Patents by Inventor Robert J. Erdman

Robert J. Erdman 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: 3979642
    Abstract: Electronic protective circuitry for protecting an electrical circuit, such as a constant current source circuit, from damage due to an overvoltage applied to the circuit. The protective circuit employs circuitry for limiting the magnitude of the voltage across a first portion of the circuit, such as an amplifier output circuit, so that the voltage thereacross is limited to a given maximum voltage level. A current limiter is connected in series between the first portion and second portion for limiting the magnitude of current flowing through the circuitry to a given maximum current level. Essentially all of the overvoltage is applied across the current limiter. The protective circuit is particularly applicable for protecting an amplifier from damage due to an overvoltage applied to its output circuit, as well as for protecting a resistor connected in series with the output circuit of the amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1974
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1976
    Assignee: Keithley Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Pieter G. Cath, Robert J. Erdman