Switching Systems Patents (Class 307/112)
  • Patent number: 11966244
    Abstract: An power supply circuit includes: a plurality of Zener diodes (ZD) between which cascade connection is established and which are connected in parallel to a load (10) to which power is supplied from a power supply line; switches (SW) on which ON/OFF control is performed, which are connected in parallel to one of the plurality of Zener diodes or between the plurality of Zener diodes, and which form current paths when ON control is performed on the switches; a current monitoring means (2) for monitoring current that is flowing in one of the plurality of Zener diodes; a comparison means (4) for comparing a reference current (3) and the current monitored by the current monitoring means; and a control means (5) for performing ON/OFF control on the switches on the basis of the result of the comparison by the comparison means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Narihiro Arai
  • Patent number: 11924935
    Abstract: This invention provides a method for operating an automotive arrangement with a lighting device and a vehicle sensor. This method comprises the steps of providing a plurality of auxiliary sensors, configured to provide some device data, provide a control unit configured to estimate a vehicle sensor temperature using the device data and controlling an operation parameter of the automotive lighting device using the estimated vehicle sensor tem-perature. The invention also provides a data processing element and a computer program to carry out this method and an automotive lighting device comprising a control unit which carries out this method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Valeo Vision
    Inventors: Marouene Karray, Rabih Taleb, Hafid El Idrissi
  • Patent number: 11846506
    Abstract: Circuitry for identifying a misaligned wheeled irrigation tower within a plurality of wheeled irrigation towers is described. The circuitry includes a test resistance configured for installation in a center pivot irrigation system. The circuitry also includes a plurality of resistances. Each resistance of the plurality of resistances is configured for installation in a wheeled irrigation tower of the center pivot irrigation system and to be coupled to the test resistance. Each resistance of the plurality of resistances is configured to be coupled to a corresponding switch of a respective wheeled irrigation tower and a neutral line. The circuitry further includes detection circuitry coupled to the test resistance. The detection circuitry is configured, when installed in the center pivot irrigation system, to identify a misaligned wheeled irrigation tower of a plurality of wheeled irrigation towers based on a detected voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Inventors: James G. Stewart, II, Brad J. Wardle
  • Patent number: 11842041
    Abstract: A system including an electronic processor, a transceiver communicatively coupled to the electronic processor, a display communicatively coupled to the electronic processor and a non-transient memory medium communicatively coupled to the electronic processor. The electronic processor is configured to generate a graphical representation based on at least one configuration file, the graphical representation including a button, present the graphical representation on the display, receive, via the display, a user input indicative of selecting the button, and transmit, via the transceiver, a lighting system control command based selection of the button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: HLI SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Theodore E. Weber, Timothy E. Willis, Christopher Lane Bailey
  • Patent number: 11746602
    Abstract: Systems and methods for testing downhole power cables wherein such systems and methods utilize a mounting bracket having a PEEK insulator extending from a first face of said bracket and at least one flexible lead extending from a second face of said bracket. Such systems and methods may accommodate three such flexible leads that are configured to interface with power cables. A shunting block may be incorporated in a protective cap configured to fit over the PEEK insulator extension from said first face of said bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: POWER FEED-THRU SYSTEMS AND CONNECTORS LLC
    Inventors: Roy Kinkaid, Brandon Marbach, James Patrick Payne, Brad Yingst, Leroy Cantu, Michael Colescott
  • Patent number: 11733759
    Abstract: A power supply control circuit capable of achieving power saving. The power supply control circuit includes: a microcomputer that controls an operation of a control target; a power supply unit that supplies power to the microcomputer; a power switch that connects the power supply unit and the microcomputer; a bypass circuit that includes a MOSFET switch and is capable of bypassing the power switch to maintain connection between the power supply unit and the microcomputer; and a cut-off circuit that includes a MOSFET switch and is disposed between the bypass circuit and the microcomputer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: TERUMO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yusuke Yakushiji
  • Patent number: 11596046
    Abstract: A luminaire controller includes a controller housing, a user interface panel, a power interface, a load interface, a power control module and an illumination control module. The user interface panel, power interface and load interface extend from the controller housing. The power interface and load interface are disposed within the controller housing, and are electrically coupled to the user interface panel. The power control module is configured to electrically connect the load interface to the power interface upon receipt of a connect signal from the user interface panel, and electrically isolate the load interface from the power interface upon receipt of a disconnect signal from the user interface panel. In accordance with a light characteristic signal that is received from the user interface panel, the illumination control module is configured to wirelessly control a characteristic of light emitted by a luminaire that is electrically coupled to the load interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Liteline Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Silverstein, Mircea Porumbaceanu, Zhang ZhangHai, Zhong DeJian
  • Patent number: 11581724
    Abstract: A method for controlled switching of a circuit breaker is described. The method includes initiating operation of the circuit breaker at an initiation time derivable from an initiation time function by calculating a value of the initiation time function with respect to a command instant. The initiation time function is a sum of the command instant and a command delay time. The initiation time function depends on a first parameter and a second parameter. At least one of: the partial derivative of the initiation time function with respect to the first parameter is dependent on the second parameter or the partial derivative of the initiation time function with respect to the second parameter is dependent on the first parameter. Further, a system for controlled switching according to the method and a circuit breaker including the system are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: HITACHI ENERGY SWITZERLAND AG
    Inventors: Michael Stanek, Urmil Parikh
  • Patent number: 11555353
    Abstract: Methods and system for controlling downhole pulse power operation are disclosed. A method may include detecting a pulse signal discharged between pulse power drilling (PPD) electrodes and determining an arc characteristic of the pulse signal. The method may further include adjusting pulse power applied to the PPD electrodes based, at least in part, on the determined arc characteristic of the pulse signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Eugene Cammack, Boguslaw Wiecek
  • Patent number: 11556096
    Abstract: In order to enable switching control over power-feeding paths even in the event of a ground fault or an open fault in a power-feeding path, the submarine branching unit is provided with: a switching circuit which switches multiple power-feeding paths formed among a first through a third power-receiving ports; a control circuit which receives power from a power-feeding path formed between the first power-receiving port and the second power-receiving port and controls the switching circuit; and a connection circuit which connects the control circuit between the third power-receiving port and a sea-earth when no power is supplied to the control circuit from the power-feeding path formed between the first power-receiving port and the second power-receiving port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: NEC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshinari Takigawa
  • Patent number: 11536090
    Abstract: A method of communication along a shared voltage line is disclosed. In pulse power drilling, a generator charges applies voltage to a shared voltage line, which capacitively charges electrodes for formation drilling. While the generator controls the charging rate, charge voltage, and post-delay time between the charging cycles, a pulse power controller determines the pre-delay time by firing electrodes to discharge the stored voltage. Communication from the pulse power controller to the generator is encoded in the pre-delay time, where pre-delay times longer than a minimum pre-delay time correspond to time bins with pre-determined communications between the pulse power controller and the generator. The generator can also communicate to the pulse power controller via manipulation of the post-delay time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Eugene Cammack, Boguslaw Wiecek
  • Patent number: 11476611
    Abstract: An electrical equipment (1) for an electrical installation is connected to an electrical grid, having at least a primary functional module (2) suitable for carrying out a current interruption function, and an additional functional module (5) for carrying out at least one function requiring a power supply. The function of the additional functional module (5) is a function requiring a power supply except for an indicator light lighting function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: BERKER GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jacques Kraemer, Pascal Noel
  • Patent number: 11476247
    Abstract: A semiconductor rectifier includes a transistor and a diode. The transistor includes a source electrode, a drain electrode and a gate electrode. The diode includes an anode electrode and a cathode electrode. The anode electrode is electrically connected to the gate electrode, and the cathode electrode is electrically connected to the source electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: ROHM CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Atsushi Yamaguchi, Junichi Kashiwagi, Yohei Moriyama
  • Patent number: 11336093
    Abstract: A method for determining a sequence of operation of at least one set of generator units of an electrical network includes assigning a rank to each generator unit; from a projected load curve, determining a minimum number of generator units; for each generator unit having a rank less than or equal to the minimum number of generator units, allocating in the sequence of operation the on state to the generator unit for each time interval; for each generator unit having a rank greater than the minimum number of generator units, allocating, by increasing rank, for each time interval of the sequence of operation the on state or the off state to the generator unit, and for each generator unit to which is assigned the on state at a given time interval of the sequence of operation, allocating an operating power, by optimisation of a cost function over a period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Duy Long Ha, Grégoire Pichenot
  • Patent number: 11307056
    Abstract: A capacitive sensor including a sensor electrode connected to a signal generation circuit and a signal evaluation circuit. The signal generation circuit contains a signal generator that is a noise generator or a pseudo-noise generator, the signal evaluation circuit includes a synchronous rectifier. The synchronous rectifier is connected for synchronization to the signal generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: CAPTRON ELECTRONIC GMBH
    Inventors: Bernhard Christ, Dirk Oldendorf, Jens Schüler, Kilian Hüttenhofer
  • Patent number: 11255914
    Abstract: A collecting and measuring method has corresponding a contacts group to a key of a computer keyboard; corresponding a contacts group state to a key state; corresponding a first keys group and a second keys group to a first power contacts group and a second power contacts group respectively; obtaining and storing a first values group and a second values group when the first keys group and the second keys group are closed respectively; calculating a difference value between the second and first values groups; dividing the difference value by the device frequency value to get a time value; and storing the time value. The time value is a conduct transition time value of a corresponding pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Inventor: Gong Zhu
  • Patent number: 11256364
    Abstract: This disclosure provides a noise suppression circuit for suppressing a noise in a voltage signal. The noise suppression circuit comprises: a switch unit having a first terminal receiving the voltage signal and a second terminal; a capacitor having a first terminal connected to the first terminal of the switch unit and a second terminal grounded; and an analog front-end unit including an operational amplifier with a signal input terminal and a reference-voltage input terminal electrically connected to the second terminal of the switch unit; wherein the switch unit is controlled by a pulse signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: SENSORTEK TECHNOLOGY CORP.
    Inventors: Yao-Sheng Hu, Chun-Kuan Wu, Ching-Jen Tung, Hung-Yen Tai
  • Patent number: 11258264
    Abstract: Unique systems, methods, techniques and apparatuses of photovoltaic (PV) string power systems are disclosed. One exemplary embodiment is a PV power system comprising a plurality of PV strings and a floating DC-DC optimizer. The floating DC-DC optimizer comprises a first DC bus rail, a second DC bus rail, a plurality of input legs, each leg being coupled across the first DC bus rail and second DC bus rail, including two input leg semiconductor switches coupled at an input terminal, each input terminal being structured to receive an input current from an end of one PV string of the plurality of PV strings, and an output leg including two output leg semiconductor devices coupled at an output terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Marici Holdings The Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Zhiguo Pan, Sandeep Bala, Liming Liu, Yuxiang Shi
  • Patent number: 11177754
    Abstract: A highly energy efficient circuit for an AC ceiling fan motor in high speed gear, which comprises a speed regulator and a ceiling fan motor whose output torque at full voltage exceeds a required torque at rated load. Two ends of a winding of the ceiling fan motor are connected to a voltage-regulating capacitor bank and a zero line, respectively. The voltage-regulating capacitor bank comprises a first capacitor bank for enabling low speed operation of the ceiling fan motor by stepping down by a third capacitor, a second capacitor bank for enabling medium speed operation of the ceiling fan motor by stepping down by a second capacitor and the third capacitor in parallel, and a third capacitor bank for enabling high speed operation of the ceiling fan motor by stepping down by a first capacitor, the second capacitor and the third capacitor in parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Zhongshan Sanfan Electrical Appliance Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Guo Qingkun
  • Patent number: 11152770
    Abstract: An enclosure, one input cable and multiple output cables extending through the enclosure, a plurality of circuit breakers and ground-fault circuit interrupters in the enclosure and electrically connected to respective ones of the output cables, and a junction in the enclosure to which the input cable is electrically connected and to which the circuit breakers and ground-fault circuit interrupters are electrically connected. The output cables each include a connector for connection to an electric-powered machine, so that multiple of the machines can be powered and protected by a single power cabinet with a single power-supply connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: BRAND SHARED SERVICES LLC
    Inventors: Eduardo Fernando D'Oracio De Almeida, Amrith Singh Thakur
  • Patent number: 11133137
    Abstract: An operation device includes a scroll wheel, a portion of which projects from an opening of an operation surface. The scroll wheel is configured to be rotated by an operator. The scroll wheel includes a ring member that is formed by a light transmissive member, which is configured to transmit light. The operation device includes: a light source that is configured to generate light for nighttime illumination; a wheel illumination light guide member that is configured to guide the light, which is outputted from the light source, to the scroll wheel; and a metal film that is formed at an inner peripheral surface of the ring member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignees: DENSO CORPORATION, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yukihide Ota, Hiromune Wada, Toshinori Aoki, Takaaki Koyama, Masahiro Kasai
  • Patent number: 11072257
    Abstract: A switch control apparatus capable of effectively controlling a switch during a process of controlling the switch provided in a battery pack. When the switch is shifted from a closed state to an open state, the current caused by the generated counter electromotive force is quickly released, thereby quickly shifting the switch to turn on or off. In addition, since the voltage applied to the control unit falls within the rated voltage range, the stability of the switch control circuit may be enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Inventors: Jun-Hyok Lee, Seok-Jun Lee
  • Patent number: 11021698
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for subjecting adherent cells to at least one electric field, in which the electric field is generated by applying a voltage to at least two active electrodes 63, wherein at least three electrodes 63, 64 are provided, and wherein at least two electrodes 63, 64 are active electrodes 63 when the voltage is applied in order to generate a first electric field, and in which at least one second electric field is generated, wherein at least one of the two previously active electrodes 63 is a potential-free electrode 64 when the voltage is applied. Also disclosed is a device 58 comprising at least three electrodes 63, 64, which are connected to at least one voltage source by means of at least one switching device 59, 60, 61, 62, wherein at least five electrodes 63, 64 are connected to the at least one voltage source by means of four switching devices 59, 60, 61, 62, wherein at least two electrodes 63, 64 are connected to the voltage source by means of a common switching device 59, 60, 61, 62.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: LONZA COLOGNE GMBH
    Inventors: Thomas Koblizek, Andreas Heinze, Timo Gleissner, Herbert Mueller-Hartmann, Andreas Wirth
  • Patent number: 10994149
    Abstract: A method and system is presented for an implantable wireless power receiver for use with a medical stimulation or monitoring device. The receiver receives transmitted energy through one or more non-inductive antenna(s), utilizes microelectronics to perform rectification of the received signal for generation of a DC power supply to power an implantable device, and may also utilize microelectronics to provide parameter settings to the device, or stimulating or other waveforms to a tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Stimwave Technologies Incorporated
    Inventors: Laura Tyler Perryman, Chad Andresen
  • Patent number: 10976762
    Abstract: In some examples, an electrical power system includes a differential bus, a power converter coupled to the differential bus, and a controller configured to control the power converter based on a first target value for the differential bus. The controller is also configured to sense that a ground fault has occurred in the electrical power system while controlling the power converter based on the first target value. The controller is further configured to, responsive to sensing that the ground fault has occurred, control the power converter based on a second target value for the differential bus, the second target value being different than the first target value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce North American Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: David Loder
  • Patent number: 10957498
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an intelligent lighting control system including a scalable wall-plate system. The wall-plate system is used for installation of a plurality of base modules in a multi-gang electrical box. The base modules in a base housing forms a well and includes a first electrical connector positioned in the well. A first light control module of a plurality of light control modules is nested in a first base module. A wall-plate cover is connected to the plurality of base modules such that the nested first light control module is positioned in a recess formed in a back surface of the wall-plate cover such that an aperture in the wall-plate cover is positioned over a well in a second base module of the plurality of base modules. A second light control module is nested through the aperture and into the well of the second base module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Racepoint Energy, LLC
    Inventors: William Lark, Jr., Nicholas David Pennycooke
  • Patent number: 10896873
    Abstract: A processor assembly and a system including a processor assembly are disclosed. The processor assembly includes an interposer disposed on a substrate, an integrated circuit disposed on the interposer, a memory circuit disposed on the interposer and coupled to the integrated circuit, and a capacitor embedded in the interposer. The capacitor includes at least a first non-planar conductor structure and a second non-planar conductor structure separated by a non-planar dielectric structure. The capacitor includes a first capacitor terminal electrically coupling the first non-planar conductor structure to a first voltage terminal in the integrated circuit. The capacitor includes a second capacitor terminal electrically coupling the second non-planar conductor structure to a second voltage terminal in the integrated circuit. The capacitor includes an oxide layer electrically isolating the capacitor from the interposer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Woon Seong Kwon, Nam Hoon Kim, Teckgyu Kang
  • Patent number: 10896565
    Abstract: A method includes providing a first control station and a second control station. The control stations are configured to control movement of a structure. The first control station includes a first device and the second station includes a second device. Movement of the structure is allowed if the second device detects a first object and the second device detects a second object. Movement of the structure is prevented if the first device fails to detect the first object, or the second device fails to detect the second object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: Gym Door Repairs Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen F. Cole, Kathleen Cole
  • Patent number: 10889206
    Abstract: A station building power supply device includes a circuit breaker to disconnect a connection with a train side, a circuit breaker to disconnect a connection with the station load side, a power converter disposed between the circuit breaker and the circuit breaker to convert the regenerative power into the AC power, a housing that houses the circuit breaker, the power converter, and the circuit breaker, a voltage sensor that detects a charged state of the housing, and a control unit that controls operations of the circuit breaker, of the power converter, and of the circuit breaker based on a detection result from the voltage sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshiaki Takeoka, Shinichi Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 10862298
    Abstract: According to various embodiments, an intelligent electronic device IED, such as a protective relay, includes a universal binary input circuit for receiving an AC or DC binary input with a voltage magnitude between approximately 0 Volts and 300 Volts. The universal binary input provides reinforced isolation via an input protection subcircuit and an optocoupler for communicating an optical signal with an electrically isolated controller based on the received binary input signal. In one embodiment, a duty cycle modulation subcircuit generates a pulse width modulated drive signal to drive the optocoupler based on the voltage magnitude of the received binary input. The duty cycle of the pulse width modulated drive signal is (linearly or nonlinearly) inversely proportional to the voltage magnitude of the received binary input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian James Peterson, Tracey G. Windley
  • Patent number: 10840893
    Abstract: Apparatus for generating high pulse voltage comprises a high DC voltage source, a low DC voltage source, an inductive load, two controllable gates, a controllable switch and, connected in series, a capacitor, a booster diode and an additional controllable switch, as well as a controllable pulse duration converter for pulses from a rectangular pulse generator. The preceding connection of the booster diode anode with the negative terminal of the low DC voltage source ensured by the pulse duration converter and second controllable switch correlates the booster diode switching time with the moment of closing the both controllable gates. Thus, the pulse noise present in the prior art designs is eliminated, and the level of interference emitted into the surroundings is decreased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Drive CJSC
    Inventors: Yuriy I. Romanov, Stanislav V. Maletskiy
  • Patent number: 10784041
    Abstract: Magnetic flux valves can be used in electromagnetic (EM) power converters to electronically control output signals of the EM power converters. An input signal is provided to an EM power converter that includes two or more core sections in which at least one core section includes a magnetic flux valve having an adjustable reluctance. The EM power converter has one or more primary windings and one or more secondary windings wound around one or more core sections. One or more control signals are provided to the one or more magnetic flux valves to control a reluctance or reluctances of the one or more magnetic flux valves, affecting magnetic coupling between the primary and secondary windings. An output signal is generated, in which the output signal is a function of the input signal and the one or more control signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: NUtech Ventures
    Inventors: Wei Qiao, Liyan Qu, Haosen Wang
  • Patent number: 10775756
    Abstract: The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a synchronous control method and a synchronous control system. The synchronous control method includes: acquiring respectively response durations during which multiple controlled components execute their corresponding control instructions; determining respectively instruction execution delay durations corresponding to the multiple controlled components according to the response durations during which the multiple controlled components execute their corresponding control instructions, and controlling the multiple controlled components to execute their corresponding control instructions according to the instruction execution delay durations corresponding to the multiple controlled components, such that the multiple controlled components are able to complete their corresponding operations synchronously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: BEIJING ETECHWIN ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zhiqian Yang, Rui Gao
  • Patent number: 10761041
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a sensing system and method that includes a plurality of resistive elements coupled to a plurality of nodes and a control system configured to index through a plurality of modes to measure an electrical characteristic for each resistive element. Each mode of the plurality of modes represents a different combination of power, return, or open circuit condition applied to each of the plurality of nodes, and the control system is configured to calculate, for each of the modes, a total power consumed by the system and a power consumed by each of the resistive elements based on the measured electrical characteristics, to determine a physical parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Philip S. Schmidt, Cal T. Swanson
  • Patent number: 10698376
    Abstract: A hierarchical wireless power management system using a remote control device to control multiple slave controllers is disclosed. The control module of the remote control device comprises a processing circuit, a wireless signal transmission circuit, and a storage unit. The wireless signal transmission circuit is adapted for transmitting a control signal to a corresponding slave controller. The storage unit is storing settings related to the slave controllers. The remote control device manage the operations of slave controllers with a capability of doing a group controlling under the hierarchical architecture, based upon settings comprising a hierarchical grouping distribution architecture changeably set by a managing user and respective corresponding identification codes of the slave controllers set by the managing user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: TEAM YOUNG TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chien-Chou Lai, Tz-Min Lin, Ke-Fan Fan, Dy-Cheng Wang
  • Patent number: 10656985
    Abstract: A heartbeat monitor detects a heartbeat failure by accumulating overage time beyond an expected time interval for each heartbeat in a sliding window of time for a connection. The connection is considered unreliable when the total overage time exceeds a threshold. The total overage time is determined by accumulating all overage time beyond the expected interval over a sliding window of time. In an illustrated example, the heartbeat monitor resides in a hypervisor to track a heartbeat of a network link to provide failover capability to a backup when the network link is no longer reliable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Bradley E. Warrum
  • Patent number: 10651846
    Abstract: A driver circuit (DRV1) includes a pull-up circuit (PU1) and a pull-down circuit (PD1) that share an output node (external terminal (T3)). A signal (DI1 (DI2)) input to the pull-up circuit (PU1) and a signal (DI3) input to the pull-down circuit (PD1) are selected in a complementary manner, and the output node outputs an output signal in which rising time and falling time of the signals (DI1 (DI2) and DI3) are adjusted in accordance with on-off operation of the signals. The rising time is adjusted by transistors (M1 and M2) and a resistor (R1), while the falling time is adjusted by transistors (M3, M4 and M5) and a resistor (R2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shun Fukushima, Kazuhiro Murakami
  • Patent number: 10615592
    Abstract: A method for reducing the inrush current of an inductive load, particularly a transformer, comprising the following steps: a) connecting a DC power source to the transformer for a time tc, to magnetize its magnetic core until saturation is reached, and connecting the transformer to the AC mains via an electromechanical switch, in an initially open position; b) disconnecting the transformer from the DC power source, the magnetic flux being reduced to its residual value; c) closing the electromechanical switch to complete the connection, this connection point being determined by the phase angle selected from the sinusoidal signal of the voltage power lines, in such a way that magnetic flux corresponding to the steady state voltage equals the residual magnetic flux that remains when the transformer is disconnected from the DC power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: INDRA SISTEMAS, S.A.
    Inventor: Farzad Fotrousi
  • Patent number: 10523017
    Abstract: A switch module and a converter developed with the help of a switch module. The switch module presents two series connections comprising a power semi-conductor switch and a diode and. Parallel to the first series connection a first capacitor is connected. Between the first capacitor and the second series connection at least one intermediate connection is connected. This is designed as quadripole, whereby between both the output connections a second capacitor is connected. The first output connection is connected through a third power semi-conductor switch with the first input connection. The second output connection is connected with the cathode of a third diode, whose anode is connected with the second input connection of the intermediate circuit. With this switch module at least five voltage levels can be set up for an output voltage. For each additionally present intermediate circuit the number of the possible voltage levels increases by two.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: GE ENERGY POWER CONVERSION TECHNOLOGY LTD.
    Inventor: Martin Geske
  • Patent number: 10483964
    Abstract: A signal processing device includes an input terminal configured to be input with an input signal that is active high or an input signal that is active low, a switching terminal connectable to a power supply or ground, a selection circuit configured to select and output the input signal that is active high in a case that the switching terminal is connected to the power supply and select and output the input signal that is active low in a case that the switching terminal is connected to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHO
    Inventors: Natsuki Arakawa, Junichi Matsubara, Satoki Uruno, Kengo Shima, Daisuke Aoki, Yuichiro Mori
  • Patent number: 10439395
    Abstract: A system of surge suppressor units is connected at multiple locations on a power transmission and distribution grid to provide grid level protection against various disturbances before such disturbances can reach or affect facility level equipment. The surge suppressor units effectively prevent major voltage and current spikes from impacting the grid. In addition, the surge suppressor units include various integration features which provide diagnostic and remote reporting capabilities required by most utility operations. As such, the surge suppressor units protect grid level components from major events such as natural geomagnetic disturbances (solar flares), extreme electrical events (lightning) and human-generated events (EMPs) and cascading failures on the power grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Asator Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Daryl Moore, Jon Yarusso
  • Patent number: 10431982
    Abstract: A system of surge suppressor units is connected at multiple locations on a power transmission and distribution grid to provide grid level protection against various disturbances before such disturbances can reach or affect facility level equipment. The surge suppressor units effectively prevent major voltage and current spikes from impacting the grid. In addition, the surge suppressor units include various integration features which provide diagnostic and remote reporting capabilities required by most utility operations. As such, the surge suppressor units protect grid level components from major events such as natural geomagnetic disturbances (solar flares), extreme electrical events (lightning) and human-generated events (EMPs) and cascading failures on the power grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Asator Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Daryl Moore, Jon Yarusso
  • Patent number: 10424927
    Abstract: A system of surge suppressor units is connected at multiple locations on a power transmission and distribution grid to provide grid level protection against various disturbances before such disturbances can reach or affect facility level equipment. The surge suppressor units effectively prevent major voltage and current spikes from impacting the grid. In addition, the surge suppressor units include various integration features which provide diagnostic and remote reporting capabilities required by most utility operations. As such, the surge suppressor units protect grid level components from major events such as natural geomagnetic disturbances (solar flares), extreme electrical events (lightning) and human-generated events (EMPs) and cascading failures on the power grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Asator Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Daryl Moore, Jon Yarusso
  • Patent number: 10420125
    Abstract: An apparatus and method providing feedback on channel conditions in a wireless telecommunications system including a base station to communicate with plural terminals device using frequencies spanning a system frequency bandwidth. At least one terminal device is a reduced capability terminal device including a tuneable transceiver configured to receive downlink transmissions from the base station using only a restricted frequency bandwidth smaller than and within the system frequency bandwidth. The reduced capability terminal device is configured to communicate information derived from measurements of channel conditions to the base station. The information may include an indication of measured channel conditions for different frequency locations, or an indication of one or more frequency locations for which corresponding measurement of channel conditions meet a pre-defined selection criterion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hideji Wakabayashi, Matthew William Webb, Yuichi Morioka, Stephen Truelove
  • Patent number: 10411701
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices describe triaxial photoconductive switch modules that include a center conductor, an inner conductor, an outer conductor, a high voltage capacitor that is formed between the center conductor and the inner conductor, and a photoconductive switch that is formed between the center conductor and a section of the outer conductor. The disclosed triaxial photoconductive switch modules include low inductance current paths that lead to high current efficiencies. Furthermore, the disclosed triaxial photoconductive switch modules eliminate or reduce parasitic capacitance problems of existing systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Scott D. Nelson, Steve Hawkins, Brian R. Poole
  • Patent number: 10404068
    Abstract: A system of surge suppressor units is connected at multiple locations on a power transmission and distribution grid to provide grid level protection against various disturbances before such disturbances can reach or affect facility level equipment. The surge suppressor units effectively prevent major voltage and current spikes from impacting the grid. In addition, the surge suppressor units include various integration features which provide diagnostic and remote reporting capabilities required by most utility operations. As such, the surge suppressor units protect grid level components from major events such as natural geomagnetic disturbances (solar flares), extreme electrical events (lightning) and human-generated events (EMPs) and cascading failures on the power grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Asator Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Daryl Moore, Jon Yarusso
  • Patent number: 10396558
    Abstract: A system of surge suppressor units is connected at multiple locations on a power transmission and distribution grid to provide grid level protection against various disturbances before such disturbances can reach or affect facility level equipment. The surge suppressor units effectively prevent major voltage and current spikes from impacting the grid. In addition, the surge suppressor units included various integration features which provide diagnostic and remote reporting capabilities required by most utility operations. As such, the surge suppressor units protect grid level components from major events such as natural geomagnetic disturbances (solar flares), extreme electrical events (lightning) and human-generated events (EMPs) and cascading failures on the power grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Asator Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Daryl Moore, Jon Yarusso
  • Patent number: 10378264
    Abstract: An opening-closing body is operated toward an end position of the movable range, a section where the motor application voltage is set to a fixed value defines a first section. A section set between the first section and the end position defines a second section. The controller is configured to execute speed reduction control and stop control in the second section. At a point in time when the rotation speed of the motor body becomes less than or equal to a second threshold value, in the first section or the second section, the controller sets the motor application voltage that is applied from the point in time until the opening-closing body reaches the end position and the stop control is executed to a voltage value that is greater than or equal to the motor application voltage applied at the point in time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Suzuki, Yutaka Naito
  • Patent number: 10369606
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a temperature adjustment station for the contact heating of a blank and to a method for operating the temperature adjustment station. According to the invention, the contact pressure exerted on the blank is regulated or controlled in the temperature adjustment station such that linear expansion of the blank does not have a negative effect on the contact plate itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: BENTELER AUTOMOBILTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventors: Georg Frost, Martin Hesselmann, Markus Kettler, Max Niesse
  • Patent number: 10361284
    Abstract: A method for fabrication of vertical nanowire MOSFETs is considered using a gate-last process. The top ohmic electrode is first fabricated and may be used as a mask to form a gate recess using etching techniques. The gate is thereafter formed allowing a large degree in access resistance reduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Inventors: Lars-Erik Wernersson, Johannes Svensson, Martin Berg, Karl-Magnus Persson, Erik Lind