Patents Examined by Michael L. Gellner
-
Patent number: 6114934Abstract: A variable linearity coil has a coil which is wound around a first core, a permanent magnet for charging a bias magnetic field to the first core, a bias magnetic field adjusting coil which is wound around a second core, and an electrically insulating base for mounting thereon the coil, the permanent magnet, and the magnetic field adjusting coil. The first core and the second core are placed one on top of the other with a non-magnetic and shock-absorbing spacer in between. Alternatively, the first core and the second core may be placed one on top of the other with a non-magnetic spacer in between, and a combination of the first core, the second core and the non-magnetic spacer is mounted on the base with a shock-absorbing spacer between the combination and the base.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 1998Date of Patent: September 5, 2000Assignee: Taiyo Yuden Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takeshi Ikeda, Masaharu Takebuchi, Takashi Tajima
-
Patent number: 6114942Abstract: A PTC device which surely achieve effective space utilization while easily excluding the possibility of the formation of a short circuit. The PTC device includes a PTC component 3 comprising a first electrode 11, a second electrode 13, and a PTC element 9 disposed between these electrodes, a first electrically conductive lead 15 which is connected to the first electrode and able to connect with a button terminal of a battery, a second electrically conductive lead 18 which is connected to the second electrode, and an insulating element 23. The insulating element covers the inner periphery 7 of the PTC component, the second electrode and a portion of the second electrode and the second electrically conductive lead on the second electrode.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 1998Date of Patent: September 5, 2000Assignee: KK RaychemInventors: Yoshitaka Kitamoto, Takashi Hasunuma, Shozo Fukuyama, Naofumi Miyasaka
-
Patent number: 6114937Abstract: High quality factor (Q) spiral and toroidal inductor and transformer are disclosed that are compatible with silicon very large scale integration (VLSI) processing, consume a small IC area, and operate at high frequencies. The spiral inductor has a spiral metal coil deposited in a trench formed in a dielectric layer over a substrate. The metal coil is enclosed in ferromagnetic liner and cap layers, and is connected to an underpass contact through a metal filled via in the dielectric layer. The spiral inductor also includes ferromagnetic cores lines surrounded by the metal spiral coil. A spiral transformer is formed by vertically stacking two spiral inductors, or placing them side-by-side over a ferromagnetic bridge formed below the metal coils and cores lines. The toroidal inductor includes a toroidal metal coil with a core having ferromagnetic strips. The toroidal metal coil is segmented into two coils each having a pair of ports to form a toroidal transformer.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 1997Date of Patent: September 5, 2000Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Joachim Norbert Burghartz, Daniel Charles Edelstein, Christopher Vincent Jahnes, Cyprian Emeka Uzoh
-
Patent number: 6114939Abstract: The magnetic circuit element structure of this invention comprises a minimum four layer stacked layer sandwich construction in which layers of printed wiring board are alternately interleaved with layers of magnetic core material. Pins or wires form a part of the structure and are provided to electrically connect printed wiring board layers to form winding turns. Specifically, the pins or wires connect the copper foil patterns on layer 1 to the copper foil patterns on layer 3. Legs made of a magnetic core material also form a part of the structure and are provided to magnetically connect the core layers 2 and 4 in order to provide a closed path for magnetic flux. In the minimal structure a first layer consisting of a printed wiring board contains half turns of copper foil in one or more printed wiring board layers. The second layer is formed of ferrite or some other ferromagnetic core material.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1999Date of Patent: September 5, 2000Assignee: Technical Witts, Inc.Inventor: Ernest H. Wittenbreder
-
Patent number: 6111210Abstract: An electrical safety outlet is provided and consists of a plug receptacle having typically at least a large neutral blade-slot and a small voltage blade-slot for receiving a large neutral blade and a small voltage blade of a corresponding and mating multi-prong polarized plug. The invention also applies to older plugs and three-blade plugs where both the neutral and voltage blades are the same width. In one embodiment, insertion of the multi-prong polarized plug depresses the exterior lobes of two separate cams which work together to change the normally open circuit receptacle of the present invention to a closed circuit receptacle. In order for both cams to be activated, the mating multi-prong polarized plug must be inserted almost completely into the plug receptacle before the electrical circuit is closed, thereby supplying current to the plug. The neutral prong must be at least the width of the voltage prong to close the circuit.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 1999Date of Patent: August 29, 2000Inventor: John B. Allison
-
Patent number: 6111486Abstract: A circuit breaker having a trip unit includes a lock out assembly positioned adjacent the trip unit for controlling access thereto. The lock out assembly includes a base member, a cover member and a slide member received therebetween. The slide member is moveable between various positions for controlling access to settings for the various operating parameters of the circuit breaker as provided by the trip unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 1999Date of Patent: August 29, 2000Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Kenneth M. Fischer, Henry Richard Beck, Joseph Bell Humbert
-
Patent number: 6111491Abstract: A magnetic screw having a screw shaft of magnetic material having thread crests formed on the outer peripheral surface thereof, and a magnetic nut fitted on the outer periphery of the screw shaft. The magnetic nut includes annular permanent magnets magnetized with magnetic poles of opposite polarities on opposed sides, and annular yokes disposed such that the annular yokes are magnetically coupled with the magnetic poles of the magnets. The inner peripheral surfaces of the yokes are provided with thread crests corresponding with the thread crests of the screw shaft with a minute gap G defined therebetween such that magnetic circuits are formed between the screw shaft and the magnets through the thread crests of the screw shaft. The magnets are magnetized on their inner and outer radial surfaces with magnetic poles of opposite polarities, and the yokes are fitted in the magnets.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 1999Date of Patent: August 29, 2000Assignees: Koyo Machinery Industries Co., Ltd., Sumitomo Special Metals Co. Ltd.Inventors: Akira Furuse, deceased, Kazuto Kunihiro, Nobuyuki Kitai, Junichi Hashimoto
-
Patent number: 6111209Abstract: An electrical switch combination, especially for controlling a cruise control of a motorcycle, has a first electrical toggle switch that can be pivoted from a middle position into two toggle positions, and which automatically returns to the middle position, and an additional electrical slide switch which can assume at least two different switch positions. Th slide switch is mutually linked with the first switch in such fashion that its actuating member mechanically blocks the actuating member of the toggle switch in its middle position in at least one switch position.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 1999Date of Patent: August 29, 2000Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventor: Stanislav Dzurnak
-
Patent number: 6109960Abstract: The invention comprises a connector tower assembly having a housing with insert molded contacts therein. The housing has one end with a groove for receiving a seal therealong. The housing has a central portion with a sealing surface extending therearound. A second end of the housing has latching members for engaging and securing the housing to a connector box.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 1997Date of Patent: August 29, 2000Assignee: The Whitaker CorporationInventors: Ralph Melvin Cooper, Donald Gray Stillie
-
Patent number: 6111487Abstract: The relay has, one after the other on an elongate, narrow base body, a magnetic system and a contact arrangement having at least one fixed contact carrier and at least one movable contact spring. The contact carriers are in this case each embedded by a middle section into the plastic of a base body in such a way that their connecting lugs lie in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the relay, while their contact-making end sections, which emerge on the upper side of the base body, lie in planes which are parallel to one another and perpendicular to the plane of the connecting lugs. This enables dimensionally accurate embedding of the contact carriers with good insulation with respect to the magnetic system and with easy processing from a sheet-metal plate.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 1998Date of Patent: August 29, 2000Assignee: Tyco Electronics Logistics AGInventors: Ralf Hoffmann, Angelo Polese
-
Patent number: 6107903Abstract: An object of this invention is to provide an electromagnetic relay with better isolation characteristics. The invention discloses an isolation wall and an isolation rib in an electromagnetic relay for separating a movable iron member from a movable contact member to provide better isolation characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 1998Date of Patent: August 22, 2000Assignee: Omron CorporationInventors: Kazumi Sako, Yoichi Nakanishi, Ryutaro Tsuchiya, Yuichi Kariya
-
Patent number: 6107583Abstract: A switch assembly having an enlarged actuation surface and enhanced tactility is provided. The switch assembly may include a switch having a movable switch mounted within a recess. The actuation surface may be an elongate planar body loosely held within the recess and in engagement with the movable switch. A flexible protective cover may be provided over the recess, switch and actuation surface. The planar body increases the actuation area of the switch assembly without increasing the size, and accompanying cost, of the switch.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 1999Date of Patent: August 22, 2000Assignee: Shop Vac CorporationInventor: Robert C. Berfield
-
Patent number: 6107581Abstract: A circuit breaking device includes a socket provided on the way of a circuit, a plug movably disposed in a direction that the plug is inserted into and removed from the socket, an explosive exploding in response to a trigger signal given thereto to thereby drive the plug by explosion force to move advanced, and the plug which is normally disposed in a retreated position at where the plug is in a conductive state with said socket, while the plug is in a non-conductive state with said socket when the plug moves to an advanced position.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 1999Date of Patent: August 22, 2000Assignees: Harness System Technologies Research, Ltd., Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Mitsuru Tanigawa, Jun Yasukuni, Yoshiyuki Miyazaki, Akio Matsumaru
-
Patent number: 6107906Abstract: A magnet array for mounting on an oil filter cartridge includes a pair of magnetic shunt end pieces. A plurality of magnets are aligned parallel to one another and extend between the magnetic shunt end pieces and contact internal faces of the magnetic shunt end pieces such that the magnetic shunt end pieces and the magnets are retained in a stable magnet array by the magnetic interaction between the magnetic shunt end pieces and the magnets. The magnetic shunt end pieces can be in a form of cylindrical end pieces such that a cylindrical magnet array is formed, can be in a form of triangular end pieces such that a triangular magnet array is formed, and can be in a form of rectangular end pieces such that a box-like magnet array is formed. Each of the triangular end pieces and the rectangular end pieces includes a concave mounting surface. A support bracket is provided for supporting the magnet array on an oil filter cartridge. Wires can be used to bind the magnetic shunt end pieces onto the magnets.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 1999Date of Patent: August 22, 2000Inventor: Joseph Caiozza
-
Patent number: 6107907Abstract: An electromagnetic interference suppressor includes a plurality of ferrite layers arranged in stacked relation and defining a generally rectangular ferrite body. Each ferrite layer includes a laterally extending electrical conductor including an elongate portion and at least one enlarged width portion connected thereto. The enlarged width portion permits connection to an adjacent lateral conductor by one or more tubular vertical conductors which extend through respective via openings in a ferrite layer. The tubular vertical conductor and enlarged width portions permit high current carrying capability and permit greater manufacturing tolerance in the assembly of adjacent layers and in forming the tubular vertical conductors. An associated method is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 1998Date of Patent: August 22, 2000Assignee: Steward, Inc.Inventors: William C. Leigh, Stephen S. Deakins
-
Patent number: 6107586Abstract: A push-on switch includes a casing made of insulating material and having an inner bottom surface. First fixed contacts are provided on the inner bottom surface of the casing. Second fixed contacts are provided on the inner bottom surface of the casing. Movable contacts have base portions and resilient contact arms. The base portions are placed on and electrically connected to the first fixed contacts respectively. The resilient contact arms extend from the base portions to regions above the second fixed contacts respectively. A dome-shaped spring member made of resilient insulating material has a top portion, a conical portion, and a lower end. The top portion and the lower end are connected by the conical portion. The lower end is placed on the base portions of the movable contacts. The top portion has a lower surface located above free ends of the resilient contact arms of the movable contacts.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1998Date of Patent: August 22, 2000Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masatsugu Takeuchi, Hisashi Watanabe, Hiroshi Matsui
-
Patent number: 6107909Abstract: An electrical resistor having a resistance value and capable of withstanding high power surges, utilizing a thick film deposited on a substrate and trimmed with one or more cuts configured to maintain a level of current crowding while increasing the resistance value of the resistor. A surge resistor can be modified in a similar fashion.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 1999Date of Patent: August 22, 2000Assignee: Microlectronic Modules CorporationInventor: John P. Kosinski
-
Patent number: 6107585Abstract: The invention includes a switch designed for use in adverse conditions such as for use with physically challenged persons. The switch can include a housing comprising top and bottom housings. The top and bottom housing each have a mating surface which guide the top and bottom housing during activation of the switch while permitting an activation force applied from various directions to activate an electrical switch located within the housing. The switch can include a flange type seal member for resisting entrance of contaminants into the housing and can include a ring member for attaching the switch to a user's body for easy manipulation of the switch. In addition, the switch is designed to be quickly and easily fit together during assembly and therefore easily manufactured.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 1999Date of Patent: August 22, 2000Assignee: LoreTech, Ltd.Inventor: Glenn E. Gehr
-
Patent number: 6102739Abstract: An automatic transmission wiring connector is constituted by: a hollow housing provided with a male-terminal lead-out portion; a solubilized synthetic-resin member insertable into a rear-end opening portion; a relay terminal insert-molded together with the solubilized synthetic-resin member so that a male terminal portion is exposed in a hood portion through the male-terminal lead-out portion from a male-terminal insertion portion; and an electric wire fixed to a wire connection portion of the relay terminal exposed to the outside from the male-terminal insertion portion of the solubilized synthetic-resin member. Accordingly, the solubilized synthetic-resin member is heated and melted by the temperature of the injected resin for the insert molding to thereby seal the inside air-gap and the surroundings of the male terminal portion surely to increase the adhesion of the solubilized synthetic-resin member.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 1997Date of Patent: August 15, 2000Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventor: Yoshihiro Murakami
-
Patent number: 6104274Abstract: A composite PTC material made of cristobalite as a matrix and a conductive filler, having a room temperature resistivity of 10.sup.-1 .OMEGA.cm or less. The conductive filler is at least one substance selected from the group consisting of single metals, metal silicides, metal carbides and metal borides; has a room temperature resistivity of 10.sup.-3 .OMEGA.cm or less when per se made into a sintered material; has particle diameters of 2-50 .mu.m; and is contained in a proportion of 20-35% by volume of the composite PTC material. The composite PTC material has a relative density of 90% or more after firing.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 1998Date of Patent: August 15, 2000Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.Inventors: Kazuyuki Matsuda, Junko Shibata, Kiyoshi Araki