Common Conductor Or Return Type Patents (Class 307/12)
  • Patent number: 11476668
    Abstract: An electronic commuting device for controlling the energy current flow in a wire bidirectionally within an electrical installation, in which the electronic commuting device can be used to supply power from a neutral wire of an electrical installation to a smart home controller device is disclosed, which operates only with a line wire and a load wire, to energize an electrical contact and to supply power to a wireless controller coupled thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: KLEVERNESS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Dan Nurko Elliot, Samuel Nurko Yomtow
  • Patent number: 11313150
    Abstract: An electrical lock monitoring device which can be retrofitted onto an existing electrical lock control system. The device can be powered by the existing power mains for the electrical lock control system. In the event of a power failure, an indicator is activated to advise users of a power failure. The device can be electrically connected to trigger an alarm, camera, siren, or other devices. Once the power has been restored, the device is automatically reset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Inventor: Elie Ribacoff
  • Patent number: 11031972
    Abstract: The invention relates in particular to a method executed by a control device, for a mesh communication network, allowing selection of an optimum frequency band, the method comprising the steps of determining network quality information, if the quality information is below a first threshold, then: sending, to each device in the network, a message comprising an instruction to perform a frequency band quality test, collecting, at the end of the quality test, for each device, quality data for each frequency band, determining, for each frequency band, a quality indicator, and selecting a so-called optimum frequency band as being the frequency band associated with the best indicator, when the so-called optimum frequency band is different from the frequency band used, then sending, to each device, an instruction to use the so-called optimum frequency band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: SAGEMCOM ENERGY & TELECOM SAS
    Inventors: Henri Teboulle, Ziv Roter, Kaveh Razazian, Rahid Djafri
  • Patent number: 10348089
    Abstract: A powered furniture system can include at least a first article of powered furniture having a control circuit, a first number of power outlets, and a first identification circuit, and a second article of powered furniture having a second number of power outlets and a second identification circuit. A method of controlling power distribution in the system can include separately communicating with the first and second identification circuits over a communications channel, receiving data representing the first and second numbers of power outlets, determining, using the received data representing the first and second numbers of power outlets, a total number of power outlets in the system, and controlling application of power to the first and second numbers of power outlets using the determined total number of power outlets in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Ergotron, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Peter Pinewski, Nicholas Simon Hazzard, Jeffrey Aymond, William Dale Tischer, Jason Charles Jaeger
  • Patent number: 10340691
    Abstract: A rack-based information handling system (IHS) includes a rack having a modular structure that supports insertion from a front of the rack of different numbers and sizes of information technology (IT) gear to create one or more IT nodes. Power bay chassis is received in the rack with a power distribution unit directed towards a rear of the rack. A modular busbar assembly is attached to the rear of the rack. A first vertical busbar segment is in direct electrical connection with the power distribution unit and spans one or more nodes to provide hot pluggable electrical power to an aft-directed connection of an IT node inserted into the rack. A second busbar segment can be attached to the first vertical busbar to electrically communicate with the power distribution unit and span an additional node adjacent to the one or more nodes to provide electrical power to the adjacent node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Dell Products, L.P.
    Inventors: Edmond Bailey, John R. Stuewe, Paul W. Vancil, Kunrong Wang
  • Patent number: 10298140
    Abstract: A method of controlling a full-scale converter system in which both the grid-side inverter unit and the generator-side inverter unit have a series-connection of parallel inverters and form a generator-side and grid-side voltage-center-point at a voltage level between the inverters connected in series. The voltage-center-points are electrically connected by a center-line conductor. Conversion operation with a de-rated maximum active power-output is performed in response to at least one of (i) the grid-side inverter and (ii) the generator-side inverter of the first converter-string being disabled, by disabling active power production of at least one of (i) the grid-side inverter and (ii) the generator-side inverter of the second converter-string, or correspondingly reducing active power production of the second converter-string, thereby preventing a compensation current along the center-line conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/S
    Inventors: John Godsk Nielsen, Søren Andersen, Lars Helle, Duy Duc Doan
  • Patent number: 10228741
    Abstract: A rack system for a server includes a number of server units, which includes first to the third sets of server units, voltage converter, first to third power supply circuits. The voltage converter receives and converters a three-phase alternating current (AC) power signal to provide first to third single-phase power signals. The first to the third sets of power supply circuits respectively provides firs to third direct current (DC) power signals according to the first to the third single-phase power signals. The first set to the third set of server units is respectively powered by first to the third DC power signals or respectively powered by first part, second part, and third part of the first to the third DC power signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: Quanta Computer Inc.
    Inventors: Tzu-Hung Wang, Chao-Jung Chen, Chih-Ming Chen, Wei-Yi Chu
  • Patent number: 10224895
    Abstract: A transmission line transformer having a time delay network having a signal terminal and a pair of output terminals connected to the signal terminal through a corresponding one of a pair of time delay elements, the delay line elements having different time delays. A pair of transmission lines, each one having a pair of electrically coupled elements. A first one of the elements in one of the transmission lines has a first end connected to one of the pair of output terminals. A second one of the elements in such one of the transmission lines has a second end connected to a second end of one of the pair of elements in the other one of the transmission lines. The first one of the pair of elements in the other one of the pair of transmission lines is coupled to a second one of the pair of output terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Robert E. Leoni, Thomas B. Reed, Jason C. Soric
  • Patent number: 9629213
    Abstract: A variably controlled lighting mechanism, sometimes referenced as a hog light, may be attached to the underside of a feeder and used in non-daylight hours to provide selective illumination through more than one color of LED light that may be inset within the hog light. A wireless remote may include a series of inputs that may control various aspects of the hog light, particularly to illuminate the different LED lights that are integrated within the hog light, as well as to control the motor and/or feeder. The hog light also may be manually operated to selectively illuminate the different LED lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: All Seasons Feeders, Ltd.
    Inventor: Zach Gates
  • Patent number: 9489024
    Abstract: A sever rack system includes a rack body, multiple server units, a power control unit and a power supply module. Multiple storage cabinets, a first surface and a second surface are disposed on the rack body. The server units are respectively installed on each storage cabinet and perpendicular to the first surface. Each server unit includes a power socket and each power socket protrudes towards the second surface. The power control unit is installed on one of the storage cabinets and near one side of the server units. The power control unit includes multiple power supplies, a first conductive sheet and a second conductive sheet connected to each power supply. The power supply module includes a first conductive stick, multiple insulation blocks and a second conductive stick. Each insulation block is disposed between the first conductive stick and the second conductive stick for being coupled with the power socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: AIC INC.
    Inventors: Kun-Sheng Tsai, Wei-Shih Wu, Yong-Cong Chen
  • Patent number: 9489003
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for managing power in a data center. In one aspect, a method includes monitoring respective phase power level in each phase of an alternating current multi-phase supply that provides power to a plurality of data center alternating current devices in a data center, comparing the respective phase power levels to phase distribution criteria that describe a target phase power level for each respective phase and determine, based on the comparison, a deviation of one or more of monitored phase power levels from the respective one or more target phase power levels and in response generate, for each of two or more data center alternating current devices, respective control signals to adjust the one or more adjustable phase power supplies in the data center alternating current device according to a determined adjustment for the data center alternating current device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Cornelius B. O Sullivan, Philippe H. Gow, Mark R. Imbertson
  • Patent number: 9404816
    Abstract: A multifunctional load test device includes a drive, a motor to be tested, a load motor and an inverter. The drive is electrically connected to civil power. The motor to be tested is electrically connected to the drive and powered by the drive and controllably drivable by the drive. The load motor is drivable by the motor to be tested to produce counter electromotive force. The inverter is electrically connected to the load motor to rectify the counter electromotive force into power identical to civil power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: HIWIN MIKROSYSTEM CORP.
    Inventors: Chi-Yuan Cheng, Wei-Cheng Wang, Tzu-Hsiang Hung
  • Publication number: 20150084416
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided a power electronics device including: a connector connected to a power line; a power controller; a connection detection processor; and a collision monitor. The power controller performs at least one of generating an electric signal to the power line and detecting an electric signal on the power line via the connector. The connection detection processor performs a connection detection process with use of the power controller to detect another power electronics device connected to the power line. The collision monitor monitors whether or not collision of electric signals occurs on the power line during the connection detection process and controls the connection detection processor according to a monitoring result of whether or not the collision of electric signals occurs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Yasuyuki NISHIBAYASHI, Kotaro ISE, Fumiaki KANAYAMA, Yuki YONEZAWA, Ikuya AOYAMA, Akihito TAKAHASHI
  • Publication number: 20150042162
    Abstract: An integrated drive motor (IDM) power distribution architecture utilizes an IDM power interface module (IPIM) to create a control voltage that is distributed to all the IDMs in a network. This power distribution may be accomplished along a hybrid cable, for example, that includes both signal conductors and power conductors. The IPIM is capable of detecting short circuits and/or overload conditions and disabling the power supply to the IDMs. Additionally, a second power supply may be utilized in the IPIM such that when the power supply to the IDMs is deactivated, the IPIM may remain functional, for example, to report one or more fault conditions to the user. Additionally, this reporting of fault status may be accomplished via a user display integrated with or coupled to the IPIM.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Mark Cooper, Mark Alan Gries, Zoran Vrankovic, David Dean Van Dorpe
  • Publication number: 20140361613
    Abstract: A system configured to reduce the amplitude of reactive current present on a DC bus shared by multiple inverters is disclosed. The start of the switching period for the modulation routines of each inverter is synchronized, and a carrier phase angle is determined for a carrier signal within each of the inverters. The modulation routine of each inverter generates a reactive current on the shared DC bus. By controlling the carrier phase angle for each inverter, the reactive current of a first inverter may be generated at a phase angle that is offset from the phase angle of the reactive current generated by a second inverter. As a result, the reactive current from the first inverter cancels at least a portion of the reactive current from the second inverter, reducing the total reactive current present on the DC bus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Rongjun Huang, Craig Winterhalter, Mark Gries, Ye Li
  • Patent number: 8902615
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a load-segmentation-based 3-level inverter and method for controlling same. Three-level inverter includes: multiple capacitors charged with voltages divided from a DC input voltage; top switch having one end connected with positive terminal of one of multiple capacitors; bottom switch having one end connected with negative terminal of one of multiple capacitors; multiple legs each including a first switch connected to the other end of top switch and a second switch connected to the other end of bottom switch with the first and second switches connected; multiple diodes connected in series forwardly from the other end of bottom switch to the other end of top switch and having interconnect points connected to a contact between the multiple capacitors; and multiple loads having connected terminals at a contact between the first and second switches of each of the legs and a contact between the multiple diodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignees: Pukyong National University Industry-University Cooperation Foundation, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Seongjeub Jeon, Dongho Cho, Chuntaek Rim, Guho Jeong
  • Patent number: 8884462
    Abstract: A power flow regulator includes a plurality of bi-directional DC-DC converters, each of said converters comprising a first input, a second input, a first output and a second output; and a capacitor electrically connected between the first and second inputs of each of said converters. Either the first output of each of said converters is electrically connected to a corresponding DC source and the second output of each of said converters is electrically connected to a common DC load, or the first output of each of said converters is electrically connected to a corresponding DC load and the second output of each of said converters is electrically connected to a common DC source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Yu Liu, Christopher S. Thompson, Vijay Bhavaraju
  • Patent number: 8810063
    Abstract: A power source connecting device includes an adapter, a rail and a plurality of power cables. The adapter connected to an external power source converts the alternating current output from the external power source to direct current. The rail electrically connects to the adapter. One end of each of the power cable connected to an electronic device, and another end of each of the power cable connects to the rail and is configured for slide along the rail together with the electronic device. The power cable remains in electrical connection with the rail during the sliding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Xiao-Zhan Peng
  • Patent number: 8729728
    Abstract: The invention relates to a power adjustment system adapted for powering an electric line for supplying power to vehicles moving in a traffic lane combined with said electric line that comprises an electric supply feeder (AD) delivering an average electric power directly or via at least one converter to the electric line, and an adjustable power based on power fluctuation and required for an instantaneous traffic intensity to an energy storage means (MS) capable of powering the electric line at a peak power via at least one other converter, characterised in that a dimensioning unit (PCC) receives information on the power needs based on the traffic intensity evaluated over at least one duration of said traffic, and in that the dimensioning unit uses information for controlling an adjustment of the useful predictable storage of the storage means so that the electric power (P_IN0, P_IN1) delivered to the storage means is adjusted and minimal while exactly maintaining a sufficient energy backup in the storage mean
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens S.A.S.
    Inventors: Xavier Bavard, Eric Chattot, Jean-Noël Verhille
  • Patent number: 8692408
    Abstract: A sub-sea power delivery system includes a plurality of modular power converter building blocks on each of the power source side and the sub-sea load side that are stacked and interconnected to meet site expansion requirements and electrical load topologies. The power delivery system comprises a system DC transmission link/bus, wherein the system DC link is configured to carry HVDC or MVDC power from an onshore utility or topside power source to multiple sub-sea load modules. The stacked modular power converter topology on the sub-sea side of the sub-sea power delivery system is symmetrical with the stacked modular power converter topology on the on-shore/top-side of the sub-sea power delivery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Richard S. Zhang, Rajib Datta, Christof Martin Sihler, Manguelle Joseph Song
  • Publication number: 20140084681
    Abstract: A system for sinking maintain power signature (MPS) current to a rectifier bridge from a powered device (PD) controller in a Power over Ethernet (PoE) network is disclosed. In one or more implementations, the system includes a rectifier bridge configured to electrically connect to Power over Ethernet power sourcing equipment for receiving power from the power sourcing equipment. The system also includes a powered device controller operatively connected to the rectifier bridge and configured to control power supplied to a load. The load is configured to receive power from the power sourcing equipment and a second power source. The powered device controller is configured to source maintain power signature current to the power sourcing equipment using an input of the rectifier bridge when the second power source is furnishing power to the load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrea Vigna, Mauro Ranzato, Gianluca Mariano, Gaoling Zou, Thong A. Huynh
  • Patent number: 8664928
    Abstract: A digital power factor correction device is provided, which is an all-digital control module. The digital power factor correction device includes a voltage loop control unit, an input power control unit, a current loop control unit, and a pulse width modulation generation unit, to perform power factor correction for minimizing the phase difference between input current and input voltage through adjusting input current with an external driver and a switch unit. The voltage loop control unit and the current loop control unit contain a proportion-integral-differentiation controller to form a voltage control loop and a current control loop, respectively. The input power control unit adjusts current waveform according to the input power, while the pulse width modulation generation unit determines the stop time of pulse width modulation to produce a pulse width modulation signal, to control the external driver and the switch unit for eliminating loading effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Inno-Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shu-Chia Lin, Wen-Yueh Hsieh, Ching-Yuan Lin
  • Publication number: 20130342011
    Abstract: Various aspects of invention provide portable power manager operating methods. One aspect of the invention provides a method for operating a power manager having a plurality of device ports for connecting with external power devices and a power bus for connecting with each device port. The method includes: disconnecting each device port from the power bus when no external power device is connected to the device port; accessing information from newly connected external power devices; determining if the newly connected external power devices can be connected to the power bus without power conversion; if not, determining if the newly connected external power devices can be connected to the power bus over an available power converter; and if so, configuring the available power converter for suitable power conversion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: PROTONEX TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Philip T. Robinson, Seth M. Dziengeleski, James K. Kazmierczak, David J. Holigan
  • Patent number: 8536731
    Abstract: In at least some embodiments, an electrically controlled subsea production system includes a subsea electrical distributor that receives a high direct current (DC) voltage. The electrical distributor converts the high DC voltage to a lower DC voltage. The electrically controlled subsea production system also includes a plurality of subsea trees coupled to the subsea electrical distributor, wherein valves of the subsea trees selectively operate based on the lower DC voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Klaus Biester, Peter Kunow, Norbert Lenz
  • Patent number: 8523083
    Abstract: A thermostat is configured for automated compatibility with HVAC systems that are either single-HVAC-transformer systems or dual-HVAC-transformer systems. The compatibility is automated in that a manual jumper installation is not required for adaptation to either single-HVAC-transformer systems or dual-HVAC-transformer systems. The thermostat has a plurality of HVAC wire connectors including a first call relay wire connector, a first power return wire connector, a second call relay wire connector, and a second power return wire connector. The thermostat is configured such that if the first and second external wires have been inserted into the first and second power return wire connectors, respectively, then the first and second power return wire connectors are electrically isolated from each other. Otherwise, the first and second power return wire connectors are electrically shorted together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Nest Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Adam Warren, Hugo Fiennes, Jonathan Alan Dutra, David Bell, Anthony Michael Fadell, Matthew Lee Rogers
  • Patent number: 8378591
    Abstract: A light output device comprises a power supply and a plurality of light source device arrangements arranged in a line extending from a power connection, with adjacent light source device arrangements in the line connected together with an electrical connector arrangement. Each light source device arrangement is associated with a control circuit from the plurality of control circuits for providing independent control of the light source device arrangement output based on the control signal. The device can be reduced in length by disconnecting the connector arrangement between an adjacent pair of light source device arrangements and the remaining light source device arrangements extending from the power source are independently controlled by the control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Maarten Marinus Johannes Wilhelmus Van Herpen, Markus Cornelius Vermeulen
  • Patent number: 8310099
    Abstract: An energy supply is provided along a route with at least one distribution station, wherein a first voltage is applied at the input and a second voltage at the output. The second voltage is lower or higher than the first voltage. A plurality of components are arranged along the route. A component, which is supplied with the second voltage, includes a power supply unit for transforming the second voltage into a third voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Markus Engel, Robert Frankenberg, Harald Karl, Wolfgang Spaeth
  • Patent number: 8310088
    Abstract: In a method or device for powering a field device for a processing plant, the field device is driven by a process signal of an electrical power supply so that an electronic unit connected to the power supply outputs a process control signal. A required power level of the electronic unit is determined for outputting the control signal. A portion of an electrical power of the power supply exceeding the required power level is stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Samson Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Harald Kah, Stefan Kolbenschlag
  • Patent number: 8264099
    Abstract: A portable display module for a power strip. The power strip having a power rail having a power bus and a communications bus. The power entry module and one or more receptacle modules mounted on the power rail. The portable display module includes a plurality of selectable views for displaying information on the display screen that the portable display modules receives from the power entry module and the one or more receptacle modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Liebert Corporation
    Inventors: Philip R. Aldag, Kevin R. Ferguson, Michael Wassermann
  • Patent number: 8259450
    Abstract: A mobile container may include a bottom element, a top element, a front element, a back element, and two side elements defining a containment volume. The two side elements may have a length longer than a length of either the front element or the back element. The containment volume may be configured to include a plurality of rack frames. Each rack frame may include a module insertion area on a first side of the rack frame, a universal backplane area, and a power bus. The universal backplane area may be positioned on a second side of the rack frame opposite to the first side and may include at least one mounting surface configured to mount two or more backplane boards. At least two of the backplane boards may be configured to couple to two respective modules that each have at least two different functions and are insertable through the module insertion area. The at least two different functions of at least one backplane board may include rack power and management functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Birchbridge Incorporated
    Inventors: John Craig Dunwoody, Teresa Ann Dunwoody
  • Publication number: 20120205972
    Abstract: A power source connecting device includes an adapter, a rail and a plurality of power cables. The adapter connected to an external power source converts the alternating current output from the external power source to direct current. The rail electrically connects to the adapter. One end of each of the power cable connected to an electronic device, and another end of each of the power cable connects to the rail and is configured for slide along the rail together with the electronic device. The power cable remains in electrical connection with the rail during the sliding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD
    Inventor: XIAO-ZHAN PENG
  • Patent number: 8232672
    Abstract: A power adapter for a peripheral device such as portable electronics device is disclosed. The power adapter includes a housing that contains electrical components associated with the power adapter. The power adapter also includes a data port provided at a surface of the housing. The data port is configured to provide external power to the peripheral device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Daniele De Iuliis, Andrew Bert Hodge, Jeffrey L. Robbin, Stanley Carl Ng, Eric W. Anderson, Anthony M. Faddell
  • Publication number: 20120169118
    Abstract: A power supply system is for supplying power to a number of loads, and includes a number of plugs, a number of power supply modules of the same type, and a number of current distribution modules. The plugs are respectively used for connecting to an external power source, to obtain alternating current. The power supply modules are connected to the respective plugs for converting the alternating current into direct current and providing the direct current to the loads according to the requirements of the loads. Each power supply module includes a positive electrode and a negative electrode, both of which connect to a corresponding load. The current distribution module electrically connects the positive electrodes to each other, and electrically connects the negative electrodes to each other, such that the power supply modules are connected in parallel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kuei-Chih Hou, Yu-Chi Tsai
  • Patent number: 8212386
    Abstract: A power supply system. The power supply system may have a power circuit having a switch and adapted to generate a first output voltage and a second output voltage, depending on the state of the switch. It also includes an output connector coupled to the power circuit, where the output connector includes a plurality of electrical contacts including a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact. A voltage output indicator device is coupled to the first and second electrical contacts. The voltage output indicator device indicates that the power circuit is producing the first output voltage or the second output voltage, so that the user is aware of the voltage being output by the power supply system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: ACCO Brands Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Mahaffey
  • Patent number: 8207627
    Abstract: An adaptive power strip has a power rail. A power entry module and one or more receptacle modules having plug receptacles are mounted on the power rail. The power entry module has a power inlet to which a source of power can be coupled. The power entry module distributes power from the power source to the power rail. The receptacle modules distribute power from the power rail to the respective plug receptacles. In an aspect, the power entry module has a communications module that discovers receptacle modules on the power rail having data communications capability and if a receptacle module does not have a unique identifier assigned to it, assigns a unique identifier to the receptacle module that the receptacle module stores in a memory. The communications modules also retrieves from each receptacle module having data communications capability, information about the characteristics of the receptacle module that the communications module stores in a memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Liebert Corporation
    Inventors: Philip R. Aldag, Kevin R. Ferguson, Michael Wassermann
  • Publication number: 20120140430
    Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus, comprises an energy storage device having an interface and at least one terminal, the interface having first and second surfaces, the first surface having at least one first surface opening and the second surface having at least one second surface opening, wherein the at least one first surface opening allows access to the at least one terminal, wherein the at least one second surface opening allows access to the at least one terminal, and wherein the at least one first surface opening is distinct from the at least one second surface opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: NOKIA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Matti Juhani NASKALI, Heikki Sakari PAANANEN
  • Publication number: 20120126615
    Abstract: A production line includes a carrier board having a power socket that has a plurality of power lines and a plurality of conductive elements connected to the power lines, respectively; a track having a track body and a pair of track sidewalls; a plurality of electricity-collecting tracks provided on the track body for supplying different power signals; and a plurality of guarding units, each of which has a supporting frame perpendicularly provided on the track body and a covering sheet connected to the supporting frame for covering the electricity-collecting tracks, a plurality of crevices formed between each of the covering sheets; wherein each of the conductive elements has a contact end penetrating and extending into each of the crevices and flexibly contacting each of the corresponding electricity-collecting tracks so as to receive the different power signals and transmit the different power signals to the power lines of the power socket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: Askey Computer Corporation
    Inventors: Run-Hua Hang, Yan-Yu Sun, Ching-Feng Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20120098334
    Abstract: A voltage controller (700) operable to generate control signals for controlling an intermediate bus voltage (VIB) in an intermediate bus architecture power system (100), the intermediate bus voltage comprising a voltage output from a first stage DC/DC power converter (200) to at least one second stage DC/DC power converter (500-1 to 500-K). The voltage controller (700) comprises a receiver operable to receive at least one of voltage and current values input to the first stage DC/DC power converter (200). The voltage controller (700) further comprises a efficiency measuring unit operable to determine a measure of the efficiency of the intermediate bus architecture power system in accordance with the received values, and a control signal generator operable to generate control signals in dependence upon the determined efficiency measure to cause the first stage DC/DC converter (200) to set the intermediate bus voltage (VIB).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (publ)
    Inventors: Torbjorn Holmberg, Magnus Karlsson
  • Patent number: 8164216
    Abstract: A modular electrical system including a first current-emitting source module and a first current-consuming sink module which is connected to the first current-emitting source module is provided. The first sink module has a first sink identification means to identify maximum power requirement of the first sink module. The object of providing power balancing between a first source module and a first sink module is achieved in that the first source module has a first source identification means for identifying the power capacity of the first source module, wherein in order to calculate a power ratio of the system the first sink identification means and the first source identification means are connected to a two-wire line for the purpose of generating a differential voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Michael Abert, Werner Engl, Gunter Griessbach, Gerald Hirmer, Arnold Klamm, Matthias Metzler, Dirk Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20120080940
    Abstract: Presented is a system and method for coordinating power usage of electrical devices on a power bus. In an embodiment, the system includes a power bus, a first electrical device that is able to intermittently draw power from the power bus, a second electrical device that is able to intermittently draws power from the power bus, and a means for sensing when the second electrical device is intermittently drawing power. When the second electrical device is intermittently drawing power, the first electrical device is inhibited from drawing power from the power bus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: Ty Aaby Larsen
  • Patent number: 8138634
    Abstract: An automatic transfer switch for a power system receiving multiple alternating current sources and delivering multiple alternating current output is described. A transfer switch control circuit can sense a power loss in one or both AC sources. Each power supply can deliver current to drive a load but, if one of the power supplies fails, the other can supply power to drive both loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Server Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Carrel W. Ewing, Andrew J. Cleveland, James P. Maskaly, Dennis W. McGlumphy
  • Patent number: 7982335
    Abstract: An adaptive power strip has a power rail. A power entry module and one or more receptacle modules having plug receptacles are mounted on the power rail. The power entry module has a power inlet to which a source of power can be coupled. The power entry module distribute power from the power source to the power rail. The receptacle modules distribute power from the power rail tot the respective plug receptacles. In an aspect, the power entry module has a communications module that discovers receptacle modules on the power rail having data communications capability and if a receptacle module does not have a unique identifier assigned to it, assigns a unique identifier to the receptacle module that the receptacle module stores in a memory. The communications modules also retrieves from each receptacle module having data communications capability, information about the characteristics of the receptacle module that the communications module stores in a memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Liebert Corporation
    Inventors: Philip R. Aldag, Michael Wassermann, Kevin R. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 7973425
    Abstract: A power strip device includes a power plug, a master power outlet, multiple slave power outlets and a control circuit. The control circuit includes an inductor, a reed switch and a switching circuit. Under the control of the control circuit, the power strip device allows the slave power outlets to be automatically turned on or off simultaneous with the master power outlet being turned on or off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Primax Electronics Ltd.
    Inventor: Kuang-Che Chen
  • Patent number: 7948115
    Abstract: A controller for functionally controlling a domestic appliance, such as a dryer, comprises a monitoring device that monitors the correct functioning of the domestic appliance. The domestic appliance has at least one monitoring connection connected to at least one associated evaluation node within a power circuit of the domestic appliance, and an evaluation device evaluates a signal produced at the at least one monitoring connection, for monitoring the correct functioning of the domestic appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: E.G.O. Control Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Henle, Gottlieb Harald, Walter Beck, Rolf Streifler
  • Publication number: 20110095604
    Abstract: The invention relates to a power adjustment system adapted for powering an electric line for supplying power to vehicles moving in a traffic lane combined with said electric line that comprises an electric supply feeder (AD) delivering an average electric power directly or via at least one converter to the electric line, and an adjustable power based on power fluctuation and required for an instantaneous traffic intensity to an energy storage means (MS) capable of powering the electric line at a peak power via at least one other converter, characterised in that a dimensioning unit (PCC) receives information on the power needs based on the traffic intensity evaluated over at least one duration of said traffic, and in that the dimensioning unit uses information for controlling an adjustment of the useful predictable storage of the storage means so that the electric power (P_IN0, P_IN1) delivered to the storage means is adjusted and minimal while exactly maintaining a sufficient energy backup in the storage mean
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: SIEMENS S.A.S.
    Inventors: Xavier Bavard, Eric Chattot, Jean-Noël Verhille
  • Publication number: 20110068623
    Abstract: A power distribution for an array of active electronic circuits in an antenna of a mobile communications base-station is disclosed. The power distribution comprises a first conductor connectable to a first terminal of a power supply unit, and a second conductor connectable to a second terminal of the power supply unit. The first conductor and the second conductor are at least partly bare and rigid, and are routed to the antenna-embedded radios in a manner separate from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Inventor: Peter Kenington
  • Publication number: 20110018341
    Abstract: An intelligent power system includes one or more common power sources and one or more subsystem components interconnected with the common power sources. Each common power source includes an unregulated bus, a plurality of power source regulated buses, each regulated bus originating at a common power source and terminating at a respective one of k load subsystems, a power source, first, second, third and fourth groups of switches, a regulator having a plurality of outputs and an energy storage element. The regulator is configured to provide a time-shared mode of operation to provide power sequentially to one or more of the k load subsystems, such that the time intervals when the regulator is connected to any one of the k load subsystems do not overlap, and where the regulator is configured to switch in supplemental power from the energy storage, if necessary, to ensure that an average power delivered by the regulator does not exceed the average power consumed by all of the k load subsystems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Boris S. Jacobson, Jacqueline M. Bourgeois
  • Publication number: 20100180710
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a power supply unit for robots and a robot having the same. The power supply unit for robots supplies power to actuators installed within an arm, and includes a housing provided with at least two lines of bus bars in an inner reception space; and at least one power unit to branch off power transmitted to the bus bars through power supply lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Dong Hun Lee
  • Patent number: 7723862
    Abstract: A system and device for using the power provided to street and area lights or other outdoor installations to power auxiliary devices which require a power supply which is different from line voltage for their power requirements. A device adapted to be connected to the NEMA three pole receptacle on a street or area light which converts the line voltage provided to the outdoor installation into a power form required by one or more auxiliary devices which cannot directly use the line current or voltage. The appropriate electrical connector for the auxiliary device may be included. Among the conversions: line voltage up to 480 volts alternating current converted to a user's specified voltage for WiFi, radios, surveillance cameras, traffic monitoring, other monitoring, security cameras, other communications, and UPS systems; DC voltage for the above applications and others; and power over ethernet conversion (for example, 48 volt direct current, 420 milliamperes).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Sunrise Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Vance Spillman, Craig Rosenquist, Jeremy Belknap Barber
  • Publication number: 20100019573
    Abstract: In at least some embodiments, an electrically controlled subsea production system includes a subsea electrical distributor that receives a high direct current (DC) voltage. The electrical distributor converts the high DC voltage to a lower DC voltage. The electrically controlled subsea production system also includes a plurality of subsea trees coupled to the subsea electrical distributor, wherein valves of the subsea trees selectively operate based on the lower DC voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Klaus Biester, Peter Kunow, Norbert Lenz