Patents Examined by Jonathan Kaplan
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Patent number: 6057609Abstract: The AC electric power of the commercial AC power supply is safely supplied to an electronic appliance functioning as a load during an occurrence of a power interruption by an auxiliary power supply apparatus. In the auxiliary power supply apparatus, normally usable electric power derived from a diode bridge energized by the commercial AC power supply, and auxiliary electric power produced from a DC/DC converter energized by a cell are selectively conducted to an output connector of this auxiliary power supply apparatus via a selection switch and a load connection switch, which are controlled in response to a detection result of a power-interrupt detecting circuit. When an AC plug of a load set is inserted into this output connector, a switch is turned ON, and then, a DC voltage applied from a voltage divider to this connector is changed, depending upon the types of the power supply circuits employed in the load sets, namely, a transformer type power supply circuit and a switching type power supply circuit.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1998Date of Patent: May 2, 2000Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Tamiji Nagai, Kazuo Yamazaki, Sumio Iwase
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Patent number: 5986357Abstract: A multiple sensing technology-based occupancy sensor. Ultrasonic and infrared sensors are used to produce first and second occupancy estimator signals that are combined using a fusion based detection algorithm to produce a combined estimator signal. The combined estimator is then used to switch electrical loads when the combined estimator signal is above a predetermined threshold. The result is an occupancy sensor that has a very high probability of occupancy detection and a low probability of false tripping.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 1997Date of Patent: November 16, 1999Assignee: Mytech CorporationInventors: Douglas D. Myron, Vadim A. Konradi, Bruce G. Williams, John J. Fowler, Timothy W. Woytek, Jonathan D. Williams, Gerard L. Cullen
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Patent number: 5955795Abstract: An apparatus for enclosing appliances includes an enclosure having an access member movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. A power supply mechanism disposed within the enclosure and adapted to supply power to the appliance when the access member is in the open configuration and disconnect power to the appliance when the access member is in the closed configuration is also included. An access member locking mechanism is disposed within the enclosure which is operable between a locked condition to lock the access member in the open configuration in response to the operation of the appliance and a released condition to permit movement of the access member to the closed configuration.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1997Date of Patent: September 21, 1999Inventor: David W. Beer
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Patent number: 5952740Abstract: In a circuit that controls the mean current flowing to a load 40 by turning ON or OFF in predetermined ratio the power source voltage VB applied to load 40 using for this purpose a switch means Sw1, a capacitor C1 is charged with the potential difference generated between the load 40 and power source whilst switch means Sw1 is OFF, and a voltage for control purposes which exceeds power source voltage VB is applied to drive circuit 20 using this stored voltage. A high side switch can thereby be implemented using N type semiconductor elements in a simple circuit.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1996Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.Inventors: Kenichiro Maeda, Daisuke Yoshida, Koichi Kato, Yasushi Kawaji
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Patent number: 5949160Abstract: The invention comprises a battery coupled to a power bus, an external power connector coupled to the power bus for receiving an external power plug, and two switching devices for disconnecting the battery from the power bus when the external power plug is coupled to the connector. The battery supplies power to the camera unless the external power plug is coupled to the connector. Upon coupling of the external power plug to the connector, the two switching devices, which are positioned in series between the negative terminal of the battery and the system ground, are opened. The opening of the two switching devices disconnects the battery from the power bus and connector to prevent damage which could be caused by applying an externally supplied voltage from the external power plug across the positive and negative terminals of the battery.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 1996Date of Patent: September 7, 1999Assignee: Apple Computer, Inc.Inventors: Eric C. Anderson, Scott F. Fullam
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Patent number: 5923096Abstract: An all-electric vehicle control system arranges operator interface controls at a console between a pair of seats, either of which can be used by an operator. The console controls include a joystick arranged in communication with an electronic motor control system for driving and regeneratively braking the vehicle wheels. The joystick is also in communication with an electronic servo amplifier and an electric servo actuator that steers the vehicle electromechanically and provides a closed loop feedback circuit for steering control. Electromagnetically actuated brakes are interposed between drive wheels and electric drive motors and are energized automatically whenever the vehicle rolls to a stop, thereby holding the vehicle still. The console also includes a dynamic brake switch that can energize the electromagnetic brakes for decelerating the vehicle in conjunction with regenerative braking.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 1997Date of Patent: July 13, 1999Assignee: Manak Dynamics Engineering Corp.Inventor: Richard T. Manak
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Circuit for the controlled recycle without oscillation of a discharge current from an inductive load
Patent number: 5917254Abstract: A circuit for the controlled recycle without oscillation of a discharge current from an inductive load. The circuit comprises an active element connected, in series with the inductive load, between first and second power supply terminals, and having a control terminal to which a driver circuit is connected. The circuit further includes a recycling regulating circuitry connected to a connection node between the active element and the inductive load, and sensitive to a voltage threshold at the connection node to generate, depending on attainment of that threshold, a power-on signal for application to the control terminal effective to start up recycling of the discharge current through the active element. The circuit further comprises a control circuit for controlling the voltage oscillation at the connection node at the end of the recycling.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1997Date of Patent: June 29, 1999Assignee: SGS-Thomson Microelectronics,S.r.l.Inventors: Sergio Lecce, Massimo Grasso, Giorgio Rossi -
Patent number: 5912512Abstract: An engine start control apparatus, includes a code storing device which stores a plurality of normal codes which indicate a normal vehicle key belonging to a vehicle and a key corresponding to the normal vehicle key, and an immobilizer which determines as to whether an inherent code input form one of a signal input device and an inherent code input device is included in the normal codes stored in the code storing device, and on the basis of the results of determination, the immobilizer controls permitting/prohibiting the starting of the engine. Therefore, when the normal code of the plurality of normal codes and the input inherent code match, the immobilizer permits the starting of the engine.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1997Date of Patent: June 15, 1999Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kazuhiko Hayashi, Naoki Toyofuku, Takayoshi Masutani
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Patent number: 5910690Abstract: A system for controlling power application to an electronic component during a hotswap operation. A chassis contains a plurality of slots for interfacing with electronic components, each slot having an associated timing device. The electronic component contains a delay mechanism, such that when the electronic component interfaces with a slot in the chassis, the delay and timing mechanisms interact to create a slot timing circuit. The slot timing circuit interfaces to a ramp-up switching circuitry to produce a controlled application of power to remaining circuitry of the electronic component. The timing mechanism may be a resistor and the delay mechanism may be a capacitor, such that an RC circuit is formed which controls, in a time delayed fashion, a switching mechanism which in turn controls ramp-up of power application to the electronic component.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 1997Date of Patent: June 8, 1999Assignee: Cabletron Systems, Inc.Inventors: Paul C. Dorsey, Kevin M. Frazier, David J. Breig, Mehmet H. Duymazlar
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Patent number: 5909061Abstract: An air conditioner equipped with a solar generator is disclosed. The solar generator is capable of converting the DC power generated by a solar cell into the AC power whose voltage and frequency correspond to that of the commercial power source. The electrical power generated by the solar cell and the electrical power consumed by the air conditioner are monitored and may be displayed. The DC power generated by the solar cell is used directly by the air conditioner or used indirectly as the commercial power source by merging the converted AC power to the commercial power source. Further, the converted AC power may be selectively merged to the commercial power source depending on the various states of the air conditioner, and the air conditioning operations may be regulated depending on the electrical power generated by the solar cell.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 1997Date of Patent: June 1, 1999Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shigeharu Sasaki, Keigo Onizuka, Hisashi Tokizaki, Masaki Madenokoji, Koga Kenichi
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Patent number: 5905316Abstract: A structured cabling system with at least one pair of 2n-pole distribution sockets, with at least one pair of 2n-pole outlets, and with installed n-wire cable connections, each of which connects n poles of a distribution socket to n poles of the associated outlet. The system comprises means connecting the n unoccupied poles of one distribution socket (10.1) to the unoccupied poles of the second distribution socket (10.2) for at least one pair of distribution sockets (10.1, 10.2). The system further includes means connecting the n unoccupied poles of one outlet (14.1) to the unoccupied poles of the second outlet (14.2) for at least the associated pair of outlets; and in that, in one distribution socket (10.2) and in one outlet (14.2) of each pair, each of the n unoccupied poles can be connected to one of the n occupied poles by means of a short-circuiting bridge plug (16).Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1997Date of Patent: May 18, 1999Inventor: Roland Dold
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Patent number: 5898232Abstract: A personal information device is provided, which includes an integrated circuit coupled to a variety of peripheral devices. The integrated circuit is configured with a core section and one or more input/output sections. The core section is powered independently of the input/output sections, allowing selective power down of peripheral components coupled to the integrated circuit without the use of external buffers. The input/output sections are configured with unique input/output circuits which perform the buffering task. The integrated circuit is further configured with a partial reset. The partial reset selectively forces portions of the integrated circuit to an initial state while other portions continue to operate. One particular embodiment of the integrated circuit is configured with a CPU and an RTC unit which comprises configuration RAM and a real time clock facility. When the partial reset is activated, the RTC unit is not reset but the CPU is reset.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 1995Date of Patent: April 27, 1999Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.Inventors: Daniel B. Reents, Mark T. Ellis
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Patent number: 5861682Abstract: In a distributor, a plurality of switches are connected in series with one another on main distribution lines emerging from a receiver switching apparatus, thus forming a trunk. A branch line extends from a junction between each pair of adjoining switches and leads to each load via another switch and a transformer, wherein each pair of switches on the trunk is formed as a single branch unit, and the switch and transformer are united as a power package. In each power package, a supply bushing and a load bushing are placed on the top of a transformer, and shielded with closed housings. A switch is placed in the closed housing for the supply bushing, and a distribution board is placed in the closed housing for the transformer. This configuration enables the disconnection of any branch distribution lines from the main distribution lines and diminishes the installation space.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 1993Date of Patent: January 19, 1999Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Michio Sakai, Ryouzou Hosoya, Nobuyuki Orito, Minoru Nakahata
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Patent number: 5844327Abstract: A broadband system that simultaneously delivers output power and supplies a broadband signal and has a redundant bus power supply. The system includes a central office having a video gateway. The system further includes a plurality of nodes having a power supply and a combiner for coupling the broadband signal to the power supply output. At each node, a distribution line delivers broadcast services and power to a consumer site. The power supply comprises a battery source, rectifier, filter, inverter and generator to provide a secondary DC power source. The various elements of the power supply are diode isolated and are interconnected via a redundant power bus, thus allowing power to be maintained to the subscribers even in case of failure of one or more elements of the power supply. The power supply further includes a plurality of inverters, each inverter supplies power to a distribution line. A controller monitors the status of each inverter and secondary power source.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 1997Date of Patent: December 1, 1998Assignee: Antec CorporationInventor: John Gary Batson
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Patent number: 5838076Abstract: A digitally controlled trim circuit which includes a plurality of resistors connected in series between a circuit node and a reference voltage, a plurality of first solid-state switches (e.g., PMOS transistors) connected in series across respective ones of the resistors, a plurality of multiplexers each having an output coupled to the gate electrode of a respective one of the first switches, a plurality of first control lines coupled to a first input of respective ones of the multiplexers, a plurality of second control lines coupled to a second input of respective ones of the multiplexers, and a plurality of fuses coupled to respective ones of the first control lines. The trim circuit is operable in a trim test mode in response to a first logic level of a select control signal coupled to the select input of each of the multiplexers, and is operable in a fuse-program mode in response to a second logic level of the select control signal.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 1996Date of Patent: November 17, 1998Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.Inventors: Morteza Zarrabian, Kenneth J. Carroll
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Patent number: 5821642Abstract: A device for controlling a switching relay to deliver power to a load. The switching relay selectively couples a hot leg of a utility power supply to the load. The load is coupled to a neutral wire of the utility power supply. The device includes a sensor for detecting whether an area is occupied. If the sensor indicates that the area is occupied and the load is powered off, the device monitors the line voltage for a zero crossing. Upon detecting a zero crossing, an amount of time to a subsequent zero crossing is measured and stored. Then, the device waits the amount of time between zero crossings, less a delay time for closing the contacts of the relay, and initiates a closing of the contacts of the relay. Similarly, when the sensor detects that the area has not been occupied for a predetermined amount of time and the load is powered on, the line voltage is monitored for a zero crossing and a time to a subsequent zero crossing is measured and stored.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 1996Date of Patent: October 13, 1998Assignee: Hubbell IncorporatedInventors: Thomas S. Nishhira, David A. Blau, Stephen A. Calebotta
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Patent number: 5818128Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 20, 1996Date of Patent: October 6, 1998Assignee: Heath CompanyInventors: Miles K. Hoffman, Brad Jenson, Klaus Wieder
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Patent number: 5814905Abstract: A multi-tap device for tapping a main TV or rf signal to deliver attenuated signals to individual TV receivers includes a pair of socket assemblies for receiving input and output pins of a plug-in tap plate or printed circuit board carrying necessary attenuation/tap off circuitry. The socket assemblies connect the input pin to a main input cable for receiving the main rf signal and ac power, and connect the output pin to a main output cable or continuation of the main cable, for distributing the main rf signal(s) and ac power to cascaded down line multi-tap devices. A shunt printed circuit board is mounted between the socket assemblies, and has an rf/ac conductive strip for connection at either end to switches built into each socket assembly.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1997Date of Patent: September 29, 1998Inventor: Danny Q. Tang
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Patent number: 5811893Abstract: In order to make the commonly used approximation switch insensitive to intermittently occurring magnetic interference fields, such switch consisting of a magnetic field sensor (1) acting via an amplifier stage (2) on a switching stage (3), provision is made for a second sensor (4) reacting to such interference fields, said sensor, in its activated state, returning the given output signal of the switching stage (3) to the input of the amplifier stage (2) for maintaining the given lead signal of the sensor stage (magnetic field sensor 1), and thus preserving the functional state of the approximation switch present in the event of interference.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 1996Date of Patent: September 22, 1998Assignee: Soyck GmbHInventor: Gerno Soyck
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Patent number: 5798578Abstract: A synchronization device for a redundant power supply system synchronizes resetting of tripping type current limiter devices which are reset automatically, to prevent the current limiters tripping out in cascade when the system is started up or automatically reset after the disappearance of a short-term current surge. It includes a synchronization link interconnecting all the current limiters of all the power supply units. Each current limiter includes a generator sending a synchronization signal on the synchronization link periodically and independently for each current limiter. The generator which sends a synchronization signal first resets all the current limiters simultaneously. The device has applications in electronic equipment comprising a plurality of power supply units connected in parallel.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 1995Date of Patent: August 25, 1998Assignee: Alcatel ConvertersInventor: Jean-Marie Thereze