US4334256A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Automotive surge suppressor
Assignee: Texas Instruments Inc
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Filing: 1980-04-04
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Granted: 1982-06-08
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Expires: 2000-04-04
Abstract
Abstract A high power semiconductor switching arrangement controlled by a sensing circuit to suppress transient surges while maintaining operating voltage. The magnitude of a surge determines the rate of current flow through the semiconductor arrangement to maintain the operating voltage required while dissipating the excess power across a load resistance.
Inventors
- 👤 Joe D. Mings
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 12:43
CPC Classifications
H; H02; H02H; H02H9/00; H02H9/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
95 words
A circuit for protecting an electrical device or system from a transient power surge in its power source while maintaining full operating power to said device or system, comprising: means for detecting said surge; means for generating a control signal indicative of the presence of said surge; means responsive to said control signal for directing said surge through said circuit, having a plurality of series-coupled transistor-resistor current-carrying paths in parallel, each said path self regulated in current flow, all of said plurality of paths opened to current flow equally and simultaneously by a common signal.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
95 words
A circuit for protecting an electrical device or system from a transient power surge in its power source while maintaining full operating power to said device or system, comprising: means for detecting said surge; means for generating a control signal indicative of the presence of said surge; means responsive to said control signal for directing said surge through said circuit, having a plurality of series-coupled transistor-resistor current-carrying paths in parallel, each said path self regulated in current flow, all of said plurality of paths opened to current flow equally and simultaneously by a common signal.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
A circuit as in claim 1, wherein said common signal is provided from a transistor which is turned on by a zener diode sensing an over-voltage condition of the input power.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
A circuit as in claim 1, wherein resistor segments of said current-carrying paths are silicon resistors having a positive temperature coefficient.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
44 words
A circuit as in claim 1, wherein said plurality of transistors each has its emitter connected to a common node, which is also connected to the output of said circuit, and each has its collector connected to one of said plurality of resistive loads.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
39 words
A circuit as in claim 1, wherein said plurality of resistive load means are each connected between a common node which is also connected to the power input source, and the collector of one of said plurality of transistors.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
58 words
A circuit as in claim 1, said circuit mounted on a berylium oxide insulator which has been metalized on both sides with palladium silver and mounted on a copper plate, and a plastic enclosure having two feed-through terminals for electrical connections, said plastic enclosure fitted to copper plate and permanently fixed, and void inside enclosure filled with epoxy.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1985-06-07 | 1985-12-07 | 1986-06-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1989-06-07 | 1989-12-07 | 1990-06-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1993-06-07 | 1993-12-07 | 1994-06-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |