Wave Form Or Wave Shape Determinative Or Pulse-producing Systems Patents (Class 307/106)
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Patent number: 5850173Abstract: A vehicle alarm system with a sensor for detecting a change in the alarm system from an armed not triggered state to an armed triggered state, an override switch operable only when the alarm system is in the armed triggered state, to stop the alarm from sounding in the armed triggered state, an ignition switch, an ignition sensor, and a controller for switching the alarm system from the armed triggered state to the disarmed state when the ignition sensor supplies a signal indicating ignition on while a timing circuit is activated and maintaining the alarm system in an armed triggered state when no ingition signal is supplied while the timing circuit is activated.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1996Date of Patent: December 15, 1998Assignee: Audiovox Corp.Inventors: John DiCroce, Scott Christie
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Patent number: 5834854Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a motor vehicle electrical system has a plurality of electronic modules. The electrical power input of each module is coupled to the output of a switching power supply. Further, the electrical power input of each module is switchably coupled to vehicle system voltage. During "key-on", the switchable connection to vehicle system voltage is closed, thereby providing "key-on" power for the modules from system voltage. During "key-off", the switchable connection is opened, thereby providing "key-off" power for the modules from the switching power supply. In a second embodiment of the present invention, a motor vehicle electrical system has at least one electronic module with a normal power input and a "key-off" power input. The normal power input is coupled to vehicle system voltage, and the "key-off" power input is coupled to the output of a switching power supply. Systems embodying the present invention can reduce "key-off" current draw from the vehicle battery.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 1995Date of Patent: November 10, 1998Assignee: Ford Motor CompanyInventor: Trevor Williams
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Patent number: 5830587Abstract: A process resulting in enhanced pole performance, relative to permalloy poles, in narrow track magnetic devices. A preferred process includes increasing the anisotropy field of the pole material while maintaining an acceptable coercivity level and near zero magnetostriction. One embodiment utilizes a NiCoFe alloy containing 22% cobalt by weight, heat treated in an easy axis magnetic field in a non-oxidizing atmosphere. This process achieves favorable domain structures at narrow pole tip widths.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 1996Date of Patent: November 3, 1998Assignee: MKE-Quantum Components Colorado, LLCInventors: Harold B. Shukovsky, Michelle Martin, Michael Mallary, Alan Lee Sidman
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Patent number: 5828297Abstract: A vehicle anti-theft system includes an engine control computer operable to control engine fueling in a normal mode of operation according to operator demand via an accelerator pedal, and a code interface module responsive to a predefined security code to set the engine control computer in a secure mode of operation. In the secure mode, two fuel enabling values in the engine fueling algorithm are altered. Specifically, an engine startup enable value is altered so that the engine control computer disables fueling if the engine is not running, to thereby prevent an unauthorized individual from starting the engine. Likewise, an accelerator enable value is altered so that the engine control computer disregards the accelerator signal and controls fueling of the engine to thereby maintain an engine idling condition. The control computer is reset to its normal fueling control mode by re-entering the security code.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 1997Date of Patent: October 27, 1998Assignee: Cummins Engine Company, Inc.Inventors: Donald L. Banks, William F. Collins, Matthew W. Workman, Auden E. Rovelle-Quartz
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Patent number: 5818127Abstract: An apparatus for electrical line communications using FM video modulation, includes FM video modulation circuits and an impedance matching coupler at each of two or more locations along a pair of lines. The impedance matching couplers provide impedance matching, utilizing an air-core preselected frequency bands, sufficient to allow low-loss transmission of frequency modulated video signals. The coupler further eliminates noise and is matched resistively to the characteristic impedance of the line at the preselected frequency bands. A transmitter, receiver and associated circuits may also be provided at each location along the lines. The FM video modulation circuits, in combination with phase linear coupling techniques, provide for hi-fidelity video transmission over existing electrical lines, such as residential AC power wiring. In addition, a coupler with solid state impedance matching is provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 1997Date of Patent: October 6, 1998Assignee: Videocom, Inc.Inventor: Charles Abraham
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Patent number: 5818120Abstract: An overvoltage limiting circuit having first and second terminals to produce a temperature-stable voltage proportional to an overvoltage condition. The overvoltage limiting circuit includes a first transistor having a first terminal connected to the first terminal of the circuit, a second terminal kept at a reference voltage relative to the second terminal of the circuit, and a control terminal coupled with the second terminal of the circuit through equivalent resistor means whose value depends on the value of the temperature-stable voltage so that the first transistor has a temperature-stable breakdown voltage.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 1996Date of Patent: October 6, 1998Assignee: SGS-Thomson Microelectronis, S.r.l.Inventor: Sergio Palara
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Patent number: 5818679Abstract: The circuit arrangement for an auxiliary relay that actuates a starting relay for a starter device of an internal combustion engine includes a temperature measuring device (20) and a control and/or regulating circuit device (16,16') for controlling, in a turned-on state, an operating current (I) flowing through a relay coil of the auxiliary relay according to a temperature of the auxiliary relay or starting relay measured by the temperature measuring device (20) so that the operating current (I) and mean value of the operating current (I) are controlled according to the temperature. The control and/or regulating circuit clocks the operating current and can vary the duty cycle to reduce the power losses.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 1997Date of Patent: October 6, 1998Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Siegfried Schustek, Manfred Ackermann, Gerd Kirsten
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Patent number: 5808543Abstract: An electrical anti-theft security system for a motor vehicle includes an immobilising device for inhibiting power supply to the starter of the vehicle so long as the motor, incorporated in the anti-theft system and arranged to drive a blocking member, such as a steering lock, has not reached the unlocked position. The immobilising device is also arranged to prevent the system from being locked unless the vehicle is at rest.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 1996Date of Patent: September 15, 1998Assignee: Valeo Securite HabitacleInventor: Jean Peyre
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Patent number: 5808371Abstract: An apparatus for driving electrical loads provided at a vehicle by feeding power to the electrical loads, includes a power source for feeding power to a plurality of the electrical loads provided at a vehicle. The plurality of electrical loads are divided into more than one group. Each of the groups is driven by each of a plurality of load drive circuits by feeding power to each of the load drive circuits from the power source, provided at the vicinity of each of set places in the vehicle at which a group of the electrical loads are concentratedly arranged. A power line is connected to the battery, wherein each of the load drive circuits has a pair of power input terminals, and the power line connected to the battery is branched into two branch power wires. Each of the branch power wires is connected to a power input terminal of each of a first two load drive circuits of the load drive circuits.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 1996Date of Patent: September 15, 1998Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mitsuru Kon'i, Hiroyuki Saito
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Patent number: 5804921Abstract: An impulse forming circuit is disclosed which produces a clean impulse from a nonlinear transmission line compressed step function without customary soliton ringing by means of a localized pulse shaping and differentiating network which shunts the nonlinear transmission line output to ground.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 1996Date of Patent: September 8, 1998Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Thomas E. McEwan, Gregory E. Dallum
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Patent number: 5804282Abstract: A magnetic core is obtained by winding or laminating at least one alloy ribbon and has excellent squareness characteristic and magnetic saturation characteristic in a high frequency region wherein the squareness ratio of the magnetic core is improved by restricting the surface roughness of the alloy ribbon to specific regions.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 1996Date of Patent: September 8, 1998Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Yumie Watanabe, Yumiko Takahashi, Takao Sawa, Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi, Susumu Matsushita, Masami Okamura
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Patent number: 5801455Abstract: An apparatus and method for disarming an automobile alarm system uses the ignition switch of the automobile to create a sequential pulse access code. Toward this end, two commonly available electrical circuits in the vehicle's wiring that are switched on and of by the shifting of a vehicle's ignition switch among power-applying switch positions serve to supply a pulse code of sequential electric pulses to the alarm system to perform a selected function, including entering a valet mode or overriding and disarming the system without a remote control transmitter. Because the shifting of the ignition switch generates a two-wire detectable pulse code, previously-programmed pulse codes can be selected to perform different functions in addition to disarming the system, including using pulse codes to trigger entry of the system into a learning mode.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 1996Date of Patent: September 1, 1998Assignees: Edward G. Karnig, Michael J. BorchInventors: Michael J. Borch, Edward G. Karnig, Chau Ho Chen
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Patent number: 5798579Abstract: A high voltage generator including a Marx Generator (1) provides an output of up to 200 kV at a pulse repetition rate of up to 1 kHz. Discharge is triggered by over-volting a first stage (2a) of the Marx Generator, each stage including a hydrogen spark gap switch (5). By inhibiting the charging power supply (7) for a short time after each discharge, recovery of the dielectric is ensured, enabling high repetition rates without the need for gas flow.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 1996Date of Patent: August 25, 1998Assignee: Matra BAe Dynamics (UK) Ltd.Inventor: Andrew J. McPhee
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Patent number: 5798577Abstract: Vehicle cranking management systems and methods are provided for a vehicle preferably including a tractor mechanically connected to a trailer. Electrical energy is enabled to transfer from a battery of the vehicle to an electrical accessory load, when a battery output voltage signal is above a first predetermined threshold voltage, but is inhibited from transferring from the battery to the electrical accessory load if the battery output voltage signal is below a second predetermined threshold voltage. The first and second predetermined threshold voltages may be determined responsive to a sensed temperature of the vehicle engine, preferably a sensed temperature of oil present in the engine. In addition, electrical energy is enabled to transfer from the battery to a starter which cranks the vehicle's engine if a cranking command signal to crank the engine is asserted for less than a first predetermined time interval.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 1996Date of Patent: August 25, 1998Assignees: Vehicle Enhancement Systems, Inc., Purkey's Fleet Electrics, Inc.Inventors: Alan C. Lesesky, Bruce A. Purkey, Bobby Ray Weant
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Patent number: 5786103Abstract: A soft magnetic film having a high saturation magnetic flux density and superior soft magnetic properties and capable of maintaining superior soft magnetic properties when worked to a magnetic head. The magnetic film is represented by the general formula of Fe.sub.x M.sub.y L.sub.z J.sub.u Q.sub.w, wherein M denotes at least one selected from the group of Ru, Cr, Ti, Mo, W and Rh, L denotes at least one selected from the group of Y, Hf, Zr, Ta and Nb, J denotes at least one of Al and Ga, Q denotes at least one of Si and Ge and x, y, z, u and w denote the proportions of respective atoms in atom %, and wherein the composition is given by 68.ltoreq.x<80, 3.ltoreq.y<12, 3<z<5, 0.ltoreq.u<10 and 10<w<25. The soft magnetic film is formed on non-magnetic or magnetic ceramics and worked into a magnetic head.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 1996Date of Patent: July 28, 1998Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Hiroyuki Ohmori, Mitsuharu Shouji, Tetsuya Yamamoto, Yasunari Sugiyama
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Patent number: 5760680Abstract: A vehicle security device of the present invention comprising of a remote control, a receiver/decoder section, a CPU, and an amplifying section. It has been designed to arm in two ways--by remote control, and by timer. By pressing the button #1 of the remote control, the vehicle security device will be armed. The vehicle security device has two separate counters--the 10 minute counter, and the 30 second counter. No matter doors are close or open, the 10 minute counter will start counting after turning off ignition and will continue counting even if a door is opened while the 30 second counter will only start counting if any door of the car is opened and closed (provided all the remaining doors are close) but will stop counting if any door of the car is opened. The vehicle security device will arm itself if any of the two counters finished counting (whichever finished first). However, if the ignition is turned on during countdown, the car can be started and both counters will stop counting.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 1995Date of Patent: June 2, 1998Inventor: Shih Ming Hwang
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Patent number: 5760496Abstract: A first magnetic flux field is produced in the vicinity of a generally cylindrical pulse generating coil arrangement and a plasma is abruptly and radially displaced outwardly toward the coil arrangement, which in turn displaces the first magnetic flux field to a sufficient degree to enable it to cut across the output coil to generate an output pulse. Displacement of the plasma is effected by producing a second magnetic field transverse to the direction of the first magnetic field and to the direction of current within the plasma by means of a longitudinal, centrally positioned conductor coupled to a source of electrical power.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1996Date of Patent: June 2, 1998Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventors: Peter J. Turchi, James H. Degnan
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Patent number: 5757086Abstract: A remote starter starts a driving mechanism in a vehicle from the outside through a command signal from a transmitter. A remote start releaser releases a remote drive state of the driving mechanism and converts it to an ordinary driving state. The presence of an operation to mechanisms in the vehicle is detected. The driving mechanism is stopped when the driving mechanism is in the remote drive state and the presence of an operation to mechanisms is detected. The theft of a vacant vehicle is thereby prevented.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 1996Date of Patent: May 26, 1998Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventor: Yoshikazu Nagashima
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Patent number: 5734544Abstract: A relatively wide d.c. pulse generating system providing rise times normally attainable only with much narrower pulse width generation, comprising a plurality of sequentially operated groups of d.c. pulse generating modules achieving the combination of zero current SCR-switching and rapid magnetic switching and providing very high reliability and efficiency, and with the feature of continuously variable pulse width control and overall amplitude contouring, as for controlling applications such as plasma ion implantation where non-uniform contours of ion depth penetration normally would otherwise obtain.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 1996Date of Patent: March 31, 1998Assignee: Megapulse, Inc.Inventor: Paul R. Johannessen
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Patent number: 5729192Abstract: An automobile is remotely disabled by shunting a portion of the ignition circuit. The remote automobile disabler device receives a remotely transmitted disable signal and, in one embodiment, forms a low resistance connection with the negative terminal of the battery so as to create a break in a low current capacity portion of the ignition circuit. The low current capacity portion may include a circuit breaker. In an alternative embodiment, the battery is redirected through a shunt circuit which includes a resistor. A voltage drop is thus formed which reduces the operating voltage to electronic components in the ignition circuit below the threshold voltage and disables the automobile.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 1995Date of Patent: March 17, 1998Inventor: Berkley C. Badger
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Patent number: 5723916Abstract: An insulated gate electrical load driving device includes simple and accurate gate control circuitry for limiting load current therethrough. Preferably, all circuitry is formed of a single integrated circuit having the insulated gate load driving device dielectrically isolated from the gate control circuitry. The gate control circuitry may include either one, or both, of a zener diode and a resistor divider. An input drive signal to the circuit is accurately controlled by the gate control circuitry to thereby limit the saturation current through the insulated load driving device, and hence the load current, to predetermined current level. Preferably, the predetermined saturation current level falls within a range of saturation currents of the insulated gate load driving device that is substantially constant over a wide operating temperature range.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 1996Date of Patent: March 3, 1998Assignee: Delco Electronics CorporationInventors: Donald Ray Disney, John Robert Shreve
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Patent number: 5724601Abstract: A switching state detecting apparatus capable of preventing output voltage hunting caused by mechanical switch contacts bouncing when changing state and creating voltage fluctuation (chatter) comprises a passive filter connected to the switches and a comparator for comparing the output value of the RC filter with a threshold level to then output a voltage value. The comparator changes the threshold level when the output voltage of the comparator is inverted, thereby preventing the apparatus from hunting. The output of the comparator is potentially divided and the divided output potential is superposed onto an initial threshold level to provide a second threshold level exceeding the voltage chatter level of said switches.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 1996Date of Patent: March 3, 1998Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Ryoichi Kobayashi, Noboru Sugiura
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Patent number: 5717375Abstract: A device for alarming a car that has already been started, which is capable of audibly informing of starting of the car so as to prevent the starting system of the car from being driven in a state that the engine has started. The device includes a starting sensing unit for sensing whether or not an engine of the car has started, a key position sensing unit for sensing the current switch position of a starting key, an audio converter for generating an audio signal in accordance with an output signal from the key position sensing unit, and a speaker for outputting the audio signal so as to audibly inform of a starting state of the engine. The key position sensing unit has a comparator adapted to compare the output signal from the key position sensing means with a reference value, thereby determining whether or not the engine has started and sends the resultant signal from the comparator to the audio converter.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 1996Date of Patent: February 10, 1998Assignee: Kia Motors CorporationInventor: Hee Woo Choi
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Patent number: 5705861Abstract: A magnetic field pulse generators has an electrical coil and a magnetizable element being inductively coupled thereto, for together radiating a magnetic field into an external space. In order to switch off the magnetic field in the external space, the magnetizable element can be driven to saturation by a pulsed current in the coil at which the material of the coil core has not yet reached saturation.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1995Date of Patent: January 6, 1998Assignee: Siemens Matsushita Components GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Mauricio Esguerra
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Patent number: 5696482Abstract: A safety system for protecting movable objects such as alarm systems of motor vehicles, although the same basic ideas can be applied for example to cases, computers and the like, which are to be protected from an unauthorized use or removal. Particularly, the safety system for the vehicle comprising state indicators may for door contacts, oil pressure pick ups, temperature pick ups and the like; and state transducers may for control lighting means, starter, and the like. Both the state indicators and state transducers are continuously emitting code signals to identify themselves to the primary control unit and second control unit via the common information transmission channel.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 1995Date of Patent: December 9, 1997Assignee: Hans Christian KaiserInventors: Hans Christian Kaiser, Holger Wolm, Udo Schmitt
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Patent number: 5686883Abstract: A vehicle anti-theft system in which, only when the ID signal is obtained from a right ignition key and when the vehicle anti-theft function is halted by the failure of an anti-theft circuit or theft detection unit itself, the start-up of the engine is permitted. The system comprises a unit for generating a start-up enable signal in response to a verification signal representing a right ID signal, and an engine control unit for performing the start-up control of the engine in response to the start-up enable signal and disabling the engine in response to a theft signal. The start-up enable signal generating unit generates a start-up enable signal in response to the fault signal. A dummy line for detecting a breakage is wired along various signal lines wired on the substrate of an immobilizer, which, if intentionally broken by an ill-intentioned third party, could cause a fault signal similar to that for the failure of the immobilizer to be outputted from a determination signal output terminal.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1995Date of Patent: November 11, 1997Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Eiji Mutoh, Shinichi Kubota, Susumu Maeda, Suguru Asakura, Akira Nagai
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Patent number: 5677665Abstract: A judgment is made as to whether an ignition key is inserted into a key cylinder, and when the ignition key is inserted into the key cylinder, a keyless entry operation is forbidden. Here, a judgment is made as to whether a door on a driver's seat side is slammed shut by a driver, and when the door on the driver's seat side is slammed shut, forbiddance of locking/unlocking control is canceled according to a command signal transmitted from a transmitter.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 1996Date of Patent: October 14, 1997Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Nobuhiro Amano, Shinobu Machida
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Patent number: 5675490Abstract: An immobilizer for a motor vehicle and a method for operating the immobilizer include a test unit, control devices connected through a data line to the test unit, and at least one ignition key having a transponder. When the ignition key is actuated, the test unit transmits a request signal through the data line to all of the control devices, which respond thereto by transmitting back identification codes which are compared with desired codes. The test unit prevents starting of the motor if fewer than a prescribed number of control devices reply with their identification code. The test unit enables all of the control devices if at least the prescribed number of control devices reply with their identification code word, in the event of interrogation.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 1996Date of Patent: October 7, 1997Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Anton Bachhuber
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Patent number: 5670831Abstract: A vehicle ignition system comprises a key cylinder and a key arranged such that the vehicle can be put in a state in which the key is removed from the cylinder leaving the engine running. The system includes a first safety check system which prevents operation to said state unless one or more of a first set of safeguard conditions is met. A timer is arranged to be automatically started to measure a predetermined time delay from removal of the key when the engine is running, and a second safety check system operates when the vehicle is in said state to shut down the engine automatically if one of a second set of safeguard conditions occurs, the second set of safeguard conditions including that the time delay has expired.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 1995Date of Patent: September 23, 1997Inventor: Demetrios Georgiades
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Patent number: 5656873Abstract: A device for charging PFLs (Pulse Forming Lines) on a time scale of a few nanoseconds. The device includes a source transmission line (STL) connected through a switch to a pulse forming transmission line. The source line is initially charged while the PFL is uncharged, and the switch is open. The impedance of the STL is larger than the impedance of the PFL. The impedance of the STL is also tapered in order to effect an energy transfer efficiency approaching 100% from the STL to the PFL. In operation when the switch is closed, energy flows from the source line to the PFL. As the energy and voltage build on the PFL, an output switch closes and delivers the energy of the PFL to the output transmission line section. The impedance of the output transmission line section is matched to the PFL impedance so that all of the energy in the PFL flows into the output section in the form of a pulse.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 1996Date of Patent: August 12, 1997Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventors: James P. O'Loughlin, Diana L. Loree
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Patent number: 5656868Abstract: A remote vehicle starter which can find implementation in a standard transmission vehicle. The remote vehicle starter has an operation for supplying power to an ignition and accessory wire when a key is removed from an ignition switch of the vehicle, so that the vehicle is running after the key is removed. It is then determined whether the vehicle is placed in neutral after the key is removed from the ignition switch. The remote vehicle starter of the present invention is then controlled so as to be operable to remotely start the vehicle only if the vehicle was in neutral at a point in time after the key is removed from the ignition switch.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 1995Date of Patent: August 12, 1997Assignee: Designtech International Inc.Inventors: Mark Gottlieb, Alex McPheeters
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Patent number: 5654689Abstract: An electrical anti-theft security system for a motor vehicle includes an anti-theft security switch for controlling starting of the engine of the vehicle and for the supply of power to various electrical circuits of the vehicle. This anti-theft switch comprises a key interruptor and a multiple position control interruptor for controlling, in sequence, the power supply to various electrical circuits of the vehicle, including those for the ignition and the starter. The system also includes interruptors for the power supply of the electric motor of the anti-theft system, together with an immobilizing device for preventing the supply of power to at least one electrical circuit of the vehicle when the anti-theft system is not in its unlocked condition.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 1996Date of Patent: August 5, 1997Assignee: Valeo Securite HabitacleInventors: Jean Peyre, Arnaud Humbert, Olivier Demouy
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Patent number: 5650670Abstract: Complex and multi-cycle microwave pulse waveforms are generated by the transient discharge of an induction charged transmission line using only one fast switch. An essential feature of the transmission line circuit is the distinction between the ground planes of the bias circuit and the microwave circuit. This distinction permits spatial variation of the charge induced on the transmission line over sections of ground plane biased at different potentials. Rapid discharge of the biased ground plane sections produces a complex or multiple cycle voltage wave on the transmission line which results in multicycle microwave pulse generation. The transient discharge is initiated by a fast switch located in the microwave ground plane. The similarity between some operating characteristics of the herein described device and the traditional Frozen Wave Generator (FWG) justify naming the new device and Induction Charged Frozen Wave Generator (ICFWG).Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 1995Date of Patent: July 22, 1997Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventor: James Bruce Thaxter
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Patent number: 5646457Abstract: A control device is provided for controlling a magnetic switch connected to a remote start control module for remotely starting the engine of a vehicle having a manual transmission. The control device includes a rotational device rotatably mounted adjacent to the magnetic switch and includes a line for rotating the rotational device relative to the magnetic switch. The line is attached to a gear shift of the manual transmission and rotates the rotational device to a closing position for closing the magnetic switch. The rotational device includes an upper disc having a plurality of cavities for receiving a magnet at the closing position to close the magnetic switch and to make an electrical connection with the remote start control module for remotely starting the engine of a vehicle with a manual transmission.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 1996Date of Patent: July 8, 1997Inventor: Violin S. Vakavtchiev
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Patent number: 5646461Abstract: An inside case made of rubber is mounted in an outside case, a substrate integrally provided with an engine stop switch circuit and a switch electrode of an engine stop switch unit is assembled in the inside case, and its lower side is filled with curable insulating base material to be sealed. Further, a switch contact opposed to the switch electrode is formed of pressure sensitive conductive rubber, and a reversal spring is further interposed on the pressure sensitive conductive rubber. As a result, wirings are eliminated, a decrease in the size of the entire apparatus and simplification can be realized, and a metal contact is eliminated to improve durability.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 1996Date of Patent: July 8, 1997Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yosuke Kubota
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Patent number: 5635770Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for interrupting operation of a starter of an alternatively-fueled motor vehicle. The apparatus comprises a fuel receptacle, a cover and a switch. The fuel receptacle has an electrically conductive, grounded fill opening. The cover mates with the fill opening of the fuel receptacle, and has a contact sensor which generates a ground signal indicative of contact between the cover and the fill opening. The switch communicates with the contact sensor and with the starter, and interrupts operation of the starter when no signal indicative of contact is received from the contact sensor.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1995Date of Patent: June 3, 1997Assignee: Beacon Power Systems, Inc.Inventors: Alan F. Evans, Jr., Garth J. Schultz
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Patent number: 5633537Abstract: When it is detected that the state of an electrical component connected to a communication node has not changed in the OFF state of an ignition key switch, it is determined that a vehicle equipped with the multiplex transmission apparatus is in a parking state, and the communication node is forcibly shifted to a sleep state, thereby preventing consumption of battery power due to a dark current supplied to the communication node in the sleep state.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 1994Date of Patent: May 27, 1997Assignees: Mazda Motor Corporation, Naldec CorporationInventors: Yasuhiko Kurata, Yuichi Akiyama
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Patent number: 5625337Abstract: A vehicle warning system for warning a vehicle operator of a dangerous condition resulting from an abnormal engine parameter for use in a vehicle having a sensor for measuring the engine parameter and a gauge connected to the sensor by a line. The vehicle warning system includes an input port, a connector for connecting the input port to the line connecting the sensor and the gauge, a voltage detector for detecting when a voltage level at the input port exceeds a threshold level, and an alarm generator for warning an operator of a dangerous condition when the voltage detector detects that the voltage level exceeds the threshold level.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 1995Date of Patent: April 29, 1997Inventor: Phillip C. Medawar
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Patent number: 5623171Abstract: A high-voltage pulse generating circuit of a charge transfer-type comprising a main capacitor for storing input energy and at least one magnetic pulse compression circuit comprising a saturable reactor, a saturable reactor on the side of a load comprising an energy recovery winding connected to the main capacitor via a rectifying element for returning unconsumed pulse energy from the load to the main capacitor. This circuit is suitable for an electrostatic precipitator.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1995Date of Patent: April 22, 1997Assignee: Hitachi Metals, Ltd.Inventor: Shin Nakajima
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Patent number: 5622768Abstract: A magnetic core is obtained by winding or laminating at least one alloy ribbon and has excellent squareness characteristic and magnetic saturation characteristic in a high frequency region wherein the squareness ratio of the magnetic core is improved by restricting the surface roughness of the alloy ribbon to specific regions.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 1994Date of Patent: April 22, 1997Assignee: Kabushiki Kaishi ToshibaInventors: Yumie Watanabe, Yumiko Takahashi, Takao Sawa, Yoshiyuki Yamauchi, Susumu Matsushita, Masami Okamura
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Patent number: 5623245Abstract: An anti-theft and anti-carjacking system for an engine powered vehicle. The system has a remote transmitter which selectively operates a vehicle mounted receiver and switch. The switch, when actuated to a selected position, interrupts electrical continuity. The transmitter is compact and is preferably embodied in an article carried or worn by the driver such as a wristwatch. In the preferred embodiment, activating the system to the anti-theft or armed condition will also engage an internally mounted lock in the engine compartment to prevent attempts at circumventing the system.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 1995Date of Patent: April 22, 1997Inventor: Jack R. Gilmore
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Patent number: 5621255Abstract: A Marx generator, includes a number of capacitors (E) connected in series via spark gaps (E), between two output terminals and a power supply circuit that charges the capacitors in parallel. The capacitors are connected in series by a flat line formed of two metal strips running parallel and facing one another. These strips are connected together electrically at one end of the line and respectively to the output terminals at the other end and consist of one continuous strip and a second strip subdivided by transverse slots into successive plane sections interconnected in series alternately by a capacitor and a surface spark gap. A structure of this kind reduces the inductance of the generator and hence improves the rise time of the output pulses.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 1994Date of Patent: April 15, 1997Assignee: Etat Francais represente par le Delegue General pour l'ArmementInventors: Jean-Francois Leon, Bernard Etlicher, Philippe Auvray, Henri Lamain
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Patent number: 5614883Abstract: An automotive opto-electric starter interlock for use in a motor vehicle for the purpose of preventing the engine from being remotely started unless the transmission is in neutral. The starter interlock includes an optical sensors array mounted to the transmission shift linkage. The output of the sensors is dependent upon the position of the shift linkage, hence allowing to determine if the transmission is in neutral. A microprocessor stimulates the sensors and observes their response to determine the position of the shift linkage. The information supplied by the sensors is also used to detect system malfunctions.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1994Date of Patent: March 25, 1997Assignee: Astroflex, Inc.Inventors: Normand Dery, Guy Santerre, Alain Jean
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Patent number: 5594378Abstract: A fast, high voltage modulator circuit (10) has a drive circuit (12) apply input pulses to an on-section (88) and an off-section (90). The on-section (88) and off-section (90) having a common output (46). A pair of transformers (18,24) connects the drive circuit (12) to the on-section (88) and off-section (90) respectively. The drive circuit (12) applies a pulse to the first transformer (18), which transmits the pulse to a first MOSFET (32) closing the first MOSFET (32) to connect an input high voltage (40) to the output (46). The drive circuit (12) applies an off pulse to the second transformer (24), which transmits the pulse to second and third MOSFETS (62,82), closing the second MOSFET (62) and connecting a lower input voltage (68) to the output (46). Also, closing the third MOSFET (82) that shorts out a gate (34) of the first MOSFET (32), thus opening the first MOSFET (32). The entire circuit is modular, being stackable to switch higher voltages.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 1995Date of Patent: January 14, 1997Inventors: Neils A. Kruse, Donald A. Brichta
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Patent number: 5587868Abstract: A high voltage gap discharge switch is provided with a pair of sphere electrodes 1, projections 2 and a blower 5. The sphere electrodes 1 are separated by a discharge gap and oppose each other. The projections 2 are provided integrally at the mutually facing tips of the sphere electrodes 1, and have a projection length of 1/100 to 1/8 times the diameter of the sphere electrodes 1 and an outer diameter of 1/100 to 1/10 times. The blower 5 gives rise to an air current for expelling products produced on the projections 2 due to the generation of a spark discharge. The blower 5 supplies air to the discharge gap at a wind speed of 0.5 to 25 m/sec.-KW. One objective of the present invention is to stabilize the wave-form of a high voltage pulse and to increase its durability using a simple construction.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 1995Date of Patent: December 24, 1996Assignee: Nippon Paint Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kensuke Akutsu
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Patent number: 5580477Abstract: An electric power supply for a heater includes a heater, a battery electrically connected with the heater, a booster circuit electrically connected with the battery, a condenser disposed between the heater and the booster circuit and control element which controls a charge and a discharge of the condenser.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 1994Date of Patent: December 3, 1996Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Nobuyuki Oota, Motonobu Akaki, Hiroshi Okazaki, Teruo Tatsumi, Yasutoshi Yamada
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Patent number: 5581131Abstract: A switching circuit for an electronic distributor ignition device for an internal combustion engine. Current flowing through the primary ignition coil is controlled by a semiconductor switch circuit connected between the coil and ground. A control input to the semiconductor switch is also connected to ground by a pair of oppositely poled zener diodes which have a temperature coefficient which approximates that of the semiconductor switch circuit.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 1993Date of Patent: December 3, 1996Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Noriyoshi Urushiwara, Noboru Sugiura
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Patent number: 5567995Abstract: A multiwinding spiral generator is capable of delivering any predetermined amount of energy at any predetermined voltage. The multiple spiral combines three components into a single component. The multiple spiral functions as the primary low voltage energy store, the voltage step-up means, and the high voltage energy store. The duplication of these functions by a single multiple spiral potentially offers a factor of three in reducing the size, weight, volume, and cost compared to the conventional pulse power conditioning apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 1994Date of Patent: October 22, 1996Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventors: James P. O'Loughlin, Steve E. Calico
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Patent number: 5563454Abstract: A starting apparatus which is capable of preventing damages to the starter unit even if a starting current passed to the starter unit fails to be interrupted due to switch troubles, etc. is provided. A main storage device is charged by a power generating device and feeds electricity to electric loads in a vehicle and a subsidiary storage device. A starting switch passes the charging current from the main storage device to the subsidiary storage device during non-starting time, by which the subsidiary storage device specially designed to drive the starter unit stores the power which is smaller than that which may cause damages such as burning to the starter unit even if the current is discharged continuously to the starter unit, but larger than that required for each starting under normal conditions.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 1994Date of Patent: October 8, 1996Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takeshi Araki, Yasuhiro Nagao
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Patent number: 5563457Abstract: A quartet of parallel coupled planar triodes is removably mounted in a quadrahedron shaped PCB structure. Releasable brackets and flexible means attached to each triode socket make triode cathode and grid contact with respective conductive coatings on the PCB and a detachable cylindrical conductive element enclosing and contacting the triode anodes jointly permit quick and easy replacement of faulty triodes. By such orientation, the quad pulser can convert a relatively low and broad pulse into a very high and narrow pulse.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 1993Date of Patent: October 8, 1996Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventor: Rex Booth