Patents Represented by Attorney Charles W. MacKinnon
  • Patent number: 5551033
    Abstract: A laptop computer system includes a protected mode microprocessor capable of operating in restricted and unrestricted modes, and an arrangement which in response to a predetermined condition saves information from the processor and then forcibly switches the processor to its unrestricted mode of operation. The system includes a first interrupt mask register having a bit for indicating whether an interrupt is to be recognized by the processor, a second interrupt mask register having a bit for indicating whether the interrupt is to be recognized by a further circuit, and an arrangement responsive to a load of the first mask register for conforming the bit of the second mask register to the bit of the first mask register in a manner invisible to an application program being executed by the processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: Zenith Data Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Mark J. Foster, Saifuddin T. Fakhruddin, James L. Walker, Matthew B. Mendelow, Jiming Sun, Rodman S. Brahman, Michael P. Krau, Brian D. Willoughby, Michael D. Maddix, Steven L. Belt, Scott A. Hovey, Mark A. Ruthenbeck
  • Patent number: 5460547
    Abstract: A port replicator is disclosed that provides for the efficient connecting and disconnecting of peripheral devices to a computer. A replicator port connector is provided on a portable computer that duplicates the pins of a other peripheral connectors on the computers. The housing of the port replicator is attached by spring clips to the computer which covers the other peripheral connectors replicated by the port replicator. The replicated connectors are then reproduced on the connector housing. Cables for peripheral devices can remain connected to the connector housing but be connected to and disconnected from the computer in a single action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Zenith Data Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Belt, Jeffrey Schindler, Norman Stobert
  • Patent number: 5394527
    Abstract: A computer system has a processing unit with suspend/resume capability, a memory, and a hard disk drive. In response to a first command from the processor, the hard disk drive sends its status to the processor and the processor stores it in the memory. In response to a second command from the processor, the hard disk accepts from the processor the status retrieved by the processor from the memory, and restores itself to this status. In an alternative embodiment, the hard disk drive response to the first command by storing its status on its own hard disk, and responds to the second command by restoring this status from the hard disk. In each case, an output line from the hard disk used to control a light emitting diode is also selectively used to create an interrupt to the processor which facilitates the systems entry into the suspend mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignee: Zenith Data Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Saifuddin T. Fakhruddin, Mark J. Foster, Scott A. Hovey, James L. Walker, Randy J. Vanderheyden
  • Patent number: 5353416
    Abstract: A shared bus arbitration system is disclosed which provides logic allowing multiple processors to co-exist on a common bus. In the present invention, the host processor is isolated from the bus by a posted write array or write buffer. The arbitration system accepts bus lock and cycle signals when the processor writes a locked instruction to the posted write array and provides a bus lock signal to the bus when the locked instructions are written to the bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignee: Zenith Data Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Anthony M. Olson
  • Patent number: 5340954
    Abstract: A wireless multiple position switching system is disclosed for controlling the application of power to a load device from a plurality of remote locations. The switching system includes a power source, a load device, a master toggle switch and one or more slave toggle switches. A slave toggle switch generates an electromagnetic switching signal which changes the state of the master switch. The master switch is connected in series with the power source and the load device and controls the application of power to the load device in response to the switching signal from the slave switch or actuation of its own toggle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: Heath Company
    Inventors: Miles K. Hoffman, Brad Jenson, Klaus Wieder
  • Patent number: 4524344
    Abstract: An electric fuse includes a tube of insulating material with first and second open ends. Metallic or electrically conducting end caps are placed on each of the first and second ends. A fuse element is mounted with the tube in electrical contact with the end caps. The fuse element includes an elongated body defined by a plurality of heavy portions and a plurality of weak spots. Each weak spot is located between adjacent heavy portions. The weak spots are linear fusible portions integrally connected to adjacent heavy portions and are transverse to an axis extending along the length of the element. Each heavy portion includes first and second ends. A first adjacent heavy portion is connected at a first end of a weak spot and a second adjacent heavy portion is connected to a second end of the weak spot, such that the first ends of adjacent heavy portions are transversely offset from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1985
    Assignee: McGraw-Edison Company
    Inventor: Aldino J. Gaia
  • Patent number: 4518185
    Abstract: A die handling device for lifting and moving die sets includes a pair of clamps for holding a die shoe of the die set. Each clamp includes a body with first and second parallel extensions. Each extension includes an aperture. A portion of a die shoe is positioned between the parallel extensions. An aperture is fabricated in the die shoe and once aligned with the apertures in the first and second parallel extensions, a pin is inserted through the apertures. The pin is locked in place by a snap lock. The lock includes a transverse bore through the pin with a ball partially mounted in a first end of the bore and a set screw mounted in a second end. A resilient plug or spring is positioned within the bore between the ball and set screw. A second die shoe may be held by a second pair of clamps identical to the first pair. The first pair and second pair of clamps are joined by an adjustable link that includes first and second identical members. Each member includes a plurality of apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1985
    Assignee: McGraw-Edison Company
    Inventor: Robert J. Shiffer
  • Patent number: 4517544
    Abstract: A time delay fuse includes a tubular housing of insulative material with first and second open ends. First and second metallic or electrically conductive ferrules are mounted on the first and second ends, respectively, of the tubular housing. A core is positioned within the tubular housing and affixed to the ferrules by electrically conductive material such as solder. At least one short inner wire extends along the core and is electrically and mechanically connected to the solder. A second wire, longer than the first wire, is spirally wound around the core and the first inner wire. The second wire includes first and second ends mechanically and electrically connected to the conductive material such that the first and second wires are electrically parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1985
    Assignee: McGraw-Edison Company
    Inventor: Vernon R. Spaunhorst
  • Patent number: 4511874
    Abstract: An electrical fuse comprises a fusible ribbon having one or more weak spots along its axial length which is highly resistant to mechanical fatigue caused by cyclic heating and cooling of the fusible ribbon. The weak spot comprises a series of apertures arranged in a curvilinear or angular configuration extending transversely to the axis of the fuse ribbon between the opposite sides thereof. Centers of adjacent apertures of the series are offset from each other with respect to the axis of the fusible ribbon by a distance at least equal to the shortest distance between the geometric center and the peripheral edge of any one of the adjacent apertures such that the cross-sectional area of the weak spot is distributed transversely across the fuse ribbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1985
    Assignee: McGraw-Edison Company
    Inventors: John F. Rasmussen, Aldino J. Gaia
  • Patent number: 4511876
    Abstract: An elongated fuse housing includes a fusible wire longitudinally extended and coaxially mounted within a housing having end terminals. A spring indicator unit is secured to one end and includes a relatively large diameter loosely wound section forming a helical compression spring in combination with an integral, coaxial and tightly wound elongated indicator coil which extends axially of the spring. The spring/indicator unit is located within the housing with the coil spring held compressed by the fusible wire. The one end terminal includes an opening aligned with the wire-wound indicator coil. Disruption of the fusible wire releases the coil spring which expands within the housing to rapidly separate the fuse wire and simultaneously move the elongated wire-wound indicator coil through the opening, thereby indicating operation of the fuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1985
    Assignee: McGraw-Edison Company
    Inventor: Angelo Urani
  • Patent number: 4510559
    Abstract: A lamp and filter mounting assembly includes a lamp holder with a lamp mounting plate and a back wall for pivotal mounting to a bracket. The back wall of the lamp holder includes an inclined adjustment stop that engages the bracket upon rotation of the lamp holder through a predetermined angle. The assembly also includes a filter holder with side rails and a filter stop to hold a filter. The side rails include extensions that overlie the lamp holder to provide a sliding attachment to the lamp holder. The bracket is secured to an aperture pan that is rotatably mounted within a trim assembly. A light shield is secured to the aperture pan and surrounds the lamp holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1985
    Assignee: McGraw-Edison Company
    Inventor: Paul J. Kristofek
  • Patent number: 4498068
    Abstract: An electrical fuse wherein one or more portions of the fuse element are provided with two adjacent parallel weak spots separated by dielectric material or air gap, and arranged such that the direction of current flow in one of the adjacent weak spots is opposite that in the other adjacent weak spot, such that a magnetic field is generated which produces a separating force between the two weak spots. Arcs formed during the fusing of the weak spots are forced apart by the generated magnetic field thus increasing the arcs path lengths which increases arc voltage thereby forcing arc current to zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1985
    Assignee: McGraw-Edison Company
    Inventor: Aldino J. Gaia
  • Patent number: 4496929
    Abstract: An indicating fuse is provided with an indicator at the free end of a movable spring contact, the indicator being located at an angle with respect to the plane of the spring contact. Provision is made for lower rated fusing currents utilizing the same basic fuse structure by forming a slot in the flexible spring contact at the point of maximum bending. A rounded shoulder is formed on the fuse carrier body across which the spring contact member is bent to minimize breakage and damage. The flexible spring contact is integrally formed with a U-shaped terminal that mounts it on the fuse carrier body, a second substantially identical generally U-shaped terminal also being secured to the fuse carrier body to provide a fixed contact. Molded ribs are formed in the insulating material of the fuse carrier body adjacent the open ends of the U-shaped terminal members to prevent the terminals from pinching together to form an undesired tapered configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1985
    Assignee: McGraw-Edison Company
    Inventor: Angelo Urani
  • Patent number: 4491898
    Abstract: A fuse mounting arrangement for a pad mounted underground electrical power distribution systems includes at least one fuse panel which is slideably mounted by means of slide bearing assemblies in a housing enclosure. The fuse panel is removably mounted on the slide bearing mounting channel by means of cooperating tabs, slots and C-shaped loops or eyes. Should a fuse panel or its associated power fuse require replacement, safety interlock means including fixed locking pins and a cooperating U-shaped handle having hooked portions for engaging the locking pins are provided. It is imperative that the fuse panel and its fuse be electrically isolated prior to removal or withdrawal of the same from the housing enclosure. Therefore, the fuse elbow connector and its associated line conductor are disposed in front of the handle which is pivotably mounted upon the fuse panel between a locking position and a release position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1985
    Assignee: McGraw-Edison Company
    Inventors: Carl M. Hillman, James W. Dragon
  • Patent number: 4486005
    Abstract: A tensioning device for prestressing the rod members and transverse members connected thereto and operatively associated therewith has a jack assembly connected between at least two rod members and disposed to engage the transverse member, the jack assembly includes an expansion member such as a piston which can exert tensile forces incrementally on the rod members and the transverse member to evenly stress the same to a predetermined level. The tensioning device may have a pressure plate between the jack assembly and the transverse member to exert a more uniform pressure along the entire transverse member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1984
    Assignee: McGraw-Edison Company
    Inventor: Charles Yaindl
  • Patent number: 4477139
    Abstract: A panel mounted fuseholder has a cylindrical base and a head which fits into and locks unto the base by a shock proof, bayonet connection. The base has a rear terminal and a cylindrical side terminal for connection of the fuseholder in series with the circuit to be protected. The head has an insulative endcap and a conductive bayonet insert. A pair of "U" shaped fingers extend from one edge of the cylindrical side terminal to form the base side of the bayonet connection. The head side is formed by a pair "J" shaped arms which extend from one end of the bayonet insert. Protrusions extend from the interior surface of the bight of the "U" shaped fingers. The protrusions are dimensioned to make continuous contact with the outside surface of the "J" shaped arms when the arms are inserted within the fingers to thereby prevent loss of power to the protected circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1984
    Assignee: McGraw-Edison Company
    Inventor: Angelo Urani
  • Patent number: 4475147
    Abstract: A "wall wash" assembly for use with a ceiling mounted, recessed lighting fixture comprising a reflector housing having an open end, includes a ring member dimensioned for receipt in the open end of the reflector housing. A concentric ring segment is mounted on the ring member for movement 360.degree. thereabout. An auxiliary reflector is mounted on the ring segment for movement therewith. Positioning of the auxiliary reflector by movement of the ring segment with respect to the ring member provides a desired "wall wash" illumination pattern. An optional baffle member is receivable on the ring member opposite the auxiliary reflector for blocking light emanating from the reflector housing to be excluded in the "wall wash" illumination pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 2, 1984
    Assignee: McGraw-Edison Company
    Inventor: Paul J. Kristofek
  • Patent number: 4472018
    Abstract: A fuse clip comprises a U-shaped retaining member and a U-shaped clamp member. The retaining member has a base and spaced convex walls for supporting one end of a ferrule-type fuse, parallel slots being provided in the base. The clamp member has an end wall and spaced side walls with mounting tabs at the ends of the side walls which pass through the slots in the base of the retaining member. The clip is attached to a mounting member by inserting the tabs through slots in the mounting member and folding the tabs. A clamp screw in the end wall of the clamp member secures a wire conductor in place in direct contact with the retaining member. A spring helper clip may be utilized to bias the convex walls of the retaining member into secure engagement with the fuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1984
    Assignee: McGraw-Edison Company
    Inventor: Angelo Urani
  • Patent number: 4472767
    Abstract: A reflector assembly for an indirect or semi-indirect, ceiling supported lighting fixture includes a reflector housing having a top wall comprising a main reflective surface, the main reflective surface being sloped predeterminedly downwardly and inwardly from the housing perimeter to a central aperture defined in the main reflective surface. A high-intensity discharge lamp is predeterminedly positioned in the central aperture for directing light toward the reflective surface from which the light is reflected upwardly toward the ceiling support. A second cup-shaped reflector is positioned beneath the main reflective surface in alignment with the central aperture and in surrounding relation with respect to the lamp. The cup-shaped reflector is spaced slightly from the main reflective surface to define a gap therebetween. The lower wall of the housing includes a translucent panel which is illuminated by light from the lamp passing through the gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1984
    Assignee: McGraw-Edison Company
    Inventor: James A. Wenman
  • Patent number: D280500
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1985
    Assignee: McGraw-Edison Company
    Inventors: Leonard J. Brooks, Jr., Richard C. Sawyer, Jr.