Abstract: The present invention provides a system, apparatus and methodology for semiconductor device gate control utilizing a gate driver circuit 112 having opposing current inhibiting elements 130, 132 capable of controlling current flow until a predetermined voltage level is obtained across the current inhibiting element opposing the current flow. A difference of an isolated input voltage level and the predetermined voltage level approximates a gate voltage potential employed to drive a gate input of a semiconductor device. This is accomplished, in one instance of the present invention, by employing Zener diodes in an opposing fashion to produce the gate voltage potential. Zener diode breakdown voltages provide the predetermined voltage levels necessary to properly control the gated semiconductor device during gate charge and discharge cycles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, apparatus and methodology for semiconductor device gate control utilizing a gate driver circuit 112 having opposing current inhibiting elements 130, 132 capable of controlling current flow until a predetermined voltage level is obtained across the current inhibiting element opposing the current flow. A difference of an isolated input voltage level and the predetermined voltage level approximates a gate voltage potential employed to drive a gate input of a semiconductor device. This is accomplished, in one instance of the present invention, by employing Zener diodes in an opposing fashion to produce the gate voltage potential. Zener diode breakdown voltages provide the predetermined voltage levels necessary to properly control the gated semiconductor device during gate charge and discharge cycles.

Abstract: A position sensor determines relative changes in position of a first member and a second member. A first conductor is movable with one of the members and a second conductor is energized in response to a first electrical signal coupled to the first conductor across a gap. The coupling induces a current in the first conductor having a current value which varies in response to relative changes in the position of the first and second members. A power supply furnishes a predetermined supply voltage and a pulse generator generates output pulses at a predetermined repetition rate. A resonant circuit has a center resonant frequency within a range of resonant frequencies that include the repetition rate of the pulse generator. The resonant circuit generates the first signal with a voltage greater than the supply voltage so that the induced current value is sufficiently large to facilitate further processing.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling an electric assist steering system (10) having an electric assist motor (26) operatively connected to a steerable member. Energization of the motor provides steering assist to the steering member. The apparatus includes a steering torque sensor (27) for sensing applied steering torque and providing a torque signal indicative thereof. A first switching device (72) is operative coupled between one terminal of the electric assist motor (26) and a first terminal of a source of electrical energy. A second switching device (98) is operative coupled between a second terminal of the electric assist motor and a second terminal of the source of electrical energy. A controller (76) periodically switches the first and second switching devices between ON and OFF conditions so that the ON condition of each the first and second switching devices is less than one-hundred percent of a period and a portion of the ON condition of the first and second switching devices overlap.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compact tools, and more specifically hand tools which have various interconnectable implements for performing numerous functions. In one aspect of the present invention the combined tool has opposing handles which may be used in at least 3 distinct positions to increase the versatility of the tool, as well as the ability of the opposing handles being alternated between various positions of use with only the use of one hand.

Abstract: A universal tool is disclosed having a pair of jaw members adapted to be oriented between two operative positions to perform a variety of hand tool procedures. In one position, the jaw members cooperate as channel locks or pliers while in the other position, one jaw member acts as a handle extension for crescent wrench, screwdriver or hammer purposes. A flat file, a folding knife blade and screwdriver with receptacle bit holder are carried on one jaw member. A latch mechanism releasably retains the jaw members in either of their operative positions.

Abstract: In a tobacco pipe, a tobacco storage chamber is integrally formed as a part of what otherwise would be the pipe stem, and the bowl is rotatably attached to the tobacco chamber so that to refill the empty bowl, the bowl is rotated from its normal position to a position where it faces the tobacco chamber; the bowl is refilled by tapping the chamber or the entire pipe, and then being rotated back to its normal position. Attachment of the bowl to the tobacco chambers is accomplished by means of a bail wire passing through eyelits on the tobacco chamber and hooking over ears on the bowl.