The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 20, 1998
Filed:
Jun. 24, 1996
Applicant:
Inventors:
Juan J Becerra, Webster, NY (US);
Sophie V Vandebroek, Penfield, NY (US);
Assignee:
Xerox Corporation, Stamford, CT (US);
Attorney:
Primary Examiner:
Assistant Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
H02H / ;
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
361 57 ; 361 87 ; 361101 ;
Abstract
A protection circuit prevents snapback events in MOS transistors associated with semiconductor or micromechanical structures, such as ink-jet ejectors. A bulk electrode associated with the MOS transistor is monitored for unusual high voltages which are consistent with an impending snapback event. The voltage on the bulk electrode is then used to turn on the control transistor which connects the gate of the MOS transistor to ground and thereby protects the device.