Specific Conduction Means Or Dissipator Patents (Class 361/220)
  • Publication number: 20080151465
    Abstract: The present invention relates to suppressing wear and contamination of the electrode needle as well as effectively removing the electricity from a charged body. An electricity removal mode in which the electrode needle is applied with a high voltage to produce ions and a halt mode in which the electrode needle is halted are provided, that are alternatively selected based on a selection of a user. The halt mode includes a halt period during which the high voltage is not basically applied on the electrode needle. When a self discharge occurs by approach of a charged body in this halt period and an absolute value of current that flows through the resistance exceeds the first threshold value, the electricity removal operation is initiated in which the high voltage is applied on the electrode needle to produce ions. Subsequently, after a predetermined time period passes, for example, the electricity removal operation is terminated and the halt period is resumed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: KEYENCE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tsukasa Fujita, Tadashi Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 7377750
    Abstract: In a wind turbine (104, 500, 704) having a plurality of blades (132, 404, 516, 744) and a blade rotor hub (120, 712), a lightning protection system (100, 504, 700) for conducting lightning strikes to any one of the blades and the region surrounding the blade hub along a path around the blade hub and critical components of the wind turbine, such as the generator (112, 716), gearbox (708) and main turbine bearings (176, 724).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Northern Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel P. Costin, Jeffrey K. Petter
  • Publication number: 20080112105
    Abstract: Apparatus and methodology for discharging static electricity from a vehicle which uses a discharge mechanism that does not contact the roadway (Earth) when the vehicle is in forward motion to reduce, or completely avoid, frictional wear on the discharge mechanism. In one embodiment, the displacement between the discharge mechanism and the roadway is obtained by way of wind force generated by the motion of the vehicle itself. A properly oriented and hinged windscreen attached to the conductive path discharge mechanism can be used for this purpose. Other embodiments including magnetically controlled lifting and holding devices can be used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventor: David Z, Chen
  • Publication number: 20080100982
    Abstract: An electronic dispenser for dispensing a measured sheet from a roll of web material includes an antenna in conductive communication with at least one component of the dispenser that stores static charge generated by operation of the dispenser. The antenna is disposed so as to dissipate the static charge through a non-conductive material external to the dispenser housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: Richard P. Lewis, Paul Tramontina, Leslie Dobbins, Charles A. Osborne
  • Publication number: 20080094773
    Abstract: Electrostatic discharge protection for guided wave microwave structures is provided by a protection device that imposes minimal disruption on the microwave structures and negligible interference with the normal operation of the structures. The protection device provides a discharge path between a signal conductor and a ground conductor when electrostatic charges on the signal conductor reach a predetermined voltage level. The protection device includes an insulating base that bridges a space between the signal conductor and the ground conductor and that supports a dispersion of metal particles adhered to the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Marc H. Popek
  • Publication number: 20080094774
    Abstract: A grounding apparatus for connecting electrical equipment to ground comprises a plate comprising a top surface, a bottom surface and first and second end portions. Typically. the plate is connected to opposing support legs, such that an open space is provided under the bottom surface of the plate. The top surface of the plate may comprise one or more raised surfaces and also define a plurality of apertures for use in securing one or more lugs to the plate. The grounding apparatus optionally comprises a port connected thereto and comprising an exterior surface defining an opening for receiving a plug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: PANDUIT CORP.
    Inventor: Robert G. Bucciferro
  • Publication number: 20080080117
    Abstract: A grounding device for a roll-out electrical component is provided. The grounding device includes an actuation assembly, a static grounding contact assembly, and a biasing device. The actuation assembly structured to be engaged/disengaged by a roll-out electrical component. The static grounding contact assembly has at least one static grounding contact member that is structured to move between a first position, wherein the static grounding contact member does not contact a roll-out electrical component at least one contact, and a second position, wherein the static grounding contact member contacts, and is in electrical communication with, the roll-out electrical component at least one contact. The static grounding contact assembly is coupled to the actuation assembly and responsive to the position of the roll-out electrical component. The biasing device is structured to bias the actuation assembly and the static grounding contact member to their respective first positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventors: Paul Kimball Parker, James Edward Smith, Paul Anthony Colbaugh, Ronald Alan Carder, Douglas Michael Brandt
  • Patent number: 7349194
    Abstract: The present invention specifies the fundamental method and system for providing an electrical connection between the human and earth ground for purposes of promoting health, well being, and performance. It is based on the premise that vertebrate organisms require electrical connectivity to earth for health and well being, especially during times of trauma. It is asserted that vertebrate biopotential may be modulated by varying the resistance from the body to earth ground and that via this mechanism, bioenergy production and internal impedance may be modulated for purposes of healing, health maintenance, and “work” including exercise. Instructive methods for characterizing an individual's biopotential and for applying the present invention in urgent portable medical care situations are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Coherence LLC
    Inventor: Stephen Bennett Elliott
  • Publication number: 20080068773
    Abstract: The invention discloses methods and systems for conductively coupling the body and more specifically the bare feet of an animal or human body to the earth in situations where conductive contact with the earth is otherwise impossible, such as inside a home or other building or in a bed. Various embodiments of the invention allow earth's mobile surface charge of free electrons to flow from the earth to the body, (similar to that which occurs naturally when an animal or human is standing barefoot on the earth), for the purpose of neutralizing excess or residual immune system-produced reactive oxygen species free radicals that cause physiological deficiencies and disturbances in the body such as acute or chronic inflammation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Applicant: EARTH FX, INC.
    Inventors: A. Clinton Ober, James L. Oschman
  • Publication number: 20080055505
    Abstract: A control circuit equipped with electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection includes a plurality of shift registers, a plurality of buses coupled to the plurality of shift registers, a common line, a set of ESD protection components coupled to a set of the plurality of the buses for protecting the plurality of buses from ESD events; and a set of current paths coupled between the set of the ESD protection components and the common line for providing the ESD current paths to pass through.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: Yen-Hsien Yeh, Chun-Ching Wei, Shih-Hsun Lo
  • Publication number: 20080055812
    Abstract: A device for safe dissipation of static electricity or charge from an object, comprising at least one conductive contacting means intended to be applied in contact with the object and to be connected to a point capable of dissipating electric current. The contacting means is connected to the dissipation point via a low conductive material for slow dissipation of current from the object, such that the formation of sparks is avoided. Preferably, the low conductive material comprises an insulating matrix, such as plastics, and a conductive additive mixed therein, such as metallic powder or soot. A potential recharging of the object will then be dissipated relatively slowly during initial contact with the device such that no spark can be released. Thereby, an explosion or fire can be avoided in hazardous environments, particularly in the field of chemical industry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: Anders Thulin Consulting AB
    Inventor: Anders Thulin
  • Patent number: 7336471
    Abstract: A charge eliminating mechanism of the invention includes a mechanical switching mechanism (e.g., a POGO pin), and a wiring line so connected as to be able to be electrically connected to the POGO pin. The wiring line can include a resistor. A block holds the POGO pin. The POGO pin comes into contact with a charge eliminating plate provided on a stage, so that the static electricity of the stage is discharged to ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Nobuhito Suehira, Yoshimune Misawa
  • Patent number: 7327548
    Abstract: Methods and devices for producing inhomogeneous electrical fields are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: PST Associates, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas G. Torr, Jose G. Vargas
  • Patent number: 7327547
    Abstract: A circuit element includes a foam pad having a plurality of electrically conductive granules some of which are in electrical contact with each other and some of which are spaced apart from each other and an electrical path defined through the pad by the granules. The pad has a very high resistance which is a function of the geometry of the pad as well as the electrical path. The pad can be used to dissipate ESD as well as a resistor element. The pad is very versatile and can be used in a large number of situations and in conjunction with other circuit elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Inventor: Barry M. Epstein
  • Publication number: 20080013247
    Abstract: An anti-static pallet, which is applied to carry objects, includes a main body and a grounding element. The grounding element is disposed in the main body and grounded. The object carried on the main body is able to contact the ground element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventors: Arthur Chang, Fu-Ming Chen
  • Publication number: 20070279830
    Abstract: An electrostatic discharge protection apparatus disposed in an optical disk drive includes a spindle motor and a feeding mechanism for driving a pick-up head. The mechanism includes a sled motor for driving the pick-up head. A traverse is disposed in a casing of the optical disk drive for disposing the motor and the mechanism. The electrostatic discharge protection apparatus is an elastic sheet disposed at one end of the spindle motor adjacent to the sled motor and includes a main body and several strips extending from the main body. The main body is connected with a metal fixing plate of the spindle motor. One strip contacts the sled motor, another strip contacts the guide bar, and another obliquely protruding strip penetrates and contacts a base plate and presses against the casing. A big electrostatic discharge sink is formed to buffer the transient impact caused by high electrostatic charges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Applicant: QUANTA STORAGE INC.
    Inventors: Yao-Jia Chiou, Yao-Ching Tsai, Jen-Chen Wu
  • Publication number: 20070274018
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method is provided including a plurality of test pins, a static dissipative layer having a plurality of openings, and a plurality of support features coupled to the static dissipative layer to movably support the static dissipative layer at a first and a second relative position. The support features enable the static dissipative layer to make initial contact with terminals of a component to be tested to discharge static, if any, built up at the terminals of the component while the static dissipative layer is supported at the first relative position. The support features also enable the static dissipative layer to expose the test pins through the openings to make contact with the terminals of the component after the static dissipative layer had made initial contact with the terminals of the component at the first relative position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Inventors: Warly A. Dela Cruz, Charlene T. Hintay, Jeffrey D. Concordia
  • Publication number: 20070263338
    Abstract: The corona discharge type ionizer has an airflow sensor disposed on an air path and a CPU (corona discharge control part) which stops discharge operation of discharge needles when it is determined from an output signal of the airflow sensor that airflow on the air path is lowered to a set value or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Publication date: November 15, 2007
    Inventors: Hirotaka NAKASHIMA, Taketo YASUZUMI, Nobuharu ISHIKAWA, Kohei TOMITA
  • Publication number: 20070258183
    Abstract: A static eliminator comprises at least one discharge needle for generating ions to eliminate static charge. A first hollow cylinder includes at least one opening for ions generated by the discharge needle to be emitted outside and provided with brushes for cleaning the discharge needle. A second hollow cylinder is provided with the discharge needle and rotatably disposed inside the first hollow cylinder. A discharge needle rotating mechanism is provided for causing to rotate the second hollow cylinder around the axis thereof to clean the discharge needle by wiping the discharge needle with the brushes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Publication date: November 8, 2007
    Inventor: Makoto TAKAYANAGI
  • Patent number: 7289310
    Abstract: An adjustable static current discharging bracelet includes a main body of inverse U-shaped section, a medium static current collector under the top of the main body and riveted to a protruding rod, a positioning device under the medium static current collector, a lower static current collector under the positioning device, a link having one end connected fixedly with the medium and lower static current collectors and the inlaid holes of the main body, and the other end connected to one end of the positioning device which has a pair of elastic retaining blocks engaged with a pair of serrated alignments of the main body. When press a pair of buttons inward to disengaged the elastic retaining blocks with a pair of serrated alignments of the main body, the positioning device together with one end of the link enable to slide on a pair of slender guides of the main body to adjust the length of the link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Inventor: Chun-An Yuan
  • Patent number: 7259954
    Abstract: An Electrical Static Discharge (ESD) system comprises a user-accessible subsystem (for example, a first gasoline pump), a local ground, a resistor-fuse element, and a main ground. The local ground dissipates a static electric charge from the user-accessible subsystem. The resistor-fuse element conducts the static electric charge from the local ground, and limits a reverse electric current to the local ground. A main ground receives and dissipates the static electric charge from the resistor-fuse element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventors: Steven D. Edstrom, Donald Richard Veloz
  • Patent number: 7254005
    Abstract: An AC plug provided with a plug casing and prongs formed sticking out from the inside of the plug casing to the outside and supplying AC power supplied from a power outlet to the prongs by an AC cord connected to the prongs inside the plug when the prongs are inserted into the power outlet, further provided with, inside the plug casing in series between the prongs, a discharge resistor for discharging a residual charge across the prongs when the prongs are pulled out from the power outlet and a switch turning off when the prongs are inserted into the power outlet, turning on when they are pulled out from the power outlet to pass the residual charge of one prong of the prongs to the other prong through the discharge resistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshiki Oyama
  • Patent number: 7248455
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing compressive connection with electrostatic discharge dissipative properties is disclosed. A compression connector is formed having an elastomeric material modified to provide a dissipative member, an electrostatically dissipative base member, and a connection to a ground to dissipate the charge generated when tension is applied to or released from the elastomer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: William L. Brodsky, Icko E. Iben, Ho-Yiu Lam, George G. Zamora
  • Patent number: 7245476
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeru Komoriya, Satoshi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7223922
    Abstract: A cable having an electrostatic discharge (ESD) dissipative coating. The cable includes a lead and an ESD dissipative coating operatively coupled to the lead. Other layers such as adhesives and insulating layers can be provided. The ESD dissipative coating can also function as the insulator for the lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: William Thomas Bandy, IV, Icko Eric Timothy Iben, Peter John Golcher, John Bradley Kriehn, Ho-Yiu Lam, Jeffrey Serrell Snyder, Larry LeeRoy Tretter, George G. Zamora
  • Patent number: 7212392
    Abstract: An improved personal body grounding system includes a grounding pad having two or more ground leads conductively coupled to one or more grounded anchors having multiple ground contact points. A monitor tests the continuity to ground using the circuit created by the multiple ground contact points. The monitor includes multiple safety features in the event of a power surge. The system also includes an electrical meter to measure the personal body voltage of a user and a voltage gauge for measuring continuity to ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Earth FX
    Inventors: Douglas W. Walker, Frank M. Ordaz, Jerome D. Fournier, Clinton Ober
  • Patent number: 7199992
    Abstract: A system and associated method are disclosed for protecting a magnetoresistive (MR) head from damage caused by electrostatic discharge. Included is a protective member having a conductive surface for being removably positioned on a MR connector cable such that the conductive surface remains in electrical communication with contacts of the MR connector cable. Thus, the contacts are shorted to protect a MR head coupled to the MR connector cable from damage caused by electrostatic discharge. Further included is a clamp releasably coupled to the protective member for maintaining the conductive surface of the protective member in electrical communication with the contacts of the MR connector cable to facilitate the shorting of the contacts, thus ensuring the protection of the MR head coupled to the MR connector cable from the damage caused by the electrostatic discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: William M. Dyer, Hoodin Hamidi
  • Patent number: 7193836
    Abstract: A grounding brush for mitigating static electric charge on a motor shaft includes a plurality of filaments secured to an annular frame around the shaft, with tips of the filaments disposed in a channel defined by the frame. Conductive powder can be provided in the channel to improve current flow from the shaft to the filaments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
    Inventors: Hieyoung W. Oh, Charles A. King
  • Patent number: 7193837
    Abstract: A plug includes an element that is electrically connected to a ground element in a receptacle in a set up configuration and an electrical connection that is attached to an element to be grounded whereby an element, person, or device, or the like, can be securely grounded using the ground circuit in a receptacle. Grounding is via a suitable signal circuit in one form of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventor: Barry M. Epstein
  • Patent number: 7187534
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Satchidanand Mishra, Edward A. Domm, Dennis J. Prosser, Steven P. Nonkes, Zoran D. Popovic, Surendar Jevadev
  • Patent number: 7184255
    Abstract: A conductive floor mat is disclosed for collecting process particles and grounding the electrostatic charge accumulated on operators who stand on the mat. The conductive floor mat includes a frame assembly, a plurality of parallel spaced ribs, a plurality of parallel spaced supports and grounding wires. The frame assembly includes four frame members and a bottom surface. At least one of the four frame members has an angled top surface. Both ends of the ribs and supports are mounted to the opposite of the frame members. The supports are perpendicularly fixed to the ribs for increasing the supporting capacity thereon. The grounding wires are extending from the frame assembly to discharge the electrostatic charge accumulated on the operators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventor: Ching-Lung Chen
  • Patent number: 7170735
    Abstract: An electrostatic discharge system for a road vehicle including an electrically conducting conductor element in electrical contact with an electrically conducting part of the vehicle body, an actuator mountable to the vehicle and adapted for selectively and reversibly moving the conductor element between a deployed position and a retracted position, and a controller operatively connected to the actuator and to a user interface and adapted for controlling operation of the actuator responsive to an interaction with the user interface, wherein in the deployed position the conductor element is in contact with the ground such as to provide an electrical pathway for electric charge from the electrically conducting part of the vehicle body to the ground, and wherein in the retracted position the conductor element is distanced from the ground such as to interrupt the electrical pathway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: Elon Diskin
  • Patent number: 7136271
    Abstract: A static charge neutralizer for a moving component of an apparatus includes a plurality of filaments on a conductive strip, with tips of the filaments disposed adjacent but spaced from the moving component. The filaments induce ionization in the presence of an electrical field from the statically charged surface of the moving component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
    Inventors: Hieyoung W. Oh, Charles A. King, Daniel P. McCormick
  • Patent number: 7120007
    Abstract: An ion generating unit is made compact, yet avoids the undesired arc discharge for successfully generating the ions. The ion generating unit includes a dielectric base having a length and carrying a needle electrode and a ground electrode. The needle electrode has a pointed tip and is adapted to receive a high electric voltage relative to the ground electrode for electrically charging particles present in the surrounding air. The dielectric base being a polyhedron having multiple faces including a first face and a second face which are different from each other and have the length of the dielectric base. The needle electrode is mounted on or in a closely adjacent relation to the first face, and has its pointed tip directing forwardly along the length of the dielectric base with the pointed tip receded from the front end of the base. The ground electrode is mounted at the front end of the base in longitudinally spaced relation with the pointed tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidetoshi Nakasone, Itaru Saida, Kengo Ito
  • Patent number: 7120005
    Abstract: The invention teaches improved materials and processes for production of structures to shield against ingress or egress of electromagnetic radiation. The structures and processes taught are based on the recognition and use of directly electroplateable resins. The directly electroplateable resins are combined with electrodeposited metal-based coatings to result in uniquely suitable structures to achieve radiation shielding. Fabrication and compositional flexibility of directly electroplateable resins and low cost material possibilities contribute to the unique suitability of directly electroplateable resins in the production of improved electromagnetic radiation shields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Inventor: Daniel Luch
  • Patent number: 7110238
    Abstract: A method and a system for calibrating the work function of a non-contact voltage sensor are provided. The method includes preparing a reference sample to have a stable work function, measuring a voltage of the sample using a non-contact voltage sensor, and determining a work function correction factor of the sensor from the measured voltage. In turn, the calibrated work function may be used to adjust voltages of substrates measured by the sensor. A corona gun which includes a first electrode and one or more conductive rods is provided. In some embodiments, the conductive rods may be angled between 0 and 90 degrees with respect to a first electrode sidewall and/or be concentrically arranged less than 90 degrees from each other. In addition or alternatively, the corona gun may be adapted to alter its length and/or include a second electrode partially inset within a space surrounded by the first electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: KLA-Tencor Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Zhiwei (Steve) Xu, Jianou Shi, Shiyou Pei, Mahmood Mirzaaghaeian, Jeffrey A. Rzepiela
  • Patent number: 7110237
    Abstract: An imaging device, including a reader adapted to receive a removable memory device, the reader having an opening through which to receive the removable memory device; and a static discharge device disposed proximate the opening such that the removable memory contacts the static discharge device prior to being received through the opening, the static discharge device being electrically grounded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Thomas Albano, Felix Aponte, Michael J. Hosey, Arden B. Smith
  • Patent number: 7085120
    Abstract: The invention is a grounding device that grounds the wearer when the wearer is in a designated area and automatically disengages when the wearer leaves the designated area. In more detail, the grounding device includes a wristband that is electrically coupled to a grounded object with a fastening mechanism, wherein the fastening mechanism automatically releases to separate the wristband from the grounded object if the wristband is outside of the designated area. Where the fastening mechanism includes a coupling mechanism (e.g., a wire), there may be a rotating device that retracts the coupling mechanism after the fastening mechanism is released. The device may be enhanced with a grounding device monitoring unit that monitors whether the grounding device is in use and a sensor that detects whether the operator is in the designated area, so that an alarm is triggered if the operator is in the designated area and the grounding device is not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Credence Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Vladimir Kraz, Kirk Alan Martin, Fatjon Gurga, Yelena Kraz
  • Patent number: 7068488
    Abstract: A static discharging system includes a post having a lower end and an upper end. The lower end is selectively mounted in a ground surface adjacent to a gas pumping station such that the post extends upwardly from the ground surface. An electrically conductive plate is attached to the upper end of the post. An electrical conduit has first end electrically coupled to the plate and a second end extending into the ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventor: Trent D. Van Leuven
  • Patent number: 7064949
    Abstract: A connector includes a base and a connector member with a first end connected to the base and a second end opposite the first end. A first region on the connector member, located adjacent the first end, has a first impedance. A second region on the connector member, located adjacent the second end, has a second impedance greater than the first impedance. When an electro-statically charged device is connected to the connector, the electrostatic charge is dissipated relatively slowly due to initial contact with the second region of increased impedance, lowering the voltage resulting from the connection in order to protect static sensitive circuits coupled to the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Marie-Pascale Chagny, Steven L. Williams
  • Patent number: 7054129
    Abstract: A static electricity eliminating apparatus comprising; (A) a first electrically conductive piece and a second electrically conductive piece which are disposed so as to face each other through an insulating layer, and (B) a discharge means having one end electrically connected to the first electrically conductive piece and other end electrically connected to the second electrically conductive piece, wherein a charge electrostatically induced in the first electrically conductive piece and the second electrically conductive piece due to a contact of a static-electricity-charged object with the first electrically conductive piece is accumulated between the first electrically conductive piece and the second electrically conductive piece by dielectric polarization, and then, the charge is discharged with the discharge means in a state where the first electrically conductive piece and the second electrically conductive piece are not grounded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignees: IMT Company, Ltd., Hitoshi Arai
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Aida, Hitoshi Arai
  • Patent number: 7019392
    Abstract: A storage apparatus 10 is disclosed, that comprises a wiring substrate 11 having a first surface and a second surface, a flat type external connection terminal 12a disposed on the first surface of the wiring substrate 11, a semiconductor device 14 disposed on the second surface of the wiring substrate 11 and having a connection terminal 14a connected to the flat type external connection terminal 12a, a molding resin 15 for coating the semiconductor device 14 on the second surface of the wiring substrate 11, a card type supporting frame 10a having a concave portion or a hole portion fitting the wiring substrate 11, the semiconductor device 14, and the molding resin 15 in such a manner that the flat type external connection terminal 12a is exposed to the first surface of the wiring substrate 11, and adhesive resin a adhering integrally the flat type external connection terminal 12a, the wiring substrate 11, the semiconductor device 14, the molding resin 15, and the card type supporting frame 10a.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Hiroshi Iwasaki
  • Patent number: 7012796
    Abstract: An electrostatic discharge protection apparatus is described. A multi-hole conductive layer is placed between a multi-hole structure and an electronic element of an electronic device. The multi-hole electric conductive layer contacts a conductive layer on the inside surface of a case of the electronic device. It dissipates the electric charges accumulated on the multi-hole structure because of a lack of the conductive layer, and thus prevents the accumulated electric charges from discharging to damage the electronic element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Arima Computer Corporation
    Inventors: Sheng-Guo Chen, Cheng-Nan Chen
  • Patent number: 6992314
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device for eliminating electromagnetic waves which consists essentially of an electromagnetic-wave trapping means comprising mainly a coil, and a discharge means made on the opposite end to the basement of the trapping means, wherein the coil having a diameter which gradually decreases from the basement to the opposite end of the trapping means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Shunkosha
    Inventors: Kazuya Masaki, Ken Hayashibara
  • Patent number: 6987659
    Abstract: A plug includes an element that is electrically connected to a ground element in a receptacle in a set up configuration and an electrical connection that is attached to an element to be grounded whereby an element, person, or device, or the like, can be securely grounded using the ground circuit in a receptacle. Grounding is via a suitable signal circuit in one form of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Inventor: Barry M. Epstein
  • Patent number: 6979908
    Abstract: A described embodiment of the present invention includes an integrated circuit having a plurality of I/O modules. The I/O modules include a bond pad formed on a substrate. The I/O modules also include an electrostatic discharge device formed in the substrate. The electrostatic discharge device is at least partially formed beneath the bond pad. The I/O module also includes an I/O buffer formed in the substrate. The I/O buffer is connected to the bond pad. The I/O buffer provides communication between the bond pad and circuitry formed in the substrate. The circuitry is positioned substantially adjacent to both the electrostatic discharge device and the I/O buffer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: U-Ming Ko
  • Patent number: 6963495
    Abstract: An enclosure for computer-based telephone switching equipment that suppresses the radiation of electromagnetic interference through the use of multiple overlapping seals and apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Computer Network Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J. Carullo, Arthur G. Willers, Ryan K. Goodenough
  • Patent number: 6943285
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a Bipolar Discharge-Dissipation Lightning Air-Terminals, and an object of the present invention is to disperse and discharge an earth charge following a thundercloud approach in a space according to electric dipole, bipolar and electric double layer principle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Inventor: Young-Ki Chung
  • Patent number: 6917776
    Abstract: A discharge wire usable in an electrification device includes a tungsten wire subjected to mirror finish processing and an oxidized layer formed by heating the surface of the tungsten wire at a temperature in the range 400 to 600° C., wherein the film has a thickness in the range of 0.01 to 0.3 ?m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Kunishi, Nobuhiro Hayashi, Toru Kabashima
  • Patent number: 6917507
    Abstract: A static neutralizing roll follower includes a static charge dissipating device on a carrier movably held by a support. Sensors follow the changing diameter of a roll, and a control unit processes signals from the sensor to operate a drive mechanism to move the carrier with respect to the changing roll diameter. Consistent spacing is maintained between the dissipating device and the roll surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Scott R. McClintock, Michael F. Soffa