Switching Systems Patents (Class 307/112)
  • Patent number: 8674554
    Abstract: A power off delay circuit includes a switch connected between an external power input terminal and an internal power supply terminal, a capacitor connected to the internal power supply terminal, and a hysteresis comparator to switch the switch according to the voltages of the external power input terminal and the internal power supply terminal. During on-time of the switch, the external power input terminal is connected to the internal power supply terminal and the capacitor can be charged by the external power source. When the switch is off, the capacitor provides electric power for an internal circuit. Application of the power off delay circuit to an audio system may eliminate the turn-off pops of the audio system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Richtek Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Chi-Hua Lin, Chien-Fu Tang, Isaac Y Chen, An-Tung Chen
  • Patent number: 8659188
    Abstract: A method for maintaining reliability of a distributed power system including a power converter having input terminals and output terminals. Input power is received at the input terminals. The input power is converted to an output power at the output terminals. A temperature is measured in or in the environment of the power converter. The power conversion of the input power to the output power may be controlled to maximize the input power by setting at the input terminals the input voltage or the input current according to predetermined criteria. One of the predetermined criteria is configured to reduce the input power based on the temperature signal responsive to the temperature. The adjustment of input power reduces the input voltage and/or input current thereby lowering the temperature of the power converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Solaredge Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Meir Adest, Lior Handelsman, Yoav Galin, Amir Fishelov, Guy Sella, Yaron Binder
  • Publication number: 20140052130
    Abstract: A matrix router with frequency switching is provided having an energy source electrically connected to a plurality of interface ports. A switching device is provided between the energy source and the plurality of switches. One of the plurality of interface ports includes a paired electrode interface port for the connection of a paired electrode device thereto. The paired electrode device has a first pair of opposed electrodes and a second pair of opposed electrodes for clamping on tissue. When the paired electrode device is operably connected to the paired electrode interface port and actuated, the switching device alternates energy such as bipolar RF from the first pair of opposed electrodes to the second pair of opposed electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: ATRICURE, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Park, Salvatore Privitera
  • Patent number: 8648500
    Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, an integrated circuit device comprises a circuit configured to provide a sense signal representing a dynamic power requirement of the circuit to a first sense node, a first sense switch coupled between the first sense node and a first die bump, and a sense switch controller configured to provide a control signal to the first sense switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: XILINX, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael O. Jenkins, John R. Carrel, Mark J. Marlett
  • Patent number: 8624441
    Abstract: A control circuit of a cycling switch for controlling an electronic equipment includes a switch loop, a first control loop and a second control loop. The switch loop generates a driving signal to drive the electronic equipment. The first control loop is electrically connected with the switch loop and the electronic equipment respectively, and generates a first control signal according to a variation of the driving signal. The second control loop is electrically connected with the first control loop and the electronic equipment respectively. The second control loop has a storage unit which charges and discharges according to the first control signal, so that the second control loop generates a second control signal. The second control signal is inputted to the first control loop and controls the electronic equipment. A control method applied to the control circuit of the cycling switch is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Te-Chung Liu, Yi-Hua Lee
  • Publication number: 20140001883
    Abstract: In a method for setting an inrush current of a domestic appliance to a region-specific inrush current, the domestic appliance is switched to a setting mode, in which the inrush current is limited at the domestic appliance to one of a number of region-specific inrush currents that are selectable at the domestic appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: BSH BOSCH UND SIEMENS HAUSGERÄTE GMBH
    Inventors: Daniel Anton Falcon, Jose Maria De la Cuerda Ortin, Ignacio Garde Aranda, Pablo Jesus Hernandez Blasco, Sergio Llorente Gil, Carlos Vicente Mairal Serrano, Paul Muresan, Diego Puyal Puente
  • Patent number: 8604645
    Abstract: A supply arrangement, a supply unit and a method in which a switching element is connected in series to an operating voltage and an electrical load, wherein a supply unit supplies an electronic unit with power independently of the switching state of the switching element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Enocean GmbH
    Inventor: Holger Alfons Eggert
  • Patent number: 8604721
    Abstract: A lamp tube switching circuit includes a first connector and a second connector for connecting either an LED lamp tube or a fluorescent type lamp tube, a switch module being a mechanical switch including first, second and third switches, a starter and ballast. Each of the first and second switches has a static terminal for connecting with a power supply, and four dynamic terminals for selectively connecting with the static terminal thereof. Different circuits can be configured by adjusting the connection between the static and dynamic terminals, wherein each circuit can drive a selected type of lamp tube to generate light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Qing-Shan Cao, Zheng-Nian Liu, Nan Zeng, Miao-Ping Guo
  • Patent number: 8598899
    Abstract: An overvoltage protection circuit connected to protect electrical components from overvoltage conditions includes a blocking diode connected in series with a transient voltage suppression device (TVS) via a first node and includes a reference voltage for biasing the first node at a voltage sufficient to reverse bias the blocking diode during normal operations. A built-in test circuit associated with the overvoltage protection circuit includes a resistor connected to the first node and a switch connected in series with the resistor that is selectively turned On and Off. The built-in test circuit monitors voltage on a control line associated with the electrical components and at the first node while the switch is Off and while the switch is On, and detects fault conditions based on the monitored voltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventor: Gary L. Hess
  • Patent number: 8598736
    Abstract: An input circuit includes an interface structured to output a logic signal from an alternating current signal of a pair of elongated conductors. A load is switchable to the elongated conductors. A processor outputs a control signal to switch the load to the elongated conductors asynchronously with respect to the alternating current signal for a first predetermined time, inputs the logic signal, determines if the input logic signal is active a plurality of times during the first predetermined time and responsively sets a first state of the alternating current signal, and, otherwise, sets an opposite second state of the alternating current signal, and delays for a second predetermined time, which is longer than the first predetermined time, for the opposite second state before repeating the output, and, otherwise, delays for a third predetermined time, which is longer than the second predetermined time, for the first state before repeating the output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald A. Vanweelden, Mark A. Verheyen
  • Publication number: 20130313896
    Abstract: A power supply device includes a first electric line and at least one battery connected to the first electric line. In one embodiment, the at least one battery is a lithium-ion battery. The power supply device also includes an electrically operable circuit breaker arranged in the first electric line and configured to interrupt a current flow in the first electric line. The power supply device further comprises a second electric line configured to supply power to the circuit breaker. An over current protection device is arranged in the second electric line and is configured to interrupt a current flow in the second electric line to control the circuit breaker so as to interrupt the current flow in the first electric line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Gless, Ralf Angerbauer
  • Patent number: 8587910
    Abstract: A functional module for a switch device control is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the functional module includes—a communication unit having a communication interface for communicating with at least one further functional module and/or at least one coupling module,—a control unit connected to the communication unit and designed to receive signals transmitted from the at least one further functional module and/or the at least one coupling module to the communication unit and to transmit switch commands via the communication unit to the at least one further functional module and/or the at least one coupling module,—a first control current interface for the electric connection to a first switch device or an external energy supply unit, and—a second control current interface for supplying control current to the at least one further functional module and/or the at least one coupling module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens AG
    Inventors: Peter Harmsen, Rainer Keil, Helmut Kraus
  • Patent number: 8583345
    Abstract: A control chip for providing the basic functionality of a control unit includes a voltage supply having at least two, in particular three, output voltages; at least two, in particular three, sensor power supplies, in particular having 5-V and/or 3.3-V output voltage; at least one driver for bidirectional interfaces; a CAN driver; a follower control; a main relay output stage having a diagnostic function; at least one bidirectional serial interface for controlling the output stages and for communicating with a microcontroller; at least six power output stages, in particular having rated currents of 0.6 A to 3 A; at least one low-level signal output, in particular having a rated current of 50 mA, and four ignition drivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Immanuel Krauter, Uwe Guenther, Manfred Kirschner, Beate Leibbrand
  • Publication number: 20130291505
    Abstract: An isolator switch assembly, especially an isolator switch and key assembly for a powered apparatus, such as a lawncare product, for example a lawnmower, includes a key, a keyway and an electrical switch positioned adjacent the keyway. The assembly is arranged to provide a first configuration in which the key is insertable into and removable from the keyway and the switch is open and a second configuration in which the key bears against an actuator surface of the switch to close the switch. In one embodiment, the assembly is arranged to provide a third configuration in which the switch is not actuated and the key is not removable from the keyway and is biased into a predetermined rotational position intermediate the first and second configurations. In a further embodiment, the assembly is provided with an over-torque or over-rotation prevention means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Adrian Coussins, Gavin Ben Armstrong, Mathew Price
  • Publication number: 20130285470
    Abstract: A power supply circuit includes a first switch, a voltage regulator circuit connected to the first switch, and a control circuit for controlling the first switch. The control circuit includes a second switch, a third switch, and a voltage generation circuit. For controlling the first switch, first voltage output from the voltage generation circuit is applied to the first switch through the second switch, and second voltage output from the voltage generation circuit is applied to the first switch through the third switch. Power consumption of the power supply circuit can be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun KOYAMA, Junichiro SAKATA
  • Publication number: 20130279055
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for determining whether an accessory includes particular circuitry. A host device may measure a first voltage and a second voltage received from an accessory, where the voltages are provide through the accessory from a power source. Before measuring the second voltage, the host device may send an instruction to the accessory instructing the accessory to alter an impedance of the power path between the power source and the host device, and the host device may draw at least a threshold amount of current from the power source via the accessory. The host device may then determine whether the accessory includes particular circuitry based on the relationship between the first voltage and the second voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: APPLE INC.
    Inventors: Scott Mullins, Alexei Kosut, Jeffrey J. Terlizzi, Zachary C. Rich
  • Patent number: 8564157
    Abstract: A discharge system includes a battery, an electrical power bus selectively connected to the battery, a module configured to receive electrical energy from the battery via the electrical power bus, and a discharge resistor selectively connected to the electrical power bus. A contactor is operatively disposed between the battery and the electrical power bus. The contactor is configured to selectively connect the electrical power bus to the battery or the discharge resistor. That is, the contactor is configured to connect the electrical power bus to the discharge resistor in a default mode to discharge electrical energy stored in the module, and the contactor is configured to connect the electrical power bus to the battery in at least one vehicle operating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Erik Charles Nordstrom, Justin McKinney, Mehrdad Teimorzadeh
  • Publication number: 20130257315
    Abstract: The touch screen lighting control device provides a multitude of graphical user interface (GUI) displays at a touch screen and is capable of detecting location specific selections based on the GUI to determine control actions for lighting devices, fans and other electrical fixtures. The device includes a mounting strap configured to couple the device to an in-wall junction box, a touch screen, and a thin film transistor communicably coupled to the touch screen for displaying the different displays and receiving selections at the touch screen. A glass panel can also be positioned between the touch screen and the thin film transistor. The GUI presents an interactive template to a user, and the touch screen and thin film transistor determines an interaction from the user based on the user interacting with the interactive template displayed on the GUI a the touch screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventors: Carlos Eduardo Restrepo, Darron Kirby Lacey, Richard A. Pabst, JR., Thomas Landrum, Sheldon Zhang, Lily Du
  • Patent number: 8546977
    Abstract: Systems and methods of voltage based switching of a power supply system current are disclosed. In one embodiment, a power supply system includes a power bus to supply electrical power to a system load. A power supply is coupled to the power bus. The power supply provides current to the power bus and generates a voltage ?. In addition, the system includes an additional power supply coupled to the power bus. The additional power supply generates a voltage ? that is lower than the voltage ?. An oring module restricts the additional power supply from providing current to the power bus, until a power bus voltage ? is greater than a threshold voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: LSI Corporation
    Inventor: Radhakrishna Togare
  • Publication number: 20130250171
    Abstract: A method and means for selectively interrupting HDMI CEC broadcast messages include the electrical connection of the connectors of a male HDMI connector with respective connections of a female HDMI connector to form a pass through connector with the exception of a CEC line, which is disconnected. The method and means are such that the CEC line can be controllably connected and disconnected via, for example, a controllable circuit board. The circuit board can be programmed to block selected CEC commands by controllably connecting and disconnecting a respective CEC line in response to a CEC command.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: THOMSON LICENSING
    Inventors: Scott Russell Francis, Gregory Charles Herlein
  • Publication number: 20130241311
    Abstract: A combination switch 10 outputs operation command signals to a driving system of a vehicle according to a switching operation of a switching unit 11 and includes a storage part 21 that stores determination information 21a indicating whether combinations of operation command signals to be outputted from switches of the switching unit 11 are abnormal or normal, a determination part 22 that refers to the determination information 21a in the storage part 21, determines whether or not a combination of the operation command signals is abnormal, and if an abnormal combination of the operation command signals continues longer than a predetermined time, adds, to the operation command signals, abnormality information indicating that the combination of the operation command signals is abnormal, and a communication part 13 that transmits the operation command signals added with the abnormality information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takeshi IWANABE, Yoshizumi HIRAYAMA, Hidetoshi ICHIYANAGI
  • Publication number: 20130234534
    Abstract: This instant disclosure provides a power socket with wireless communication capability including a case, a power input unit, a power output unit, a switch, and a wireless communication module. The power input unit is used for electrically coupling to a power source. The power output unit is used to output an electrical power of the power source. The switch is electrically coupled between the power input unit and the power output unit for controlling whether the power output unit outputs the electrical power of the power source. The wireless communication module is electrically coupled to the power input unit and the switch for wireless receiving a control signal. The wireless communication module controls the switch according to the control signal. Therefore, the power socket outputs or not outputs the electrical power of the power source to an electrical device according to the control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: AZUREWAVE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: PATRICK LIN
  • Publication number: 20130229067
    Abstract: A connector for connecting a source of low-voltage DC power to a low-voltage DC powered device includes a line-side interface arranged for releasably and electrically coupling the connector to the source of low-voltage DC power, a line-side interface arranged for electrically coupling the connector to the low-voltage DC powered device, a power controller electrically coupled to the line-side interface and the load-side interface and operarable to control a bringing of power to the load-side interface from the line-side interface, and an RF receiver electrically coupled to the power controller for receiving a first signal from a device external to the connector and for generating, in response thereto, a second signal for controlling operations of the power controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: David DiDonato, Nolan Bello, Sushil N. Keswani
  • Patent number: 8525372
    Abstract: A dimming switch comprises an enclosure with a mounting surface, a flat plate button mounted on the mounting surface, a dimming button, a tripping button, a dimmer mounted inside the enclosure, a resetting/tripping device, a dimming control circuit, a power input end configured to connect to a live wire of a power supply, and a power output end configured to connect to an electrical load. Pressing the flat plate button resets the resetting/tripping device, thereby electrically connecting the power input end with the power output end through the dimming control circuit. The dimming button is configured so that rotating the dimming button and pressing the dimming button up and down regulates the output voltage of the dimming control circuit. The tripping button and resetting/tripping device trip so that the electrical connection between the power input end and the power output end will be cut off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Huadao Huang
  • Patent number: 8519561
    Abstract: A power module includes an upper arm circuit unit and a lower arm circuit unit each having a power semiconductor element; an insulating substrate with the units mounted on one surface thereof; a metal base bonded onto the other surface of the substrate opposite to the one surface where the units are mounted; a first connection conductor for supplying a high potential to the upper unit from outside; a second connection conductor for supplying a low potential to the lower unit from outside; an insulating sheet interposed between the conductors; and a resin case disposed on the metal base to support the conductors, the conductors are flat conductors and laminated with the sheet sandwiched therebetween; the sheet extends from one end of the laminated structure to secure the creepage distance between the conductors; and the case is furnished with a recess for containing the laminated structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsunori Azuma, Mutsuhiro Mori, Michiaki Hiyoshi, Seiichi Hayakawa, Koji Sasaki, Isamu Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20130214616
    Abstract: A circuit and method for electrostatic discharge testing using transmission line pulsing. A plurality of transmission line networks may be connected to a device under test, and each transmission line network may have different connected terminations. Switches may be used to select which transmission line networks are connected to the device under test, and which terminations, if any, are connected to transmission line networks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventor: Texas Instruments Incorporated
  • Publication number: 20130193752
    Abstract: A coupling unit for a battery module, includes a first input, a second input and an output. The coupling unit is configured to connect the first input or the second input to the output in response to a control signal. The coupling unit and at least one battery cell are included in a battery module. The at least one battery cell is connected between the first input and the second input of the coupling unit. A first terminal of the battery module is connected to the output of the coupling unit, and a second terminal of the battery module is connected to the second input of the coupling unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicants: SB LIMOTIVE GERMANY GMBH, SB LIMOTIVE COMPANY LTD
    Inventors: Stefan Butzmann, Holger Fink
  • Publication number: 20130187480
    Abstract: A DC-DC converter module includes a multi-layer substrate, a switching IC, and a coil. The multi-layer substrate includes component mounting electrodes provided on the top surface and an input terminal, an output terminal, and ground terminals provided on the bottom surface. The switching IC switches an input voltage and includes an input electrode, an output electrode, and a ground electrode, and is mounted on the top surface of the substrate by connecting the electrodes to the component mounting electrodes. The coil is arranged within the multi-layer substrate in a spiral shape with an axis extending in the substrate stacking direction. The bottom surface side end of the coil is connected to the input/output electrode of the switching IC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
  • Publication number: 20130181671
    Abstract: A charging system is disclosed for charging a battery system of an electric vehicle. In one form, the charging system includes a first connector including a power control unit that is operable to selectively supply charging power from a power source. A second connector is connected with the first connector and includes a fault detection circuit. A controller is connected with the fault detection circuit and the power control unit. The controller is operable to control the power control unit to selectively supply charging power to a battery system if a fault is not detected from fault detection circuit. A cordset for use with the charging system is also disclosed that allows the cordset to perform certain electrical functions and connect the cordset to a connector of the vehicle in a breakaway manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: Club Car LLC
    Inventor: Russell W. King
  • Patent number: 8487922
    Abstract: A buffer circuit drives a capacitive load based on a voltage Vin. In a setup period, switches are in an ON state, and in a drive period, a switch is in an ON state. A voltage comparison unit compares the voltage Vin in the setup period and a voltage Vout in a drive period to output a comparison result voltage. A push-pull output unit includes a TFT for charge and a TFT for discharge. A drive control unit controls the TFTs to be in an OFF state in the setup period, and in the drive period, selectively controls the TFTs to be in an ON state in accordance with the comparison result voltage. If Vout<Vin, the comparison result voltage rises, the TFT becomes in an ON state, a voltage at a node falls, the TFT becomes in the ON state, and the voltage Vout rises. Thus, there is a provided a small-sized capacitive load drive circuit with low power consumption and robust against process variation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Christopher Brown, Yasuyuki Ogawa
  • Publication number: 20130169048
    Abstract: A load driving device includes a power storage device, a first power converter, a ring-shaped filter, a first output-side power line, and a first input-side power line. The first output-side power line extends through an opening so that a first output-side common mode current caused by switching the first switching element flows inside the opening through the first output-side power line in a first output-side flow direction. The first input-side power line extends through the opening so that a first input-side common mode current caused by switching the first switching element flows inside the opening through the first input-side power line in a first input-side flow direction same as the first output-side flow direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
  • Publication number: 20130169064
    Abstract: An energy storage system constructed with a power conversion system that transmits and receives electric power respectively to and from, an external power grid and to apply the electric power received from the external power grid to an electric load via a first path, and a bypass switch shunt coupled with the power conversion system to provide a second and different path to apply power received from the external power grid to the electric load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jong-Ho Park, Jong-Ki Choi
  • Publication number: 20130169068
    Abstract: A device includes a first thyristor element configured to be coupled to a first voltage line and a second voltage line, wherein the first voltage line is configured to transmit power in a first phase and the second voltage line is configured to transmit power in a second phase. The device includes a second thyristor element configured to be coupled to the second voltage line and a third voltage line, wherein the third voltage line is configured to transmit power in a third phase. The device includes a third thyristor element configured to be coupled to the first voltage line and the third voltage line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert Gregory Wagoner, Petar Jovan Grbovic
  • Publication number: 20130154350
    Abstract: A marine electrical system may include a first electrical subsystem and a second electrical subsystem. A jumper switching device may be interposed between the first and second subsystem. The jumper switching device may have normally open contacts. The first electrical subsystem may remain electrically independent from the second electrical subsystem except when the normally open contacts of the jumper switching device are closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventor: Clifford BROWN
  • Publication number: 20130154391
    Abstract: Various solid-state circuit breakers and related circuits are presented herein. These include, among other things, a common node bidirectional solid-state circuit breaker (BDSSCB) having diodes connected between terminals of its switches, a shunt voltage actuated driver (SVAD) circuit for use with a BDSSCB, a SVAD circuit for use with a unidirectional solid-state circuit breaker (UDSSCB), a bipolar current actuated driver (BCAD) for use with a BDSSCB, and a multi-directional solid-state circuit breaker (MDSSCB).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: U.S. ARMY RESEARCH LABORATORY
    Inventor: U.S. Army Research Laboratory
  • Publication number: 20130154392
    Abstract: An electrical power cell system including first and second electrical power cells having first and second terminals, one or more transient voltage suppressors connected in parallel with a relay, the relay having two states, the first state of the relay connects the first and second electrical power cells in series, and the second state of the relay bypasses the first electrical power cell so that the first electrical power cell is not connected in series with the second electrical power cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: Hamilton Sundstrand Space Systems International, Inc.
    Inventors: Erich H. Soendker, Joel Edward Bruemmer
  • Publication number: 20130140909
    Abstract: A method and a circuit system for actuating a number of modules. The method is carried out using the circuit system, which implements a flexible trigger mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas Wagner, Stephen Schmitt, Juergen Hanisch
  • Publication number: 20130134958
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a switch includes a first element with a first withstand voltage, a second element whose withstand voltage is lower than the first withstand voltage, a diode which is connected between a positive electrode of the first element and a positive electrode of the second element in such a manner that a direction from the positive electrode of the second element toward the positive electrode of the first element is a forward direction and whose withstand voltage is equal to the first withstand voltage, a negative electrode of the first element and a negative electrode of the second element being connected, and a circuit configured to apply a positive voltage to the positive terminal output a pulse lower than the first withstand voltage when the first element goes off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventors: Hiroshi MOCHIKAWA, Atsuhiko KUZUMAKI, Junichi TSUDA, Yushi KOYAMA
  • Patent number: 8450881
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for protecting an electric line in a vehicle, it being possible to adapt the apparatus to the properties of the electric line to be protected. The apparatus for protecting an electric line comprises an electric fuse and a controllable switching element, the controllable switching element and the electric fuse being formed as a parallel circuit, and the parallel circuit being connectable in series to the electric line, the electric fuse being disposed in a first branch of the parallel circuit, which has a first resistance, and the controllable switching element being disposed in a second branch of the parallel circuit, and the controllable switching element being configured to accommodate at least two states, a first state with a second resistance higher than the first resistance, and a second state with a third resistance lower than the first resistance, and to switch into the second state when there is a pulse load condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Lisa Dräxlmaier GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Wortberg
  • Patent number: 8450875
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling at least one electrical load may include at least one pushbutton; a communications interface for communicating with the loads, the loads being switched on and off by the at least one pushbutton via the communications interface; and a first controlled switch with control logic, said switch being connected between the loads and a power supply, and the first controlled switch isolates the power supply from the loads as soon as all of the loads have been disconnected via the communications interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: OSRAM Gesellschaft mit beschraenkter Haftung
    Inventors: Thomas Rossmanith, Maximilian Schmidl
  • Publication number: 20130127260
    Abstract: An access control device including an electromagnetic lock module for selectively locking and unlocking a door in a door frame is provided. The access control device provides a lower profiled electromagnetic lock module to improve the aesthetics and functionality of the module, supports and integrates modern accessories such as CCTV, CCD cameras, passive motion detection with automatic background correction, digital notification display, automatic source voltage selection, door and lock status indicators, and ease of installation. The present invention further provides components and circuitry to enable connection of the electromagnetic control module to 12 or 24 volts DC or to an unfiltered rectified AC power supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventors: Michael A. Webb, Larry Gene Corwin, JR., Matthew Lynn Petersen
  • Patent number: 8436494
    Abstract: A touch sensor device comprises: a touch sensor 1 for sending out an output voltage signal S1 representing the presence or absence of an operation; an operation presence/absence determination unit 2 which, when the output voltage signal has a value equal to or more than a predetermined threshold value, determines that the operation has occurred; a stability determination unit 5 for detecting whether a differential signal S3 representing a differential value obtained by differentiating the output voltage signal is limited within a predetermined range or not; and a count-up timer 4 which, when a period during which the differential signal is limited within the predetermined range becomes a predetermined time period or longer on the premise that the output voltage signal has the value equal to or more than the predetermined threshold value, sends out an ON determination signal S5 and allows an external device 7 to operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuto Yamauchi, Yasunori Murayama, Sadahiko Tanaka, Keitaro Takizawa, Kouichi Yamanoue, Arihiro Isomura, Kenji Kishiue
  • Patent number: 8432060
    Abstract: For a device for the electrical actuation of a safety-critical system, having at least two terminals, at least one switch, an operator control element, by means of which at least two operating states for the system are selectable, by means of which switching positions of the at least one switch are determined, it is proposed that at least one current direction element is provided, so that for at least one of the at least two operating states a unidirectional current flow occurs between the at least two terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Lucas Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Grieser-Schmitz, Werner Scheider
  • Publication number: 20130099593
    Abstract: Multiple-contact switches are disclosed. An example multiple-contact switch disclosed herein includes a double throw switch having a common terminal, a first throw terminal, and a second throw terminal, the common terminal being coupled to a reference; a first throw circuit coupled to the first throw terminal, the first throw circuit to output an open signal to a process control device when the common terminal is substantially in contact with one of the first throw terminal or the second throw terminal; and a second throw circuit coupled to the second throw terminal, the second throw circuit to cause the first throw circuit to output a close signal to the process control device when the common terminal is substantially in contact with the other one of the first throw terminal or the second throw contact terminal, wherein at least one of the open signal or the close signal corresponds to the reference.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas Andrew Pesek, Brian Joseph Burlage, Carter Bill Cartwright, Clyde T. Eisenbeis
  • Patent number: 8427006
    Abstract: According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a device 1 for saving electric energy providing at least one override operating mode. With the invention it is possible to handle in a particularly optimized way the power supply of appliances such as for example video recorders, decoders, appliances comprising a rechargeable battery, computers, appliances entering the category of large or small electric domestic appliances. According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a configurable device, a system comprising such a device and a configuration method particularly suitable for allowing configuration by the general public of devices comprising at least one microprocessor and a non-volatile memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Ergylink
    Inventor: Jerome Gilbert
  • Publication number: 20130096008
    Abstract: The invention relates to a superconductor switching arrangement, including: a superconductor having a plurality of first connection zones and at least one second connection zone, the first and second connection zones being connectable by at least one superconducting path in use, a quenching device which is operable to selectively quench portions of the superconductor so as to remove the superconducting path between at least two of the first connection zones and the at least one second connection zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventors: Christoher G. BRIGHT, Adam J. MCLOUGHLIN
  • Publication number: 20130088093
    Abstract: In the method of controlling a public lighting network for public street lighting, a member, such as a server uses a telecommunications network to send at least one command for switching a power supply circuit of an electricity outlet to an electricity source of the network. The outlet is accessible from the public street and from an outside portion of the device of the lighting network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicants: WOODSYS SAS, CITELUM
    Inventors: Marc Aschenbroich, Antoine Kassis
  • Publication number: 20130057083
    Abstract: A high voltage switching device includes a current interruption assembly having at least one vacuum chamber, a fixed contact assembly having a first fixed contact and a second fixed contact positioned inside the vacuum chamber, and first and second movable-contact assemblies including a first movable contact and a second movable contact, respectively. A single mechanism actuates the first and second movable-contact assemblies between a first position and second position. In the first position, the first and second movable contacts are electrically coupled with the first and second fixed contacts, respectively. And in the second position, the first and second moveable contacts are electrically separated the same. The first movable contact and the second movable contact move, along a reference axis, one towards the other or away from the other based on the actuating mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Lise Donzel, Judith Kessler, Alexey Sokolov, Markus Abplanalp, Davide Riboni, Roberto Cameroni
  • Publication number: 20130056308
    Abstract: A switching device including at least one sensor for detection purposes which can be switched between at least two switching states depending on the detection. In order to enable improved detection of the switching states, a switching unit is provided, the switching unit and the at least one sensor each having a communication unit for communicating with one another, and it being possible for the switching unit to be switched depending on the at least one sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: Cedes AG
    Inventors: Beat DE COI, Dumeng Hersche, Jürg Hegelbach, Tobias Leutenegger
  • Patent number: 8390150
    Abstract: A field device interface module includes a connector, a plurality of terminals, a protocol interface module, a controller and a power supply module. The connector is configured to operably couple to a computer. The terminals are operably coupleable to a field device. The protocol interface module is coupled to the plurality of terminals and configured to generate signals in accordance with a process communication protocol. A power supply module is coupled to the plurality of terminals. The controller is coupled to the protocol interface module and to the power supply module and is configured to measure a voltage across the plurality of terminals and selectively cause the power supply module to provide power to the field device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel E. Vande Vusse, Alden C. Russell, III, Douglas W. Arntson