Diverse Or Unlike Electrical Characteristics Patents (Class 307/72)
  • Publication number: 20090146498
    Abstract: A power control apparatus includes an input terminal and an output terminal for an AC signal; a DC removing capacitor connected between the input terminal and the output terminal; and a variable capacitor that is connected between the input terminal and the output terminal and whose capacitance can be changed by a control signal. One of a current and a voltage of the AC signal is controlled by changing the capacitance of the variable capacitor using the control signal, and dielectrics that form a serially connected row of capacitors composed of the DC removing capacitor and the variable capacitor are configured so as to be integrally laminated, and the control signal is applied across a dielectric that forms the variable capacitor and the AC signal is applied across the dielectrics that form the row of capacitors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Masayoshi KANNO
  • Patent number: 7528504
    Abstract: An electrical device for automatically combining two input power source supply circuits with either aligned or unaligned phases, into a single operational circuit, with an output load capacity totaling approximately the sum of the two lower capacity power supply circuits. The device and adapters, through a series of coupled relays and contactors, incorporates internal circuitry and components which sense the phase relationship and alignment of the supply circuits, and depending upon conditions chooses the correct path, and automatically connects the supply circuits to the load circuit without the need of manual switches, or additional adapters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Inventor: Lewis Gerber
  • Patent number: 7502233
    Abstract: There is provided a power supply for AC/DC and DC/DC conversion which receives the DC power supplied from airplanes, vehicles and vessels as well as normal AC power, and converts the power to DC power and supplies it to portable electronic products. The power supply for AC/DC and DC/DC conversion includes an AC input 10, a DC input 20, a switch 30 for selecting AC input power or DC input power, a DC output 40, and a circuit used for AC/DC and DC/DC conversion 100 which converts the power input from the AC input or the DC input to DC power having predetermined values of current and voltage, and a secondary side of a transformer (TL) for AC/DC conversion inside the circuit for conversion serves as an inductor for performing DC/DC conversion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Smart Power Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Hyun-Jun Kim, Dae-Young Youn, Sang-Min Kim
  • Publication number: 20080303348
    Abstract: A system for continuously generating baseload electrical energy entirely from renewable resources and transmitting the generated electrical energy to a transmission grid includes, in combination, a first energy generation device for continuously generating electrical energy output, which has a bio-mass fuel supply requirement for generating the electrical energy. One or more additional energy generation devices provide, as available, intermittent electrical and thermal energy for substituting, or supplementing, the electrical energy output of the first energy generation device, and for supplementing the fuel supply requirement for the first energy generation device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventor: Allen L. Witters
  • Publication number: 20080211310
    Abstract: A portable power supply apparatus is provided. The portable power supply apparatus includes an AC-to-DC power adapter, a DC power connector, a DC-to-DC power adapter and an extension power cable. The AC-to-DC power adapter is employed for receiving AC power. The DC power connector is employed for receiving DC power. The DC-to-DC power adapter includes a first DC power input portion, a DC-to-DC power converting circuit and a first DC power output portion. The first DC power input portion is selectively connected to the AC-to-DC power adapter or the DC power connector for receiving a first input DC voltage from the AC-to-DC power adapter or a second input DC voltage from the DC power connector. The DC-to-DC power converting circuit is electrically connected to the first DC power input portion for converting the first input DC voltage or the second input DC voltage into a first DC output voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventors: Ionel Jitaru, Phichej Cheevanantachai, Didier Chaumet, Heng Hsien Hsieh, Tang Peng Seng
  • Patent number: 7394168
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of supplying DC power to equipment using proton exchange membranes (PEMs). PEMs run on hydrogen to produce DC electrical power. In the disclosed embodiment these PEMs are used as an alternative source of power to AC sources. One of these other sources is generated by an array of gas turbines. Another source is provided by a commercial utility. AC from these sources is converted using rectifiers. Capacitors are used to bridge when switching between energy sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventor: Larry L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7362007
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for supplying an uninterruptible power source to a dual power device capable of being alternately powered through either a primary power input connected to a primary power source or a secondary power input connected to a secondary power source is provided. One implementation includes a power input for receiving AC from the primary power source, one or more converter elements operative to receive the AC from the power source, to convert the AC to DC, and to deliver the DC to a power storage element. The apparatus also includes a power storage element that stores at least a portion of the DC delivered from the converter elements. The power stored in the power storage elements is delivered to the secondary power input of the dual power device when the primary power source is disconnected from the dual power device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Inventor: Walter Emory Farmer
  • Publication number: 20080054725
    Abstract: A power supplying apparatus supplying power to a predetermined system unit is provided with a power selecting unit which is directly connected to the system part, to select one of a plurality of inputs of power and output a selected power to the system unit; and a controller which is provided outside a power supplying path between the power selecting unit and the system unit, to control the power selecting unit to selectively output the power selected by the power selecting unit to the system unit according to a power switching signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hyun-jun LEE
  • Patent number: 7334137
    Abstract: Memory interface systems include one or more channel lines that couple a memory to a memory controller such that the channel line(s) are responsive to a terminal voltage that is independent of supply voltages for the memory and the memory controller. Because the memory interface system uses a terminal voltage that is independent of the supply voltages of the memory and the memory controller, the interface system may be unaffected by voltage differences between the memory supply voltage and the memory controller supply voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tae-sung Jung, Byung-se So, Myun-joo Park
  • Publication number: 20070273214
    Abstract: A system and method for coupling generation resources to an electric grid at a common location are disclosed. Briefly described, one embodiment includes at least a direct current (DC) bus operable at a DC bus voltage, a plurality of primary converter module sites on the DC bus, each of the primary converter module sites operable to electrically couple one of a plurality of primary converter modules to the DC bus, and a secondary converter module coupled to the DC bus and electrically coupleable to the AC system, the secondary converter module operable to convert an amount of DC current received from the DC bus into AC power that is transferred to the AC system at an AC system voltage, wherein the amount of DC current corresponds to power received from the plurality of primary converter modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Inventors: Kon-King M. Wang, Kent M. Harmon
  • Patent number: 7274114
    Abstract: A tracking and control method and circuit for use in a power management unit integrated circuit (PMUIC) that enables multiple voltage regulator outputs to maintain a same voltage or a ratiometric relation to a reference voltage source. When the reference voltage source is powered down or falls below a prescribed level, the tracking power supplies are automatically switched to their internal bandgap reference voltage. Accordingly, outputs of the tracking power supplies are prevented from introducing large transient excursions that might result in malfunctions in the circuitry of the load such as latch-ups. Ratiometric tracking further provides coordinated preservation of logic interface levels, and reduces leakage current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: National Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventor: Kern W. Wong
  • Patent number: 7254048
    Abstract: A programmable AC/DC power converter receives a plurality of input voltages and outputs a single voltage from an input voltage system. A transformer receives the single voltage. One of the plurality of input voltages is provided at a center tap of a secondary winding of the transformer. A transformed voltage is output. A rectifier receives the transformed voltage and outputs a DC voltage. A buck regulator receives a DC voltage, creates a regulated voltage, and outputs the regulated voltage and a regulated current to a portable appliance. A error correction system receives a programming signal and regulated signals and verifies that the regulated signal to programming signal ratio is within an acceptable range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Comarco Wireless Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas W Lanni
  • Patent number: 7230353
    Abstract: A charging circuit in a back-up power system is provided. The charging circuit includes an output terminal electrically connected to a main power for providing an AC output voltage, a transformer having a secondary electrically connected to the output terminal, an energy storage and supply device providing a DC voltage, an inverter having an output electrically connected to a primary of the transformer and an input electrically connected to the energy storage and supply device and including four gate control switch devices to form a bridge switching device, a bridge rectifier having an input electrically connected to the output of the inverter in parallel, and a charging switch device electrically connected to an output of the bridge rectifier in parallel so as to charge the electrical energy storage and supply device through one of a conduction state and a cut-off state of said charging switch device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Chao-Yang Hsu, Hung-Chieh Lin
  • Patent number: 7230819
    Abstract: A mobile power system for producing power at a desired location includes a first power generating device of a first type coupled to a transportable housing, and a second power generating device of a second type coupled to the transportable housing. The first type of power generating device is different than the second type of power generating device. According to an exemplary embodiment, the mobile power system may provide easy access to different types of power outputs. Further, the housing may have the approximate size of a standard freight container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: SkyBuilt Power, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Muchow, George F. Bockelmann, Michael C. Hull, Charles J. Bigelow
  • Patent number: 7190091
    Abstract: A selectable source input power supply is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a power supply is provided comprising an input stage including an input connector to couple the power supply to either of an AC input voltage or a DC input voltage, and an actuatable input switch to determine which of the AC input voltage and the DC input voltage is coupled to the power supply, to couple the input stage to an alternating current path in response to a determination that the AC input voltage is coupled to the power supply, and to couple the input stage to a direct current path in response to a determination that the DC input voltage is coupled to the power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Marshall
  • Patent number: 7148659
    Abstract: A programmable AC/DC power converter receives a plurality of input voltages and outputs a single voltage from an input voltage system. A transformer receives the single voltage. One of the plurality of input voltages is provided at a center tap of a secondary winding of the transformer. A transformed voltage is output. A rectifier receives the transformed voltage and outputs a DC voltage. A buck regulator receives a DC voltage, creates a regulated voltage, and outputs the regulated voltage and a regulated current to a portable appliance. A error correction system receives a programming signal and regulated signals and verifies that the regulated signal to programming signal ratio is within an acceptable range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Comarco Wireless Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas W. Lanni
  • Patent number: 7053504
    Abstract: A switching system, preferably for use in the power supply of motor vehicles, and having one chargeable energy memory of a specific voltage level and consumers situated in the circuit of the energy memory is further developed so that a significant power load is thoroughly prevented even in the case of a high momentary power requirement of the electric consumers. The energy memory is designed for this purpose as power-limiting primary memory (1) to ensure the operation of a first group of consumers (2). The switching system further has a secondary energy memory (4) chargeable proceeding from the primary energy memory (1) which makes energy available to a second group of consumers (5) so that during energy delivery from the secondary energy memory (4) to the consumers (5) of the second group a feedback to the primary energy memory (1) is thoroughly prevented even during loading of the same by consumers (2) of the first group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Karl-Hermann Ketteler
  • Publication number: 20040046457
    Abstract: The circuit arrangement comprises a power supply unit with a first power supply only for the analogue signal processing part and for the control part of a respective device. For the digital signal processing part, a second, separate switched mode power supply is provided, which is switched off, when only the analogue signal processing part is active, and which is in operation, when the digital signal processing part is on. For switching on and off of the second switched mode power supply, the power supply comprises a switching circuit (18), which is coupled in a special embodiment to a control loop (15) on the secondary side, for switching off the second power supply at the primary side via a galvanic isolating means (14). The switching circuit is provided with a supply voltage (12VS) from the first power supply and receives the on/off command from the control part, e. g. a microprocessor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Frank Dumont, Andrzej Ziolkowski, Jean Paul Louvel
  • Patent number: 6605881
    Abstract: An AC interconnection apparatus has an input terminal for a commercial power system, a connection terminal to a solar cell, an output terminal connected to a load, an inverter for converting the output voltage of the solar cell into an AC voltage, and a current detector arranged on the load side of an AC connection point for connecting the AC output from the inverter and the commercial power. When a power value calculated on the basis of a current detection value by the current detector and the voltage of the commercial power system is less than the output power of the inverter, the output of the inverter is suppressed, thereby suppressing reverse power flow to the commercial power system. When the current value detected by the current detector exceeds a predetermined value, power supply to the load is stopped using a breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nobuyoshi Takehara, Hiroshi Kondo
  • Patent number: 6586850
    Abstract: A device such as an electrotherapy device implementing the invention includes multiple power module receptacles each of which is configured to received at least one type of power module, and a power management system that selectively routes power provided by one or more installed power modules to the device components and, preferably, to other power module receptacles. The types of power modules that operate in the power module receptacles include, for example, rechargeable battery packs, non-rechargeable battery packs and AC power packs. Preferably these power modules are each fully integrated, functionally self-contained power modules. For example, the rechargeable battery pack includes a charge controller specifically designed to charge the battery pack in which it is implemented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Daniel J. Powers
  • Publication number: 20030080623
    Abstract: A dual input AC/DC power converter (10) having dual inputs (12,14) adapted to receive both an AC and DC input and provide a selectable DC voltage output (16) and a second DC output (18). The dual input AC/DC power converter (10) comprises a power converter circuit (20) having an AC-to-DC converter (22), a DC-to-DC booster converter (24), a feedback circuit (26), a filter circuit (25) and a DC-to-DC buck converter (28). Advantageously, the power converter (10) resolves many of the system management problems associated with carrying all of the different interface components necessary to power a wide variety of mobile products from either an AC or DC power supply. In addition, the feedback circuit (26) comprises single feedback loop having stacked photocouplers, one (PH1) controlling the AC-to-DC converter (22) and the other (PH3) controlling the DC-to-DC booster converter (24), to select the overall DC output voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventors: Gilbert MacDonald, Richard Garrison Dubose, Chia Hua Wang
  • Publication number: 20030025398
    Abstract: A multiplex connection inverter apparatus is provided having two separate inverters connected to each other for declining current ripples which may be generated when the superposing of the alternating current outputs with their carrier signal components held in phase with each other. The alternating current outputs of the two inverters are set opposite in the phase while their carrier signal components are in phase with each other. For connecting in parallel, the positive port of one of the two inverters is connected to the negative port of the other inverter to constitute one of two output terminals while the negative port of the one inverter is connected to the positive port of the other inverter to constitute the other output terminal. For connecting in series, the negative ports of the two inverters are connected to each other while the positive ports of the same are assigned as two output ports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Applicant: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masashi Nakamura, Motohiro Shimizu
  • Publication number: 20030025594
    Abstract: A power supply integrated circuit is provided which makes it possible to make an on-vehicle apparatus compact and to allow power supply cable communication having resistance to noise. The power supply integrated circuit is connected to a micro-controller incorporated in an ECU and a power supply cable. The power supply integrated circuit has an LPF and a regulator. The power supply integrated circuit also has an interface circuit, a BPF, a transmitting section, and a receiving section. The LPF passes only the power supply voltage, and the BPF passes only transmission signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Susumu Akiyama, Takayuki Toya
  • Publication number: 20020196129
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for remotely powering at least one board or card interconnected with an other board or card, via a link point to point comprising at least two pairs of wires or lines, said cards or boards being mounted in a common backpanel and said other board or card incorporating a power source and/or being connected to an external power source, whereby electrical power is supplied over said linking wires or lines by means of a phantom circuit using both pairs of wires or lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Applicant: ALCATEL
    Inventors: Michel Mouton, Raymond Gass
  • Patent number: 6483204
    Abstract: A notebook-sized personal computer representing consumption-side hardware sends electric power data, which indicates an electric power (including voltage, alternating or direct current, cycle and wave shape) suited to the personal computer, to an electric power supply system through a communication line. In the system, the electric power data of the personal computer is analyzed in an allotter, and the allotter sends electric power data, which indicates an electric power required in the allotter, to an electric power supply adapter through a communication line. The electric power supply adapter converts an electric power received from an electric power company into another electric power matching with the electric power data of the allotter and supplies the converted electric power to the allotter through an electric power line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha, Mitsubishi Electric System LSI Design Corporation
    Inventor: Shigeto Hanaki
  • Patent number: 6465912
    Abstract: A power transfer device includes a first current transferring section connected between a first AC power source and a load, a second current transferring section with first and second switches which have opposite conduction directions, connected in parallel, and connected between a second AC power source and the load; a current detector for detecting a current flowing from the first AC power source to the load; a generator for generating a power transfer signal instructing transfer from the first AC power source to the second AC power source; a current direction estimator for estimating the direction of a current which flows from the first AC power source to the load when the second current transferring section enters the conduction state after a time period; and a conduction signal generator for causing one of the first and second switches to be conductive, so that the current flowing from the first AC power source to the load is cancelled, and, thereafter, causing the other of the first and second switches
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Fuminori Nakamura, Shinzo Tamai, Isao Kamiyama, Masatoshi Takeda, Hiroshi Yamamoto, Yuji Kuroda
  • Publication number: 20020060499
    Abstract: An electrical distribution system and method has storage battery mechanism of very large equivalent capacitance providing excellent ripple filtering and an ideal path to ground, and filter capacitor mechanism of microfarad size providing DC blocking and limited AC path to ground. The storage battery entity is maintained as to its charge by DC supply, which provides regulated DC power in which switching regulation may be involved. The system and method provides dual voltage capability, both DC and AC, in which circuit breakers may be ganged for simultaneous tripping, and in which intrinsic DC circuit(s) may be looped to increase current-carrying capability. A DC isolation capacitor is connected to a common current path, such as to one of the busses, such as, for example, in series with the neutral circuit, as a means for avoiding undesirable DC current paths as may be encountered due to a multitude of established neutral-line connections to earthing grounds established throughout in AC power supply network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Inventor: William George Wilhelm
  • Patent number: 6356471
    Abstract: A connectionless paralleling and load sharing system and method for power sources are presented. The invention provides a dynamic feedback adaptive control system that enables proper load sharing among paralleled power sources without the need for interconnection therebetween. Only the individual source's voltage and current are sensed by its controller. These output parameters are then used to modify a reference voltage used by the controller to control the source's output waveform. This reference voltage compensation is accomplished through two feedback control loops, an outer loop for the voltage compensation and an inner loop for the current compensation. The outer loop includes an integration of the voltage error between the desired voltage and the actual voltage sensed at the source's output. The inner loop is filtered and operates in a proportional fashion to rapidly adjust the output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Powerware Corporation
    Inventor: Wendy Xiaowen Fang
  • Patent number: 6320280
    Abstract: An electronic device has a housing having a first transparent surface and a second transparent surface opposite to the first transparent surface. A timepiece movement is disposed in the housing and has a display for displaying time through the first transparent surface of the housing. A thermoelectric generator is disposed in the housing for generating electric power in response to a temperature difference across the thermoelectric generator. At least one solar generator is disposed on the second transparent surface of the housing for receiving light transmitted through the second transparent surface to generate electric power. An electrical power storage device stores electric power generated by at least one of the thermoelectric generator and the solar generator and supplies the electric power to the timepiece movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventor: Toshiya Kanesaka
  • Patent number: 6278202
    Abstract: To reduce a power loss and elongate the service life of a battery in a power supply circuit for a widely variable power-consuming load. In a device with a dry battery and a rechargeable battery, the rechargeable battery supplies the power while its output voltage is higher than a 3.4V-voltage increased voltage by a voltage increasing circuit. When the output voltage of the rechargeable battery decreases lower than 3.4V, the voltage increasing circuit operates and the dry battery works as a power supply. The power voltage increased by the voltage increasing circuit through a choke coil is fed to respective voltage decreasing circuits. The current is also fed to recharge the rechargeable battery when the output voltage of the choke coil is higher than the output voltage of the rechargeable battery. When the load is increased by the operation of a pickup, the power stored in the rechargeable battery together with the power from the dry battery after increased to 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahiro Sakagawa, Akihiro Ohshita
  • Patent number: 6268666
    Abstract: A bi-directional power converter apparatus and method of conversion is disclosed which comprises three active elements (output, primary, and auxiliary switches) and two passive components (primary and auxiliary energy storage elements) coupled so as to enable operation in any one of several different power conversion modes, including: a Non-Assisted Generation mode, a Super-Assisted Generation mode, a Super-Assisted Regeneration mode, an Auxiliary Generation mode, and an Output Regeneration mode. The individual components operate in a synergistic fashion to enable the free, bi-directional, transfer of power from primary and auxiliary energy sources to a load, and from the load to the primary and auxiliary energy sources. Further, the invention operates in such a way as to dramatically reduce the effective boost/buck ratios required for low voltage energy sources connected to a high voltage output power bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventor: Shibashis Bhowmik
  • Patent number: 6252310
    Abstract: An electrical distribution system and method has storage battery mechanism of very large equivalent capacitance providing excellent ripple filtering and an ideal path to ground, and filter capacitor mechanism of microfarad size providing DC blocking and limited AC path to ground. The storage battery entity is maintained as to its charge by DC supply, which provides regulated DC power in which switching regulation may be involved. The system and method provides dual voltage capability, both DC and AC, in which circuit breakers may be ganged for simultaneous tripping, and in which intrinsic DC circuit(s) may be looped to increase current-carrying capability. A DC isolation capacitor is connected to a common current path, such as to one of the busses, such as, for example, in series with the neutral circuit, as a means for avoiding undesirable DC current paths as may be encountered due to a multitude of established neutral-line connections to earthing grounds established throughout in AC power supply network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Nextek Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: William George Wilhelm
  • Patent number: 6208040
    Abstract: A customer side power management system including at least one auxiliary fuel cell(s) source is provided. When the power derived from the electric utility reaches a predetermined threshold level, all remaining power needed to supply the customer's loads is obtained from the at least one hydrocarbon powered fuel cell which is/are located within the customer's facility. In such a manner, high peak demand utility charges are avoided by the customer, and the simple cost effective power generation from the fuel cell is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Technology Patents, LLC
    Inventor: Aris Mardirossian
  • Patent number: 6191500
    Abstract: A system and method for providing an uninterrupted supply of power to a critical load includes at least two uninterruptible power supply UPS modules that receive power from separate utility sources. A controller controls the UPS modules so that the output power from one UPS module is substantially in-phase with the output power from the other UPS module. As a result, the output powers from the UPS modules can be combined with one another to provide a sufficient source of uninterruptible power to the critical load regardless of the phase difference in the power provided by the separate utility sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Kling Lindquist Partnership, Inc.
    Inventor: John H. Toy
  • Patent number: 6104102
    Abstract: A multi-quality electric power supply apparatus supplies electric power based on the demand of various loads. The multi-quality electric power supply apparatus includes an inverter having a three-phase bridge configuration with an A/C output terminal connected to a distribution line of each phase of the three-phase four-wire A/C system. A capacitor is connected among two input terminals of the D/C side of the inverter and a neutral line of the three-phase four-wire A/C system. An uninterruptable power supply device is inserted from a node point to the distribution line of the inverter in a given distribution line of one phase on the load side to compensate for a voltage drop of the distribution line and to supply a given voltage in the distribution line during an interrupted power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Osaka University
    Inventors: Kiichiro Tsuji, Toshifumi Ise
  • Patent number: 6084318
    Abstract: A customer side power management system including at least one auxiliary fuel cell(s) source is provided. When the power derived from the electric utility reaches a predetermined threshold level, all remaining power needed to supply the customer's loads is obtained from the at least one hydrocarbon powered fuel cell which is/are located within the customer's facility. In such a manner, high peak demand utility charges are avoided by the customer, and the simple cost effective power generation from the fuel cell is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Technology Patents, LLC
    Inventor: Aris Mardirossian
  • Patent number: 6072249
    Abstract: A power source device in which, even in case of mistaken connection of a source power supplying cable, the supply of source power can be halted before destruction of an electronic equipment or of the power source device itself at the time of supplying the source power. A micro-computer 8 is started when fed with the source power from a power source circuit 1, and controls a constant current circuit 2 for not impressing a load voltage across a resistor R1. A camera device 30 is fed with a dc current for load resistance detection via a resistor R2 and a diode D1. A comparator 3 sends to a port P1 of the micro-computer 8 a level signal specifying whether or not the resistance RL is higher than a pre-set value. The micro-computer 8 controls the constant current circuit 2 for supplying the source power to the camera device 30 if the level signal supplied to the port 1 is `1`, that is if the load resistance RL is higher than a pre-set value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Katsumi Osawa
  • Patent number: 6057610
    Abstract: An adapter plug system connectable to AC and DC sources for powering an electrically powered device. The system includes an adapter power cord for translating AC or DC voltages into a predefined DC voltage and a DC adapter. The adapter power cord also includes an adapter circuit in a case that translates a received voltage into a voltage acceptable for an attached electrically powered device. The adapter power cord includes a switch for automatically or manually setting the adapter circuit to translate AC or DC voltages. The system also includes a DC adapter that inserts into a vehicle lighter outlet for supplying a DC voltage to plug prong receiving ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: SelfCHARGE Inc.
    Inventor: David S. Nierescher
  • Patent number: 5977658
    Abstract: An alternating current power supply for providing a high-voltage alternating current power output from a first low-voltage alternating current power source and a second low-voltage alternating current power source is disclosed. A first alternating current low-voltage power input is coupled to the first low-voltage alternating current power source, and a second alternating current low-voltage power input is coupled to the second low-voltage alternating current power source. A switch simultaneously couples the first low-voltage power input to a first output conductor and the second low-voltage power input to a second output conductor, thereby providing a high-voltage power output between the output conductors. A switch control activates the switch responsive to a phase difference, typically 180 degrees, between the first alternating current power source and the second alternating current power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: Duane W. Hoole
  • Patent number: 5977656
    Abstract: A power supply circuit drives a load with first and second power sources. The power supply circuit has a switching network comprising a first switch and an interlock switch. A first circuit section connects the first power source to the load only when both the first switch and the interlock switch are on, and a second circuit section connects the second power source to the load only when both the first switch and the interlock switch are on. The switching network provides isolation between the first and second circuit sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Paul John
  • Patent number: 5808376
    Abstract: An apparatus for energizing a large scale medical imaging system, preferably in the form of a CT scanner so that the scanner operates off an uninterruptable power supply in the event that the external power falls below sufficient power to operate the system so that system operation remains uninterruptable. The system is designed to operate off a broad range and types of external power supplies including those providing DC, single or three phase AC power. The system therefore can operate from a common single phase AC outlet. In addition, power factor correction is provided so that the system can correct for phase differences between the voltage and current at the input line created by the input impedance of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: Analogic Corporation
    Inventors: Bernard M. Gordon, Iosif Izrailit
  • Patent number: 5786642
    Abstract: An electrical distribution system and method has storage battery mechanism of very large equivalent capacitance providing excellent ripple filtering and an ideal path to ground, and filter capacitor mechanism of microfarad size providing DC blocking and limited AC path to ground. The storage battery entity is maintained as to its charge by DC supply which provides regulated DC power in which switching regulation may be involved. The system and method provides dual voltage capability, both DC and AC in which circuit breakers may be ganged for simultaneous tripping, and in which intrinsic DC circuit(s) may be looped to increase current-carrying capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Nextek Power Systems Inc.
    Inventor: William George Wilhelm
  • Patent number: 5777397
    Abstract: Electrical equipment such as a personal computer includes a plurality of internal components which require different voltages including low voltages of about five volts for operation. The different voltages are supplied by an internal power supply, with a voltage regulator, which is itself connected to an appropriately-transformed high voltage supply typically from an in-the-wall source. Peripherals such as a FAX/modem, CD ROM, or tape recorder are powered by cables plugged into mating sockets in the face of the computer housing. The sockets, in turn, are connected to the appropriate outputs of the internal power supply to obtain appropriate voltage power directly from the host computer in the absence of a transformed connection to a house supply. A switch is provided at each of the sockets to vary the voltage there.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Inventor: Phillip Lam
  • Patent number: 5723956
    Abstract: A battery load leveling arrangement for an electrically powered system in which battery loading is subject to intermittent high current loading utilizes a passive energy storage device and a diode connected in series with the storage device to conduct current from the storage device to the load when current demand forces a drop in battery voltage. A current limiting circuit is connected in parallel with the diode for recharging the passive energy storage device. The current limiting circuit functions to limit the average magnitude of recharge current supplied to the storage device. Various forms of current limiting circuits are disclosed, including a PTC resistor coupled in parallel with a fixed resistor. The current limit circuit may also include an SCR for switching regenerative braking current to the device when the system is connected to power an electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Robert Dean King, Rik Wivina Anna Adelson DeDoncker
  • Patent number: 5631504
    Abstract: An AC/DC power supply includes an input sensing circuit for sensing whether the input connector is connected to an AC voltage source or to a relatively lower amplitude DC voltage source. When connected to the AC voltage source, a control circuit connects an input rectifier to the input circuit and also connects two primary windings of a power transformer in boosting relation to the output circuit. When the input connector is connected to the DC voltage source, the control circuit bypasses the input rectifier with respect to the input circuit, and connects only one of the primary windings to the output circuit while bypassing the other primary winding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Inventor: Carmeli Adahan
  • Patent number: 5608273
    Abstract: The invention concerns battery back-up for electronic equipment. A sensor detects a drop in power supply voltage and, in response, connects the back-up battery to the equipment, via a Field-Effect Transistor (FET). The FET causes a lower voltage drop between the battery and the equipment, as compared with a commonly used alternative, namely, a diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignees: AT&T Global Information Solutions Company, Hyundai Electronics America, Symbios Logic Inc.
    Inventor: Donald M. Bartlett
  • Patent number: 5594286
    Abstract: A control circuit for controlling a plurality of power supply modules connected in parallel to provide power to a single load. The control module first converts first analog data corresponding to a voltage level which is applied to the load. The control module then compares the voltage level to a predetermined voltage level and computes a voltage deviation between the predetermined voltage level and the voltage applied to the load. The control module then computes whether the voltage deviation is within a proper limit or not. The control module then sends a pulse width data signal corresponding to the voltage deviation to the power supply modules in order to control the amount of power each module supplies to the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroshi Tachikawa
  • Patent number: 5589718
    Abstract: A power line conditioner in which a plurality of outlets are mounted on a housing for receiving AC plugs from a plurality of electrical components. The housing is connected to a source of AC power which is distributed to each of the outlets, with the AC power associated with the outlets being processed to improve the performance of the components connected to the outlets. The AC power processing at one or more of the outlets differs from the processing at one or more of the other outlets so that the outlets can accommodate components with different electrical characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Monster Cable International, Ltd.
    Inventor: Noel Lee
  • Patent number: 5517468
    Abstract: In an electric timepiece using a small and thin thermoelectric element wherein a first insulator made of silicon is on the heat absorbing side and a second insulator made of silicon is on the heat radiating side, when a temperature difference is applied thereon such that the temperature on the heat absorbing side is higher than that on the heat radiating side, heat is transferred in a direction from the insulator 101 to the insulator. In that case, electrons move toward the insulator on the heat radiating side in a n-type semiconductor. Holes move toward the insulator on the heat radiating side in a p-type semiconductor. The n-type semiconductor and the p-type semiconductor are electrically connected in series via a connector and therefore, the heat transfer is converted into current and an electromotive force can be provided between output terminals. Further, the electromotive force is stored in an electric storage means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Tatsunori Inoue, Keisuke Tsubata
  • Patent number: 5514223
    Abstract: A dual discharge photovoltaic module responsive to high and low loads. The module includes a first plurality of series connected, high short circuit current cells, and a second plurality of series connected, low short circuit current cells connected in series with the first plurality. A diode is connected in parallel with the second plurality of cells such that current flow through the module when the module is under low load reverse biases the diode so that the module discharges at a low current. When the module is under high load, current flow through the module forward biases the diode and bypasses the second plurality of cells so that the module discharges at a high rate. The module is particularly useful for starting and running an electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: United Solar Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Craig N. Vogeli