Discharging Or Preventing Accumulation Of Electric Charge (e.g., Static Electricity) Patents (Class 361/212)
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Patent number: 6783839Abstract: An electromagnetic field deflecting garment made up of a dry knitted conductive fabric (2) with conductive filaments (3) disposed in parallel fashion, edged with a lattice conductive fabric (4) with filaments (5) disposed in a criss-crossed pattern, an electrical circuit (10) able to disperse the electromagnetic signal coming from the garment being connected to said fabric (4).Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2000Date of Patent: August 31, 2004Inventor: Edilio Livio Alpini
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Patent number: 6780066Abstract: An arc discharge preventing device is electrically connected to at least two electronic devices, the arc discharge preventing device. The arc discharge preventing device includes an insulating main body, a first terminal, a second terminal, a low conductive member, and a conductive member. The first terminal is provided on the insulating main body, and electrically connected to a first electronic device. The second terminal is provided on the insulating main body, and electrically connected to a second electronic device. The low conductive member is provided on the insulating main body, and having a first resistance value. The low conductive member is electrically connected to the first and second terminals. The conductive member is detachably mounted on the insulating main body, and having a second resistance value lower than the first resistance value. The conductive member is electrically connected to the first and second terminals when the conductive member is attached to the insulating main body.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2003Date of Patent: August 24, 2004Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventors: Tetsuya Hasegawa, Yasuhiro Tamai, Takashi Gohara
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Patent number: 6771566Abstract: Disclosed herein is a wristwatch equipped with a device for the elimination of static electricity, the static electricity resulting from contact with metallic wardrobes, textiles, automobiles, electronic devices, and so on. Ground protrusions are disposed on a metallic upper cover in the upper portion of the watch. An external casing through which electricity is not transmitted is disposed in the middle portion of the watch. Connection protrusions and a watch chain are disposed in the lower portion of the watch. The device along with components of a general wristwatch is disposed in the watch, includes a coil for preventing a rapid current surge, a resistor for performing discharge, and a discharge bulb connected in series with each other, and is connected from the upper cover to one of the connection protrusions. Accordingly, static electricity is eliminated by touching objects generating the static electricity to ground protrusions disposed on the upper cover.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2003Date of Patent: August 3, 2004Inventor: Bok-Kwon Lee
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Patent number: 6767603Abstract: An article of workwear comprises a plurality of components (17,18) incorporating electrically conductive fibres (21), and an electrically conductive member (20) bridging the junction between adjacent components. The electrically conductive member comprises a strip or tape (20) incorporating a plurality of electrically conductive filaments or yarns (22), each filament or yarn being incorporated in the strip or tape in such a manner as to have alternate portions of the filament or yarn exposed at opposite faces of the strip or tape. The strip or tape may be secured to each of the adjacent components by stitching (19).Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2000Date of Patent: July 27, 2004Inventors: Norman John Alfred Hurst, Michelle Sharon Barker
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Patent number: 6762919Abstract: In the electrophotographic copying apparatus or printer, a current proportional to the output current of the high voltage output circuit for supplying the charger etc. with a high voltage is detected by a current detection circuit, and the detection output is supplied to a smoothing circuit and a peak hold circuit. The outputs of the smoothing circuit and the peak hold circuit are supplied to a comparator and are compared with a reference value. If the output of the smoothing circuit or the peak hold circuit exceeds the reference value, the output of the high voltage output circuit is lowered or terminated.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2002Date of Patent: July 13, 2004Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Koji Doi
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Patent number: 6756971Abstract: A touch pad guard is used to guard a touch pad on a portable computer to prevent inadvertent contact with the touch pad by the user's hand. The touch pad guard includes a guard member having one or more closed side regions for preventing the user's hands from contacting the touch pad. The guard member also has an open bottom region and one or more open side regions for allowing the user's fingers to access the touch pad for controlling the cursor on the computer. In one embodiment, the touch pad guard further includes an attachment device that removably attaches the guard member to a surface of the computer keyboard housing. An optional wrist pad can be coupled to the touch pad guard for supporting the user's wrists while using the keyboard. The touch pad guard can also be integrally attached to the surface of the keyboard housing.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2000Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Inventors: Steven E. Ramey, Johnny Jaskot
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Publication number: 20040114299Abstract: An ionizer for eliminating static electricity on a large size substrate. The ionizer comprises a bar and a plurality of pin sets. The pin sets are located on the bar at a given interval, and a power line is located inside the bar. Each pin set comprises a plurality of pins and a plurality of nozzles. The pins connect to the power line, and the nozzles are located around the pins to spray charges on the substrate at a given spraying angle. By setting more pins in each pin set, the covering angle of the ionizer can be enlarged.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2003Publication date: June 17, 2004Applicant: AU Optronics Corp.Inventors: Tsung-Lin Lu, Ying-Chi Chen
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Publication number: 20040105210Abstract: By varying corona producing element height/projection, a more uniform charge potential is achieved. Elements, such as pins or teeth, are shorter at the edges of an element array and grow longer as one moves toward the center of the array. Such variation in height/projection overcomes shielding from adjacent teeth, as well as other effects, to yield the more uniform charging potential.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2003Publication date: June 3, 2004Applicant: Xerox CorporationInventors: Satchidanand Mishra, Edward A. Domm, Dennis J. Prosser, Steven P. Nonkes, Zoran D. Popovic, Surendar Jevadev
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Patent number: 6741444Abstract: An apparatus for charging a substrate including a dielectric substrate, a support member having a first end and a second end between which the member extends substantially parallel to the substrate, a row of electrodes distributed over the support member between the first and second ends, the electrodes extending from the support member in the direction of the substrate, the electrodes having a free end for spraying a charge on the substrate, each free end having a substantially fixed distance from the substrate, wherein the distance in the case of the electrode located at the first and second end of the support member differs substantially from the distance in the case of the electrode located in the middle of the support member.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2002Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Assignee: Océ-Technologies B.V.Inventors: Gerardus Matheas Hubertus Maria Jacobs, Albin Bernhard Werner Haas, Gerardus Johannes Marie Hendericks
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Publication number: 20040085704Abstract: The integrated circuit includes a substrate SB incorporating a plurality of electronic components C1, C2 and a seal ring SR around the electronic components. It includes cold spot means VM, PG, BDG disposed between the electronic components and the seal ring. It further includes electrostatic discharge protection means including an electrostatic discharge rail VM around the electronic components and constituting said cold spot means.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventor: Armand Castillejo
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Publication number: 20040075966Abstract: An electric discharge machine capable of obtaining an average voltage between a workpiece and an electrode with a simple device. A voltage E is impressed between the electrode and the workpiece to cause an electric discharge to flow a machining current I for an on-time period TON, and after an off-time period TOFF, the voltage E is impressed between the electrode and the workpiece again. The above cycle of the electric discharge is repeated to machine a workpiece. The on-time period TON and the off-time period TOFF are of constant set values. The average voltage V is obtained according to the following equation using the number N of off-time periods or electric discharges in a set time period TA.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2003Publication date: April 22, 2004Applicant: Fanuc Ltd.Inventors: Masao Murai, Akiyoshi Kawahara, Akihiro Sakurai, Yasuo Nakashima
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Patent number: 6721160Abstract: The invention relates to a system for dissipating electrostatic charges (3) of a pluggable electrical unit (2) with an at least partially electrically conductive housing (20) when it is brought into connection with an at least partially electrically conductive enclosure (10) connected to earth potential of an electrical base unit (1) using a pair of leading contacts (131, 231). In this case, the enclosure (10) is connected to earth potential (4) of the base unit (1) via a first attenuator (111/121), to the frame potential (14) of the base unit (1) via a second attenuator (112/122) and to a first contact device (131). The frame potential (14) of the base unit (1) is connected to a second contact device (132). The housing (20) of the pluggable electrical unit (2) is connected to the frame potential (24) of the pluggable electrical unit (2) via a third attenuator (211/221) and to a first mating contact device (231) via a fourth attenuator (212).Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2001Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: ABB Patent GmbHInventors: Andreas Goers, Helmut Michel, Reiner Bleil
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Publication number: 20040066600Abstract: A passive device to neutralize electrostatic charging of fuel when it exists a filter monitor cartridge is described. Filter cartridges containing light filter media generate electrostatic charges, which flow with the fuel as it exists the filter. The device neutralizes the charges as the charges fuel exits the filter/monitor using corona discharge.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2003Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventors: Gregory S. Sprenger, Michael J. Gish
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Patent number: 6717792Abstract: An apparatus that supports ionizing pins which extend radially outwardly from an annular assembly ring. The apparatus is preferably used as part of an ion air blower and is preferably contained inside of an ion air blower housing. Also enclosed in the ion air blower housing is a fan that is used to force air over the ionizing pins. The ionizing pins extend from the outer surface of the annular assembly ring with the ionizing pin tips positioned in an air guide proximate to the point of fastest airflow generated by the fan blades. This facilitates the stripping of ions from the ends of the ionizing pins by the propelled air. Additionally, the outwardly orientation of the ionizing pins naturally allows the ions to be directed outward towards the fastest airflow and allows for the increased miniaturization of an ion air blower using the emitter of the present invention.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2001Date of Patent: April 6, 2004Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: John Gorczyca, Michael Jacobs, King K. Miller
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Publication number: 20040057190Abstract: A method of offset voltage control for pulse mode ionization systems is provided wherein the ionization system has positive and negative power supplies. The duty cycle and overlap of outputs of the positive and negative power supplies are controlled, and an overlap that achieves a desired offset voltage is determined. The offset voltage and the corresponding overlap are stored in memory. The duty cycle and overlap of the outputs of the positive and negative power supplies are controlled to achieve the desired offset voltage based upon the stored offset voltage comparison.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2003Publication date: March 25, 2004Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: John Gorczyca, David D. Reagan
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Publication number: 20040025902Abstract: There is disclosed a method for static elimination of a cleaning target in a cleaning step is carried out by disposing in a cleaning apparatus a conducting means capable of coming into contact with and separating from the cleaning target at a plurality of portions thereof, bringing the conducting means into contact with the plurality of portions of the cleaning target, and eliminating, by grounding via the conducting means, the static electrification on the cleaning target that is caused by a cleaning member during cleaning. A static elimination assembly carrying out this method is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2003Publication date: February 12, 2004Inventor: Masaki Unagami
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Publication number: 20040027777Abstract: A static eliminator for neutralizing and eliminating static electricity by applying an ultraviolet ray to a static elimination target includes at least one means for applying the ultraviolet ray and the means for applying the ultraviolet ray is formed of an ultraviolet light emitting diode.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2003Publication date: February 12, 2004Applicant: SMC CorporationInventors: Shigeru Komoriya, Satoshi Suzuki
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Patent number: 6690565Abstract: The attenuation of the stray current impulse limits the capacitive leakage. The value of the inductance, coupled to the parasitic capacitance of the charge, creates a reactive filter effect. Since the effect is reactive, the impulse energy is not absorbed. The energy is therefore redistributed in time, but since the intensity of the tension is greatly diminished, the coupling through the capacitances is diminished. The apparatus comprises a core which includes 1, 2, 3 or 4 coils. The apparatus is typically a high quality reactance which includes a low reactive value in opposition of the line current (residual mode) and a high reactive value for the circulation of the parallel current (common mode).Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2002Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Inventor: Michel Montreuil
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Patent number: 6690564Abstract: Disclosed herein is an anisotropically conductive sheet that exhibits conductivity in its thickness-wise direction, and is suitably used as a connector. The anisotropically conductive sheet of the first feature may comprise a plurality of columner conductive parts extending in the thickness-wise direction and a semiconductive part that exhibits semiconductivity in its plane direction. In the sheet, respective conductive parts may be surrounded by the semiconductive part with an insulating part therebetween. The sheet may comprise conductive particles contained in a sheet member exhibiting semiconductivity in a state oriented so as to be arranged in the thickness-wise direction thereof. The sheet of the second feature has a static charge-eliminating layer integrally provided on the surface of a sheet member. The sheet of the third feature has a conductive part for static-charge elimination to be connected to a ground. The sheet can inhibit static electricity from being accumulated on the surface thereof.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2000Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Assignee: JSR CorporationInventors: Yuichi Haruta, Naoshi Yasuda
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Patent number: 6686546Abstract: A structure and method is disclosed for dissipating electrostatic charges comprising an insulating layer between and over a plurality of conductive plates, wherein the insulating layer isolates the conductive plates and protects the conductive plates from damage, and wherein the insulating layer comprises a conductive discharge grid adjacent the conductive plates.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1998Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Assignee: STMicroelectronics, Inc.Inventor: Anthony M. Chiu
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Publication number: 20040017643Abstract: A cabinet has an opening and a panel which covers the opening. Electrical equipment is disposed in the cabinet and is operable when high voltage is applied thereto. An interlock mechanism is moveable between a locked position in which the panel covers the opening to prevent access to the electrical equipment and an unlocked position in which the panel can be opened or removed to allow access to the electrical equipment. A residual voltage associated with the electrical equipment when high voltage is removed from the electrical equipment is monitored. The interlock mechanism is moved from the locked position to the unlocked position allow access to the electrical equipment when the residual voltage decreases below a predetermined reference value.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 26, 2002Publication date: January 29, 2004Applicant: NCR CorporationInventors: James D.A. Hartling, Vernon W. Tarbutt, Brian W. Gamble
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Patent number: 6683779Abstract: A personal grounding system for collecting and removing unnatural electrical charges from a human body includes a grounding pad having a layer of carbon fibers, and a conductor substantially extending across the layer in conductive contact with the carbon fibers. A ground lead is conductively coupled to the grounding pad conductor at one end thereof and conductively coupled to a grounded anchor at a second end thereof. Preferably, the grounded anchor is placed directly into the earth, although in certain applications constitutes a metal grounding component. The system may include a wall plate in conductive connection with the grounded anchor. The ground lead is removably attached to the wall plate via a connector attached thereto. The grounding pad may be configured to be a sleeping pad, seat pad, or strap or patch attachable to the human body.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2001Date of Patent: January 27, 2004Assignee: Earth Tether International CorporationInventor: A. Clinton Ober
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Patent number: 6681352Abstract: A method for testing packaged integrated circuits (ICs) having bent or broken leads. A lower portion of each lead is cut to leave a stub located close to the package body of the damaged IC. The damaged IC is then mounted onto a probe card having upward-facing probes that contact the lead stubs. Test signals are then transmitted between an IC tester and the damaged IC through the probe card.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2000Date of Patent: January 20, 2004Assignee: Xilinx, Inc.Inventor: Toby Alan Fredrickson
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Patent number: 6677582Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the minor constituents of a sample with high efficiency in positive and negative ion monitoring modes. The directions in which the sample gas is forced to flow in the ionized region within the ion source are properly switched in the positive and negative ion monitoring modes, respectively, thereby enabling both positive ions and negative ions to be detected with high sensitivity.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2001Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Masuyoshi Yamada, Yasuaki Takada, Masao Suga
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Patent number: 6674630Abstract: Simultaneous neutralization and monitoring of charge on a moving dielectric material is achieved with ionizing devices that supply ions in proximity to the material to thereby substantially neutralize charge on the material, and with circuitry that senses the ion currents flowing from the ionizing devices to the material. A controller can be utilized to control the ionizing devices and/or calculate various parameters (such as charge densities on the web, efficiency, etc.) based on the sensed ion currents.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2001Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Ion Systems, Inc.Inventors: Peter Gefter, Mark Blitshteyn
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Patent number: 6671160Abstract: An electrostatic discharge prevention device enabled latch may be employed on or with an enclosure including an access panel. The electrostatic discharge prevention device enabled latch includes a latch for retaining the access panel in a closed position. The latch may be disengaged by operation of a latch release member which functions to effect release or disengagement of the latch. A conductor receptacle is attached to the enclosure, typically in the proximity of the access panel. An electrostatic discharge prevention device including a ground strap and a conductive terminal are provided for use by an individual desiring to gain access through the access panel to service enclosed components or circuits. When the conductive terminal is inserted into the conductor receptacle, a latch release member is displaced disengaging the latch.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2001Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventor: Douglas Todd Hayden
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Patent number: 6670733Abstract: Technique for reducing bearing current discharges in a system by increasing the surface area between the shaft and the frame of the system and thereby increasing the rotor to frame capacitance.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2001Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Reliance Electric Technologies, LLCInventor: Michael J. Melfi
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Patent number: 6671161Abstract: A method and a device for quick neutralization of a created electrostatic field formed by a multitude of basically charged particles includes a medication powder (180) deposited onto a defined target area (160) of a substrate member (140) in the course of a dose forming process. A charge generator emits charges, which are directed towards the target area of the substrate member such that the electric field created by the accumulated charges from the deposited particles is neutralized by the added charges. Various elements may be used to generate neutralizing charges, but an ion source (195) is most efficient in achieving neutralization of the dose charge and the substrate. The source may be applied so that the dose (180) and the target area (160) are exposed to the emitted charges during the entire or part of the dose forming process.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2001Date of Patent: December 30, 2003Assignee: Microdrug AGInventor: Thomas Nilsson
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Patent number: 6665166Abstract: Systems and methods for protecting electronic devices from electrostatic discharge are provided. A preferred system includes a module configured to be received by an enclosure. The module incorporates an electronic component, such as a memory device, processor, and/or circuit assembly, for example, that is configured to electrically communicate with at least a portion of the enclosure when the module is received by the enclosure. The module also includes a first contact portion that is arranged to contact the enclosure as the module is received by the enclosure. Preferably, the first contact portion is formed, at least partially, of a dissipative material. So configured, when the first contact portion engages the enclosure, an electrostatic charge of the module may be discharged in a controlled manner. Methods also are provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2001Date of Patent: December 16, 2003Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Barry J. Oldfield, Herbert J. Tanzer, Brian Tsuyuki, David J. Pommerenke, Mohammad M. Bari, Peter Gysling, Jon C. Anson, Richard G. Sevier
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Patent number: 6646853Abstract: A control circuit for an ionizer controls an output of at least one of a positive voltage direct current (DC) power supply (PS) and a negative voltage DC PS. Each PS is connected to at least one ionizing pin. The control circuit controls the output of the power supplies so as to cause a flow of positive and negative ions from the ionizer and directed towards a target. The control circuit includes a positive PS return current sense resistor that biases the negative voltage PS to decrease the output of the negative voltage PS when the current detected by the positive sense resistor increases and to increase the output of the negative voltage PS when the current detected by the positive sense resistor decreases. The control circuit includes a similar negative PS return current sense resistor and associated bias circuitry for controlling the negative voltage power supply.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2001Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Michael A. Jacobs, Ken S. Foo
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Patent number: 6636411Abstract: A small quantity of electron attaching gas is introduced into the corona region of an electrical ionizer to stabilize the corona in the otherwise electron non-attaching nitrogen gas. The corona region is closely localized at emitter points so the quantity of electron attaching gas is very small. Clean-dry-air is preferably used as the purge gas but other gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide may be used. The small quantity of electron attaching gas may be introduced either through a hollow needle emitter or an external purge gas (sleeve about the needle, or by using a gas purge nozzle).Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2001Date of Patent: October 21, 2003Assignee: Illinois Toolworks, Inc.Inventor: Charles G. Noll
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Patent number: 6628499Abstract: A charging apparatus of a printer for charging a photoreceptor medium to a predetermined electric potential which includes a first electrode and a second electrode separated a predetermined distance from the first electrode and facing the photoreceptor medium, the charging apparatus includes a high voltage generating unit for generating a voltage set to the first electrode, a first varister connected to one end of the second electrode, a second varister having one end connected to the first varister in parallel and the other end connected to a ground terminal, a switching unit connected to the second varister in parallel and switched on/off, and an engine controller for controlling a duty of switching on/off of the switching unit to control a voltage maintained at the second electrode. Thus, the structure of a circuit is simplified and the size of the printer can be reduced.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2000Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Min-seon Kim
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Publication number: 20030151877Abstract: An electrostatic discharge protection circuit for an integrated circuit that reduces unwanted transient currents during normal operations. In one embodiment, the electrostatic discharge protection circuit includes one or more electrostatic bus lines, a plurality of signal bonding pads and charge pumps. The one or more electrostatic bus lines are used to direct electrostatic discharge around internal circuitry. The plurality of signal bonding pads are used to receive external voltage signals. Each signal bonding pad is coupled to an associated electrostatic bus line via an unidirectional conducting device. A charge pump is used on each electrostatic bus line to precharge its associated electrostatic bus line to an associated predetermined voltage level.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2002Publication date: August 14, 2003Applicant: INTERSIL AMERICAS INC.Inventors: William R. Young, Gregg D. Croft
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Patent number: 6597559Abstract: The lightning rocket system of this invention comprises a rocket launcher that is in communication with a detection device that measures the presence of electrostatic and ionic change in close proximity to the rocket launcher that also fires the rocket launcher. This system is designed to control the time and the location of a lightning strike. The lightning rocket can be comprised of solid propellant that has cesium salts added which produces a conductive path when the exhaust gases are discharged from the rocket that is expelled to the static layer of a thundercloud. A conducting lightning rod which is grounded and positioned along side the launch tube for the solid propellant is in communication with the conductive path to thereby control the time and location of a lightning strike from the thundercloud. In a liquid expelled rocket a solution of calcium chloride is used to form a conductive path from a thundercloud.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2001Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventor: Robert E. Betts
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Patent number: 6574086Abstract: An ionizer creates a corona current distribution having a balanced flow of positive and negative ions in a variable ion mobility gaseous environment. The balanced flow of positive and negative ions are directed toward a workspace or target located in the gaseous environment and downstream from the ionizer. The ionizer includes a corona electrode, a counterelectrode, a corona-free dc bias electrode, and a control circuit. The corona electrode has a negative polarity. The counterelectrode has an ion collecting surface. The corona-free dc bias electrode has a positive polarity. The control circuit controls the output of the corona-free electrode so as to cause a balanced flow of positive and negative ions to be emitted from the ionizer and directed towards the workspace or target. In this manner, a static-free environment is created at the workspace or target.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2001Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: Charles G. Noll
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Patent number: 6552891Abstract: The invention relates to a portable handheld work apparatus which is driven by a drive motor (1) having electrical ground (4). The drive motor (1) is configured especially as a spark-ignition engine (2). The work apparatus includes handles (5, 33) of electrically insulating material. A grounding element (6) is provided in the surface of the handle and this grounding element is conductively connected to the electrical ground (4) of the motor (1).Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2000Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignee: Andreas Stilhl AG & Co.Inventor: Klaus Prach
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Patent number: 6545853Abstract: An electrical ground (10) for use in a spacecraft comprising, a first surface (12) capable of emitting electrons by photoemission, at least one isolated conductive surface (18) and at least one conductive connector (20) in connection with the first surface (12) and the isolated conductive surface (18) such that excess electrical charge developed in the isolated conductive surface (18) is dispersed into the first surface (12).Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2000Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Assignee: Hughes Electronics CorporationInventors: Carl J. Gelderloos, Phillip L. Leung, Dilip D. Patel
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Patent number: 6512665Abstract: A static charge is produced on surfaces of superimposed, flat articles (2) by passing the superimposed articles (2) through an electric d.c. voltage field that is oriented substantially perpendicular to the principal surfaces of the articles. Due to the charging, electric forces of attraction between the surfaces of the articles increase the mutual adhesion of the flat articles. The effect of the static charging is reduced or prevented for at least one of two surfaces participating at a predetermined separation point, by treating the surface beforehand with an anti-static agent (3). Due to the anti-static agent there is little or no charge concentration on the surface such that there is little or no increase in adhesion at the separation point. Thus, at the separation point it is possible to displace the articles against one another with much smaller force expenditure than is required to displace the articles at non-separation points.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1999Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Assignee: Ferag AGInventors: Carl Conrad Maeder, Markus Scheuber
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Patent number: 6512664Abstract: An electrical connector is disclosed. The electrical connector includes a housing made of a near insulative material. The near insulative material has a resistance to current flow in the presence of low voltage current and has a surface resistivity which allows sufficient current flow to dissipate static electrical charges. The housing has a surface resistivity level within the range of 104 to 1010 ohms per square, and preferably within the range of 105 to 108 ohms per square. The material used for the housing has negligible current flow in the presence of low voltage current such as when the conductor is conducting signals or electricity during normal operations. The current flow is in an amount sufficient to dissipate a static charge on the housing to a level where placing the jumper onto a set of pins will not produce a failure in a microchip electrically coupled to the jumper.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2000Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Assignee: Seagate Technology LLCInventors: Charles H. A. Smith, Scott D. Ulrich, Ron F. Parson, Randy A. Bork, William F. Pushee
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Patent number: 6507474Abstract: One aspect of the present invention elates to a method of reducing electrostatic charges on a patterned photoresist to improve evaluation of the developed photoresist, involving the steps of evaluating the patterned photoresist to determine if electrostatic charges exist thereon; positioning an ionizer near the patterned photoresist, the ionizer generating ions thereby reducing the electrostatic charges on the patterned photoresist; and evaluating the patterned photoresist with an electron beam.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2000Date of Patent: January 14, 2003Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.Inventors: Bhanwar Singh, Ramkumar Subramanian, Khoi A. Phan, Bryan K. Choo, Bharath Rangarajan
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Patent number: 6507469Abstract: In an electrostatic protection circuit of the present invention, a trigger voltage for causing snapback operation in MOSFET is reduced and circuit elements with low breakdown voltages can be protected. A protection nMOSFET having a drain connected to an input/output terminal and a source and a substrate that are grounded is provided. A diode array, composed of at least one diode, is connected in series in a forward direction between the gate of the protection nMOSFET and the input/output terminal. Finally, a resistor is connected between the gate of the protection nMOSFET and ground.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2001Date of Patent: January 14, 2003Assignee: NEC CorporationInventor: Takeshi Andoh
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Patent number: 6504702Abstract: An ionizer that creates a corona current distribution having a balanced flow of positive and negative ions in a variable ion mobility gaseous environment, such as an environment of substantially nitrogen. The balanced flow of positive and negative ions is directed toward a workspace or target located in the gaseous environment downstream from the ionizer. The ionizer includes a counterelectrode, a positive ion emitter, a negative ion emitter, and a control circuit. The counterelectrode has at least two spatially isolated collecting surfaces. The positive and negative ion emitters are spatially isolated from each other so that the outputs of each of the emitters do not reach the other emitter.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2001Date of Patent: January 7, 2003Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: Charles G. Noll
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Patent number: 6504700Abstract: The invention concerns an active discharge electrode (5) for minimizing positive and/or negative charges on moving material webs. The active discharge electrode (5) comprises a plurality of needle-shaped individual electrodes (8) which are disposed mutually parallel and can be connected to a high-voltage source, preferably a high-voltage transformer. The active discharge electrode (5) further comprises at least one earthing conductor (11) extending at right angles to and along the plurality of individual electrodes (8).Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1999Date of Patent: January 7, 2003Assignee: Eltex-Elektrostatik GmbHInventors: Ernst August Hahne, Franz Knopf
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Patent number: 6477027Abstract: A grounding mat for connection to a power source, having a sheet including an outer perimeter and a central area. The outer perimeter surrounds the central area. A single continuous conductive member is attached to the sheet, the continuous conductive member having two unitary portions. The one portion is disposed in the central area of the sheet in a grid pattern, and the other portion is disposed in the outer perimeter of the sheet in a border pattern surrounding the one portion. The continuous conductive member has a connection end portion for electrical connection to the power source.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2000Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Assignee: Hubbell IncorporatedInventor: Marvin D. McKelvy
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Patent number: 6459560Abstract: A device is provided for discharging static electricity between a person and an grounded object to prevent unpleasant static shock to the person includes an insulated housing supporting a first contact arranged for manual engagement, a second contact for contacting the grounded object and a conductor of high resistance therebetween for allowing transmission of current at a rate which is sufficiently low to avoid shock. The device is in one arrangement a manually transportable element such as a key-holder where connection to the person is effected through the keys and key ring, a bracelet, a pen or the like which has an ancillary function so that it is regularly carried by the person. In an alternative arrangement, the device is provided on an object such as a door handle presented toward the person where the manually engageable contact comprises a pad presented forwardly of the grounded object such as the door.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2000Date of Patent: October 1, 2002Inventor: Vladimir Beribisky
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Publication number: 20020135966Abstract: This invention provides a substrate transport container for use, for example, in the process of manufacturing integrated circuits of less than 0.13 &mgr;m line width, to enable to hold the level of contaminants in the interior of the container for at least particles, acidic gases, basic gases, organic substances and humidity at controlled low levels, and having the size and structure to be compatible with automated semiconductor manufacturing plants. The container is provided with a door for loading and unloading substrates on a surface of a container main body and is constructed so as to hold the substrates inside the container main body at a given distance of separation, wherein air conditioning apparatuses for reducing the levels of particulate and gaseous contaminants, are disposed roughly symmetrically on the container main body.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2002Publication date: September 26, 2002Inventors: Akira Tanaka, Yoko Suzuki, Takashi Kishi
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Patent number: 6456480Abstract: The processing apparatus prevents difficulty in separation of the substrate from the base because of charges on the substrate when the substrate is lifted from the base for substrate placing during processing. The processing apparatus comprises pins to lift up the substrate on the base and a neutralization apparatus to discharge ionized gas to the gap between the bottom of the substrate lifted from the base by the pins and the top of the base. When ionized gas is discharged to the substrate and the base, the charges are neutralized. In addition, the processing apparatus comprises three or more of proximity pins, which form gap between the bottom of the substrate on the base and the top of the base to prevent a frictional electricity being formed therein.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 1999Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Assignee: Tokyo Electron LimitedInventors: Osamu Hirose, Tetsuya Sada
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Publication number: 20020131227Abstract: An electrostatic discharge prevention device enabled latch may be employed on or with an enclosure including an access panel. The electrostatic discharge prevention device enabled latch includes a latch for retaining the access panel in a closed position. The latch may be disengaged by operation of a latch release member which functions to effect release or disengagement of the latch. A conductor receptacle is attached to the enclosure, typically in the proximity of the access panel. An electrostatic discharge prevention device including a ground strap and a conductive terminal are provided for use by an individual desiring to gain access through the access panel to service enclosed components or circuits. When the conductive terminal is inserted into the conductor receptacle, a latch release member is displaced disengaging the latch.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2001Publication date: September 19, 2002Inventor: Douglas Todd Hayden
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Publication number: 20020131226Abstract: Systems and methods for protecting electronic devices from electrostatic discharge are provided. A preferred system includes a module configured to be received by an enclosure. The module incorporates an electronic component, such as a memory device, processor, and/or circuit assembly, for example, that is configured to electrically communicate with at least a portion of the enclosure when the module is received by the enclosure. The module also includes a first contact portion that is arranged to contact the enclosure as the module is received by the enclosure. Preferably, the first contact portion is formed, at least partially, of a dissipative material. So configured, when the first contact portion engages the enclosure, an electrostatic charge of the module may be discharged in a controlled manner. Methods also are provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2001Publication date: September 19, 2002Inventors: Barry J. Oldfield, Herbert J. Tanzer, Brian Tsuyuki, David J. Pommerenke, Mohammad M. Bari, Peter Gysling, Jon C. Anson, Richard G. Sevier
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Patent number: 6452774Abstract: A structure of an electrostatic resistant hand ring. A buckling component is installed on a conductive belt, the buckling component is formed by an upper cover and a lower cover. One side of the upper cover is connected to the lower cover. While the opposite side is installed with a buckling ring, another two sides are installed with a first hanging ring and a second hanging ring, respectively. A pillar is installed in a proper place within the upper cover, and another pillar is installed in a proper place within the lower cover. The two pillars are not at the same position. A buckling portion is installed in a lower cover in a place with respect to the buckling ring. The conductive belt passes through the first and second hanging rings, then passes around the pin within the body of the conductive belt, and then enters into the buckling component to be connected by the upper cover and the lower cover so as to be clamped by the two pillars and is therefore fixed.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 1999Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignee: Compound, Cable Assembly & Design Corp.Inventor: Shih-Ming Hsu