Patents Examined by James Demakis
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Patent number: 6791809Abstract: A charge/discharge protection circuit with n parallel load current switches and a control logic for the latter, which in an over-voltage event disconnects the battery from the charge/discharge terminals through sequentially controlled melting of integrated fusible links, where the control logic in an over-voltage event, simultaneously closes all load current switches, then following sequentially opens a first number of the load current switches, and at the same time closes the switch segments of a short-circuit switch array associated with the respective load current switch, so that the associated fusible links melt sequentially. After the opening of this first number of load current switches the latter closes again and at the same time the remaining number of still closed load current switches opens, as well as continues to sequentially close the remaining switch segments.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2002Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Dialog Semiconductor GmbHInventor: Axel Pannwitz
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Patent number: 6791808Abstract: A clipping device intended for absorbing current peaks from 1 to 10 amperes, formed of a vertical NPN transistor, having an unconnected base, an emitter connected to a terminal on which positive voltage peaks are likely to appear, and a grounded collector, the transistor parameters being set so that it exhibits a negative dynamic resistance.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2000Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.A.Inventors: Eric Bernier, Robert Pezzani
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Patent number: 6788516Abstract: The invention relates to a self-recovering current-limiting device with liquid metal. The device contains two solid metal electrodes (11, 12) which are rotationally symmetrical in relation to the longitudinal axis (3) of the current limiting device (1) and several compression chambers (4) which are partially filled with liquid metal (8) and arranged in a series between the electrodes (11, 12). The compression chambers are formed by pressure-resistant insulating bodies (5, 7) and insulating intermediate walls (6) which are supported by the same (6) and which have several connecting channels (9), distributed in a circular form. The aim of the invention is to extend the positions of use. To this end, the electrodes (11, 12) have cavities (14) which are connected to the adjacent compression chambers (4) by openings (16) and which are adequately wetted to completely filled with the liquid metal (8), according to the position of use.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2001Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Moeller GmbHInventors: Andreas Kraetzschmar, Frank Berger, Michael Anheuser, Wolfgang Kremers
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Patent number: 6781808Abstract: A method for detecting electrical faulty conditions in a plurality of power devices of a propulsion system is provided. The plurality of power devices is connectable in parallel circuit through a direct current (DC) link to an external DC power source. The method provides a first sequence of actions for determining an electrical short condition in at least one of the power devices upon the power source being connected. The method further provides a second sequence of actions for determining an electrical open condition in a respective one of the plurality of power devices during the occurrence of high current events.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2001Date of Patent: August 24, 2004Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Ajith K. Kumar, Jeremy McGarry
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Patent number: 6781812Abstract: A chuck equipment which can hold insulating substrates is provided. First and second electrodes are provided to be exposed on the base the surface of which is insulated. The insulating substrate is placed in contact with or in close proximity to the surfaces of the first and second electrodes. Since an electric field having a high rate of spatial change is established between the first and second electrodes, the substrate is held against the surface of the chuck equipment by the gradient force. Since the magnitude of the gradient force depends on that of the rate of change of the electric field, a voltage may be applied between the first and second electrodes to establish an electric field of 1.0×106V/m or greater.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2001Date of Patent: August 24, 2004Assignee: Nihon Shinku Gijutsu Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Koh Fuwa, Ken Maehira
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Patent number: 6781811Abstract: An ionizer control system uses a short-range wireless communication means implemented with, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) between an ionizer, an ion monitor, and a server, and that automatically evaluates the performance of the ionizer and the ion monitor, monitors the operational state thereof, and adjusts the ion balance. The ionizer control system includes an ionizer, an ion monitor, and a server, each having communication means that complies with a short-distance wireless communication standard, such as Bluetooth. For example, ionizer control data, including the magnitude and time of a positive or negative voltage applied to emitters, and operational state data are transmitted and received between the server and the ionizer. For example, ion monitor control data, such as a charge start voltage applied to a charge plate and a stop voltage, and operational state data are transmitted and received between the server and the ion monitor.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2002Date of Patent: August 24, 2004Assignee: Hugle Electronics IncorporatedInventor: Arnel Posadas
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Patent number: 6781806Abstract: An IC element 20a provided with input-output interface circuits 23, 24 and a control circuit 22a includes: a constant voltage control circuit 21a comprising a switching circuit 25a for conduction control of a switching element 11a connected to a power supply terminal 2a of an on-vehicle electronic control device 1a; and a comparison circuit 26 for opening the switching element 11a when a voltage of the first terminal Vdd1, to which an output voltage of the switching element 11a is supplied, is below a predetermined value; in which the input-output interface circuits 23, 24 is supplied with power from the first terminal Vdd1, while the control circuit 22a is supplied with power from the second terminal Vdd2 connected to an output circuit of the switching element 11a.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2002Date of Patent: August 24, 2004Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kohji Hashimoto, Katsuya Nakamoto, Tetsushi Watanabe, Manabu Yamashita
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Patent number: 6778372Abstract: In a monitor for an inductive load recycling by a thermal cut-off sensor is prevented by maintaining an off condition with a delay. The delay has an adjustable time in excess of the cut-off sensor's reset time.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2001Date of Patent: August 17, 2004Assignee: Zeal-Services, LLCInventor: Ziad Elhabr
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Patent number: 6778371Abstract: A device for supplying electrical power to detectors, control systems, and signaling systems is described, in which the power supply line can be implemented as a ring. Each of the peripheral consumers connected to the ring has a power supply device which connects through the power supply line to the next power supply device depending on a minimum voltage. Power supply terminals, which detect short-circuits and/or interruptions on the power supply ring and therefore the lack of power supply to a detector, are each connected to a ring input and a ring output. Alternatively, the power supply line may be implemented as a spur line, with power supply then provided up to an occurring short-circuit or an interruption. In the case of the spur line, the control center is informed in that it receives signals from the individual detectors about an existing power supply via an alarm line.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2002Date of Patent: August 17, 2004Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Gerhard Koida
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Patent number: 6778368Abstract: An electrical service distribution board is accommodated in a housing, has a feed conductor that is inserted into the housing and has outgoer conductors that lead to individual loads. Electrical service devices with different protection tasks, such as fault current protection, short circuit or over-current protection and the like, which can be connected to the feed conductor and to the outgoer conductors by a plug connection via a connection system which contains connection conductors connected to them. A mounting plate is providing for holding the service devices, with the connection conductors disposed underneath the mounting plate and the mounting plate having openings into which plug elements which are disposed on the service devices can be inserted.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2002Date of Patent: August 17, 2004Assignee: ABB Patent GmbHInventors: Winrich Habedank, Peter Heilig, Richard Kommert, Heinz-Erich Popa, Jörg Puhr-Westerheide, Bernd Siedelhofer, Helmut Stritt, Karl-Thomas Werner
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Patent number: 6775119Abstract: The electrical connection system includes a power source circuit for outputting a first voltage to operate a first load circuit. The power source circuit includes a conversion circuit for converting the first voltage into a second voltage lower than the first voltage. The system includes a second load circuit operative in response to the second voltage. The system includes a protection circuit for shunting the second load circuit with a threshold voltage between the first voltage and second voltage. The threshold voltage has identical influence on the second load circuit relative to the first voltage.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2002Date of Patent: August 10, 2004Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventors: Yasuhiro Tamai, Tetsuya Hasegawa
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Patent number: 6765773Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for improving the ESD protection in an integrated circuit. In order to achieve an effective use of chip area, it is proposed to connect a passive component between the bonding pad and an integrated circuit, said passive component being arranged over an electrically non-conductive layer and under the bonding pad. In the event of damage to the bonding pad when bonding or testing, only the passive component, at most, is short-circuited, but the functionality of the output driver stage and of the integrated circuit remains unaffected.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2002Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventor: Joachim Christian Reiner
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Patent number: 6762920Abstract: A fault detector processes half cycles of current in variable frequency ac power systems by weighting half cycle magnitude values by the period of the half cycle. Time attenuated accumulations of the weighted half cycle peak values exceeding a first threshold for short delay protection, and of weighted positive differences between the peak values of successive half cycles and the preceding half cycles for a selected period of time after a peak value exceeds a second threshold for arc faults, generate trip signals when they reach specified levels.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2002Date of Patent: July 13, 2004Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Kevin Lynn Parker
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Patent number: 6760207Abstract: A compressor terminal fault interruption method and interrupter for disconnecting power to a compressor terminal when terminal venting failure is imminent including a current sensing circuit for sensing current provided to the terminal by a power source and outputting a sensed signal representing the current provided to the terminal and a control circuit. The control circuit includes a first circuit for outputting a reference signal representing input current much higher than locked rotor current, a second circuit connected to the current sensing circuit and the first circuit for comparing the sensed signal to the reference signal, and a third circuit connected to the second circuit for disconnecting power to the terminal when the sensed signal exceeds the reference signal, thereby preventing excessive current from reaching the compressor terminal.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2001Date of Patent: July 6, 2004Assignee: Tecumseh Products CompanyInventors: Arnold G. Wyatt, Alex Alvey
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Patent number: 6757150Abstract: A method of facilitating the transfer of ions from at least one ionizing pin disposed in an ion air blower into an air stream while the ion air blower is activated. The method includes attaching a baffle to the ion air blower; and positioning the baffle upstream from and proximate to the at least one ionizing pin to cause turbulent flow in the air stream proximate to the tip of the at least one ionizing pin. An ion air blower is also detailed herein. The air blower includes an emitter assembly disposed in a housing. A plurality of ionizing pins extend from the emitter assembly such that the air stream passes over the plurality of ionizing pins. A baffle is disposed proximate to and upstream from the ionizing pins to create turbulent flow in the air stream proximate to a tip of each of the ionizing pins.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2001Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: John Gorczyca, Michael Jacobs
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Patent number: 6754059Abstract: A current measuring device for a multi-pole voltage circuit breaker includes a support body with a through opening for a current conductor for each of the poles and a receiving chamber, surrounding the through opening for secondary components of current sensors and/or current transformers. The support body is essentially plate-like and rectangular and forms part of the rear wall of the circuit breaker. Should Rogowski coils be used as secondary components of a transformer, then adjustable voltage dividers are also mounted on the support body for interdependent adjustment. The multi-pole current measuring device simplifies the production of circuit breakers as approved components.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2002Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Michael Bach, Detlev Schmidt, Michael Sebekow, Guenter Seidler-Stahl, Ingo Thiede, Sezai Tuerkmen
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Patent number: 6754060Abstract: A protective device for an RF cable comprises in one embodiment an outer conductor having a main body section, a first connector and a second connector. The main body section has a cylindrically shaped inner sidewall and includes a first end and a second end. The first connector extends out from the first end of the main body section. The second connector extends out from the second end of the main body section. An inner conductor is axially disposed within the outer conductor and extends through the main body section into the first and second connector interface. Insulators are provided for mechanically supporting and electrically insulating the inner conductor from the outer conductor. A gas discharge tube (GDT) is disposed inside the main body section between the cylindrically shaped inner sidewall and the inner conductor.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2001Date of Patent: June 22, 2004Inventor: George M. Kauffman
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Patent number: 6738245Abstract: An improved series-pass over-voltage protection circuit including multiple parallel-connected series-pass over-voltage suppression transistors coupling a DC voltage supply such as a motor vehicle storage battery to one or more high current electrical loads. During normal operation, all of the transistors are biased to the fully conductive/enhanced state to provide very low pass-through on-resistance. However, during linear (over-voltage suppression) operation, a logic circuit enables individual transistors in sequence at a frequency that is high relative to the thermal time constant of the transistors, and with a small amount of conduction overlap between successively enabled transistors. Sequentially enabling the transistors guarantees at least a minimum level of load sharing, and the overlap minimizes switching-related output current transients.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2002Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey A. Ely
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Patent number: 6738242Abstract: A bus-switch transistor connects two I/O pins when an enable signal on its gate is activated. Each pin has an electro-static-discharge (ESD) protection devices. When the internal ground and the enable are floating, and an ESD pulse is applied between the two pins, an isolation circuit couples part of the ESD pulse to the gate of the bus-switch transistor, keeping the transistor turned off. This forces the ESD pulse to travel through the ESD protection devices, preventing damage to the bus-switch transistor. The isolation circuit has a capacitor between a pin and the gate of a coupling transistor. The capacitor couples the ESD pulse to the gate of the coupling transistor. The coupling transistor turns on, connecting the pin to the gate of a grounding transistor. The grounding transistor then turns on, connecting the gate of the bus-switch transistor to the other pin, which is grounded during the ESD test.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2002Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Assignee: Pericom Semiconductor Corp.Inventors: David Kwong, Paul C. F. Tong
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Patent number: 6735063Abstract: A protective switching device, such as a differential-current circuit breaker, having a corebalance transformer which monitors a line network and which, via a tripping circuit and an actuation circuit, actuates a release which is coupled to a switching mechanism in order to operate a power breaker. The invention provides that a tripping circuit, which can be tripped by means of a remote tripping signal, is connected to a transformer which can be actuated on the secondary side and whose primary side is connected to an actuation circuit of the release for remote tripping of the protective switching device.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2001Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Bernhard Bauer, Reinhard Schmid