Patents Issued in March 6, 2001
  • Patent number: 6198352
    Abstract: The low noise amplifier (LNA) of the present invention comprises an input stage including an input inductor and an input circuit portion. The input circuit portion is operably connected to the input inductor and includes an input gain portion. The LNA further comprises an output stage that is operably connected to the input stage. The output stage includes an output inductor and an output circuit portion. The output circuit portion is operably connected to the output inductor and includes an output gain portion. The input and output inductors are distinct, off-chip components. However, the input circuit portion and output circuit portion are fabricated on a single, integrated circuit chip with CMOS technology. The input stage includes an input impedance that is matched to a system impedance while the output stage includes an output impedance that is matched to a system impedance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Applied Micro Circuits Corporation
    Inventor: Todd M. Tanji
  • Patent number: 6198353
    Abstract: A digital phase locked loop (PLL) frequency synthesizer having the conventional voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) divider in the feedback loop to the phase detector replaced with a direct digital synthesizer (DDS) divider. In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the reference divider in the input path may also be replaced with a DDS divider. Moreover, a new architecture for the phase detector and current digital-to-analog converter (DAC) which operate on the instantaneous phase of each DDS is provided. Thus, in accordance with the principles of the present invention, the update rate of the digital PLL frequency synthesizer is not based on the frequency signal output from the reference divider in the input path (as in conventional digital PLL frequency synthesizer architectures). Rather, the update rate is based on fixed clock signals output from the clock generator, which utilizes the master clock and the output frequency, in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen T. Janesch, Carl R. Stevenson
  • Patent number: 6198354
    Abstract: An apparatus for limiting intermediate frequency variation in a multiple conversion phase locked loop includes a reference oscillator and a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO). The reference oscillator generates a first reference frequency, while the VCO generates an output frequency. The output frequency is divided by a first VCO divider and mixed with the first reference frequency to generate a first intermediate frequency. A second VCO divider also divides the output frequency and mixes it with the first intermediate frequency to generate a second intermediate frequency, which is filtered and used to control the VCO. An algorithm processor generates the division constants of the first and second VCO dividers as a function of the reference frequency and the output frequency to limit intermediate frequency variation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Hughes Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Victor S. Reinhardt, Erik L. Soderburg
  • Patent number: 6198355
    Abstract: There is disclosed a phase detector which triggers on both rising and falling edges of an input pulse signal. This effectively doubles the frequency of the input signal. When the phase detector is used in a phase locked loop, the doubled frequency means that a lower division ratio can be used, thereby reducing any noise contribution introduced thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)
    Inventors: Björn Lindquist, Magnus Nilsson
  • Patent number: 6198356
    Abstract: Circuits such as Phase Lock Loops which use VCO's are affected by temperature and power supply variations which effect the performance of the circuit, particularly at high frequencies and low supply voltages. The present invention provides a variable delay circuit stage comprising one or more delay stages and an analogue multiplexer arranged to control the amount of delay introduced by the delay stages; a supply voltage pushing compensation circuit stage comprising a transconductance stage connected to the multiplexer and arranged to produce a compensating current upon deviation from nominal supply voltage which changes said delay; and a temperature pushing compensation circuit stage comprising a transconductance stage connected to the multiplexer and arranged to produce a compensating current upon deviation from nominal temperature which changes said delay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Nortel Networks Limited
    Inventors: Pasqualino Visocchi, Robert James Forbes
  • Patent number: 6198357
    Abstract: A stage for a ring oscillator, the stage including a first p-channel transistor having a gate defining a control node, having a source adapted to be coupled to a supply voltage, and having a drain; a second p-channel transistor having a gate coupled to the control node, having a source coupled to the supply voltage, and having a drain; a first n-channel transistor having a gate defining a first input, having a drain coupled to the drain of the first p-channel transistor and defining a first node, and having a source; a second n-channel transistor having a gate defining a second input, having a drain coupled to the drain of the second p-channel transistor and defining a second node, and having a source; a current source coupled to the sources of the first and second n-channel transistors directing current from the sources of the first and second n-channel transistors; a first resistor coupled between the supply voltage and the drain of the first n-type transistor; a second resistor coupled between the supply v
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. O'Toole, John R. Tuttle, Mark E. Tuttle, Tyler Lowrey, Kevin M. Devereaux, George E. Pax, Brian P. Higgins, David K. Ovard, Shu-Sun Yu, Robert R. Rotzoll
  • Patent number: 6198358
    Abstract: An oscillator circuit comprises two main transistors (Q1, Q2), between which is provided a positive feedback by connecting each transistor base to the collector of the other transistor via buffer transistors (Q3, Q4). A capacitor (C) is connected between the emitters of the main transistors. The frequency of the oscillator is controlled by two current sources (11, 12), which control the current (I2, I2) flowing through the capacitor (C). Additionally, a compensation current (Icom) is conducted via collector resistors (Rc1, Rc2) of the main transistors such that the current flowing through each resistor is essentially constant and independent of the control current (I1, I2), so the signal amplitude of the oscillator does not change during frequency control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventors: Nikolay Tchamov, Petri Jarske
  • Patent number: 6198359
    Abstract: An oscillator arrangement is described including a resonant circuit having two poles from which an oscillation generated in the oscillator arrangement can be taken and including a differential amplifier of two emitter-coupled transistors having two collector electrodes of which each one is connected to one of the poles of the resonant circuit, and having two base electrodes cross-coupled to the poles of the resonant circuit. Such an oscillator arrangement can be constructed so as to generate a low-noise oscillation by means of a minimal number of circuit elements in that the base electrodes are each coupled to the poles of the resonant circuit via a diode configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventor: Andreas Wichern
  • Patent number: 6198360
    Abstract: A circuit and method used in LC or ring oscillators. The present invention may modulate the frequency of oscillation by detecting a quadrature signal and controlling the sign and magnitude of the quadrature signal that may be feedback to the oscillator to cause the oscillator to run either faster or slower (dependent on the sign of the quadrature signal) than the unmodulated oscillator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Cypress Semiconductor Corp.
    Inventor: W. S. Henrion
  • Patent number: 6198361
    Abstract: In a contactless IC card system, a modulating circuit manufactured in an IC form is operable at a high power efficiency. The demodulating apparatus is configured to include first signal output means for outputting a first output signal having a predetermined phase with respect to that of an input signal, a second signal output means for outputting a second output signal having a predetermined phase with respect to that of the input signal, gate means for gating at least the second output signal, calculation means for adding, or subtracting the first output signal and the second output signal; and control means for controlling the operation of the gate means in response to a logic level of input data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Shigeru Arisawa
  • Patent number: 6198362
    Abstract: A printed circuit board is disclosed. A top layer power supply pattern and a top layer ground pattern are formed. The top layer power supply pattern and the top layer ground pattern are connected to a power supply layer and a ground layer through a plurality of viaholes, respectively. A plurality of capacitors or a plurality of capacitor resistor series circuits are disposed at predetermined intervals between the top layer power supply pattern and the top layer ground pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Harada, Hideki Sasaki
  • Patent number: 6198363
    Abstract: The invention relates to a filter and a frequency tuning element. The filter comprises a shell construction (2a to 2d) of conductive material with at least one section (14 to 16) and in the shell construction (2a to 2d) at least one resonator (17 to 19) of conductive material in said at least one section (14 to 16) for forming at least one resonance circuit (11 to 13). In the filter (1) the resonator (18) comprises as its extreme ends a base (18a) and a second end (18b), in said filter (1) the base (18a) of the resonator (18) being fastened to the shell construction (2a to 2d) and the second end (18b) of the resonator (18) being directed elsewhere towards the shell construction (2a to 2d) at a distance therefrom, the resonator (18) comprising a means (32) which directs its surface towards the shell construction (2a to 2d) and increases the cross-sectional area of the resonator to increase the capacitance between the resonator (18) and the shell construction (2a to 2d).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications OY
    Inventors: Esa Vuoppola, Anssi Kotanen, Pauli Juntunen, Mika Henriksson
  • Patent number: 6198364
    Abstract: The invention relates to a resonator filter comprising a housing structure (10), at least one resonator conductor (20) in the housing structure, and a regulating means (30) for regulating the frequency band of the resonator filter. The regulating means (30) is substantially transverse with respect to the propagation direction of the resonator conductor so that the regulating means (30) forms at least one turn around the resonator conductor (20) transversely to the propagation direction of the resonator conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications Oy
    Inventor: Kimmo Karhu
  • Patent number: 6198365
    Abstract: One end of a first transmission line is connected to the collector of an HBT with the base connected to an output terminal of an input-side matching circuit and with the emitter grounded, and one end of an end-open stub for blocking the passage of the doubled wave is connected to the other end of the first transmission line. One end of a second transmission line is connected to the other end of the first transmission line, and one end of an end-open stub for blocking the passage of the fundamental wave is connected to the other end of the second transmission line. An input terminal of an output-side matching circuit is connected to the other end of the second transmission line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Atsushi Yamada
  • Patent number: 6198366
    Abstract: A trimming arrangement in a device for tuning and/or adaptation of electromagnetic waves includes at least one trimming screw galvanically connected to the device and at least one bushing portion arranged for inserting and securing the screw. The bushing portion includes a substantially pervious opening arranged in a part of the device, a section arranged in the opening reception of the screw and a constriction arranged in an axial direction of the opening, which constriction is provided to firmly but detachably secure the screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (publ)
    Inventors: Torbjörn Dahl, Sten-Åke Nilsson
  • Patent number: 6198367
    Abstract: It has been difficult to form a high-frequency electronic circuit using a single-crystal dielectric substrate, and down-sizing of high-frequency electronic circuits is also difficult because of necessity of a metal housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Kyocera Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshinori Matsunaga, Tsuyoshi Nakai
  • Patent number: 6198368
    Abstract: A deflection yoke comprising a coil separator having a rear plate and a neck part which are defined therein and a printed circuit board which is positioned on a side thereof; at least one horizontal deflecting coil disposed on a circumferential inner surface of the coil separator to produce a horizontal magnetic field and connected to the printed circuit board; at least one vertical deflecting coil disposed on a circumferential outer surface of the coil separator to produce a vertical magnetic field; a ferrite core placed on the circumferential outer surface of the coil separator to reinforce the horizontal and vertical magnetic fields of the horizontal and vertical deflecting coils; insulating means defined on an inside surface of the coil separator to prevent a short from being generated due to a contact between one end and the other end of the horizontal deflecting coil connected to the printed circuit board; and coil distance maintaining means defined on an outer surface of a side of the coil separator to
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., LTD
    Inventor: Sang Wook Nam
  • Patent number: 6198369
    Abstract: A proportional actuator for proportional control includes a saturation tip formed on the movable armature the solenoid coil is a step-wound coil, providing clearance for the saturation tip, allowing the coaxial diameters the magnetic pole piece and of the armature to be increased for an actuator of a given size so that the amount of force which can be produced by this type of magnetic circuit is related to the coaxial diameters of the magnetic pole piece and the armature, the configuration of the armature provides significantly higher magnetic force attraction between the magnetic pole piece and the armature because of the increased coaxial diameters of the armature and the pole piece. In addition, because of the increased diameter of the armature, the surface area of the armature that is exposed to the saturation tip is increased, thereby increasing the amount of flux that is coupled to the magnetic pole piece by the saturation tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: TLX Technologies
    Inventors: James R. Ward, Derek A. Dahlgren
  • Patent number: 6198370
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for operating a cylinder valve of an internal-combustion engine with an electromagnetic actuator for moving the cylinder valve into opposite open and closed valve end positions. The electromagnetic actuator has two spaced electromagnets provided with pole faces and being energizable with a controllable current flow, an armature operatively connected to the cylinder valve and arranged between the two electromagnets for a reciprocating motion therebetween into opposite armature end positions at the electromagnets in response to electromagnetic fields generated by the electromagnets for moving the cylinder valve into end positions thereof and return springs coupled to the armature and opposing, by a spring force, the displacements of the armature in response to the electromagnetic fields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: FEV Motorentechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Günter Schmitz
  • Patent number: 6198371
    Abstract: A vertically-aligned open magnet includes first and second (i.e., top and bottom) assemblies each having a longitudinally-extending and vertically-aligned axis, a superconductive main coil, and a vacuum enclosure enclosing the main coil. At least one support beam has a first end attached to the first assembly and has a second end attached to the second assembly. An annularly-cylindrical support skirt is coaxially aligned with the axes, has a first longitudinal end attached to the second assembly and has a second longitudinal end supportable by a floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Evangelos Trifon Laskaris, Yu Wang, James Pellegrino Alexander
  • Patent number: 6198372
    Abstract: A plastic-bonded ring magnet (1) with a ring-shaped basic body (2) for fixing the magnet (1) onto a shaft is laid out in such a way that the magnet (1) is essentially located at the front (11) of the basic body (2), the inside diameter of the basic body (2) being smaller than the one of the magnet and the outside diameter of the basic body (2) and the magnet (1) being essentially identical. In particular for the purpose of improving the safety against torsion of the magnet (1) on the basic body (2) and facilitating the injection-moulding manufacture of the magnet (1) on the basic body (2), the basic body (2) shows at least one axially oriented, channel-shaped recess (5) which is filled with magnetic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Max Baermann GmbH
    Inventor: Manfred Schwarz
  • Patent number: 6198373
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a wire wound electronic component with stable quality, as well as raising reliability thereof by improving heat radiation, water-proofness, resistance against static electricity, resistance against stresses, magnetic characteristic thereof. Powder of one or both of an inorganic material and a metallic material having higher thermal conductivity than a resin is added as a filler in the above resin, or a mixture of one or both of powders of the said inorganic material or the said metallic material and powders of a ferrite material for magnetic shielding is added as a filler in the above resin. When a sealing resin comprising a high thermal conductive material added thereto is used, heat generated inside a wire wound electronic component by passing a current through a coil conductor is effectively released outside the component, and the component can have a good heat radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Taiyo Yuden Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Ogawa, Hideo Aoba, Yoshihiro Amada, Takayuki Uehara, Kazuhiko Otsuka, Hideyuki Karasawa, Nobuyasu Shiba
  • Patent number: 6198374
    Abstract: A multi-layer transformer includes a plurality of tapes having a magnetic core area disposed on at least one of the layers forming a magnetic core of the transformer. A primary winding is disposed on at least one of the layers. A secondary winding is disposed on at least one of the layers. A thin layer made of a lower permeability dielectric material is disposed proximate at least one of the windings. A first plurality of interconnecting vias connect the primary winding between the tapes. A second plurality of interconnecting vias connect the secondary winding between the tapes. Magnetic flux is induced to primarily flow into the core area. Magnetic coupling and dielectric breakdown between the windings are improved. A lower cost and smaller sized transformer can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Midcom, Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Abel
  • Patent number: 6198375
    Abstract: A high current, low profile inductor includes a conductor coil surrounded by magnetic material to form an inductor body. The inductor coil is formed from a flat plate which is cut into a sine-shaped configuration and then is folded in accordion fashion to create a helical coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Vishay Dale Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy M. Shafer
  • Patent number: 6198376
    Abstract: A safety device for preventing a trouble caused by an abnormal overheating of an electric circuit is provided, which includes: a circuit board; a first circuit pattern; a second circuit pattern; a first electrode connected to the first circuit pattern; a second electrode connected to the second circuit pattern, while enclosing the first electrode without a break, the second electrode being standoff-insulated from the first electrode; and a solder fuse portion made of a solder and formed over and inside the second electrode for bridging the first and second electrodes, wherein the solder fuse portion in a melted state separates onto the first and second electrodes by surface tension of the solder, whereby a circuit between the first and second circuit patterns is broken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Yazaki Corporation
    Inventors: Satoshi Ishikawa, Osamu Soda
  • Patent number: 6198377
    Abstract: A plastic thermistor comprising a polyamide composition which comprises 100 wt. parts of a polyamide and 5.3 to 30 wt. parts of zinc iodide, or a polyamide composition which comprises a polyamide, an iodine-containing compound, and a metal oxide such as zinc oxide. Ion carrier properties of a metal iodide greatly increases temperature dependence of impedance, and the metal oxide such as zinc iodide functions as a receptor for iodide ions and prevents the formation of a metal iodide on the surfaces of metal electrodes. Furthermore, a linked cycle can be established that zinc oxide forms zinc iodide and then formed zinc iodide functions to increase the stability of half-wave current passage. Accordingly, the thermal stability of the plastic thermistor is improved for a long time, and the heat resistance stability of temperature sensors or thermosensitive heaters comprising the plastic thermistor is improved greatly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadataka Yamazaki, Masahiko Ito, Kazuyuki Kohara
  • Patent number: 6198378
    Abstract: A magnetoresistive sensor fabricated by creating first antiferromagnetic layers on the upper surfaces of a lower-gap layer, the antiferromagnetic layer having first and second exposed portions separated by a track width formed by the upper surface of the lower-gap layer. Then, a free magnetic layer, a nonmagnetic electrically conductive layer, a pinned magnetic layer and a second antiferromagnetic layer are stacked on the first antiferromagnetic layers and a portion on the track width one after another. Since the free magnetic layer is created after the first antiferromagnetic layer, the free magnetic layer and the first antiferromagnetic layer are adhered to each other with a high degree of reliability. When the direction of magnetization in the free magnetic layer is changed by an external magnetic field, the electrical resistance of the magnetoresistive sensor also changes. The change in electrical resistance is, in turn, used for detecting the external magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masamichi Saito, Toshinori Watanabe, Kiyoshi Sato, Toshihiro Kuriyama
  • Patent number: 6198379
    Abstract: A circuit arrangement implemented as an integrated semiconductor component has a measured value acquisition circuit that can be connected to an analysis circuit, in particular a piezoresistive measuring bridge containing piezoresistive measuring shunts diffused on a semiconductor substrate. The piezoresistive measuring shunts are connected to metallic terminal contacts by diffused terminal resistors having a negligible piezoresistive resistance. To avoid terminal-related offset errors on the measuring shunts in particular, the terminal resistors are designed as identical, elongated, generally curved area structures that taper toward the front end and are connected to a measuring shunt on the front end and to a metallic terminal contact on the opposite end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Oliver Schatz
  • Patent number: 6198380
    Abstract: Straight-line potentiometer including a casing with a longitudinal opening in which slides a carrier having an electroconductive slider which provides electrical contact between an electroconductive slideway and an electroresistive slideway. The slider is provided with a centrally disposed offset portion which is inserted between the lugs of the carrier. The slideways are arranged on opposite sides of the longitudinal opening and run parallel to the opening. The carrier is made up of an operating stem and two resilient lugs, arranged so as to form a fork, extending through the longitudinal opening. The ends of the lugs are further provided with toes which engage the inner edges of the longitudinal opening and allow the carrier and slider to smoothly slide along the opening. The improved straight-line potentiometer is also provided with a plurality of resilient grips situated on opposite ends of the longitudinal line of the carrier and engaging lateral sectors of the slider in a riding arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Navarra de Componentes Electronicos, SA
    Inventor: Jesus Carlos Castellano-Aldave
  • Patent number: 6198381
    Abstract: There is disclosed and claimed an electronic identification system including at east one reader and a plurality of transponders to be read by the reader. Each transponder has a normal operational mode 32 wherein it, in response to an interrogation signal from the reader transmits a code 36 to the reader, and a monitor mode 40 wherein it is still sensitive and responsive to signals from the reader, but wherein it does not transmit the code. The reader is adapted to cause a transponder of which the code has been read, to switch from the normal operational mode to the monitor mode, by transmitting a first signal S1 to the transponder. The transponder, while being in the monitor mode, is sensitive to a second signal S2 and responsive upon receipt of the second signal, to reset to the normal operational mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Data Investments Limited
    Inventors: Christopher Gordon Gervase Turner, Johan Dawid Kruger
  • Patent number: 6198382
    Abstract: A transponder has a memory, a data processor, a transmit memory and a transmission circuit. The memory stores data. In a transmit mode of the transponder, the data processor is operable in a normal-energy mode and an energy-saving mode. When the data processor is in the normal-energy mode, the data processor retrieves the data from the memory and processes the data, and the processed data is stored in the transmit memory. Thereafter, the data processor is controlled from the normal-energy mode to the energy-saving mode, and the transmission circuit reads out the stored processed data from said transmit memory and transmits the read out stored processed data to a base station. Transponder for transmitting processed data to a base station over large distances and at a high data transfer rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Dominik J. Berger, Bernhard Czar, Wolfgang Eber
  • Patent number: 6198383
    Abstract: A prescription compliance device which aids patients in complying with instructions given by a physician for taking prescription medication. The device reminds a patient when the next dose of medication is to the taken and indicates whether a specified dose has been taken. The device includes a microcontroller, a display, a program memory for storing pre-programmed medication-taking regimens for single and multiple medications, a real time clock, a selector for selecting one of the regimens and for programming the device as to the time and day on which a first dose of medication is to be taken, a display which alternately displays the current time and a time at which a next dose of medication is to be taken, and an alarm which alerts the patient at times when a dose of medication is to be taken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventors: Ronald D. Sekura, Carol M. Sekura
  • Patent number: 6198384
    Abstract: An interface circuit including an interface controller operated by at least a system power supply or an external power supply. A switch is connected between an interface controller and a system power circuit for conducting system power. The interface controller includes a control signal generating circuit for generating a control signal that closes the switch at a timing that does not affect data transmission performed by the interface circuit in accordance with a trigger signal, which indicates that the system power has gone on. Similarly, the switch is opened at a time when data transmission will not be affected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Kenji Oi, Takashi Shimizu, Hirotaka Ueno, Hiroshi Takase
  • Patent number: 6198385
    Abstract: In an entering detecting system for vehicles, a received ultrasonic signal is amplified by an amplifier circuit so that a Doppler signal may be generated from an amplified signal and a transmission signal for detecting an entering of unauthorized person into a vehicle compartment. An operational amplifier circuit of the amplifier circuit has an output limiter circuit. The output limiter circuit has diode series circuits which are connected to a feedback resistor of an operational amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignees: Nippon Soken, Inc., Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kani, Fumio Asakura, Tadashi Nakamura, Toru Yoshida, Takeo Tsuzuki
  • Patent number: 6198386
    Abstract: A vehicle guidance assembly visually indicates the anticipated path of a moving vehicle to a driver of the vehicle. The assembly includes an image projection device for projecting a visual image outwardly from the vehicle and downwardly onto a surface to be travelled by the vehicle. The image defines a reference mark on the surface for being readily viewed by the driver. A mounting member mounts the image projection device on a surface of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Locke White, II
  • Patent number: 6198387
    Abstract: An improved restraint deployment control with central and frontal acceleration sensing, where the deployment is initiated when a filtered version of the central acceleration signal exceeds a deployment threshold that is periodically adjusted based on secondary measures of crash severity, the secondary measures being determined at least from the frontal acceleration signal. The threshold adjustment also takes into account the progression level of the crash event, as judged by the filtered version of the central acceleration signal. In a preferred implementation, the deployment threshold is set to a relatively high default level during periods of inactivity to provide good immunity to rough road impacts, while providing timely deployment for high speed crash events, and is periodically adjusted from the default level in the course of a sensed event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Thomas Dalum, Gerhard F. Wessels
  • Patent number: 6198388
    Abstract: A voice warning system for automobiles includes a microprocessor connected with the battery of an automobile, a plurality of sensors arranged on different parts of the engine and connected with the microprocessor, and two voice integrated circuits for storing voice messages, whereby the microprocessor will give voice messages to notify the driver of the conditions of the car thereby ensuring the safety of the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventors: Victor Chen, Yu Cheng
  • Patent number: 6198389
    Abstract: A intruder detection system is described comprising a programmable alarm control panel capable of issuing an alarm signal representative of an intruder in a protected zone wherein the control panel is electrically coupled to a plurality of sensors by both a commonly connected status line and individual zone signaling lines between the panel and each sensor. The control panel is capable of providing distinct status information to each sensor to which it is coupled thereby permitting each individual sensor in the loop to be separately operational based on its own status as active or bypassed. For instance, if the sensor of zone 1 is active it can be set to an appropriate stability level for intrusion detection; alternatively, if, at the same time, the sensor associated with zone 2 is bypassed, it can be set to operate as a high sensitivity occupancy detector. The intruder detection system of the present invention utilizes status signals which individually identify and set each sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Napco Security Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles S. Buccola
  • Patent number: 6198390
    Abstract: A personal alarm system remote unit (602) includes a navigational receiver (606) for receiving navigational information, a demodulator (608) for demodulating the received navigational information, timing circuits (610) for providing precise time-of-day information, a manually operated switch defining a panic button and having an output signal defining a switch status wherein operation of the panic button produces a change in the switch status, and a radio transmitter (614) for transmitting the demodulated navigational information, the precise time-of-day information, and the switch status. Additional embodiments define remote units for a man-over-board system, an invisible fence system, and a weather alarm system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventors: Dan Schlager, William B. Baringer
  • Patent number: 6198391
    Abstract: A self service sales and security system for use in the retail sales environment including a means for identifying the presence, removal, and addition of each item of inventory on a merchandise rack and correlating the removal or addition of each item of inventory to an identifiable customer so that the customers can be automatically billed or charged for the items of inventory that the customer removes, and a report of which items need to be ordered to replenish inventory can be automatically prepared. The self service sales and security system includes customer records which may include credit information to selectively allow customers to remove only such items of inventory as their credit information allows; and an alarm is included to indicate tampering or the unauthorized removal of any item of inventory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Dean R. DeVolpi
  • Patent number: 6198392
    Abstract: A communications system including a radio frequency identification device including an integrated circuit having a single die including a microprocessor, a receiver coupled to the microprocessor, and a backscatter transmitter coupled to the microprocessor, the integrated circuit having a digital input, and the receiver being configured to receive wireless communications from a remote interrogator; and an analog to digital converter external of the single die and having a digital output coupled to the digital input of the integrated circuit, and having an analog input configured to be coupled to an analog measuring device, wherein the radio frequency identification device is configured to transmit a signal indicative of the analog input using the backscatter transmitter. A communications method including coupling an analog to digital converter to a radio frequency identification device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Hahn, Mark T. Van Horn
  • Patent number: 6198393
    Abstract: A continuous loop inductor for an RF-EAS security tag comprises a plurality of discrete, unconnected foil loop segments connected together by conductive ink patches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Westvaco Corporation
    Inventor: Paul Brent Rasband
  • Patent number: 6198394
    Abstract: A system for remotely monitoring personnel status includes a plurality of sensors disposable on a soldier or other person for developing signals which may be used to determine the physiologicalal status. The sensors communicate with a soldier unit which can process the information to ensure that the sensor data falls within acceptable ranges and communicate with remote monitors. The soldier unit also includes a global positioning system. By using the sensor data and the global positioning system, leaders and medics can quickly and accurately track and treat casualties in battle. The system enables more rapid location of the casualty, as well as remote triage/initial diagnosis, thereby assuring that those who are most in need of treatment are attended to first. Typically, the system monitors both body surface and ambient temperature, heart rate, shivering, motion status and body condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventors: Stephen C. Jacobsen, Roland Wyatt, Stephen C. Peterson, Tomasz J. Petelenz
  • Patent number: 6198395
    Abstract: A sensory system and method for a visually impaired user includes an array of laser transmitters for transmitting laser signals in given areas corresponding to each of the laser transmitters. An array of laser sensors are provided for receiving laser signals reflected from objects in the corresponding given areas with each laser sensor corresponding to a respective one of the array of laser transmitters. The time between transmitted and received laser signals of a laser transmitter and the respective laser sensor is indicative of the distance between the user and an object in the corresponding given area. A processor is operable with the laser transmitters and laser sensors to effect scanning of the given areas by the array and to process the transmitted and received signals to determine the distance between the user and an object in the given areas. A feedback system is operable with the processor for generating a feedback signal for each of the laser sensors as a function of the received laser signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Gary E. Sussman
  • Patent number: 6198396
    Abstract: A motion sensor having an electrically-conductive ball and at least a second ball to damp the motion of the electrically-conductive ball. Both balls are confined within a housing. A plurality of electrical contact elements are disposed within the housing. During movement, the electrically-conductive ball successively forms electrical connection with the electrical contact elements within the housing. The motion sensor also includes detection circuitry in electrical connection with the electrical contact elements to detect if the electrically-conducting ball is moving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Mine Safety Appliances Company
    Inventor: Peter A. Frank
  • Patent number: 6198397
    Abstract: A steering wheel movement detection device has a magnetic flux source and a magnetic sensor. The magnetic sensor is mounted on the steering column and the magnetic flux source is attached to the steering shaft or steering wheel and moves in accordance therewith. The magnetic flux source has lines or bands of varying magnetic flux. The magnetic sensing device is mounted adjacent and opposing the magnetic flux source so that when the steering wheel moves varying magnetic flux impinges upon the magnetic sensing device. The magnetic sensing device forms the inductive component of a resonant LC tank circuit and the frequency of that circuit varies in accordance with the flux impinging on the sensing device. A microcontroller integrates or averages the varying frequency signal over brief periods of time and when the average frequency does not have sufficient deviations an alarm signal is produced. A speaker is driven by the alarm signal to signal the driver to a state of alertness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventors: Charles D. Angert, G. Kirk Farley
  • Patent number: 6198398
    Abstract: A moisture monitoring device, for use in monitoring the soil moisture level of a potted plant, comprising a tubular housing having a proximal end and a distal end. A moisture sensor is located at the distal end, which is ordinarily submerged within the soil of the potted plant. An indicating LED is located at the proximal end, which is normally visible above the soil of the potted plant. A blinker circuit is located within the housing and is capable of controlling illumination of the indicating LED. The moisture sensor modulates the blinker circuit such that as the soil moisture level decreases, the blinker circuit causes the indicating LED to flash more rapidly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Evelyn Velasquez
  • Patent number: 6198399
    Abstract: A smoke detector test device comprising a stamped plate. Combustible elements are positioned and retained on the stamped plate which, when ignited smolder to provide smoke of sufficient volume to actuate a properly functioning smoke alarm without requiring or causing an open flame. The stamped plate has an aperture and inwardly projecting flanges that allow the plate to be effectively attached to a broom handle to give a user extended reach to place the device, and smoke generated thereby, in close proximity to the smoke detector. A method for forming the smoke detector test device is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Martin P. Mattis
  • Patent number: 6198400
    Abstract: Portable gas detection and/or monitoring apparatus including a case having a substantially cylindrical wall and two opposite end caps sealably connected to the cylindrical wall, at least one of the end caps being removable from the cylindrical wall, and at least a portion of the cylindrical wall being transparent. A gas detection and/or monitoring unit is mounted in the case and includes gas sensing means in sealed fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere outside the case. Data processing means is operatively connected to the gas sensing means, and data storage means and information display means is operatively connected to the data processing means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: App-Tek Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Ross Trevor Church, Brian Worth
  • Patent number: 6198401
    Abstract: An apparatus which detects self-clearing faults in an AC power circuit carrying an electrical current is provided. To this end, the apparatus includes a fast element which detects an occurrence of a fault within one cycle of initiation, detects a clearing of the fault within one cycle of the clearing, and detects a duration of the fault to within one cycle or less. The apparatus further includes a self-clear element which compares the duration of the fault to a predetermined portion of a cycle of the electrical current to determine if the fault is self-clearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: McGraw Edison Company
    Inventors: Timothy T. Newton, Ljubomir Kojovic