Patents Issued in March 31, 2015
  • Patent number: 8994536
    Abstract: The present invention provides a new non-invasive technique for organ, e.g., heart and lung, monitoring. In at least one embodiment of the invention, a subject is radiated with a non-harmful and relatively low power electromagnetic source diagnostic signal normally associated with a communications protocol such as, but not limited to a version of the IEEE 802.11(x) family of protocols in the 2.4, 3.6, or 5 GHz spectrum bands. After passing through the patient, a return signal is acquired from the patient and compared to the original source signal. The differences between the source and modified signals are then analyzed to monitor the heart, e.g., measure heart rate and detect defects within the heart, and the lung. For example, using Doppler Effect principles, heart rate and motion can be measured from the differences in frequency, phase, and/or wavelength between the source signal and the modified signal reflected back from the heart moving within the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Xanthia Global Limited
    Inventor: Kenneth Margon
  • Patent number: 8994537
    Abstract: A hand sanitizer compliance detection system for RFID-tagged employees comprises a hand sanitizer station with a detector enclosure having a sensor and an aperture that narrows a field of view by the sensor to define a hand detection zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Guard RFID Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Dalibor Pokrajac
  • Patent number: 8994538
    Abstract: A medical device data reporting system comprises: at least one medical device configured to output device data; a filter module configured to analyze the device data according to a predetermined criteria of parameters; an encoder module configured to encode the analyzed data into a digital format according to a predetermined encoding scheme and initiate a transmission of the encoded data; a transmitter module configured to transmit the encoded data to a location distal to the medical device via a telecommunication network; a digital receiver module located distal to the medical device configured to receive the digitally encoded data from the encoder module; and a decoder module configured to decode the digitally encoded data from the encoder module and communicate it to a responder capable of executing a predefined action sequence determined by the encoded data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Instant Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Allen Darling, George Joseph Seelman
  • Patent number: 8994539
    Abstract: The disclosure includes an HVAC data processing and communication network, and a method of manufacturing the same. In one embodiment the HVAC data processing and communication network includes a system device and a user interface. The system device is configured to store alarm data in local memory in response to an alarm event. The user interface is configured to send an alarm request message to the system device, and to receive an alarm reporting message including alarm data from the system device via a data bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Lennox Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Wojciech Grohman, Darko Hadzidedic, Amanda Filbeck, Timothy E. Wallaert, Timothy H. Thorson, Thomas Gerard Pavlak, Jacob Jennings
  • Patent number: 8994540
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a hazard detector may include a housing having a back plate and a front casing coupled therewith to define an interior space within which various components are contained. The components may include an alarm device and a hazard sensor that is configured to detect a potentially hazardous condition to trigger the alarm device. A cover plate may be coupled with the housing and may face an occupant of a room in which the hazard detector is positioned. The cover plate may include a relatively large population of relatively small openings that are positioned, configured, and dimensioned so that internal components are substantially hidden from view of the occupant while air is allowed to substantially freely flow through the cover plate. A collective area of the openings may be at least 30% of the total area of the cover plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Michael Fadell, Adam Mittleman, Andrew Goldenson, John Benjamin Filson, Fred Bould
  • Patent number: 8994541
    Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for monitoring condenser performance are described herein. One method includes receiving a control signal associated with a fan component of a condenser of a refrigeration system, determining an expected control signal based on a number of driving conditions associated with the condenser, and providing a notification responsive to a difference between the received control signal and the expected control signal exceeding a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Radek Fisera, Martin Strelec
  • Patent number: 8994542
    Abstract: A biological signal processor includes a sensor unit 2 that is usable with a mattress, measures biological displacement of a subject on the mattress, and outputs a measurement signal indicative of a measurement result, a signal processing unit 7 that amplifies the measurement signal with a plurality of different gains and outputs respective output signals, an AD converting unit 8 that performs AD conversion on the respective output signals to obtain level values and outputs the respective level values, and a determining unit 90 that determines that the sensor unit 2 is in an abnormal condition in case where a variation measure indicative of variation degree in level value corresponding to an output signal amplified with a minimum gain among the respective level values is equal to or less than a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Tanita Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshio Sakai
  • Patent number: 8994543
    Abstract: A diagnosis and maintenance device is provided for a switchgear assembly, for example, a low-voltage switchgear assembly. The diagnosis and maintenance device includes a data processing device and at least one first, internal interface device, which is connected to at least one connected and communication-capable apparatus in the switchgear assembly in a communicating manner and polls and/or processes the diagnosis and maintenance information and/or status information of the connected and communication-capable apparatus and provides said information in an accessible manner as usable and/or human-readable information and/or outputs and/or displays said information as usable and/or human-readable information. A switchgear assembly having such a device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: ABB AG
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Merkel, Matthias Forstbach, Ralf Graf
  • Patent number: 8994544
    Abstract: An indicator system for an alternating current power bus includes an electret operatively associated with the alternating current power bus. The electret includes an output having an alternating current voltage when the alternating current power bus is energized. A rectifier includes an input electrically interconnected with the output of the electret and an output having a direct current voltage responsive to the alternating current voltage of the output of the electret. An indicator includes an input electrically interconnected with the output of the rectifier and an indication output responsive to the direct current voltage of the output of the rectifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Kovacich, John Trublowski
  • Patent number: 8994545
    Abstract: The embodiments described herein include systems and methods for removal of alerts for a device. In one embodiment, an industrial process control system includes a controller a controller coupled to a field device. The industrial process control system further includes an alert server coupled to the controller. The controller is configured to detect, via a first protocol, removal of the field device and to communicate, in a second protocol, the removal of the field device to the alert server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John Michael Karaffa, Johnny Stephen Downor, Steven William Smith, William Robert Pettigrew
  • Patent number: 8994546
    Abstract: Arrangement and method for monitoring a material storage container which includes a housing defining an interior receivable of removable material. An interior sensor system is arranged on the housing to obtain information about any material in the interior of the housing different than the location of the container. A location determining system is arranged on the housing to monitor the location of the container, and a communication system is coupled to the interior sensor system and the location determining system and transmits information about the material in the housing and the location of the container to one or more remote facilities. The communication system may be arranged on the housing itself, which is especially applicable when the housing is movable, for example, such as the housing of a Frac tank. The location and condition of the material in the container can thus be known at all times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Intelligent Technologies International, Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Breed, Wilbur E. DuVall, Wendell C. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8994547
    Abstract: Methods of automatically tracking a patching connection between a first connector port of a patch panel and a second connector port of a network device are provided in which a sensor is used to detect that a first end of a patch cord has been inserted into the second connector port. The patch cord has at least one data communications channel and a separate control channel. A first conductor of the control channel of the patch cord is biased to power an integrated circuit chip on the network device. In response to the detection by the sensor, a first signal is transmitted over the separate control channel of the patch cord to the network device. A second signal is received over the control channel of the patch cord in response to the first signal. The second signal includes a unique identifier that is associated with the second connector port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: CommScope, Inc. of North Carolina
    Inventor: Michael German
  • Patent number: 8994548
    Abstract: A system includes a receiver configured to receive a signal representing a sequence of user inputs to a portable electronic device and an audible device configured to generate a sound based at least in part on the sequence of user inputs. A duration and volume of the sound is based at least in part on the sequence of user inputs received within a predetermined time interval. A method includes receiving the signal provided to the portable electronic device within a predetermined time interval and generating the sound based at least in part on the sequence of user inputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Scott Howard Gaboury, John Robert Van Wiemeersch, Lisa Therese Boran, Mark George Vojtisek
  • Patent number: 8994549
    Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for facilitating oilfield operations utilizing auditory data. In one embodiment, the present invention generates one or more auditory mapping structures whereby oilfield data may be mapped to sounds. The present invention provides at least one computer generated selection tool through which the user may select one or more portions of displayed oilfield data for auditory enhancement. Once the user has indicated an area of interest using the selection tool, the present invention may identify the oilfield data displayed within the outlined area of interest, identify auditory data associated with the displayed oilfield data utilizing one or more auditory mapping structures, and emit at least a portion of the identified auditory data to enhance the user's understanding of the displayed oilfield data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Carlos F. P. Rocha, Flavio Ivan Da Silva
  • Patent number: 8994550
    Abstract: A method and system are presented for transmitting data along tubing in a borehole, comprising generating an acoustic signal using a transmitter at a first location on the tubing, and receiving the acoustic signal at a receiver at a second location on the tubing. The method and system further comprise: (i) generating the acoustic signal at the transmitter at a first frequency and bit rate; (ii) receiving the acoustic signal at the first frequency at the receiver and attempting to synchronize the receiver at the first frequency, and (iiia) if the synchronization is successful, continuing to transmit the acoustic signal so as to pass the data from the transmitter to the receiver; or (iiib) if the synchronization is unsuccessful, adjusting the frequency and/or bit rate of the signal and repeating steps (i)-(iii) on the basis of the adjusted signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Guillaume Millot, Erwann Lemenager
  • Patent number: 8994551
    Abstract: A remote water meter monitoring system is provided. A mesh network-type transceiver unit is coupled to a water meter housing having a water counting mechanism inside to transmit water consumption information as well as other sensor information, such as backflow detection, water pressure, and water metrics (e.g., residual chlorine and temperature) to a central server system via a bridge device and a corresponding mesh network. Mechanical energy from the water flowing through the water meter housing is converted to electrical energy via an energy conversion unit. An electrically powered shut off valve is remote addressable via the transceiver unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Mueller International, LLC
    Inventors: Barth Robins Pitchford, William Dudley Pitchford, Robert Paul Simon, C. David Binning, David Lewis Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 8994552
    Abstract: An all-electronic utility gas meter using with micromachined (a.k.a. MEMS Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) silicon sensor to measure gas metrology data for custody transfer or tariff in city gas metering application is disclosed in the present invention. The meter has two separate metrology units. One of the units is located in the main flow channel with the insertion probing configuration while the other is configured as a bypass unit assembly with the main metrology unit. The bypass metrology unit can perform independent metrology tasks and can be exchanged onsite during service, maintenance or repair without dismantle the meter from the service pipeline. The bypass metrology unit also can be used to compare the measured data from time to time and performance self-diagnosis that shall help the performance and data authentication during the meter field service. Both of the units can be powered by battery or external sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: M-tech Instrument Corporation (Holding) Limited
    Inventors: Changming Jiang, Yong Feng, Sugang Jiang, Chih-Chang Chen, Liji Huang
  • Patent number: 8994553
    Abstract: This invention relates to a physiological sensor which acquires pre-programmed data from an electrode or an electrode array using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology. The source of the sensor may be authenticated by means of a wireless interface between an RFID transponder affixed to the electrode array, and an RFID interrogator embedded in the patient interface cable. The criteria for use are then verified to ensure that they are met by the electrode array before beginning signal acquisition. If the criteria are not met, a message is provided to the user via the monitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Rebecca Brumer, Nassib G. Chamoun, Rafael M. Cordero, Marc Davidson, James P. Kiely
  • Patent number: 8994554
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for monitoring the consumption of a plurality of metered resources. The techniques involve receiving a KYZ pulse from a first utility meter, where the first utility meter is coupled to a source of one of the metered resources, and where the first utility meter outputs the KYZ pulse based on a predefined amount of metered resource being passed through the utility meter. A first counter is incremented, where the first counter is associated with the utility meter and stored in a memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Air Liquide Large Industries U.S. LP
    Inventors: Joshua Carpman, Charles N. Harper
  • Patent number: 8994555
    Abstract: A system and method for implementing quality control for a panel is described. For example, the panel may be configured as a vacuum insulation panel having sensors arranged within the panel and/or on a surface thereof. A radio frequency identification unit may be in operable communication with the sensor and may transmit panel information to an external radio frequency identification receiver. A data collation element in operable communication with the radio frequency identification receiver may be configured to receive and analyze aggregated panel performance data received from the radio frequency identification receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Caralon Global Limited
    Inventors: Charles Hewitt, Timothy Wojciechowski
  • Patent number: 8994556
    Abstract: A data multi-hop sensing and threat detecting network, including modular sensor devices, smart plug and portable sensor devices, and low power sub-sensor devices. A determination is made to alert when a sensed value is either (1) greater than a predetermined upper threshold value or the running average baseline value (whichever is greater) plus the upper fluctuation buffer value, or (2) less than a predetermined lower threshold value or the running average baseline value (whichever is less) less the lower fluctuation buffer value. The running average baseline is smoothed by applying large number numerology to the sensed values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventor: Douglas H. Lundy
  • Patent number: 8994557
    Abstract: A collision warning apparatus, to be mounted to a vehicle, has a roof mount unit (40), to be fixed to the vehicle's roof, as well as a cabin mount unit (41) to be located in the driver's cabin. A digital transmission line (42) is provided for connecting the two. The roof mount unit (40) houses the antennas as well as the analog circuitry of the apparatus, while the cabin mount unit (41) comprises a display (26). The data sent through the transmission line (42) is digital, which allows to make the transmission line thin and flexible. The roof mount unit (40) has a magnet (43) and batteries (48) mounted in its base section (46), with the lighter components, in particular the antennas (30a, 31a, 32a) located in its head section (47).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Safemine AG
    Inventors: Peter A. Stegmaier, Urs M. Rothacher
  • Patent number: 8994558
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an automotive augmented reality HUD apparatus and method, which can adaptively change a location and a direction based on the visual field of a driver, thus reducing errors in location matching between virtual object information and real-world information. The automotive augmented reality HUD apparatus includes a viewing angle calculation unit for estimating a line-of-sight direction of a driver using a face direction, detected based on face images of the driver, and center positions of pupils and calculating a viewing angle. A matching unit matches a location of real-world information located in front of a driver's seat with a location of corresponding virtual object information located in front of the driver's seat, based on the line-of-sight direction and the viewing angle. A display unit displays results of the matching by the matching unit, wherein the display unit enables rotation thereof and location change thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute
    Inventors: Kyong-Ho Kim, Hye-Sun Park, Dae-Sub Yoon, Jong-Woo Choi, Yoon-Sook Hwang, Jong-Hyun Park
  • Patent number: 8994559
    Abstract: A pylon is provided for providing visual signals to race participants. The pylon includes a base. A shell is carried on the base. The shell is formed having an outer wall surrounding an internal chamber. The internal chamber includes a wedge-shaped portion which carries a wedge-shaped luminaire. An upwardly-extending tube is carried by the base. The tube is nested within the internal chamber and carries the shell. A power source is provided which provides electricity to the luminaire. A wireless transmitter is provided which is used by a user to turn the luminaire on and off, which luminaire provides visual signals to the race participants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventor: Michael A LaRocco
  • Patent number: 8994560
    Abstract: A method, system or computer usable program product for a data processing system to anticipate parking space availability including receiving from the first user a request for a parking space for a first vehicle, obtaining location tracking data of a set of users, each of the set of users associated with one of a set of vehicles, each vehicle located at one of a set of parking spaces, predicting a set of departure times based on the location tracking data for a subset of the set of users away from and associated with vehicles located in parking spaces, determining a subset of departure times that are within an acceptable period of time, and sending to the first user a subset of parking spaces with vehicles associated with users having the subset of departure times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Erik D. Anderson, William A. Griffith, Indran Naick
  • Patent number: 8994561
    Abstract: The general field of the invention is that of helicopter cockpit display systems. The system according to the invention comprises at least a first mobile display screen. Depending on the mission and in order to optimize the vision of the external landscape, the mobile screen or screens are moved so that they are either in the field of vision of the pilot, or out of his field of vision. The symbologies displayed are adapted according to the mission and to the position of the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventors: Jean-Paul Berger, Laurent Laluque, Denis Bonnet
  • Patent number: 8994562
    Abstract: A system for monitoring a plurality of boats has a plurality of boat monitoring elements. Each boat monitoring element is mounted on a respective boat and is coupled to various sensors on the same boat. Further, a system controller is configured to communicate with each of the boat monitoring elements via a wireless mesh network. Data indicative of events sensed by the sensors are transmitted to the system controller via such wireless mesh network. The system controller tracks the sensed events and is configured to perform various predefined actions when certain events occur. A remote user may contact the system controller through a wide area network or otherwise to discover the status of a particular boat or to control conditions on the boat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventors: Shane Daniel, Jonathon Daniel
  • Patent number: 8994563
    Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a method for operating a signal converter includes converting an analog input signal to a digital output signal, comprising by comparing the analog input signal to an analog comparison signal, and detecting whether the analog input signal exceeds a predetermined maximum or minimum threshold by comparing the analog input signal to an analog threshold signal. The analog comparison signal and the analog threshold signal are generated by a same digital-to-analog converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Heimo Hartlieb, Clemens Kain, Michael Hausmann
  • Patent number: 8994564
    Abstract: An analog to digital converter comprising at least one sampling capacitor connected to a sample node, and a pre-charge circuit arranged to cause the voltage on the sample node to substantially match the input voltage prior to the analog to digital converter entering an acquire mode in which the sample node is connected to the input node by a sample switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Analog Devices Technology
    Inventors: Christopher Peter Hurrell, Derek Hummerstone, Meabh Shine
  • Patent number: 8994565
    Abstract: An analog to digital conversion includes a multiplexor circuit for receiving analog input signals and, responsive to a select input, an analog to digital converter circuit to convert a selected analog signal into a digital signal, a conversion starting device to send a conversion start signal on the basis of a trigger event, the conversion starting device being responsive to a select input, a sequencer to control the analog to digital converter circuitry to execute one sequence conversion on the basis of one conversion sequence instruction, and a FIFO register block to receive conversion sequence instructions and being able to queue each new received conversion sequence instruction if an actual conversion sequence is in progress and to control the sequencer to execute a new sequence conversion instruction after the conversion sequence is executed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.R.L.
    Inventors: Gianluigi Forte, Dino Costanzo, StelloMatteo Bille'
  • Patent number: 8994566
    Abstract: There is provided A DA converter in which the N current switch cells each include: a current source having one end connected to a first power source; and first and second switch transistors differentially operating each other, each having a control terminal receiving a digital signal, the first combining node combines a current output from the first switch transistor in each current switch cell, the second combining node combines a current output from the second switch transistor in each current switch cell, the first output impedance element has ends connected to the first combining node and a second power source, the second output impedance element has ends connected to the second combining node and the second power source, the controller controls the current source in each current switch cell to reduce variation in amount of a current flowing from the first power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Kei Shiraishi, Takeshi Ueno, Tetsuro Itakura
  • Patent number: 8994567
    Abstract: A digital-to-analog conversion circuit operates by selectively discharging members of a plurality of capacitors. Charging of the capacitors occurs during a reset period while digital-to-analog conversion occurs as the capacitors are discharged. Those capacitors that are discharged are selected from the plurality of capacitors based on a digital input. The analog output includes the charge discharged from the capacitors. The capacitors are optionally divided into separate capacitor banks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Broadcom Europe Limited
    Inventors: Jonathan Ephraim David Hurwitz, Steven Collins
  • Patent number: 8994568
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling supply voltage for a successive approximation register analog to digital converter and comparator common mode voltage. The method comprises: measuring a successive approximation register conversion time; comparing the successive approximation register conversion time with a desired conversion time; and if necessary, performing a closed loop adjustment of at least one of the supply and/or comparator common mode voltage. The apparatus consists of a common mode voltage and regulator correction module. The common mode voltage and regulator correction module includes a phase frequency detector, a charge pump and may include a transconductance cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Karthik Nagarajan, Dinesh J Alladi
  • Patent number: 8994569
    Abstract: The semiconductor integrated circuit device includes a T-type switch circuit TS[k] that is between an input port A[k] and an input terminal Ain of an analog/digital conversion circuit and that includes first, second, and third PMOS transistors MP1, MP2, and MPc, and first, second, and third NMOS transistors MN1, MN2, and MNc; and a fourth PMOS transistor MPu for pre-charging the input terminal Ain to a power supply voltage VCCA. In detecting the presence or absence of a disconnection from the input port A[k] to a signal input terminal Vint[k], first, the input terminal Ain is pre-charged to the power supply voltage VCCA via the fourth PMOS transistor MPu and also the second NMOS transistor MN2 and the second PMOS transistor MP2 are turned on, and the first NMOS transistor MN1, the first PMOS transistor MP1, the third PMOS transistor MPc, and third the NMOS transistor MNc are turned off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Tomohiko Ebata, Takuji Aso
  • Patent number: 8994570
    Abstract: An analog-to-digital converter employs one or more reference ladders for generating reference voltages with which to compare the analog signal for quantization. Selected impedances of the reference ladder can be dynamically decoupled from the input signal in dependence on the value of the output signal in order to reduce headroom in the reference ladders, thus making possible accurate quantization in low-voltage applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Cambridge Silicon Radio Limited
    Inventor: Hashem Zare-Hoseini
  • Patent number: 8994571
    Abstract: An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and a receiver that includes the ADC is disclosed. The ADC includes a first filter configured to receive a signal in an I-signal path of the receiver and a second filter configured to receive a signal in a Q-signal path of the receiver. The ADC further includes a quantizer alternatingly in connection with the first and second filters, and at least one DAC alternatingly in connection with the first and second filters. Switches in the ADC are configured to alternate connection between an input of the quantizer and outputs of the first and second filters, and are also configured to alternate connection between an output of the at least one DAC and inputs of the first and second filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Marvell International Ltd.
    Inventors: Hossein Zarei, Chieh-Yu Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8994572
    Abstract: The objective of the invention is to provide an A/D converter that exhibits fewer malfunctions due to variations in manufacturing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Japan Science and Technology Agency
    Inventors: Hao San, Tsubasa Maruyama, Masao Hotta
  • Patent number: 8994573
    Abstract: A digital-to-time converter (DTC) comprises a gate controller configured to generate a gate enable signal based on first and second digital values so that the gate enable signal has a first enable period and a second enable period for each pair of a first digital value and a second digital value. A gate conditionally passes a main clock signal to a gate output in response to the gate enable signal, the gate thus providing a gated signal at a gate output. A frequency divider generates a frequency divided signal as the output signal of the digital-to-time converter based on the gated signal. The DTC may be calibrated by a time-to-digital converter connected between an input for the main clock signal and an output of a delay element of the DTC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Intel Mobile Communications GmbH
    Inventors: Stephan Henzler, Markus Schimper
  • Patent number: 8994575
    Abstract: A time detection circuit may include: a delay unit configured to have a plurality of delay units, each of which delays and outputs an input signal, and start an operation at a first timing relating to an input of a first pulse; a latch unit configured to latch logic states of the plurality of delay units; a count unit configured to perform a count operation based on a clock output from one of the plurality of delay units; a count latch unit configured to latch a state of the count unit; and a latch control unit configured to enable the latch unit at a second timing relating to an input of a second pulse and cause the latch unit and the count latch unit to execute a latch at a third timing at which a predetermined time has elapsed from the second timing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshio Hagihara
  • Patent number: 8994576
    Abstract: A Work Area Monitor comprising a radar module mounted on a motorized vehicle. The Work Area Monitor provides early warning of slope failure in a work area by generating an alarm if movement detected in movement data derived from interferometrically processed radar images exceeds a threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: GroundProbe Pty Ltd
    Inventors: David Noon, Patrick T. Bellet
  • Patent number: 8994577
    Abstract: A synthetic aperture radar (SAR) image is produced by using all phase histories of a set of phase histories to produce a first pixel array having a first azimuth resolution, and using less than all phase histories of the set to produce a second pixel array having a second azimuth resolution that is coarser than the first azimuth resolution. The first and second pixel arrays are combined to produce a third pixel array defining a desired SAR image that shows distinct shadows of moving objects while preserving detail in stationary background clutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy P. Bielek, Douglas L. Bickel
  • Patent number: 8994578
    Abstract: A system and method for adjusting a target value for generating a vertical profile view in an aircraft weather radar system is provided. Processing electronics are configured to receive a target value for generating a vertical profile view of weather detected by the radar system. The processing electronics are also configured to adjust the target value to account for the motion of the aircraft and/or the motion of the detected weather.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery A. Finley, Divya Sishtla Venkata, Venkata A. Sishtla, James D. Cahoon, Mark B. Godfrey, Steven L. Sperling, Mark C. Fersdahl, Gregory J. Koenigs
  • Patent number: 8994579
    Abstract: An RF pulse signal generation switching circuit for controlling an output of a power FET for amplifying a high frequency signal to generate an RF pulse signal that is the high frequency signal pulse formed into a pulse-wave shape is provided. The circuit includes first and third n-type FETs of which gates are inputted with a control pulse that supplies a rise timing and a fall timing of a pulse, and a second n-type FET of which a gate is connected with a drain of the first FET. A source of the first FET and a source of the third FET are grounded, respectively. The drain of the first FET is applied with a first drive voltage via a resistor. A drain of the second FET is applied with a second drive voltage. A source of the second FET is connected with a drain of the third FET and the connection point therebetween is connected with the power FET. A capacitor is connected between the connection point and an end of the resistor from which the first drive voltage is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: FURUNO Electric Company Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomonao Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 8994580
    Abstract: A sensor for a vehicle includes a sensor housing, a surface of which sensor housing has at least three areas defining at least three reference measuring fields. Positions of the at least three reference measuring fields define a reference plane. The reference measuring fields have (i) a surface texture which enables tactile position determination of the reference measuring fields, and/or (ii) a surface characteristic which enables optical position determination. The detected positions of the reference measuring fields are used to define the reference plane. A mechanical sensor axis of the target sensor is defined as extending orthogonally to the reference plane. The mechanical sensor axis is used to (a) ascertain an angle of deviation between the mechanical sensor axis and a known sensor axis of the sensor, and/or (b) align the mechanical sensor axis to a travel axis of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Dieter Weber, Gerald Zeller
  • Patent number: 8994581
    Abstract: In an example method, a vehicle is configured with a radar system used to aid in vehicle guidance. The method could include an array of antennas plurality of antennas configured to receive a radar signal. The array of antennas has a respective spacing between the given antenna and an adjacent antenna; however, the plurality of spacings includes at least two different spacings. A portion of the method may be performed by a processor configured to calculate a detection channel, based on a difference between differential phases associated with two antenna pairs in the array. The processor may also calculate an unambiguous angle based on the detection channel and the plurality of antenna spacings. Additionally, the processor may control the radar unit based on the calculated unambiguous angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventor: Adam Brown
  • Patent number: 8994582
    Abstract: There is a calculation device for a radar apparatus which is configured to specify a direction of a target based on a reception signal of an antenna. A calculation unit is configured to calculate a relative displacement magnitude in a lateral direction of the target relative to a traveling direction of a moving object having the antenna mounted thereon, from data of the target position-measured by the reception signal while the moving object is moving, and evaluate a relative inclination between a reference axis of a scanning direction of the radar apparatus and a reference axis of the traveling direction of the moving object, based on the displacement magnitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Fujitsu Ten Limited
    Inventor: Jun Itoh
  • Patent number: 8994583
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method for determining at least one of a distance and a relative velocity by means of continuous wave radar measurements. The method includes generating a measurement signal in the form of a continuous wave radar signal; transmitting the measurement signal by means of an antenna (112); reflecting the measurement signal by means of a reflector (118), thereby providing a desired reflected measurement signal; receiving the desired reflected measurement signal; and determining at least one of a distance and a relative velocity between the antenna and the reflector by means of the desired reflected measurement signal. The reflection of the measurement signal involves asymmetrically modulating the measurement signal at the reflector. The determination of at least one of a distance and a relative velocity includes detecting the desired reflected measurement signal among several received reflections of the measurement signal, by means of information added by the asymmetric modulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Sivers IMA AB
    Inventor: Staffan Bruce
  • Patent number: 8994584
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to motion compensation, and in particular to an autofocus-based compensation (ABC) systems and methods for a ground moving target indication platform. According to one embodiment, a method for autofocus based compensation of range data acquired from an object in motion is provided. The method may include: receiving range data; steering at least one receive beam of the range data in a desired direction; transforming the range data into the range domain; determining the width of a main clutter lobe; excluding data that is not part of the main lobe clutter response; transforming the main-lobe clutter response into the range domain; calculating a phase correction term; and applying the phase correction to the original range data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Kenneth I. Ranney, Geoffrey H. Goldman, Roberto Innocenti, Jerry Lee Silvious
  • Patent number: 8994585
    Abstract: A method is provided. A first edge on a first gating signal is generated, and a local oscillator and a shared clocking circuit with the first edge on the first gating signal. A second edge on a second gating signal is generated following the first edge on the first gating signal, and a receiver circuit is activated with the second edge on the second gating signal, where the receiver circuit includes a mixer. A transmit pulse following the first edge on the first gating signal is generated with the transmit pulse having a third edge. A switch that short circuits outputs of the mixer is then released following the later of the third edge of the transmit pulse and a delay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Brian P. Ginsburg, Srinath M. Ramaswamy, Vijay B. Rentala, Eunyoung Seok, Baher S. Haroun
  • Patent number: 8994586
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a target in near field in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: an RF transceiver configured to generate a transmitting signal of a frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) and delay the signal as much as a desired time; a transmitting and receiving antenna unit configured to transmit and receive the a transmitting signal and the received signal; and a signal processing unit configured to extract a range or a velocity of the target from the signal provided from the RF transceiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Agency for Defense Development
    Inventors: Jae-Hyun Choi, Myung-Suk Jung, Won-Young Uhm, Wan-Joo Kim