Michio Abe

US Patent:

57680868, Jun 16, 1998

Filed:

Oct 11, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/729186

Inventors:

Michio Abe - Mountain View CA

International Classification:

H05F 300

US Classification:

361212

Abstract:

A portable static voltage dissipation device configured to be transported on a users person is provided. The device of the present invention includes a hollow, preferably impact resistant, translucent housing. The housing is impact resistant to prevent damage from coming to electronic devices retained therein. Electrically conductive end caps are coupled to first and second ends of the housing. The end caps provide a grasping location for the user. A resistor to prevent excessive current from flowing from the user to inhibit the user from receiving an electrical shock, is coupled to an end cap and an electrostatic voltage discharge indicating device is connected to the resistor and the remaining end cap. The indicating device provides a visual indication that a charge of electrostatic voltage accumulated in the body of the user has been discharged by the device. A translucent, non-electrically conductive material is disposed in the housing to prevent the end caps, resistor, and the indicating device from inadvertently short circuiting while providing viewing of electrostatic voltage discharged by the indicating device.