Capacitor Patents (Class 307/109)
  • Publication number: 20140306549
    Abstract: Systems and methods for connecting a power source to switched capacitors are provided. A method may be used in controlling the connection of a multiple phase power source to a plurality of capacitors. Each phase of the multiple phase power source is electrically connectable to at least one of the capacitors through a switching device. The method comprises, for each phase of the multiple phase power source, determining a first voltage of a power signal for the respective phase of the power source using a first voltage divider that is electrically connected to a first terminal of the switching device for the phase. The method further comprises determining a second voltage across a capacitor that is connected to a second terminal of the switching device for the phase. The second voltage is determined using a second voltage divider that is connected to the second terminal of the switching device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: HUBBELL INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Joseph Gerovac, Robert A. Traska
  • Patent number: 8860380
    Abstract: A method in a controller for energizing a chain-link converter including one or more phase legs, each phase leg including a number of series-connected converter cells, each converter cell including four valves arranged in an H-bridge connection with a DC capacitor. Each valve in turn includes a semiconductor switch in parallel with a diode. The method includes the steps of: charging the DC capacitor of each converter cell to a voltage level at which the semiconductor switches are controllable but below their nominal voltage; diagnosing the converter cells so as to detect failed components thereof; bypassing faulty components in a controlled manner; charging the DC capacitors to their nominal voltage. The invention also relates to a controller, computer programs and computer program products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: ABB Technology AG
    Inventor: Jean-Philippe Hasler
  • Publication number: 20140300201
    Abstract: A capacitance (Cp) is a capacitance formed between a transmitting-device-side passive electrode and a receiving-device-side passive electrode. A capacitance (Ca) is a capacitance formed between a transmitting-device-side active electrode and a receiving-device-side active electrode. A bridge circuit formed by Z1 to Z4 is connected to a secondary side of a step-up transformer, where Z1 represents an impedance of a first element, Z2 represents an impedance of a second element, Z3 represents an impedance of a series circuit formed by the capacitance (Ca) and a load, and Z4 represents an impedance of the capacitance (Cp). By determining the impedances Z1 to Z4 such that this bridge circuit is balanced, a potential at a receiving-device-side reference potential point is made equal to a ground potential. This reduces variation in receiving-device-side reference potential, reduces noise, and stabilizes the operation of a load circuit on the receiving device side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Keiichi Ichikawa, Shinji Goma, Tsuyoshi Suesada, Henri Bondar
  • Publication number: 20140299843
    Abstract: A capacitor device includes two top capacitor electrodes separated from each other and symmetrical to each other, two intermediate capacitor electrodes symmetrical to each other and respectively overlapping the top capacitor electrodes, a bridge coupling the intermediate capacitor electrodes without overlapping the top capacitor electrodes, and a driving voltage line coupled to the bridge and configured to apply a common voltage to the intermediate capacitor electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventor: Hyun-Tae Kim
  • Publication number: 20140292103
    Abstract: An article of manufacture for supplying a power to a load connected in a capacitive power transfer system comprises a sheet (210) of a non-conductive material; and a plurality of conductive stripes (220), each two adjacent conductive stripes being electrically insulated from each other, wherein the sheet forms an insulating layer of the capacitive power transfer system and the plurality of conductive stripes form at least a pair of transmitter electrodes of the capacitive power transfer system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Eberhard Waffenschmidt, Theodorus Johannes Petrus Van Den Biggelaar, Adrianus Sempel, Oscar Hendrikus Willemsen, Dave Willem Van Goor, Henricus Theodorus Van Der Zanden, Maarten Marinus Johannes Wilhelmus Van Herpen
  • Publication number: 20140292102
    Abstract: A signal line power receiving circuit includes a signal processing unit, a power unit, a signal interface, a first isolation unit and a first filter unit. The signal interface transmits and receives data signals and receives power signals all via a first signal line. The first isolation unit isolates the power signals in the first signal line. The first filter unit filters the data signals in the first signal line and supplies the power signals to the power unit. A signal line power supply circuit and a related signal line power supply system are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: XUE-DONG JIANG, SHU-YU LI
  • Publication number: 20140292104
    Abstract: Methods of fabricating an on-chip capacitor with a variable capacitance, as well as methods of adjusting the capacitance of an on-chip capacitor and design structures for an on-chip capacitor. The method includes forming first and second ports configured to be powered with opposite polarities, first and second electrodes, and first and second voltage-controlled units. The method includes configuring the first voltage-controlled unit to selectively couple the first electrode with the first port, and the second voltage-controlled unit to selectively couple the second electrode with the second port. When the first electrode is coupled by the first voltage-controlled unit with the first port and the second electrode is coupled by the second voltage-controlled unit with the second port, the capacitance of the on-chip capacitor increases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Douglas M. Daley, Mete Erturk, Edward J. Gordon
  • Patent number: 8847437
    Abstract: Provided is a jig for manufacturing electrolytic capacitor elements wherein the jig is for forming dielectric layers on the surfaces of anode bodies by anodic oxidation or for forming semiconductor layers on the dielectric layers formed on the surfaces of the anode bodies. The jig for manufacturing the electrolytic capacitor elements comprises (i) a plurality of power supply circuits which are provided on an insulating substrate and to each of which a voltage-limiting value and a current-limiting value can be set, (ii) connection terminals for the anode bodies which are electrically connected to the respective outputs of the power supply circuits, and (iii) a terminal for setting the voltage-limiting values to the power supply circuits and a terminal for setting the current-limiting values to the power supply circuits; in the jig, a proper current can be set corresponding to the progress of the anodic oxidation and electrolytic polymerization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Showa Denko K.K.
    Inventors: Kazumi Naito, Masahiro Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20140277283
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for generating a plurality of output voltages from a single input power source. The techniques include implementing a switched capacitor voltage converter to provide at least two output voltages having different supply ratios. The supply ratio is defined as a function of the input voltage provided to the switched capacitor voltage converter by the power source. The switched capacitor voltage converter includes a plurality of capacitors selectively coupled to a plurality of switches to define at least a first and a second mode with each of the modes having a plurality of configurations. In accordance with aspects of the disclosure, the techniques include coupling the plurality of capacitors to define the first or second mode based on predetermined criteria.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Reinke, Charles R. Gordon, Shohan T. Hossain, Weizheng Liang, Gregg T. Sarkinen
  • Publication number: 20140265627
    Abstract: A combined power and input/output system for an electronic device includes a host system; a target system operably coupled to the host system via a combined power and I/O line; and a power boost circuit in the target system for enabling a higher voltage target device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Joseph Julicher, Pieter Schieke, Vivien Delport
  • Publication number: 20140265628
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention discloses a feed line-compensated power transmission apparatus. One embodiment of the present invention, comprises: a feed line provided with horizontally elongated first and second lines and a third line for connecting one end of the first line to one end of the second line; a pair of compensation capacitors which are placed to face each other by connecting one end of the compensation capacitor to the other end of the first line and one end of the other compensation capacitor to the other end of the second line; an input power source for applying a high frequency power source by connecting both ends of the input power source to the other ends of the pair of compensation capacitors, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and technology
    Inventors: Seong Jeub Jeon, Dong Ho Cho, Jae Gue Shin, Sung Jun Son, Bo Yune Song, Byung O Kong, Young Moo Shin, Jin Hyuk Jang, Dae Won Seo
  • Publication number: 20140252879
    Abstract: A proximity switch assembly and method for detecting activation of a proximity switch assembly is provided. The assembly includes a plurality of proximity switches each having a proximity sensor providing a sense activation field and control circuitry processing the activation field of each proximity switch to sense activation. A pliable material overlays the proximity sensors. The control circuitry monitors the activation field and determines an activation of a proximity switch based on a signal generated by the sensor in relation to a threshold when a user's finger depresses the pliable material. The pliable material may further include an elevated portion and an air gap between the elevated portion and the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mahendra Somasara Dassanayake, Stuart C. Salter, Jeffrey Singer, Michael Istok, Pietro Buttolo
  • Publication number: 20140225455
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventors: William Randall Erwin, Bradley Thomas Wilson
  • Patent number: 8797001
    Abstract: The invention relates to a capacitor charger system (100) comprising a capacitor charger module (110), an isolated acquisition module (120), and a digital control module (130). The isolated acquisition module (120) is configured for sampling an output voltage level of said capacitor charger module (110). The digital control module (130) is connected to the isolated acquisition module (120) via a bi-directional link and connected to the capacitor charger module (110) via a control signal interface. The digital control module (130) is configured for generating control signal information and synchronization signal information based on data representative of sampled output voltage levels received via the bi-directional link from the isolated acquisition module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Scandinova Systems AB
    Inventors: Klas Elmqvist, Carl Hartman, Magnus Graas, Andreas Wickström, Jonas Gustafsson, Jan Lundgren, Walter Frederick John Crewson
  • Publication number: 20140210278
    Abstract: A capacitance bank system includes a plurality of voltage controlled capacitance cells and an output node. The plurality of capacitance cells have an anti-parallel configuration. The plurality of capacitance cells are configured to selectively provide cell capacitances. The output node is coupled to the plurality of capacitance cells. The output node is configured to provide an input capacitance step smaller than a minimum physical capacitor supported by a particular technology.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventors: David Gaied, Ahmed Nader Mohieldin
  • Publication number: 20140210257
    Abstract: A proximity switch assembly and method for detecting activation of a proximity switch assembly and tuning the assembly. The assembly includes proximity switches each having a proximity sensor providing a sense activation field and control circuitry processing the activation field to sense activation. The method of tuning includes generating an activation field with a proximity sensor, generating a signal in response to the activation field, detecting noise associated with the signal, and adjusting a parameter based on the detected noise, wherein the parameter is used to detect a proximity state such as activation of the proximity switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Pietro Buttolo, Stuart C. Salter, Dipanjan Ghosh, Khaled Omar, James Stewart Rankin, II
  • Publication number: 20140210279
    Abstract: A laminate panel (201) for wireless capacitive power transfer includes a clear protective top layer (206), a photographic layer (205) under the protective top layer (206), a conductive layer (202) under the photographic layer (205), and an inner core layer (203) under the conductive layer (202). One or more conductive layers in the laminate panels form a pair of transmitter electrodes, which couple to a power driver (110).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Maarten Marinus Johannes Wilhelmus Van Herpen, Coen Theodorus Hubertus Fransiscus Liedenbaum, Oscar Hendrikus Willemsen
  • Patent number: 8791814
    Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a remote annunciator 10 that includes an enclosure 11 and a control 12 within the enclosure 11. The control 12 receives signals S from a plurality of transfer switches 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D and at least one generator 14 that is connected to at least one of the transfer switches 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D. The control 12 displays a status of electrical connections that include the plurality of transfer switches 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D and the at least one generator 14. In some embodiments, the control 12 recognizes when the plurality of transfer switches 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D and the at least one generator 14 are connected to the control 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Kohler Company
    Inventors: Eric D. Albsmeier, Michael T. Little, Anthony J. Hackbarth
  • Publication number: 20140203663
    Abstract: Various receiver electrodes for supplying power to a load connected in a capacitive power transfer system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the receiver electrodes include a first conductive plate (212) connected to a first sphere-shaped hinge (211), wherein the first sphere-shaped hinge is coupled to a first receiver electrode (210); and a second conductive plate (222) connected to a second sphere-shaped hinge (221), wherein the second sphere-shaped hinge is coupled to a second receiver electrode (220), the second receiver electrode being connected to an inductor of the capacitive power transfer system and the first receiver electrode being connected to the load, the inductor being connected to the load to resonate the capacitive power transfer system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2012
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Eberhard Waffenschmidt, Coen Theodorus Hubertus Fransiscus Liedenbaum, Adrianus Sempel, Oscar Hendrikus Willemsen, Dave Willem Van Goor, Henricus Theodorus Van Der Zanden, Theodorus Johannes Petrus Van Den Biggelaar, Anthonie Hendrik Bergman
  • Publication number: 20140197755
    Abstract: An acoustic ceiling tile (200) operating as a capacitive power transfer sys tem comprises a first layer (231) comprising a non-conductive material; at least a pair of receiver electrodes (220, 221) of the capacitive power transfer system configured on a first side of the first layer; a foam layer (240) having a side substantially covered with the first layer; and a load (210) connected to an inductor (212) and to the pair of receiver electrodes, wherein the load and the inductor are configured in a chamber formed between the first layer and the foam layer, wherein a power signal generated by a power driver is wirelessly transferred from a pair of transmitter electrodes to the pair of receiver electrodes (220, 221)to power the load when a frequency of the power signal substantially matches a series-resonance frequency of the inductor and a capacitive impedance created between the pair of receiver electrodes and the pair of transmitter electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Oscar Hendrikus Willemsen, Theodorus Johannes Petrus Van Den Biggelaar, Giovanni Cennini
  • Publication number: 20140183973
    Abstract: A direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) wireless converter apparatus (200) for supplying power to a load connected in a capacitive power transfer system. The apparatus comprises at least two connectors (201, 202) enabling a galvanic contact to at least two supply lines (211, 212) of a DC grid; a driver (203) coupled to the connectors (201, 202) and configured to generate an AC power signal from an input DC signal fed by the at least two connectors, wherein a frequency of the AC power signal substantially matches a series-resonance frequency of the capacitive power transfer system; and at least a pair of transmitter electrodes (204, 205) connected to an output of the driver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Adrianus Sempel, Henricus Theodorus Van Der Zanden, Eberhard Waffenschmidt, Dave Willem Van Goor
  • Publication number: 20140184148
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed to increase the efficiency of communications between wireless power transfer (WPT) devices. During an initial power transfer and/or communication between WPT devices, characteristics regarding the operation and capabilities of the devices are shared and stored on one or both of the WPT devices. On subsequent power transfers and/or communications, a WPT device can quickly match the capabilities and preferences for the same WPT device. Various systems are presented to generate, access, and implement the stored information to quickly tailor and improve a communication session for a specific WPT device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Reinier Van Der LEE, John WALLEY
  • Patent number: 8766490
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for monitoring operation of a circuit having a DC power supply, a load, and a switch element connecting the DC power supply to the load. The system includes a capacitive element coupling a first input node of a sensor element to a first interconnection node of the circuit between a first voltage supply terminal of the DC power supply and the load. The system also includes a grounding structure coupling a second input node of the sensor element to a ground plane isolated from the DC power supply. In the system, the grounding structure is positioned with respect to a second interconnection node of the circuit, between a second voltage supply terminal of the DC power supply and the load, so as to define a stray capacitance for carrying a transient signal resulting from the opening or closing of the switch element, which can be detected through the sensor element for monitoring the current switch state of the switch element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Enerdel, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Capps
  • Publication number: 20140167526
    Abstract: A power controller having a switchable capacitive load connectable to an AC supply, the switchable capacitive load including at least one RC network having one or more capacitors. The capacitors have at least one resistive load switchable in place across the capacitors. The resistive load is switchable by a resistive load switch to connect the resistive load across the one or more capacitors when the capacitive load is not switchably connected to the AC supply and to disconnect when the capacitive load is connected to the AC supply. The resistive load switch is powered from the remnant voltage across the capacitors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: ADVANCED ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED
    Inventor: Mohamed SIRAJUDDIN
  • Patent number: 8754597
    Abstract: A switchgear includes a power supply built into a common housing, and at least two drives. The power supply can be fed by an external supply voltage and an external consumer can be connected to the two drives. In at least one embodiment, the switchgear includes, in the same housing, a built-in overload detection for the two drives and/or a built-in circuit breaker function for the two drives, and/or a built-in control circuit for the common control of the two drives. The switchgear can optionally be completed by a transformer providing an additional function of the targeted charging of a buffer capacitor and/or by an energy accumulator providing an additional function of the targeted discharge thereof by temporarily switching on a connected consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Josef Graf, Norbert Mitlmeier, Ludwig Niebler, Bernhard Streich
  • Publication number: 20140159504
    Abstract: For defining an electric potential of input lines of an inverter with respect to ground, in all current-carrying output lines of the inverter capacitors are arranged and charged to a DC voltage in order to shift the electric potential of the input lines with respect to a reference potential present at the current-carrying output lines of the inverter by this DC voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: SMA Solar Technology AG
    Inventor: Wilfried Vogt
  • Patent number: 8749100
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a method is disclosed that includes measuring a waveform of a power source side voltage of a circuit breaker; measuring a waveform of a transmission line side voltage of the circuit breaker; calculating a waveform of a voltage between contacts of the circuit breaker that is a difference between the waveform of the power source side voltage and the waveform of the transmission line side voltage; calculating a waveform of an absolute value of the waveform of the voltage between contacts; extracting a waveform of a component in a frequency band which is lower than a frequency of the power source and higher than a frequency of a DC component from the waveform of the absolute value; detecting a cycle of the extracted waveform; and closing the circuit breaker based on the cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Tadashi Koshizuka, Minoru Saito, Hiroyuki Maehara, Yoshimasa Sato
  • Patent number: 8736114
    Abstract: A method of aligning a wall conductor with an organic light emitting diode (OLED) panel conductor is disclosed. A transmitter device having a capacitive conductor and a receiver device having a capacitive conductor in proximity to the capacitive conductor of the transmitter device. The capacitive conductors of the transmitter device and the receiver device are aligned using an alignment indicator, which indicates that at least one edge of the capacitive conductor of the receiver device is in alignment with the capacitive conductor of the transmitter to optimize a transfer of power between the capacitive conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Laboratory U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventor: John Randall Christ
  • Patent number: 8736099
    Abstract: A device and method for coupling two parts of a dc network, in which at least two capacitors respectively are installed, particularly onboard an aircraft. The device includes at least one static converter including at least one electronic coupling device, including at least one transistor and one diode, associated with an inductance, arranged between these at least two capacitors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations S.A.S.
    Inventors: Olivier Langlois, Lucien Prisse, Marc Aiximeno
  • Patent number: 8736238
    Abstract: The configurations of a buck type and a buck/boost type converter systems and a controlling method thereof are provided in the present invention. The proposed buck/boost type converter system includes a rectifier bridge, a first auxiliary circuit including a first unidirectional switch coupled to the rectifier bridge and a second unidirectional switch coupled to the first unidirectional switch, a first capacitor coupled to the first unidirectional switch and the rectifier bridge, a buck/boost converter having a first input terminal coupled to the first unidirectional switch, a second input terminal coupled to the first capacitor, a first output terminal coupled to the second unidirectional switch and a second output terminal, a second capacitor electrically connected to the first and the second output terminals in parallel, and a DC source coupled to the second unidirectional switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Fei Li, Hongjian Gan, Fei Ji, Xin Li
  • Publication number: 20140132079
    Abstract: A hand held power tool including a trigger, a motor, an output unit driven by the motor, a switch bridge, and a snubber circuit. The switch bridge is operable to selectively provide power to the motor to drive the output unit in response to activation of the trigger. The snubber circuit is electrically connected in parallel across the switch bridge. The snubber circuit is operable to store energy when power is being provided to the motor, and release the energy when power is not being provided to the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew J. Mergener, Matthew P. Wycklendt
  • Patent number: 8710702
    Abstract: A regenerative electric power storage system installed onboard a DC electric rail car comprises: a filter unit which removes high frequency components from the DC power supplied through the catenary of a pantograph; a storage unit for storing power; a bidirectional DC/DC converter which is electrically connected between the filter unit and the storage unit; a DC/DC filter unit to remove high frequency noise; a voltage detection unit and a control unit which controls the switching of the bidirectional DC/DC converter. Instability is presented in the remaining systems of the electric rail car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Korea Railroad Research Institute
    Inventors: Gil-Dong Kim, Han-Min Lee, Chang-Mu Lee, Sung-Kyou Choi
  • Patent number: 8710804
    Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a power supply may include a filter stage coupled to an input terminal of a discharge circuit and a supply capacitor coupled to an output terminal of the discharge circuit. In accordance with another embodiment, a method for discharging at least one capacitor includes discharging the at least one capacitor in response to a signal at the input terminal of the discharge circuit being different from a reference signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Semiconductor Components Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Karel Ptacek, Juan Carlos Pastrana, Jiri Bubla, Jaromir Uherek
  • Publication number: 20140112025
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a capacitor arrangement for an input circuit or intermediate circuit of a voltage transformer comprising at least two capacitors and two connection nodes. Switching elements are provided, by means of which the at least two capacitors are connected in parallel with each other in a first operating state and are connected in series with each other in a second operating state. The disclosure also relates to a voltage transformer arrangement comprising such a capacitor arrangement and an operating method for a capacitor arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventors: Burkard Mueller, Jens Friebe
  • Publication number: 20140091824
    Abstract: A mechanism is described for facilitating a dynamic electro-mechanical interconnect capable of being employed in a test system according to one embodiment. A method of embodiments of the invention may include separating, via a cavity, a first conductor of an interconnect from a second conductor of the interconnect, and isolating, via the cavity serving as a buffer, a first electrical path provided through the first conductor from a second electrical path provided through the second conductor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventors: Evan M. Fledell, Joe F. Walczyk, Dinia P. Kitendaugh
  • Patent number: 8686694
    Abstract: A discharge circuit for a DC power supply smoothing capacitor that is used in a power conversion device that supplies DC power via a switch to the DC power supply smoothing capacitor and an inverter, includes; a resistor that discharges charge in the capacitor; a switch connected in series with the resistor, that either passes or intercepts discharge current flowing from the capacitor to the resistor; a measurement circuit that measures a terminal voltage of the capacitor; and a control circuit that controls continuity and discontinuity of the switch; wherein the control circuit, after having made the switch continuous and starting discharge of the capacitor by the resistor, if a terminal voltage of the capacitor as measured by the measurement circuit exceeds a voltage decrease characteristic set in advance, makes the switch discontinuous and stops discharge by the resistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiji Funaba, Yasuo Noto, Masashige Tsuji
  • Patent number: 8686599
    Abstract: A power transmission system and a power receiving jacket is provided that enhances the transmission efficiency of electric power with a simple structure and without increasing manufacturing costs. The power transmission system includes a power transmitting device having a first passive electrode, a first active electrode whose potential is higher than the first passive electrode, and a voltage generation circuit connected between the first passive electrode and the first active electrode, a power receiving jacket having a second active electrode and a power receiving circuit module connected to the second active electrode, and an electronic device attachable to the power receiving jacket. The electronic device includes a chassis having a conductive portion formed from a conductive material along a surface facing the first passive electrode, and the power receiving circuit module is electrically connected between the conductive portion and the second active electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takanori Tsuchiya, Kazuya Kato
  • Publication number: 20140085835
    Abstract: A capacitor bank comprising at least two series chains each comprising a plurality of capacitors, wherein the series chains are coupled in parallel at corresponding points; and a fusible link arranged to form at least part of each coupling; wherein the corresponding points of each chain that are coupled to one another are at the same voltage when the capacitor bank is operational.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: Control Techniques Limited
    Inventor: Stephen Berry
  • Publication number: 20140084704
    Abstract: A chain saw as a power tool which has an engine and an electric motor is provided. The chain saw includes a driving shaft which is adapted to drive a saw chain, a controller which controls the electric motor, and a driving source which provides current to the electric motor. Further, the chain saw is adapted as the saw chain is drivable in a hybrid driving mode in which the engine and the electric motor drive the driving shaft simultaneously. The power source of the chain saw includes a capacitor. The capacitor is electrically connected to the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: MAKITA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenya YANAGIHARA, Hideo KAWASHIMA
  • Patent number: 8680710
    Abstract: Supply voltage sequencing circuitry includes a first sequencer (10-1) that produces an active level of a Power Good signal PG if a first supply voltage VOUT1 exceeds an upper threshold V90% while a control signal EN_PG is active, and produces an inactive level of PG if EN_PG is inactive. The PG level is latched when a control signal EN is inactive. A Power Down signal PD is produced if VOUT1 is less than a lower threshold V10% while EN is inactive. An active level of PD is produced when EN is active. A power-up sequence of supply voltages VOUT1, VOUT2, and VOUT3 monitored by the first sequencer and similar second (10-2) and third (10-3) sequencers, respectively, is determined by connection of PG of each of the first and second sequencers to control the supply voltage monitored by the next sequencer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Masashi Nogawa
  • Publication number: 20140077611
    Abstract: A capacitor bank includes a laminated bus bar having a high potential conductive layer and a low potential conductive layer disposed in close proximity at opposing surfaces of an intervening insulation layer. The bank also includes a plurality of bus capacitors electrically connected to the laminated bus bar. The laminated bus bar and the bus capacitors having a combined inductance sufficiently low such that the bus capacitors are electrically connected effectively in parallel with the laminated bus bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventors: Henry Todd Young, Alvaro Jorge Mari Curbelo, Jason Daniel Kuttenkuler, Sean Cillessen
  • Patent number: 8674548
    Abstract: We describe a photovoltaic power conditioning unit for delivering power from multiple photovoltaic panels to an ac mains power supply output, comprising: a dc input for receiving power from multiple photovoltaic panels; an ac output for delivering ac power to the ac supply; a bank of electrolytic energy storage capacitors for storing energy from the dc source for delivery to the ac supply; a dc-to-ac converter coupled to the ac output and having an input coupled to the bank for converting energy stored in the bank to ac power for the ac supply; and further comprising: a plurality of sense and control circuits, one for each capacitor in the bank, wherein each circuit is coupled in series with a capacitor, and is configured to disconnect the associated capacitor from the bank upon detection of a current flow thorough the associated capacitor of greater than a threshold current value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Enecsys Limited
    Inventor: Asim Mumtaz
  • Publication number: 20140062218
    Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) switch includes a common port, a first port, and a second port, a first semiconductor switching element disposed in a first RF pathway between the common port and the first port, a second semiconductor switching element disposed in a second RF pathway between the common port and the second port, a first pair of direct current (DC) blocking capacitors disposed to isolate the first semiconductor switching element in the first RF pathway, and a second pair of DC blocking capacitors disposed to isolate the second semiconductor switching element in the second RF pathway. The respective pairs of DC blocking capacitors allow for different bias voltages to be applied to the respective RF pathways. A charge-discharge circuit may also be employed to decrease transient switching time of the RF switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: RICHWAVE TECHNOLOGY CORP.
    Inventor: Chen Chih-Sheng
  • Patent number: 8664801
    Abstract: A non-contact power supply system includes a power supply device for transmitting high frequency power and a load device which receives the high frequency power in a non-contact mode by electromagnetic induction to supply it to a load. The power supply device includes a power transmission unit having a primary power coil and an inverter circuit, an inquiry unit having at least one primary signal coil and an oscillation circuit, a signal detection unit and a control unit. The load device includes a power reception unit having a secondary power coil magnetically coupled to the primary power coil and a power conversion unit, a secondary signal coil magnetically coupled to the primary signal coil, and a response unit which is operated by electromotive force induced in the secondary signal coil. The control unit stops power transmission when no signal is detected and executes power transmission which a signal is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Hideaki Abe
  • Publication number: 20140049119
    Abstract: There are provided a variable capacitor and an integrated circuit (IC) including the variable capacitor. The variable capacitor includes: a plurality of capacitance forming portions that are connected to each other in parallel between a first port and a second port and provide previously set capacitance according to a control signal, wherein each of the plurality of capacitance forming portions includes: a first capacitance forming portion including a first switch portion including a plurality of switches, and a first capacitor portion including first and second capacitors; and at least one capacitance forming group including a unit switch portion including a plurality of switches, and at least one unit capacitance forming portion including at least one unit capacitor portion including a unit capacitor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Seung Seoup LEE
  • Patent number: 8653693
    Abstract: An integrated exciter-igniter architecture is disclosed that integrates compact, direct-mounted exciter electronics with an aerospace designed igniter to reduce overall ignition system complexity. The integrated exciter-igniter unit hermetically seals exciter electronics within a stainless steel enclosure or housing. The stainless enclosure enables the exciter electronics to remain near atmospheric pressure while the unit is exposed to vacuum conditions. The exciter electronics include a DC-DC converter, timing circuitry, custom-designed PCBs, a custom-designed main power transformer, and a high voltage ignition coil. All of which are packaged together in the stainless steel enclosure. The integrated exciter-igniter unit allows for efficient energy delivery to the spark gap and eliminates the need for a high voltage cable to distribute the high voltage, high energy pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Alphaport, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Vincent Aulisio, Greg Scott Tollis, Elmer L. Griebeler, Neil D. Rowe
  • Publication number: 20140035691
    Abstract: A capacitive divider structure, comprising: a first plurality of capacitive devices, each being selectively controlled in accordance with a first input control signal so as to alter the effective capacitance of the capacitive divider structure by a first amount; a second plurality of capacitive devices coupled in parallel with the first plurality of capacitive devices, each being selectively controlled in accordance with a second input control signal so as to alter the effective capacitance of the capacitive divider structure by a second amount; and at least one series capacitive device arranged in series with the second plurality of capacitive devices, such that the second amount is less than the first amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Cambridge Silicon Radio Limited
    Inventors: Pasquale Lamanna, Davide Orifiamma, Cristian Pavao Moreira
  • Publication number: 20140028114
    Abstract: A power transfer system includes a power transmission device and a power reception device. A central conductor and a peripheral conductor are formed near the upper surface of a casing of the power transmission device. The peripheral conductor surrounds the central conductor in an insulated state from the central conductor. An alternating voltage generating circuit is provided for the power transmission device and applies an alternating voltage between the central conductor and the peripheral conductor. A central conductor and a peripheral conductor are formed near the lower surface of a casing of the power reception device. The peripheral conductor surrounds the central conductor in an insulated state from the central conductor. A load circuit is provided for the power reception device, and a voltage induced between the central conductor and the peripheral conductor is applied to the load circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Keiichi Ichikawa, Henri Bondar
  • Publication number: 20140027610
    Abstract: A method and circuit for injecting charge into a circuit node, comprising (a) resetting a capacitor's voltage through a first transistor; (b) after the resetting, pre-charging the capacitor through the first transistor; and (c) after the pre-charging, further charging the capacitor through a second transistor, wherein the second transistor is connected between the capacitor and a circuit node, and the further charging draws charge through the second transistor from the circuit node, thereby injecting charge into the circuit node.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventor: Bruce R. Hancock
  • Publication number: 20140028113
    Abstract: A switchable capacitor having: a dielectric; a pair of electrodes, a first one of the electrodes having the dielectric thereon and a second, flexible one of the electrodes being suspended over the dielectric when the switchable capacitor is in an de-activated state; and top plate disposed between the dielectric and the second, flexible electrode and connected to a reference potential. When the switchable capacitor is electrostatically driven to an activated state, the second one of the electrodes contacts the top plate and when the switchable capacitor is returned to the de-activated state, charge on the top plate is discharged to the reference potential.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Francis J. Morris, Cody B. Moody, Andrew Malczewski