Abstract: An improved predriver circuit for an output buffer is provided that can enable the output buffer to operate well within maximum and minimum IOL current specifications at lower internally regulated voltages. The predriver circuit comprises a limiter device configured to limit or otherwise regulate the maximum gate voltage provided to the gate of the pull-down transistor device. As a result, the pull-down transistor device can be sized optimally to provide additional margin to exceed the minimum IOL specification, while also improving the margin under the maximum IOL specification. The device is configured to limit the maximum gate voltage of the output pull-down transistor device to less than the maximum external power supply voltage.

Abstract: An improved predriver circuit for an output buffer is provided that can enable the output buffer to operate well within maximum and minimum IOL current specifications at lower internally regulated voltages. The predriver circuit comprises a limiter device configured to limit or otherwise regulate the maximum gate voltage provided to the gate of the pull-down transistor device. As a result, the pull-down transistor device can be sized optimally to provide additional margin to exceed the minimum IOL specification, while also improving the margin under the maximum IOL specification. The device is configured to limit the maximum gate voltage of the output pull-down transistor device to less than the maximum external power supply voltage.

Abstract: An improved predriver circuit for an output buffer is provided that can enable the output buffer to operate well within maximum and minimum IOL current specifications at lower internally regulated voltages. The predriver circuit comprises a limiter device configured to limit or otherwise regulate the maximum gate voltage provided to the gate of the pull-down transistor device. As a result, the pull-down transistor device can be sized optimally to provide additional margin to exceed the minimum IOL specification, while also improving the margin under the maximum IOL specification. The device is configured to limit the maximum gate voltage of the output pull-down transistor device to less than the maximum external power supply voltage.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention includes a circuit for detecting when an input voltage exceeds a predetermined threshold. The circuit for detecting includes an input for receiving the input voltage. Further, the circuit includes a plurality of switching devices, wherein each of the switching devices comprises a first and second terminal for defining a variable conductive path, and a third terminal for receiving a signal to control said variable conductive path. The plurality of switching devices includes three switching devices. The first switching device has a first terminal coupled to the input and a second terminal coupled to a first node. The second switching device has a first terminal coupled to the first node and a second terminal coupled to a second node. Finally, the third switching device has a first terminal coupled to the second node.

Abstract: A preheater unit magnetically attachable to the surface of the oil pan of an automobile engine includes an electric heating unit and a magnetic device situated within a rectilinear shell having an open side closed by a non-magnetic heat transfer plate. The heating unit is encased in the plate and surrounds the magnetic device. The magnetic device includes a permanent magnet disposed between two magnetic end portions situated to be operative in the same plane as the outer planar surface of the plate through parallel spaced apart openings in the plate for magnetically attaching the preheater unit to the surface of the oil pan. A temperature control switch within the shell maintains the heat transfer plate within predetermined temperature limits.

Abstract: A solar heater includes an elongated solar collector having two fixedly connected solar panels of highly heat conductive material supported by a roof clamp on a shingled roof. The bottom edges of each of the solar panels include upturned gutter portions. One form of roof clamp for shingled roofs includes a J-shape shingle clamp member having a clamp bolt extending therethrough, and a solar collector clamp member assembled on the bolt and clamped to the bottom gutter portions of the solar panels. A bottom plate of the J-shape clamp member is slid under a shingle of a first shingle course and under a shingle of a second upper shingle course to carry the bolt into the top of the gap between adjacent shingle portions of the first course and to position a top plate of the shingle clamp member over parts of the shank portions of the first course and over a part of the one shingle of the second course. A clamp nut clamps the collector clamp member and the shinlge clamp member firmly to the contacted shingles.

Abstract: A preheater unit magnetically attachable to the surface of the oil pan of an automobile engine includes an electric heating unit and a magnetic device situated within a rectilinear shell having an open side closed by a non-magnetic heat transfer plate. The heating unit is encased in the plate and surrounds the magnetic device. The magnetic device includes a permanent magnet disposed between two magnetic end portions situated to be operative in the same plane as the outer planar surface of the plate through parallel spaced apart openings in the plate for magnetically attaching the preheater unit to the surface of the oil pan. A temperature control switch within the shell maintains the heat transfer plate within predetermined temperature limits.