Discharging Or Preventing Accumulation Of Electric Charge (e.g., Static Electricity) Patents (Class 361/212)
-
Publication number: 20020126436Abstract: The present invention improves on prior art apparatus and method primarily intended as lightning protection systems to be used on sailboats, particularly non-metallic hulled sailboats having one or more electrically conductive masts, by providing a temporary, easily installed electrically conductive clamping device which attaches to an electrically conductive mast in such a fashion as to not require any mechanical modification to the mast or any of its parts generally but not exclusively, in the form of machining, drilling, tapping, grinding or cutting. In the preferred embodiment, the temporary lightning protection device is comprised of at least one electrically conductive contact plate sufficiently large to offer an appropriate electrically conductive contact surface, held together on the mast generally but not exclusively by a flexible clamping device and holding straps.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2001Publication date: September 12, 2002Inventors: Christian Laferriere, Pierre Seynett
-
Patent number: 6442012Abstract: A resin coupling connected to a resin fuel hose is provided. An O-ring is fitted in the inner cylindrical wall of the pipe inserting section of a coupling body. The electrical resistance of the coupling body meets 106 to 1010 &OHgr;·cm in volume resistivity, or 106 to 1010 &OHgr; in surface resistivity.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 1999Date of Patent: August 27, 2002Assignee: Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masaki Koike, Shinichi Bito, Yasushi Miyamoto, Hisatsugu Goto, Takayuki Kato
-
Patent number: 6426859Abstract: Grounding straps for removing static electricity from the wearer. More particularly, the straps have a conductive interior and an anti-static or static dissipative exterior. The anti-static exterior has an electrical resistance of between 106 and 1012 ohms which will not create static electricity when rubbed and will not wear off with use.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2000Date of Patent: July 30, 2002Assignee: Static Solutions, Inc.Inventor: Leonard Cohen
-
Patent number: 6414600Abstract: There is provided a ground check system used with an input module and/or sort module of a test handler for checking automatically grounding wires associated with moving parts thereof. The ground check system includes a sensing circuit which is responsive to ESD voltages associated with the grounding wires and to a reference voltage for generating an output voltage. A visual indicator device is mounted on the input module and/or sort module of the test handler and is responsive to the output voltage for alerting an operator of a malfunction in the grounding wires. An output buffer section is also responsive to the output voltage for shutting down the input module and/or sort module when there is a malfunction in the grounding wires.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2000Date of Patent: July 2, 2002Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.Inventors: Lunchakorn Plukphongrat, Athipat Ratanavarinchai, Keerati Sugasi
-
Publication number: 20020080549Abstract: An electrostatic discharge device adapted to be mounted to an electrical fixture wallplate is disclosed. The discharge device consists of a circuit having at least a resistor and preferably a non-linear discharge component mounted on an electrical fixture wallplate. Another embodiment has an electrical discharge circuit built within an electrical switch.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2000Publication date: June 27, 2002Inventor: Shalom Wertsberger
-
Patent number: 6399903Abstract: A multilayered structural element which is useful for forming housings for electronic devices such as cellular telephones. The multilayered structural element has sequentially attached layers: (a) thin, flexible polymeric outer film layer, (b) an electronic interface layer, the electronic interface layer comprising a thin, flexible polymeric film layer having a pattern of electrically conductive lines on at least one side thereof; (c) a rigid structural layer; (d) an electromagnetic interference shielding layer; and (e) an optional protective layer.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2000Date of Patent: June 4, 2002Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: James F. Stevenson
-
Publication number: 20020064016Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2001Publication date: May 30, 2002Inventors: Andreas Goers, Helmut Michel, Reiner Bleil
-
Publication number: 20020060896Abstract: A static electricity discharging loader for sheet materials is utilized discharging the static electricity on stacked sheet materials and the sheet materials are stacked on the static electricity discharging loader and the loader comprises a container to contain the sheet materials, a static electricity discharging device with a static electricity discharging brush and when the sheet materials is taken out the container, the sheet materials will contact the static electricity discharging brush and then remove the static electricity on it so that the sheet materials are taken out from the container smoothly.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2001Publication date: May 23, 2002Applicant: HannStar Display Corp.Inventor: Kang Ting Liu
-
Patent number: 6370003Abstract: The invention is an electrostatic charge resistant instrument system comprising at least one instrument, a lead extending from the instrument, and at least one connector associated with the lead. In accordance with the invention, each component of the instrument system is made to have an electrically grounded conductive outer surface so that electrostatic charges are prevented from building up substantially throughout the entire instrument system. A lead of the system can be made to have a conductive outer surface by forming about the lead a flexible conductive housing provided by at least one small diametered wire arranged to encircle the lead a plurality of times in a spiral, mesh or braided mesh configuration. Conductive outer surfaces of instruments and connectors, meanwhile, may be provided by forming the instruments and connectors of the system from conductive polymeric materials containing a polymeric base material and conductive fibers and or particles embedded therein.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 1999Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Assignee: Welch Allyn Data Collections, Inc.Inventor: Robert J. Hennick
-
Publication number: 20020039274Abstract: A solid electrolytic capacitor includes a valve acting metal having microfine pores, a dielectric film formed on a surface of the valve acting metal, and a solid electrolyte layer provided on the dielectric film, in which at least a portion of the solid electrolyte layer is of a lamellar structure. In particular, a solid electrolytic capacitor includes an electrically conducting polymer having a specified condensed ring structure containing (1) a solid electrolyte layer containing a sulfoquinone anion having a sulfo anion group and a quinone structure and other anion, and (2) a solid electrolyte layer containing an anthracenesulfonate ion and other anion.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2001Publication date: April 4, 2002Applicant: SHOWA DENKO K.K.Inventors: Hiroshi Konuma, Koro Shirane, Ryuji Monden, Atsushi Sakai, Yuji Furuta, Katsuhiko Yamazaki, Toru Sawaguchi, Hideko Ohata, Yoshiaki Ikenoue
-
Patent number: 6365825Abstract: A reverse biasing apparatus is used to remove short-circuited portions in a solar battery module having multiple strings of solar cells each including a first electrode layer, a photovoltaic semiconductor layer and a second electrode layer formed on a glass substrate, by applying a reverse bias voltage between the electrodes of adjacent solar cells. The reverse biasing apparatus comprises probes to be in contact with the electrodes of adjacent three or more strings of solar cells, an actuator for actuating the probes up and down, and a relay switch for selecting, from the probes, a pair of probes for applying the reverse bias voltage between the electrodes of an arbitrary pair of adjacent solar cells. The use of the reverse biasing apparatus can ensure an efficient reverse biasing process on a solar battery module having integrated multiple strings of solar cells.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2000Date of Patent: April 2, 2002Assignee: Kaneka CorporationInventors: Katsuhiko Hayashi, Hideo Yamagishi
-
Publication number: 20020034060Abstract: A solid electrolytic capacitor includes a valve acting metal having microfine pores, a dielectric film formed on a surface of the valve acting metal, and a solid electrolyte layer provided on the dielectric film, in which at least a portion of the solid electrolyte layer is of a lamellar structure. In particular, a solid electrolytic capacitor includes an electrically conducting polymer having a specified condensed ring structure containing (1) a solid electrolyte layer containing a sulfoquinone anion having a sulfo anion group and a quinone structure and other anion, and (2) a solid electrolyte layer containing an anthracenesulfonate ion and other anion.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2001Publication date: March 21, 2002Applicant: SHOWA DENKO K.K.Inventors: Hiroshi Konuma, Koro Shirane, Ryuji Monden, Atsushi Sakai, Yuji Furuta, Katsuhiko Yamazaki, Toru Sawaguchi, Hideki Ohata, Yoshiaki Ikenoue
-
Patent number: 6359768Abstract: A shield for resisting the passage of electromagnetic emissions in a computer is formed from a rectangular plate having apertures for receiving various electrical connectors that insert into the computer. Each aperture in the plate has grounding members for engaging the connectors. The plate also has a row of spring-like wiping members along each of the four side edges. Two edges of the plate each have a single row of wiping members, and two edges of the plate have two opposed rows of wiping members. The opposed rows are interposed with each other in an alternating sequence. One of the two opposed rows forms a series of folds, and the other row forms a series of tabs. The shield is mounted to the side edge flanges of a rectangular opening in the wall of the computer. Two of the flanges slidingly engage the single row of wiping members. The other two flanges insert into the folds and contact with both the folds and the tabs.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Courtney Cleophas Eversley, Walter Adrian Goodman
-
Publication number: 20020027761Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2001Publication date: March 7, 2002Inventor: A. Clinton Ober
-
Patent number: 6347031Abstract: A snap-on type earthing clip terminal clamps a mounting plate on opposite first and second faces thereof while engaging an engaging claw in a through hole of the mounting plate. The terminal possesses a terminal body to which an electric wire is connected. A primary pressure strip is formed by cutting and bending up a portion of the terminal body excluding an auxiliary pressure strip with the engaging claw. A pressing portion of the primary pressure strip resiliently presses the first face of the mounting plate in an insertion space. Consequently, the terminal body and the auxiliary pressure strip closely contact the second face of the mounting plate.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2000Date of Patent: February 12, 2002Assignee: J.S.T. Mfg. Co., LTDInventor: Hideo Kawamoto
-
Patent number: 6338986Abstract: An electrostatic discharge protection device according to the present invention is provided at an input or an output of a semiconductor integrated circuit for protecting an internal circuit of the semiconductor integrated circuit from an electrostatic surge flowing into or out of the semiconductor integrated circuit. The electrostatic discharge protection device includes: a thyristor; and a trigger diode for triggering the thyristor with a low voltage. The trigger diode includes: an n-type cathode high impurity concentration region; a p-type anode high impurity concentration region; and an insulator section for electrically insulating a silicide layer formed on a surface of the n-type cathode high impurity concentration region from another silicide layer formed on a surface of the p-type anode high impurity concentration region.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 1999Date of Patent: January 15, 2002Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Hidechika Kawazoe, Eiji Aoki, Sheng Teng Hsu, Katsumasa Fujii
-
Patent number: 6331928Abstract: The invention provides an ESD-protected interface panel. A signal board has one or more circuit layers and at least one button switch on a first side of the board. An electrical output (e.g., an electrical cable and/or connector) connects in circuit with the board and switch, and the signal board generates signals on the electrical output indicative of activation of the button switch. An ESD protection layer covers the button switch and substantially all of the first side. The ESD layer is deformable to human touch to activate the switch therethrough. The ESD layer electrically couples with one or more contacts covering at least part of the second side, such that ESD generated by the human touch is routed to chassis ground connected to the contacts. Preferably, the ESD layer bends around edges of the signal board to form the contacts in a single conductive layer. An indication layer, e.g.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 1999Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Assignee: Storage Technology CorporationInventors: Charles Grasso, David Patrick Tieben
-
Patent number: 6331927Abstract: A shield for protecting electrostatic discharge sensitive components from static electricity. The shield includes a screen formed of a static electricity dissipative material. A housing is provided from which and to which the screen can be extended and retracted. A motor may be incorporated in the shield to extend and retract the screen. Eyebolts are included for hanging and anchoring the shield. In an alternative embodiment, the shield is hung on a stand having a bracket with a hook.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 1999Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventor: Mark F. Overgaard
-
Patent number: 6327131Abstract: A transportation apparatus for transporting components (240) sensitive to electrostatic discharge includes an electically conductive cart (220), an electrically conductive pad (231) coupled to the electrically conductive floor to ground the cart, an electrically conductive cable (232) coupled to the cart, and a fastening device (233) coupling the pad to the cable. The cart transports the components across an electrically conductive floor (200) from one location to another while the cart remains grounded by the electrically conductive pad.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 1999Date of Patent: December 4, 2001Assignee: Motorola, Inc.Inventors: Floyd L. Thomas, Loren J. Scheman
-
Patent number: 6327132Abstract: Spark-resistant structure for use with aircraft, including a sheet-shaped external element made of a composite material with an exterior face bearing an electrically conducting surface layer for dissipating lightning energy. The external element also has an interior face. The structure further includes a sheet-shaped internal element with exterior and interior faces. The interior face of the external element is least partially superimposed on the exterior face of said internal element. Each element has holes which are aligned with each other. The structure also includes a fixing structure for holding the elements together in a fixed position passing through the aligned holes and forming an alignment. The fixing structure electrically contacts the conducting surface layer. Additionally, a first electrically conducting strip is positioned under the conducting surface layer of the external element, and it extends longitudinally in a direction of the alignment of the fixing structure.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 1999Date of Patent: December 4, 2001Assignee: Aerospatiale MatraInventors: Luc Andrivet, Jean-Pierre Avenet
-
Patent number: 6323445Abstract: A membrane switch structure providing electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection has three layers of insulating material, including two outer layers containing on their inside opposing surfaces printed conductive circuit patterns which may be selectively brought into electrical contact with each other through contact apertures provided in an intermediate insulting layer. An ESD protection circuit is provided in close proximity to at least one of the two outer layers, e.g., by printing the pattern on a backside of one of the outer layers in the same manner that printing of the circuit pattern is carried out. The ESD protection circuit pattern replicates, at least generally, all or a portion of the layout of the conductive circuit patterns. The ESD protection circuit can be efficiently fabricated and offers effective protection of the membrane switches from ESD events that can cause device operation problems in, for example, computer keyboards.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2000Date of Patent: November 27, 2001Assignee: Microsoft CorporationInventor: Dawson Yee
-
Patent number: 6315475Abstract: A drive belt system comprises a drive belt that is conductive. The drive belt system further comprises ground coupling means, such as a conductive brush or rubbing material, arranged for coupling the drive belt to ground. As a result, arcing in the drive belt system is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 1999Date of Patent: November 13, 2001Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Daniel L. Carter, Timothy M. Minerd
-
Publication number: 20010036051Abstract: An electrostatic breakdown prevention apparatus is disclosed which allows an electronic apparatus connected to a connector to bidirectionally transfer data at a high speed on the same signal line and prevents an electrostatic breakdown of the electronic apparatus without relying upon the structure of the connector. A signal line on an electronic apparatus body side is provided with an electrostatic breakdown preventing smoothing circuit for smoothing a signal inputted to the signal line. A connector for connection of the signal line is provided with a switching mechanism for stopping the smoothing function of the electrostatic breakdown preventing smoothing circuit when the connector is connected, but restoring the smoothing function of the electrostatic breakdown preventing smoothing circuit when the connector is disconnected.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2001Publication date: November 1, 2001Applicant: NEC CORPORATIONInventor: Kenji Kataoka
-
Patent number: 6295193Abstract: An electronic circuit board (6) has a surface. with at least one conducting island (7), and the surface is arranged proximate to a first insulating material (3) having a number of holes (8) which correspond to at least some of the conducting islands (7) and through which the conducting islands (7) may be reached. At an end thereof facing the surface, each hole (9) has an area which is larger than the area of the corresponding conducting island (7). A conducting area (10; 14, 15, 16, 17) adapted to carry off an electrostatic discharge (ESD) is located on the surface proximate to the conducting islands (7) and within the area of the holes (8), and elements (9; 19) of a second insulating material are provided in the holes (8). Thus the electronic circuit board can withstand electrostatic discharges without the circuitry of the board being damaged.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2000Date of Patent: September 25, 2001Assignee: Telefonaktiebologate LM Ericsson (publ)Inventors: Johan Ulf Mercke, Jonas Bengtsson, Stefan Hellström, Michael Kellerman
-
Patent number: 6291114Abstract: A photomask (1) comprises a transmissive base plate (2) a first side of which is provided with a layer of a metallic mask material (4). In this layer, a mask pattern (5) is formed which is enclosed by an inner region (6) and an outer region (7) of mask material, the inner region and the outer region being separated by a ring-shaped protection area (8). In this protection area, a protection pattern (9) is formed having tracks (10) with end portions (11) situated near the inner and outer regions and at a distance (12) therefrom, which distance is small compared to the smallest distance between pattern parts in the mask pattern (5). The photomask is thus protected against electrostatic discharges, which could damage the mask pattern.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: .S. Philips CorporationInventor: Antonius A. M. Reijers
-
Patent number: 6260224Abstract: A broom type particle collector has a particle pick-up assembly joined to an elongated handle. The pick-up assembly has a non-electrical conductive foam plastic member accommodating a cathode for imparting negative charges or particles and an anode for collecting the charged particles. An electrical power supply located within the handle provides electric power to the cathode and anode.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 1998Date of Patent: July 17, 2001Inventor: Michael R. Pinkus
-
Patent number: 6259591Abstract: The total of the ion current leaving electrodes of one polarity and the ion current flowing to those electrodes, is measured as the current in the ground return path of the corresponding generator. For a brand-new ionizer, the value of that total ion current for electrodes of each polarity under normal operating conditions will substantially be the maximum ion current the positive and negative electrodes are capable of generating. The changes in the current in the ground return path reflect changes in the ionizing efficiency of the electrodes caused among other factors, by contamination. The values of the currents may be scaled up or down to the arbitrary unit. Using this scaling allows to have a signal that is normalized regardless of the length of the ionizer and number of the ionizing electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2000Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Assignee: Ion Systems, Inc.Inventors: Ira J. Pitel, Mark Blitshteyn
-
Patent number: 6256825Abstract: The invention teaches the removal of dust particles during semiconductor processing without the need to modify the processing chambers or to wait until they are not being used for their normal purposes. The dust removal operation is performed inside loadlocks instead the processing chambers. Dust removal, in a loadlock, is accomplished by first initiating a flow of gas over the wafer surface. Then a negative charge is induced at the surface for a period of time followed by the induction of a positive charge. This causes the charged particles to be repelled away from the surface, at which point they are swept away by the gas. To remove the electrically neutral dust particles, the induced surface charge is switched too rapidly for these particles to follow, so they are briefly repelled from the surface and then swept away by the gas.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 1998Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing CompanyInventor: Yuan-Ko Hwang
-
Patent number: 6253821Abstract: A device for eliminating static electricity from protective film of a laminated sheet in a laminator is disclosed. A longitudinal fan is set in the laminator. An air suction port is formed on the bottom wall of the laminator, thus guiding atmospheric air to the fan. An air passage is formed in the laminator so as to guide the pressurized air current from the fan to the rear wall of the laminator. An air exhaust port is formed on the rear wall of the laminator at a position around the rear end of the air passage, thus discharging the pressurized air into the atmosphere. In the fan, a drive motor is installed at one end of a longitudinal housing, while a plurality of longitudinal blades are regularly arranged in the housing so as to form a cylindrical blade body.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 1999Date of Patent: July 3, 2001Assignee: GMP Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yang-Pioung Kim
-
Patent number: 6239963Abstract: A wafer support featuring a polymer rack formed of parallel, spaced apart comb structures with spaced apart teeth into which wafers can loosely fit and a shank immediately below the teeth which is connected to lifter shafts. A conductive polymer bus bar runs along the shank less than a millimeter below the base of the teeth. The polymer rack will fit through a standard size wafer cassette for wafer transfer. The bus bar is connected to electrical ground, found at metal lifter shafts, by means of conductive polymer cross bars. The bus bar is close enough to one or more wafers to allow arcing from the wafer to the bus bar and then to ground when a wafer becomes highly charged with electrostatic charge, thereby discharging the wafer.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 1999Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Assignee: Fortrend Engineering CorpInventor: Torben J. H. Ulander
-
Patent number: 6219218Abstract: An electromagnetic flux suppression includes a three stage filtering system to protect against electromagnetic interference and electrostatic discharge and has a first stage high voltage section that filters a high voltage pulse by providing a spark gap to ionize the ambient air and thus effectively form a shunt. A second stage filter has a front end capacitive interface followed by an inductive line to filter out radio frequency arcing that occurs between two bodies thus exposing them to radio frequency radiation. A third stage filter includes a radio frequency low pass filter to reinforce the capacitive inductance filter.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 1997Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: John A. Nial, Jr., J. David De Leon, Nickolas Kaloterakis, T. William Ammons, Jr., Joseph Dulcey
-
Patent number: 6215639Abstract: An adjustable, electrically conductive bracelet extensible about a user's limb and adapted to prevent inadvertent contact with a source of electrical potential. The buckle system has a lower aperture configured for the endpiece to be insertable therethrough such that the inserted endpiece is disposed between the inner surface of the bracelet and the limb. In addition, the buckle system further has a strap puller to facilitate adjustments of the bracelet to form a plurality of alternate sizes.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1999Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Inventor: Roland Hee
-
Patent number: 6210771Abstract: Fabrics are used as integral elements of electrical circuitry—to facilitate control over the operation of external components connected thereto, to serve as substrates onto which electrical components are connected, or as the electrical components themselves. In one aspect, selective, anisotropic electrical conductivity is achieved using conductive fibers running along one weave direction and non-conductive fibers running along the opposite direction. The conductive fibers, which may be continuous or arranged in lanes, serve as electrical conduits capable of carrying data signals and/or power, and may be connected, for example, to electrical components soldered directly onto the fabric. In a second aspect, passive electrical components are integrated directly textiles using threads having selected electrical properties.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1997Date of Patent: April 3, 2001Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: E. Rehmi Post, Margaret Orth, Emily Cooper, Joshua R. Smith
-
Patent number: 6150945Abstract: A wearable device for alerting a user when a static electrical charge has developed on the user which exceeds a preset limit, prior to an accidental discharge of the static charge. The device includes a first conductive element in close proximity to the user and a second conductive element spaced a further distance from the user than the first conductive element. A high impedance differential amplifier provides a voltage signal proportional to the potential difference existing between the first and second conductive elements. A voltage level discriminator receives the voltage signal from the high impedance differential amplifier and triggers an alarm if the voltage signal exceeds a predetermined limit.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 1999Date of Patent: November 21, 2000Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventor: Robert W. Wilson
-
Patent number: 6151202Abstract: A system for dissipating electrostatic build-up from a circuit card to a chassis ground within an electronic system, prior to connection of the circuit card with the electronic system. A circuit card has a card connector for connecting the circuit card into a backplane receptor within the electronic system. The circuit card includes a surface upon which an electrostatic charge may collect and also includes at least one conductive pad. A card guide aligns the circuit card such that the circuit card connects with the backplane receptor when said circuit card is fully inserted into the card guide. A conductive element within the card guide couples the conductive pad to a chassis ground within the electronic system when the circuit card is partially inserted into said the card guide.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1999Date of Patent: November 21, 2000Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Mark Wayne Mueller, Peter Matthew Thomsen, Lucinda Mae Walter
-
Patent number: 6147854Abstract: An electricity shunting and rerouting device designed as forming an integral part of a garment comprising conductive metal bracelets (and/or waistbands and/or anklets) joined by an insulated conductor, the size and type of which may vary depending on the application, thereby allowing the potentially harmful electrical current to flow through the insulated conductor/wire and rerouting the current away from the worker's inner parts, such as vital organs and muscles, thereby minimizing the health risk of electrocution.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 1999Date of Patent: November 14, 2000Inventor: Garry William Kirschner
-
Patent number: 6140581Abstract: An electrically grounded semiconductor structure is embedded in a non-conductive packaging material, without employing any electrical leads of the semiconductor structure as an electrical path and without damaging the semiconductor structure. The desired grounding connection is obtained by physically removing a portion of the non-conductive packaging material from a rear portion of the semiconductor structure, replacing the removed non-conductive material by a conformable electrically conductive material, and then electrically contacting this conformable electrically conductive material to a grounding element. In another aspect of the invention, a portion of the non-conductive packaging material is removed from a rear portion of the semiconductor structure and a metallic element such as a pin or a spring is disposed to make contact between the exposed portion of the semiconductor structure and the grounding element.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 1997Date of Patent: October 31, 2000Assignee: Mitsubishi Electronics America, Inc.Inventors: Joseph W. Cowan, Tom Taylor, J. Neil Schunke
-
Patent number: 6130815Abstract: The total of the ion current leaving electrodes of one polarity and the ion current flowing to those electrodes, is measured as the current in the ground return path of the corresponding generator. For a brand-new ionizer, the value of that total ion current for electrodes of each polarity under normal operating conditions will substantially be the maximum ion current the positive and negative electrodes are capable of generating. The changes in the current in the ground return path reflect changes in the ionizing efficiency of the electrodes caused among other factors, by contamination. The values of the currents may be scaled up or down to the arbitrary unit. Using this scaling allows to have a signal that is normalized regardless of the length of the ionizer and number of the ionizing electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 1999Date of Patent: October 10, 2000Assignee: Ion Systems, Inc.Inventors: Ira J. Pitel, Mark Blitshteyn
-
Patent number: 6104595Abstract: A method and apparatus for discharging a residual charge from an electrostatic chuck having one or more electrodes. The discharge process involves exposing a surface of the electrostatic chuck to energetic particles such as photons. The discharge apparatus includes a source of energetic particles as part of a semiconductor wafer processing system controlled by a computer. The source of energetic particles may be lamps such as "bakeout" lamps that are generally located within the process chamber. Photons in the form of infrared radiation from the lamps excite certain dopant atoms within the chuck material causing the material to exhibit the photoconductive effect. Such a photoconductive state will allow any residual charge on the surface of the chuck to be conducted away through the chuck electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 1999Date of Patent: August 15, 2000Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventor: Karl Brown
-
Patent number: 6099697Abstract: Method and apparatus for restoring a support surface of a substrate support to a pre-process condition. The method comprises the steps of providing a surrogate substrate on the degraded support surface, providing the surrogate substrate with a ground connection and establishing an electric field between the support surface and the surrogate substrate to remove accumulated charges in the support surface. The apparatus comprises a process chamber having a surrogate substrate on a the support surface and connected to ground. The surrogate substrate is a semiconductor wafer or a plate or sheet of metallic material. The ground connection is established by striking a plasma that contacts the surrogate substrate and an electrical ground reference. The electric field established between the support surface and the surrogate substrate "pushes" any accumulated charges out of the support surface. Removal of the accumulated charges improves and extends the chucking ability of the support surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 1999Date of Patent: August 8, 2000Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventor: Gilbert Hausmann
-
Patent number: 6088211Abstract: A capacitor is serially-connected to apply alternating line signal to ion generators that are normally operable on alternate half cycles of line signal for safely inhibiting further operation of a generator of air ions of one polarity in the event a generator of air ions of opposite polarity incurs circuit malfunction. In an alternative embodiment, serially-connected capacitor are shunted by serially-connected diodes poled for unidirectional conduction in opposite directions, with junctions of capacitors and diodes connected together.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1998Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Assignee: Ion Systems, Inc.Inventor: Ira J. Pitel
-
Patent number: 6088212Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimizing electrostatic discharge damage to semiconductor objects utilizes an ionized air stream to reduce electrostatic and triboelectric potential build up in and surrounding semiconductor storage containers. The ionized air stream is continuously directed to a designated area where stored semiconductor objects are being removed from. Electrostatic and triboelectric potential is greatly reduced, minimizing the threat of electrostatic discharge and damage.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 1998Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.Inventors: Joseph Michael Freund, Raymond Frank Gruszka, George John Przybylek, Dennis Mark Romero, Nancy Louise Reyes
-
Patent number: 6078875Abstract: The present invention provides automated systems for performing electrostatic discharge (ESD) device efficacy verification and recording the results for an ESD auditing program. Systems of the present invention comprise at least one ESD device testing unit. The testing unit may include sensors and circuits for identifying particular worker who are performing the test. The testing unit includes a testing circuitry for periodic verification of the efficacy of the ESD device. A communication system allows the testing unit to communicate with a central computer which collects, stores and allows the manipulation of the test data. Systems of the present invention are therefore useful in testing the ESD devices, documenting their performance, and controlling access to particular work areas based on testing results.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 1997Date of Patent: June 20, 2000Assignee: Semtronics CorporationInventors: Bradford Tyler Jubin, Michael Albert Sanchez, Albert C. Breidegam, Edwin B. Bradley
-
Patent number: 6075449Abstract: An electrical static eliminator device performance indicator including a sensor for sensing the ion flow from an emitter point of the static eliminator device and also for sensing the presence of a voltage at an emitter point to accurately detect the fouling of a point or shorted point condition; a display, responsive to the means for sensing, for displaying an indication of a fouled emitter point or a shorted emitter point; and an electrical circuit interconnecting the sensor and the display.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 1998Date of Patent: June 13, 2000Assignee: Chapman CorporationInventor: Chandler G. Sinnett
-
Patent number: 6072684Abstract: A device and method for protecting a site against lightning strikes. The device detects the approach of a lightning discharge towards the site. In response, the device forms an ionized channel in the vicinity of the site to direct the electrical lightning discharge towards a lightning conductor.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1999Date of Patent: June 6, 2000Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie AtomiqueInventors: Andre Eybert-Berard, Jean-Pierre Berlandis, Michel Clement
-
Patent number: 6069785Abstract: A method for restoring an electrostatic chuck force of an electrostatic chuck in a plasma apparatus includes the steps of only supplying a source gas, and applying a source power, but not an RF bias, to the plasma apparatus to induce a positive plasma. The positive plasma discharges any accumulated negative charge on the electrostatic chuck.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1997Date of Patent: May 30, 2000Assignee: LG Semicon Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jae-Hee Ha
-
Patent number: 6067220Abstract: In one embodiment, a variably conductive shunt is provided for protecting a read/write sensor element, e.g., an MR read element, which has first and second terminals. A variably conductive member is electrically connected between the first and second terminals. The variably conductive member conducts charge when a potential sufficient to damage the element is applied across the first and second terminals thereby protecting the element from the charge.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 1998Date of Patent: May 23, 2000Assignee: Pemstar, Inc.Inventors: Robert D. Ahmann, William W. Brooks
-
Patent number: 6052053Abstract: The present invention provides automated systems for performing electrostatic discharge (ESD) device efficacy monitoring and recording the results for an ESD auditing program. Systems of the present invention comprise at least one ESD device monitoring unit. A communication system allows the monitoring unit to communicate with a central computer which collects, stores and allows the manipulation of the test data. Systems of the present invention are therefore useful in testing the ESD devices, documenting their performance, and controlling access to particular work areas based on testing results.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 1997Date of Patent: April 18, 2000Assignee: Semtronics CorporationInventors: Bradford Tyler Jubin, Michael Albert Sanchez
-
Patent number: 6038139Abstract: The mounting rack (BGT) has plug-in printed circuit board assemblies (BG) with an electrical resistor (R) between the front panel (FP) and the sliding contact (K). Any electrostatic charge applied to the front panel (FP) is damped by the electrical resistor (R) before being dissipated to the mounting rack BGT. The novel mounting rack (BGT) has the advantage that an assembly (BG) can be inserted and withdrawn even while the other assemblies in the mounting rack (BGT) are in operation, without any interference signals that could adversely affect operation of the other assemblies in the mounting rack (BGT) being emitted.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1998Date of Patent: March 14, 2000Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Ernst Billenstein, Werner Korber, Siegfried Kurrer, Kurt-Michael Schaffer
-
Apparatus and method for monitoring, controlling, displaying and dissipating an electrostatic charge
Patent number: 6028761Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring, controlling, displaying, and dissipating an electrostatic charge from an object such as a computer monitor, television, workbench, telephone handset or person. An electrostatic charge is electrically coupled to an input terminal of an electrostatic dissipater. The electrostatic dissipater includes a "hardening" circuit, such as a voltage-overload circuit, which serves to protect the components of the electrostatic dissipater itself. As the electrostatic charge is dissipated, a display indicates the level of electrostatic charge being dissipated. This indication permits trouble-shooting electrostatic charge problem areas as well as increasing user awareness of electrostatic problems. A conductive electrostatic solution used in conjunction with the electrostatic dissipater improves dissipation of the electrostatic charge. Similarly, the electrostatic dissipater improves the efficiency of a conductive electrostatic solution.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 1998Date of Patent: February 22, 2000Assignee: C-Technologies LLCInventor: Steve R. Cooter