Load Current Proportioning Or Dividing Patents (Class 307/32)
  • Patent number: 8222764
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method and device for regulating a series resonant inverter with controlled rectification. It also relates to a resonant inverter equipped with such a device. The synchronous series resonant inverter includes a primary winding having across its terminals a periodic voltage V(t) of period T, this primary winding being coupled to at least one secondary winding providing the output voltage Vs. The establishment of the current IT(t) in the secondary winding is controlled within the period T. The output voltage Vs is regulated as a function of the phase shift angle ? between the zero crossing of the voltage V(t) across the terminals of the primary winding and the instant of establishment of the current IT(t) in the secondary winding. Embodiments include the production of isolated switched power supplies having a high level of integration, operating at a switching frequency of several megahertz.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventors: Philippe Thomas, Jean-Michel Jarrousse, Eric Laboure
  • Patent number: 8207629
    Abstract: A transformer, particularly a seat transformer, for a sitting device, comprising at least one transformation unit, which has at least one input and at least one output. According to the invention, the transformation unit is provided for transforming a low voltage present at the input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: RECARO Aircraft Seating GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Marco Kraemer
  • Patent number: 8204632
    Abstract: A load shedding system and method for controlling imbalances in a power system includes a signal generator adapted to generate a signal representative of a local system, and a modifying circuit adapted to adjust set frequencies. The system also includes a processing circuit adapted to process data received from the signal generator and modifying circuit and set load shedding priorities for the local system based on the processed data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas C. Abi-Samra
  • Patent number: 8188617
    Abstract: A current balancing apparatus includes a first transformer having a first primary winding and a first secondary winding electromagnetically coupled with the first primary winding, the first primary winding having a first end connected to a first load that passes a first current; a second transformer having a second primary winding and a second secondary winding electromagnetically coupled with the second primary winding, the second primary winding having a first end connected to a second load that passes a second current having an AC component substantially having a 180-degree phase difference with respect to the first current; and a series circuit including the first secondary winding, the second secondary winding, and a current smoother, to balance the first current and second current with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Sanken Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kengo Kimura, Shinji Aso
  • Patent number: 8185084
    Abstract: A system that includes a bus, a battery, core processing circuitry, radio frequency (RF) processing circuitry, first power regulating circuitry, second power regulating circuitry, and control circuitry is provided. The bus can be coupled to receive power from a source external to the system. The core processing circuitry and RF processing circuitry can be selectively coupled to each other via a switch. The switch can be operative to turn ON and OFF based on a signal level received on the bus. The first power regulating circuitry can be electrically coupled to the bus, the core processing circuitry, and the switch. The second power regulating circuitry can be electrically coupled to the battery, the RF processing circuitry, and the switch. The control circuitry can be operative to selectively turn ON and OFF the first power regulating circuitry and the second power regulating circuitry based on a number of monitored conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey J Terlizzi
  • Patent number: 8174148
    Abstract: Controllable electrical outlets and systems and methods for controlling and disabling the electrical outlets. A controllable electrical outlet includes a current sensor, an electrical switch, and a microcontroller. When an electrical load is plugged into the electrical outlet, the current sensor senses the flow of current and a current sense event is reported from the electrical outlet to a central computer. The central computer provides timing and control of the electrical outlet. When a predetermined elapsed time has passed, as measured by the central computer, a timed-out event is communicated from the central computer to the electrical outlet triggering the electrical switch, opening the current path within the electrical outlet such that electrical current no longer flows to the electrical load. Communication between the central computer and an electrical outlet may occur, for example, via existing electrical wiring, wirelessly, or via dedicated communication wiring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Crucs Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Kevin M. Crucs
  • Publication number: 20120091913
    Abstract: A process instrument includes a transducer, a two wire interface, a microprocessor, a digital to analog converter, a first control circuit, and a second control circuit. A current passing through the two wire interface indicates a condition of the transducer. The microprocessor is interfaced with the transducer. The digital to analog converter receives a signal from the microprocessor indicating a current value. The first control circuit is coupled to the digital to analog converter and adapted to control the current passing through the two wire interface to the current value. The second control circuit is coupled to the digital to analog converter and supplies current to a secondary load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas Wayne Arntson
  • Publication number: 20120049625
    Abstract: A power limiting control system includes at least one power generator configured to provide power to a plurality of tools on a drilling rig; and a power limiting controller configured to control the provision of power from the power generator to the plurality of tools. The power limiting controller is adapted to perform a method including determining an individual power consumption for each of the plurality of tools; calculating a total power consumption from each respective individual power consumption of the plurality of tools; comparing the total power consumption of the plurality of tools to a total available power; ranking each respective individual power consumption by load size; and reducing power consumption of at least one of the plurality of tools based on rank when the total power consumption exceeds the total available power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: OMRON OILFIELD & MARINE, INC.
    Inventor: Fergus Hopwood
  • Publication number: 20120043812
    Abstract: A system for an integrated circuit comprising a plurality of power islands includes a first power manager and a second power manager. The first power manager manages a first power consumption for the integrated circuit based on needs and operation of the integrated circuit. The second power manager communicates with the first power manager and manages a second power consumption for one of the power islands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Inventors: Barry Alan Hoberman, Daniel L. Hillman, Jon Shiell
  • Patent number: 8120203
    Abstract: A distributed power management system may include a communication bus and a plurality of POL (point-of-load) regulators coupled to the communication bus and configured in a current sharing arrangement in which each POL regulator of the plurality of POL regulators has a respective output stage coupled to a common load and configured to generate a respective output current. Each POL regulator may have a respective phase in the current sharing configuration, and may transmit and receive information over the bus according to a bus communication protocol corresponding to the bus. The plurality of POL regulators may autonomously arbitrate a new master assignment, when a POL regulator operating as a master device drops out of regulation when a fault occurs, the respective phase of the master device is dropped, and/or the communication interface of the master device to the communication bus fails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Intersil Americas Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas E. Heineman, Nicholas J. Havens
  • Patent number: 8120204
    Abstract: A load sharing device for load balancing among a plurality of power supply modules connected in parallel to a single load includes a common voltage control signal output unit and output voltage control units corresponding to the power supply modules, respectively. The common voltage control signal output unit generates a common voltage control signal from output voltages of the power supply modules and outputs the common voltage control signal to the power supply modules. The output voltage control units detect output currents of the power supply modules and control the output voltages of the power supply modules to be in a predetermined voltage range according to the common voltage control signal and the detected output currents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Gun Woo Moon, Sang Cheol Bong, Kang Hyun Yi, Ki Bum Park, Dong Seong Oh, Chong Eun Kim, Jong Pil Kim, Dong Joong Kim, Tae Won Heo, Don Sik Kim
  • Patent number: 8097977
    Abstract: A multi-output power supply device includes a first power switch, a first switch controller that controls the first power switch, a transformer that transforms a power supplied from the first power switch, first through Nth output circuits connected to a secondary side of the transformer, where N is a positive integer greater than 1, a second power switch that switches the power output from one of the first through Nth output circuits, a second switch controller that controls the second power switch, a feedback circuit that feeds back output voltages of the first through Nth output circuits, and a feedback compensation circuit that performs a switching operation complementarily with the second power switch to compensate for a resistance of the feedback circuit. Accordingly, when power output to one of the output circuits is blocked, the multi-output power supply device can stably control the power output to the other output circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jee-hoon Jung
  • Publication number: 20110298282
    Abstract: An arrangement which includes two or more energy storage units for electrical energy connected in series, and two or more balancing resistor units. Each balancing resistor unit is connected in parallel with one of the energy storage units. The arrangement also includes means for determining a voltage over all of the series-connected energy storage units and means for determining the energy storage unit voltages between poles of the energy storage units. One or more of the balancing resistor units include a base resistor unit and a control resistor unit connected in series and a switching device connected in parallel with the control resistor units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: ABB Oy
    Inventor: Ora Veli-Matti Leppänen
  • Patent number: 8067854
    Abstract: A buffer driving capability control device is provided which can suppress occurrence of radiated noise due to a load driven by large driving power in the case where loads differing in driving power are connected to one terminal. The device includes an output buffer which can switch between the driving capability for driving a load requiring large driving power and the driving capability for driving a load requiring small driving power, and also includes a control period for driving the load requiring the large driving power and a control period for driving the load requiring the small driving power, and during the respective control periods, switches the driving capability of the output buffer to the ones suitable for the corresponding loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tomoki Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20110273742
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes: a plurality of load units; a power supply unit; and a power control unit that controls power to be supplied only to a load unit which requires power all the time from the power supply unit for a light load during an energy saving state, and controls power to be supplied to a load unit which requires power all the time during an operating state from the power supply unit for a light load, and at the same time, controls deficient power of the load unit to be supplemented by the power supply unit for a heavy load during the operating state, wherein a state of the electronic apparatus can be switched to the operating state or the energy saving state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventor: Akira TAKIGUCHI
  • Patent number: 8044536
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a device that includes a battery having an output of a battery voltage, a step-up voltage converter, a high voltage circuit, a low voltage circuit and a controller. The step-up voltage converter includes an input that is coupled to the battery voltage. The step-up voltage converter is configured to produce a high supply voltage at an output. The high voltage circuit is coupled to the output of the step-up voltage converter. The controller selectively powers the low voltage circuit using either the output from the step-up voltage converter or the battery voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventors: Man Van Nguyen, Shai Moshe Vaingast
  • Publication number: 20110234002
    Abstract: A technique includes selecting a first device from a plurality of interconnected devices to form a root of a power tree connecting the interconnected devices and allocating power among neighbors of the interconnected devices in a direction along the tree away from the root. The technique includes determining whether at least one of the interconnected devices needs power after the allocation of power among the neighbors and selectively further allocating power among the neighbors in a direction along the tree toward the root based on the determination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: James Hiscock, Hazem Kabbara
  • Publication number: 20110198925
    Abstract: The present invention is through the power control unit, which is connected with the voltage-dividing load in parallel, to perform shunt regulation for the current passing through the voltage-dividing load; in which the methods of the shunt regulation by the power control unit includes using the power control unit to perform shunt regulation of PWM, shunt regulation of conductive phase angle, or shunt regulation of switch type turn-on or cut-off, or regulating the impedance of the power control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Patent number: 7999514
    Abstract: A battery charging circuit comprising: a semiconductor switch having an output connected to a rechargeable battery; a battery charge controller for receiving power from an external source, and supplying output power to a portable device and the input of the semiconductor switch, the current output of the battery charge controller being controllable; and a voltage sensing circuit for: measuring the voltage drop across the battery charge controller; and responding to the voltage drop across the battery charge controller by modulating the semiconductor switch to reduce the quantity of current supplied to the rechargeable battery when the voltage drop is too great; whereby the total power dissipated by the battery charge controller is controlled, the portable device receiving the power it needs to operate and the rechargeable battery receiving any additional available power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Dusan Veselic, Martin G. A. Guthrie
  • Publication number: 20110175550
    Abstract: An apparatus for driving loads is disclosed. The apparatus mentioned above for driving a plurality of loads includes a protection module and a current generating module. The protection module has a plurality of detection terminals and generates a plurality of detection results according to a plurality of driving voltages on the detection terminals. The current generating module provides a plurality driving currents according to the detection results for flowing through each of the loads, separately.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: BEYOND INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chiu-Yuan Lin, Zhen-Chun Liu
  • Publication number: 20110169333
    Abstract: A power supply system includes an AC power line with an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) device coupled to receive power from the AC power line. The UPS includes control circuitry that couples power conversion circuitry of the UPS to the AC power line when the available AC power is acceptable. The power supply system also includes a second UPS device coupled to receive power from the AC power line. The second UPS includes a timer delay, such that the control circuitry is configured to couple power conversion circuitry to the AC power line when the available AC power is acceptable, and upon expiration of the timer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: AMERICAN POWER CONVERSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daniel C. Cohen, David A. Colucci, James S. Spitaels, Mark R. Melanson
  • Patent number: 7948113
    Abstract: A power supply management system includes means for detecting required electric power supply from electric loads installed in the motor vehicle, means for determining a distribution of amounts of the electric power to be distributed to the electric loads from an electric power resource in the motor vehicle based on the requirements of the supply of the electric power from the electric loads, and means for supplying one of amounts of the electric power to a corresponding one of the electric loads in accordance with the distribution of the amounts of the electric power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Kunihiro Abe
  • Patent number: 7948114
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for providing a power switch array with adjustable current rating power switches. A plurality of current rating power switches is provided that connects a power supply unit to a plurality of device ports. A power switch array controller is provided that adjusts an adjustable current rating in each of the plurality of adjustable current rating power switches. Each of the plurality of adjustable current rating power switches is adjustable to a selected number of current values. The power switch array controller dynamically adjusts the current ratings in the adjustable current power switches as required by the current requirements of the device ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd.
    Inventor: Chee Yu Ng
  • Patent number: 7923860
    Abstract: A switching power supply circuit includes a plurality of switching regulators and a timing adjustment circuit. The plurality of switching regulators converts an input voltage input to an input terminal into a plurality of predetermined constant voltages, and outputs the plurality of predetermined constant voltages from a plurality of output terminals, respectively. The timing adjustment circuit adjusts phases of a plurality of pulse signals generated by the plurality of switching regulators so that the phases of the plurality of pulse signals are different from each other, and outputs the plurality of adjusted pulse signals to respective switch circuits of the plurality of switching regulators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuhisa Furuse, Yasuhiro Ishizaka, Senta Sekido
  • Patent number: 7915758
    Abstract: A print circuit board (PCB) includes a voltage regulator module (VRM), a plurality of loads, and a sense location for augmenting the voltage margin of the loads. The VRM is configured for charging the loads. Each load has a weight. The voltage value of the sense location equals to a summation of a corresponding weight value of a corresponding load multiplied by a corresponding voltage value of the load, for each of the plurality of loads on the PCB. An optimization method for the sense location on the PCB is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Duen-Yi Ho, Shou-Kuo Hsu
  • Publication number: 20110068626
    Abstract: Power converters are provided that convert alternating current (AC) power to direct current (DC) power. A power converter may have multiple ports. Each port may have an associated connector with multiple power and data terminals. When an electronic device is connected to a given port, the electronic device draws DC power from the power converter. To ensure that the capacity of the power converter is not exceeded when multiple devices are connected to the ports of the power converter, the power converter may actively monitor its ports for active loads. Load detection circuitry can determine what number of ports are active. Control circuitry can compute a per-port available DC power level based on the number of active ports and can provide this information to connected devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Terlizzi, Nicholas A. Sims
  • Patent number: 7906940
    Abstract: A battery charging circuit comprising: a semiconductor switch having an output connected to a rechargeable battery; a battery charge controller for receiving power from an external source, and supplying output power to a portable device and the input of the semiconductor switch, the current output of the battery charge controller being controllable; and a voltage sensing circuit for: measuring the voltage drop across the battery charge controller; and responding to the voltage drop across the battery charge controller by modulating the semiconductor switch to reduce the quantity of current supplied to the rechargeable battery when the voltage drop is too great; whereby the total power dissipated by the battery charge controller is controlled, the portable device receiving the power it needs to operate and the rechargeable battery receiving any additional available power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Dusan Veselic, Martin G. A. Guthrie
  • Publication number: 20110031806
    Abstract: A load control system for a building having a lighting load, a window, and a heating and cooling system comprises a lighting control device for controlling the amount of power delivered to the lighting load, a daylight control device, such as a motorized window treatment, for adjusting the amount of natural light to be admitted through a window, and a temperature control device for controlling a setpoint temperature of the heating and cooling system to thus control a present temperature in the building. The load control system may also comprise a controllable electrical receptacle for turning on and off a plug-in electrical load connected thereto. The lighting control device, the daylight control device, the temperature control device, and the controllable receptacle are controlled so as to decrease a total power consumption of the load control system in response to a received demand response command.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: LUTRON ELECTRONICS CO., INC.
    Inventors: Gregory Altonen, William Bryce Fricke, Elliot G. Jacoby, Michael W. Pessina, Walter S. Zaharchuk, Joel S. Spira
  • Patent number: 7847520
    Abstract: A battery charging circuit comprising: a semiconductor switch having an output connected to a rechargeable battery; a battery charge controller for receiving power from an external source, and supplying output power to a portable device and the input of the semiconductor switch, the current output of the battery charge controller being controllable; and a voltage sensing circuit for: measuring the voltage drop across the battery charge controller; and responding to the voltage drop across the battery charge controller by modulating the semiconductor switch to reduce the quantity of current supplied to the rechargeable battery when the voltage drop is too great; whereby the total power dissipated by the battery charge controller is controlled, the portable device receiving the power it needs to operate and the rechargeable battery receiving any additional available power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Dusan Veselic, Martin G. A. Guthrie
  • Publication number: 20100282910
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling the distribution of power to a plurality of devices, the method being carried out during a plurality of time periods, and the method during each time period after the first comprising: determining (S700) an energy or power deficit for each device based on the difference between a target amount of energy or power and a measured amount of energy or power supplied to the device prior to the current time period; selecting (S702) at least one device in decreasing order of energy or power deficit, whereby priority is given to devices having the largest energy or power deficit or the smallest energy or power surplus, until the selection of any further devices will cause a total estimated power consumption of the selected devices during the time period to exceed a predetermined maximum power consumption; and supplying (S704) power to the or each selected device during the time period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventors: Ian M. Stothers, Daniel Z. Schneider
  • Patent number: 7827418
    Abstract: A novel system and methodology for supplying power over a communication cable, such as an Ethernet cable, using power distribution circuitry for controlling power distribution between wires or pairs of wires in the communication cable. The power distribution circuitry may control distribution of current among wires or pairs of wires in the communication cable. In particular, balance of current among the wires or pairs of wires may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Linear Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Jacob Herbold, David McLean Dwelley
  • Patent number: 7791319
    Abstract: A battery charging circuit comprising: a semiconductor switch having an output connected to a rechargeable battery; a battery charge controller for receiving power from an external source, and supplying output power to a portable device and the input of the semiconductor switch, the current output of the battery charge controller being controllable; and a voltage sensing circuit for: measuring the voltage drop across the battery charge controller; and responding to the voltage drop across the battery charge controller by modulating the semiconductor switch to reduce the quantity of current supplied to the rechargeable battery when the voltage drop is too great; whereby the total power dissipated by the battery charge controller is controlled, the portable device receiving the power it needs to operate and the rechargeable battery receiving any additional available power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Dusan Veselic, Martin G. A. Guthrie
  • Patent number: 7791222
    Abstract: A multi-output power supply device includes a first power switch, a first switch controller that controls the first power switch, a transformer that transforms a power supplied from the first power switch, first through Nth output circuits connected to a secondary side of the transformer, where N is a positive integer greater than 1, a second power switch that switches the power output from one of the first through Nth output circuits, a second switch controller that controls the second power switch, a feedback circuit that feeds back output voltages of the first through Nth output circuits, and a feedback compensation circuit that performs a switching operation complementarily with the second power switch to compensate for a resistance of the feedback circuit. Accordingly, when power output to one of the output circuits is blocked, the multi-output power supply device can stably control the power output to the other output circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jee-hoon Jung
  • Publication number: 20100214210
    Abstract: The present invention includes: a power supply unit 10 outputting an alternating current; and multiple series circuits each of which is connected to an output of the power supply unit 10 and includes at least one winding N1, S1, at least one rectifying element D1, D2, and at least one load LED1a, 2a, which are connected in series. Currents flowing through the multiple series circuits are balanced based on an electromagnetic force generated at the at least one winding N1, S1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: Sanken Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinji Aso, Kengo Kimura
  • 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: 20100204848
    Abstract: An aircraft electric power supply system (10) for supplying electric power to onboard electric devices (20) during flight. To reduce the devices' power draw, the electric power is supplied via modulation at an increment-percentage that is determined by present conditions. An optimum portfolio can be established for the electrical devices (20) collectively, this portfolio being selected in accordance with an energy-management criterion or other aircraft objectives.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventors: Galdemir C. Botura, Richard J. Cole, James M. Roman
  • Publication number: 20100194199
    Abstract: A current balancing apparatus includes a first transformer having a first primary winding and a first secondary winding electromagnetically coupled with the first primary winding, the first primary winding having a first end connected to a first load that passes a first current; a second transformer having a second primary winding and a second secondary winding electromagnetically coupled with the second primary winding, the second primary winding having a first end connected to a second load that passes a second current having an AC component substantially having a 180-degree phase difference with respect to the first current; and a series circuit including the first secondary winding, the second secondary winding, and a current smoother, to balance the first current and second current with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: Sanken Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kengo KIMURA, Shinji Aso
  • Patent number: 7768151
    Abstract: A device (ES) for distributing power between n cathodes (Ki) of at least one multipolar stimulating electrode (EM) comprises at least one anode (A), wherein n is equal to or greater than two. Said device (ES) comprises a reconfigurable current mirror (MC) which is provided with n outputs (K?i) connectable to said n cathodes (Ki), respectively and supplies to the n (K?i) outputs n complementary fractions of a control current having respective selected values which are substantially constant at the control current amplitude variation in order to carry out a substantially constant spatial location of stimulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignees: Inria Institut National de Recherche en Informatique et en Automatique, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique CNRS, Universite de Montpellier II
    Inventors: David Andreu, Serge Bernard, Yves Bertrand, Guy Catheras, JĂ©rĂ´me Galy, David Guiraud, Jean-Denis Techer
  • Publication number: 20100148579
    Abstract: A power distribution controller includes electronic circuitry operable to receive power and distribute power, for simultaneous consumption, to a first power load and to one or more second power loads. The electronic circuitry is also operable, to monitor the amount of power consumed by the one or more second power loads, and determine whether or not the received power is or substantially is the maximum amount of power available to be received. In response to the amount of power consumed by the one or more second power loads, and the amount of received power relative to the maximum amount of power available to be received, the electronic circuitry diverts power to the first power load to cause the received power to be or substantially be the maximum amount of power available to be received.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventor: Michael A. Maloney
  • Publication number: 20100141031
    Abstract: A load driving device controls two motors by PWM signals. When a standard duty ratio of the PWM signals is 50% and a level of a drive instruction is the standard duty ratio, the standard duty ratio are output to the respective motors to provide a reverse phase relationship that the PWM signal of the standard duty ratio does not overlap. A continuous off-period and the standard PWM signal output when the level of the drive instruction is lower than the standard, and the continuous on-period and the standard PWM signal output when the level of the drive instruction is higher than the standard are changed over at the ratios corresponding to the level of the drive instruction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kouji Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20100145538
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of limiting a power supply current in a system comprising a power supply (10), a motor (12) operating at different speeds, a driver (14) for driving the motor and a controller (16) for controlling the driver, the method comprising the steps of: specifying a first value that is related to a maximum power supply current (IPSmax); determining a second value that is related to an electromagnetic force-dependent voltage (VEMF) of the motor; determining a desired third value (Cdes) that is related to a desired motor current (IMdes); determining a first boundary value (a) and a second boundary value (b) for the third value, taking into account the first value and the second value; comparing the boundary values (a) and (b) to the third value (Cdes); and setting the third value in dependence on the result of the comparing step
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventors: Hendrikus Albertus. Johanna Looijmans, Cornelius Antonius Hezemans
  • Patent number: 7732941
    Abstract: A circuit provides multi-module current sharing for circuit modules. The circuit includes an error amplifier having a negative and a positive input and an output. The positive input of the error amplifier is connected to a reference voltage. A buffered differential amplifier has an output connected to the negative input of the error amplifier and a positive and a negative input. A correction current is sourced to the negative input of the buffered differential amplifier. A resistor connected to the negative input of the buffered differential amplifier has a value that controls the amount of current correction applied to the negative input of the buffer differential amplifier by the current correction source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Intersil Americas Inc.
    Inventors: Chun Cheung, Stan Wietecha
  • Publication number: 20100127568
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for providing a power switch array with adjustable current rating power switches. A plurality of current rating power switches is provided that connects a power supply unit to a plurality of device ports. A power switch array controller is provided that adjusts an adjustable current rating in each of the plurality of adjustable current rating power switches. Each of the plurality of adjustable current rating power switches is adjustable to a selected number of current values. The power switch array controller dynamically adjusts the current ratings in the adjustable current power switches as required by the current requirements of the device ports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd.
    Inventor: Chee Yu Ng
  • Publication number: 20100096924
    Abstract: Power is supplied to an information handling system chipset with a single voltage regulator having dual phases. A first phase of the voltage regulator provides power to a low power state power rail in an independent mode to support a low power state, such as a suspend or hibernate state. A second phase of the voltage regulator provides power to a run power state power rail in combination with the first phase by activation of a switch, such as a MOSFET load switch, that connects the low power state power rail and the run power state power rail. Voltage sensed from both power rails is applied to control voltage output so that the run power state power rail is maintained within more precise constraints than the low power state power rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventors: Guangyong Zhu, Merle J. Wood, Joseph A. Clegg
  • Patent number: 7702771
    Abstract: An electrical power distribution unit can include a power distribution unit enclosure, a power input associated with the power distribution unit enclosure, and a plurality of power outputs associated with the power distribution unit enclosure. At least certain power outputs can be connectable to one or more electrical loads external to the power distribution unit enclosure and to the power input. In some embodiments, an intelligent power section can communicate with at least one of the power outputs and can connect to a communications network external to the power distribution unit enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Server Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Carrel W. Ewing, Brian P. Auclair, Andrew J. Cleveland, James P. Maskaly, Dennis W. McGlumphy, Mark J. Bigler
  • Patent number: 7701148
    Abstract: A circuit arrangement and associated method for splitting current in a predetermined ratio between N sub-circuits, comprising means for splitting current at one end of a each sub-circuit and at least one device at the other end of each sub-circuit adapted to become forward biased and acts as a short to ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventor: Alain Comeau
  • Publication number: 20100084918
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for reducing power consumption. One method includes detecting the presence of an object, identifying whether the object is a valid device and restricting power if its not a valid device. Another method includes temporarily applying a low amount of power to the primary unit to detect a load, supplying more power to determine if its a valid secondary device, and restricting power if its not. An apparatus for reducing power consumption includes two power inputs, where the lower power input powers a sense circuit. A switch selectively decouples the higher power input from the primary subcircuit during detection mode and couples the higher power input to the primary subcircuit during power supply mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Applicant: ACCESS BUSINESS GROUP INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: Julian Andrew John Fells, David W. Baarman
  • Publication number: 20100045110
    Abstract: SIMO power converters and associated methods of control are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method of converting a signal input signal into multiple output signals includes supplying power to a plurality of output terminals based on a signal input signal, detecting a voltage at individual output terminals, determining an arithmetic relationship between the detected voltages of the output terminals, and adjusting the power supplied to the plurality of output terminals based at least in part on the determined arithmetic relationship between the detected voltages of the output terminals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventors: Bairen Liu, Lei Du, Yuancheng Ren
  • Publication number: 20100013306
    Abstract: A distributed power management system may include a communication bus and a plurality of POL (point-of-load) regulators coupled to the communication bus and configured in a current sharing arrangement in which each POL regulator of the plurality of POL regulators has a respective output stage coupled to a common load and configured to generate a respective output current. Each POL regulator may have a respective phase in the current sharing configuration, and may transmit and receive information over the bus according to a bus communication protocol corresponding to the bus. The plurality of POL regulators may autonomously arbitrate a new master assignment, when a POL regulator operating as a master device drops out of regulation when a fault occurs, the respective phase of the master device is dropped, and/or the communication interface of the master device to the communication bus fails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventors: Douglas E. Heineman, Nicholas J. Havens
  • Patent number: 7622821
    Abstract: An Auxiliary Power System includes an APU controller and an aircraft load controller which include an APU load capacity algorithm which provides an uncomplicated and robust method of APU load control. The APU load capacity algorithm defines three load zones: a continuous APU load capacity zone (zone A); a time controlled zone (zone B); and a fault zone (zone C). Each zone is related to altitude to the service ceiling of the APU to provides consistent APU load capacity that addresses APU performance variation and deterioration effects to an end of the APU useful life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E. Mehrer, John P. Spencer, Massoud Vaziri