Patents by Inventor Steve Contreras

Steve Contreras 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: 7808751
    Abstract: A magnetic interface circuit for interfacing between the line side and the circuit side of a communication channel, such as an Ethernet port, includes a transformer having a primary winding connected to the line side of the channel and a secondary winding connected to the circuit side of the channel. The primary winding is fortified to provide differential mode electrical surge protection on the line side. The transformer design having parasitic L, C and R and, saturation during the surge event, acting to suppress the coupling of the electrical surge to the secondary winding. A voltage limiting device is connected in the circuit side of the channel to limit any voltage surges on the circuit side to a safe level. A pair of voltage limiting devices connected in series with the connection therebetween connected to ground may be used to also provide common mode surge protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Bel Fuse Inc.
    Inventors: John Chen, Steve Contreras
  • Patent number: 7123117
    Abstract: A magnetic interface circuit for a LAN, such as an Ethernet network, includes a transformer having a first winding connected to the line side of the LAN and a second winding connected to the circuit side of the LAN. Each of the first and second windings has two output ports and one of the windings has a center tap port A 3-wire common mode choke having a center winding and two outer windings, the center winding of a 3-wire common mode choke is connected to the center tap of the one winding and the outer windings of the 3-wire common mode choke are respectively connected to the output ports of the one winding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Bel-Fuse Inc.
    Inventors: John Chen, Steve Contreras
  • Publication number: 20050243483
    Abstract: A magnetic interface circuit for interfacing between the line side and the circuit side of a communication channel, such as an Ethernet port, includes a transformer having a primary winding connected to the line side of the channel and a secondary winding connected to the circuit side of the channel. The primary winding is fortified to provide differential mode electrical surge protection on the line side. The transformer design having parasitic L, C and R and, saturation during the surge event, acting to suppress te coupling of the electrical surge to the secondary winding. A voltage limiting device is connected in the circuit side of the channel to limit any voltage surges on the circuit side to a safe level. A pair of voltage limiting devices connected in series with the connection therebetween connected to ground may be used to also provide common mode surge protection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Publication date: November 3, 2005
    Inventors: John Chen, Steve Contreras
  • Publication number: 20040257743
    Abstract: A magnetic interface circuit for providing ESD protection for a communication channel which includes a capacitor connected between ground and a point in the circuit electrically isolated from the input and output terminals of the circuit. The capacitor is arranged such that the capacitor acts as a virtual ground to ESD events to shunt current from an ESD event to ground. The location of the capacitor enables the use of a low voltage capacitor, as well as eliminates the need for stringent Hi-pot and spacing requirements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Applicant: Bel-Fuse, Inc.
    Inventors: John Chen, Steve Contreras
  • Publication number: 20040239465
    Abstract: A magnetic interface circuit for a LAN, such as an Ethernet network, includes a transformer having a first winding connected to the line side of the LAN and a second winding connected to the circuit side of the LAN. Each of the first and second windings has two output ports and one of the windings has a center tap port A 3-wire common mode choke having a center winding and two outer windings, the center winding of a 3-wire common mode choke is connected to the center tap of the one winding and the outer windings of the 3-wire common mode choke are respectively connected to the output ports of the one winding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: Bel Fuse, Inc.
    Inventors: John Chen, Steve Contreras