patent number: 7420438
    Abstract: A front end module (2) comprises: a triplexer (11) for separating the AMPS band, the PCS band and the GPS band from one another; a duplexer (12) for separating transmission signals and reception signals in the AMPS band from each other; and a duplexer (13) for separating transmission signals and reception signals in the PCS band from each other. The duplexers (12, 13) each include an acoustic wave element that functions as a filter. A single multilayer substrate is used to integrate the triplexer (11) and the duplexers (12, 13). The triplexer (11) is made up of conductor layers located inside or on the surface of the multilayer substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventors: Shinya Nakai, Hideaki Fujioka
  • Patent number: 7420439
    Abstract: A micro-resonator of a single structure which outputs signals of two resonance frequencies of mutually opposite phases and in which different resonance frequencies are adjusted independently is provided. The micro-resonator includes: an oscillation portion 6 sustained with a gap by support portions 8 [8A, 8B] and an input electrode 3 and an output electrode 4 that become lower electrodes facing the oscillation portion 6 across the gap, in which the input electrode 3 and the output electrode 4 are disposed to face each other along a line intersecting the oscillation portion 6, the oscillation portion 6 generates torsional oscillation and flexural oscillation, and output signals of two resonance frequencies close to each other based on different resonance modes have mutually different phases by 180°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Shinya Morita, Takashi Kinoshita, Shun Mitarai
  • Patent number: 7420440
    Abstract: A surface acoustic wave filter includes an antenna terminal, a transmitting filter and a variable branching line both of which are coupled to the antenna terminal and a receiving filter coupled to the variable branching line. The transmitting filter has a first end series-arm SAW resonator, a second end series-arm SAW resonator, a middle series-arm SAW resonator coupled between the first and second end series-arm SAW resonators and parallel-arm SAW resonators. Each of the first and second end series-arm SAW resonator has a first resonance frequency. The middle series-arm SAW resonator has a second resonance frequency that is higher than the first resonance frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Anasako, Yoshiaki Fujita, Hisanori Ehara, Tomokazu Komazaki
  • Patent number: 7420441
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a surface acoustic wave device formed in one chip and including over a semiconductor substrate at least an IC region and a surface acoustic wave element region that are horizontally disposed, the method including: forming in the IC region over the semiconductor substrate a semiconductor element layer that includes a semiconductor element and an insulation layer covering the semiconductor element and being deposited also in the surface acoustic wave element region; forming over the semiconductor element layer a wire layer that includes a plurality of wires coupled to the semiconductor element and a wire insulating film deposited over the plurality of wires to provide insulation among the wires, the wire insulating film being deposited also over the insulation layer in the surface acoustic wave element region; forming an interlayer insulating film having a flattened surface on the wire insulating film in the IC region and the surface acoustic wave element region; forming a piezoelectri
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Aritsugu Yajima, Hisakatsu Sato, Takashi Kojima
  • Patent number: 7420442
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a signal controller, e.g., a filter or a switch, for a coplanar waveguide during the LIGA fabrication process of the waveguide. Both patterns for the waveguide and patterns for the signal controllers are created on a mask. Radiation travels through the mask and reaches a photoresist layer on a substrate. The irradiated portions are removed and channels are formed on the substrate. A metal is filled into the channels to form the conductors of the waveguide and the signal controllers. Micromachined quasi-lumped elements are used alone or together as filters. The switch includes a comb drive, a spring, a metal plunger, and anchors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventor: Michael A. Forman
  • Patent number: 7420443
    Abstract: A waveguide interface for a waveguide having a split ring with a first half and a second half joined by a web portion. The split ring first half and second half having an inner surface configured to mate with an exterior of the waveguide, the first half and the second half foldable towards each other and around the exterior of the waveguide, along the web portion. An overbody with a bore is dimensioned to receive the waveguide therethrough; the bore having a shoulder at an interface end dimensioned to receive the split ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Commscope, Inc. of North Carolina
    Inventor: Jeffrey D Paynter
  • Patent number: 7420444
    Abstract: An RF MEMS switch having asymmetrical spring rigidity. The RF MEMS switch has supporting members spaced apart in a certain interval on a substrate, a membrane being a motion member suspended by plural spring members extended on both sides of the membrane, and a bottom electrode being a contact surface on an upper surface of the substrate facing a bottom surface of the membrane, wherein the plural spring members placed on opposite sides of the membrane have asymmetrical rigidity, and a portion of the membrane on a side of stronger spring rigidity is first separated from the contact surface when the RF MEMS switch is turned off. The present invention has an advantage of easy separation of the switch from the contact surface, when the switch is turned off, due to the different rigidity of the springs located on the sides of the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics CO., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun-o Kim, Sang-wook Kwon, Che-heung Kim, Jong-seok Kim, Hee-moon Jeong, Young-tack Hong, Sang-hun Lee
  • Patent number: 7420445
    Abstract: A circuit for guiding electromagnetic waves includes a substrate for supporting components of the circuit. The circuit includes a control device which includes a first conductive element on the substrate for connection to a first component of the circuit and a second conductive element on the substrate for connection to a second component. The control device is made up of a variable impedance switching material on the substrate which exhibits a bi-stable phase behavior. The compound has a variable impedance between a first impedance state value and a second impedance state value which can be varied by application of energy thereto to thereby affect the amplitude or phase delay of electromagnetic waves through the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Science Applications International Corporation
    Inventors: N. Convers Wyeth, Albert M. Green
  • Patent number: 7420446
    Abstract: The circuit breaker of this invention comprises a pair of stationary contactors 2, 3 which are respectively provided with stationary contacts 2a, 3a, a movable contactor 4 which includes a pair of movable contacts 4a and which is capable of bridging both the stationary contactors, a switching mechanism section 10 which operates when an overcurrent has flowed through the stationary contactors, a crossbar 5 which separates the movable contactor from the stationary contactors upon the operation of the switching mechanism section, a contact pressure spring 7 which is engaged with the crossbar at one end and with substantially the central part of the movable contactor at the other end and which urges the movable contactor toward the stationary contactors, and arc extinction chambers 8 which are respectively disposed near both the end parts of the movable contactor and which extinguish an arc struck at the separation of the movable contactor from the stationary contactors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahiro Fushimi, Susumu Takahashi, Kazumasa Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7420447
    Abstract: A micro-magnetic switch includes a permanent magnet and a supporting device having contacts coupled thereto and an embedded coil. The supporting device can be positioned proximate to the magnet. The switch also includes a cantilever coupled at a central point to the supporting device. The cantilever has a conducting material coupled proximate an end and on a side of the cantilever facing the supporting device and having a soft magnetic material coupled thereto. During thermal cycling the cantilever can freely expand based on being coupled at a central point to the supporting device, which substantially reduces coefficient of thermal expansion differences between the cantilever and the supporting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
    Inventors: Meichun Ruan, Jun Shen, Gordon Tam
  • Patent number: 7420448
    Abstract: To provide a small-sized electromagnetic relay capable of reducing an internal resistance of a contact circuit as much as possible, and also capable of carrying a high current to the relay. The electromagnetic relay includes an electromagnetic driving block composed by a coil, an iron core, a yoke, and an armature; fixed contacts each provided on one end of each of a pair of terminals fixed to a base; and a movable spring having movable contacts provided at positions corresponding to the respective fixed contacts, the armature driving the movable spring depending on whether or not a current is carried to the coil, thereby opening or closing a contact circuit, wherein the movable spring has both ends supported by the base, the movable spring arranged in parallel to the terminals, and the movable contacts are provided on the movable spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Uchiya Thermostat Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideaki Takeda, Naoya Mochizuki
  • Patent number: 7420449
    Abstract: A magnetic actuator utilizes a single magnet and two voice coils to rotate a mirror between two angular positions with respect to a rest state. A magnetic field assembly applies magnetic flux across the voice coils. An upper plate and a lower plate are held together by a permanent magnet, so that each plate forms a magnetic pole. The voice coils are actuated by feeding current to their coils, resulting in an electromagnetic field being formed around the coils. The voice coils have magnetic flux passing across them, caused by the magnet and the two plates. Hence, the coils move upward or downward according to the current applied. A mirror holder includes a fixed periphery and moving arms attached to a torsional beam spanning the periphery. The arms are moved by the adjacent voice coils, twisting the torsional beam, and the attached mirror moves also.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: OC Oerlikon Balzers AG
    Inventor: Peter Menard
  • Patent number: 7420450
    Abstract: There is provided an electric solenoid for a building fire suppression system that provides a supervisory or warning signal when the solenoid is removed from its service location. The primary coil winding of the solenoid extends through a base that is detachable from the solenoid. The base remains fixed in place at the service location for the solenoid. When the solenoid is properly installed on the base, a conductor in the base provides the connection to complete the solenoid coil circuit, making it operational. When the solenoid is removed from the base, the coil circuit is interrupted. Connected circuitry that interfaces with the solenoid coil circuit provides a supervisory signal to a remote location, a local location, or both, when the coil circuit is interrupted. When the solenoid is properly installed on the base, a coil spring urges and biases the base firmly against the solenoid to maintain electrical contact between the base and the solenoid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Inventors: Jorge Medrano, Henry Munoz
  • Patent number: 7420451
    Abstract: A symmetrical differential inductor including a first spiral conducting wire and a second spiral conducting wire is provided. The first spiral conducting wire has a first end and a second end, and the second end whirls in spiral fashion towards a central portion of a spiral structure of the first spiral conducting wire. The second spiral conducting wire and the first spiral conducting wire are interwound with each other and symmetrical to a symmetrical plane. The second spiral conducting wire has a third end and a fourth end, and the fourth end whirls in spiral fashion towards a central portion of a spiral structure of the second spiral conducting wire and is connected to the second end of the first spiral conducting wire. When the first spiral conducting wire and the second spiral conducting wire having the same distance from the substrate are staggered, they extend towards the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: VIA Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Sheng-Yuan Lee
  • Patent number: 7420452
    Abstract: An inductor structure disposed over a substrate includes a first spiral coil, a second spiral coil and at least a gain pattern. The first spiral coil includes first conducting wires and first connection leads, wherein each first connection lead connects two adjacent first conducting wires. The second spiral coil includes second conducting wires and second connection leads, wherein each second connection lead connects two adjacent second conducting wires. The second spiral coil and the first spiral coil are symmetrically disposed about a plane of symmetry and in series connection to form a spiral coil structure with 2N turns, wherein N is a positive integral, and are spaced from the substrate by different heights to form 2N?1 interlaced zones. The gain pattern is disposed under the first connection lead at the (2N?1)th interlaced zone counted from the most-outer turn up and electrically connected to the corresponding first connection lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: VIA Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Sheng-Yuan Lee, Hsiao-Chu Lin
  • Patent number: 7420453
    Abstract: A fusible link unit is provided with a first alternator terminal including a screw hole configured to be connected with an opposite terminal with a screw, a second alternator terminal including a connector configured to be connected with an opposite connector, a battery terminal one or more load terminals respectively including one or more fuse links, wherein the first alternator terminal, the second alternator terminal, the battery terminal, the load terminals and the fuse links are mutually connected and unitized in a fuse unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Norio Matsumura, Shinya Onoda
  • Patent number: 7420454
    Abstract: A resistive element in the form of a bent metal plate is placed in a box-shaped case and has electrodes exposed out of the box-shaped case. A heat radiator in the form of a bent metal plate is also placed in the box-shaped case and has heat radiating electrodes exposed out of the box-shaped case. The resistive element and the heat radiator are held out of contact with each other and disposed in criss-cross relation to each other. The box-shaped case is filled with a cement material in surrounding relation to the resistive element and the heat radiator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: KOA Corporation
    Inventors: Katsumi Takagi, Koichi Hirasawa
  • Patent number: 7420455
    Abstract: In the case of an electronic communication system (100) having; a) at least one base station (10) having at least one antenna unit (16: 16a, 16b), in particular in coil form, which base station (10) is arranged in particular on or in an object to be secured against unauthorized use and/or against unauthorized access, such as on or in, say, a means of transport or on or in an access system, and, b) at least one transponder station (40), in particular in data-carrier form, having at least one antenna unit (44: 44a, 44b), in particular in coil form, which transponder station (40), c) may in particular be carried with him by an authorized user and/or, d) is designed to exchange data signals (22, 24) with the base station (10), in which case, by means of the data signals (22, 24), e) the authorization for use and/or access can be determined and/or, f) the base station (10) can be controlled accordingly, and in the case of a method of detecting and/or guarding against at least one, in particular external, attack, a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventor: Jürgen Nowottnick
  • Patent number: 7420456
    Abstract: An electronic lock box contains a secure compartment for storing keys to a structure. A linear actuator moves in one direction opening the door to the secure compartment, and moves in the opposite direction releasing a shackle that holds the lock box to the structure. A lock box system uses an encryption algorithm to diversify user PIN data at a central computer, and stores that diversified information on a memory card for later use when the user attempts to access a lock box. The central computer and electronic lock box both keep track of system “epoch time,” and the memory card must be presented to the electronic lock box within a correct epoch time window for the diversified PIN data to be successfully decrypted and compared to the user's PIN data that is entered on a keypad of the electronic lock box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Sentri Lock, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott R. Fisher
  • Patent number: 7420457
    Abstract: A radio frequency identification tag reading/writing station is adapted to be used with a radio frequency identification tag reader/writer in order to read/write radio frequency identification tags on a continuous web of carrier material. The radio frequency identification tag reading/writing station includes a first waveguide to coax adaptor, a second waveguide to coax adapter, and a window assembly having a window therein, the window being sized and shaped such that a tag on the web of carrier material under test is exposed to radio frequency read/write energy, but such that tags on the web of carrier material adjacent to the tag under test are shielded from the radio frequency read/write energy. The first waveguide to coax adapter and the second waveguide to coax adapter are disposed end-to-end with the window assembly being disposed therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: George Schmitt & Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Udo Heinz Helmut Bode, Edward Michael Bosco, William G. Gunther, Roman Golicz, Stefan G. Golicz
  • Patent number: 7420458
    Abstract: A secondary reader and associated system are disclosed. In some embodiments, a secondary reader obtains and communicates information about a reading of an RFID tag by a primary reader by receiving an RFID signal that is responsive to a signal from the primary reader. In some embodiments, the secondary reader also receives an interrogation signal from the primary reader. In some embodiments, the secondary reader receives information related to the primary reader that may, in some instances, include a security key used to determine whether or not the primary reader is authorized to read the RFID tag. Variations on these and other embodiments are described more fully herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Inventors: Peter J. Kuzma, Charles A. Eldering, Michael Mauriel
  • Patent number: 7420459
    Abstract: A powerline network device includes both power suppression and networking functions, and passes through power and data signals. The networking functions can include one or more of hub, router, and/or switch function, and therefore can form a subnet of devices plugged into the outlets of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Gateway Inc.
    Inventor: Wayne M. Pruchniak
  • Patent number: 7420460
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle security system, which includes a security controller and a remote controller. The security controller is electrically connected to sensors and alarms, respectively, and has a memory storing an anti-thief alert grade table. The anti-thief alert grade table records at least two alert grades each having a respective sensitivity default value corresponding to each sensor. The sensitivity default value of each alert grade for each sensor defines the critical actuation value of the respective sensor for the respective alert grade. The remote controller has a control button for pressing to control the security controller to enter the desired alert grade of the alert mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Sin Etke Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuo-Rong Chen, Chun-Chung Lee, Cheng-Hung Huang
  • Patent number: 7420461
    Abstract: A locking system for stopping a shopping cart includes a caster that can be selectively disabled when the cart encounters an electronic barrier. The caster includes a brake that is mounted on the frame of the caster. Also mounted on the frame are two receivers for separately receiving different signals from an electronic barrier. Respective decoders on the frame decipher lock commands in the signals, and a controller selectively activates the brake to prevent further movement of the cart in response to the lock commands. The electronic barrier can include an underground loop antenna and an above-ground RF beacon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Carttronics, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph F. Nebolon, David A. Poirier, John R. French
  • Patent number: 7420462
    Abstract: A distance indicating system includes a transmitting portion, a transceiver spaced a distance from the transmitting portion, and a receiving portion supported in spaced relation to the transceiver. The transmitting portion broadcasting a first electromagnetic wave. The transceiver receiving the first electromagnetic wave and transmitting a second electromagnetic wave to the receiving portion. The transceiver is operative to modulate the second electromagnetic wave in relation to an input to communicate a signal, data or information, such as the distance between the transmitting portion and the transceiver, an acceleration input, a pressure level or a temperature reading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: BFS Diversified Products, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel L. Nordmeyer
  • Patent number: 7420463
    Abstract: An electronic article surveillance (EAS) antenna system including at least one transmit antenna and at least one amorphous core receiver antenna adapted for installation on the floor, in the grout region of the floor, or under the flooring of a passageway. An EAS system including at least one perimeter loop antenna adapted to extend around the entire perimeter of a passageway is also provided. The system may further include at least one floor antenna adapted for installation within a region of a floor of a passageway and at least one ceiling antenna adapted for installation adjacent a ceiling of the passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Sensormatic Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Richard L. Copeland, Stewart E. Hall, William Farrell, Stanley Strzelec
  • Patent number: 7420464
    Abstract: Methods and systems for tracking movements of participants in a market research study, for example, outside retail establishments, are provided. The methods and systems employ portable monitors carried on the persons of the participants to gather location data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Inventors: Joan Fitzgerald, Jack C. Crystal, Alan R. Neuhauser, James M. Jensen, David Patrick Forr, Eugene L. Flanagan, III
  • Patent number: 7420465
    Abstract: Method for finding a lost or stolen object (1), with the following steps that must be performed before the object is lost: said object (1) is marked with a RFID tag (10) in which an unequivocal tag identification (100) is stored, the owner of the object (1) accesses the RFID tag (10) with a RFID reader device (2) that is built into a mobile radio telephone (3) of the owner or that is connected with this mobile radio telephone (3), said tag identification (100) is paired with an owner identification (300) that is read from the SIM card (30) of said mobile telephone (3), and with the following steps that are performed when said object (1) is found by a third party: said tag identification (100) is read by a second RFID reader device (9), the owner identification (300) that has been paired with the read tag identification (100) is determined, said owner is informed about the finding of said object (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Swisscom Mobile AG
    Inventor: Rudolf Ritter
  • Patent number: 7420466
    Abstract: A system and method allowing one application to implement diverse AutoID tags interchangeably, by unifying all AutoID technologies into a single object model. The single object model interacts with all AutoID technologies, with only a lowest level device tailored to the specific AutoID technology, the single object model thereby persisting through the middleware, up to an application, carrying all necessary information from any AutoID technology. The single object model can interact with a tag many times, as necessary to complete an operation. A reader interface allows an application to communicate with multiple readers of diverse AutoID tags, and to communicate with individual servers communicating with individual readers of diverse AutoID tags. The reader interface also provides a single interface for hardware communication with a radio, for an application interacting with an entire network of readers, sensors, interpretation steps, product lookup, and information storage providing a single virtual reader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Steven Arthur Nolan Shafer
  • Patent number: 7420467
    Abstract: A method for inventorying and monitoring an asset located in an vehicle asset management area. The method involves an inventorying of a presence of an asset within an vehicle asset management area based on a detection of a RFID tag associated with the asset within the vehicle asset management area, and a monitoring of the inventoried presence of the asset within the vehicle asset management area based on the RFID tag associated with the asset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Russell A. Patenaude, Anthony J. Sumcad
  • Patent number: 7420468
    Abstract: Provided is a detector system for detecting a plurality of items each having at least one RFID tag attached thereto. The detector system may include a presence detector and/or a message detector. The presence detector may include a signal reader which receives modulated carrier frequencies from the RFID tags during a predetermined response time period for comparison to a reference level. The signal reader may be configured as a power integrator or a constellation discriminator. The power integrator sums the power contained in signals transmitted by the RFID tags by integration for comparison to an environmental noise level measurement taken during a quiet period. For the constellation discriminator, bits contained in the modulating message are compared to the bit pattern of a predetermined reference constellation. The detector system may be configured as a 3-state detector which combines the presence detector with a message detector that indicates the identification code of the RFID tags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Inventors: Carl E. Fabian, Frank O'Neill
  • Patent number: 7420469
    Abstract: A Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) circuit for use in an RFID tag includes a FET semiconductor device that is coupled to antenna connections. The device can be part of a modulator, a demodulator, or a rectifier. A designated region for a first terminal (such as a drain or a source) is formed as an island completely surrounded by a gate structure, which minimizes parasitic effects. One or more designated regions for a second terminal (such as a source or a drain) outside the gate structure complete the FET device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Impinj, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald A. Oliver