With Current Collection Or Transfer Patents (Class 307/145)
  • Patent number: 11437770
    Abstract: Coupling for connecting a wind turbine to a power grid, the coupling comprising a first support having at least one first electrical connector and a second support having at least one second electrical connector that is complementary to the first electrical connector, the first support and the second support being rotatable with respect to one another, characterized in that at least one of the connectors is movable transversely to the plane of the supports relative to the other connector in order to form and disconnect an electrical plug connection and the connectors are sealed against the penetration of moisture both when they are interconnected and when they are separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Aerodyn Consulting Singapore PTE LTD
    Inventor: Sonke Siegfriedsen
  • Patent number: 10666090
    Abstract: An inductive power transfer pickup circuit has a pickup coil (L2) and tuning capacitor (C2) connected in series to provide a series resonant circuit. A bi-directional switch (S1) is used to vary the phase angle between the open circuit pickup coil voltage (VOC) and the pickup coil inductor current (iL) to provide a controlled AC supply to an output of the pickup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: AUCKLAND UNISERVICES LIMITED
    Inventors: John Talbot Boys, Grant Anthony Covic, Hunter Hanzhuo Wu
  • Patent number: 9809124
    Abstract: A circuit arrangement, in particular a circuit arrangement of an electric vehicle for inductive power transfer to the vehicle includes a pick-up arrangement and at least one variable compensating arrangement. The variable compensating arrangement includes a capacitive element, a first switching element and a second switching element. The first switching element and the second switching element are connected in series, and the series connection of the first and the second switching element is connected in parallel to the capacitive element of the variable compensating arrangement. Also disclosed is a method of operating the circuit arrangement and a method of manufacturing the circuit arrangement of the electric vehicle and the electric vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Bombardier Transportation GmbH
    Inventors: Robert Czainski, Rinaldo Arnold
  • Patent number: 9225195
    Abstract: A wireless power receiver for receiving charging power from a wireless power transmitter includes a power reception unit configured to receive the charging power, a rectification unit configured to rectify charging power provided by the power reception unit, and output charging power in a form of Direct Current (DC), a charging unit configured to store charging power, and a power processing Integrated Chip (IC) configured to convert a voltage of the output rectified charging power, into at least one voltage, that an operation of the wireless power receiver requires, and output power having the at least one voltage. Accordingly, charging efficiency is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Yu-Su Kim, Kang-Ho Byun
  • Patent number: 9164559
    Abstract: A semi-reflective display and a method for fabricating and assembling a semi-reflective display are presented, where the display may be comprised of visible light rectifying antenna arrays tuned to four different colors, which when forward biased may use electric power to amplify reflected colored light, and when reversed biased may generate electric power by absorbing light. TFT-tunnel diode logic may be used to control each sub-pixel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: NovaSolix, Inc.
    Inventor: Laurence H. Cooke
  • Patent number: 9083278
    Abstract: A device to be positioned between a heat source and a heat sink may transform infrared electromagnetic (IR-EM) energy exchanged therebetween from a first form to a second form. The device may include a pair of layers facing each other and having dielectric material with molecular excitability characteristics to produce the second form of IR-EM energy. The pair of layers may define a gap therebetween. The device may include a conversion circuit configured to convert the second form of IR-EM energy into electrical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS S.R.L.
    Inventor: Giovanni Girlando
  • Publication number: 20140339922
    Abstract: A battery pack includes an electrical energy store, a data memory and an interface for the alternative connection of the battery pack to a data source or a data sink. The data memory is designed to receive data from the data source while the interface is connected to the data source, and to supply the data in the data memory to the data sink while the interface is connected to the data sink.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Rainer GLAUNING
  • Patent number: 8855558
    Abstract: An adaptive inductive ballast is provided with the capability to communicate with a remote device powered by the ballast. To improve the operation of the ballast, the ballast changes its operating characteristics based upon information received from the remote device. Further, the ballast may provide a path for the remote device to communicate with device other than the adaptive inductive ballast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventor: David W. Baarman
  • Patent number: 8723370
    Abstract: An improved method of collecting DC power in solar photovoltaic systems is disclosed where series string overcurrent protection is provided at distributed series string terminus locations and a tap connection is made to higher current conductors carrying the combined currents of a number of series strings. A number of related string combiner methods and embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Renewable Power Conversion, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Travis West
  • Patent number: 8723371
    Abstract: According to some embodiments, systems and or methods may be provided to transport electrical energy from a first location having an electrical energy source to a second location, remote from the first location and having a load to accept electrical energy. A first pipeline between the first and second locations may include a first chamber containing a cathodic fluid. A second pipeline between the first and second locations may include a second chamber containing an anodic fluid, and at least of a portion of said first and second pipelines include a contiguous area. A membrane may separate the cathodic and anodic fluids at said contiguous area to exchange electrical energy between said fluids and create an electrochemical storage cell across said membrane. By utilizing additional alternating layers of said electrolyte, casing and membrane multiple cells may be created.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Tessa Durakis Green
    Inventor: Tessa Durakis Green
  • Publication number: 20140056707
    Abstract: The present invention provides a conveyance device for an energy collector such as a wind turbine, solar collector, or a combination thereof. The conveyance device is configured to orient the energy collector by moving the device to compensate for a change in the source of energy such as a change in power, direction, speed, location and a combination thereof. The conveyance device includes a track configured to be positioned near a support structure such as a telecommunications tower and first and second electrical contacts configured to electrically connect the energy collector to an electrical load. The conveyance device is also configured to receive an energy collector configured to be attached to the track such that the energy collector is movable relative to the track. In this manner, there is provided a device for adjusting the orientation of the wind turbine or solar collector such that it collects energy efficiently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: Windular Research and Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Kerry Patrick Donnelly
  • Publication number: 20130320779
    Abstract: A power supply system for a server includes a power grid including a number of crisscrossed wires connected to a power source, and a connector. The connector includes a main body with first and second terminals, and a contact plate connected to the first terminal of the main body. The contract plate is also slidably pressed against the power grid to form an electrical connection. The server acquires power from the power grid through the connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: FENG-CHI YANG
  • Patent number: 8548035
    Abstract: A PLC cable modem is provided which includes an analog electromagnetic field transducer for generating an electromagnetic field based on an analog electrical signal and also for generating an analog electrical signal based on an electromagnetic field. The PLC cable modem also includes an analog signal processing unit operatively coupled to the analog electromagnetic field transducer and a digital signal processing unit for processing signals received from (or to be sent to) the analog signal processing unit. An interface port is provided for communicating digital signals to and from a data transmission or receiving device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignees: Sony Corporation, Sony Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Patrick Dawson, Ryuichi Iwamura
  • Patent number: 8538330
    Abstract: An adaptive inductive ballast is provided with the capability to communicate with a remote device powered by the ballast. To improve the operation of the ballast, the ballast changes its operating characteristics based upon information received from the remote device. Further, the ballast may provide a path for the remote device to communicate with device other than the adaptive inductive ballast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventor: David W. Baarman
  • Publication number: 20130229086
    Abstract: An electrical system having a current path formed in a region between first and second electrodes. When a low pressure is sustained in the region, and a plasma is generated in a portion of a gap between the electrodes, current flows across the gap from the first electrode to the second electrode. In one embodiment the system is operable as a motor or a generator, having a first electrode and a member including a second electrode which is rotatable with respect to the first electrode. In another embodiment a first conductor is positioned to carry current toward or away from a first terminal at a high temperature, and a second conductor is spaced apart from the first terminal to carry current toward or away from a second terminal when the second conductor is at a low temperature relative to the temperature of the first region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: Advanced Magnet Lab, Inc.
    Inventor: Rainer Meinke
  • Publication number: 20130033120
    Abstract: An antenna for the collection of atmospheric static electricity in which an electrically conductive hub is suspended from a balloon or blimp via a tether. The hub is either solid or uses a spoke/arm arrangement. A number of rods extend from the hub enhance the collection of atmospheric static electricity. The collected atmospheric electricity is conducted from the rods to an electrical connection where the electricity is conducted to earth via a conductive line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventor: Mark Ellery Ogram
  • Patent number: 8351856
    Abstract: An adaptive inductive ballast is provided with the capability to communicate with a remote device powered by the ballast. To improve the operation of the ballast, the ballast changes its operating characteristics based upon information received from the remote device. Further, the ballast may provide a path for the remote device to communicate with device other than the adaptive inductive ballast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventor: David W. Baarman
  • Patent number: 8346166
    Abstract: An adaptive inductive ballast is provided with the capability to communicate with a remote device powered by the ballast. To improve the operation of the ballast, the ballast changes its operating characteristics based upon information received from the remote device. Further, the ballast may provide a path for the remote device to communicate with device other than the adaptive inductive ballast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventor: David W. Baarman
  • Patent number: 8301079
    Abstract: An adaptive inductive ballast is provided with the capability to communicate with a remote device powered by the ballast. To improve the operation of the ballast, the ballast changes its operating characteristics based upon information received from the remote device. Further, the ballast may provide a path for the remote device to communicate with device other than the adaptive inductive ballast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventor: David W. Baarman
  • Patent number: 8283811
    Abstract: An antenna for the collection of atmospheric static electricity in which an electrically conductive hub is suspended from a balloon or blimp via a tether. The hub is either solid or uses a spoke/arm arrangement. A number of rods extend from the hub enhance the collection of atmospheric static electricity. The collected atmospheric electricity is conducted from the rods to an electrical connection where the electricity is conducted to earth via a conductive line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Sefe, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Ellery Ogram
  • Publication number: 20120217824
    Abstract: A variable speed wind turbine is provided. The wind turbine comprises a generator, a power converter for converting at least a portion of electrical power generated by the generator, an energy management arrangement coupled to the power converter, the energy management arrangement comprises an energy storage unit, and a controller. The controller is adapted to detect a power imbalance event and to transfer at least a portion of excess electrical energy generated by the generator to the energy storage unit to be stored therein when the power imbalance event is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventors: Amit Kumar Gupta, Gil Lampong Opina, JR., Anshuman Tripathi, Yugarajan Karuppanan, Michael Casem Tumabcao
  • Publication number: 20120201060
    Abstract: A dynamic electrical converter system configured to receive a variable voltage input which is then converted to a proper electrical configuration for a load. The converter assembly utilized multiple converters, each of which is configured to accept a unique range of voltages and from these voltages creating the desired electrical output configuration. A monitor checks the incoming voltage and by controlling switches going to each of the converters, selectively closes the circuit to the appropriate converter; thereby, routing the incoming voltage to the converter capable of addressing the incoming voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventor: Mark Ellery Ogram
  • Publication number: 20120119590
    Abstract: An antenna for the collection of atmospheric static electricity in which an electrically conductive hub is suspended from a balloon or blimp via a tether. The hub is either solid or uses a spoke/arm arrangement. A number of rods extend from the hub enhance the collection of atmospheric static electricity. The collected atmospheric electricity is conducted from the rods to an electrical connection where the electricity is conducted to earth via a conductive line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventor: Mark Ellery Ogram
  • Publication number: 20120104996
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a connection unit configured to connect to a power line, a control arm coupled to the connection unit and capable of raising the connection unit for connection to the power line, a housing unit capable of storing one or more battery modules; and a control center configured to communicate with one or more entities, wherein the control center is further configured to initiate flow of electricity through the connection unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: ALEVO, INC
    Inventors: Jostein Eikeland, Stein Christiansen, Christopher Christiansen
  • Patent number: 8116683
    Abstract: An adaptive inductive ballast is provided with the capability to communicate with a remote device powered by the ballast. To improve the operation of the ballast, the ballast changes its operating characteristics based upon information received from the remote device. Further, the ballast may provide a path for the remote device to communicate with device other than the adaptive inductive ballast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventor: David W. Baarman
  • Patent number: 8102075
    Abstract: A rail vehicle of the type comprising including at least one equipped axle which is provided with a transmission shaft which is movable in terms of rotation and which is fixedly joined in terms of rotation to two wheels, each of which is provided with a tire, the device including an electric current supply source, the source supplying a friction assembly with electric current. The friction assembly is alone and is electrically connected to a cable assembly which electrically connects the tires of the two wheels, the cable assembly including a cable portion which extends inside the transmission shaft between the two wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Alstom Transport SA
    Inventors: Cyril Costes, Alain Rodet, Yves Longueville
  • Patent number: 8102083
    Abstract: A mechanism to tap an electrical source which uses an aircraft (10) (preferably a lighter than air balloon) tethered by a conductive line (12). The conductive line (12) is extended/withdrawn by a winch motor (13, 14) to adjust the altitude of the aircraft (10). The conductive line (12) is isolated from the ground (17) and an electrical conductor (6) is connected to the conductive line and to an electrical load (5). In this manner, static electricity generated in the atmosphere is gathered for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Sefe, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Ellery Ogram
  • Patent number: 8102078
    Abstract: A dynamic electrical converter system configured to receive a variable voltage input which is then converted to a proper electrical configuration for a load. The converter assembly utilized multiple converters, each of which is configured to accept a unique range of voltages and from these voltages creating the desired electrical output configuration. A monitor checks the incoming voltage and by controlling switches going to each of the converters, selectively closes the circuit to the appropriate converter; thereby, routing the incoming voltage to the converter capable of addressing the incoming voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Sefe, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Ellery Ogram
  • Patent number: 8102082
    Abstract: An antenna for the collection of atmospheric static electricity in which an electrically conductive hub is suspended from a balloon or blimp via a tether. The hub is either solid or uses a spoke/arm arrangement. A number of rods extend from the hub enhance the collection of atmospheric static electricity. The collected atmospheric electricity is conducted from the rods to an electrical connection where the electricity is conducted to earth via a conductive line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Sefe, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Ellery Ogram
  • Patent number: 8093758
    Abstract: A power pick-up for an Inductively Coupled Power Transfer (ICPT) system is provided having a resonant pick up circuit. The natural frequency of the pick-up circuit may be varied by controlling the conductance or capacitance of a variable reactive in the resonant circuit. The load being supplied by the pick-up circuit is sensed, and the effective capacitance or inductance of the variable reactive component is controlled to vary the natural resonant frequency of the pick-up circuit to thereby control the power flow into the pick-up to satisfy the power required by the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Auckland Uniservices Limited
    Inventors: Stephan H Hussmann, Aiguo Hu
  • Publication number: 20110181127
    Abstract: Medium voltage electric rotary joint for energy conduction between the rotating nacelle 1 and the static tower 2 of a wind turbine generator comprising a pivoted and ball-bearing mounted 5 upper housing 6 and a fixed lower housing 7; mounted coaxially on a centre shaft 8; brushes 9 and springs 10 located within an insulator epoxy 11 inside the upper housing 6 and equivalent copper rings 12 located within an insulator epoxy 11 inside the lower housing 7; cable connector plugs 13 attached to mountable insulated bushings 14, a protective booth 15, seals 16 and upper and lower cable supports 17,18.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventor: Mojtaba SAFABAKHSH
  • Patent number: 7953369
    Abstract: An adaptive inductive ballast is provided with the capability to communicate with a remote device powered by the ballast. To improve the operation of the ballast, the ballast changes its operating characteristics based upon information received from the remote device. Further, the ballast may provide a path for the remote device to communicate with device other than the adaptive inductive ballast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventor: David W. Baarman
  • Patent number: 7872371
    Abstract: The power line electric field (E-field) coupler device is for collecting energy from a power line and includes a flexible stack of alternating electrically conductive layers and dielectric layers. A power collecting circuit is connected to the flexible stack to output power therefrom based upon E-field coupling from the power line to the flexible stack, and an adjustment mechanism adjusts at least a shape of the flexible stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Fred Varley, Roger Paul Maier
  • Patent number: 7855476
    Abstract: A mechanism to tap an electrical source which uses an aircraft (preferably a lighter than air balloon) tethered by a conductive line. The conductive line is extended/withdrawn by a winch motor to adjust the altitude of the aircraft. The conductive line is isolated from the ground and an electrical conductor is connected to the conductive line and to an electrical load. In this manner, static electricity generated in the atmosphere is gathered for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Inventor: Mark Ellery Ogram
  • Publication number: 20100301680
    Abstract: A device for the transfer of high frequency electrical signals between a rotating component and a stationary component, in particular for use in a CT system, in particular in a gantry of a CT system has a rotor, a stator; at least one brush attached at the stator, with a number of electrically conductive fibers that establish sliding contact with the rotor, and a slideway arranged to the side of the rotor and facing toward the stator. The fibers of the at least one stator-side brush rest on the slideway. A lubricant is provided on the slideway, a rotor has a capture device for the lubricant that is arranged around the outside of the slideway, and at least one return element for the captured lubricant is attached at the stator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: Joachim GROTTEL, Andreas TROELTZSCH, Ludwig WELKER
  • Publication number: 20100231056
    Abstract: The power line electric field (E-field) coupler device is for collecting energy from a power line and includes a flexible stack of alternating electrically conductive layers and dielectric layers. A power collecting circuit is connected to the flexible stack to output power therefrom based upon E-field coupling from the power line to the flexible stack, and an adjustment mechanism adjusts at least a shape of the flexible stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: Harris Corporation, Corporation of the State of Delaware
    Inventors: Robert Fred VARLEY, Roger Paul Maier
  • Publication number: 20100156197
    Abstract: A linear contact array comprising three contacts is provided for wire-free electric power extraction from a power delivery pad for mobile electronic devices. The linear contact array is configured to assure effective contact for power transfer from the power delivery pad and the mobile electronic device anywhere on the power delivery surface for a range of angular orientations of the linear array in relation to the power delivery surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: PURE ENERGY SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Mitch Randall
  • Publication number: 20100007218
    Abstract: A mechanism to tap an electrical source which uses an aircraft (preferably a lighter than air balloon) tethered by a conductive line. The conductive line is extended/withdrawn by a winch motor to adjust the altitude of the aircraft. The conductive line is isolated from the ground and an electrical conductor is connected to the conductive line and to an electrical load. In this manner, static electricity generated in the atmosphere is gathered for use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventor: Mark Ellery Ogram
  • Publication number: 20090184587
    Abstract: The invention relates to a data and energy transmission system for telescopic boarding bridges with an inner section (2) joined to a first structure (4) and an outer section (3) connected to a second structure (5). The system has conductor rails (6) along the inner section (2) of the telescopic tunnel (1) connected to the first structure (4), and at least one pantograph mechanism (7) for electrically connecting the conductor rails (6) with the second structure (5), which is in permanent contact with said conductor rails (6) sliding along such rails accompanying the extension and retraction of the telescopic tunnel (1). There are additionally data transmission means connected to the first structure (4) and to the second structure (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicants: THYSSENKRUPP ELEVATOR INNOVATION CENTER, S.A., THYSSENKRUPP ELEVATOR (ES/PBB) LTD.
    Inventors: Julian Fernandez Diaz, Miguel Angel Gonzalez Alemany, Alberto Florez Castro
  • Publication number: 20090179501
    Abstract: A charging system comprises circuitry adapted to devices to be charged, including a power receiver module embedded or molded into form-fit case, e.g., gel-skin, that attaches physically and electrically to the device to be charged and that effectively receives power either conductively or inductively from a power delivery surface of a recharging pad on which the devices are placed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventor: Mitch Randall
  • Publication number: 20090058196
    Abstract: A resonant circuit includes a feedback path for a feedback signal extending from a load terminal to an input terminal so that a potential of the load substantially tracks a potential of the input terminals. A resonant circuit extends from a load to a line terminal so that a potential of the load substantially tracks a potential of the line terminals. A resonant circuit includes a split inductor so that when the load increases so does the equivalent resonant inductance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventor: Mihail S. Moisin
  • Publication number: 20080290738
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus according to an embodiment include a converter, a power storage module, and a processing module. The converter is configured to convert an energy associated with an electromagnetic wave into a DC power. The power storage module is configured to store the DC power. The processing module is configured to receive information associated with the received power to determine a parameter to operate a device, such as a light-emitting device, for example. The information can include voltage levels associated with the received power at one or more predetermined time instances. The power storage module is configured to send the stored DC power to the device to operate the device in accordance with the parameter determined by the processing module. The processing module is configured to determine the parameter to operate the device, such as periods of activity or inactivity, when a predetermined event is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventors: Charles E. Greene, G. Randolph Maruschock, Michael Thomas McElhinny
  • Publication number: 20080238216
    Abstract: A power floor tile assembly and method for providing power to furniture components via a floor structure, the tile assembly including a plurality of floor tiles, each tile including a substantially rigid supporting substrate member that includes top and bottom surfaces and an edge, at least a first conductive tile contact supported by the substrate member and extending to an exposed end and a covering layer having top and bottom surfaces and a thickness dimension between the top and bottom surfaces, the covering layer forming a separate opening for each of the tile contacts, the openings aligned with the tile contacts so that each tile contact extends through a separate one of the openings, the covering layer having a thickness dimension between the top and bottom surfaces such that the exposed end of each tile contact protrudes past the top surface of the covering layer, wherein each supporting substrate and associated covering layer are shaped such that the tile can be arranged with other tiles in side by s
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Kurt Heidmann
  • Publication number: 20080230340
    Abstract: A power transmission device is proposed especially for long pathways, which comprises at least one energy supply (1) unit composed of members, which are linked together around axes (3) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the energy supply unit (1), wherein a first end of the energy supply unit (1) can be fixed locally and the second end (5) can be moved at least in the longitudinal direction. The energy supply unit forms an upper run (8) and a lower run (7), whereby between these at least one cart (9) is arranged, which can be moved back and forth in the longitudinal direction of the energy supply unit. This cart has a base body (10), which is connected to a return motion device (12). The return motion device is formed at least partially by at least on curved guide channel (13), so that the energy supply unit (1) is guided in the curved region (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: KABELSCHLEPP GMBH
    Inventor: Herbert Wehler
  • Publication number: 20080179949
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a power extractor operates in a manner to obtain more power transferred from the source to the load than typically is obtained without the power extractor. The power extractor may perform universal impedance matching as this is seen from either the power source or the load. This impedance matching allows the power source to provide an optimal amount of power transfer that is greater than would be able without the impedance matching. The power extractor transfers power between two nodes and may be operated so that the power transferred is dependent on continuously detected power changes, and the voltage and current at the first and second nodes are unregulated. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: David A. Besser, Stefan Matan
  • Patent number: 7191269
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system of and a method for multiple transmitters to communicate data over a single uni-directional communication bus. In one form of the present invention, a data communication system using time-domain multiplexing includes a uni-directional current-modulated communication bus, a plurality of sensors coupled to the communication bus, at least one of the sensors capable of detecting the data transmission of a sensor outside of the current loop of the first sensor, the sensors also capable of transmitting data on the communication bus using current loop modulation. In another form of the present invention, a method of transmitting data on a uni-directional communication bus is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles A. Cluff
  • Patent number: 6621183
    Abstract: Apparatus for providing effective amounts of high-frequency AC power to a long primary trackway (1102), used for inductive power transfer includes transconductance-pi filters (1105) for deliberate mismatching; resulting in independence of current flow and track impedance. These cause the source (1101) to appear as a voltage source and the trackway to appear as a low reactance. Shorting the output (1106) cuts the connected trackway from power without harm. The filter can cause a voltage step-up so driving a longer track. Track termination apparatus is disclosed that acts as a short circuit at only the operating frequency while terminating the track at its characteristic impedance otherwise. Half-bridge and full-bridge power supplies (1101) are described for providing effective amounts of high-frequency AC power to a long primary trackway used for inductive power transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Auckland Uniservices, Ltd.
    Inventor: John Talbot Boys
  • Publication number: 20020190580
    Abstract: A device inserted between a grounded poly-phase external voltage source and a load providing low insertion loss for differential mode currents and high insertion loss for ground currents. The device receives voltages from the grounded poly-phase external voltage source over atone or more voltage lines. The voltages contain common mode voltages. A filter connected to each of the voltage lines reduces the ground current from the load. A summing block adds the voltages from each of the voltage lines to generate a total common mode voltage. A ground referenced controlled voltage source generates a cancellation voltage equal to the total common mode voltage in response to the generation of total common mode voltage. The total common mode voltage is injected into the filter and substantially reduces the common mode voltage on each voltage line thereby substantially reducing the ground currents associated with each common mode voltage on each voltage line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventor: Orrin B. West
  • Patent number: 5917252
    Abstract: Lamps LP1-LP9 are connected in a matrix form. Control devices Tr1-Tr6 are installed on connecting wires of the lines and rows of the matrix used for connecting the lamps LP1-LP9, respectively. Each of the connecting wires L1-L3 on each line is connected to a power supply Vcc via each of the control devices Tr1-Tr3. Further, each of the connecting wires L4-L6 is connected to the ground via each of the control devices Tr4-Tr6. Then the plurality of loads are connected to the control devices Tr1-Tr6 so as to control the loads by the control devices Tr1-Tr6, the number of which is smaller than the number of loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignees: Harness System Technologies Research, Ltd., Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Masahiro Tokunaga
  • Patent number: 5162678
    Abstract: A temperature compensation control circuit to maintain a constant control gain in an AGC (automatic gain control) amplifier. The present invention compensates for the inherent temperature dependence without using any special processing or non-standard device structures. The present invention utilizes the voltage drop across n diodes in series to produce the control voltage difference (V.sub.C -V.sub.C *). These n series diodes are coupled to the collectors of a PNP emitter coupled pair with emitter resistance. This causes the control voltage difference to be dependent on temperature (nkT/q), but this dependency cancels out with the other inherent temperature dependency in the exponential function of the AGC amplifier which is also produced by a diode form. Thus, the present invention provides temperature compensation with minimum component matching problems and without the need for a PTAT (proportional to absolute temperature) current source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Assignee: Silicon Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard G. Yamasaki