With Rectifier (e.g., A.c. To D.c.) Patents (Class 324/119)
  • Patent number: 11874338
    Abstract: A “motorless” power electronic test device for testing adjustable speed motor drives without having to connect motors to the drive includes a bidirectional internal power converter, filtering, a charging switch for charging the capacitors of internal and external power converters, line switches for setting the test mode and operating the device, and a switch controller. The test device can be set to separately test an external power converter or an external rectifier, with the internal power converter operating in an AC-to-DC mode for testing the external power converter, and operating in a DC-to-AC mode for testing the external rectifier. The motorless test device recycles test power to reduce testing losses and carbon footprint. It is also much lighter and more convenient to handle than a full-load motor-absorber and, therefore, more amenable to deployment as a portable unit that can be readily transported to customer sites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: 741 SOLUTIONS LLC
    Inventor: James N. Keig
  • Patent number: 11255882
    Abstract: The invention relates to a monitoring device for monitoring an energy parameter in a distribution station, wherein the monitoring device is designed to be attached to a voltage conductor in the distribution station, comprising: a device identifier for uniquely identifying the monitoring device, which device identifier is designed to be read out from immediate spatial proximity; a measurement unit for measuring an electrical current and/or a voltage of an alternating current flowing through the voltage conductor; an evaluation unit for determining the energy parameter based on the measured electrical current and/or voltage; and a communication unit for receiving a request from a readout device and for transmitting the energy parameter to the readout device if the received request comprises access information that is based on the device identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: EnBW Energie Baden-Wurttemberg AG
    Inventors: Denis Merkle, Andreas Hettich
  • Patent number: 11047888
    Abstract: A sensor assembly system and method for providing good voltage accuracy for monitoring a three phase high voltage power line without connecting to ground. The sensor assembly system comprises three sensor assemblies having reference point ends not connected to ground. All three sensor assemblies are connected together at the reference point ends to create a neutral common reference point not connected to ground potential that is at zero volts when all of the three phases are at the same line voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: CLEAVELAND/PRICE, INC.
    Inventor: Peter M. Kowalik
  • Patent number: 10879862
    Abstract: A method of detecting a power level of an RF signal includes driving an internal node of a power detection circuit to a DC node voltage level, generating, based on the DC node voltage level, a first component of an output voltage on an output node of the power detection circuit, receiving the RF signal on an input node of the power detection circuit, dividing the RF signal to generate a modulation signal on the internal node, and generating, by at least partially rectifying the modulation signal, a second component of the output voltage on the power detection circuit output node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Hong-Lin Chu, Hsieh-Hung Hsieh, Tzu-Jin Yeh
  • Patent number: 10677830
    Abstract: An apparatus for relaying microwave field intensity in a microwave cavity. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a microwave transparent substrate with at least one Radio Frequency (RF) detector that is capable of detecting a microwave field and generating a signal associated with a field intensity of the detected microwave field and a transmitter that receives the signal associated with the detected microwave field from the RF detector and transmits or stores information about the detected microwave field intensity. In some embodiments, the apparatus relays the microwave intensity via a wired, wireless, or optical transmitter located in proximity of the RF detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Ananthkrishna Jupudi, Yueh Sheng Ow, Jacob Newman, Preetham Rao, Yuichi Wada, Vinodh Ramachandran
  • Patent number: 10554139
    Abstract: A synchronous rectifier applied to a secondary side of a power converter includes a forbidden turning-on time generation circuit, a green mode signal generation circuit, and a controller. The forbidden turning-on time generation circuit generates a forbidden turning-on time corresponding to the secondary side according to a synchronous signal of the secondary side. The green mode signal generation circuit enables a green mode signal when the forbidden turning-on time is greater than a reference value by at least one time, and disables the green mode signal when the forbidden turning-on time is continuously less than a reference value by a predetermined number of times. The reference value is changed with an output voltage of the secondary side. The controller enters a green mode when the green mode signal is enabled, and leaves the green mode when the green mode signal is disabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Leadtrend Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Chung-Wei Lin, Ming-Chang Tsou, Jun-Hao Huang
  • Patent number: 10466339
    Abstract: An on-chip power sensor and a millimeter-wave communication device (e.g. transmitter or transceiver) on a chip including the on-chip power sensor are described. The millimeter-wave communication device can also include a coupler disposed on a transmit path, the coupler being configured to receive a transmit signal and to provide the transmit signal to an antenna connection (e.g. pad). The on-chip power sensor can be configured to receive a coupled portion of the transmit signal from the coupler, and measure a transmit power of the transmit signal based on the coupled portion of the transmit signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Jonas Kammerer, Herbert Knapp, Hao Li
  • Patent number: 10403374
    Abstract: A booster circuit includes a charge pump circuit and a clock processing circuit. The clock processing circuit includes a first transistor of a first conductivity type, a second transistor of a second conductivity type, and a third transistor of a third conductivity type. The first and second transistors are connected in series between a high-voltage node and a low-voltage node, and gates of the first and second transistors are connected to each other. The third transistor is connected in parallel with the first transistor between the high-voltage node and an output terminal of the clock processing circuit that is connected to a node between the first transistor and the second transistor and to the charge pump circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: TOSHIBA MEMORY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takeshi Hioka
  • Patent number: 10381148
    Abstract: To suppress a temperature increase of a transformer. A transformer includes a core, a primary winding, and a secondary winding. The core includes a primary core and a secondary core disposed on a side of the primary core. The primary winding includes a first primary winding wound around the primary core and the second primary winding wound around the secondary core and electrically connected in series to the first primary winding. The first primary winding is disposed such that a direction of a magnetic flux on an inner peripheral side of the first primary winding induced by the first primary winding is opposite to a direction of the magnetic flux on the inner peripheral side of the second primary winding induced by the second primary winding. The secondary winding is wound such that a winding axial line of the first primary winding and a winding axial line of the second primary winding are formed on an inner peripheral side of the secondary winding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadahiko Chida, Mikito Komatsu, Kenji Kubo
  • Patent number: 10227866
    Abstract: Wireless downhole sensor technology is being deployed in oil and gas wells. System components are inductively coupled, which enables remote placement of apparatus on the outside of wellbore conduit without the need for any wired connection. These systems make use of a pair of conductive elements that need to be aligned in the well. Embodiments of the present invention provide techniques to correctly space out the wellbore completion string so that the down-hole conductive elements will be properly aligned and within proximity to establish wireless connectivity, as the wellbore completion string is set and the tubing hanger is landed inside the wellhead housing of the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON AS
    Inventors: Øivind Godager, Fan-nian Kong, Bruce H. Storm, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10145938
    Abstract: An on-chip power sensor and a millimeter-wave transmitter on a chip including the on-chip power sensor are described. The millimeter-wave transmitter can also include a coupler disposed on a transmit path, the coupler being configured to receive a transmit signal and to provide the transmit signal to an antenna. The on-chip power sensor can be configured to receive a coupled portion of the transmit signal from the coupler, and measure a transmit power of the transmit signal based on the coupled portion of the transmit signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Jonas Wursthorn, Herbert Knapp, Hao Li
  • Patent number: 10094858
    Abstract: A test assembly system protects a user from potentially energized equipment. Aspects of the system provide access to the equipment through a socket connection and a test probe assembly that is configured to interface with the socket connection to read voltage or continuity across a bus of the equipment being inspected. The probe assembly shields the user from the equipment to prevent energy or arc flashes from projecting out to contact the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Inventor: Christopher James Lahowetz
  • Patent number: 10060952
    Abstract: A sensor includes a core, first and second windings, an integrating amplifier circuit and a DC stabilization circuit. The first and second windings are wrapped around the core. The integrating amplifier circuit has a first input coupled to receive a sensed current from the first winding, and an output operably coupled to provide a current the second winding. The integrating amplifier circuit is configured to generate a phase shift from an input current received at the first input and the current provided to the second winding. The DC stabilization circuit includes a first resistive path coupled between the output of the integrating amplifier circuit and the first input of the integrating amplifier circuit, and a second resistive path coupled between the first winding and the first input of the integrating amplifier circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Landis+Gyr LLC
    Inventors: Frank J. Boudreau, Matthew E. Kraus
  • Patent number: 10048295
    Abstract: A current sensor includes magneto-electric conversion elements divided into a first and second group. The first and second groups are positioned so as to interpose a cut formed in a printed circuit board between them. The first and second groups are symmetrically positioned with respect to a first virtual line. The magneto-electric conversion elements in the first and second groups are symmetrically positioned with respect to a second virtual line orthogonal to the first virtual line at a positioning position at which a to-be-measured current path is positioned. The sensitivity axes of each of pairs of magneto-electric conversion elements that are symmetrical with respect to the positioning position are oriented in parallel in the same direction or opposite directions. An inter-element spacing between adjacent magneto-electric conversion elements in the first and second groups is narrower than an inter-group spacing, which is the narrowest spacing between the first and second groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hirofumi Fukui
  • Patent number: 9983239
    Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) for sensing a current flowing through a transistor device includes a substrate and a current scaling circuit that includes first and second MOSFET devices. The first MOSFET device has a drain coupled to the switched FET at a first node and a source coupled to the substrate. The second MOSFET device has a source coupled to the substrate and a drain coupled to a second node. The first MOSFET device has a channel size that is K times larger than the second MOSFET device. Circuitry is included that equalizes a voltage across both the first MOSFET device and the second MOSFET device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: Power Integrations, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Mayell
  • Patent number: 9683954
    Abstract: A material signature detector that provides for the assessment of changes in critical material properties of materials such as pharmaceuticals and solutions is disclosed. The material signature detector is non-contact and non-invasive and provides the ability to detect unintended changes in the contents of a vial or other container during the fill-finish process, transport, compounding, or storage. The material signature detector uses a novel resonant electrical impulse spectroscopy circuit that employs quadrature demodulation at lower frequencies to detect changes in the capacitance and conductance (resistance) of the sample under test. A series of digital signatures are created at different frequencies to provide an overall assessment of changes in the properties of the material under test. These digital signatures may in turn be stored in an electronic library for subsequent analytics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Inventor: Sreeram Dhurjaty
  • Patent number: 9678112
    Abstract: A method and a device for measuring electrical differential currents, which in addition to the alternating current component also contain a direct current component, by means of an inductive differential current transformer. The known methods for measuring mixed currents require special current transformer designs with respect to the coil winding and magnetic core material and core number. The new method copes with the same current transformers that are common for measuring pure differential alternating currents. According to the invention, the secondary coil (3) of the current transformer is controlled such that the magnetic flux (?) linked with the secondary coil (3) inside the core remains constant, irrespective of the differential current and the secondary current (Is) required for this is measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Inventor: Stefan Rathsmann
  • Patent number: 9606152
    Abstract: A voltage to current converter is provided for use with a current measuring device, said current measuring device being operable to provide an output voltage which is an analog of a current to be measured. The converter is arranged to provide an output current which is an analog of the current to be measured. The converter comprises an electronic controller, a switching amplifier and means for measuring the output current as an analog voltage and providing a measure of said analog voltage to the electronic controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Power Electronic Measurements Ltd.
    Inventors: Christopher R. Hewson, Joanne M. Aberdeen, William F. Ray
  • Patent number: 9470585
    Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, a calibrated temperature measurement system comprises a resistor, a thermistor, a resistance-to-current converter configured to generate a current signal based on a resistance, and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) configured to receive a first current signal based on the resistor, convert the first current signal into a first digital signal, receive a second current signal based on the thermistor, and convert the second current signal into a second digital signal. A memory may comprise resistor-characterization information. A calculation stage communicatively coupled to an ADC output may be configured to determine a first digital value based on the first digital signal, determine a second digital value based on the second digital signal, calculate a resistance ratio based on the first digital value and the second digital value, and determine a temperature output value based on the resistance ratio and the resistor-characterization information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Intel IP Corporation
    Inventors: Merit Hong, David Harnishfeger, Kris Kaufman
  • Patent number: 9470672
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for testing the self-drying effect of a cement-based material, capable of testing the change in humidity of the cement-based material after the final setting until the Id stage of adding water, so as to reflect the water consumption therein and the self-drying course. In the time period after the final setting of the cement-based material until the 1 d stage of adding water and forming, the dew-point temperature inside the cement-based material is tested, and then the relative humidity inside the cement-based material is calculated using a formula. The present invention can test the change in humidity of the cement-based material after the final setting until the Id stage of adding water, so as to reflect the internal water consumption therein and the self-drying course.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: JIANGSU SOBUTE NEW MATERIALS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jiaping Liu, Qian Tian, Ting Yao, Yujiang Wang, Yujiang Wang, Hang Zhang, Jianye Zhang
  • Patent number: 9466417
    Abstract: A self-correcting current transformer 100 combines a current transformer 113 and self-calibration electronics 115 into one device. The current transformer has a sensor coil 106 with a number of turns that is less than a target number of turns, to cause a secondary current 205 induced in the sensor coil to be greater than a target secondary current 404 corresponding to the target number of turns. A measurement circuit 116 integrated with the transformer, determines an error signal 214 representing how much greater the secondary current is than the target secondary current and outputs the error signal. A current sink circuit 129 integrated with the transformer, shunts an amount of current 216 from the sensor coil, based on the error signal, to reduce a magnitude of the secondary current to match the target secondary current. The measurement circuit and the current sink circuit may be powered by the secondary current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC USA, INC.
    Inventors: Kevin M. Jefferies, Benjamin W. Edwards, Matthew L. White
  • Patent number: 9391269
    Abstract: A variable resistance memory device includes a plurality of first conductive lines, a plurality of second conductive lines, a plurality of memory cells, a plurality of first air gaps and a plurality of second air gaps. The first conductive line extends in a first direction. The second conductive line is over the first conductive line and extends in a second direction crossing the first direction. The memory cell includes a variable resistance device. The memory cell is located at an intersection region of the first conductive line and the second conductive line. The first air gap extends in the first direction between the memory cells. The second air gap extends in the second direction between the memory cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jung-Moo Lee, Youn-Seon Kang, Seung-Jae Jung, Jung-Dal Choi
  • Patent number: 9310338
    Abstract: In accordance with aspects of the present invention, a method of inspecting a well tubular is disclosed. The method utilizes a probe with a transmitter and detectors spaced from the transmitter by at least twice the diameter of the pipe to be tested. In some cases where multi-tubular structures are tested, the probe can include further detectors spaced from the transmitter by at least twice the diameter of the outer pipes as well. The phase of signals detected by the detectors relative to the transmitter are utilized to detect faults in the pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Scott Yarbro, Jing Li, Michael Bittar
  • Patent number: 9274147
    Abstract: A power measurement device in accordance with aspects of the invention comprises a power harvesting unit that extracts a fraction of current flowing through an electric power supply unit to an electronic appliance; a power determination circuit that generates power measurement data indicative of at least one of the extracted current or a power consumed by the electronic appliance determined based on the extracted current; and an output device that outputs the power measurement data. The power measurement device can be used with plugs or sockets as an external component or integrated therein as an internal component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: PLUM LABS, LLC
    Inventor: Yael Maguire
  • Patent number: 9176087
    Abstract: Described herein is a device comprising a plurality of first reaction electrodes arranged in an array, the plurality of first reaction electrodes configured to be exposed to a solution and having a capacitance; first circuitry configured to controllably connect the plurality of first reaction electrodes to a bias source and controllably disconnect the plurality of first reaction electrodes from the bias source; and second circuitry configured to measure a rate of charging or discharging of the capacitance. Also described herein is a method of using this device to sequence DNA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: INTEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jonathan S. Daniels, Oguz H. Elibol, Grace M. Credo, Xing Su
  • Patent number: 9019113
    Abstract: A circuit, a system and/or a method detect a passive electrical connection and/or an active electrical connection between an electrical device and a power supply. An integrity of the electrical connection between the electrical device and the power supply is monitored to determine if the electrical device may have access to power and/or to determine if the electrical device may be secure while on display. A high frequency AC signal is modulated onto a positive power rail between the electrical device and the power supply. Capacitance circuitry of the electrical device may remove the high frequency signal from the positive power rail. An absence of the high frequency signal on the positive power rail indicates that the electrical connection exists between the electrical device and the power supply. A presence of the high frequency signal on the positive power rail indicates that the electrical connection does not exist between the electrical device and the power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Sennco Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Jim Groth, Christopher Marszalek, Daniel Horvath, Kerry Berland, Try Ty, Mark Kmiecik
  • Patent number: 8988062
    Abstract: A branch circuit monitoring system (BCMS) for monitoring branch circuit currents in one or more electrical circuit panels is described. The system is comprised of a data center server, one or more panel processors, each with one or more collection devices, and one or more current sensors per collection device. The BCMS is designed to be installed entirely inside the panel without the need for a dedicated enclosure or power supply to facilitate ease of installation and low-cost. The BCMS also allows for future upgradability through standard software updates so that the system can be updated or patched easily. The BCMS data center server collects, aggregates, stores, and serves historical branch circuit current data from the panel processors to networked users via a web server to provide visualization of data such as tables, charts, and gauges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Precision Air & Energy Services, LLC
    Inventors: Montgomery J. Sykora, Daniel L. Janovy, David L. Janovy
  • Publication number: 20150022182
    Abstract: A monitoring device is provided that includes a first line section with a first connection point and a second connection point spaced apart from the first connection point in the direction of the line, and with a control unit and with a first current sensing unit, having a current source. A first switch is inserted into the first connecting line and connects the first current source to the first connection point or disconnects it therefrom. In a first state the first switch is closed and the first current is impressed on the first line section and a first voltage determined by the amplitude of the actual current, and in a second state the first switch is open and a second voltage is determined, and the control unit is configured to ascertain the amplitude of the first actual current from the two voltages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: Stefan Antonius ALBRECHT
  • Patent number: 8933688
    Abstract: A fast AC voltage detector includes a bridge rectifier connected to an AC power source, a threshold detector connected to an output of the bridge rectifier, a voltage isolation circuit connected to the threshold detector, a continuous voltage averager connected to an output of the voltage isolation circuit, and a Schmidt trigger connected to the continuous voltage averager. The Schmidt trigger is operable to output a first voltage level when a load is preset on said AC power source and a second voltage level when no load is present on said AC power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Eric O. Varland, Karl James Hamilton, Philip Chandler
  • Publication number: 20150002135
    Abstract: A dc input circuit receives a dc input voltage. At least four rectification elements are coupled to each other in a diode bridge configuration, where an input of the diode bridge configuration is coupled to the dc input circuit to receive the dc input voltage. At least one of the rectification elements includes a transistor. A decision circuit indicates, as a function of one of collector current and emitter current of the transistor, that the received dc input voltage has normal or reversed polarity. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: Todd K. Moyer
  • Patent number: 8917082
    Abstract: A power detector having a differential input unit and a differential output unit. In one aspect, the invention may be a power detector including a differential input unit including a differential input terminal to which an AC signal is input and a DC voltage generator which generates and outputs a DC voltage; and a differential output unit including a differential output terminal which full wave rectifies the AC signal input from the differential input unit and outputs a differential signal, wherein a negative output terminal of the differential output terminal is connected to the output terminal of the DC voltage generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Intellectual Discovery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eun-Hee Kim, Jin-Ho Ko
  • Publication number: 20140368190
    Abstract: A branch circuit monitoring system (BCMS) for monitoring branch circuit currents in one or more electrical circuit panels is described. The system is comprised of a data center server, one or more panel processors, each with one or more collection devices, and one or more current sensors per collection device. The BCMS is designed to be installed entirely inside the panel without the need for a dedicated enclosure or power supply to facilitate ease of installation and low-cost. The BCMS also allows for future upgradability through standard software updates so that the system can be updated or patched easily. The BCMS data center server collects, aggregates, stores, and serves historical branch circuit current data from the panel processors to networked users via a web server to provide visualization of data such as tables, charts, and gauges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: Precision Air & Energy Services, LLC
    Inventors: Montgomery J. Sykora, Daniel L. Janovy, David L. Janovy
  • Patent number: 8912786
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for determining a direct current (i(t)) flowing in a conductor (7) and having an amplitude greater than 500 A, which direct current (i(t)) is composed of a number of time-dependent partial currents (ii(t)) flowing in individual conductors (8) with switching elements. To create a drift-free measured value, it is provided that at least one Rogowski coil (10) is arranged around at least one of the individual conductors (8) for the induction of a partial voltage (ui(t)) through the at least one partial current (ii(t)), wherein the individual conductor (8) is formed by a path of a rectifier (6) on a secondary side of a transformer (5) with central tapping, the at least one integrator (11) is designed for integration of the at least one partial voltage (ui(t)), and the at least one integrator (11) is connected to an evaluation unit (12) for determining the direct current (i(t)).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Fronius International GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Badegruber, Helmut Ennsbrunner
  • Publication number: 20140354265
    Abstract: A voltage sensing circuit of a converter senses input and output voltages of a converter with only one sensing circuit. The voltage sensing circuit is capable of reducing the number of the components for a controller and the volume thereof to save cost, and detecting whether the discontinuous mode (DCM) is entered or not, thereby to apply a separate control algorithm thereto when the DCM is entered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Jung Hwan NA, Tae Hwan CHUNG, Sang Hoon KWAK, Hyun Wook SEONG
  • Patent number: 8896291
    Abstract: In a power line takeoff clamp assembly and method of use thereof an electrical power distribution line is clamped to a body of the clamp assembly. A power takeoff supported by the body clamped to the power line generates direct current from alternating current flowing in the power line. One or more sensors supported by the body clamped to the power line sense one or more values related to an electrical current flowing in a power line. A wireless transceiver supported by the body clamped to the power line communicates data regarding the one or more sensed values. Each sensor and the wireless transceiver utilize direct current generated by the power takeoff for the operation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Tollgrade Communications, Inc.
    Inventor: Regis J. Nero, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8854032
    Abstract: A circuit for measuring current drawn by a self-powered electronic protection device. The circuit monitors current in a polyphase alternating current (AC) power source by measuring current in a rectified secondary winding of a current transformer coupled to a phase current of the power source. The measurement circuit includes a measurement burden connected between the cathode of the current transformer rectifier and a switch. Closing the switch references the voltage drop across the measurement burden to a reference potential. A controller closes the switch while receiving measurements of the voltage drop. Because the voltage drop is referenced to a reference potential, it can be analyzed in a controller to detect a fault condition without being conditioned with an inverting amplifier or a difference amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Schneider Electric USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin Jefferies
  • Publication number: 20140278175
    Abstract: A circuit arrangement including a rectifier circuit and a current determining circuit. The rectifier circuit is configured to rectify an alternating signal into a rectified signal. The current determining circuit is configured to determine a current of the alternating signal from at least a current of the rectified signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AUSTRIA AG
    Inventor: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AUSTRIA AG
  • Publication number: 20140253097
    Abstract: A safe powerline communications instrumentation front end device including a voltage input for receiving a line voltage from a powerline, a voltage reducer for reducing the voltage of the line voltage, a filtering system for extracting a Power Line Communications (PLC) signal from the line voltage, and an analog output for outputting the PLC signal as an analog signal for communications test equipment
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Power Monitors, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter Curt, Christopher Mullins
  • Patent number: 8786348
    Abstract: A control circuit of a light-emitting element comprises a rectifying unit which full-wave rectifies an alternating current power supply, a clock generator which generates and outputs a clock signal (CLK), a first comparator which compares a comparison voltage (CS) corresponding to a current flowing to the light-emitting element and a reference voltage (REF), and a switching element which is set to an ON state in synchronization with the clock signal (CLK) and which is set to an OFF state when the comparison voltage (CS) becomes greater than the reference voltage (REF) at the first comparator, to switch the current flowing to the light-emitting element. In this structure, a period of the clock signal (CLK) generated in the clock generator is varied, to reduce or inhibit noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Semiconductor Components Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Shuhei Kawai, Yoshio Fujimura
  • Patent number: 8766622
    Abstract: A voltage measuring apparatus electrically connected to buck circuits includes the same number of RC circuits as there are buck circuits, an analog/digital (A/D) convertor, a controller, and a display unit. Each RC circuit is configured to be electrically connected in parallel with an inductor of one corresponding buck circuit. The A/D convertor selectively obtains an analog voltage of one of the buck circuits, and converts the analog voltage signal into a digital voltage signal. The controller controls the A/D convertor and receives the digital voltage signal from the A/D convertor. The display unit displays a decimal voltage value based on the digital voltage signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jia-Qi Dong, Bo Deng
  • Patent number: 8760150
    Abstract: Power transfer over power lines is indicated using a controller to short power lines briefly near the end of the positive portion of the alternating voltage cycle of a distant power generation source using a silicon-controlled rectifier thereby creating current pulses from the voltage produced by that source and at a frequency consistent with the source's electric system frequency. The pulse can be detected and measured on other parts of the same circuit using a probe. The controller and probe may be used for locating cables in the same electrical circuit, sorting particular cables in the same circuit from others cables, verifying the condition of cables, determining the source and load feeds on the primary side of a transformer from the low side of the transformer, locating unwanted ground faults, and determining the portion of the electrical load provided by each of plural generation plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventor: Walter S. Bierer
  • Publication number: 20140167737
    Abstract: There are provided an alternating current (AC) detection circuit and an operating method thereof. The AC detection circuit includes: a power supply unit outputting an AC signal; a filter unit connected to the power supply unit to block a serial signal component; and a detection circuit unit including at least one switching element turned on or turned off according to an output signal from the filter unit, and detecting whether the AC input signal has been input according to an operation of the at least one switching element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventors: Sung Hun OH, Won Young LEE, Hyo Young KIM
  • Publication number: 20140153301
    Abstract: An AC signal detector having: a rectify circuit having a first input terminal and a second input terminal configured to receive an AC signal, and an output terminal configured to provide a rectified signal based on the AC signal; a detecting circuit having an input terminal coupled to the output terminal of the rectify circuit to receive the rectified signal, and an output terminal configured to provide a square signal based on the rectified signal; and an unplug indicate circuit having an input terminal coupled to the detecting circuit to receive the square signal, and an output terminal configured to provide an unplug indicate signal based on the square signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventors: Siran Wang, Yike Li, Kun Yi, Yuancheng Ren, Junming Zhang, En Li
  • Publication number: 20130328546
    Abstract: In a power line takeoff clamp assembly and method of use thereof an electrical power distribution line is clamped to a body of the clamp assembly. A power takeoff supported by the body clamped to the power line generates direct current from alternating current flowing in the power line. One or more sensors supported by the body clamped to the power line sense one or more values related to an electrical current flowing in a power line. A wireless transceiver supported by the body clamped to the power line communicates data regarding the one or more sensed values. Each sensor and the wireless transceiver utilize direct current generated by the power takeoff for the operation thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: Tollgrade Communications, Inc.
    Inventor: Regis J. Nero, JR.
  • Patent number: 8598866
    Abstract: A zero bias power detector comprising a zero bias diode and an output boost circuit is provided. The output boost circuit comprises a zero bias transistor. The zero bias diode is not biased but outputs a rectifying signal according to a wireless signal. The zero bias transistor, not biased but coupled to the zero bias diode, is used for enhancing the rectifying signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Chun-Yen Huang, Chin-Chung Nien, Jenn-Hwan Tarng, Chen-Ming Li, Li-Yuan Chang, Ya-Chung Yu
  • Patent number: 8536857
    Abstract: In a power line takeoff clamp assembly and method of use thereof an electrical power distribution line is clamped to a body of the clamp assembly. A power takeoff supported by the body clamped to the power line generates direct current from alternating current flowing in the power line. One or more sensors supported by the body clamped to the power line sense one or more values related to an electrical current flowing in a power line. A wireless transceiver supported by the body clamped to the power line communicates data regarding the one or more sensed values. Each sensor and the wireless transceiver utilize direct current generated by the power takeoff for the operation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Tollgrade Communications, Inc.
    Inventor: Regis J. Nero, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130215163
    Abstract: When a partial pressure exceeding a Zener voltage of a Zener diode is applied to a first limiting circuit by a positive voltage applied to input terminals by an AC power supply, the first limiting circuit allows a current such that a photo transistor of the first detection circuit is turned on. When a partial pressure exceeding a total value of Zener voltages of Zener diodes is applied to a second limiting circuit by a negative voltage applied to the input terminals, the second limiting circuit allows a current such that a photo transistor of a second detection circuit is turned on. Therefore, it is possible to detect a voltage input from the AC power supply by turning on and off the photo transistors and to detect a voltage input from the AC power supply using a simpler circuit configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Seiko Epson Corporation
  • Publication number: 20130187634
    Abstract: A monitoring device is provided that includes a first line section with a first connection point and a second connection point spaced apart from the first connection point in the direction of the line, and with a control unit and with a first current sensing unit, having a current source. A first switch is inserted into the first connecting line and connects the first current source to the first connection point or disconnects it therefrom. In a first state the first switch is closed and the first current is impressed on the first line section and a first voltage determined by the amplitude of the actual current, and in a second state the first switch is open and a second voltage is determined, and the control unit is configured to ascertain the amplitude of the first actual current from the two voltages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: MICRONAS GMBH
    Inventor: Micronas GmbH
  • Publication number: 20130169268
    Abstract: A passive radio frequency probe that can detect low level RF signals is disclosed. Schottky diodes are used in the probe to convert alternating current (AC) signals to direct current (DC) signals on a one-to-one basis within a given tolerance. The probe is used with a DC voltmeter to permit measurements of radio frequency signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: Fluke Corporation
    Inventor: Benjamin Eng, JR.
  • Patent number: 8450994
    Abstract: Provided are a voltage application time period measuring circuit which does not require a battery, and a power supply apparatus including the voltage application time period measuring circuit. Each of a voltage application time period memory (32) and a set time period memory (33) is a nonvolatile memory, and hence it is unnecessary to provide a battery for holding information stored in each of the memories in the outside of the voltage application time period measuring circuit (30) and a power supply apparatus cost is reduced correspondingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Jun Miyanoiri, Shinichi Idomukai, Tomoyuki Nakaue, Teruyuki Iwashima, Takashi Kohata