Patents Examined by Peter Ganjian
-
Patent number: 5747894Abstract: A connector divice which can stably supply electric power and send and receive signals in a contactless way, i.e., without using any electrode contact, and without strict alignment of the device.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 1996Date of Patent: May 5, 1998Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yaskawa DenkiInventors: Junji Hirai, Yoshiji Hiraga, Kenji Nomura
-
Patent number: 5744875Abstract: An electrically-operated system for the locks of a motor vehicle as a remote controller with a multifunction push button which, when first operated, locks the vehicle doors and sets a time window open within which a second actuation of the button will provide the antitheft mode. This arrangement allows a single push button to be used for both locking and antitheft operations.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1996Date of Patent: April 28, 1998Assignee: Kiekert AGInventors: Frank Kleefeldt, Wilfried Ostermann, Fred Welskopf
-
Patent number: 5744874Abstract: A car remote control system utilizing a signal in the form of electromagnetic wave or infrared ray called `keyless entry`. When receiving a predetermined wake-up signal, an MPU is once operated even when the received input signal is a noise signal to perform only judging operation of whether or not the input signal is normal. Only when judging that the input signal is a normal wake-up signal, the MPU controllably causes an electronic circuit to be shifted to a usual operation mode. When judging that the input signal is the noise signal prior to full input of the tuner signal, the MPU immediately shifts to a sleep mode. Thereby current consumption of an electronic control circuit can be suppressed.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 1996Date of Patent: April 28, 1998Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tatsuya Yoshida, Mitsuru Kon'i
-
Patent number: 5739592Abstract: A system for providing an electrical power and electronic communication link between a tractor and trailer includes a tractor module associated with the tractor and a trailer module associated with the trailer. The tractor module controls a plurality of switching devices operable to switch a corresponding plurality of electrical lines extending between the tractor electrical system and the trailer to one of an electrical power line, a ground line and a communication line. The trailer module similarly controls a plurality of switching devices operable to switch a corresponding plurality of electrical lines extending between the trailer lighting system and the tractor electrical system to one of an electrical system of the trailer a communication line.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 1996Date of Patent: April 14, 1998Assignee: Grote Industries, Inc.Inventors: Bruce S. Rigsby, Troy Lynn Roney
-
Patent number: 5734203Abstract: A headlight circuit for an automobile which has two versions. One version can be used in automobiles which do not have daytime running lights and the other version can be used in automobiles which have daytime running lights. The circuit includes headlights which have high beam and low beam filaments, a high beam switch, a low beam switch, a battery, a turn signal switch, and three relays.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 1996Date of Patent: March 31, 1998Inventor: Benjamin Daniel Slater
-
Patent number: 5723911Abstract: A device for controlling keyless access to a motor vehicle includes a transceiver to be carried by a user. A distance detecting device measures a distance between the transceiver and a motor vehicle. A transmitting unit being disposed in the motor vehicle and being associated with a tripping device broadcasts a question code signal when the tripping device is actuated. The transceiver has a receiver for receiving the question code signal, and the transceiver has a transmitter for broadcasting an answer code signal only whenever the motor vehicle is located in the immediate vicinity of the transceiver. A receiving unit disposed in the motor vehicle receives the answer code signal from the transceiver and furnishes an unlocking signal to an unlocking unit if the answer code signal matches a set-point code signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 1995Date of Patent: March 3, 1998Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Manfred Glehr
-
Patent number: 5723912Abstract: A vehicle controller is presented for use in a remote keyless entry system for controlling a vehicle device function. The controller includes a receiver for receiving a RF request signal including a security code uniquely identifying a portable transmitter that is authorized entry into the vehicle and for controlling access to the vehicle when the received security code matches a prestored security code. A circuit board carries the receiver and a flat ground plane. A helical antenna is mounted on the circuit board and includes an elongated conductive member having one end electrically connected to the receiver means and an opposite free end. The conductive member is helically coiled about a helical axis intermediate the ends thereof with the helical axis being perpendicular to the ground plane. The antenna is configured to provide an omni-directional radiation pattern about the helical axis.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 1996Date of Patent: March 3, 1998Assignee: TRW Inc.Inventors: Mahmood Ahrabian, William P. Sullivan
-
Patent number: 5723915Abstract: A solid state power controller for switching power on and off to an electrical load which also serves as a circuit protection device protecting the load and/or the wire connected between the load output terminal of the controller and ground from thermal damage due to current overload is shown. When a current overload exists the controller interrupts current to the load in a time inversely proportional to the square of the magnitude of the overload as shown in a trip time vs load current curve. The controller also limits the load current to a selected maximum level by controlling the drain-source resistance of power MOSFETs used for switching the power. A secondary interrupt is provided in the event that the junction temperature of the MOSFETs has risen a selected maximum level. A thermal memory feature is included for both interrupt signals. The controller is controlled by a single on/off input line and provides both a status and trip output line to indicate its state.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 1992Date of Patent: March 3, 1998Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: Thomas R. Maher, Norman E. LeComte, Keith W. Kawate
-
Patent number: 5723916Abstract: An insulated gate electrical load driving device includes simple and accurate gate control circuitry for limiting load current therethrough. Preferably, all circuitry is formed of a single integrated circuit having the insulated gate load driving device dielectrically isolated from the gate control circuitry. The gate control circuitry may include either one, or both, of a zener diode and a resistor divider. An input drive signal to the circuit is accurately controlled by the gate control circuitry to thereby limit the saturation current through the insulated load driving device, and hence the load current, to predetermined current level. Preferably, the predetermined saturation current level falls within a range of saturation currents of the insulated gate load driving device that is substantially constant over a wide operating temperature range.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 1996Date of Patent: March 3, 1998Assignee: Delco Electronics CorporationInventors: Donald Ray Disney, John Robert Shreve
-
Patent number: 5721458Abstract: The capability of base power units which have phase switching capabilities which can be controlled upon sensing the power condition and status of other base power units is taken advantage of to provide a modular scalable power assembly. The base power units, which are preferably identical, are inserted into a plurality of slots so as to be pluggable into a circuit backplane which automatically provides the requisite interconnections between the base power units. The power assembly of the present invention is particularly useful in supplying power to scalable parallel processing computer systems.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1995Date of Patent: February 24, 1998Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Daniel James Kearney, Steven John Ahladas, David Nicholas Ayd
-
Patent number: 5717577Abstract: The present invention places a semi-lossy gasket between a printed circuit board ground pad ring and a metal shield can for shielding electronic components and circuitry which generate electromagnetic radiation. The present invention also provides a variety of means for aligning and mounting the shield can and gasket to the printed circuit board. Guide pins extending from the shield can extend through apertures in the printed circuit board for aligning the shield can to the printed circuit board. The guide pins can be bent or soldered to the printed circuit board and can also include a hooked end for latching on to the printed circuit board.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1996Date of Patent: February 10, 1998Assignee: Ericsson, Inc.Inventors: Gregory S. Mendolia, Benjamin O. Roderique, David R. Droege
-
Patent number: 5712512Abstract: A method of resetting a central lock system of a motor vehicle automobile connects a diagnostic device to a fixed part of the system. When the central unit is switched to the "SETUP" mode, the key of a new portable unit is inserted into a key-operated switch to interrogate a transponder of the portable unit, a transponder querying transceiver of the fixed unit to derive a key-identification code word which is stored in the transponder and in a memory of the transceiver. The transmitter is then operated to send a remote-control changing code word which progressively changes in the transmitter, to the receiver. The latter picks up the then-effective remote-control changing code word and stores it in the transceiver and transponder code word storage memories as a new transponder changing code word. The fixed unit is then switched back to its "NORMAL" mode.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 1996Date of Patent: January 27, 1998Assignee: Kiekert AGInventors: Wilfried Ostermann, Fred Welskopf
-
Patent number: 5708308Abstract: An antitheft apparatus for an automobile includes an engine starting key storing an identification code allocated inherently, a code reading circuit for reading out the identification code from the engine starting key inserted in a key cylinder installed on the automobile, a code collating circuit for collating the identification code supplied from the code reading circuit with a verification code stored previously, and an engine start decision circuit for enabling engine starting operation when the identification code coincides with the verification code, while upon occurrence of a discrepancy between the identification code and the verification code, for enabling the engine starting operation only when a door or accelerator pedal of the automobile is actuated in a predetermined manner. The automobile can be operated even when the key is lost or damaged and the identification code is unavailable.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 1996Date of Patent: January 13, 1998Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kazuyori Katayama, Yasuo Naito
-
Patent number: 5708307Abstract: An anti-theft car protection system comprises a transmitter-receiver for receiving a code of the key, an immobilizer unit for collating said code as received with a code as registered and transmitting an engine start permission signal to an engine control unit when said code as received coincides with said code as registered, and means, cooperating with said immobilizer unit, for removing repetition of key operation upon start of the engine.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 1995Date of Patent: January 13, 1998Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yohichi Iijima, Yoshiki Onuma, Takashi Yoshizawa
-
Patent number: 5705861Abstract: A magnetic field pulse generators has an electrical coil and a magnetizable element being inductively coupled thereto, for together radiating a magnetic field into an external space. In order to switch off the magnetic field in the external space, the magnetizable element can be driven to saturation by a pulsed current in the coil at which the material of the coil core has not yet reached saturation.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1995Date of Patent: January 6, 1998Assignee: Siemens Matsushita Components GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Mauricio Esguerra
-
Patent number: 5701038Abstract: The firing loop of a SIR system has a firing element, a capacitor for passing AC pulses to the element and an inductance which varies according to application. A current sensor monitors each pulse and detects a threshold crossing on the trailing side of the pulse, and a toggle circuit operates a switch arrangement to terminate the pulse and initiate the next pulse of opposite polarity. This current feedback circuit varies the pulse frequency according to the loop inductance but the RMS loop current is independent of inductance.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 1996Date of Patent: December 23, 1997Assignee: Delco Electronics Corp.Inventor: Kevin Dale Kincaid
-
Patent number: 5698906Abstract: A remote controlled locking system employing a holographic window display, particularly adapted for vehicle use. The system includes a remotely-operated transmitter for transmitting locking and unlocking signals, and a locking mechanism that is locked and unlocked in response to the transmitted signals. The locking mechanism outputs a status signal or status signals, corresponding to at least one of the locking and unlocking signals. Control electronics process the status signals from the locking mechanism to provide control signals that are coupled to first and second light emitting members, such as LED arrays. The light emitting members produce light output signals in response to the control signals. First and second prism couplers are attached to a surface of a window and are optically coupled to the first and second light emitting members. First and second hologram decals that comprise the holographic window display are attached to the surface of the window and are responsive to the light output signals.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1995Date of Patent: December 16, 1997Assignee: Hughes ElectronicsInventors: Anthony N. Gardner, Ronald T. Smith
-
Patent number: 5693986Abstract: A battery protection device disconnects vehicle electronic components from a motor vehicle battery to prevent a full discharge thereof including a plurality of switches switchable between ON and OFF positions, and a control unit electrically connected to each of the switches and capable of switching each of the switches between the ON and OFF positions individually.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 1997Date of Patent: December 2, 1997Assignee: Chrysler CorporationInventors: Frank Vettraino, Jr., Richard L. Long, Patrick Dean, Norman T. Caramagno
-
Patent number: 5684338Abstract: A security device which is particularly suitable for motor vehicles is proposed. It comprises an electronic control unit (10) for controlling the functions of an apparatus to be protected, at least two sensors (U.sub.1, U.sub.2) for detecting specific operating states of the apparatus to be protected and a circuit (42) to which the output signals of the sensors (U.sub.1, U.sub.2) are fed. The circuit (42) carries out an exchange of data with the electronic control unit (10) in order to control its operational capability, the output signals of the sensors (U.sub.1, U.sub.2) influencing the exchange of data according to the detected operating state such that the electronic control unit (10) is only operative in a prescribed operating state of the apparatus to be protected. For this purpose, the circuit (42) has a memory (44) in which at least one predetermined code is stored.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 1996Date of Patent: November 4, 1997Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Rodney Phillip Linton, Janis Eglinsch-Veglinsch, Wolfgang Matuschek
-
Patent number: 5684341Abstract: An electromagnetic generator for working electrically conducting objects with current and magnetic field pulses having a high rate of rise as expressed by dI/dt and dB/dt includes primary windings of a pulse transformer that are arranged in pairs so that their primary currents generate a single current pulse on the secondary side of the pulse transformer. The pulse transformer has as secondary coil comprised of a longitudinally slit pipe on which the insulated primary windings are placed. Contact blocks are attached as current outputs next to the longitudinal slit and in the middle of pipe for the connection of an external low-ohmic peak-current loop which encloses a magnetic field concentrator that is made in one or several parts and that can accept one or several metal work pieces.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 1994Date of Patent: November 4, 1997Assignee: Magnet-Physik Dr. Steingroever GmbHInventor: Erich Steingroever