Patents Examined by Josie A. Ballato
-
Patent number: 6369457Abstract: A vehicle having a central locking system for doors, tailgates or the like, as well as a device for illuminating an interior space of the vehicle, wherein the central locking system has a central control unit (1), and the central control unit (1) has an output (7) both for at least one actuating drive (2) and for the device for illuminating the interior space.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 1999Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Assignee: Mannesmann VDO AGInventors: Martin Meyer, Axel Schäfer
-
Patent number: 6366435Abstract: A multiple sources electrostatic discharge protection circuit. The protection circuit is applicable for being used in both N-type and P-type substrate of epitaxy wafer. Employing the concept of charge couple, while electrostatic discharge occurs, the parasitic bipolar carriers of a transistor to provide a discharge path is turned on in advance under both the conditions of applying a positive stress to the ground or a negative stress to a voltage source pad. In addition, by applying the electrostatic discharge stress to the ground voltage or the voltage source, the drawback of the conventional electrostatic discharge charge couple protection circuit can be resolved to greatly enhance the protection effect.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2000Date of Patent: April 2, 2002Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.Inventors: Shiao-Shien Chen, Tien-Hao Tang
-
Patent number: 6365990Abstract: A power transfer device having various electrical components adapted for interconnection with the electrical system of a building includes a cabinet having a face plate provided with a socket opening which normally accommodates a power input receptacle adapted to receive a plug connector electrically connected to a generator. The power transfer device includes an internal compartment defined by the cabinet, and a set of connections corresponding to the electrical components located within the internal compartment. A cover plate terminal assembly is removably connected to the face plate for covering the socket opening to prevent access to the internal compartment and for providing a direct, permanently wired power input arrangement rather than a plug-type power input via a power input receptacle. The cover plate terminal assembly is also electrically interconnected with the electrical component connections in the internal compartment.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 1999Date of Patent: April 2, 2002Assignee: Reliance Controls CorporationInventor: David D. Flegel
-
Patent number: 6366442Abstract: A vehicular input device is disclosed which can afford a high stability of movable portions and an excellent power saving characteristic without impairing the operability of a manual operating unit. A mechanical portion of the vehicular input device is provided with a spherical bearing, a pivot shaft supported pivotably by the spherical bearing, a solenoid disposed below the spherical bearing, and a clamp member for clamping the pivot shaft, the clamp member being secured to an upper end portion of a drive shaft of the solenoid. A lower end portion of the pivot shaft is formed in a conical shape which becomes smaller in diameter gradually downwards. In an upper surface of the clamp member which is opposed to the lower end portion of the pivot shaft there is formed a generally conical depression into which the lower end portion of the pivot shaft can be inserted.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2000Date of Patent: April 2, 2002Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Mikio Onodera
-
Patent number: 6365991Abstract: A test mode structure and method of a multi-power-source device provides for the device to remain in a test mode, during which current draw of the device may be accurately measured, even after primary power supply to the device has been greatly reduced or completely removed. Significant reduction or removal of the primary power supply while still remaining in the test mode is necessary to counter the presence of a variable current that would otherwise be normally generated by the multi-power-source device in the test mode; the presence of the variable current during the test mode, if not negated, will not permit an accurate measurement of the current draw of the multi-power-source device. Significant reduction or removal of the primary power supply to the device would typically cause the multi-power-source device to exit the test mode and switch to a secondary supply voltage supplied by the secondary power supply, thereby foiling any attempt to measure the current draw of the device.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 1999Date of Patent: April 2, 2002Assignee: STMicroelectronics, Inc.Inventors: Tom Youssef, David Charles McClure
-
Patent number: 6365987Abstract: A passenger protection device of an automobile is triggered when a testable acceleration switch supplies a switch signal and an electrically controlled switching device is actuated by a control circuit depending on a collision. Actuation of the switching device is prevented on a triggering circuit side by a blocking device so that the passenger protection device is not triggered as a result of faulty control switching during testing of the acceleration switch.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2000Date of Patent: April 2, 2002Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Ludwig Riederer, Claus Schmidt, Marten Swart
-
Patent number: 6362541Abstract: A system and method for reduced standby power consumption in a display device. In one embodiment, a circuit for power mode switching between a main mode and a standby mode of a display device is provided. In this embodiment, the circuit comprises a power supply unit coupled to a power source for receiving an input power signal and for generating output power signals when the display device is in the main mode. The circuit also includes an opto coupler coupled to a computer and responsive to a sync signal therefrom. The opto coupler is also coupled to the power supply unit for selectively sending an OFF signal thereto when the opto coupler does not detect the sync signal from the computer. Moreover, in this embodiment, the power supply unit shuts down and stops generating the output power signals in response to the OFF signal, thereby switching the display device to the standby mode.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2000Date of Patent: March 26, 2002Assignees: Sony Corporation of Japan, Sony Electronics, Inc.Inventor: Toshiro Kawata
-
Patent number: 6362540Abstract: An expandable hybrid electric generator (20) includes a number of power blocks (22) that may be nearly identical to one another. The power blocks (22) are controlled by a master controller (34), and an external supervisor (30) performs some master controller (34) functions should the master controller (34) fault. The power blocks (22) each include a battery bank (42) and an inverter/charger (44), both of which couple to a DC bus (40). The inverter (44) and an AC generator (50) couple to an AC bus (24). The DC busses (40) of the power blocks (22) remain independent of one another, but all power blocks (22) couple together at the AC bus (24). The master controller (34) issues instructions to the inverters (44) that maintain approximately equal states at the independent DC busses (40) of the power blocks (22).Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 1999Date of Patent: March 26, 2002Assignee: Pinnacle West Capital CorporationInventor: Bryan T. Hill
-
Patent number: 6362538Abstract: An electrical control popout actuator mechanism preferably integrated with a trimmer potentiometer is vertically mounted directly to a printed circuit board. The electrical control popout actuator mechanism has a cam cylinder member, a spring biasing member, a shaft member, and a follower member which allow it to extend during use and retract when not in use. Flanges on said follower member follow cooperating cam paths to allow activation of the mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 1999Date of Patent: March 26, 2002Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Thurman Russell Reed, Jacob John Ruden, Timothy Dean Garner
-
Patent number: 6359348Abstract: A remote keyless entry system including a keyless fob having a transmitter for remote transmission of a semi-passive function control signal to an automobile in which the user does not have to manually actuate the fob while it transitions with the user from a point outside of its range with respect to the automobile to a point within its range. The user need only actuate the semi-passive signal transmission once and it is repetitively transmitted for a given amount of time whereby the trunk lid for example of the user's automobile will open as the user and the keyless fob move into a predetermined range from the automobile.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 1999Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Lear CorporationInventor: Ronald O. King
-
Patent number: 6355992Abstract: A high voltage pulse generator provides a short, fast rise, high voltage pulse from a very low impedance suitable for initiating high energy electrical discharges in liquids and high pressure gases. Its low impedance allows extremely high currents from external energy storage capacitors to be conducted through the invention once the invention has initiated an arc. Its fast rise time is suitable for initiating multiple arcs or even sheet surface discharges in high pressure gasses under suitable conditions.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 1999Date of Patent: March 12, 2002Assignee: Utron Inc.Inventor: Lester C. Via
-
Patent number: 6356422Abstract: A circuit breaker system 10 (FIG. 1) using electronic trip units 35 is disclosed. The electronic trip units 35 are coupled to a communications bus 30 whereby the electronic trip units 35 can be reconfigured, controlled, and/or monitored by a central computer 20. Further, the electronic trip units are coupled to a separate control power supply line 50 and to a zone selective interlock system.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 1999Date of Patent: March 12, 2002Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.Inventors: Mario Bilac, Paul J. Terricciano, William Petrosky, Charles Randall Dollar, II, Mikhail B. Golod, Euclid Batista
-
Patent number: 6356428Abstract: A suspension device for a line arrester in an air-insulated transmission line including two suspension parts which support the line arrester such that its longitudinal axis deviates from the vertical line. One of the suspension parts includes a disconnecting device which, when releasing, permits the line arrester a swinging motion under the influence of a force of gravity caused by the weight of the line arrester itself. And, one of the suspension parts includes a damping member which influences the line arrester with a force directed against the swinging motion during at least part of the swinging motion. The damping member may include a damping plate, one or more friction linings, or a flexible wire.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2000Date of Patent: March 12, 2002Assignee: Abb ABInventors: Sven Akervall, Roger Siljeholm
-
Patent number: 6353782Abstract: To improve a response rate and an impact detection precision of an auxiliary acceleration sensor device for an air bag system, an auxiliary acceleration sensor device includes a longitudinal G sensor for sensing a longitudinal acceleration G of a vehicle, and lateral G sensor for sensing a lateral acceleration G of the vehicle. The longitudinal G sensor includes a constant current source circuit, a detector portion for outputting an electrical signal representative of a longitudinal acceleration G, and an amplifier portion for amplifying the signal received from the detecting portion. The comparator includes comparing elements that compare the voltage values corresponding to longitudinal threshold values Tf1 to Tf4 of the longitudinal acceleration G with an output signal of the amplifier portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 1999Date of Patent: March 5, 2002Assignee: Akebono Brake Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takashi Kunimi, Masahiro Nezu, Masatomo Mori, Kazuya Kato
-
Patent number: 6351363Abstract: A multi-stage polydiode-based electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuit is provided for use in an IC device to protect the internal circuit of the IC device against ESD. In use, the multi-stage polydiode-based ESD protection circuit of the invention is provided between a bonding pad and the internal circuit of the IC device for the purpose of protecting the internal circuit of the IC device against any ESD voltage applied to the bonding pad. The multi-stage polydiode-based ESD protection circuit of the invention comprises: a plurality of stages of polydiode circuits; a plurality of resistors, each being connected between two neighboring stages of the polydiode circuits; and a power protection circuit connected between a high system voltage line and a low system voltage line.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 1999Date of Patent: February 26, 2002Assignee: Sunplus Technology Co. Ltd.Inventor: Tai-Ho Wang
-
Patent number: 6347030Abstract: A disclosed battery supply control unit comprises a large current relay in which an excitation current continuously flows when it is in its connecting state and a small current relay in which a limited excitation current flows only at the time of changeover between its connecting state and non-connecting state. If loads require a large current, the large current relay and small current relay are maintained in the connecting state, and if the loads do not require the large current, the large current relay is maintained in the non-connecting state while the small current relay is maintained in the connecting state at least in a predetermined time.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 1999Date of Patent: February 12, 2002Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventor: Kimihiro Matsuura
-
Patent number: 6342736Abstract: An inverterless uninterruptible power supply includes a battery and a clock circuit that generates a first periodic signal having a first frequency. An AC supply detection circuit generates a line control signal that is un-asserted when an AC supply is capable of supplying power above a predetermined threshold and is asserted when the AC supply is not capable of supplying power above the predetermined threshold. A control gate is responsive to the first periodic signal and to the line control signal. The control gate generates a power control signal. The power control signal is a periodic signal having the first frequency when the line control signal is asserted and is zero when the line control signal is un-asserted. A power transistor is gated by the power control signal, and periodically transfers current from the battery to the load at the first frequency.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2000Date of Patent: January 29, 2002Assignee: Rimasoft, L.L.C.Inventors: Mehmet Ebubekir Tatari, Sobhy Farag Abdelsalam
-
Patent number: 6340852Abstract: A voltage generating circuit according to the present invention includes an external power supply interconnection supplied with an external power supply voltage, an internal power supply interconnection to supply an internal power supply voltage to a load, a regulator circuit which receives the output of the external power supply interconnection and generates a rated voltage for the internal power supply voltage, a voltage switch transistor to connect the external power supply interconnection and the internal power supply interconnection. The regulator circuit and voltage switch transistor are complementarily activated based on the voltage level of a control node. The voltage generating circuit further includes a voltage switch circuit to switch the voltage level of the control node based on the voltage level of the external power supply interconnection.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 1999Date of Patent: January 22, 2002Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Shinichi Mizoguchi
-
Patent number: 6340886Abstract: A magnetic field sensing structure for sensing magnetic field changes provided therein having a pair of pole structures with a gap space between them that each include permeable material and end in substantially a common surface. A plurality of field sensing structures is positioned successively in the gap space to be supported between the pole structures with each having an end thereof substantially the common surface. These sensing structures are formed of a plurality of magnetoresistive, anisotropic, ferromagnetic thin-film layers at least two of which are separated from one another by a nonmagnetic, electrically conductive layer positioned between them. They are electrically connected to one another adjacent the common surface, and may be electrically connected to one of the pole structures.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 1997Date of Patent: January 22, 2002Assignee: Nonvolatile Electronics, IncorporatedInventors: James M. Daughton, Arthur V. Pohm
-
Patent number: 6339265Abstract: A voltage drop compensating reactor connected between the power distribution system and the load provides a flux shifting multiple-winding reactor with a capacitor bank connected between the reactor windings. At least one line winding is oriented in a first polarity on a core, and at least one compensating winding oriented in the opposite polarity on the core and connected between the output of the first winding and the load. The opposing fluxes generated by the line winding and the compensating winding cancel and the total reactance of the device is lower than the reactance of the line winding. The input of a cross-link circuit comprising a capacitor is connected between the line winding and the compensating winding. The reactance through the cross-link circuit to the neutral (or another phase) is lower than the reactance through the line winding.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2000Date of Patent: January 15, 2002Assignee: 1061933 Ontario, Inc.Inventors: Michael I. Levin, Anthony H. Hoevenaars, Igor V. Volkov, Vladimir G. Kuznetsov