Selectively Connected Or Controlled Load Circuits Patents (Class 307/38)
  • Publication number: 20100141032
    Abstract: A control unit for triggering a plurality of electric loads with a plurality of input signals, wherein the electric loads are triggered by pulse width modulated signals, and the input signals are PWM signals. A method is described with which the control unit triggers a plurality of electric loads with a plurality of input signals. The control unit includes controllable switching provisions, wherein these switching provisions connect at least one load respectively with one of at least two different PWM inputs. A method is described for triggering a plurality of electric loads with the aid of the control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: Conti Temic Microelectronic GmbH
    Inventors: Uli Joos, Thomas Micheal, Josef Schnell, Thomas Rössler
  • Publication number: 20100133906
    Abstract: A remote controlled extension cord. The extension cord has a wire attached to a plug with an integrated base. The base serves to cradle a remote control, which is used to turn power on/off to the extensions on the cord. The remote control can snap inside the base and can be easily pushed out. The base thereby serves as a convenient storage for the remote control in order to discourage the remote from getting misplaced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventor: Michael McClurkan
  • Patent number: 7728627
    Abstract: A power sequencing method may use a state machine in a programmable sequencer to program relative timing of signals to activate different power rails attached to an integrated circuit. Input lines may specify the sequencing program. Alternatively, the programmable sequencer may use an EEPROM or other computer-readable medium to program itself with a particular image of the sequencing program. The programmable sequencer may be implemented by a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: Don Pike, David Peppy, John Madsen
  • Patent number: 7714461
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for reducing resonance in a multiple inverter system are provided. One apparatus includes an inverter coupled to a decoupling element, wherein the inverter and the decoupling elements are couplable to a power source. A system includes a motor vehicle power source including first positive and negative terminals, and a plurality of inverters coupled to the power source. Each inverter includes a second positive terminal coupled to the first positive terminal and a second negative terminal coupled to the first negative terminal. A first inverter of the plurality of inverters includes a decoupling element coupled between the first positive terminal and the positive terminal of the first inverter. One method includes operating first and second inverters at different frequencies, and controlling the impedance of a decoupling element coupled between a power source and the first inverter based on the second inverter frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian A. Welchko
  • Patent number: 7705485
    Abstract: A power source is disclosed. The power source includes a first power source applying a first voltage to a control unit and a second power source applying a second voltage to a unit controlled by the control unit. The power source includes a first power supplying unit, which includes a main power switch and a first relay and supplies electric power to the first power source, and a second power supplying unit, which includes the main power switch and a second relay and supplies the electric power to the second power source. The electric power is supplied to the first power source by turning on the main power switch, and the first relay is turned on by a voltage output from the second power source. The electric power is supplied to the second power source by turning on the second relay by a voltage output from the first power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Atsuki Iwata
  • Publication number: 20100096925
    Abstract: An outlet apparatus with power classification management which receives a control signal from a far end remote controller, and comprises at least one socket, a communication module, and a microprocessor. Wherein the sockets may be classified into a plurality of socket groups, which include at least one uncontrollable socket group and at least one controllable socket group. The communication module receives the control signal, and the microprocessor is coupled with the communication module and the socket groups for respectively controlling the controllable socket groups with respect to providing power or not according to the control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventors: Yu-Lung Lee, Ming-Chou Kuo
  • Patent number: 7701086
    Abstract: A remote controlled extension cord. The extension cord has a wire attached to a plug with an integrated base. The base serves to cradle a remote control, which is used to turn power on/off to the extensions on the cord. The remote control can snap inside the base and can be easily pushed out. The base thereby serves as a convenient storage for the remote control in order to discourage the remote from getting misplaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventor: Mike McClurkan
  • Publication number: 20100090531
    Abstract: A power supply system. The power supply system may have a power circuit having a switch and adapted to generate a first output voltage and a second output voltage, depending on the state of the switch. It also includes an output connector coupled to the power circuit, where the output connector includes a plurality of electrical contacts including a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact. A voltage output indicator device is coupled to the first and second electrical contacts. The voltage output indicator device indicates that the power circuit is producing the first output voltage or the second output voltage, so that the user is aware of the voltage being output by the power supply system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventor: Robert Mahaffey
  • Publication number: 20100066766
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating gamma corrected analogue voltages uses a first ladder resistor arrangement (34) to provides a first set of analogue voltage levels. A second set of voltages (x) is selected by programming a multiplexer arrangement (36) at the output of the first ladder resistor arrangement (34). A second ladder resistor arrangement (32) is used to provide a third set of analogue voltage levels which are at intermediate voltage levels between voltage levels of the second set (x). The output (g) is the buffered voltages of the second and third sets. This arrangement enables the amount of data that needs to be programmed to be reduced to a minimum required to implement the desired differences between the gamma functions. The voltages in the second set do not need to be evenly spaced, and more variability in the shape of the gamma curve can be provided where it is needed to best reflect different characteristics of possible displays to be driven.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: NXP, B.V.
    Inventors: Roberto Mancuso, Friedbert Riedel
  • Patent number: 7679214
    Abstract: An electronic device provided with a system main unit including a load powered by operational voltage. A system power supply unit, connected to the system main unit, supplies the load with the operational voltage. The system main unit includes a memory circuit for storing initial value data containing a set value for setting the operational voltage of the load. A main unit communication circuit reads the initial value data from the memory circuit and transmits the initial value data to the system power supply unit. The system power supply unit includes a power supply communication circuit for communicating with the main unit communication circuit to receive the initial value data. A voltage generation circuit generates voltage corresponding to the set value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Fujitsu Microelectronics Limited
    Inventors: Toru Nakamura, Hidekiyo Ozawa
  • Patent number: 7663866
    Abstract: A remote control duo power set comprises one first power outlet which has one first housing, a plurality of first sockets being set on one surface of said first housing, a power cord extending from one side of said first housing; one connecting cord of which one end is connected to the other side of said first housing; and one second power outlet, which is connected to the other side of said connecting cord and has one second housing, a plurality of second sockets and at least one power switch being provided at a side of the second housing. User can easily supply power to the electronic devices by said second power outlet. Furthermore, users can also easily control the supply of power by said power switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Powertech Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Lung Lee, Ming-Chou Kuo
  • Publication number: 20100026382
    Abstract: An external accessory that can be attached to and detached from an electronic apparatus equipped with a power source unit includes: a first power receiving unit that receives power from the power source unit of the electronic apparatus; a second power receiving unit that receives power from the power source unit of the electronic apparatus; a decision-making unit that makes a decision as to whether or not the first power receiving unit is receiving power; a function execution unit that executes a predetermined function by using power received at one of the first power receiving unit and the second power receiving unit; and a control unit that engages the function execution unit in operation continuously when an affirmative decision is made by the decision-making unit, and engages the function execution unit in operation intermittently when a negative decision is made by the decision-making unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: NIKON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Riichi Higaki, Koichiro Kawamura
  • Publication number: 20100019575
    Abstract: A system for managing a virtual power distribution unit includes database management resources and means for remotely connecting to one or more physically separate power distribution units by a controller. The controller is sometimes implemented as custom logic, or a personal computer which executes computer program instructions and communicates via a local area network or an internet connection. A database is manipulated to allow control and presentation to a user of what appears to be a standard power distribution unit but is instead a virtual version comprised of one or more physical power outlets from one or more power distribution units, allowing control and observation of the virtual power distribution in the same manner as an individual physical power distribution unit. Multiple versions of virtual power distribution units may be formed from a given set or sets of physical power distribution units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: Christopher Eugene Verges
  • Publication number: 20100019930
    Abstract: In at least some embodiments, an electrically controlled subsea production system includes a subsea electrical distributor that receives a high direct current (DC) voltage. The electrical distributor converts the high DC voltage to a lower DC voltage. The electrically controlled subsea production system also includes a plurality of subsea trees coupled to the subsea electrical distributor, wherein valves of the subsea trees selectively operate based on the lower DC voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: Camerson International Corporation
    Inventors: Klaus Biester, Peter Kunow, Norbert Lenz
  • Patent number: 7646111
    Abstract: An automatic sensing power system automatically determines a power requirement for an electrical device, converts power to the required level, and outputs the power to the electrical device when the electrical device is connected to the automatic sensing power system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: mPATHX, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory W. Menas, Brent A. Miller, Steve Spano
  • Patent number: 7647125
    Abstract: A time-based controller provides control for a controlled system including a plant having an integration response. The time-based controller includes a comparator that detects a polarity change in a comparison of a sensed signal from the plant and a reference signal while a control signal is in a first state, time calculation logic that, responsive to detection of the change in the comparison, determines a time at which to change a state of a control signal supplied to the plant, and a modulator that, at the determined time, changes the state of the control signal supplied to the plant from the first state to a second state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.
    Inventor: John L. Melanson
  • Publication number: 20090315399
    Abstract: A power gating circuit is provided one by one corresponding to each of a plurality of power domains of which power can be on/off-controlled included in a semiconductor device, and these power gating circuits are connected in accordance with inclusion relation of the power domains, and thereby, a power management unit controlling power supply to the plurality of power domains is configured, as a result that the power management unit performing power supply control depending on power control specification can be designed easily.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: FUJITSU MICROELECTRONICS LIMITED
    Inventor: Takashi SHIKATA
  • Publication number: 20090309418
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a semiconductor integrated circuit including: a cell layout region including circuit cells subject to power control the supply and interruption of power to which is controlled by a power switch, and always-on circuit cell groups which are always powered after the activation; a main line laid out in the cell layout region and applied with a source or reference voltage; and first and second branch lines which branch from the main line in the cell layout region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Tetsuo Motomura
  • Patent number: 7622822
    Abstract: A power supply control device for supplying power to a number of electrical devices from a single mains supply electrical outlet switch means adapted to connect an electrical supply from the supply electrical outlet to each of the controlled electrical outlets in response to the state of a master electrical device, a state sensor adapted to detect a functional state of the master electrical device, said sensor being adapted to distinguish at least three functional states of the master device. The master device may be personal computer with peripheral devices connected to the controlled outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Electronic Data Control Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Antonio Gelonese
  • Patent number: 7623043
    Abstract: A module for an electrical distribution system is provided. The module includes a socket board electrically coupled to the electrical distribution system. A plurality of sockets is mounted on the socket board. Each socket defines a port. A sensor is positioned within each port and is electrically coupled to the socket board. The sensors are configured to carry at least one of a primary current and a secondary current. A metering component is electrically coupled to the socket board and configured to measure current carried by the sensors. A communication module is electrically coupled to the metering component and in communication with a monitoring device. The communication module is configured to transmit metering data to the monitoring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Nadeem I. Mizra, Michael Coleman, Lawrence A. Sollecito, Jeffrey G. Mazereeuw
  • Patent number: 7622820
    Abstract: A switch-mode power supply (SMPS) with auto-tuning using limit-cycle oscillation response evaluation provides optimized performance with reduced capacitance and inductance requirements for a given design. During operation of the SMPS, parameters of the converter are extracted, and the feedback and/or feed-forward compensation is adjusted to either hold the loop bandwidth of the converter near the critical bandwidth of the output capacitors, or maintain output voltage transients within a specified limit. The compensator response is either periodically updated, or is updated in response to an event, such as detection of a transient voltage spike having a characteristic that exceeds one or more predetermined thresholds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Inventors: Aleksandar Prodic, Zhenyu Zhao, David Chalmers Schie
  • Publication number: 20090284073
    Abstract: An integrated printed circuit board-based solid state line voltage interface for use in automation control system applications. Relays connect various functional loads to the line level source in response to input from a controller unit. Switches enable a user to override the controller and manually control the connection of the functional loads. An alternative embodiment further includes limit switches and time delays. The compact nature of the device facilitates ease of installation, mounting of multiple units in less space, and mounting in various specialized location as desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: AgroLinks, LLC
    Inventor: Paul Brooks
  • Patent number: 7619181
    Abstract: A control system suitable for use with a bathing unit system having a water receptacle is provided. The control system comprises a heating module, a power source and a controller in communication with the heating module and the power source. The power source includes an energy storage member for storing energy collected from a solar panel, and is operative for supplying power generated from solar energy to the heating module. The controller is operative for causing the power source to supply power to the heating module at least in part based on first information derived from a temperature of the water within the water receptacle and second information derived from a condition associated with the power source. The controller is further operative for selecting between a first power source and a second power source for supplying power to the heating module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Gecko Alliance Group Inc.
    Inventor: Michel Authier
  • Publication number: 20090267414
    Abstract: A plural number of bridge circuits, each having a rectifier circuit with positive half wave control electrodes and a rectifier circuit with negative half wave control electrodes, and each of the plural number of the bridge circuits is connected to one winding of a power supply transformer; the rectifier circuit with negative half wave control electrodes selected from the plurality of the bridge circuits is electrically conducted when a predetermined the rectifier circuit with positive half wave control electrodes of the plurality of the bridge circuits is electrically conducted; the rectifier circuits with positive half wave control electrodes and the rectifier circuits with negative half wave control electrodes are connected by a plurality of loads provided therebetween; and electric power of the power supply transformer is fed to the loads selected from the plurality of the loads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: TOSHIBA MITSUBISHI-ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toyohiko Kiyohara, Takayoshi Hashizume
  • Publication number: 20090256424
    Abstract: A remote controlled extension cord. The extension cord has a wire attached to a plug with an integrated base. The base serves to cradle a remote control, which is used to turn power on/off to the extensions on the cord. The remote control can snap inside the base and can be easily pushed out. The base thereby serves as a convenient storage for the remote control in order to discourage the remote from getting misplaced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventor: Mike McClurkan
  • Patent number: 7602075
    Abstract: The disclosure describes implementations of methods, systems and apparatuses that are configured to facilitate normal operating characteristics for a wind turbine during normal operation, as well as during voltage irregularities. In an implementation, a turbine controller coordinates operating primary turbine systems and ancillary turbine systems during normal operation and during voltage irregularities. During normal operation, the turbine controller coordinates powering both primary and ancillary turbine systems through a power supply. During a detected voltage event, ancillary turbine systems may be transitioned to a having an uninterruptible power supply power these systems. However, the turbine controller coordinates maintaining the power supply as the sole powering device for primary turbine systems despite a voltage irregularity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Acciona Windpower, S.A.
    Inventors: William Erdman, Michael Behnke, Ricardo Royo Garcia, Miguel Nunez Polo
  • Publication number: 20090251072
    Abstract: A direct current power system according to one non-limiting embodiment includes a direct current power source operable to distribute a direct current voltage throughout at least one structure, and at least one controller operable to selectively couple a direct current load to the direct current voltage in response to a wireless signal from an energy-harvesting switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas Alan Barnett, Jeffrey Lott, Jian Xu
  • Publication number: 20090236909
    Abstract: An adaptive power strip has a power rail. A power entry module and one or more receptacle modules having plug receptacles are mounted on the power rail. The power entry module has a power inlet to which a source of power can be coupled. The power entry module distribute power from the power source to the power rail. The receptacle modules distribute power from the power rail tot the respective plug receptacles. In an aspect, the power entry module has a communications module that discovers receptacle modules on the power rail having data communications capability and if a receptacle module does not have a unique identifier assigned to it, assigns a unique identifier to the receptacle module that the receptacle module stores in a memory. The communications modules also retrieves from each receptacle module having data communications capability, information about the characteristics of the receptacle module that the communications module stores in a memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: Liebert Corporation
    Inventors: Philip R. Aldag, Michael Wassermann, Kevin R. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 7589299
    Abstract: In one aspect, a cooktop heating system that include a first cooktop heating element, a second cooktop heating element, and an interface device. The system also includes a controller for selectively associating the interface device with any one or both of the first cooktop heating element and the second cooktop heating element. In another aspect, the system includes at least one cooktop heating element, a potentiometer, and controller arrangement operatively connected between the potentiometer and the at least one cooktop heating element to determine heating of the at least one cooktop heating element responsive to the input provided by the potentiometer and control power provision to the at least one cooktop heating element responsive to the determination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Fisher, Chris Ray Blackson
  • Patent number: 7586216
    Abstract: An apparatus for electric braking and system protection for an electric generator includes a dynamic brake and a crowbar circuit designed for cooperation with power converters to dump power upon command. The dynamic brake includes at least one resistor and the crowbar circuit includes another at least one resistor for dissipating power from the electric generator. Methods for use of the electric braking and system protection calls for shunting the power to at least one of the dynamic brake, the crowbar circuit and the generator side power converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Lei Li, Zhigang Lu, Ralph Teichmann, Changyong Wang, Wenqiang Yang
  • Patent number: 7579711
    Abstract: An automatic sensing power system automatically determines a power requirement for an electrical device, converts power to the required level, and outputs the power to the electrical device when the electrical device is connected to the automatic sensing power system
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: mPATHX, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory W. Menas, Brent A. Miller, Steve Spano
  • Patent number: 7579712
    Abstract: A power system protection system prevents a voltage drop resulting from the reactive power characteristic of a power system. A main device for acquiring a system electric quantity of one or a plurality of upper substations detects a voltage drop resulting from the reactive power characteristic of the power system and transmits a detection signal of the voltage drop to a terminal device for acquiring a system electric quantity of one or a plurality of lower substations. Each terminal device sequentially sheds loads starting from those suffering more from the influence of the voltage drop resulting from the reactive power characteristic based on the load voltage and load current of a load bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignees: The Tokyo Electric Power Company, Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Ken Yanagihashi, Mamoru Suzuki, Takafumi Maeda, Akira Ishibashi, Yasuchika Nishitani
  • Patent number: 7573153
    Abstract: An apparatus for supplying DC power to a field device, such as a motor, starter or actuator, includes a multi-pole main switch and a DC voltage supply device, both of which are connected at their respective AC-voltage input sides to a line voltage via a line protection. The DC-voltage side of the DC voltage supply device is connected via a two-pole switch to respective lines of the same power cable that connects output terminals of the apparatus to the field device. The multi-pole main switch and the two-pole switch are ganged. This approach eliminates a separate DC power cable between the apparatus and the field device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Carsten Rebbereh
  • Publication number: 20090189448
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for addressing power to at least a selected load from a plurality of loads, in particular light sources in solid state lighting applications, such as decorative indoor and outdoor illumination for buildings or cars, by timing a power signal such as to power a selected load when said common timed power signal is switched to said load under control of a delayed clock signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventor: Alwin Rogier Martijn Verschueren
  • Patent number: 7566986
    Abstract: A power distribution apparatus for distributing electrical power includes circuit breaker modules and remote operated devices mounted separately in a panel. The devices may be relays, circuit breakers, meters, dimmers or other devices for controlling a circuit. An I/O controller board is connected to the remote operated devices and controls those devices through a data rail. A control module may interface with the I/O controller board and may also interface with other I/O controller boards and with one or more networks. A serial communications line connects the I/O interface board with a number of remote operated devices. A separate select line runs from each remote operated device to the I/O controller board. To operate a particular device, the I/O controller board asserts the select line of that device, causing the device to listen for messages on the serial line. The relay executes commands contained in a message only of the select line for that device is asserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: John DeBoer, William Anthony King, Jr., Seshagiri Rao Marellapudi, Paul Terricciano, David M. Williams
  • Patent number: 7564229
    Abstract: Techniques are disclosed to control a power converter with multiple output voltages. One example regulated power converter includes a an energy transfer element coupled between a power converter input and first and second power converter outputs. A switch is coupled between the power converter input and the energy transfer element such that switching of the switch causes a first output voltage to be generated at the first power converter output and a second output voltage to be generated at the second power converter output. A current in the energy transfer element is coupled to increase when a voltage across the energy transfer element is a difference between an input voltage at the power converter input and the first output voltage. The current in the energy transfer element is coupled to decrease when the voltage across the energy transfer element is a sum of the first and second output voltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Power Integrations, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur B. Odell
  • Publication number: 20090177899
    Abstract: A system and method for implementing a common control bus in a multi-regulator power supply integrated circuit. The integrated circuit may, for example, comprise first and second power regulator modules that control at least one characteristic of respective power signals. The integrated circuit may also, for example, comprise a communication interface module that receives power control information related to operation of the first and second power regulator modules over a shared data bus. An exemplary method may, for example, comprise receiving power control information over a data bus. The method may also, for example, comprise determining which of a plurality of power regulators corresponds to the received power control information. The method may further, for example, comprise determining a regulator control signal, based at least in part on the received power control information, and provide the regulator control signal to the determined regulator(s) to control operation of the determined regulator(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: BROADCOM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chun-ying Chen, Pieter Vorenkamp, Neil Y. Kim, Sumant Ranganathan
  • Publication number: 20090160253
    Abstract: In a particular illustrative embodiment, a system is disclosed that includes a first power domain that is responsive to a first power switching circuit and a second power domain that is responsive to a second power switching circuit. The system also includes a logic circuit adapted to selectively activate the first power switching circuit and the second power switching circuit. At least one of the first power switching circuit and the second power switching circuit includes a first set of transistors adapted for activation during a first power up stage and a second set of transistors adapted for activation during a second power up stage after at least one of the first set of transistors are activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: QUALCOMM INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Hari Rao, Nan Chen, Ritu Chaba
  • Patent number: 7550871
    Abstract: In a power adapter having multiple power outputs, a first information handling system (IHS) is coupled to a first power output included by the multiple power outputs. A second IHS is coupled to a second power output included by the multiple power outputs. A controller is coupled to each IHS and each power output. In response to the first IHS being decoupled from the first power output, an amount of power that is supplied to the second power output is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Erin L. Price, Robert Allen
  • Patent number: 7547863
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling one or more appliances includes a control system where one appliance is in a condition such as having operated at full capacity for a predetermined period of time, and activation signal is sent to a secondary appliance. Appliances may be linked together to control each other, so that when a second appliance is operating at full capacity a third appliance is activated and so on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan Hardesty, Jeff Jelinek
  • Publication number: 20090146494
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a surge protector includes: (a) an electrical connector configured to receive electrical power; (b) one or more receivers configured to receive input via wireless signals; (c) at least one first switch electrically coupled to the electrical connector; (d) one or more first electrical outlets; and (e) one or more second electrical outlets electrically coupled to the electrical connector. In these embodiments, each switch of the at least one first switch is electrically coupled to at least one of the one or more first electrical outlets and at least one of the one or more receivers. The at least one first switch is configured to turn on or turn off the electrical power to the one or more first electrical outlets based on the input received by the one or more receivers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: Belkin International, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Mori, Yoko Iida, Jon Roepke, Hanoz Gandhi, Gid Herman
  • Patent number: 7541690
    Abstract: A signal transmission method for transmitting a signal between a regulated power supply unit that operates and controls a high intensity discharge lamp and a setting unit that gives various kinds of commands to the regulated power supply unit is provided. The method includes providing the regulated power supply unit with a first communication controller; providing the setting unit with a second communication controller; providing a pair of signal lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichi Kobayashi, Hitoshi Akiho, Yoshimasa Kitta
  • Patent number: 7535118
    Abstract: There is provided a power supply system for supplying power to a plurality of loads includes: a fuel cell for generating DC power; a plurality of connection units, wherein one of the plurality of connection units receives information to decide power consumption of the load from the load when any of the plurality of loads is connected to any of the connection units; and a control unit operable to compute the power consumption of the load based on the information received by the connection unit when power supply is requested from another load among the plurality of loads connected to the connection unit, and operable to inform a user of power shortage without supplying power to the load when the power consumption of the load is higher than surplus power of the fuel cell, in a state where power is supplied to at least one of the plurality of loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: The Japan Research Institute, Limited
    Inventors: Hitoshi Ikuma, Makoto Inoue
  • Publication number: 20090102286
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for reducing resonance in a multiple inverter system are provided. One apparatus includes an inverter coupled to a decoupling element, wherein the inverter and the decoupling elements are couplable to a power source. A system includes a motor vehicle power source including first positive and negative terminals, and a plurality of inverters coupled to the power source. Each inverter includes a second positive terminal coupled to the first positive terminal and a second negative terminal coupled to the first negative terminal. A first inverter of the plurality of inverters includes a decoupling element coupled between the first positive terminal and the positive terminal of the first inverter. One method includes operating first and second inverters at different frequencies, and controlling the impedance of a decoupling element coupled between a power source and the first inverter based on the second inverter frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: BRIAN A. WELCHKO
  • Publication number: 20090096290
    Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a plurality of drive units, a control unit, and an operation information input unit. The plurality of drive units drive based on electric power supplied. The control unit shifts the plurality of drive units to a power saving state or a normal state. The operation information input unit is sequentially input first operation information indicating a start of a process and second operation information indicating a process content. The control unit shifts the plurality of drive units to the normal state when the first operation information is input to the operation information input unit with the plurality of drive units being in the power saving state. The control unit shifts a particular drive unit to the power saving state based on the second operation information when the second operation information is input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: OKi Data Corporation
    Inventor: Tomio TANAKA
  • Publication number: 20090091369
    Abstract: A system for equalizing transition density in an integrated circuit includes a first circuit configured to transition according to a data stream; and a second circuit configured to transition at a time when the first circuit is not transitioning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: Michael Martin Farmer, Robert J. Martin, Peter Meier
  • Publication number: 20090091187
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for powering a plurality of loads from an electrical power supply network. The invention is of particular use in the aeronautical domain. The device comprises a number of converters (EPPi) each comprising an input and an output, the input of each converter (EPPi) taking power from the network and the output of each converter (EPPi) being associated with at least one load (Li) to deliver power to it. The device comprises switching means (B1 to B6) enabling the association between converters (EPPi) and loads (Li) to be varied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: Thales
    Inventor: Alain Tardy
  • Patent number: 7514814
    Abstract: An automatic sensing power system automatically determines a power requirement for an electrical device, converts power to the required level, and outputs the power to the electrical device when the electrical device is connected to the automatic sensing power system
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: mPATHX, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory W. Menas, Brent A. Miller, Steve Spano
  • Publication number: 20090085403
    Abstract: An apparatus for reducing a neutral current using a load switching method in accordance with the present invention includes a phase current detection unit for detecting a phase current in each of a top stage power line and a bottom stage power line, a load switching unit for changing an arrangement of a load connected each phase of at least one among the top stage power line and the bottom stage power line and a control unit for controlling the load switching unit so as to compare a strength of the detected phase current of the top stage power line with a strength of the detected phase current of the bottom stage power line and to change the arrangement of the load connected to each phase of at least one among the top stage power line and the bottom stage power line according to the comparison result.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventors: CHUL HWAN KIM, Keon Woo Park
  • Patent number: 7508092
    Abstract: An automatic sensing power system automatically determines a power requirement for an electrical device, converts power to the required level, and outputs the power to the electrical device when the electrical device is connected to the automatic sensing power system
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: mPATHX, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory W. Menas, Brent A. Miller, Steve Spano