Ac And Dc Sources Patents (Class 307/2)
  • Publication number: 20130026820
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an antenna apparatus comprises a leaky coaxial cable, an superposing circuit, a separation circuit, a terminator and an electrical apparatus. The superposing circuit configured to superpose a high frequency signal with a direct-current voltage and supply a transmission signal as the superposition result to the first end of the leaky coaxial cable. The separation circuit that is connected with the second end of the leaky coaxial cable and separates the high frequency signal and the direct-current voltage from the transmission signal transmitted through the leaky coaxial cable. The terminator configured to terminate the high frequency signal separated by the separation circuit. The electrical apparatus that is arranged nearby the second end of the leaky coaxial cable and is actuated by the direct-current voltage separated by the separation circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Katsumi Gocho, Hiroki Mochizuki
  • Publication number: 20120280563
    Abstract: Circuits, methods, and apparatus that may allow an electronic device to control a power adapter. One example may provide an electronic system where an electronic device may control a power adapter through a communication channel. Data transferred in the communication channel may include the temperature of the power adapter, the charging capability of the adapter, and other types of data. In one example, power and data may share the same two wires, and the power and data may be time-division multiplexed. That is, the two wires may convey power and data at different times. Another example may include circuitry to detect a connection between the electronic device and the power adapter. Once a connection is detected, power may be transferred from the power adapter to the electronic device. This power transfer may be interrupted on occasion to transfer data between the power adapter to the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Smith, Bryan R. Hinch, Tommee So
  • Publication number: 20120248863
    Abstract: A distributed power system including multiple DC power sources and multiple power modules. The power modules include inputs coupled respectively to the DC power sources and outputs coupled in series to form a serial string. An inverter is coupled to the serial string. The inverter converts power input from the serial string to output power. A signaling mechanism between the inverter and the power module is adapted for controlling operation of the power modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: SOLAREDGE TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
    Inventors: Meir Adest, Guy Sella, Lior Handelsman, Yoav Galin, Amir Fishelov, Meir Gazit, Yaron Binder, Nikolay Radimov
  • Patent number: 8266348
    Abstract: At least one aspect of the invention is directed to a communications adapter for coupling between a power adapter and a laptop computer. The communications adapter includes a first connector adapted to couple to the power adapter to receive DC power, and a second connector adapted to couple to a laptop computer. The communications adapter further includes a communications circuit constructed and arranged to receive signals from the laptop computer through the second connector and to provide signals to the laptop computer in response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: American Power Conversion Corporation
    Inventor: Himanshu Trivedi
  • Publication number: 20120181853
    Abstract: A system and method for the transport and distribution of both AC (alternating current) power and DC (direct current) power over wiring infrastructure normally used for distributing AC power only, for example, residential and/or commercial buildings' electrical wires is disclosed and taught. The system and method permits the combining of AC and DC power sources and the simultaneous distribution of the resulting power over the same wiring. At the utilization site a complementary device permits the separation of the DC power from the AC power and their reconstruction, for use in conventional AC-only and DC-only devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: ALLIANCE FOR SUSTAINABLE ENERGY, LLC
    Inventor: LUIGI GENTILE POLESE
  • Patent number: 8212380
    Abstract: A transformer accepts an AC voltage from an AC power source, transforms the AC voltage, and supplies the transformed AC voltage to first rectifying circuits. Similarly, another transformer accepts an AC voltage from an AC power source, transforms the AC voltage, and supplies the transformed AC voltage to second rectifying circuits. The first rectifying circuits convert the accepted AC voltage into a positive DC voltage, and the second rectifying circuits convert the accepted AC voltage to a negative DC voltage. The positive DC voltage and the negative DC voltage then are superimposed and outputted to a secondary side of a transformer in the AC circuits. The AC voltage outputted from the transformers in the AC circuits and the DC voltage formed by superimposing the positive and negative DC voltages outputted from the first and second rectifying circuits are further superimposed, and supplied to each developing section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Kyocera Mita Corporation
    Inventor: Masanori Okada
  • Patent number: 8204472
    Abstract: Systems and methods for communicating over a power line are configured to substantially simultaneously communicate over a plurality of wideband frequency ranges. Signals may be communicated two or from a communication node at two different frequencies simultaneously. These signals may be exchanged with different nodes and/or include independent data. In some embodiments, some of the wideband frequency ranges are above 30 MHz.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Juan Carlos Riveiro, Nils Haken Fouren, Jonathan Ephraim David Hurwitz
  • Patent number: 8188615
    Abstract: An integrated circuit is adapted to be selectively AC or DC coupled to an external device at a coupling point. The integrated circuit includes a first connector connected to the coupling point by way of a coupling capacitor for AC coupling, a second connector connected to the coupling point for DC coupling, and a switch to selectively short the first and second connectors and thereby the coupling capacitor, when the integrated circuit is DC coupled to the device. The switch may be a MOSFET bridge comprising a switch control MOSFET interconnected between the first and second connectors, with the switch control MOSFET receiving at its gate a mode status signal for turning on the switch control MOSFET and thereby shorting the MOSFET bridge when the integrated circuit is DC coupled to the external device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: ATI Technologies ULC
    Inventors: Yamin Du, Richard Fung, Pouya Ashtiani
  • Publication number: 20120097104
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure may provide a matching network for a physical vapor deposition system. The matching network may include an RF generator coupled to a first input of an impedance matching network, and a DC generator coupled a second input of the impedance matching network. The impedance matching network may be configured to receive an RF signal from the RF generator and a DC signal from the DC generator and cooperatively communicate both signals to a deposition chamber target through an output of the impedance matching network. The matching network may also include a filter disposed between the second input and the output of the impedance matching network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: COMET TECHNOLOGIES USA, INC.
    Inventors: John A. Pipitone, Gerald E. Boston
  • Patent number: 8154147
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling the delivery of power to a powered device in a Power over Ethernet Broad Reach (PoE-BR) application. Cabling power loss in a PoE-BR application is related to the resistance of the cable itself. A PHY can be designed to measure electrical characteristics (e.g., insertion loss, cross talk, length, etc.) of the Ethernet cable to enable determination of the cable resistance. The determined resistance in a broad reach cable can be used in increasing a power budget allocated to a power source equipment port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Wael William Diab, Nariman Yousefi, Kevin Clyde Brown
  • Patent number: 8148940
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-functional vehicle charger and the charging process of the same. The vehicle charger includes an enclosure defining the vehicle charger. The enclosure includes a USB port disposed thereon, a power plug corresponding to a vehicle power outlet on one end, and a wire connected with a power terminal at the other end. The power terminal, the USB port, and the power plug are connected to a charge monitor circuit. Thus the vehicle charger can be connected with various electrical appliances for charging by insertion of the power terminal on the wire into a socket of a Li-ion battery and by a connecting wire that connects the USB port to electric appliances with USB functionality. Thereby, power is supplied by various output ends when the vehicle charger is inserted into a power outlet in vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventor: Yun-Zhao Liu
  • Patent number: 8145181
    Abstract: An electric power transmission system for communications includes on/off switches; high-voltage power assemblies; groups of high-voltage devices each being powered by the high-voltage power assembly; a carrier waves communications network comprising a transformer and filter, a filter, and a carrier waves coupling device interconnecting the transformer and filter and the filter, wherein the transformer and filter includes a low-voltage power assembly for communications and the filter includes a high-voltage power assembly for communications; and low and high-voltage devices. Data can be communicated between the low-voltage devices, between the high-voltage devices, or between the low-voltage device and the high-voltage device by transmitting carrier waves over the AC power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Inventor: Ming-Wei Lu
  • Patent number: 8130084
    Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product are provided for communicating to a powered element in a rack system. A controller injects communication data onto power lines that provides power to a plurality of powered elements. The powered elements determine if the communication data transmitted via the power lines should be used for configuration using an address embedded within the communication data. The powered elements compare an embedded target address within the communication data to the address of the particular element. If there is a match between the addresses, the corresponding powered element processes the communication data to configure the powered element. As a result, data may be communicated over the power lines thereby eliminating the need for separate communication lines. Thus, the amount of cables required to interconnect the powered elements of the distributed data processing system may be reduced by eliminating the communication lines from the system configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Brian James Cagno, Kenny Nian Gan Qiu, Donald Scott Smith
  • Patent number: 8030795
    Abstract: Increased cable length Power over Ethernet (PoE) systems are provided. Embodiments can be designed for compliance with IEEE 802.3af, IEEE 802.3at, or legacy PoE standards. Embodiments include PSE and PD designs enabled for increased length PoE. Embodiments include example modifications of IEEE 802.3af PSE system rules, including example modifications of PSE port voltage ranges to support IEEE 802.3af compliant PDs across increased cable lengths. Embodiments include example modifications of IEEE 802.3af PD system rules, including example modifications of PD port voltage ranges to enable current IEEE compliant PSEs to support increased cable length PoE. Embodiments include PDs having increased voltage process and/or added voltage protection circuitry to support increased length PoE. Modifications of PSE system rules and PD system rules can be performed independently of each others, so that modified PSEs can be made to work with existing PDs, or vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Asif Hussain, Sesha Thalpasai Panguluri
  • Patent number: 8026627
    Abstract: A Powered Device (PD) in a Power Over Ethernet system that supports increased cable lengths of more than 100 m is provided herein. The proposed PD design requires no modifications at the PSE side. Embodiments include example modifications of IEEE 802.3af PD system rules, including example modifications of PD classification and port voltage ranges to enable increased cable length PoE.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Asif Hussain
  • Patent number: 7989976
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling the delivery of power to a powered device in a Power over Ethernet Broad Reach (PoE-BR) application. Cabling power loss in a PoE-BR application is related to the resistance of the cable itself. A PHY can be designed to measure electrical characteristics (e.g., insertion loss, cross talk, length, etc.) of the Ethernet cable to enable determination of the cable resistance. The determined resistance in a broad reach cable can be used in increasing a power budget allocated to a power source equipment port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Wael William Diab, Nariman Yousefi, Kevin Clyde Brown
  • Patent number: 7970374
    Abstract: Systems and methods for communicating over a power line are configured to substantially simultaneously communicate over a plurality of wideband frequency ranges. Signals may be communicated two or from a communication node at two different frequencies simultaneously. These signals may be exchanged with different nodes and/or include independent data. In some embodiments, some of the wideband frequency ranges are above 30 MHz.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Juan Carlos Riveiro, Nils Haken Fouren, Jonathan Ephraim David Hurwitz
  • Publication number: 20110140511
    Abstract: A method of operating a wind turbine includes energizing at least a portion of a power conversion assembly via an alternating current (AC) power source. The method also includes converting AC power to direct current (DC) power having a DC component and an AC component via the power conversion assembly. The method further includes transmitting the DC component and the AC component through a DC power transmission line. The method also includes separating the DC component from the AC component. The method further includes transmitting the AC component to at least one wind turbine electrical device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventor: Einar Vaughn Larsen
  • Patent number: 7932621
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process and apparatus for an integrated wind-solar energy system utilizing an existing wind turbine infrastructure. This invention utilizes unused vertical space of an existing wind turbine steel support tower, and does not use the restricted ground around the wind turbine farm. Additionally, this invention uses the same electrical infrastructure as used for the wind turbine system. This invention provides a significant cost savings over other approaches. The present invention relates to a wind turbine support tower mounted solar system to increase the net electrical output using the existing wind turbine electrical circuits and transmission grid connection. The wind turbine energy support tower mounted solar array, pointed due South, provides about 25 KW of electrical energy per tower either as a Direct Current (DC) feed, or through an Alternate Current (AC) feed matching the wind turbine generator output needs, or directly to the wind turbine tower step-up transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Inventor: James Patrick Spellman
  • Patent number: 7923855
    Abstract: The disclosure describes communication of information between a network interface device and subscriber devices over a power line. A UPS unit receives operating power from subscriber premises via a first power line and delivers operating power to the network interface device via a second power line. The network interface device transmits and receives information, such as voice, video and data, to and from the UPS unit via the second power line. The UPS unit receives the information transmitted by the network interface device via the second power line, and transmits the received information to subscriber devices within the premises via the first power line. The UPS unit receives information transmitted by subscriber devices via the first power line, and transmits the received information to the network interface device via the second power line. The first and second power lines each serve as both a power line and a communication medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Calix, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark R. Biegert
  • Patent number: 7899436
    Abstract: Systems and methods for communicating over a power line are configured to substantially simultaneously communicate over a plurality of wideband frequency ranges. Signals may be communicated two or from a communication node at two different frequencies simultaneously. These signals may be exchanged with different nodes and/or include independent data. In some embodiments, some of the wideband frequency ranges are above 30 MHz.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventors: Juan Carlos Riveiro, Nils Hakan Fouren, Jonathan Ephraim David Hurwitz
  • Patent number: 7888820
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a delocalized power generation system with computer controls and storage optimization capacity. A plurality of power generating systems is linked to a building along with a plurality of electrical storage means. By selectively charging and discharging the storage means and by selectively picking which electrical generating means one uses, the generation of power to the structure is maximized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Inventors: Jared A. Dunnmon, Avishek Panth
  • Patent number: 7851938
    Abstract: A midspan power sourcing equipment (PSE) for operation with power over Ethernet (PoE). The midspan PSE provides powering over wire pairs that are also used for data communication. To reduce costs by the midspan manufacturer, the midspans can be designed without the use of data transformers. Rather, midspans can include transmit/receive couplers that have blocking capacitors and divider trees for the insertion of power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Wael William Diab
  • Patent number: 7844365
    Abstract: A field-mounted process device with multiple isolated connections includes a connection that can be an input or an output. The given input or output can couple to multiple sensors or actuators, respectively. The process device can be wholly powered through its communication I/O port. The process device includes a controller adapted to measure one or more characteristics of sensors coupled to an input connection and to control actuators coupled to an output connection. The controller can be further adapted to execute a user generated control algorithm relating process input information with process output commands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Brewer, Eric D. Rotvold, Robert J. Karschnia, Marcos Peluso
  • Patent number: 7725096
    Abstract: Systems and methods for communicating over a power line are configured to substantially simultaneously communicate over a plurality of wideband frequency ranges. Signals may be communicated two or from a communication node at two different frequencies simultaneously. These signals may be exchanged with different nodes and/or include independent data. In some embodiments, some of the wideband frequency ranges are above 30 MHz.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Gigle Semiconductor SL
    Inventors: Juan Carlos Riveiro, Nils Hakan Fouren, Jonathan Ephraim David Hurwitz
  • Patent number: 7719130
    Abstract: In a DC power transmission and distribution line, a power cable line for making it possible to easily supply power to various electric power machines used for operation of the line is provided. A power cable line includes a power cable (1g, 1r, 1p, 1m, 1n) for executing DC transmission and distribution, an AC superposing section 2 for superposing an AC component on the power cable, and a branch power supply section 3 for taking out power induced by the superposed AC component from the cable. The AC component is superposed on the power cable by the AC superposing section 2 and AC power together with DC power is transmitted to the power cable. The superposed AC component is taken out by the branch power supply section 3 provided in a midway point of the cable and is supplied to various electric power machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayuki Hirose, Ryosuke Hata
  • Publication number: 20100085101
    Abstract: A receiving stage for a multi-stage signal modulated upon a supply voltage, including: a supply potential terminal and a ground potential terminal, a voltage divider and a low-pass filter, whose input is connected to the supply potential terminal and the ground potential terminal, and which has an output which is arranged to output the low-pass filter output signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventors: Thomas WALKER, Herman Jalli Ng
  • Publication number: 20100078992
    Abstract: In a particular embodiment, a power sourcing equipment (PSE) device includes at least one network port adapted to couple to a powered device to provide power and optionally data to the powered device via a network cable. The PSE device further includes a current limiter circuit coupled to the at least one network port and having an adjustable threshold. The PSE device also includes a logic circuit coupled to the current limiter circuit and adapted to reduce the adjustable threshold of the current limiter circuit to have a threshold level that is below a nominal operating current level. After a period of time has elapsed during which the current limiter circuit is not activated, the logic circuit is adapted to determine that the powered device is disconnected from the at least one network port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: Silicon Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: D. Matthew Landry, John Gammel
  • Patent number: 7667344
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for coupling communications signals to an underground medium-voltage power line includes a medium-voltage power line, a ground conductor, one or more ferrites, and a low-voltage communications line. The medium-voltage power line includes a center phase conductor and a concentric neutral conductor. The ground conductor couples the concentric neutral conductor to a ground connection. The one or more ferrites substantially surround at least a portion of the ground conductor. The low-voltage communications line includes a first conductor and a second conductor. The first conductor is coupled to the ground conductor between the one or more ferrites and the concentric neutral conductor. And the second conductor is coupled to the ground conductor between the one or more ferrites and the ground connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: International Broadband Electric Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent R. Zitting, Thomas R. Parker, III, William D. Hudson
  • Publication number: 20100026086
    Abstract: A two-wire communications system is disclosed. The disclosed communications system uses a distributed power line and a distributed common line to transmit messages. A power transistor is operated to transmit either a logical high or a logical low using the two signal lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Jerry Siegel, Mitchell Budnlak, Kerry S. Berland, Paul Berland, Rick Stellmacher, Phillippe Habib
  • Patent number: 7635965
    Abstract: A portable and integrated backup electric power supplies system, equipped with a battery. It comprises of an alternating current power supply, and a multifunction direct current power supply containing a variable voltage power supply, a dual polarity voltage power supply, a variable NIMH battery charger, a 12-volt lead-acid battery charger, and an automotive jumpstart system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Inventor: Andre Edward Hinckson
  • Patent number: 7633774
    Abstract: A power supply apparatus has a coupled transformer that inputs and outputs a communication signal and a capacitor that has high impedance to a commercial power supply frequency and low impedance to a communication signal frequency. The capacitor is connected between a primary winding of the coupled transformer and a power reception terminal. To both ends of the capacitor, a switching regulator is connected via a noise reduction circuit. To a secondary winding of the coupled transformer, a modem of a power line communication apparatus is connected. In the configuration, the coupled transformer and the switching regulator are thus connected in series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Fumio Ichihara
  • Publication number: 20090195065
    Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a first circuit and a plurality of first power supply lines for providing a first power to the first circuit. A first intra-chip clock interface generates a first clock signal on the first power supply lines. A plurality of second power supply lines are coupled to the plurality of first power supply lines and further couple a second power to the second circuit. A second intra-chip clock interface recovers the first clock signal from the second power supply lines. The second circuit operates based on the first clock signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Ahmadreza (Reza) Rofougaran
  • Publication number: 20090189442
    Abstract: Embodiments include systems and methods of powering data communications transmitter circuitry using current sinked from biasing circuitry used to bias a transmission line between the data communications transmitter circuitry and data communications receiver circuitry. In some embodiments, the current sinked from the biasing circuitry is sourced by a power supply configured to power the data communications receiver circuitry. The current sinked from the biasing circuitry is then re-used to power the data communications transmitter circuitry. The data communications transmitter circuitry can be operated using less power overall than the prior art by re-using the current first used to bias the transmission line to power the data communications transmitter circuitry. Various embodiments include HDMI transceivers, DVI transceivers, and DisplayPort transceivers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventor: Hongwu Chi
  • Publication number: 20090091182
    Abstract: A power supply unit selects one of drive power provided from an AC/DC conversion unit and that provided from a separation unit and outputs the selected drive power to a control unit and a transmission and reception unit continuously. If the AC/DC conversion unit and the separation unit both supply their respective drive powers, the drive power that has a higher voltage value, i.e., the first drive power, is selectively output. When the first drive power supplied is stopped, a diode transitions from the on state to the off state and a diode transitions from the off state to the on state. As a result the second drive power is selectively output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: KONICA MINOLTA BUSINESS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Takeshi TAMADA, Mikiyuki AOKI, Kenji TAMAKI, Masahiro ANAZAWA, Morio KINOSHITA
  • Publication number: 20090072151
    Abstract: A medical device with a high voltage connection line for carrying a high DC supply voltage has a control unit generating said high DC supply voltage which is fed through a first AC block unit to said high voltage connection line and generating a digital control signal fed through a first AC coupling unit to said high voltage connection line, and a remotely located unit a second AC block unit coupled to said high voltage connection line for receiving said high DC supply voltage and a second AC coupling unit coupled to said high voltage connection line for receiving said digital control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Nan Zhang, Volker Matschl, Niraj K. Doshi, Matthias J. Schmand
  • Patent number: 7504816
    Abstract: Multiple characteristics of a DC-DC converter, such as its mode of operation (e.g., either forced continuous conduction mode, or discontinuous conduction mode), and an operational parameter (such as the dead-time between switching times of the output switching devices (upper and lower MOSFETs) of the converter, whose associated driver integrated circuit has a pin usage that leaves only a single pin available for auxiliary purposes, are programmed by a single pin-based digital and analog information multiplexing circuit that couples both digital information and analog information within the same control signal to the driver IC by way of only the one available pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Intersil Americas Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Patrick Laur, Wei Dong, Mehul Dilip Shah
  • Patent number: 7493172
    Abstract: Methods of treating a medical condition of a patient include applying at least one stimulus to a target nerve within the patient with an implanted system control unit in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters. The target nerve may include any nerve originating in an upper cervical spine area of the patient or a branch of any nerve originating in the upper cervical spine area of the patient. Systems for treating a medical condition of a patient include a system control unit that is implanted within the patient and that is configured to apply at least one stimulus to the target nerve within the patient in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corp.
    Inventors: Todd K. Whitehurst, Kristen N. Jaax, Rafael Carbunaru
  • Publication number: 20080315682
    Abstract: A Powered Device (PD) in a Power Over Ethernet system that supports increased cable lengths of more than 100 m is provided herein. The proposed PD design requires no modifications at the PSE side. Embodiments include example modifications of IEEE 802.3af PD system rules, including example modifications of PD classification and port voltage ranges to enable increased cable length PoE.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventor: Asif Hussain
  • Publication number: 20080136256
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide a network device including an electronic load circuit coupled in parallel between a non-magnetic transformer and a physical layer (PHY) module. Data signals are received via a network connector, and the electronic load circuit is operable to provide DC termination of open-drain (DC common-mode control and current sourcing to) transmit drivers of a physical (PHY) layer module. A common-mode suppression (CMS) circuit can be coupled to positive and negative input signals to the PHY layer module. The CMS circuit is operable to block common-mode noise currents while passing differential mode data signal currents bi-directionally between the network connector and the PHY layer module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Amit Gattani
  • Patent number: 7352079
    Abstract: An electronic ballast for a lamp has a DC voltage connection; a switching unit having a supply voltage with the DC voltage connection being coupled thereto, and a first capacitor coupled between the supply voltage connection and a reference potential; an AC voltage connection, at which a voltage can be made available which has at least one AC component. The series circuit includes a first nonreactive resistor and a first diode, as a second nonreactive resistor coupled between the AC voltage connection and the supply voltage connection, a connection point between the first diode and the second nonreactive resistor, and a second capacitor coupled between the connection point and the reference potential. The first capacitor and the second nonreactive resistor are dimensioned such that the average voltage drop across the second nonreactive resistor is greater than or equal to the average voltage drop across the first capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Patent-Treuhand-Gesellscaft für Elektrische Glühlampen mbH
    Inventors: Markus Heckmann, Alfons Lechner, Thomas Siegmund
  • Publication number: 20070284941
    Abstract: The invention includes a method and an apparatus with several embodiments for cross-coupling DC power between the data and spare twisted-pairs in a Power over Ethernet (PoE) system. In one embodiment, power output by an endspan Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) on the Alternative-B twisted-pairs (the spare pairs) is DC-coupled to the Alternative-A twisted-pairs (the data pairs), while Ethernet data is AC-coupled straight through, thus allowing an Alt-B endspan PSE to be used in tandem with a midspan PSE to power a dual-load Powered Device (PD). In another embodiment, the transfer of power from Alt-B to Alt-A is performed inside a novel midspan PSE, thus allowing a dual-load PD to be fully powered by cascading two ports of said novel midspan PSE, rather than using an endspan PSE and a midspan PSE in tandem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Steven Andrew Robbins
  • Publication number: 20070278857
    Abstract: A method and apparatus with several embodiments for powering two Powered Devices (PD's) in a Power over Ethernet (PoE) system from a single computer network cable, where the cable is carrying power from both an endspan Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) and a midspan PSE. The apparatus is a special type of PD that resides in the middle of the link segment and is hence referred to as a “mid-link PD”. The mid-link PD utilizes power from one PSE and passes power from the other PSE along to another PD at the end of the link segment: This eliminates the need to install additional network cabling in order to power a second PD in a location where a first PD is already receiving power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventor: Steven Andrew Robbins
  • Patent number: 6604055
    Abstract: A system and method for AC line voltage analysis is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a system for AC line voltage analysis on an AC line includes a transformer that steps down the AC line voltage, a rectifier that rectifies the stepped down AC line current, a filter that filters the rectified AC line current, a voltage divider that reduces the AC line voltage; and an A/D converter that converts the reduced AC line voltage to digital bits. According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method for AC line voltage analysis of an AC line includes the steps of (1) calibrating equipment for measuring AC line voltage analysis, (2) adjusting for at least one load, (3) filtering an adjusted measurement; and (4) determining an actual line voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Henny Penny Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas A. Burkett, Tim A. Landwehr
  • Patent number: 5838073
    Abstract: A power supply line of a communications interface provides communication between two devices when one device is unable to utilize the communications interface in a standard manner. The power supply line is specified to operate within a first voltage range and normally operates at a first voltage within a second voltage range, the second voltage range being within the first voltage range. A voltage circuit changes the power supply line to a second voltage outside of the second voltage range but within the first voltage range. A voltage detecting circuit coupled to the power supply line asserts a signal indicating when the second voltage is present on the power supply line, thereby providing communication between the first device and the other device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Dell USA, L.P.
    Inventors: Farzad Khosrowpour, Erik Schuchmann
  • Patent number: 5153448
    Abstract: An information separation device that having a transformer operating as a separating filter to separate alternating voltage information and transmitted direct current power. The transformer has at least one winding on a first side coupled to the dc power. A capacitor is coupled to this winding, at whose ends direct current power is made available. The transformer has one winding on an information processing side. First and second valves are arranged in a transmitting branch parallel to the capacitor, the second winding being coupled at its first end between the first and second valves. Third and fourth valves are arranged in a branch parallel to the capacitor, the second winding being coupled in series at its first and second ends between the third and fourth valves in phase opposition to the first and second valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1992
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Hermann Zierhut
  • Patent number: 4837452
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for controlling an off-line dc power supply circuit including a printed circuit board. The power supply circuit comprises a source of unregulated dc input power and a power transformer which separates the circuit into a primary side and a secondary side. An error amplifier compares an output dc voltage generated at a secondary winding of the power transformer to a reference voltage to generate an error signal representative of the difference error therebetween. The error signal is coupled from the secondary side of the power supply circuit to the primary side of the power supply circuit by means of a capacitor formed from traces on opposite sides of the printed circuit board. A solid state switch selectively connects the unregulated dc input power to a primary winding of the power transformer to regulate the power supply circuit in the primary side of the circuit in response to the error signal which is generated in the secondary side of the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1989
    Assignee: Spectra-Physics, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald S. Peterson
  • Patent number: 4808200
    Abstract: An electrostatic precipitator is supplied with a d-c voltage of variable level upon which is superimposed a series of voltage pulses. For each voltage pulse, the difference between a positive current-time area and a negative current-time area beneath a current-voltage curve is determined and maximized by changing the pulse amplitude, pulse width, pulse repetition frequency and/or the rate of pulse rise. In addition, the d-c voltage is controlled to have a value at a point of maximum slope of the function of precipitator current with respect to the magnitude of the d-c voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1989
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Richard Dallhammer, Franz Neulinger, Walter Schmidt, Helmut Schummer
  • Patent number: 4731720
    Abstract: A high-voltage power source apparatus has a step-up transformer for producing a high-voltage output, a rectifier/smoothing circuit for rectifying and smoothing the high-voltage output from the transformer, and a control section including a constant current or voltage control circuit for changing the output magnitude at a predetermined frequency and for obtaining a constant load current or voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1988
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuyoshi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 4703190
    Abstract: A power supply system for a quadrupole mass spectrometer includes an RF (radio frequency) power source for generating RF voltages and a voltage divider functioning as a DC (direct current) voltage generating circuit. This voltage divider divides the RF voltages and then rectifies them so as to derive DC voltages while maintaining a proportional relationship to the RF voltages. Thereafter, the DC voltages are superimposed on the RF voltages. The resultant voltages are applied to the electrodes of the quadrupole mass spectrometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1987
    Assignee: Anelva Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Tamura, Katsuo Kitajima