Patents Examined by Robert DeBeradinis
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Patent number: 9906021Abstract: Energy transmission device, notably a battery or energy generating device, having (i) at least one module (20) arranged within a casing (25), with a plurality of independent electrical power links (27, 29) and blocks, each having at least one first electrical power link (27) connected to a pair of connectors (A1, B1) to connect to a connector of a second module, a plurality of cells (21) connected to this first link (27), allowing these cells (21) to be connected to external components by the connectors (A1, B1), and switches (24) to modify the link between cells (21) of the block, (ii) a connection component (57) allowing electrical connection of a plurality of independent links (27, 29) of the at least one module (20), and (iii) a plurality of output connectors (A1, A2; A1; CP) allowing polyphase electrical linking of the energy transmission device to an outer component.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2014Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignee: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVESInventor: Ghislain Despesse
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Patent number: 9902539Abstract: This invention is directed towards a waste enclosure device (“device”) comprising a waste enclosure employing operational functions including collection and monitoring capacity wherein said device includes one or more programmable logic controllers. Operational functions are performed by electrical components including sensors to determine waste deposits characteristics and contents. Said device operational functions are further adapted to send and receive data, optionally wirelessly, and configured and adapted to utilize solar derived electrical power and, optionally, electric power from other sources.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2016Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignee: BIG BELLY SOLAR, INC.Inventors: James Andrew Poss, Jeffrey T. Satwicz, David J. Skocypec
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Patent number: 9903851Abstract: A vehicle includes a thermal harvesting device that is positioned adjacent a heat-generating vehicle system. The thermal harvesting device generates electricity based on a temperature differential in order to power a sensor and a wireless transmitter.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2015Date of Patent: February 27, 2018Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Nicholas P. Irish, James R. Salvador, William L. Villaire
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Patent number: 9899153Abstract: A capacitor has a variable capacitance settable by a bias voltage. A method for setting the bias voltage including the steps of: (a) injecting a constant current to bias the capacitor; (b) measuring the capacitor voltage at the end of a time interval; (c) calculating the capacitance value obtained at the end of the time interval; (d) comparing this value with a desired value; and (e) repeating steps (a) to (d) so as long as the calculated value is different from the set point value. When calculated value matches the set point value; the measured capacitor voltage is stored as a bias voltage to be applied to the capacitor for setting the variable capacitance.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2015Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Tours) SASInventor: Sylvain Charley
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Patent number: 9893530Abstract: A power control device, power control method, and power control system capable of appropriate power control so that power consumption does not exceed contract power with an electric power company even in the event of a power failure are provided. A power control device installed in a consumer's facility to manage a power state of a load apparatus or a dispersed power source in the consumer's facility, includes: a communicator configured to acquire sensor data relating to the load apparatus or the dispersed power source; a backup power source that is charged with a commercial power source, and supplies power during a power failure; and a controller configured to issue a control instruction to the dispersed power source, when the backup power source supplies power.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2014Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: KYOCERA CorporationInventors: Ryota Terai, Kenta Okino
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Patent number: 9893570Abstract: A system for contactless energy and data transfer has mobile and base parts. The mobile part contains a mobile part transmitter/receiver device transmitting and receiving a data signal, a mobile part transceiver and a current supply having a mobile part resonant circuit receiving an energy signal. The base part contains a base part resonant circuit for emitting the energy signal from an energy signal generator to provide a supply voltage to the current supply, a base part transmitter/receiver device receiving and transmitting the data signal, a base part transceiver, and a pulse width modulator. An impulse width modulator provides the pulse width-modulated signal which cyclically operates the energy signal generator to emit the energy signal in pulse bundles. A parameter specification provides a control signal setting at least one parameter of the pulse width-modulated signal to a value where sufficient energy transfer occurs to provide the supply voltage.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2016Date of Patent: February 13, 2018Assignee: Balluff GmbHInventors: Matthias Beyer, Stephan Senn, Fabian Kayser
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Patent number: 9887546Abstract: A method and system for supplying electric power to a plurality of priority loads from either a utility power source or a secondary power source, such as a generator. A control unit monitors the power draw by each of a plurality of priority loads and base loads during the supply of electric power from the utility power source. When the supply of power from the utility power source is interrupted, the control unit determines the number of the priority loads that can be powered by the secondary power source based on the monitored power draw of the priority and base loads prior to power interruption. The secondary power source is activated and the determined number of priority loads is immediately connected to the secondary power source without delay. When the utility power source returns, the system and method transfers utility power back to all of the priority and base loads.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2015Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: Briggs & Stratton CorporationInventors: Brandon M. Batzler, Sie Teong Lim, Todd Plichta, Nicholas Demos, Brian Northway, Michael Miller
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Patent number: 9884565Abstract: An electric vehicle includes: a high-voltage battery; a generator for generating electric power having a voltage higher than a battery voltage of high-voltage the battery; a first electric motor driven by electric power having a generation voltage of the generator; a second electric motor driven by electric power having the battery voltage of the high-voltage battery; a transformer for reducing a voltage of a part of the electric power generated by the generator which is to be distributed to the high-voltage battery from the generation voltage of the generator to the battery voltage of the high-voltage battery; and a controller for reducing a distribution ratio of the electric power to be distributed to the second electric motor from the generator if the temperature of the transformer is determined to have increased to reach a first predetermined temperature or higher.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2015Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: MITSUBISHI JIDOSHA KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Yoshihiro Sakaguchi
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Patent number: 9885341Abstract: A power control system includes a control unit, a motor, an electricity storing unit, and a generator set. The control unit includes a charging/driving controller and a load controller electrically connected to a load. The motor can be driven by electricity of the electricity storing unit. The generator set includes a revolving wheel which is driven by the motor for driving a driving power generator and an energy storage generator. The driving power generator provides electricity to the load. Electrical energy generated by the energy storage generator is used for charging the electricity storing unit. When the generator set breaks down, the electricity of the electricity storing unit is provided to the load through a control of the charging/driving controller. The power control system supplies sufficient electrical energy to the load under low energy consumption condition and has advantages of environment protection and fault alarm.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2016Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Inventors: Shuo-Yan Chen, Shuo-Ci Chen
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Patent number: 9882417Abstract: An electronic unit includes: an electricity reception section configured to receive power fed from a power feeding unit using a magnetic field; a voltage detection section configured to detect a received voltage supplied from the electricity reception section; and a control section, wherein while preliminary power feeding at a lower power than main power feeding is performed from the power feeding unit, and when a received voltage detected by the voltage detection section is equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold voltage, the control section performs voltage reduction control so as to decrease the received voltage to lower than the threshold voltage.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2016Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Hiroaki Nakano, Toru Terashima, Keigo Bunsen
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Patent number: 9878682Abstract: A charge controller for a vehicle passive energy system employs an interface to a plurality of charge sources including intermittent sources, such as vehicle mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and the vehicle engine and alternator, and an interface to a plurality of charge loads, such as a comfort heating ventilation, refrigeration and air conditioning (HVAC) system and auxiliary vehicle loads. Charge logic computes which of the plurality of sources will supply the charge current and which of the plurality of loads will receive the charge current, and a switch responsive to the charge logic will direct the charge current from at least one of the plurality of sources to at least one of the loads, the plurality of charge sources mutually exclusive from simultaneously powering a common load.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2015Date of Patent: January 30, 2018Assignee: ENOW, Inc.Inventors: Philip R. Pierce, Robert Doane, Jeffrey C. Flath, Stephen Lasher
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Patent number: 9876378Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for controlling power transmission. A minimum voltage and a maximum voltage receivable at the at least one power receiver, a reference voltage used to divide a range between the minimum voltage and the maximum voltage, and a demanded voltage required by the at least one power receiver, are received from at least one power receiver. A report about a power reception condition is received from the at least one power receiver. The report includes a measured voltage at the at least one power receiver during power transmission from the power transmitter. It is determined whether the measured voltage is between the minimum voltage and the reference voltage. Power is adjusted and supplied when the measured voltage is not between the minimum voltage and the reference voltage.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2013Date of Patent: January 23, 2018Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., LtdInventors: Kang-Ho Byun, Se-Ho Park, Hae-Young Jun, Hee-Won Jung
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Patent number: 9871409Abstract: According to one aspect, embodiments herein provide a UPS comprising a transformer including a first primary winding configured to be coupled to a DC source, a second primary winding configured to be coupled to an AC source, and at least one secondary winding, control logic, and at least one output line, wherein the control logic is configured, in a first mode of operation, to enable the first primary winding to generate, based on power received from the DC source, a first output voltage at the at least one output line, and to disable the second primary winding, and wherein the control logic is configured, in a second mode of operation, to enable the second primary winding to generate, based on power received from the AC source, a second output voltage at the at least one output line, and to disable the first primary winding.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2013Date of Patent: January 16, 2018Assignee: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IT CORPORATIONInventors: Rajesh Ghosh, Damir Klikic, Mahendrakumar H. Lipare
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Patent number: 9871386Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a power receiving unit having a wireless power receiver configured to receive a wireless power signal from a power transmitting unit. A rectifier includes a plurality of switching circuits configured to generate a rectified voltage from the wireless power signal, based on switch control signals that include a switch-on signal and a switch-off signal for corresponding ones of the plurality of switching circuits. A rectifier control circuit generates the switch control signals based on predicted switching delays. Other embodiments are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2015Date of Patent: January 16, 2018Assignee: AVAGO TECHNOLOGIES GENERAL IP (SINGAPORE) PTE. LTDInventors: Ryan Michael Desrosiers, Mark David Rutherford, John Stuart Walley, Vadim Bishtein, Angel Arturo Polo
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Patent number: 9870009Abstract: An HVAC switching circuit may comprise a current source circuit charging a capacitor used to power an HVAC DC power relay coil. The power relay coil terminal is connected to an activation control circuit which comprises at least one of (1) each of (a) a threshold circuit which activates a first transistor to energize the power relay coil when the voltage across the threshold circuit reaches a first threshold value and (b) a regenerative feedback circuit configured to lower the first threshold value to a second threshold voltage, and (2) a voltage divider connected between a first terminal on the power relay coil and the negative DC supply, and a programmable shunt regulator, configured as a level triggered switch, programmed by the voltage divider and connected between the second power relay coil terminal and the negative DC supply.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2016Date of Patent: January 16, 2018Assignee: Trane International Inc.Inventors: William Randall Erwin, Bradley Thomas Wilson
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Patent number: 9866106Abstract: A power supply apparatus includes a bulk capacitor, a voltage dropper unit and a pre-charging capacitor. The voltage dropper unit is electrically connected to the bulk capacitor. The pre-charging capacitor is electrically connected to the voltage dropper unit. When the power supply apparatus receives an input direct current voltage, a voltage of the bulk capacitor is provided with a first voltage, and the pre-charging capacitor is charged so that the pre-charging capacitor is provided with a second voltage, and the second voltage is greater than the first voltage. When the voltage of the bulk capacitor is less than a predetermined voltage, the second voltage of the pre-charging capacitor is converted voltage by the voltage dropper unit to provide for extending a hold up time of the power supply apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2016Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: DELTA ELECTRONICS, INC.Inventors: Cheng-Chan Hsu, Yi-Sheng Chang
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Patent number: 9859717Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods for controlling power modes in electronic devices are provided. A system may include an electronic device and an input device that sends power mode selection information via a network to a power mode selection receiving component in the electronic device. The electronic device includes a first power component that powers a first component, and a switching component that controls the first power component. The electronic device may include a second power component that powers a second component. The switching component may control the second power component. The power mode selection receiving component and the switching component may be powered independently of the first and the second component. If the power mode selection information indicates an off mode, the electronic device may provide power to the power mode selection receiving component and the switching component and not to the first and the second component.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2016Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: D&R Tech LLCInventors: Deepak Massand, Rajan Jetley
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Patent number: 9855850Abstract: A voltage converter includes a switch having a switching loss that decreases as a switching frequency of the switch decreases. The voltage converter further includes a controller programmed to vary the switching frequency based on a duty cycle of the switch and a current input to the switch to reduce switching losses or reduce a ripple current magnitude.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2015Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Lihua Chen, Shailesh Shrikant Kozarekar, Yan Zhou, Mohammed Khorshed Alam, Shahram Zarei, Fazal Urrahman Syed
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Patent number: 9859719Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus (200) comprises a wireless power transmitter (241) connectable to a power supply interface (201) and to a battery (204); power supply detection circuitry (213) configured to determine whether the power supply interface (201) is capable of powering the wireless power transmitter (241); wireless power control circuitry (220) configured to, in response to determining that the power supply interface (201) is capable of powering the wireless power transmitter (241), enable power delivery from the power supply interface (201) to the wireless power transmitter (241).Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2013Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: Nokia Technologies OyInventors: Petri Vuori, Juhani Kari, Jari Muurinen
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Patent number: 9859758Abstract: The present disclosure describes a plurality of transducer arrangements that may be suitable for wireless power transmission based on single or multiple pocket-forming. Single or multiple pocket-forming may include one transmitter and at least one or more receivers, being the transmitter the source of energy and the receiver the device that is desired to charge or power. The transducer arrangements may vary in size and geometry, and may operate as a single array, pair array, quad arrays or any other suitable arrangement, which may be designed in accordance with the desired application.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2016Date of Patent: January 2, 2018Assignee: Energous CorporationInventor: Michael A. Leabman