Patents by Inventor Earl J. Erickson

Earl J. Erickson 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).

  • Apparatus for generating a power off/on signal
    Patent number: 6119238
    Abstract: An apparatus, for generating a power OFF/ON signal for a microprocessor which receives operating power from a secondary winding of a transformer, includes a detector for detecting the input voltage of the transformer. When this input voltage drops below a given threshold level, a low voltage detection circuit provided by the apparatus generates the power OFF/ON signal for the microprocessor. By detecting the input voltage as opposed to the operating power of the microprocessor, the apparatus allows the microprocessor sufficient time to perform its shut-down functions before the operating power drops below a minimum level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Philips Electronics North America Corporation
    Inventors: James R. Jennings, Earl J. Erickson