Ac And Dc Sources Patents (Class 307/2)
  • Patent number: 11713134
    Abstract: Disclosed is a direct current power supply. The direct current power supply includes a voltage output defining a voltage rail and a ground. The direct current power supply includes a holdup capacitor operable to conduct with the voltage output. The direct current power supply includes a redundant power supply connected in series with the holdup capacitor between the voltage rail and the ground of the voltage output to provide the voltage output. The direct current power supply includes a first switch disposed between the holdup capacitor and the redundant power supply operable to create a conductive path between the holdup capacitor and the redundant power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventor: Rajkumar Sengodan
  • Patent number: 11146210
    Abstract: A method of repowering a photovoltaic power plant from a first configuration is described, wherein in the first configuration, a pair of combiners is connected in series between two homeruns via a PV tie device. The combiners are configured to combine DC power produced by solar generators respectively connected thereto and provide the combined DC power at outputs thereof, and the PV tie device is configured to couple a midpoint potential of the series connected combiners to ground during operation of the power plant. The homeruns transmit the combined DC power to an old inverter for conversion into AC power for feeding into an AC grid connected to the old inverter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: SMA Solar Technology AG
    Inventor: Thorsten Hoefer
  • Patent number: 11093021
    Abstract: Power management (203) for controlling a delivery of a DC-power to a device (204) operable in an accepting operational state or a non-accepting operational state with respect to receiving the DC-power comprises: receiving DC input power; providing an indication that the DC-power supply device (202) operates in a powered-device detection mode and not in an powered-device operation mode; connecting, when the DC-power supply device (202) is in the powered-device detection mode, the power to an energy storage unit (212); storing electrical energy currently received; determining, whether the power-acceptance criterion is fulfilled and, in case it is fulfilled, providing an instruction to operate in the accepting operational state; connecting the energy storage unit (212) and a power interface unit (206) when the external DC-power supply device (202) is currently operating in the powered-device operation mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: SIGNIFY HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: Matthias Wendt, Eduard Gerhard Zondag, Harald Josef Günther Radermacher
  • Patent number: 10961782
    Abstract: A electrocrushing drill bit may include a bit body; an electrode coupled to a power source and the bit body, the electrode having a distal portion for engaging with a surface of a wellbore; a ground ring coupled to the bit body proximate to the electrode and having a distal portion for engaging with the surface of the wellbore, the electrode and the ground ring positioned in relation to each other such that an electric field produced by a voltage applied between the ground ring and the electrode is enhanced at a portion of the electrode proximate to the distal portion of the electrode and at a portion of the ground ring proximate to the distal portion of the ground ring; and an insulator coupled to the bit body between the electrode and the ground ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignees: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc., Chevron U.S.A. Inc., SDG LLC
    Inventor: William M. Moeny
  • Patent number: 10880115
    Abstract: A method for performing a data communication between at least two devices, wherein, the at least two devices are connected via an electrical bus line, each of the devices detects the magnitude of a device current flowing from the respective device to the bus line, one device increases the device current of the other devices in order to announce the transfer of data, and data is transferred after announcing the transfer of data by means of modulation of the device current of the other devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Aptiv Technologies Limited
    Inventors: Sebastian Yousef, Victor Tolentino
  • Patent number: 10732688
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes grouping a plurality of ports at power sourcing equipment in a Power over Ethernet (PoE) system, the ports receiving power from at least one power supply, and transmitting power from the group of ports at the power sourcing equipment to a plurality of ports at a power interface module. The power transmitted at each of the ports is at least 100 watts and the power interface module is operable to combine the power received at the ports and provide an AC outlet. An apparatus and system are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: CISCO TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Joel Richard Goergen, Chad M. Jones, Dylan T. Walker
  • Patent number: 10373735
    Abstract: Submarine electrical cable system (100) having a substantially circular cross-section and comprising: a first insulated core (1) and a second insulated core (2); a three-phase cable (3) comprising three stranded insulated cores (8) the three-phase cable (3) being stranded with the first core (1) and the second core (2); an armor (4) surrounding the first core (1), the second core (2) and the three-phase cable (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: PRYSMIAN S.p.A.
    Inventors: Marco Marelli, Luigi Colla
  • Patent number: 10288041
    Abstract: A renewable energy system has a plurality of turbine separately connected to a line so as to form a turbine string, a plurality of turbine transformers separately and respectively connected to the plurality of turbines, a plurality of energy storage systems separately and respectively connected to the plurality of turbine transformers so as to store energy from the turbines, and a distribution transformer connected to the turbine strings so as to raise a voltage from the turbine strings to a grid voltage. The plurality of turbines are wind power turbine systems. The energy storage system is either a battery or a capacitor. A photovoltaic array can be connected to each turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Inventor: Kevin R. Williams
  • Patent number: 10103576
    Abstract: A method and system for a control power supply system is provided. The control power supply system includes a first conductor configured to carry a direct current (DC) electrical current from a source to a load, a second conductor configured to carry the DC electrical current from the load to the source, and an AC power source coupled to at least one of the first and the second conductors, the AC power source configured to superimpose a selectable relatively high frequency AC component onto the DC electrical current to generate a composite power signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Stefan Schroeder, Christof Martin Sihler, Sebastian Pedro Rosado
  • Patent number: 9667066
    Abstract: The present invention has disclosed a wind power bundling control method after wind power and thermal power are connected to a power grid in the field of electric power system security technology, including regulating wind power output and thermal power output forward or backward; calculating the transient stability margin of the grid, load level index of element and voltage out-of-limit index of busbar after regulating wind power output and thermal power output respectively; calculating wind power/thermal power paying value according to the transient stability margin of the grid, load level index of element and voltage out-of-limit index of busbar after regulating wind power output and thermal power output; if wind power/thermal power paying value is larger than set threshold value, regulating wind power output and thermal power output backward/forward; if wind power/thermal power paying value is smaller than set threshold value, regulating wind power output and thermal power output forward/backward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignees: GANSU ELECTRIC POWER CORPORATION WIND POWER TECHNOLOGY CENTER, STATE GRID GANSU ELETRIC POWER CORPORATION, STATE GRID CORPORATION OF CHINA, NORTH CHINA ELECTRIC POWER UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Ningbo Wang, Wenying Liu, Yanhong Ma, Jiaming Wang, Dan Jin, Cai Liang, Shiyuan Zhou, Xiaodan Wu, Kun Ding, Zilan Zhao, Qiang Zhou, Bin Yang, Jin Li, Peng Xu, Long Zhao, Rundong Ge
  • Patent number: 9634487
    Abstract: Architecture system of a local grid made up of at least two single nodes constituting micro-grids, each managed by a self-configurable node controller that is also connected to the controllers of the other nodes and to the single energy generation, storage and consumption elements of its own node, the elements being variable in their configuration and dynamic in their behavior; the controller also optimizing the energy transfers according to specific management logics of the routine and sub-routine type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: REGAL GRID SRL
    Inventor: Davide Spotti
  • Patent number: 9484748
    Abstract: A dual port pass through midspan constituted of: a first port arranged for connection to a first data terminal equipment over a first data communication cabling; a second port arranged for connection to a second data terminal equipment over a second data communication cabling; a first power sourcing equipment arranged to inject power on two of the 4 wire pairs of the first data communication cabling; a second power sourcing equipment arranged to inject power on two of the 4 wire pairs of the second data communication cabling; and a data pass through connection arranged to pass high speed data signals between the first port to the second port, the data pass through connection comprising a direct current blocking circuit arranged to: prevent power from the first power sourcing equipment from appearing at the second port; and prevent power from the second power sourcing equipment from appearing at the first port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Microsemi Corp.—Analog Mixed Signal Group Ltd.
    Inventors: Beny Maymon, Shlomo Elbaz
  • Publication number: 20150130270
    Abstract: This invention relates to an electrical system which enables peripheral devices to communicate exclusively of other AC and power transceivers which provide to the electrical system and receive from the electrical system power and signals. The invention is an electrical system that comprises network channels (1000, 2000) connected by circuits (100, 200). Peripheral devices plugged into the network channels communicate with each other. AC and power transceivers connected to the circuits communicate with each other and distribute power through the network channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventor: Raymond Peto
  • Patent number: 9031480
    Abstract: A transfer device includes a direct-current (DC) power supply configured to output a DC voltage; an alternating-current (AC) power supply configured to selectively output a superimposed voltage in which an AC voltage is superimposed on the DC voltage output from the DC power supply or the DC voltage output from the DC power supply; and a transfer unit configured to transfer a developer to a sheet using the voltage output from the AC power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Limited
    Inventors: Katsuhito Suzuki, Masahide Nakaya, Tomokazu Takeuchi, Shinya Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20150123461
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods for powering non-destructive (NDT) probes, such as ultrasonic probes. Methods allow for power and signal transmission to NDT probes via a single wire. Methods provide for one or more bias tees disposed at ends of the single wire for power and signal transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventor: Mark Anthony Novosad
  • Patent number: 9024465
    Abstract: The present invention provides an uninterruptible power system (UPS), the UPS comprising: a first converter having a first input terminal for receiving a first power source and a first output terminal for outputting a first voltage, wherein the first power source is a DC power or AC power and the first voltage is a DC voltage; a third converter having a third input terminal for receiving the second power source and the third output terminal connected to the first output terminal, wherein the second power source is a DC power; and a second converter having a second input terminal connected to the first output terminal and the third output terminal, and the second output terminal for outputting a second voltage corresponding to the first voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Delta Electronics (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Xing-Kuan Guo
  • Patent number: 8957542
    Abstract: A power converter includes a battery having a positive terminal and a negative terminal, a first power input to receive AC input power, a second power input to receive DC input power from the battery, a first power output to charge the battery, a second power output to provide power to a load, a rectifier circuit coupled to the first power input, and a non-isolated single-stage power conversion circuit having an input and configured as a buck-boost converter. The power at the second power output is derived from the first power input and/or the second power input. The single-stage power conversion circuit is configured to convert an AC voltage to a DC voltage using a common energy storage element, and is coupled to the first power output and the rectifier circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Schneider Electric IT Corporation
    Inventors: Milind Dighrasker, Damir Klikic
  • Patent number: 8952793
    Abstract: A bicycle electrical system is provided with a first electric component, a second electric component, and a third electric component. The first electric component includes a first electric power line communication section. The second electric component includes a second electric power line communication section. The third electric component includes a third electric power line communication section. The first and second electric power line communication sections are connected with a first electric power line such that the first and second electric power line communication sections conduct communications via the first electric power line. The second and third electric power line communication sections are connected with a second electric power line such that the second and third electric power line communication sections conduct communications via the second electric power line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Shimaro Inc.
    Inventors: Taihei Nishihara, Takafumi Suzuki, Shun Kou
  • Patent number: 8941258
    Abstract: A power supply device includes an AC generation part having a sinusoidal wave generation part generating a first sinusoidal wave signal, an integrator integrating a difference between the first sinusoidal wave signal and a feedback signal, a triangular wave generation part generating a triangular wave signal, a comparator comparing an output of the integrator and the triangular wave signal and outputting a PWM signal, a switching drive part amplifying the PWM signal and outputs an amplified PWM signal, a filter converting the amplified PWM signal into a second sinusoidal wave signal, a transformer increasing a voltage of the second sinusoidal wave signal and outputting an AC voltage, and a voltage divider dividing the AC voltage and generating the feedback signal, and a DC generation part generating a DC voltage. The power supply device superimposes the AC voltage and the DC voltage and outputs a superimposed voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Jun Tanabe
  • Publication number: 20150021982
    Abstract: A system includes a power line, a control line, and a plurality of direct current electrical generating modules. Each of the direct current electrical generating modules is electrically connected to the power line and the control line and includes an electromechanical switch structured to interrupt power flowing through the power line. A control module is electrically connected to the control line and is structured to electrically control the electromechanical switch of each of the direct current electrical generating modules via the control line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: THOMAS J. SCHOEPF, Charles John Luebke, Peter J. Theisen, Steven Christopher Schmalz
  • Patent number: 8934860
    Abstract: A method for detecting an ingress of a short wave radio signal in a power line communication system which determines a strength of a common mode signal at a frequency of the power line communication system during a time period when no communication in the power line communication system at this frequency takes place and an ingress is detected if the strength of the common mode signal is above a determined threshold. A corresponding power line communication modem can implement such a method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Andreas Schwager
  • Patent number: 8928175
    Abstract: A junction box for connecting a power supply unit is disclosed. The junction box includes a first connection terminal, a second connection terminal, a serial carrier interface module, and a control module. The first connection terminal and the second terminal are utilized to connect the junction box and another junction box in a serial connection. The serial carrier interface module is electrically coupled to the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal for the transmission of a carrier and a DC power, which is provided from the power supply unit. The control module is electrically coupled to the serial carrier interface module for receiving the carrier and for controlling of the transmission of the DC power according to the carrier. A power system which employs the junction boxes and a method for controlling the power system are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Genesys Logic, Inc.
    Inventor: Chien-chih Lin
  • Publication number: 20150001923
    Abstract: A connection device for connecting a first piece of electronic equipment to a second piece of electronic equipment, the device comprising two Ethernet type interfaces that are linked together by an up line and a down line and that are arranged for each of them to be linked to a respective one of the pieces of equipment and to transmit data in differential mode, two power supply modules, each associated with a respective one of the pieces of equipment and wired in common mode between the up and down lines in order to transmit a power supply carrier signal in alternating current, and two secondary transmission modules, each associated with a respective one of the power supply modules and arranged to enable data to be transmitted by modulating the power supply carrier signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicant: SAGEM DEFENSE SECURITE
    Inventors: Christian Haury, Francois Guillot, Jean-Marie Courteille
  • Publication number: 20140361608
    Abstract: A redundant power supply circuit includes a port detection circuit, a fixed state detection circuit, a voltage conversion circuit, and a control circuit. The port detection circuit detects and outputs a plurality of ready signals according to a plurality of power signals of a number of POE ports. The fixed state detection circuit outputs first control signals according to a predetermined voltage signal of a network device. The control circuit generates and sends enable signals to the voltage conversion circuit according to the first control signals and the plurality of ready signals. The voltage conversion circuit converts the plurality of power signals into driving voltage signals according to the enable signals. A POE system and method are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: YI-FENG WANG
  • Publication number: 20140346857
    Abstract: A system for transmitting alternating current power and communication signals between a first location and a second location via a communication path which includes at least one inductive load and at least one switching means for switching power to said at least one load on and off, the system including control means adapted for controlling said at least one switching means so that, in response to switching off said power, a direct current is applied to said at least one inductive load and, in response to actuation of said at least one switching means to switch said power on, said power is switched on during a phase of the power which results in a magnetization of said at least one inductive load opposite to that resulting from said direct current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Applicant: Vetco Gray Controls Limited
    Inventors: Silviu Puchianu, Graham Morley, Hilton Smart, Steven Lewis Charles Simpson, Julian Richard Davis
  • Patent number: 8896157
    Abstract: The power supply includes a first power connector, a power conversion circuit, a control unit and a detection circuit. The first power connector includes a plurality of power terminals and a first detecting terminal. The power conversion circuit is coupled to the power terminals of the first power connector for converting an input voltage into an output voltage. The control unit is coupled to the power conversion circuit for controlling an operation of the power conversion circuit. The detection circuit is coupled to the control unit and the first detecting terminal of the first power connector for detecting if the first detecting terminal is connected or disconnected with a predetermined voltage terminal and correspondingly generating a power transmission status signal to the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Yu-Hung Huang
  • Publication number: 20140265552
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, a power supply device includes: a DC power supply that outputs a DC voltage; an AC power supply that outputs any one of the DC voltage and a superimposed voltage being the DC voltage with an AC voltage superimposed thereon; and a bypass capacitor that charges a part of a voltage that is output from the AC power supply. The DC power supply starts outputting the DC voltage in a constant voltage mode and, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, switches from the constant voltage mode to a constant current mode to output the DC voltage in the constant current mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Tomonori MAEKAWA, Masahide Nakaya, Tomokazu Takeuchi, Katsuhito Suzuki, Shohgo Miura
  • Publication number: 20140265551
    Abstract: System and method for enabling communications via a power line conveying DC power from multiple DC power sources such as solar panels. Power and communications are provided using a single combined power and communications line. Data communication signals received over the power line are detected and compared against power line voltage for processing received data and generating data for transmission. Remote units are self-powered using power harvesting of the data communication signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: HIQ SOLAR, INC.
    Inventor: Andre P. WILLIS
  • Patent number: 8830040
    Abstract: Systems and methods are operable to communicate information to a direct current (DC) powered electronic device. An exemplary embodiment receives alternating current (AC) power with an AC information signal modulated thereon, converts the received AC power to DC power, demodulates the received AC information signal to determine information, modulates the information onto the transmitted DC power as a DC information signal, transmits the DC power with the DC information signal over a DC connector to the DC powered electronic device, detects the DC information signal on the modulated DC power at the DC powered electronic device, demodulates the DC information signal from the received DC power, and determines the information at the DC powered electronic device based upon the demodulated DC information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Eldon Technology Limited
    Inventors: David Robert Burton, Martyn Ward
  • Publication number: 20140183937
    Abstract: A method and device for the production of more energy than the input energy and/or for the production of energy without spending energy, in genuine violation of the principle of conservation of energy (CoE), through saving from the input energy, by utilizing the natural asymmetries in electrical systems caused by combinations of active and reactive elements, supplemented by favorable asymmetries caused by distorting the applied signals as well as by applying signals containing both constant and alternating part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Inventor: Vesselin C. Noninski
  • Publication number: 20140167499
    Abstract: A device for determining a common-mode signal in a power line communication network. The device includes a first line, a second line, and a third line that are connected to a first terminal, to a second terminal, and to a third terminal, respectively. The first, the second, and the third terminal are configured to be connected to a phase line, a neutral line, and a protective ground line of the power line communication network, respectively. The device further includes a common-mode choke configured to couple out the common signal from the first, second, and third line, and the common-mode choke is connected to a termination impedance which is higher than an impedance of the power line communication network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Andreas SCHWAGER, Werner Baeschlin
  • Publication number: 20140159477
    Abstract: A system for delivering power over a network of devices connected through a serial link includes a first and second differential pairs of wires. Each differential pair of wires is double AC coupled by a HPF on one side and by another HPF on an opposite side. An LPF connects a portion of each differential pair of wires between the HPFs to a voltage source, and another LPF connects that portion of each differential pair to a load. The system further includes a third and fourth differential pairs of wires. All four differential pairs of wires are located within a single cable, such as a CAT6 cable. The first, second and third differential pair of wires are used for video links, and the fourth differential pair of wires are used for the bi-directional hybrid link. A power delivery circuit in each device includes a voltage source, a power relay switch, a signature resistor for detection, and a load detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: Silicon Image, Inc.
    Inventors: Dongyun Lee, Edward Pak, John Hahn, Mayank Gupta
  • Patent number: 8716882
    Abstract: A system for transmitting communication signals, the system comprising an injector circuit connected to a powered circuit conductor and configured to modulate a power signal with a direct current voltage offset, the direct current voltage offset being within a range that causes approximately 1 percent or less total harmonic distortion of the power signal; and a decoder connected to the powered circuit conductor and a load, the decoder configured to demodulate the direct current voltage offset to control the load. A method for transmitting communication signals, the method comprising modulating a power signal on a powered circuit conductor with a direct current voltage offset, the direct current voltage offset being within a range that causes approximately 1 percent or less total harmonic distortion of the power signal; and demodulating the direct current voltage offset to control a load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Powerline Load Control LLC
    Inventors: Peter R. Pettler, Christopher Fox
  • Publication number: 20140103707
    Abstract: A dual port pass through midspan constituted of: a first port arranged for connection to a first data terminal equipment over a first data communication cabling; a second port arranged for connection to a second data terminal equipment over a second data communication cabling; a first power sourcing equipment arranged to inject power on two of the 4 wire pairs of the first data communication cabling; a second power sourcing equipment arranged to inject power on two of the 4 wire pairs of the second data communication cabling; and a data pass through connection arranged to pass high speed data signals between the first port to the second port, the data pass through connection comprising a direct current blocking circuit arranged to: prevent power from the first power sourcing equipment from appearing at the second port; and prevent power from the second power sourcing equipment from appearing at the first port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Microsemi Corp.- Analog Mixed Signal Group Ltd.
    Inventors: Beny MAYMON, Shlomo ELBAZ
  • Publication number: 20140103706
    Abstract: Systems and methods according to aspects of the subject technology provide for power line communication (PLC) coupling through two-wire and three-wire external power supplies. In some aspects of the subject technology, a three-wire solution is provided that allows the transfer of direct current (DC) power signals, differential PLC signals, and a zero-cross signal between an external power supply and a PLC device using three wires. This may be accomplished by multiplexing two signals on two of the three wires. In some aspects of the subject technology, a two-wire solution is provided that allows the transfer of DC power signals, differential PLC signals, and a zero-cross signal between an external power supply and a PLC device using two wires. This may be accomplished by multiplexing two signals on one of the wires and three signals on the other wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventors: Oriol AGUSTI COSTA, Gordon Andrew Bain
  • Publication number: 20140077588
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first nonlinear element, an differential amplifier that generates a differential signal from a signal output by the first nonlinear element; a first and second insulating elements that are connected to a non-inverting signal output terminal and an inverting signal output terminal of the differential amplifier, respectively; first to third nonlinear elements each outputting a first logic level if the received signal is equal to or larger than a given threshold value, and outputting a second logic level if the received signal is smaller than the given threshold value; and a logic circuit that outputs the logic level output by the second nonlinear element if the logic levels output by the second and third nonlinear elements are different from each other, and makes the logic level of the output signal unchangeable when the second and third nonlinear elements output the same logic level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: RENESAS ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shigeru MORIBAYASHI
  • Publication number: 20140077589
    Abstract: Embodiments are described that include a “front end” device located remotely from a local telephone location. The front end filters DC and AC current on a telephone line to separate these signals and passes a DC current through a low resistance Low Pass Filter without traditional resistance or current limiting means. The front end also provides signaling capability isolated from the DC and audio channels by a High Pass Filter. Some embodiments also include a “back end” unit located near a local telephone location. The “back end” unit filters the DC and AC currents into at least two DC current streams. One of the DC current streams provides sufficient current to power a local telephone. The other stream(s) provides current sufficient to power an auxiliary device. The “back end” device may also provide signaling isolated from the DC and audio channels that is complementary to the “front end” signaling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Cottonwood Creek Technologies
    Inventors: Dwight W. Kitchin, Alan K. Schott
  • Patent number: 8674539
    Abstract: Functionality of a powerline communication (PLC) power supply and modem interface can be implemented using a power supply processing unit and a PLC modem unit that can be coupled together using standard, two-wire cabling. The power supply processing unit can generate a DC power signal and a zero cross signal based on an AC powerline signal received via a PLC network. The power supply processing unit can modulate the zero cross signal onto the DC power signal. The power supply processing unit can then generate a composite PLC signal comprising a PLC signal (extracted from the AC powerline signal) and the DC power signal modulated with the zero cross signal. The PLC modem unit can extract the PLC signal, the DC power signal, and the zero cross signal from the composite PLC signal, and then can process the PLC signal based on information associated with the zero cross signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Gregory A. Magin, Celestino A. Corral
  • Publication number: 20140008968
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for directly charging capacitors in a down-hole pulsed power system used for electrocrushing drilling. An above ground power supply is directly connected to the capacitors. The power supply can be a switching power supply, a DC supply, or an AC supply. Capacitor voltage is monitored and controlled. The system reduces noise caused by coupling control signal cables and the power cable, and does not have the ground swing control problems of other charging schemes. The power may alternatively be provided by microwave transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventor: William M. Moeny
  • Publication number: 20130328528
    Abstract: Provided is a power line communication system in which power line communication devices having different configurations from each other coexist. A charging station performs power line communication, using a signal superimposition/separation section in which a capacitor, a coupling transformer, and a capacitor are connected to branch lines branched from two AC lines. An electric vehicle performs power line communication, using a signal superimposition/separation section in which the coupling transformer is inserted in one AC line and a capacitor is connected to and between two AC lines. In a case where the charging station and the electric vehicle are connected to each other with a charging cable, a closed loop circuit is formed that is composed of the AC line, the branch line, the capacitor, a primary coil of the coupling transformer, the capacitor, the branch line, the AC line, an AC line, the AC line, the capacitor, a primary coil of a coupling transformer, the AC line, and an AC line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicants: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHIA, SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Yousuke Takata, Yutaka Komatsu, Takeshi Hagihara, Nobuyuki Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 8581438
    Abstract: A system for providing power to a load, having first and second power supply inputs respectively responsive to first and second input signals from first and second power supply sources to supply power to the load. For example, the first power supply input may be configured for supplying the load with power received from a communication link, such as an Ethernet link, and the second power supply input may be configured for supplying the load with power from an auxiliary power source. A power converter is provided to produce an output signal for supplying power to the load in response to the second input signal. The power converter is controlled to produce the output signal in accordance with a value of the first input signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Linear Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey Lynn Heath, John Arthur Stineman, Ryan Charles Huff, Kirk Tzukai Su
  • Publication number: 20130293001
    Abstract: A power line communication device that will control multiple sub-units without exception via broadcasting from a main unit is disclosed. The power line communication device controls the machines connected to each sub-unit from a main unit using power line communication. The power line communication device has a controller, a main unit superimposing control signals containing data from said controller onto the power line, and multiple sub-units controlling the connected machines by receiving control signals being broadcast from the main unit. Each sub-unit is set up to be capable of data transfer, and it is possible to initiate data transfers from the main unit or selected sub-units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventor: Takeshi Miura
  • Publication number: 20130278051
    Abstract: An apparatus for transferring electrical current between a first component and a second component includes at least one transfer conductor directing electrical current between the first and second components including a plurality of overlapping conducting layers each arranged in parallel with the directed electrical current and a plurality of insulation layers each disposed between alternating ones of the conducting layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: MARK A. WISNEWSKI, DAVID J. TRZCINSKI, WILLIAM C. GOODWIN
  • Patent number: 8552582
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for using a renewable source of energy such as solar, wind, or geothermal energy. In some embodiments, the method may include generating electric energy from a renewable form of energy at a plurality of locations at which reside an electric power line associated with an electric power grid. The electric energy generated at each location may be transferred to the electric power line to thereby supply electric energy to the electric power grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Sunlight Photonics Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Cyrus, Sergey V. Frolov
  • Publication number: 20130208772
    Abstract: A microwave system comprising a center fed parabolic reflector; a radio transceiver, said transceiver disposed on a circuit board and coupled to a radiator, said radiator disposed on the circuit board and extending orthogonally from a surface of the circuit board. Embodiments also include directors on the circuit board and a sub-reflector comprising a thin plate disposed on a weather proof cover and said sub-reflector having a substantially concave surface with a focus directed towards the radiator. The circuit board is physically integrated within the feed mechanism of the center fed parabolic reflector and the radio transceiver is configured to provide OSI layer support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventors: Robert J. Pera, John R. Sanford
  • Publication number: 20130212643
    Abstract: There is provided a transmission apparatus including a terminal electrically connected to a terminal of another apparatus, a body information acquiring unit acquiring body information of a user holding the transmission apparatus, and a transmission unit operable, by carrying out load modulation in accordance with the terminal contacting or being positioned close to the terminal of the other apparatus, to transmit, via the terminal, information on which the body information acquired by the body information acquiring unit is superimposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Sony Corporation
  • Publication number: 20130200689
    Abstract: A load power monitoring apparatus and method use a power line communication apparatus and method. The power line communication apparatus is capable of performing power line communication through a simple circuit structure by loading a data signal on a current signal supplied over the power line. The power line communication apparatus includes a transmission unit configured to generate a data signal using the current signal, which is supplied through the power line, as a carrier wave, and to transmit the data signal through the power line, and a reception unit configured to receive the data signal, which is generated by the transmission unit, through the power line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
  • Publication number: 20130134774
    Abstract: A method for controlling electricity usage in at least one building through a jack device to a power consuming device includes passing electric power from a powerline and through the jack device to the power consuming device, sensing characteristics of electricity being consumed by the power consuming device using the jack device, sending messages from the jack device about the characteristics of the electricity being consumed, and receiving messages to control the passing of the electric power through the jack device to the power consuming device. The jack device may use a pulse based protocol in sending the messages and receiving the messages through the powerline.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: LIGHTWAVES SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: LIGHTWAVES SYSTEMS, INC.
  • Patent number: 8421614
    Abstract: A mechanism is provided for providing reliable redundant data communications. The mechanism issues a request for data to a set of powered elements using a set of secondary communication channels in response to a reduction in a level of communications being detected. The set of secondary communication channels comprises one or more alternating current power lines and the request is sent as data injected onto the alternating current power lines to the set of powered elements. The mechanism receives the data using the set of secondary communication channels from the set of powered elements, analyzes the data to determine a set of recovery actions to restore the level of communications, and issues the set of recovery actions to the set of powered elements using the set of secondary communication channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Brian James Cagno, John Charles Elliott, Kenny Nian Gan Qiu, Donald Scott Smith
  • Publication number: 20130026821
    Abstract: A device for connecting an energy-converting terminal to an electric power supply network and for exchanging data via the power supply network, a network connection for connecting to the power supply network, a communications unit for receiving and sending data over the power supply network, a logic unit for controlling the data exchange and for controlling or regulating the power of the energy-converting terminal, sensors and an associated signal processing unit for monitoring the energy-converting terminal, as well as a power section for controlling the energy flow to the energy-converting terminal are provided. The network connection, the communications unit, the logic unit, a sensor unit having sensors and the signal processing unit associated with the sensors and the power section are combined in an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). A corresponding method is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventors: Klaus-Michael Mayer, Friedrich Schoepf, Markus Brandstetter