Diverse Sources Patents (Class 307/25)
  • Patent number: 8446037
    Abstract: An energy storage means for a drilling rig has a source of power, an AC bus connected to the source of power, a DC bus, a load connected to the DC bus, a rectifier connected to the AC bus and to the DC bus for converting AC power from the source of power to DC power to the load, and an energy storage system connected to the DC bus. The energy storage system can be batteries, capacitors or combinations thereof. A diode is connected between the energy storage means and the DC bus so as to supply power to the load when the DC voltage is less than a DC source voltage. The energy storage system has a nominal voltage slightly lower than a voltage of a AC-to-DC conversion by the rectifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventor: Kevin R. Williams
  • Publication number: 20130099565
    Abstract: A modular power conversion system and power electronics enabling any power production device or entity to connect to any load or electrical grid including, but not limited to, electricity conversion between low level producer(s) such as a diesel or gas generator, Stirling engine, wind turbine or photovoltaic array, to a consumer such as a commercial or residential building, either directly or via the grid, is disclosed. The modular power conversion system including hardware and software power electronics designed as a modular power stage aggregating different power production entities, transmission systems, consumption and loads as well as energy storage is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Jason M. Sachs, Donald J. Lucas
  • Publication number: 20130062938
    Abstract: An apparatus including an alternator that is drivable by an engine for producing a first AC electric current, a rectifier in electrical communication with the alternator for producing a DC electric current, an inverter in electrical communication with the rectifier for producing a second AC electric current where the second AC electric current having an acceptable frequency and/or voltage, and the inverter in electrical communication with one or more electric loads responsive to the second AC electric current, and an energy storage device that is able to electrically couple to the alternator, rectifier, and/or inverter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: General Electric Company
  • Patent number: 8373302
    Abstract: A renewable power transmission overlay for generating electrical power of regional extent includes three types of generators for generating electrical power from wind, solar radiation and biomass, along with a plurality of region-wide transmission facilities with each region-wide transmission facility having at least one collection facility for collecting electric power from at least one of the generators for generating electrical power. Inter-regional transmission facilities are included which selectively couple the electric power generated by at least two of the types of electrical generators and at least one substation electrical facility is coupled to each of the collection facilities of the region-wide transmission facilities for downloading the electrical power generated to a local electrical transmission grid which, preferably, firms the electric power that is generated, transmitted and downloaded to the local electrical transmission grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventor: Allen L. Witters
  • Publication number: 20130009469
    Abstract: A hybrid energy system comprised of methods that work in conjunction with multiple kinetic energy turbine types, valves, solar power panels, piezoelectric devices and also element force. Hybrid energy powers electrical devices on site and extra power is also consigned off site. A network control system shunts surplus energy to the utility grid via above ground and underground cable. An on site power system charges a parked vehicle battery. A utility service vehicle is employed to deliver charged battery banks to on and off grid customers. A hybrid energy system integrates on rooftops, skyscrapers, bridges, tunnels, and aqueducts, as well as infrastructure on and off shore. A hybrid energy system integrates in various vehicle types and the power is managed accordingly by the vehicle control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventor: Carla R. Gillett
  • Patent number: 8330293
    Abstract: A charging system of the present invention is connectable to a power grid having a monitoring device. The monitoring device monitors the power delivered to a plurality of loads and determines a power factor and a power factor correction value associated with the loads. The power factor correction value indicates the difference between the power factor and unity. The charging system includes an electrical device, a charger in communication with the electrical device, a charging controller, a power factor correction circuit, a communication device, and a controller. The communication device of the charger receives a data signal from the monitoring device indicative of the power factor correction value associated with the plurality of loads. The power factor correction circuit is configured to communicate an input current to and from the power grid, which adjusts the power factor of the associated loads to about unity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: David Brown, Norman J. Weigert, Gery J. Kissel, George D. Bellino, David B. Ouwerkerk, Christopher P. Lawrence
  • Publication number: 20120292993
    Abstract: An energy scavenging power system and method may include an energy conversion system having at least one transducer configured to harvest energy, an energy management and storage system configured to store harvested energy; and a load regulation system configured to provide stored energy to power one or more low power-consumption loads. The energy management and storage system may include a start-up capacitor having a small capacitance to allow for quick charging and fast turn-on, a short term capacitor to provide energy to the load or loads once turned-on, and a long term capacitor having a large capacitance to provide for sustained energy delivery to the loads. The system also may include a common charging bus that receives energy from each transducer, conditioned if necessary, and which then determines the capacitor to which the energy should be delivered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: AMERICAN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Cory J. Mettler, Chris A. Mouw, Scott J. Perlenfein, Jesse L. VanOverbeke, Ali Manesh
  • Patent number: 8295988
    Abstract: Voltage of a utility grid is reliably and swiftly restored, which decreased due to a utility grid failure or the like, to reference voltage. A generator is connected to a utility grid. A voltage detecting section detects voltage of a utility grid. A control section determines reactive current corresponding to the voltage obtained from the voltage detecting section based on voltage current correlation information in which the voltage of the utility grid and the reactive current to be supplied to the utility grid are correlated with each other. An electric power converting section regulates the reactive current to be supplied to or absorbed from the utility grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Akira Yasugi
  • Patent number: 8269370
    Abstract: A controller (10) includes subtracters (101, 105), a command value corrector (103), and a control block (102). The subtracter (101) obtains a deviation (?v0) of an output voltage (v0) applied from a switching power-supply circuit (61) to a second load (Cdc+Load) with respect to its command value (v0*). The control block (102) performs PI control on the basis of the deviation (?v0) to generate a command value (idc*) for a current (idc) flowing in a coil (Ldc). The command value corrector (103) corrects the command value (idc*) such that high-frequency components of a current (iL) flowing in a first power-supply line (21), with respect to the fundamental frequency of an input current (iu1, iv1, iw1), are consumed in the switching power-supply circuit (61). The subtracter (105) obtains a deviation (?idc) between the corrected command value (idc*) and the current (idc). Commands (r1, r2) for switches are generated on the basis of the deviation (?idc).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hitoshi Haga
  • Patent number: 8263276
    Abstract: A method for starting up a fuel cell arrangement includes receiving a first electrical signal from an alternative power source. At least a portion of the first electrical signal is provided to a balance of plant (BOP) load, where the BOP load is in electrical communication with a fuel cell system. It is determined whether a startup threshold of the fuel cell system is met. If the startup threshold is met, a second electrical signal is provided from the fuel cell system to the BOP load, where a combination of the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal corresponds to a load demand of the BOP load. A value of the second electrical signal is increased and a value of the first electrical signal is decreased until the load demand of the BOP load is met by the fuel cell system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Bloom Energy Corporation
    Inventors: Ranganathan Gurunathan, Srinivasan Vijay Sarathy, Ramesh Srinivasan
  • Patent number: 8253271
    Abstract: A power supply system is disclosed. The system comprises an AC power source from a power grid and a DC power source from an alternative power generation system. The alternative power generation system may comprise one or a plurality of solar systems. The system may also comprise one or a plurality of wind turbines. The AC power generated by a generator of the turbine is converted into the DC power by a device comprising a rectifier. There are two groups of electrical appliances connected to the system. The first group receives the AC power only and the second group receives the AC and/or the DC power supplies. The power supply system provides a means of supplying the electrical appliances the DC power with the higher priority and therefore minimizes power consumption from the power grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventor: Yang Pan
  • Patent number: 8234189
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for charging or billing for access to wireless power. The device requiring power communicates with the power provider and the billing method is determined. A consumer may be required to provide billing information, or if the billing information is already associated with an existing account, the consumer account is automatically charged for the wireless power. The account may include prepaid charging minutes that are debited as wireless power is provided, or the account may be billed for the wireless power that is provided. The charging/billing for the wireless power may be used to receive value for the power that is provided, while remaining consumer friendly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: Joshua B. Taylor, David W. Baarman, Scott A. Mollema
  • Patent number: 8217626
    Abstract: The present relates to a system and method for dynamic power management of a mobile device. The mobile device has a plurality of loads and a battery charger electrically connected to a voltage rail. The method comprises monitoring the plurality of loads to determine when at least one of the loads will become active or inactive, determining a minimum required output voltage level to be provided by the voltage converter based on active loads and the at least one load that will become active or inactive and device operation; and adjusting an input voltage level via the voltage converter to provide the minimum required output voltage level on the voltage rail in advance of the at least one load becoming active or after the at least one load becomes inactive. The method further monitors the input voltage level, and determines whether the input voltage level is below a first predetermine threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Lyall Winger, Dusan Veselic, Martin Guthrie
  • Patent number: 8212389
    Abstract: A capacitor 16 is charged by turning on a switching element 12, and when a relay 18 is operated, by turning off the switching element 12 and turning on a switching element 13, a constant-voltage power supply 11 and the capacitor 16 are series-connected, and a switching element 14 is turned on to cause the series circuit of the constant-voltage power supply 11 and the capacitor 16 to be connected to a relay coil 20, so that the voltage resulting from addition of the output voltage of the constant-voltage power supply 11 and the charging voltage of the capacitor 16 is supplied to the relay coil 20, whereby causing the relay 18 to be turned on, after which the capacitor 16 is gradually discharged by means of the relay coil 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Naohisa Morimoto
  • Patent number: 8207628
    Abstract: A power converter that gives priority to the high power output and only provides power to the low power output when the total potential output power is equal to or less than the rated power of the power converter. A specific power threshold is established, and when the high power output remains below this threshold for a period of time the low power output is allowed to turn on. If the high power output subsequently exceeds this threshold for a period of time, then an electronic circuit powers down the low power output in order to keep the total output power below the rated power of the power converter. Subsequently, the high power output is checked against the threshold to determine if the low power output can be turned on again. If the high power output is below the threshold, then the low power output is turned on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Igo, Inc.
    Inventors: Garry DuBose, Ann Briggs
  • Patent number: 8205109
    Abstract: The present invention includes a plurality of disk units for storing data from a host computer, a plurality of power supply apparatuses for supplying DC power to each of the disk units via main power supply wirings, and a redundant power supply apparatus for generating, with any one of the disk units among the plurality of disk units as a load, DC power to the load. As auxiliary power supply wirings for guiding the output of the redundant power supply apparatus to each of the disk units, a common power supply wiring that is common to each of the power supply apparatuses, a plurality of branch power supply wirings branching from the common power supply wiring and connected to each of the disk units, and a redundant power supply wiring for connecting the redundant power supply apparatus and the common power supply wiring are wired to a backboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventor: Masahiro Sone
  • Publication number: 20120150361
    Abstract: A renewable energy resource management system manages a delivery of a power requirement from a multi-resource offshore renewable energy installation to an intelligent power distribution network. The installation includes multiple renewable energy resource components and is capable of variably and independently generating power from each to microgrids comprising the intelligent power distribution network so that the entire power requirement is satisfied from renewable energy resources. An electricity grid infrastructure is also disclosed in which power production is balanced with power consumption so that power storage requirements are minimized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventor: SPYROS J. LAZARIS
  • Patent number: 8179094
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a device and method for improved battery learn cycles for battery backup units within data storage devices. The backup unit includes a first battery pack, a corresponding charge capacity gauge, one or more second battery packs, a corresponding charge capacity gauge, and a controller switch configured to select only one battery pack for a learn cycle at any given time. The charge capacity gauges are such that, at the end of the learn cycle discharge phase, the depth of discharge of the learn cycle battery pack is such that the charge capacity of the learn cycle battery pack combined with the full charge capacity of the remaining battery packs is sufficient for the device cached data to be off-loaded to a physical data storage device, and the data storage device does not have to switch from a write-back cache mode to a write-through cache mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: LSI Corporation
    Inventors: Lakshmana Anupindi, Brian Skinner
  • Publication number: 20120085612
    Abstract: Designs introduced to three sectors that relate to the distribution network and support structures for delivering energy and utilities services to buildings, distributed renewable energy generation and its supply to electrical vehicles, and public transportation including roadway services and mass transportation infrastructure, including the application of aerially supported utilities whereby the implementation and distribution of utility and municipal services are now integrated with the objective of a more efficient installation, maintenance and operation. Disclosed is an aerial modular support system that can accommodate all categories of utility services whether handling fluids, solids, energy or digital signals. An electrified roadway power distribution for vehicles, an electrified train in a semi-continuous tunnel and a solar energy collector used to provide electricity and to protect roadways are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventor: Frédérick Churchill
  • Publication number: 20120080944
    Abstract: A power management system for a lighting circuit may include a grid shifting controller that includes a processor and a connection to an external power source. The power management system may also include a communication interface associated with the grid shifting controller. The grid shifting controller may be configured to provide control information to a processor of at least one grid shifting electrical fixture over the communication interface, the control information being configured to direct the at least one grid shifting electrical fixture on the use of power from the external power source and an energy storage device associated with the at least one grid shifting electrical fixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventors: Michael V. Recker, David B. Levine
  • Publication number: 20120007425
    Abstract: An electric power generating system (EPGS) includes a generator configured to power a direct current (DC) load via a power distribution module. The power distribution module includes a solid state power converter (SSPC). A decoupling filter is connected between the generator and the power distribution module. The decoupling filter includes an inductor connected in parallel with a resistor and a solid state switch, the resistor and solid state switch being connected in series. During current limiting conditions in the SSPC, the solid state switch of the decoupling filter is configured to be open, and during the absence of current limiting conditions in the SSPC, the solid state switch of the decoupling filter is configured to be closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gregory I. Rozman, Steven J. Moss
  • Patent number: 8093748
    Abstract: The Universal Power Inlet System, or UPIS, is a method of providing universal attachment of 3 different types of electrical power systems into the input circuitry of a Power Distribution Unit, or PDU. This method allows use of either fixed or detachable power cord options permitting the PDU to be powered by any of the following types of electrical power sources: 3-Phase Delta, 3-Phase Star (or Wye) and Single-Phase. This method also describes a way to uniquely identify the specific power system the mentioned PDU is currently attached to. The method also optionally allows derivation of supplementary information about the electrical power system such as current capacity, or ampacity, of the power cord being used. All this information can be used for capacity monitoring and reporting as well as protection of PDU circuitry and power cords.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Avocent Huntsville Corporation
    Inventor: Carlos E. Martins
  • Publication number: 20110304204
    Abstract: A system to collect energy from generation systems such as, for example, wind farms or solar farms with distributed energy-generation equipment. The energy is collected and transmitted to a feed-in site. At the feed-in site, static inverters alone or in combination with pulse width modulation inverters may be used to feed the energy to a power grid. In some other cases, back-to-back static inverters create a high-voltage direct current to feed a transmission line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: TIGO ENERGY, INC.
    Inventors: Mordechay Avrutsky, Dan Kikinis
  • Publication number: 20110302858
    Abstract: A road, wall or structure for energy generation and conservation utilizing automated 3-Dimensional formless Nano, Micro and Macro-fabrication layering. Composition, material and geometric layouts dynamically changed over the volume of the part, based on 3-D CAD data. The applicator head applies successive layers to achieve the desired shape, geometry, strength, transparency, thickness, width, texture, porosity, electrical, magnetic and thermal properties base on the 3-D CAD data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventor: Bradley Duane Siewert
  • Patent number: 8008800
    Abstract: An agricultural vehicle including a plurality of engines, a plurality of loads, a plurality of electrical generators, at least one load sensor, at least one electrical energy storage device, and a controller. The plurality of engines include a first engine and a second engine. The plurality of loads include a first mechanical load, a second mechanical load, a first electrical load, and a second electrical load. The first mechanical load is coupled to the first engine and the second mechanical load is coupled to the second engine. The plurality of electrical generator include a first generator and a second generator. The first generator is coupled to the first engine and the second generator is coupled to the second engine. The first generator is electrically coupled to the first electrical load and the second generator is electrically coupled to the second electrical load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Ryan P. Mackin, Alan D. Sheidler
  • Patent number: 8006132
    Abstract: The present invention includes a plurality of disk units for storing data from a host computer, a plurality of power supply apparatuses for supplying DC power to each of the disk units via main power supply wirings, and a redundant power supply apparatus for generating, with any one of the disk units among the plurality of disk units as a load, DC power to the load. As auxiliary power supply wirings for guiding the output of the redundant power supply apparatus to each of the disk units, a common power supply wiring that is common to each of the power supply apparatuses, a plurality of branch power supply wirings branching from the common power supply wiring and connected to each of the disk units, and a redundant power supply wiring for connecting the redundant power supply apparatus and the common power supply wiring are wired to a backboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventor: Masahiro Sone
  • Patent number: 7999410
    Abstract: The power conversion system allows for multiple segregated and ground independent power sources to provide redundant power to modules within an electronics equipment cabinet with increased reliability and reduced sensitivity to common fault propagation. The power conversion system provides power conditioning modules having independent supply rails that supply power to each module within an electronics equipment cabinet. FET and diode solid-state control and driver logic enable each individual supply rail. Efficient power distribution is facilitated by primary and hot-backup operation of one or more power conditioning modules. Power conversion is facilitated by one or more input supply power feeds and one or more converter stages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Smiths Aerospace LLC
    Inventors: David B. Hartung, Brian G. Krug
  • Publication number: 20110175444
    Abstract: A remote station may be constructed such that components or the station arc placed upon a skid and transported to a remote site. When deposited at the remote site, the remote station may cause a minimal disturbance on the ground while providing the necessary remote services, such as power and communications, because the skid may simply rest upon the ground, and the components rest atop the skid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Yuki Yunes, Yuji Yunes, Brett Haslem, Michael Cochran
  • Publication number: 20110148196
    Abstract: An energy management system includes at least one distributed energy source for producing energy, the distributed energy source in electrical communication with at least one consumer device to be powered by electric power, and in electrical communication with an electric utility. The device also includes a CPU in communication with the at least one distributed energy source, the CPU operable to control the flow of energy produced by the at least one distributed energy source. The CPU manipulates the flow of energy to provide efficient usage of the energy based on information from the at least one consumer and the electric utility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventor: Kevin James WILLIAMS
  • Publication number: 20110148195
    Abstract: An energy storage system and a method of controlling the same is provided. The energy storage system may directly provide generated DC power or DC power stored in a battery to a DC load without performing a DC/AC conversion or an AC/DC conversion. Furthermore, in the case where a grid operates abnormally (e.g. power interruption) and the energy storage system functions as an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), power stored in a battery may be selectively provided to loads according to power remaining in a battery, and thus stored power may be used stably.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: SAMSUNG SDI CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Eun-Ra Lee
  • Publication number: 20110140520
    Abstract: A grid-connected energy storage system and a method of controlling the energy storage system. In the energy storage system, a normal operation of the energy storage system and the UPS function due to electrical failure may be stably performed even if electrical failure occurs. The energy storage system includes: a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) converter outputting converted power to a first node; a battery storing power; a bi-directional inverter converting power and outputting the converted power to the load, the grid or the first node; a bi-directional converter converting and storing power in the battery and outputting the power stored in the battery to the first node; and an integrated controller controlling the MPPT converter, the bi-directional inverter and the bi-directional converter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventor: Sung-Im Lee
  • Patent number: 7962769
    Abstract: In a method for balancing renewable power usage and workload performance in a room having cooling system components and electronic components, power is supplied to either or both of at least one cooling system component and at least one electronic component from a renewable power source. In addition, power is supplied to either or both of the at least one cooling system component and the at least one electronic component from a nonrenewable power source. The power supplied from at least one of the renewable power source and the nonrenewable power source to balance power usage and workload performance between the at least one cooling system component and the at least one electronic component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Chandrakant Patel, Ratnesh Kumar Sharma
  • Publication number: 20110089760
    Abstract: According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the system for managing a power system with a plurality of power components that includes power source components and power consumption components includes a central power bus, a plurality of adaptable connectors that each electrically couple to a power component and to the central power bus, and a control processor that receives the state of each power component from the respective adaptable connector and is configured to balance the voltage and current output from each power source component to provide a desired power to a power consumption component based on the received states.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventors: Jim Michael Castelaz, Jessica Riley, Steven Diamond, Sam Chang, Vishal Parikh, Benson Tsai
  • Publication number: 20110089759
    Abstract: A power supply system is disclosed. The system comprises an AC power source from a power grid and a DC power source from an alternative power generation system. The alternative power generation system may comprise one or a plurality of solar systems. The system may also comprise one or a plurality of wind turbines. The AC power generated by a generator of the turbine is converted into the DC power by a device comprising a rectifier. There are two groups of electrical appliances connected to the system. The first group receives the AC power only and the second group receives the AC and/or the DC power supplies. The power supply system provides a means of supplying the electrical appliances the DC power with the higher priority and therefore minimizes power consumption from the power grid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventor: Yang Pan
  • Patent number: 7911081
    Abstract: In embodiment, a power supply system is configured to use a linear regulator to form a regulated voltage during a standby mode and to use the regulated voltage to form another regulated voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Semiconductor Components Industries, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Nicolas Cyr
  • Publication number: 20110006600
    Abstract: A system for, and method of, combining the outputs of multiple, disparate types of power sources and an isolated converter module employed in the same. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) a plurality of isolated converter modules having power inputs couplable to corresponding disparate types of power sources and a DC-output converter configured to convert power received from at least one of the power sources to DC power and (2) a DC bus coupled to power outputs of the plurality of isolated converter modules and configured to receive and aggregate the DC power. With such system, a universal converter module can be employed to identify and convert power from a variety of conventional and renewable power sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: Lineage Power Corporation
    Inventors: Edward C. Fontana, Paul Smith
  • Publication number: 20100259043
    Abstract: To harness the power generated by the fitness machines as a result of work expanded by human operators, the health equipment facility includes an On-Site Energy Generation, Storage and Distribution (GSD) module that serves as a medium between the local facility power distribution system and an external power grid. In general, the GSD module includes hardware, firmware and/or software for converting the mechanical energy generated by one or more fitness machines to electrical power, as well as computer executable instructions for allocating the electrical power between the local distribution system and an external power grid, or storing the generated power for future use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2009
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventor: Joseph S. Balsamo
  • Patent number: 7781907
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus, includes: a first rectifying circuit that is connected with an external commercial power supply and rectifies an alternating-current input; a first low-voltage power supply circuit that generates low voltages from a rectified power for power supply to respective parts of the apparatus; a first connector that is connected with the first rectifying circuit and is for outputting a power rectified by the first rectifying circuit; and a second connector that is connected with the first low-voltage power supply circuit and is for taking in a rectified power, wherein the apparatus is singly usable and optionally usable by being connected with an image reading apparatus, and the apparatus forms an electrostatic latent image, forms a toner image by developing the electrostatic latent image with toner, and fixes the toner image onto a transfer sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Aiba
  • Patent number: 7750501
    Abstract: A system and method for preventing over voltages in a power system coupled to an electric machine are disclosed. Briefly described, one embodiment is a method comprising detecting an operating voltage on a high voltage direct current (HVDC) bus, determining if at least one component of the power system is operational, communicating a signal to a power converter of the power system when the detected operating voltage is greater than a threshold voltage and when the component is not operational, and shorting together a plurality of terminals of the electric machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems US, Inc.
    Inventor: Fengtai Huang
  • Patent number: 7752145
    Abstract: A system and method provide emergency back-up power for communications, security and other systems of an electric power consumer, and for peak-shifting of the electrical load so that electricity is generated and stored when demand is low, and the stored power is used when demand is high. Embodiments include providing an electric power management device having a battery and a communication system at the premises of a consumer of electricity, and connecting the power management device to an electric power provider. The battery is charged at an off-peak time when a demand for electricity is low, as determined by the electric power provider; and discharged to provide electricity to the consumer at a time when the demand for electricity is high, as determined by the electric power provider. The charging and discharging is controlled by the electric power provider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Kurt Kelty
  • Publication number: 20100102626
    Abstract: The power supply system includes a generator, a transformer circuit, and a battery. The generator generates electric power of a first voltage. The transformer circuit boosts the electric power of the first voltage to a second voltage. The battery is connected, via the transformer circuit, to the generator and stores electric power of the second voltage obtained by the boosting by the transformer circuit. At least one of actuators is connected on the generator side of the transformer circuit, so as to be supplied with the electric power of the first voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takeshi Tachibana, Hiroyoshi Ito
  • Patent number: 7642620
    Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a semiconductor apparatus for solving a trade-off between the area, power consumption, noise and accuracy of correction of a variation correction circuit that corrects variations in resistance and threshold voltage, etc. The present invention comprises a multi-value voltage generation circuit shared by a plurality of reading circuits, a multi-value voltage bus that supplies multi-value voltages to the reading circuits and switches that select a voltage suited to variation correction from multi-value voltages, wherein the multi-value voltages are distributed from the multi-value voltage generation circuit to the plurality of reading circuits, the switches select an optimum voltage for correction in the respective reading circuits to thereby correct variations in the elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Akio Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7626283
    Abstract: An alternative power source provides alternating current (AC) through a proper connector into a first outlet of a pre-existing electrical distribution system which is normally powered by an alternating current electrical power supply through main breakers and a breaker box. At least one of the breakers which controls power from the normal AC electrical power supply on the electrical distribution system is opened prior to connecting the alternative power supply. The alternative power supply provides electricity through the proper connector into the first outlet, or node, to provide alternating current to a selected portion of the electrical distribution system, and possibly to both halves of the pre-existing electrical distribution system if the proper connector is connected to a 240 volt outlet, or if two proper connectors are utilized and connected to first and second outlets with the first and second outlets on each of the two phase (power) wires of the pre-existing electrical distribution system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Inventors: William E. Baucum, Jr., William E. Baucum, III
  • Patent number: 7498689
    Abstract: A power supply device for vehicles is disclosed, which device includes a backup unit to the power supply as an auxiliary power supply employing a capacitor unit formed of plural capacitors. The auxiliary power supply includes a power supply section allowing the capacitor unit to power an electronic controller, and a compulsory operating section for operating the power supply section. An operating status of the power supply section is monitored even when a battery operates normally, so that the power supply device for vehicles with higher reliability and improved safety is obtainable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Yosuke Mitani, Toshihiko Ohashi
  • Publication number: 20080258557
    Abstract: A loadcenter supplies power to a non-critical load, a critical load and an ultra-critical load, and is capable of isolating a first distribution panel distributing power to the non-critical load from a second distribution panel distributing power to the critical load to enable the isolated distribution panels to be supplied with power from separate generator power sources in response to power supplied by a utility power source to both distribution panels becoming unacceptable. A third distribution panel distributes power to the ultra-critical load and is selectively supplied with alternating current (AC) power from either the second distribution panel, when the second distribution panel has AC power, or from AC power generated from direct current (DC) power stored in a battery when the second distribution panel lacks AC power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Todd M. Lathrop, Jonathan A. Wehrli
  • Publication number: 20080122289
    Abstract: A power control system and related methods are disclosed herein to allow convenient distribution of a variety of different power sources to various electrical systems under test. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a modular power control system includes a multipin power input connector adapted to receive a plurality of supplied power types associated with corresponding pins of the power input connector. A plurality of multipin power output connectors are provided. The supplied power types are associated with corresponding pins of the power output connectors. A plurality of power distribution modules associated with the power output connectors are provided. Each module is adapted to selectively route a selected one of the supplied power types received by a pin of the input connector to a corresponding pin of its associated power output connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventors: David Mark Best, John A. Hansen, David R. Jones, Artoush Safarli, Jimmie L. Thomas, Neill P. Smith
  • Patent number: 7170194
    Abstract: A system for supplying additional power to a module having an internal power supply, the system comprising: a module having an associated power supply, the power supply not being designed to accommodate power sharing; at least one load associated with the module, the load receiving power from the power supply; a variable current limited power source connected to the module supplying additional power to the at least one load; and a controller; whereby the variable current limited power supply is responsive to an output of the controller to vary the current limit of the variable current limited power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: PowerDsine, Ltd.
    Inventors: Dror Korcharz, Yair Darshan, Ilan Atias, David Pincu
  • Patent number: 7151326
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrical system and method for providing power to a truck's cab while the truck's engine is turned off. An already available primary power supply of the truck and a secondary power supply generally located on a trailer being hauled by the truck, are used to charge auxiliary power storage units. The secondary power supply is further used to maintain charge of the auxiliary power storage units while the truck's engine is off. The system may provide power to electrical devices within the truck as DC, or as AC by means of an inverter. The system may further include thermostatic controls to protect the secondary power supply when high-voltage electrical devices such as space heaters are being used. Separate operating circuits are employed that include switching means to enable an operator to, or to automatically, control operation of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Idle Free Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Robert Howard Jordan
  • Patent number: 7095138
    Abstract: A controller is disclosed for determining that the currents from the two AC power sources are correctly phased. Required circuitry can be disposed within a housing from which extend power cables having single phase 240V AC, 50 A male connector plugs connected at remote ends. Prongs in each of plugs can be arranged so that the plugs are connectable to a 240V, single phase AC source. A power cable, having a connector at a remote end, can also extend from the housing. The power cable connector can be connected to an AC power supply. The power cable connector supply a power transformer with single phase AC power at 240V and 100 A. The circuitry can assure that the phases and voltages of the two AC sources driving the connectors are properly connected to the connectors to enable the cable to supply the power cable connector with single phase AC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Inventor: Jacques Brunier
  • Patent number: 7015596
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for displaying electronic devices operable when electrical power is supplied to them at respective operating voltages through respective power connectors. The system has a power supply providing input electrical current at a first voltage and cable structures each connected with the power supply and having a respective power connector electrically connecting with the power receiving structure of one of the electronic devices. The cable structures each include a voltage regulator system that receives the input electrical current, converts it to an output electrical current at an output voltage, and transmits it to the power connector, so as to transmit an operating electrical current to the associated electronic device. The voltage regulator system sets the output voltage of the output electrical current such that the operating electrical current delivered to the associated electronic device has a voltage that corresponds to the operating voltage of that device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Inventor: Opher Pail