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:
Feb. 26, 2002
Filed:
Sep. 28, 1999
Lee Middleman, Portola Valley, CA (US);
Paul D. Mannheimer, Danville, CA (US);
Michael J. Bernstein, San Ramon, CA (US);
Michael E. Fein, Mountain View, CA (US);
Mallinckrodt, Inc., Hazelwood, MO (US);
Abstract
An encoding element which is backward compatible and will provide a single coded value to older analyzers in response to first signal, but will also provide a second coded value to a new analyzer or monitor. In one embodiment, both coded values are provided over the same first and second leads which are compatible with existing sensors. In another embodiment, a first voltage level produces a first current from the encoding element, while a second voltage level will produce the second coded value. In another embodiment, a first coded value is provided in response to a DC current from older analyzers. A second coded value is provided in response to a AC signal from newer analyzers. Yet another embodiment provides the coded value in the form of a resonant circuit in the AC driven mode. In another embodiment, the first coded value is provided over the same two leads after a period of time, with the second value being provided prior to that period of time passing.