Anticoupling Of Load Circuits Through Same Source Patents (Class 307/30)
  • Patent number: 10427989
    Abstract: A coated seed comprises a seed and a coating at least partially surrounding the seed. The coating comprises a fungicide, a micronutrient metal, and a chelating agent, the fungicide comprising copper (II) hydroxide, wherein the amount of copper (II) hydroxide is from about 0.05 mg/seed to about 0.21 mg/seed. A method for applying a seed treatment to a seed or a population of seeds comprises distributing on the surface of the seed or the population of seeds a seed treatment formulation comprising a fungicide, a micronutrient metal, and a chelating agent. The fungicide comprises copper (II) hydroxide in an amount ranging from about 2 wt. % to about 20 wt. % of the total seed treatment formulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Germain Seed Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale Allan Krolikowski, David Cross, Eugenia Tang
  • Patent number: 10277030
    Abstract: According to one aspect, embodiments of the invention provide a PDU comprising an input configured to receive 3-phase power from a power source, a plurality of phase lines, each phase line configured to carry one phase of the 3-phase power, at least one outlet, at least one switch circuit configured to selectively couple the at least one outlet to the plurality of phase lines, a data connection, and a controller, wherein the controller is configured to monitor current from the plurality of phase lines to the at least one outlet, receive, via the data connection, phase loading information related to 3-phase power of at least one external device coupled to the power source, and operate the at least one switch circuit to selectively couple the at least one outlet to at least one of the plurality of phase lines based on the current and the received phase loading information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ross Everett Dozier, Michael Kenneth Schmidt
  • Patent number: 10027247
    Abstract: The invention relates to an inverter with at least one DC input for connecting to an energy producing device and/or an energy store and with a multiphase AC output for connecting to a local energy distribution network, which is coupled to a likewise multiphase master energy supply network via a switching device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: SMA Solar Technology
    Inventors: Claus Allert, Thorsten Buleo, Markus Hopf
  • Patent number: 9905985
    Abstract: A power distribution box assembly may include a housing, a circuit board disposed in the housing, a plurality of electrical components attached to the circuit board, and/or a plurality of electrical traces attached to the circuit board and configured for electrically connecting the plurality of electrical components to at least one of another electrical component of the plurality of electrical components and an electronic control unit. A power distribution box assembly may include a wiring harness connector connected to the housing. In embodiments, a wiring harness connector may include a connector housing and a plurality of connector terminals that may be configured for electrical connection with the plurality of electrical components. A plurality of electrical components may be disposed relative to the circuit board in a manner that minimizes at least one of a number, a length, and a volume of the electrical traces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Darr, Peter Kowtun, Dennis Pajtas, Bruce Pierik, Kent Nelson, Steven Gawron
  • Patent number: 9548610
    Abstract: A control method for multi-converter systems wherein all DC/AC converters (1.1-1.n) are connected to a single transformer (2) via a single primary winding. The method of the present invention stands out mainly because it controls the common-mode voltage generated by the different DC/AC converters (1.1-1.n) so that said voltage falls mainly on the transformer (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: INGETEAM POWER TECHNOLOGY, S.A.
    Inventors: Julián Balda Belzunegui, Carlos Gironés Remírez
  • Patent number: 9379636
    Abstract: A method for generating current pulses and a current generator having a plurality of secondary stages. Each secondary stage has a DC voltage source and a switching circuit having four switches, connected together so as to form a line. One secondary stage being designated as a regulator stage has a regulator circuit having a smoothing inductor, a switch arranged between a terminal of the smoothing inductor and the DC voltage source, and a circuit for connecting the terminal of the smoothing inductor to the switching circuit when the switch of the regulator circuit is in a locked state. A control circuit of the current generator controls the switches of the switching circuits and the switch of the regulator circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: GEO27 S.àr.l.
    Inventor: Fabrice Cubaines
  • Patent number: 9318951
    Abstract: A DC-DC converter 4 accumulates power generated by a power source in a power storage element, converts power from an input into a predetermined voltage to supply the predetermined voltage to a load connected to an output, and is activated to start power feeding when an input voltage exceeds Vd1. A power source control section 8 is connected to the output of the converter 4 to obtain power to operate, and controls the power supply to the load while changing an operation mode according to the power source energy. The section 8 is activated by the start of the power supply by the converter to operate in a low power-consumption mode with only the detected power source energy monitor, and starts the power supply to the load when the energy exceeds a level in which the input voltage becomes equal to Vd2 higher than Vd1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC ENGINEERING COMPANY, LIMITED
    Inventors: Yujiro Shirahata, Hiromori Nomura, Keiji Shibata
  • Patent number: 9160173
    Abstract: The invention is a high efficiency single-phase or poly-phase DC-to-AC power converter apparatus and power conversion method which includes a line filter inductor or line filter inductors to integrate or filter pulse modulated waveforms into substantially sinusoidal waveforms wherein (i) the line filter inductor or inductors have inductance values that swing substantially from zero current to peak rated current and (ii) a pulse width modulation technique is used that varies both pulse width modulation duty cycles and periods as a function of the predicted instantaneous line filter inductance and the predicted di/dt across the line filter inductor or inductors in order to minimize power converter switching losses while maintaining AC power quality. With the invention, substantial CEC power conversion efficiency enhancements should be achievable and with an overall reduction in power converter parts cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: RENEWABLE POWER CONVERSION, INC.
    Inventor: Richard Travis West
  • Patent number: 9030043
    Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of avoiding that wind turbine voltage levels within a wind power plant do not exceed predetermined overvoltage and/or undervoltage protection levels. In particular, the present invention relates to shifting of an output voltage level of a wind power plant in order to protect an internal power plant grid against overvoltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventor: Jorge Martinez Garcia
  • Patent number: 8810081
    Abstract: An interlock arrangement allows a floating neutral electrical generator having a receptacle, such as a duplex receptacle, absent GFCI protection to be used to provide electrical power to the electrical system of a home or other building during utility power interruption. The interlock arrangement includes structure to disable or prevent access to the duplex receptacle when the electrical generator is coupled to the power cord used to transfer electrical power from the generator to the electrical system of the building. Thus, the duplex receptacles cannot be used to power electrical devices when the generator is connected to supply power to the electrical system of the building. Conversely, when the generator is physically disconnected from the electrical system of the building, the interlock arrangement exposes or supplies power to the duplex receptacles, and may be configured to close access to the receptacle used for connecting to a building electrical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Reliance Controls Corporation
    Inventors: Michael O. Flegel, Jeffrey D. Flegel
  • Patent number: 8559620
    Abstract: There is provided a communications circuit for reducing crosstalk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Goo Won, Youn Suk Kim, Ki Joong Kim, Jae Hyouck Choi, Young Jean Song
  • Patent number: 8319375
    Abstract: A power supply system is disclosed, including a first plurality of power supply units configured to supply working voltages from a battery to a second plurality of loads, a large-capacitance capacitor configured to charge electric charges from the battery, a third plurality of switching means for connecting the large-capacitance capacitor to the second plurality of loads selectively, control means for switching the third plurality of switching means corresponding to the load presently driven, and discharge means, in a case where the output voltage of the large-capacitance capacitor is higher than the operating voltage of the second load when the capacitor is switched from a first load to a second load, for discharging the charges stored in the capacitor according to the monitoring result by a voltage monitoring means so that the voltage of the capacitor decreases to the operating voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Sony Mobile Communications Japan, Inc.
    Inventor: Hirotada Taniuchi
  • Patent number: 8310090
    Abstract: A differential-current switch includes a first unit arranged in an electric power supply network for detecting a differential current and outputting an analog differential current signal, an analog-to-digital converter receiving the outputted analog differential current signal and converting the outputted analog differential current signal to a digital differential current signal, a first digital signal processing unit receiving the digital differential current signal, a second unit for disconnecting circuit breaker contacts in the electric power supply network, and first means connected upstream of the analog-to-digital converter for adjusting the analog differential current signal. Adjustment of the analog differential current signal provides favorable resolution of a differential current signal over a wide dynamic range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Moeller Gebäudeautomation GmbH
    Inventors: Georg Ritzinger, Rainer Meisel
  • Patent number: 8299646
    Abstract: An HVAC/R system is configured with a variable frequency drive power supply which provides power to each of a compressor, a condenser fan, and a blower. In some embodiments, the compressor has a three-phase motor and the condenser fan has a single-phase motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Rocky Research
    Inventors: Uwe Rockenfeller, Paul Sarkisian, Kaveh Khalili, Warren Harhay
  • Patent number: 8278778
    Abstract: A power supply for an HVAC/R system is configured to provide back-up power functionality for situations when the main source of power fails. The power supply includes a DC power bus which receives power from the main source of power as well as a back up source. When the main source fails the back up source provides power to the DC power bus. Connected to the DC power bus is a variable frequency drive power supply (VFD). The VFD is configured to provide power to the components of the HVAC/R system based on power received from the DC power bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Rocky Research
    Inventors: Uwe Rockenfeller, Paul Sarkisian, Kaveh Khalili, Warren Harhay
  • 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: 8138622
    Abstract: Borehole instruments are powered by AC instrument power transmitted on all three phases of a power cable concurrently carrying three phase motor power, the instrument power transmitted at a multiple of the motor power frequency and having a corresponding fraction of the motor power voltage, and received via a capacitive coupling sufficient to withstand high-voltage cable insulation testing. The phase-to-neutral motor power provides approximately the same power level to the borehole instruments if a phase shorts to ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: James E. Layton, Dick L. Knox, Gordon L. Besser
  • Patent number: 8026639
    Abstract: A step wave power converter includes a plurality of transformers each configured to receive a Direct Current (DC) voltage from one or more independently generated power sources. Each transformer comprising a primary winding and a secondary winding. A plurality of bridge circuits control different DC voltage inputs from one of the multiple independently generated power sources into the primary windings. One or more processors are configured to use a Phase-Shifted Carrier Pulse Width Modulation (PSCPWM) scheme to operate the bridge circuits in order to produce steps for a step wave Alternating Current (AC) output from the secondary windings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Sustainable Energy Technologies
    Inventors: Rishi Sachdeva, Russell Jack Morash, Dubravko Bosnjak, Brent Earle Harris
  • Patent number: 7982342
    Abstract: A fuel cell power management system and an anti-islanding method using the power management system. The power management system includes a fuel cell to generate direct current (DC) power, a power conditioning system (PCS) to generate alternating current (AC) power from the DC power generated by the fuel cell, a power grid that is connected to the PCS, a detector to detect a change in the AC power flowing from an output line of the PCS, and a controller to control the connection between the PCS and the power grid, according to the result of the detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yong Wang, Dukjin Oh, Seeyoung Choi
  • Patent number: 7893559
    Abstract: A power distribution system comprises a DC bus supplied by an electrical generator and a resistive load connected to the DC bus. A switching device connects to the DC bus and the load and is configured to periodically open the circuit between the resistive load and the DC bus for a reoccurring period of time. The switching device senses the load on the DC bus and changes the length of the period of time based on the sensed voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Glacier Bay, Inc.
    Inventors: Ethan Petersen, Justin Dobbs, Elmar Grom
  • Patent number: 7839015
    Abstract: The circuit arrangement has a power supply unit, a mains switch and a switching element, for example a relay, that bridges a first switching contact of the mains switch. A load is coupled to a control terminal of the switching element, so that when the control voltage is turned off for the purpose of opening the switching element, the load is simultaneously turned off. The circuit arrangement contains a microprocessor, in particular, which is supplied with an operating voltage by the power supply unit, and which is coupled to the control terminal of the switching element for control of the switching element. The load is a fan, for example, which is switched off in a delayed manner when the circuit arrangement is switched off by means of the mains switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Thomson Licensing
    Inventors: Wolfgang Hermann, Michael Meitzner, Jean-Paul Louvel
  • Patent number: 7808125
    Abstract: A step wave power converter includes a plurality of transformers each configured to receive a Direct Current (DC) voltage from one or more independently generated power sources. Each transformer comprising a primary winding and a secondary winding. A plurality of bridge circuits control different DC voltage inputs from one of the multiple independently generated power sources into the primary windings. One or more processors are configured to use a Phase-Shifted Carrier Pulse Width Modulation (PSCPWM) scheme to operate the bridge circuits in order to produce steps for a step wave Alternating Current (AC) output from the secondary windings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Sustainable Energy Technologies
    Inventors: Rishi Sachdeva, Russell Jack Morash, Dubravko Bosnjak, Brent Earle Harris
  • Patent number: 7786614
    Abstract: According to an aspect of an embodiment, a semiconductor device includes: a reference line; a first line provided with a first voltage with respect to the reference line; a second line provided with a second voltage not less than the first voltage with respect to the reference line; a capacitor having a first capacitance arranged between the reference line and second line; a current limiting element arranged between the capacitor and the second line, for charging up the capacitor, the current limiting element limiting current flowing into the capacitor from the second line during charging up; a first switch connected between the first line and the capacitor; and a controller for controlling the first switch to discharge the capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Tomio Sato
  • Patent number: 7781908
    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 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: iGo, Inc.
    Inventors: Garry DuBose, Ann Briggs
  • Publication number: 20100156174
    Abstract: The invention relates to a power distribution architecture for an aircraft for powering aircraft electromechanical actuators, the architecture comprising at least one power distribution member for distributing power to such and such an electromechanical actuator connected to the architecture, the architecture receiving power from at least one power supply bus of the aircraft. According to the invention, a DC network of voltage that is variable in controlled manner is interposed between the power supply bus of the aircraft and the power distribution members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: MESSIER-BUGATTI
    Inventors: Florent NIERLICH, Francois-Noel LEYNAERT
  • Publication number: 20100156173
    Abstract: The invention relates to a power distribution architecture for an aircraft for powering aircraft electromechanical actuators, the architecture comprising at least one power distribution member for distributing power to such and such an electromechanical actuator connected to the architecture, the architecture receiving power from at least one power supply bus of the aircraft. According to the invention, a DC network of voltage that is variable in controlled manner is interposed between the power supply bus of the aircraft and the power distribution members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: MESSIER-BUGATTI
    Inventors: Florent NIERLICH, François-Noël LEYNAERT
  • Publication number: 20100148581
    Abstract: Power system and method for providing electrical power are provided. The system includes a traction system and auxiliary equipment coupled to a power bus. The traction system includes one or more electromotive machines having a first type of stator winding that provides protection relative to voltage spikes expected at the traction stator under a first voltage level appropriate for the traction system. The auxiliary equipment includes one or more electromotive machines having a second type of stator winding that provides protection relative to spikes expected at the auxiliary stator under a second voltage level lower than the first voltage level. Inverter circuitry is coupled to drive the auxiliary equipment, and signal-conditioning circuitry is provided to attenuate voltage spikes produced by the inverter circuitry. The power bus is operated at the first voltage level, and the voltage spike attenuation is sufficient to protect the auxiliary stator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventors: Sudhir Kumar Gupta, Ajith Kuttannair Kumar, Bret Dwayne Worden, Jeffrey Louis Daigle, Emil Nikolov, Dimitrios Ioannidis
  • Publication number: 20090127931
    Abstract: An electric circuit device operable under a first power supply includes: a first circuit; a switch connecting the first circuit with the first power supply; a second circuit for producing a signal output; a control signal output unit for outputting a control signal in accordance with the signal output of the second circuit, wherein while the first circuit is supplied with a first power supply voltage via the switch by supplying of a driving voltage to the switch, the supply of the driving voltage is temporality cut off in response to the control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventor: Kenichi KAWASAKI
  • Patent number: 7501721
    Abstract: A reduced-noise switching power supply includes a conductive surface disposed transversely in an air space between a line filter system component and a switching system component. The conductive surface does not encase either the line filter system component or the switching system component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Rick Geveshausen, Rick Shaw
  • Patent number: 7482708
    Abstract: A device for controlling a power distribution to subsystems, has a power input to be connected to a power source, a primary power output to be connected to a primary device; at least one secondary power output to be connected to at least one secondary device; sensing unit for sensing when a current level falls below a threshold in response to the primary device being turned off or going into a standby mode and when the current level raises above a threshold in response to the primary device being turned on; executing unit operatively connected with the sensing unit and operative for interrupting a power supply to the at least one secondary device when the sensing unit sense the current level below the threshold and supplying power to the at least one secondary device when the sensing unit sense the current level above the threshold correspondingly and adjusting unit for adjusting the threshold depending on a current of the primary device during periods of turning off, going into standby mode, and turning on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Bits Limited
    Inventors: Bruce Barton, Russell Barton
  • Patent number: 7346462
    Abstract: A system, method, and article of manufacture for determining parameter values associated with an electrical grid in accordance with an exemplary embodiment is provided. The electrical grid has a point of interconnection where the electrical grid is electrically coupled to a power source. The method includes measuring real power at the point of interconnection of the electrical grid to obtain a plurality of real power values. The method further includes measuring reactive power at the point of interconnection of the electrical grid to obtain a plurality of reactive power values. The method further includes measuring a voltage at the point of interconnection of the electrical grid to obtain a plurality of voltage values. The method further includes estimating at least one parameter value associated with the electrical grid utilizing the plurality of real power values, the plurality of reactive power values, and the plurality of voltage values, and a mathematical estimation technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Robert Delmerico
  • Patent number: 7138728
    Abstract: Techniques for detecting an island in a system including a node that is operatively coupled to a primary power source (e.g., grid) and one or more distributed power generation sources are disclosed. In one embodiment, a current pulse is included in the output of a distributed power source. The grid voltage is monitored at the node to determine if a pulse-related disturbance occurs. If the grid is present, no pulse-related disturbance will manifest. If grid is down, then a pulse-related disturbance will manifest. Detection of the pulse-related disturbance is used to signal island detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Youtility, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin E LeRow, Richard S Welches
  • Patent number: 7109604
    Abstract: A device having an energy-generating unit and a distributor unit for distributing electrical energy to electrical loads. The electrical loads are connected to connector part halves of the distributor unit. Connector part halves, arranged at the load ends of the lines, are connected to connector part halves of the loads. The connector part halves which are connected to the lines have line bridges which serve to close or open a line section of a diagnostic circuit. A switching means is actuated by means of a control unit and is arranged between the energy-generating unit and the distributor unit. A signal generator and an evaluation unit are assigned to the diagnostic circuit. The invention also relates to a method for monitoring the diagnostic circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Hassan Kablaoui, Juergen Mittnacht
  • Patent number: 7042117
    Abstract: A power supply circuit for various actuators includes control lines associated with the actuators that receive power from a single voltage increasing circuit. The power supply circuit supplies power to the control lines by splitting or dividing power from a voltage increasing circuit, which is configured to increase an on-board power source voltage. Power is supplied to loads by driving circuits. The loads are individually driven by activating switches. An auxiliary control line is connected to one of the control lines so that auxiliary voltage is able to be supplied or applied. A voltage-holding circuit is provided in connection with the other control line to eliminate influence associated with the activation of one control line with respect to the other control line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Sumitomo (SEI) Brake Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Seiji Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7016793
    Abstract: An apparatus for anti-islanding protection of a distributed generation with respect to a feeder connected to an electrical grid is disclosed. The apparatus includes a sensor adapted to generate a voltage signal representative of an output voltage and/or a current signal representative of an output current at the distributed generation, and a controller responsive to the signals from the sensor. The controller is productive of a control signal directed to the distributed generation to drive an operating characteristic of the distributed generation out of a nominal range in response to the electrical grid being disconnected from the feeder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Zhihong Ye, Vinod John, Changyong Wang, Luis Jose Garces, Rui Zhou, Lei Li, Reigh Allen Walling, William James Premerlani, Peter Claudius Sanza, Yan Liu, Mark Edward Dame
  • Patent number: 6909203
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for regulating resonance in a computer system I/O interface is provided. A shunting impedance/resistance is arranged across a power supply of the I/O interface. The shunting impedance/resistance is controlled by circuitry that is arranged to detect voltage overshoot conditions in the I/O interface. The circuitry has (1) an analog front end that is arranged to detect power supply oscillations relative to a grounded terminal, (2) an amplifier (or logic conversion circuit) that is arranged to convert an output signal from the analog front end to a digital signal, and (3) a shunting apparatus arranged to modify power supply behavior in the I/O interface dependent on the digital signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Claude Gauthier, Brian Amick, Aninda Roy
  • Patent number: 6801442
    Abstract: When islanding operation is to be detected in a power conversion apparatus for converting a DC power into an AC power and outputting the AC power to a system power supply, a plurality of variation generation systems for executing, in accordance with different schemes, detection of islanding operation in which power supply from the system power supply is stopped are arranged, and at least one variation generation systems is selected by selection system from the plurality of variation generation systems and operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaki Suzui, Nobuyoshi Takehara
  • Patent number: 6657318
    Abstract: A plurality of bypass capacitors are associated with a plurality of circuit blocks involved in a microcomputer. Each bypass capacitor is disposed between a power input terminal of a corresponding circuit block and a ground line. The circuit blocks are arrayed with respect to a power supply terminal in order of the noise level at the power input terminals of respective circuit blocks, so that a circuit block having a lower noise level is located near the power supply terminal while a circuit block having a higher noise level is located far from the power supply terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Ishikawa, Kouji Ichikawa
  • Patent number: 6523129
    Abstract: An improved method of preventing computer malfunction during a change of power consumption states is disclosed. The computer operates a microprocessor at a specified voltage during a normal operation. To offset the normal decrease in voltage due to an instantaneous increase in power requirements during a change of power consumption states, the specified voltage is increased prior to entering a higher power consumption state such that the voltage level remains within minimum operating limits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher E. Tressler, Andrew W. Steinbach
  • Patent number: 6441590
    Abstract: A power supply according to the principles of the inventions comprises two stages. The first stage is a power factor corrector stage. This stage provides the required line regulation, including greater than 95% power factor correction, and provides a range of outputs from approximately 5 volts to 200 volts with good load regulation at low voltages. The second stage is a soft switching power supply having good load regulation from approximately 40 to approximately 175 volts. An intermediate high voltage of the first stage supplies the input to the second stage, thereby achieving extremely good line regulation and low regulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignees: Sarnoff Corporation, Daewoo Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert Amantea, Timothy Allen Pletcher, Jae-Hong Joo, Min-Sung Yang
  • Patent number: 6365990
    Abstract: A power transfer device having various electrical components adapted for interconnection with the electrical system of a building includes a cabinet having a face plate provided with a socket opening which normally accommodates a power input receptacle adapted to receive a plug connector electrically connected to a generator. The power transfer device includes an internal compartment defined by the cabinet, and a set of connections corresponding to the electrical components located within the internal compartment. A cover plate terminal assembly is removably connected to the face plate for covering the socket opening to prevent access to the internal compartment and for providing a direct, permanently wired power input arrangement rather than a plug-type power input via a power input receptacle. The cover plate terminal assembly is also electrically interconnected with the electrical component connections in the internal compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Reliance Controls Corporation
    Inventor: David D. Flegel
  • Patent number: 6232675
    Abstract: A power distribution apparatus which utilizes relay devices to control the flow of power along power paths from an input terminal to one or more output terminals electrically coupled to the power paths. For each power path provided in the power distribution apparatus, the power distribution apparatus comprises one relay device and one or more output terminals associated with each power path. In operation, the relay device associated with each power path controls the flow of current from the input terminal to the output terminals electrically coupled to the power path. A switching assembly is electrically coupled to the power distribution apparatus for controlling the relay devices. When the switching assembly is activated, the relay devices are switched on and current is allowed to flow from the input terminal to the output terminals. When the switching assembly is deactivated, the relay devices are switched off and current is prevented from flowing from the input terminal to the output terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company
    Inventor: Kenneth T Small
  • Patent number: 6222441
    Abstract: An improved circuit and method for connecting a device to an actuator-sensor interface (“ASI”) bus. The circuit provides the proper AC and DC coupling between the device and bus during normal operation, while providing AC and DC decoupling in the event of a short circuit or when the device is disconnected. The circuit accomplishes these goals while advantageously eliminating some of the components used in prior art circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Richard Hirschmann GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Martin Siegwarth
  • Patent number: 6219623
    Abstract: The invention in the simplest form is a method and apparatus for reliably protecting against island situations with one or multiple power sources connected to an electric distribution grid. The method and apparatus detects variations in the voltage and frequency of the grid. An observed change in grid voltage causes a change in output power that is sufficient to cause an even larger change in grid voltage when the utility AC power source is disconnected. An observed change in grid frequency causes a change in phase or reactive output power that is sufficient to cause an even larger change in grid frequency. If several shifts in voltage or frequency happen in the same direction, the response to the change is increased in an accelerating manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Plug Power, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert H. Wills
  • Patent number: 6157091
    Abstract: The electric power breaker for breaking the electric power is placed on the midpoint of the electric power line from the battery power supply, and the electric power line is extracted from the electric power breaker. In addition, the electric power supply terminal is placed on the midpoint on the electric power line, from which the electric power is supplied to the individual electric loads. The electric power distribution and the electric power supply operation to the electric loads are controlled by the multiplex communication. A semiconductor device having a self protection function is used as the switching device for supplying the electric power. The electric power line covered by the electric conductive material is arranged in a loop topology so as to start from the connection point to the battery and pass through the designated positions in the vehicle and return to the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Yoshida, Hiroyuki Saito, Shinichi Sakamoto, Mitsuru Koni, Kiyoshi Horibe
  • Patent number: 6144110
    Abstract: A vehicular use power distribution apparatus includes a battery mounted in a vehicle; a main control means connected directly to the battery; a first switch means connected to the battery; a power feed line for loads connected to the first switch means and supplying power to loads mounted in the vehicle; a second switch means connected to the battery; a power feed line for control means connected to the second switch means and controlling the loads; and a sub control means connected to the power feed line for control means. In a first state, the main control means sets the first switch means and the second switch means to a connection state so as to supply power from the battery to the power feed line for loads and the power feed line for control means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yutaka Matsuda, Satoshi Kawai, Shigeki Motomura
  • Patent number: 6137189
    Abstract: A subscriber line interface circuit ("SLIC") for a telecommunications device powered from a single power source and using a voltage regulator to limit the voltage across the terminals of the telecommunications device to a predetermined value below the industry standard voltage limits. The SLIC selectively enables or disables the speech amplifiers responsive to an external control signal that is independent of the on-hook/off- hook status of the telecommunications device. The SLIC provides a ringing signal and/or a caller identification signal through the speech amplifiers to the telecommunications device while the telecommunications device is on-hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Intersil Corporation
    Inventor: Douglas L. Youngblood
  • Patent number: 6127741
    Abstract: A vehicular use power feed apparatus comprising a battery and a plurality of power distribution units connected in a loop via power feed lines. Each power distribution unit has a current monitoring circuit, a current amount determination circuit, and a current direction determination circuit, detects the direction of current and magnitude of current flowing through the power feed line, and thereby detects an occurrence of a short-circuit. A control unit exchanges information regarding occurrence of short-circuits with adjoining power distribution units via a multiplex signal transmission unit so as to pinpoint the trouble point. The control unit operates the relay switch circuits on the two sides to break the connection so as to isolate the trouble point in cooperation with the control unit of the adjoining power distribution unit. The other relay switch circuit is operated to establish a connection so as to establish a new power feed line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: The Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yutaka Matsuda, Toshitaka Hara, Takezo Sugimura, Satoshi Kawai
  • Patent number: 6011326
    Abstract: A dual lighting control device with a single illuminator includes a line terminal for electrical connection to a source of AC electrical power, first and second electrical switching devices including line and load ends and setable to either an open or closed state and are electrically connected at line ends to the lien terminal. The illuminator, which may comprise a neon lamp, includes first and second terminals and is electrically connected at its first terminal to the line terminal. First and second electrical loads are electrically connectable, respectively, to the load side of the first and second switching devices. First and second diodes are electrically connected between the second terminal of the neon lamp and load ends of the first and second switching devices, respectively. The illuminator is activated when both switching devices are set to the open state or when one of the switching devices is open and the other is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Bernard Gershen
  • Patent number: 6005302
    Abstract: A clocked power supply circuit having an at least intermittently active load that is independent of a consumer, in particular for supplying power to gas-discharge lamps as consumers, contains a dc/dc converter comprising a transformer. Switching elements connect the converter to a dc voltage source in the timing of a control arrangement which makes available switching signals for the switching elements as a function of the prevailing output-side load state. The transformer of the dc/dc converter is designed so that two voltages (U+, U-) of differing polarity and magnitude, are able to be tapped off from the output side. At least one of these voltages is regulated and provided for supplying power during operation of the consumer. The at least intermittently active load can be switched to the regulated voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Lothar Borho, Karl-Heinrich Preis, Klaus Eckert, Robert Kern, Gerhard Decker