Transformer (e.g., Split Core Admits Conductor Carrying Unknown Current) Patents (Class 324/127)
  • Patent number: 10114043
    Abstract: A clamp meter includes a meter body and a clamp jaw assembly mounted to the meter body. The clamp jaw assembly includes a first clamp jaw and a second clamp jaw which are movable in relation to each other between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, distal ends of the first and second clamp jaws meet to define an enclosed area between the first and second clamp jaws, and in the open position, the distal ends of the first and second clamp jaws are separate from each other to define a gap allowing a wire under test to pass therethrough. The clamp meter further includes a locking member mounted within the meter body. The locking member is operable to releasably lock the first and second clamp jaws in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Fluke Corporation
    Inventors: Fang Li, Jinbo He, Chris Lagerberg
  • Patent number: 10102984
    Abstract: The disclosed concept relates generally to current sense techniques and apparatus for arc fault and ground fault receptacles, e.g., circuit interrupters, and, more particularly, to arc fault and ground fault receptacles including a shunt stationary terminal exhibiting both mechanical and electrical functionality. The shunt stationary terminal is composed of a steel or steel alloy and copper or copper alloy composite having a current shunt integrated therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: Saivaraprasad Murahari, Jian Guo Chen, Hongzhi Zhou
  • Patent number: 10091676
    Abstract: A system includes a remote device, a client device, and a server. The server is configured to measure a signal strength of the client device relative to the server and transmit signal strength measurement data representing the signal strength. The remote device is configured to output a representation of the signal strength in accordance with the signal strength measurement data. A method includes measuring a signal strength of a client device relative to a server, transmitting signal strength measurement data representing the signal strength to a remote device, and outputting via the remote device a representation of the signal strength in accordance with the signal strength measurement data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: DISH Technologies L.L.C.
    Inventor: Henry Gregg Martch
  • Patent number: 10078102
    Abstract: Precision AC voltage, current, phase, power and energy measurements and calibrations with current ranges from 1 uA to 20 kA and voltage ranges from 1V to 1000 kV are now performed with accuracies of better than one part per million. Continued demand for improved accuracy has led the inventors to address improvements to dual stage and multi-stage current transducers that may form the basis of the measuring process within many of the measurement instruments providing the precision AC measurements and calibrations. Additionally, the improvements to dual stage and multi-stage current transducers provide for novel feedback controlled precision AC current sources without requiring measurement of the AC current source output directly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: GUILDLINE INSTRUMENTS LIMITED
    Inventors: Petar Miljanic, Tomasz Barczyk
  • Patent number: 10067165
    Abstract: A differential voltage probe for providing accurate measurement of differential voltage with high frequency components is disclosed that is further configured to accurately identify noise sources in EMI/EMC applications. The differential voltage probe is configured to provide the benefits of adequate differential voltage measurement bandwidth, galvanic isolation capability, high CMRR, flexible design to accommodate various requirements on voltage rating, loading effect, and frequency range of interest; and/or easy implementation and low cost. The differential voltage probe is able to achieve these optimized capabilities by implementing unique winding designs for transformer(s) used in the differential voltage probe circuit design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chingchi Chen, Richard William Kautz, Zhuxian Xu
  • Patent number: 10048296
    Abstract: An embodiment relates to an integrated circuit comprising measurement means for detection of a current change, wherein said measurement means comprise at least one coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AG
    Inventors: Franz Jost, Jens Barrenscheen, Philip Georg Brockerhoff
  • Patent number: 10018534
    Abstract: The present invention refers to articles for collecting samples from a surface, articles for microbiological analyses of said samples, and methods of use of said articles. The articles include sample collectors, sample housings with optional barrier layers, and sample-ready reagent strips comprising hydrophilic agents to grow and detect microorganisms. The disclosure includes methods to collect, detect, and quantify microorganisms in a surface sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Cynthia D. Zook, Robert H. Silbernagel, Barbara L. Horter, Henry J. Lubrant, Robert E. Koeritzer
  • Patent number: 10001512
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an individualized self-monitoring system for transformers (31, 33) in a electric power measurement installation that comprises at least a transformer (31, 33) and at least a time-integrated electrical quantity meter (3, 4, 13), directly coupled to one of the windings of the transformer (31, 33), the meter (3, 4, 13) being capable of measuring and recording the electrical quantity of said winding. The present invention also relates to a method of monitoring and diagnosing transformers (31, 33) in a power measurement installation that comprises the steps of measuring the values of at least a directly measured time-integrated electrical in at least a winding of at least one transformer (31, 33), performing comparisons between the measured and generating diagnostic results with the compared data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Centro de Pesquisas de Energia Elétrica—CEPEL
    Inventors: José Eduardo da Rocha Alves, Jr., Luiz Carlos Grillo de Brito, Cesar Jorge Bandim, Fabio Cavaliere de Souza, Julio Cesar Reis dos Santos
  • Patent number: 9989594
    Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit (1) for detecting a switching state of an electrical switching contact (2) in a current supply path (5) for at least one electrical load (3). The monitoring circuit (1) has a monitoring unit (8) and a transformer (9). The transformer has a primary winding (10) connected to the monitoring unit (8) and a secondary winding (11) connected to the electrical switching contact (2). The secondary winding (11) forms a monitoring current circuit (6) together with the electrical switching contact (2) electrically connected to the secondary winding. The monitoring unit (8) is designed to apply electrical power to the primary winding (10) and to determine the switching state of the electrical switching contact (2) in dependence on a measured value (UA) proportional to the current (IA) flowing through the primary winding (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: WAGO VERWALTUNGESELLSCHAFT MBH
    Inventor: Christian Voß
  • Patent number: 9971718
    Abstract: An example embodiment includes an idle state detection circuit. The idle state detection circuit includes a bias current loop, a rectifying circuit loop, a voltage translating loop, and a filter circuit. The bias current loop provides a rectifying diode a forward current such that the rectifying diode detects an alternating current (AC) signal received from a transmitter via one or more transmission nodes. The rectifying circuit loop stores differential peak to peak amplitude information representative of a peak to peak amplitude of the AC signal in a first capacitor that is electrically coupled to a cathode side of the rectifying diode. The voltage translating loop converts the differential peak to peak amplitude information stored at the first capacitor to a single-end voltage signal across a first resistor that is electrically coupled to the cathode side of the rectifying diode. The filter circuit filters an AC component of the single-end voltage signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: FINISAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hongdang He, Qin Chen
  • Patent number: 9973075
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing adaptive input current control in an electronic device are provided, where the method may include the steps of: before limiting an input current of a regulator of the electronic device to a target current value, monitoring the input current of the regulator according to a reference current, and decreasing the reference current, to make the reference current change starting from one of a plurality of predetermined reference current values, wherein the input current is obtained from a power source; detecting an input voltage of the regulator to generate a detection signal, to selectively trigger limiting output power of the regulator; and at a time point when the reference current becomes smaller than the input current, limiting the input current of the regulator to the target current value with a latest reference current value of the reference current being utilized as the target current value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: MediaTek Inc.
    Inventors: Nien-Hui Kung, Kuo-Chang Lo, Chia-Hsiang Lin
  • Patent number: 9964565
    Abstract: A detector for detecting at least one electric quantity in an electric conductor, and an overhead network for distributing electricity. The detector includes a frame on which a mechanism is fixed, the mechanism including a magnetic toroid, divided into two branches rotatable around an axis defined by the frame, between a separated position and a position closed around the electric conductor, a current sensor, divided into two branches rotatable around an axis defined by the frame, between a separated position and a position closed around the electric conductor, the current sensor performing an AC current measurement, a force transmitting element transmitting a rotational force to the magnetic toroid and the current sensor, the element being provided with at least one portion to receive the conductor by bearing, and a first clamp including two clamp arms, and a second clamp including two clamp arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES SAS
    Inventors: Alexandre Soleillant, Pascal Houbre, Erick Contini, Alain Moreux, Michel Clemence
  • Patent number: 9876388
    Abstract: A combined energy harvesting and measuring device, for use in harvesting energy from a power line conductor and in optimizing load balance and charge as between one or more energy storage or energy drawing devices comprises a single, multi-function current transformer (CT) which itself comprises an electrical winding disposed thereon, the CT being configured to receive an induced current on the electrical winding via magnetic flux energy generated by alternating current on the power line conductor and, at the same time, being configured to measure current flow on the power line conductor; and wherein there is a circuit electrically coupled to the electrical winding and configured to convert the harvested and received induced current into an electrical energy for consumption by an electrical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: AWESENSE WIRELESS INC.
    Inventors: Mischa Steiner-Jovic, Rick Slamka
  • Patent number: 9863986
    Abstract: Embodiments of an electric power measuring system capable of computing accurate electric power information using a low voltage measuring instrument in a small-scale electric power system are provided. The electric power measuring system may include a first measuring instrument for measuring and detecting a current and a zero-cross point from a distribution line and for generating and outputting current information of the distribution line from the current and the zero-cross point, and a second measuring instrument for computing electric power information of the distribution line according to a voltage thereof and the current information output from the first measuring instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: LSIS Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hong-Seon Ahn
  • Patent number: 9863979
    Abstract: An apparatus for energy auditing can include a sensor portion on a circuit substrate, the sensor portion defining a first opening, an integrated inductor on the sensor portion, the integrated inductor being formed proximal to the first opening or a hall sensor located on the sensor portion proximal to the first opening, and an electronic circuit on a body portion of the circuit substrate electrically coupled to the integrated inductor and configured to wirelessly transmit information to a wireless receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: THE TRUSTEES OF COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK
    Inventors: Ioannis Kymissis, Shyuan Yang, Jun Shimada, Fabio Carta
  • Patent number: 9835670
    Abstract: An isolator includes: a transmission circuit that generates an alternating current transmission signal in which a first potential is set to be a reference potential; a first insulating element to which the alternating current transmission signal is supplied; a second insulating element that generates an alternating current reception signal in which a second potential is set to be a reference potential by being alternating current-coupled to the first insulating element through an insulating film; a reception circuit that reproduces reception data based on the alternating current reception signal; an impedance control unit that controls an impedance of the first or the second insulating element to be higher than an impedance before the control; and a leakage current detection unit that detects a leakage current flowing between the first and the second insulating elements through the first or the second insulating element in which the impedance has been controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Hirokazu Nagase
  • Patent number: 9791479
    Abstract: A current measuring device having a probe body with an elongated portion extending outward from a rearward main body portion to a hook-shaped forward end, the hook-shaped end useful for isolating a conductor under test, a slide closure member adapted to slide longitudinally forward from a rearward open position to a forward closed position, the closed position useful to capture the conductor under test within a space encircled by the combination of the hook-shaped end, the closed slide closure member, and the rearward main body, with the space encircled including a current sensing zone, and circuitry adapted for detecting a magnetic flux generated by an electric current passing through the conductor under test positioned within the current sensing zone. A release button for moving the slide closure member serves as a switch to turn on the meter/tester/device when the jaw/slide closure member is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Universal Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Patrick Tierney, David Lauren Wheaton, Michael John Kane
  • Patent number: 9778285
    Abstract: Various techniques are disclosed for providing electrical current and/or voltage sensor probes or tags integrated with measurement circuitry. For example, an electrical sensor is provided that includes a probe adapted to be arranged to at least partially encircle a conductor to be measured, wherein the probe has a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end terminating in a base portion that houses measurement circuitry. The base portion may also include electrical components suitable for displaying, wirelessly transmitting, and/or otherwise conveying the measured electrical parameters. In some embodiments, the distal end of the probe may be removably received by the base portion, such that the probe forms a loop encircling the conductor when measuring it. In other embodiments, the probe may resiliently clip on to the conductor. In another example, an electrical sensor includes an attachable tag that can be mounted to the conductor to be measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: FLIR Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Fox
  • Patent number: 9747776
    Abstract: An electrical sensor is described. The electrical sensor including an electrical signal input configured to receive an electrical signal, an alarm, one or more inputs configured to set a configuration value and at least one display configured to display said configuration value. The monitor is coupled with the electrical signal input, the alarm, the display, and the one or more inputs. Further, the monitor is configured to determine a characteristic of the electrical signal received on the electrical signal input. The monitor is configured to activate the alarm based on the configuration value set by the one or more inputs and the characteristic of the electrical signal. And, the monitor configured to generate at least one display signal based on the configuration value to be used by the at least one display to display the configuration value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Neilsen-Kuljian, Inc.
    Inventors: Huy D. Nguyen, Roger Borders, Tom Lik-Chung Lee
  • Patent number: 9714958
    Abstract: A detector for an electrical conductor includes a frame on which is mounted a mechanism including a magnetic toroid, divided into a first and a second branches and at least two jaws for anchoring the detector on the electrical conductor, each jaw being rotationally mobile between an open position and a locked position. The first branch of the toroid is secured to the frame and its second branch is rotationally mobile relative to the first branch, under the action of an elastic return member, between an open position, a preclosure position and a closed position of the magnetic toroid. The mechanism also includes a bearing member, secured to the second branch and defining at least one concave volume for partially receiving the electrical conductor. The bearing member is suitable for transmitting to the second branch a torque of pre-closure to a pre-closure position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES SAS
    Inventor: Philippe Caous
  • Patent number: 9691541
    Abstract: Winding components, each being formed by winding a coil around and along an inner peripheral surface and an outer peripheral surface of a ring-shaped core a plurality of times, are fixed to a case. An attachment structure includes a placing member made of an insulating material and fixed to a fixing surface of the case in a state where a lower surface of the winding component is placed, a pressing member made of an insulating material and disposed to abut on an upper surface of the winding component, and a pressing force imparting portion that couples the placing member with the pressing member and imparts a pressing force toward the fixing surface, from the pressing member to the winding component, and in the pressing force imparting portion, a distance between the placing member and the pressing member is variable in accordance with a height change of the winding component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: FUJI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasuhito Tanaka, Shun Fukuchi
  • Patent number: 9673619
    Abstract: The invention relates to a diagnostic method for multiple-stage excess voltage protection apparatuses that include at least one gas discharge distance between an input and a reference potential as a first stage, at least one diode path between an output and the reference potential as a second stage, and at least one decoupling inductance interposed between the input and the output. The diagnostic method is characterized in that a secondary voltage applied to a secondary inductance, which is actively connected, inductively, to the decoupling inductance, is measured and evaluated with a view to excess voltage events in the excess voltage protection apparatus. The invention also relates to a two-stage excess voltage protection apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: PEPPERL + FUCHS GmbH
    Inventor: Micha Beutel
  • Patent number: 9664728
    Abstract: An embodiment relates to an integrated circuit comprising at least two electrical connections and at least one coil arranged adjacent to at least one of the electrical connection, wherein the at least one coil each comprises at least one winding and wherein the at least one coil is arranged on or in the integrated circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies Austria AG
    Inventors: Franz Jost, Jens Barrenscheen, Philip Georg Brockerhoff
  • Patent number: 9658297
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide magnetic permeability measurements of ferromagnetic wires. In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a non-magnetic wire retainer having a circular groove that holds a ferromagnetic wire for measurement. The apparatus further comprises a magnetic field generator proximate to the non-magnetic wire retainer that provides a substantially uniform magnetic field along a circumference of the circular groove. The apparatus further comprises a force sensor mechanically coupled to the magnetic field generator that measures an attractive force between the magnetic field generator and the ferromagnetic wire for determining the magnetic permeability of the ferromagnetic wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John R. Hull, Robert James Miller
  • Patent number: 9658265
    Abstract: A high voltage digital voltmeter and wireless phaser includes first and second voltmeters/phasers. Each voltmeter/phaser has a probe for accessing a point in a circuit, circuitry connected to the probe and including a microprocessor, and a ground reference associated with the circuitry. Each microprocessor is programmed to measure line-to-ground voltage of the respective voltmeter/phaser. This information is shared between the microprocessors and is used to determine voltage measurements and phase angle difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: HD ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Mark R. Hoffman, James S. Buchanan, William John McNulty
  • Patent number: 9651580
    Abstract: An electronic device (1) for measuring a differential current (ID) in an electric line (100) having a plurality of conductors, said electronic device comprising: a sensing circuit (2) comprising: a current transformer (21) having a magnetic core (211) through which the conductors of said electric line pass, a secondary winding (212) and an excitation winding (213) along which an excitation current (IE) circulates to polarize said magnetic core (211); an output circuit section (22) electrically connected to said secondary winding (212) and configured to provide a first signal (V1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: ABB S.P.A.
    Inventors: Luca Ghezzi, Fabio Vallarino, Paolo Antonello
  • Patent number: 9633733
    Abstract: A method for data processing is suggested including: (i) transforming electrical variables for each cell of a data bit of a memory into a time domain; and (ii) determining a predetermined state by comparing the transformed electrical variables of at least two data bits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Ulrich Loibl, Thomas Kern
  • Patent number: 9606146
    Abstract: A Rogowski coil in a sensor unit has voltage induced by a conductor surrounded by the Rogowski coil. The voltage is integrated to represent current which is converted to digital data representing current in the conductor and sent wirelessly to a multimeter. The sensor unit may receive control signals from the multimeter. A plurality of sensor units may be networked and controlled by a remote control apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Fluke Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew Carl-Robert Bannister, David Lawrence Epperson, Clark N. Huber
  • Patent number: 9575094
    Abstract: A current sensor includes a casing including a pair of arms and coupling part, multiple magneto-electric transducers arranged on the circumference of a virtual ellipse whose major axis or minor axis extends between the arms, a support disposed obliquely relative to the major axis or the minor axis of the virtual ellipse within an angle formed by the major axis and the minor axis so as to be close to one of the arms when viewed from the center of a wire disposed and fastened between the arms, and a band wound around a circumferential surface of the wire fastened between the arms, part of the band being caught by the support, the wire being fastened by the band such that the central axis or center of the wire is held close to the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: ALPS ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shinji Mitsuya
  • Patent number: 9554493
    Abstract: A holder for a noise current absorber in one aspect of the invention comprises a pair of accommodating portions, and one or more pairs of an engaging portion and an engaged portion. The accommodating portion accommodates a magnetic body. The engaging portion and the engaged portion are engaged with each other and maintain a state that a pair of the magnetic bodies exhibits a cylindrical shape or an annular shape. The engaging portion and the engaged portion form a through hole that penetrates in an insertion direction of the engaging portion. When at least one of the engaging portion and the engaged portion is elastically deformed by using a jig inserted in the through hole, engagement between the engaging portion and the engaged portion is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Kitagawa Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideharu Kawai
  • Patent number: 9543072
    Abstract: A power harvester having a current transformer configured to be inductively coupled to a current conductor and a circuit for delivering power to a load. The transformer core has two sections joined together and separable from one another at interleaved portions, allowing the transformer to be installed around the current conductor. The circuit includes a rectifier coupled to the transformer and a transistor coupled in series between the rectifier and a load. The transistor receives an output current from the rectifier and provides power to the load. A resistor is coupled to the transistor and the load, and the transistor and resistor provide for limiting of the power to the load over a wide range of the conductor line currents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventor: Martin J. Vos
  • Patent number: 9529021
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for determining current are described herein. One method includes receiving power from a current conductor using a first quantity of coils of a wire around a magnetic core at least partially surrounding a portion of the current conductor, receiving an indication associated with a determined current through the current conductor from a current sensor associated with the wire, and receiving power from the current conductor using a second quantity of the coils of the wire, wherein the second quantity is determined based, at least in part, on the determined current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Andrzej Peczalski, Aravind Padmanabhan
  • Patent number: 9513316
    Abstract: A system including a non-intrusive capacitive voltage sensor configured to couple to an insulator surrounding a metal conductor, wherein the non-intrusive capacitive voltage sensor is configured to produce a voltage signal indicative of a voltage in the metal conductor, and a monitor-controller system configured to receive the voltage signal from the non-intrusive capacitive voltage sensor, wherein the monitor-controller system is configured to use the voltage signal to monitor or control a machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Dan Tho Lu, Prabhakar Neti
  • Patent number: 9506340
    Abstract: A system and method of monitoring a pressure, temperature, and/or vibration of a hostile environment without requiring the use of active electronics or an oscillator circuit in that environment. The system and method interrogate a resonant pressure sensor and a resonant or passive temperature sensor connected to a transmission line and located at least 100 feet (30.48 m) away from a network analyzer. The system and method use the reflected frequencies from the sensors to determine the pressure, temperature, and/or vibration. If the sensors are networked by the transmission line or a network filter, the reflected portion can include the reflected transmission energy. The applied signal and reflected portion travel along the transmission line, which is preferably impedance matched to that of the system. If a multi-conductor cable is used, the effects of the cable's length and temperature are compensated for via a system calibration when in field use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Sercel-GRC Corporation
    Inventors: Goutham R. Kirikera, William M. Patton, Suzanne M. Behr, Tracy Sawyer, Anthony Thornberry
  • Patent number: 9467054
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises a magnetic device coupled to an inductor-inductor-capacitor (LLC) resonant converter, an ac current sensing circuit coupled to the magnetic device, an average current sensing circuit coupled to the ac current sensing circuit and a reference voltage source coupled to the average current sensing circuit, wherein the reference voltage source is configured such that a magnitude of an average signal from the average current sensing circuit is greater than a voltage level of the reference voltage source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Futurewei Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Heping Dai, Xujun Liu, Liming Ye, Daoshen Chen
  • Patent number: 9423428
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mixed current sensor comprising in a case: a current measurement device comprising a first coil; a magnetic current sensor having a second coil, electronic measurement means. Said sensor comprises: a first cassette comprising first linking means arranged to fix said cassette to the first coil by clip-fastening and second linking means arranged to secure the measurement device on the case; a second cassette comprising third linking means arranged to secure and fix both the magnetic sensor on the case and the first cassette and the measurement device by clip-fastening on said case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES SAS
    Inventor: David Loglisci
  • Patent number: 9380857
    Abstract: A device for attaching to an electric power line conductor includes an electrically conductive housing with an opening for accepting the power line conductor and configured to be grounded to the power line conductor. At least one magnetic core is configured to surround the power line conductor and power a power supply electronics module. An ambient temperature measuring assembly is mounted inside and near the bottom of the electrically conductive housing. The ambient temperature measuring assembly is thermally insulated from the housing for thermally separating the ambient temperature measuring assembly from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Inventor: Murray W. Davis
  • Patent number: 9379556
    Abstract: A harvesting and measurement device is operable in at least a normal operation mode, a demand measurement mode, and a fault measurement mode. In the normal operation mode, the device is able to harvest energy from an associated power line and monitor current and voltage conditions through a lower power circuit. In the demand measurement mode, harvesting elements of the circuit are disabled so as not to interfere with accuracy of demand current measurements. In the fault measurement mode, one or more Hall sensors are activated such that high currents can be accurately measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: COOPER TECHNOLOGIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Gregg James Haensgen, John Fredrick Banting, Bruce Hoeppner, Richard William Lucas
  • Patent number: 9366698
    Abstract: A clamp for measuring a ground loop current includes a first jaw secured to a fixed support and a second jaw pivotally mounted on the fixed support, and pivotable between a position closing the clamp and an open position, and an elastic element for returning the movable jaw to the closed position. The clamp includes a device scaling down the force required for opening the clamp, by application of the force to a trigger. The device is mounted between the elastic return element and the trigger, upon opening the clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: CHAUVIN ARNOUX
    Inventors: Philippe Legros, Thierry Rouillard
  • Patent number: 9360534
    Abstract: A beam that passes through a plurality of gas cells a number of times is led to a deflection meter from a light ejecting section, detection of a deflected surface angle is performed and a strength of a magnetic field is measured by a structure in which the plurality of the gas cells is arranged along a light beam between two reflection units or light concentrating units that have a light beam incidence section and a light beam ejecting section and are opposite to each other, and a laser beam that is incident from the light beam incidence section passes through the plurality of the gas cells and then is multiply reflected by both reflection units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Kimio Nagasaka
  • Patent number: 9354258
    Abstract: A device including: a conductor through which a current to be measured flows; multiple coils arranged around the conductor; a first magnetic body provided to face one of end surfaces of each of the multiple coils and configured to magnetically short-circuit the multiple coils; and a second magnetic body provided to face another one of the end surfaces of each of the multiple coils, configured to magnetically short-circuit the multiple coils, and including through-holes through which coil wires from the multiple coils are passed, respectively, the through-holes being provided at positions facing the other end surfaces of the multiple coils, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Toshiba Toko Meter Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichi Ryochi, Mitsuhiro Sakoyama, Fuyuki Kurokawa, Tatsuya Kimura
  • Patent number: 9356543
    Abstract: A power source control apparatus for a rotating electrical machine includes a TRC optimum voltage output portion (21) and a GEN optimum voltage output portion (22) that acquire a TRC optimum voltage and a GEN optimum voltage; a normal target voltage output portion (23) that sets a normal target voltage commonly applied to a traveling motor system and a power generating motor system using a DC/DC converter, based on a highest optimum voltage out of the TRC optimum voltage and the GEN optimum voltage; and a temperature protecting target voltage output portion (24) and a target voltage output portion (25) that limit the voltage commonly applied to the traveling motor system and the power generating motor system to a value lower than the normal target voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kenji Kikuchi, Yoshihiro Ito
  • Patent number: 9354268
    Abstract: Disclosed are advances in the arts with novel methods and apparatus for detecting faulty connections in an electrical system. Exemplary preferred embodiments include basic, ASIC, AC, DC, and RF monitoring techniques and systems for monitoring signals at one or more device loads and analyzing the monitored signals for determining fault conditions at the device loads and/or at the main transmission lines. The invention preferably provides the capability to test and monitor electrical interconnections without fully activating the host system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: TRIUNE IP, LLC
    Inventors: Ross E. Teggatz, Wayne T. Chen, Brett Smith
  • Patent number: 9347972
    Abstract: A voltage sensing system and method for use with ungrounded power line sensors deployed on each phase of a power line. The voltage of each phase is measured using the sensors. This measurement is used unless there is a snow event. A collector is powered by a transformer connected to the power line being monitored and a voltage measurement circuit is configured to measure the collector supply voltage which is then used to obtain an alternate voltage measurement for each phase. When the sensor measured voltage for any phase deviates from the alternate voltage measurement by a pre-established value, a snow event has occurred and the alternate voltage measurement may then be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Foster-Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Meeker, Brian M. Compter
  • Patent number: 9347976
    Abstract: A hot stick power analyzer includes a housing mounted on a pole and a channel for a power line. A ground line extends from the housing and there is a power line conductive contact. A voltage sensor includes voltage sensing circuitry connected to the power line conductive contact and the ground line. There is a high voltage capacitance between the ground line and the voltage sensing circuitry. A current sensor includes windings about and spaced from the power line. A processing subsystem is responsive to the voltage sensing circuitry and to the current sensor and is configured to compute power analysis metrics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: Foster-Miller, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Mason, David C. Meeker, James F. Godfrey, Jeffrey C. Travis, William G. Leary, Alexander E. Post
  • Patent number: 9297864
    Abstract: An MMS sensor assembly includes a U-shaped bottom housing that forms a recess in which is received a conductor whose current is to be sensed and a top housing arranged to be removably latched to the bottom housing. At least one magnetic field sensor is situated within the top housing, such the magnetic field sensor is positioned adjacent the conductor when the top housing is latched to the bottom housing, and is removable from the sensor assembly for repair or replacement. Circuitry connected to the magnetic field sensor includes a data storage device to store correction/compensation tables and/or equations for self-calibration or correction of the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Power Distribution, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Martin Cortes, Gordon Earl Flynn, Nesa Kumaran Kandaiah
  • Patent number: 9300339
    Abstract: A wireless handle for a battery tester, comprising a wireless signal transmitting/receiving means capable of exchanging information with a battery tester through wireless communication; an information input means; an information output means; and a signal processing and control means, wherein the wireless signal transmitting/receiving means, the information input means, and the information output means are coupled with the signal processing and control means. The wireless handle enables an operator to control some functions of the battery tester and/or monitor detected information remotely during the process of testing, which can increase efficiency of the testing and avoid any disturbance of the testing circuits caused by the information input means and the information output means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Danaher (Shanghai) Industrial Instrumentation Technologies R&D Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shounan Luo, Junlong Sheng, Tao Zhong
  • Patent number: 9291647
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a low-cost Rogowski coil sensor including a coil wound around a flexible carrier is provided with a reliable parallel-entry closure mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: ANALOG DEVICES, INC.
    Inventor: John Wynne
  • Patent number: 9274146
    Abstract: An arrangement for use in a utility meter includes a sensor and a processing circuit supported by a base of the meter, and a magnetic element carried by the cover of the meter, in which the cover is removably mounted to the base. The sensor includes at least two magnetizable elements, such as inductors, that are magnetized at opposite polarities when the meter is closed and operable. The magnetizable elements are positioned in very close proximity so that as cover is removed the magnetic element passes the elements to cause the magnetizable elements to assume the same polarity. The processing circuit continuously polls the magnetizable elements to evaluate their respective polarities and is configured to issue a tamper indication when the detected polarities are the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Landis+Gyr, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank J. Boudreau, Jr., Matt Kraus
  • Patent number: 9267970
    Abstract: A device for measuring an electric current flowing in a cable, including a flexible Rogowski coil, secured to actuating means for moving the coil to an open position for engagement around a cable, and a closed position to surround the cable, a magnetic circuit, with a winding around the magnetic circuit, for closing around the cable when the coil is in the closed position. The coil in the closed position, may have a non-wound area of predefined length with an overwinding at each opening end of the coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
    Inventors: Alain Moreux, Pascal Houbre