Discharge Control Discharge Device Load Patents (Class 315/349)
  • Patent number: 11063118
    Abstract: A nano-vacuum tube (NVT) transistor comprising a source having a knife edge, a drain, and a channel formed between the source and the drain, the channel having a width to provide a pseudo-vacuum in a normal atmosphere. The NVT transistor utilizing a space charge plasma formed at the knife edge within the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Averoses Incorporated
    Inventors: Sammy K. Brown, John D. Bryant, Thomas Brumett
  • Patent number: 10915079
    Abstract: A light sensor device is provided. It is controlled with a dual-mode master-and-slave microcontroller unit (MCU) application. An MCU is embedded into a light sensor chip. The original dual-mode master-and-slave dual-CPU architectures are combined to be operated as a single-CPU architecture. Since the original circuit pin design is followed, it is possible to be compatible with the old circuit design. The present invention uses a single-CPU architecture to directly control light sensors. Through the configuration of RAM, an inter-integrated circuit bus (I2C I/F) can be redirected to an internal non-volatile memory to switch the operational mode of the light sensor chip from a slave machine to a host machine which switches off the interrupt pin and, then, turns to a GPIO pin. Thus, the present invention provides a simple single-CPU architecture with easy use and effectively-lowered cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignees: Dyna Image Corporation, Lite-On Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Chun-Hsien Lin, Peng-Han Chan, Wen-Sheng Lin, Yu-Cheng Su, Sheng-Cheng Lee
  • Patent number: 10009987
    Abstract: A power management system for a lighting circuit may include a grid shifting controller that includes a processor and a connection to an external power source. The power management system may also include a communication interface associated with the grid shifting controller. The grid shifting controller may be configured to provide control information to a processor of at least one grid shifting electrical fixture over the communication interface, the control information being configured to direct the at least one grid shifting electrical fixture on the use of power from the external power source and an energy storage device associated with the at least one grid shifting electrical fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: WIRELESS ENVIRONMENT, LLC
    Inventors: Michael V. Recker, David B. Levine
  • Patent number: 9807858
    Abstract: A power management system for a lighting circuit may include a grid shifting controller that includes a processor and a connection to an external power source. The power management system may also include a communication interface associated with the grid shifting controller. The grid shifting controller may be configured to provide control information to a processor of at least one grid shifting electrical fixture over the communication interface, the control information being configured to direct the at least one grid shifting electrical fixture on the use of power from the external power source and an energy storage device associated with the at least one grid shifting electrical fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Wireless Environment, LLC
    Inventors: Michael V. Recker, David B. Levine
  • Patent number: 9351353
    Abstract: A power management system for a lighting circuit may include a grid shifting controller that includes a processor and a connection to an external power source. The power management system may also include a communication interface associated with the grid shifting controller. The grid shifting controller may be configured to provide control information to a processor of at least one grid shifting electrical fixture over the communication interface, the control information being configured to direct the at least one grid shifting electrical fixture on the use of power from the external power source and an energy storage device associated with the at least one grid shifting electrical fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Wireless Environment, LLC
    Inventors: Michael V. Recker, David B. Levine
  • Patent number: 9099274
    Abstract: Described is a lateral field emission device emitting electrons in parallel with respect to a substrate. Electron emission materials having a predetermined thickness are arranged in a direction with respect to the substrate on a supporting portion. An anode is disposed on a side portion of the substrate, the anode corresponding to the electron emission materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: KOREA UNIVERSITY RESEARCH AND BUSINESS FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Cheol Jin Lee, Dong Hoon Shin
  • Patent number: 9000688
    Abstract: A control circuit for light emitting diode (LED) of display includes a central processing unit (CPU), an AND gate, and a driving circuit. The CPU comprises a general purpose input output (GPIO) contact which outputs an instant high level voltage when a battery is installed into a portable electronic device. The AND gate includes a first input contact connected to the GPIO contact, a second input contact connected to a system power supply, and a first output contact. The system power supply outputs a low level voltage when the electronic device is powered off and outputs a high level voltage when the electronic device is powered on. The driving circuit includes a second output contact connected to an anode of the LED, a feedback contact connected to a cathode of the LED and an enable connected to the first output contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., Chi Mei Communication Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Hai-Zhou Wu
  • Patent number: 8694807
    Abstract: A load control device includes a power supply that supplies power to a microprocessor and a load circuit (e.g., a light-emitting diode and/or a communication circuit). The power supply comprises an energy storage element, e.g., a capacitor, for producing a DC voltage for powering the microprocessor and the load circuit. The microprocessor is operable to monitor the power supply and to control the amount of power delivered to an electrical load connected to the load control device in response to the monitoring of the power supply. In addition, the microprocessor is operable to cause the load circuit to draw less current in response to determining that the energy storage capacitor does not have enough time to charge during each half-cycle of the AC voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Robert C. Newman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8547038
    Abstract: A high-pressure discharge lamp lighting device is used for projector devices that allow controlling the mean electric power at a desired value with a slow processing speed. A color wheel rotates and disperses the beam from lamp into each of the color components, such that the electric power supplied to the lamp is controlled at different levels for each segment of the color wheel and the power feeding device control part finds the mean electric power by sampling the electric power supplied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Ushio Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kosuke Saka
  • Patent number: 8474985
    Abstract: A discharge lamp lighting device includes a lamp current control portion that generates, in synchronization with an input video signal, a control signal for controlling polarity reversal of an AC current with a steady-state lighting frequency and an AC current with a low frequency, and a lamp driving portion that drives the discharge lamp based on the control signal that is output by the lamp current control portion. The lamp current control portion generates a control signal for a brightness reduction waveform with timing corresponding to polarity reversal of the AC current with the steady-state lighting frequency, and the lamp driving portion inserts a current reduction waveform into the AC current with the low frequency by decreasing a voltage applied to the discharge lamp based on the control signal for the brightness reduction waveform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Akira Ueda
  • Patent number: 8432098
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lighting device for a motor vehicle. Said lighting device comprises a gas discharge lamp (1; 96) for emitting light, a starting device for providing a starting voltage for starting the gas discharge lamp (1; 96) and a control device for providing an input voltage for the starting device and an operating voltage for operation of the gas discharge lamp (1; 96). The control device is an integral part of the starting device. In order to come to grips with the problems associated with space and temperature with such lighting devices, the invention proposes that the combined starting and control device (5; 80) has a plug element (6) for connecting a vehicle power supply system voltage (7), the plug element (6) being in the form of a printed circuit board plug, which is formed by conductor tracks (21; 23) guided at an edge of a printed circuit board (20) of the starting and control device (5; 80).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Automotive Lighting Reutlingen GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Froehlich, Jochen Mehl, Christian Johann, Matthias Roder, Franco Marcori, Alain Bosero
  • Patent number: 8327159
    Abstract: A two-wire load control device for control of power delivered to an electrical load from a source of AC voltage, comprising a first controllably conductive device adapted to be operatively coupled to the source of AC voltage and to the electrical load for controlling the power delivered to the load; a microprocessor coupled to the first controllably conductive device for controlling the first controllably conductive device; and a power supply adapted to be coupled to the source of AC voltage and coupled to the microprocessor for generating a DC voltage to power the microprocessor, the power supply including an energy storage element and a second controllably conductive device for controllably storing energy in the energy storage element; wherein the microprocessor is operatively coupled to the second controllably conductive device to control the second controllably conductive device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Robert C. Newman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8319447
    Abstract: An electronic ballast is provided for improved startup and powering of a high pressure discharge lamp. The ballast includes an inverter, a starting circuit for generating a high voltage to ignite the lamp, a controller for controlling an operating frequency of the inverter from startup to steady-state lamp operation, and a lamp output detection circuit. The controller controls the inverter in association with one or more of a first phase in which the starting circuit generates the high voltage and causes dielectric breakdown between the lamp electrodes, a second phase in which an electrode heating operation is performed after dielectric breakdown and a third phase in which steady-state operation of the lamp is performed. A lamp output determination is performed at a predetermined time before shifting to the third phase, and upon determining that the lamp is ignited the second phase is inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Junichi Hasegawa, Takeshi Goriki
  • Patent number: 8228006
    Abstract: A high pressure discharge lamp lighting device comprising an inverter, an igniter, a controller, a pulse voltage detection circuit, and the starting pulse voltage regulation circuit. The inverter applies a lighting voltage to a high pressure discharge lamp. The controller applies the starting pulse voltage generated by the igniter to the high pressure discharge lamp. The pulse voltage detection circuit is configured to detect a voltage indicative of the starting pulse voltage to output a detection signal. The starting pulse voltage regulation circuit is configured to regulate the starting pulse voltage to a desired value of the starting pulse voltage on the basis of the detection signal. The pulse voltage detection circuit is configured to detect either one of the voltage developed in the specified circuit component of the igniter and the starting pulse voltage as the voltage indicative of the voltage indicative of the starting pulse voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Naoki Komatsu, Hiroyasu Eriguchi, Takeshi Goriki, Takeshi Kamoi, Jun Kumagai, Akira Yufuku, Nobutoshi Matsuzaki, Satoru Nagata, Daisuke Yamahara
  • Patent number: 8174211
    Abstract: A method for detecting defective operation of a discharge lamp includes determining the lamp impedance and establishing that the lamp is operating in an incandescent mode if it is found that the lamp has a positive impedance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Marcel Johannes Maria Bucks, Engbert Bernard Gerard Nijhof, Jozef Petrus Emanuel De Krijger, Jozef Alma Lodewijk Maria Ghijselen
  • Patent number: 7795817
    Abstract: A plasma power supply system for producing electrical power in the range between 1 kW and 100 kW for a plasma processing system and supplying the power to a plasma chamber through a power line connection, the plasma power supply system includes a power converter, a monitoring section, an arc diverter, a control section with an arc diverter control section and an arc detection section, and an input device wherein the input device is connected to the arc diverter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: HUETTINGER Elektronik GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventor: Moritz Nitschke
  • Publication number: 20080315787
    Abstract: A lighting control circuit for dimming a light is provided with different algorithms that are utilized to dim fluorescent and incandescent lights. Some method of identifying the type of light which is to be dimmed, reports to a control for the lighting control circuit, and the appropriate algorithm is then selected and utilized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Jian Xu
  • Publication number: 20080224638
    Abstract: A key module includes a key, a light emitting component, and a drive circuit. The key is operable between on and off states. The light emitting component is disposed adjacent to the key, and is capable of providing indicating light for the key. The drive circuit is electrically connected to the key and the light emitting component. The drive circuit is triggered upon switching of the key from the off state to the on state to provide a drive signal with an intensity that gradually decreases over time for driving the light emitting component such that the light emitting component provides the indicating light with a luminance that gradually decreases over time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: CORETRONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Lien-Fu CHENG, Wei-Chih SU, Jyh-Yu CHUANG
  • Publication number: 20080218099
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of programming a preset intensity of a dimmer switch from a radio-frequency (RF) remote control. A user is able to adjust the intensity of the lighting load to a new intensity and subsequently press and hold a preset button on the remote control to program the new intensity as the preset intensity. The remote control transmits a wireless transmission to the dimmer switch, which immediately responds to the actuation of the preset button by controlling the intensity of the lighting load to an initial preset intensity. The dimmer switch then blinks a light-emitting diode representative of the new intensity to provide feedback that the dimmer switch is in the process of programming the preset intensity to the new intensity. Eventually, the dimmer switch stores the new intensity as the preset intensity and stops blinking the light-emitting diode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventor: Robert C. Newman
  • Publication number: 20080100235
    Abstract: A field emission backlight unit comprises a substrate, first electrodes and second electrodes, a fluorescent lighting panel and an anode plate. The first electrodes are disposed on the substrate. The second electrodes are interlaced with the first electrodes and disposed on the substrate. The second electrodes receive a clock signal sequentially according to a first period. The fluorescent lighting panel is disposed at the opposite side of the substrate. The anode plate is disposed at the opposite side of the substrate. When there is a specific voltage between the first electrodes and the second electrodes to generate electrons, the anode plate pulls electrons to hit the fluorescent lighting panel to emit light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Biing-Nan Lin, Chuan-Hsu Fu
  • Patent number: 6841936
    Abstract: An improved electron multiplier bias network that limits the response of the multiplier when the multiplier is faced with very large input signals, but then permits the multiplier to recover quickly following the large input signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Ciphergen Biosystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig A. Keller, Fiona L. Plows
  • Patent number: 6459218
    Abstract: An inductively powered lamp unit 806 is fixed onto a substrate and over a position where a primary inductive loop 803 is spread apart (as at 807). At such sites, a horizontal (or at least parallel to the surface of the substrate) component of alternating magnetic flux is available. The conductors of the loop 802-803 can be inserted in a slit 804 cut into the substrate. The spreading apart of the conductors may be ensured with a spreader 808. A power supply 801 may be a resonant supply operating at 40 kHz. The lamp unit 806 does use a resonant pickup coil which can be shorted so as to minimize coupling, and provide supply regulation. The lamp unit can be controlled by signals transmitted over the primary loop. Applications include roadway markers and fire escape egress indicators, and underwater lighting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Auckland UniServices Limited
    Inventors: John Talbot Boys, Andrew William Green
  • Patent number: 5909203
    Abstract: The present invention teaches a field emission display ("FED") architecture for isolating display grids, wherein an FED has a plurality of pixels. Each of the pixels comprise at least two field emitter tips for displaying information to the pixel and a pixelator for driving the field emitter tips. Further, an isolated display grid is incorporated for each of the field emitter tips. Each display grids is coupled to a bus having a predetermined voltage by a link. In one embodiment of the present invention, the link can be disintegrated by internal or external means. In a second embodiment, the FED comprises a first and second bus, each of bus having a predetermined voltage, whereby a first isolated display grid is coupled to the first bus by a first link and a second isolated display grids is coupled to the second bus by a second link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jim J. Browning, John K. Lee, Tyler A. Lowrey
  • Patent number: 5847515
    Abstract: A field emission display includes a display screen and a cathodoluminescent coating disposed on a conductive inner surface of the display screen. An extraction grid is disposed a predetermined distance away from the inner surface and has a plurality of openings. A plurality of emitters are each aligned with a corresponding one of the openings and are arranged in sets that include at least one emitter. A plurality of emitter driver circuits are each coupled to the emitters in a corresponding one of the sets. Each of the driver circuits receives a control signal having first and second values. The drive circuits drive the emitters such that the display screen displays an image having a first brightness level when the control signal has the first value, and drives the emitters such that the display screen displays an image having a second brightness level when the control signal has the second value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: John K. Lee, David A. Cathey
  • Patent number: 5786657
    Abstract: In a field emission electron gun including emitters (104) on predetermined parts of a substrate (409), an insulator film (105) on a remaining part of the substrate, a first gate electrode (101) on the insulator film so as to surround the emitters with a space left between each emitter and the first gate electrode, the emitters are formed on the substrate except a center part of the substrate. The first gate electrode has an inner peripheral surface which defines a hole (107) exposing a center portion of the insulator film that is positioned on the center part of the substrate. A second gate electrode (102) is formed on the insulator film to surround an outer peripheral surface of the first gate electrode with a distance left between the outer peripheral surface of the first gate electrode and the second gate electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Akihiko Okamoto
  • Patent number: 5754149
    Abstract: The present invention teaches a field emission display ("FED") architecture for isolating display grids, wherein an FED has a plurality of pixels. Each of the pixels comprise at least two field emitter tips for displaying information to the pixel and a pixelator for driving the field emitter tips. Further, an isolated display grid is incorporated for each of the field emitter tips. Each display grids is coupled to a bus having a predetermined voltage by a link. In one embodiment of the present invention, the link can be disintegrated by internal or external means. In a second embodiment, the FED comprises a first and second bus, each of bus having a predetermined voltage, whereby a first isolated display grid is coupled to the first bus by a first link and a second isolated display grids is coupled to the second bus by a second link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Micron Display Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jim J. Browning, John K. Lee, Tyler A. Lowrey
  • Patent number: 5721472
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for identifying and disabling shorted electrode pain (such as field emitter tip electrodes shorted to grid electrodes) in a field emission display by applying a test voltage across the two electrodes in each pair. The magnitude of the test voltage is set below the voltage required to initiate field emission from the emitter tip electrode. Because no field emission occurs at this voltage, the test voltage should produce no current flow through good (non-shorted) emitter tips. However, current will flow through emitter tips which are shorted to their respective grid electrodes. In one embodiment, the current flow vaporizes the bad emitter tips themselves. In another embodiment, the current flow thermally damages a removable link connected in series with either the shorted emitter tip or the shorted grid electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Micron Display Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jimmy J. Browning, John K. Lee
  • Patent number: 5644195
    Abstract: A Field Emission Display ("FED") is disclosed having a brightness to project images. To achieve this benefit, the FED comprises a pixelator is coupled to a display for displaying and projecting the image. By design, the pixelator conducts a current, corresponding to a degree of brightness in the resulting panel display, through the display grid. A first resistor having a first value, is coupled between the pixelator and a voltage node or ground. Moreover, a second resistor having a second value comprising at most one half of the first value is employed. A switch for connecting the first resistor in parallel with the second resistor is utilized such that when a control signal is received, the switch is enabled and the equivalent resistance between the pixelator and a voltage node or ground is substantially reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Micron Display Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Jim J. Browning
  • Patent number: 5581159
    Abstract: A circuit for regulating the pixel current in a field emission display so as to enhance pixel-to-pixel uniformity of pixel current. The pixel current flows through a pair of diodes connected back-to-back. A transistor circuit controls the voltage across the back-to-back diode pair, so that the voltage/current transfer characteristic of the diode pair determines the pixel current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: John K. Lee, Eugene H. Cloud, David A. Cathey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5576986
    Abstract: A highly reliable memory device with excellent heat resistance that can be used in any environment utilizes a chemical change to define a state transition. The memory device includes a micro vacuum tube structure having a recess portion formed on an upper face of a quartz substrate, a cold cathode having many comb-tooth like tips extending from the quartz substrate over to one side of the recess portion, a rectangular control electrode disposed on the side of the cold cathode at the bottom of the recess portion, an anode extending from the quartz substrate over to the other side of the recess portion and facing opposed to the cold cathode, and a sealing member for vacuum sealing a space inside the recess portion 11a. N.sub.2 and O.sub.2 gases are enclosed in a space under the pressure of 0.2 mmHg. By changing the control electrode voltage, energy of accelerated electrons is changed: NO is produced at the control voltage of 17 eV, NO2 at 23 eV and the product gases dissociate to N.sub.2 and O.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: Fuji Electric Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuo Matsuzaki, Yoshiyuki Sakai, Yuichi Urano, Hidekatsu Kuroda, Akira Amano
  • Patent number: 5561353
    Abstract: Beam control pulse modulation in an RF transmitter tube is provided by a solid state switch connected between the cathode power supply and the cathode of the transmitter tube. The beam controlling element is returned to the normal cathode power source such that closing the switch between the cathode and the cathode power source brings the beam controlling element voltage to cathode potential causing beam current to flow, while opening the switch provides a very high equivalent cathode resistance, which self-biases the tube in the cutoff region, eliminating the need for a separate "off" voltage power supply. Off-edge performance may be further improved by providing an off switch connected between the cathode and a collector tap on the cathode power supply, and closing the switch when the on switch is opened to accelerate return of the cathode potential to the cutoff voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Donald A. Brichta, Robert M. Zawislak, Neils A. Kruse
  • Patent number: 5525868
    Abstract: A Field Emission Display ("FED") is disclosed having a brightness to project images. To achieve this benefit, the FED includes a pixelator is coupled to a display for displaying and projecting the image. By design, the pixelator conducts a drive current passing through the display grid corresponding to a degree of brightness in the resulting panel display. A first resistor having a first value is coupled between the pixelator and a voltage node or ground. Moreover, a second resistor having a second value at most one half of the first value is employed. A switch for connecting the first resistor in parallel with the second resistor is closed when a control signal is received. When the switch is enabled, the equivalent resistance between the pixelator and a voltage node or ground is substantially reduced. In another embodiment, a tapped resistor replaces the first resistor and the second resistor. When the control signal is received, a portion of the drive current is shunted through the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Micron Display
    Inventor: Jim J. Browning
  • Patent number: 5502354
    Abstract: A cold cathode vacuum discharge tube is used in a circuit for generating pulsed autoelectronic emissions which are particularly intense and frequent in the abnormal glow discharge region, and involve much lower current densities than predicted by the Fowler-Nordheim vacuum arc discharge region law. The discharge tube is characterized by a large electrode area at least of the cathode, and a large interelectrode gap. The electrodes are preferably spaced at least 2 cm apart in a parallel relationship. A probe may be introduced between the electrodes to reduce still further the field required to generate the emissions. In another configuration the probe forms the anode and two plates form cathodes. The circuit is driven from a direct current source of having an impedance sufficient to prevent establishment of a vacuum arc discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Inventors: Paulo N. Correa, Alexandra N. Correa
  • Patent number: 5465030
    Abstract: An improved means for triggering high voltage spark gap devices for current injection and pulse power applications which utilizes the high voltage source itself to trigger the discharge. A switch initially directs current flow from the high voltage source through a trigger resistor which creates sufficient potential difference between a primary electrode and the trigger electrode to fire the spark gap. A second blocking resistor inhibits current flow through the trigger electrode and directs the discharge through the load. The trigger circuit has very little influence on the discharge waveform due to the very high impedance of the resistor string.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Brian G. Smith
  • Patent number: 5459480
    Abstract: The present invention teaches a field emission display ("FED") architecture for isolating display grids, wherein an FED has a plurality of pixels. Each of the pixels comprise at least two field emitter tips for displaying information to the pixel and a pixelator for driving the field emitter tips. Further, an isolated display grid is incorporated for each of the field emitter tips. Each display grid is coupled by a link to a bus having a predetermined voltage. In one embodiment of the present invention, the link can be disintegrated by internal or external means. In a second embodiment, the FED comprises a first and second bus, each bus having a predetermined voltage, whereby a first isolated display grid is coupled to the first bus by a first link and a second isolated display grids is coupled to the second bus by a second link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignee: Micron Display Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jim J. Browning, John K. Lee
  • Patent number: 5444337
    Abstract: A radio frequency amplifying apparatus including a radio frequency amplifying circuit operative in response to a signal of high frequency wave generated from a source generator includes a switching circuit operatively connected to the source generator and generating an excitation signal in response to the signal from the source generator and a vacuum tube provided with a control grid to which the excitation signal from the switching circuit is inputted. The source generator generates a trigger signal and a switching frequency of the switching circuit is changed by changing a frequency of the trigger signal. An insulation transformer is disposed between the source generator and the switching circuit and a bias power source is connected to the switching circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Yoshiro Ogawa, Heiji Okutsu, Noriyuki Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 5404081
    Abstract: An integrally formed field emission device and electron emission control circuit wherein electron emission is controlled by a current source semiconductor circuit and a semiconductor switch coupled such that upon application of switching information to the switch the field emission device is enabled to an ON mode for the time duration of the information and during which time the current source provides a determined electron current to be subsequently emitted by the emitter of the field emission device. A field emission device array and electron emission control circuits is provided to effectively control electron emission for each field emission device in the array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert C. Kane, Robert T. Smith
  • Patent number: 5396151
    Abstract: A circuit for reducing extremely low frequency (ELF) electric fields on cathode ray robe (CRT) devices comprises a power supply means, a CRT, a voltage sensing means, an amplification means, and a capacitive coupling within a feedback path to the CRT. A CRT anode voltage variation sensed by the voltage sensing means is amplified and inverted by the amplification means, producing a signal which is applied to the capacitive coupling within the feedback path. This signal modifies the impedance at the CRT anode, decreasing the voltage variation and thereby reducing ELF electric field magnitudes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard D. Cappels, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5387844
    Abstract: A Field Emission Display ("FED") is disclosed having a brightness to project images. To achieve this benefit, the FED includes a pixelator which coupled to a display for displaying and projecting the image. By design, the pixelator conducts a drive current passing through the display grid corresponding to a degree of brightness in the resulting panel display. A first resistor having a first value is coupled between the pixelator and a voltage node or ground. Moreover, a second resistor having a second value at most one half of the first value is employed. A switch for connecting the first resistor in parallel with the second resistor is closed when a control signal is received when the switch is enabled, the equivalent resistance between the pixelator and a voltage node or ground is substantially reduced. In another embodiment, a tapped resistor replaces the first resistor and the second resistor. When the control signal is received, a portion of the drive current is shunted through the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Assignee: Micron Display Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Jim J. Browning
  • Patent number: 5357172
    Abstract: In a flat panel display in which low-voltage row and column address signals control a much higher pixel activation voltage by respectively gating at least one pair of series coupled MOSFETs to ground for each pixel, effective current regulation is achieved by placing a current-regulating resistor in series with each pair of the series-coupled MOSFETs. The resistor is coupled directly to ground and to the source of the MOSFET furthest from the emitter node. By coupling the current-regulating resistor directly to the ground bus, stable current values are achieved over a wide range of cathode voltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: John K. Lee, Stephen L. Casper, Tyler A. Lowrey
  • Patent number: 5343081
    Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a semiconductor synapse circuit comprising a semiconductor having an electrically charged carrier gas which is provided with a plurality of electrically isolated input channels providing narrowed areas 21 through 24 respectively for restricting the emitting direction of the electrically charged carriers from emitter electrodes 11 through 14 as the exit, gate electrodes 31 through 34 for applying an electrostatic potential for changing the traveling direction of the carriers emitted from the input channels, a single narrowed area 41 positioned opposed to the exits 21 through 24 of the input channels for passing through only the carriers traveling in the restricted direction and an acceptor electrode 40 for collecting the carriers which have passed through the single narrowed area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuo Nakamura
  • Patent number: 5340997
    Abstract: A field emission microelectronic device based on field emitter structures and fabrication processes. In one embodiment, the microelectronic device includes an electron source, a collector adjacent to the source, and an isolator. The source and the collector are both coupled to a substrate. At appropriate voltages on the source and the collector, electrons are emitted from the emitter out of the substrate into the collector per unit time, creating a current. The isolator is at an isolator voltage to create an electrostatic enclosure to substantially confine the electrons in the vicinity of the electron source and the collector. The microelectronic device is substantially electrostatically shielded and may be used as a current controller in a flat panel displays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventor: Huei-Pei Kuo
  • Patent number: 5332952
    Abstract: Disclosed is hererin a quantum phase interference transistor comprising: an emitter for emitting electron waves into a vacuum; a gate electrode for controlling the phase difference between a plurality of electron waves; and a collector for collecting the electron waves; characterized in that the gate electrode has the construction of a capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Ryuichi Ugajin, Akira Ishibashi
  • Patent number: 5289086
    Abstract: An electron device including a diamond material electron emitter and an anode, both disposed on a supporting substrate, so as to define an interelectrode region therebetween. Electron transport across the interelectrode region is initiated at an emitting surface of the diamond material electron emitter. An alternative embodiment employs a gate electrode disposed substantially symmetrically and axially displaced about the electron emitter and substantially in the interelectrode region to provide a modulation capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert C. Kane
  • Patent number: 5283500
    Abstract: The disclosed flat panel field emitter display (FPFED) comprises a first impedance that carries all of the current to all of the micropoint emitters of one or more (preferably one, typically fewer than about five, always fewer than all the pixels of a given row or column of the display) pixels. Provision of the first impedance can provide self-compensation to the involved pixel, making it possible to substantially reduce the required number of micropoint emitters/pixel and color. This in turn can lead to increased speed of the display, and/or to lower power consumption. The first impedance advantageously is a capacitor rather than a resistor, and embodiments that comprise a capacitive first impedance are disclosed. Other advantageous optional features are also disclosed. These include provision of gate impedances, of photoconductive elements, of an auxiliary gate electrode, or of gettering means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: AT&T Bell Laboratories
    Inventor: Gregory P. Kochanski
  • Patent number: 5278475
    Abstract: Cathodoluminescent display apparatus employing an electron source including a plurality of diamond crystallites. Image display apparatus employing an array of picture elements, each picture element having associated therewith an electron source including electron emitting diamond crystallites, is realized as a preferred embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Jaskie, Lawrence Dworsky, Robert C. Kane
  • Patent number: 5225743
    Abstract: A switch includes a housing forming a cavity, a first electrode, and a second electrode. The first electrode has an inner surface having a generally circular cross-section perpendicular to an axis and extending along the cavity in a first direction along the axis, forming a hollow tube. The second electrode has a generally circular cross-section perpendicular to the axis and extending into the cavity in a second direction along the axis. The second electrode extends at least partially into the hollow tube formed by the first electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: George G. Codina, Thomas J. Richards, Everett G. Brandt
  • Patent number: 5210472
    Abstract: A flat panel display in which low-voltage row and column address signals control a much higher pixel activation voltage. Although the invention was created with field-emission displays in mind, the technique may be used in any matrix-addressable display (e.g. vacuum fluorescent, electro-luminescent, or plasma-type displays) where high pixel activation voltages must be switched. In a preferred embodiment field emission display, emitter-to-grid voltage differential is maintained near zero during non-emission periods, and is raised to a level sufficient to cause emission by grounding pixel emitters at each row and column intersection through a pair of series-connected field-effect transistors (FETs). The emitter base electrode of each emitter node is coupled to the grid via a current-limiting transistor. Display brightness control is accomplished by varying the gate voltages of either FET, such that emission current can be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen L. Casper, Tyler A. Lowrey
  • Patent number: 5206565
    Abstract: In a controllable high-power electron tube in the form of a tetrode, the anode direct voltage is reduced to less than 10 kV with an anode efficiency of greater than 80%. The tube includes coaxially arranged electrodes including a cylindrical indirectly heated full walled matrix cathode containing BaO, a cylindrical control grid, a cylindrical screen grid and an anode, where the spacing between the control grid and the cathode and the spacing between the control grid and the screen grid is less than 1 mm. Such a tube can be used for achieving AM broadcast transmitters which are distinguished by a compact construction, the overall efficiency remaining largely unchanged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Assignee: Asea Brown Boveri Ltd.
    Inventors: Fritz Lussi, Hans-Gunter Mathews, Werner Rohrbach
  • Patent number: 5204588
    Abstract: Disclosed is hererin a quantum phase interference transistor comprising: an emitter for emitting electron waves into a vacuum; a gate electrode for controlling the phase difference between a plurality of electron waves; and a collector for collecting the electron waves; characterized in that the gate electrode has the construction of a capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Ryuichi Ugajin, Akira Ishibashi