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:
Oct. 30, 2001
Filed:
Mar. 17, 1999
Lyle Nelsen, San Jose, CA (US);
Steven B. Heymann, San Jose, CA (US);
NOVX Corporation, San Jose, CA (US);
Abstract
A circuit and device to detect grounding problems in electrical soldering irons. The device includes a cleaning sponge in electrical connection with a sensor element. The sensor element is connected to the controlling circuitry which is in turn connected to a safety grounding point, such as a screw of a face plate of an electrical outlet. The circuitry includes LED's which indicate when the grounding mechanism is functional, and when the grounding connection is broken. Additional circuitry tests for a low impedance path to ground via a sensor element contacted by the soldering iron tip or (in the case of an isolated tip) the soldering iron heater barrel. Further circuits indicate when the cleaning sponge has gone dry, and when the operator has an unsafe level of electrostatic charge.