Patents by Inventor Al Becker

Al Becker has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6529355
    Abstract: A circuit that protects a current shunt or any analog measuring circuit without the implementation of fuses. In a particular embodiment, a circuit comprises a current shunt and a plurality of transistors that may be configured to function as a fuse. One of the transistors may be deactivated once the input voltage exceeds a negative threshold voltage. The other transistor may be deactivated once the input voltage exceeds a positive threshold voltage. By deactivating the transistors once the input voltage exceeds a negative or a positive threshold voltage, the transistors are configured to function as a fuse and provide input protection for a current shunt or for any analog measuring circuit. In another particular embodiment, a circuit provides protection for a first and second current shunt where the second current shunt is less in resistance than the first current shunt. The circuit further comprises a plurality of transistors that may be configured to function as a fuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: National Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Al Becker, Bakul Damle
  • Patent number: 6434965
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming a large block of frozen liquid having vertically-disposed heat transfer tubes positioned within an open-bottom, walled mold, and elevator means to raise and lower a platform or a tray to seal with the mold as a bottom to receive and retain the liquid. Once frozen, the block is removed by lowering the platform or tray in a controlled manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventors: Mike Hughes, Al Becker
  • Patent number: 5765949
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the effects of ground loops in a thermocouple measurement device employing a differential amplifier for signal amplification. A resistor is coupled at the input of the differential amplifier to provide a DC ground reference. A capacitor is coupled in parallel to the resistor to compensate for AC noise and prevent the inputs from floating out of common mode range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: National Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Michel Haddad, Al Becker, Bakul V. Damle