Nonquantitative (e.g., Hot-line Indicator, Polarity Tester) Patents (Class 324/133)
  • Patent number: 11913978
    Abstract: In order to mitigate a shock hazard for a user analyzing a high-voltage circuit, a system is provided that facilitates quarantining a shock-hazard high voltage within an electrical panel while providing a safe low voltage to a voltage detection indication device for visual inspection, the system comprising; a voltage conversion module (VCM) that receives input voltage from one or more monitored high voltage lines and reduces the received input voltage to below a predetermined voltage level that does not pose a shock hazard to a user; a voltage detection indication module that receives the reduced voltage and provides a visible voltage indication to the user; and a removable data transmission cable the connects the VCM to the voltage detection indication module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: GRACE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Charles Adkins, Roger Clarke, Gang Chen
  • Patent number: 11876334
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device combination for protecting electrical networks against overvoltages or overcurrents, comprising an essentially U-shaped base and at least one plug-in module, which can be plugged or pushed onto the base, wherein the base has connection terminals for connecting to the respective network and also has plug-in contacts, which are connected to the connection terminals and are complementary to mating plug-in contacts or contact tongues of the plug-in module, and the plug-in module has a housing which accommodates one or more lightning and/or overvoltage arresters, and the mating plug-in contacts or contact tongues pass through a floor side of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: DEHN SE
    Inventors: Richard Daum, Juliane Klose, Michael Waffler, Sebastian Haas, Patrick Spangler, Michael Weissflog, Dietmar Dürr
  • Patent number: 11855614
    Abstract: During an ON period of a high breakdown voltage switch provided within an ON period of a semiconductor switching element, a detection circuit outputs to a predetermined node a voltage obtained by dividing an inter-terminal voltage by a plurality of resistor elements. A voltage comparison circuit outputs a detection signal indicating whether or not the inter-terminal voltage is greater than a predetermined determination voltage based on a comparison between the voltage of the predetermined node and a predetermined DC voltage. The high breakdown voltage switch has a breakdown voltage greater than a potential difference between a high potential and a low potential during an OFF period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Yo Habu, Akihisa Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 11789052
    Abstract: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a program that causes a computer to execute a process including, calculating, for each of a plurality of groups each of which is a combination of two power distribution lines selected from a plurality of power distribution lines, an index value that indicates a correlation between time-series data of a sum of line currents that flow through the two power distribution lines included in a group and time-series data of consumed power consumed by at least one consuming subject coupled to a transformer coupled to any one of phases that corresponds to combinations of two of the plurality of power distribution lines or current that corresponds to the power; and determining that a phase that corresponds to the group that corresponds to the index value indicating a highest correlation among the plurality of groups is a connection phase to which the transformer is coupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Hironobu Kitajima, Tetsuya Kashiwagi
  • Patent number: 11735015
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and operating methods thereof provide for operation of a display based on detection of defined electrical conditions. Measurement devices may include a housing sized and shaped to be held in a hand, a set of sensor devices for sensing a set of electrical characteristics, processing circuitry, and a display supported by the housing. The measurement devices receive measurements obtained from the sensor devices and determine whether the measurements satisfy criteria for detecting defined electrical conditions in an element under test. Operating modes of the display having different corresponding illumination characteristics are controlled as a result of determining the presence of defined electrical conditions in the element under test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Fluke Corporation
    Inventors: Luis R. Silva, Brian Douglas Painting
  • Patent number: 11686443
    Abstract: An electrical connector strip is adapted for structural applications in theater, television and entertainment industries. The connector strip includes an elongated rigid enclosure defining a hollow continuous internal wireway receiving electrical wiring within an interior of the enclosure. At least one outlet pocket is formed in a side wall of the enclosure. A connector adapter plate is located in the outlet pocket and extends within the interior of the enclosure. At least one output connector is carried by the connector adapter plate, and resides within the interior of the enclosure with external access provided through the outlet pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: The Light Source. Inc.
    Inventor: Eric E. Von Fange
  • Patent number: 11680974
    Abstract: A method for monitoring polarization quality of a piezoelectric film is described. In this method, a detection step is performed on a piezoelectric film by using a detection device with a non-contact method during a polarization process of the piezoelectric film, to obtain a static electricity information or a transmittance information. A determination step is performed by using the static electricity information or the transmittance information to determine a polarization degree of the piezoelectric film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: CREATING NANO TECHNOLOGIES. INC.
    Inventors: Ji-Yung Lee, Andrew Ronaldi Tandio, Hung-Chan Chiang, Bo-Fan Tsai
  • Patent number: 11555590
    Abstract: An electrical connector strip is adapted for structural applications in theater, television and entertainment industries. The connector strip includes a rigid tubular enclosure defining a hollow continuous internal wireway receiving electrical wiring within an inside diameter of the enclosure, and having a substantially uniform outside diameter between opposite ends of the enclosure. At least one outlet pocket is formed in a side wall of the enclosure. A connector adapter plate is located in the outlet pocket, and extends within the inside diameter of the enclosure. At least one output connector is carried by the connector adapter plate, and resides within the inside diameter of the enclosure with external access provided through the outlet pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: The Light Source, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric E. Von Fange
  • Patent number: 11525843
    Abstract: A sensor for a separable connector includes a plug body, one or more high voltage capacitors, one or more low voltage capacitors, and a low voltage connection. The plug body includes an insulating resin. The plug body can be inserted into the separable connector to encase a high voltage conductor disposed in the separable connector. The one or more high voltage capacitors are encased by the insulating resin and can be electrically coupled to the separable connector at a first end portion when the plug body is inserted. The one or more low to voltage capacitors are electrically coupled in series to the one or more high voltage capacitors to form a capacitive voltage divider. The low voltage connection provides a low voltage signal corresponding to a high voltage signal present in the separable connector. Signal conditioning electronics or a memory may also be included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Jaylon D. Loyd, Christopher R. Wilson, Carl J. Wentzel
  • Patent number: 11519945
    Abstract: Circuit test devices and methods are provided. The method includes measuring a voltage between first and second conductor points (CPs) of a circuit under test (CUT), and determining if the measured voltage is less than a low voltage threshold value (LVTV) indicative of electrical continuity (EC) between the first and second CPs. In response to determining that the measured voltage is less than the LVTV, the method includes: transmitting a test signal (TS) to the first or second CP, and determining if the test signal is received after being transmitted. In response to determining that the TS is received, a presence of EC between the first and second conductor points is reported, and in response to determining that the TS is not received, absence of EC between the first and second CPs, or a lack of electrical contact between the VMC and the first and/or second CP(s), is reported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Justice
    Inventors: Ian B. Vabnick, Michael Malone
  • Patent number: 11445586
    Abstract: A lighting system and a method are provided with an adaptive power balancing scheme which reduces or eliminates flicker by sensing the operation of a lamp that is connected to an electronic transformer and adaptively controlling the drive circuit of the lamp to prevent unexpected reset of the electronic transformer. There is provided a lamp with a light source and a drive circuit for the light source; said drive circuit has a power stage for regulating a voltage supplied to the light source, an energy storage device, and control means arranged to selectively disable the power stage. Power is provided to the light source by the energy storage device when the power stage is disabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignees: Dialog Integrated Circuits (Tianjian) Limited, Dialog Semiconductor (Shenzhen) Limited
    Inventors: Nailong Wang, Bin Hou, Zhenyu Song, Wei Qi, Guanglai Deng, Zhiqiu Ye
  • Patent number: 11422604
    Abstract: There are provided a device for preventing an entire cabinet from being powered down, a cabinet, and a method for preventing an entire cabinet from being powered down. The device includes a diode and a first protection circuit. An anode of the diode is grounded, a cathode of the diode is connected to an external voltage supplying copper busbar via the first protection circuit, and the diode is connected in parallel with an external node. The first protection circuit is arranged to monitor a current flowing through the diode, and cut off a connection line between the diode and the voltage supplying copper busbar in a case that the current exceeds a preset fusing current threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: INSPUR ELECTRONIC INFORMATION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Fukuan Wu
  • Patent number: 11402074
    Abstract: An electrical connector pipe is adapted for structural applications in theater, television and entertainment industries. The connector pipe includes a rigid tubular enclosure defining a hollow continuous internal wireway receiving electrical wiring within an inside diameter of the enclosure, and having a substantially uniform outside diameter between opposite ends of the enclosure. At least one outlet pocket is formed in a side wall of the enclosure. A connector adapter plate is located in the outlet pocket, and extends within the inside diameter of the enclosure. At least one output connector is carried by the connector adapter plate, and resides within the inside diameter of the enclosure with external access provided through the outlet pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: The Light Source, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric E. Von Fange
  • Patent number: 11365987
    Abstract: This invention presents a novel metal detector device and method that employs the performance of the current compact sound recorder/player systems such as Tape/CD/DVD players, MP3 players, Cell phones, Tablets, Laptops to make a compact metal detector. This invention also enables the use of said sound recorder/player systems for precise Vibration, Linear and Rotational Speed and Position Measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Inventor: Javad Rezanezhad Gatabi
  • Patent number: 11333715
    Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to a failure indicator for providing an indicator that a failure has occurred on a capacitor unit of a capacitor bank. In some embodiments, the failure indicator may include a magnetic element, and the failure indicator may be configured to move from a first orientation to a second orientation based on a mechanical or electromagnetic impulse in the capacitor unit resulting from a failure of the first capacitor unit. In some embodiments, the magnetic element may maintain the first failure indicator in the second orientation to indicate the failure of the first capacitor unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: General Electric Technology GmbH
    Inventors: Tuomo Rinne, Jari Tapani Kotiniitty, Alan John Swade, William J. De Vries, Jussi Pontys, Pekka Nevalainen
  • Patent number: 11321246
    Abstract: A support information provisioning system a support device, an external device; and a customer device. The customer device includes an external connector and a remote access controller device that is coupled to the external connector. In situations where the customer device is experiencing at least one customer device issue that prevents the customer device from provisioning support information related to the operation of the customer device, the remote access controller device operates to detect that the external device has been connected to the external connector and, in response, automatically cause new support information about that customer device to be generated. When the external device is subsequently connected to the support device, it may then provide that new support information to the support device for analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Dell Products L.P.
    Inventors: Sundar Dasar, Divya Vijayvargiya, Sanjay Rao, Yogesh Prabhakar Kulkarni
  • Patent number: 11262311
    Abstract: Techniques are described for using an optical sensor to monitor light produced by an indicator light of a monitoring system. The optical sensors can monitor attributes of the indicator light in order to detect a blink pattern outputted by the indicator light. In some implementations, video data indicating a blink pattern of a device within a property is obtained. One or more attributes of the blink pattern are identified based on processing the obtained video data. A status for the device is determined based at least on the one or more identified attributes. A system action that corresponds to the status is determined. The system action corresponding to the determined status is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Alarm.com Incorporated
    Inventors: Daniel Marc Goodman, Craig Carl Heffernan, Harrison Wayne Donahue
  • Patent number: 11262387
    Abstract: A device to measure the voltage at a test point, also referred to as a test point voltage sensor, comprises a housing formed from a first material and a second material, wherein the first material comprises an insulating material and the second material comprises a conductive or semiconductive material. The housing includes an opening configured to cover a test point of a cable accessory. The device further includes a pressure pad, disposed in the housing, having a conductive mating surface configured to contact a test point of the basic insulation plug or end plug. The device further includes a low side capacitor embedded in the housing and electrically coupled to the conductive mating surface. The device further includes a signal wire electrically coupled to the low side capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: David V. Mahoney, Carl J. Wentzel, Shuguang Wu, Laszlo Markos, Andrew C. Lottes, James S. McHattie, Christopher R. Wilson, Richard D. Twigg, Pete D. Jordan, Sean C. Davis
  • Patent number: 11126521
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a status indicator during a power-on self-test routine. A basic input output system is operable to execute the power-on self-test routine and output a status of the power-on self-test routine. A plurality of storage devices that each have an externally visible indicator. A controller is coupled to the basic input output system and the plurality of storage devices. The controller is operable to receive the status from the basic input output system and control the externally visible indicator of each of the storage devices in response to the status received from the basic input output system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: QUANTA COMPUTER INC.
    Inventors: Yu-Hsien Liao, Han-Chuan Tsai
  • Patent number: 11119124
    Abstract: A non-contact voltage and ground detector allows a user to easily analyze the ground or neutral port of an electrical component. The detector includes a tubular body, a metal probe, a power source, a ground-and-neutral detector mechanism, and a non-contact voltage device. The metal probe is concentrically and terminally mounted to the tubular body and acts as the physical engaging element. The power source provides the electrical energy for the detector and is mounted within the tubular body. The ground-and-neutral detector mechanism in conjunction with the metal probe set up an open circuit. The ground-and-neutral detector registers the quality of a ground or neutral when the metal probe with an external electrical element. The non-contact voltage device measures changes in magnetic fields about an electrical component to identify the presence of voltage within the electrical component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Inventor: Rocky Lee Rawls
  • Patent number: 10983148
    Abstract: A sensor for a separable connector comprises a plug body comprising an insulating resin, the plug body configured to be inserted into the separable connector to encase a high voltage conductor disposed in the separable connector. The sensor also includes one or more high voltage capacitors encased by the insulating resin and configured to be electrically coupled to the separable connector at a first end portion when the plug body is inserted and one or more low voltage capacitors electrically coupled in series to the one or more high voltage capacitors to form a capacitive voltage divider. The sensor also includes a low voltage connection configured to provide a low voltage signal corresponding to a high voltage signal present in the separable connector, the low voltage connection comprising a coaxial contact having a first metal contact and a second metal contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Christopher R. Wilson, Laszlo Markos, Carl J. Wentzel, Richard D. Twigg
  • Patent number: 10837987
    Abstract: A monitor circuit for monitoring a level of a first and second regulated source may monitor a voltage level of regulated voltages or a current level of regulated currents. In an embodiment, the monitor circuit includes circuitry responsive to a first regulated voltage and to a second regulated voltage. A first circuit responsive to the first regulated voltage and to the second regulated voltage generates a first error signal indicative of at least one of an overvoltage condition of the first regulated voltage and an undervoltage condition of the second regulated voltage. A second circuit responsive to the first regulated voltage and to the second regulated voltage generates a second error signal indicative of at least one of an undervoltage condition of the first regulated voltage and an overvoltage condition of the second regulated voltage. A method for monitoring the levels of first and second regulated sources is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Allegro MicroSystems, LLC
    Inventors: Sam Tran, Jay M. Towne, P. Karl Scheller
  • Patent number: 10778285
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are cable systems that include a cable defining a sensing path and comprising a working strand and one or more sensing strands, a signal source to impart a test signal between a first terminal and a second terminal, a sensor to detect the test signal, a transmitter to transmit the test signal to a receiver, and an indicator to generate a display indicative of the test signal. Certain preferred embodiments describe sensing strands that are arranged in alternating concentric layers and/or extend lengthwise in loops. Such configurations facilitate the detection of breakage, insults, excess tension, or excess bending in the cable. The sensing strands may include a fixed resistor to establish a known resistance and facilitate the detection of small resistive changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Go Lock Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas A. Yates, Steven R. Jones, Frank Murtland, Edward J. Gross
  • Patent number: 10718635
    Abstract: A contact detection circuit is applied to a four-terminal measurement device. The contact detection circuit comprises a first isolator, a signal generator, a multiplier and a calculator. The first isolator comprises a primary side and a secondary side, with the secondary side comprising a first terminal and a second terminal, with the first terminal configured to be electrically connected to a driving terminal and the second terminal configured to be electrically connected to a measuring terminal. The signal generator is configured to provide a measuring signal. The multiplier is configured to generate an output signal based on the measuring signal and a first reflected signal when the first reflected signal is induced at the primary side of the first isolator based on the measuring signal. The calculator calculates contact resistance between the driving terminal and the measuring terminal based on a direct-current component of the output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: CHROMA ATE INC.
    Inventors: Tsz-Lang Chen, Ming-Chieh Lin, Yen-Ching Liu
  • Patent number: 10673359
    Abstract: A detector detects whether or not a first line induced voltage and a second line induced voltage match each other, the first line induced voltage being a potential difference of a first phase potential of phase potentials relative to a reference potential, and the second line induced voltage being a potential difference of a second phase potential of the phase potentials other than the first phase potential relative to the reference potential. The phase potentials is outputted by the armature due to an induced electromotive force. The reference potential is any one of a minimum phase and a maximum phase. A rotation-position setting unit sets, to a predetermined value, an estimation value of a rotation position of the motor 2 at a point in time when the first line induced voltage and the second line induced voltage match each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Hibino
  • Patent number: 10641800
    Abstract: Provided are devices for electrical connectors to provide indication that the electrical connectors are not energized. Devices include a first indicator that includes a first indication technology that is configured to provide a first visual indication corresponding to a voltage of a primary conductor and a second indicator that includes a second indication technology that is different from the first indication technology and that is configured to provide a second visual indication corresponding to the voltage of the primary conductor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: TE CONNECTIVITY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Matthew P. Galla, Harry G. Yaworski
  • Patent number: 10554058
    Abstract: According to at least one aspect, a device is provided. The device comprises: a connector configured to electrically couple to an external device and comprising a plurality of terminals including a supply terminal; a monitoring circuit coupled to the supply terminal and configured to apply an electrical signal to the supply terminal and measure at least one of a voltage level and a current level on the supply terminal; a controller communicatively coupled to the monitoring circuit and configured to: determine whether an impedance between the supply terminal and at least one other terminal in the plurality of terminals is above a threshold using the at least one of the voltage level and the current level on the supply terminal; and output at least one message responsive to the impedance being below the threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Media Tek Inc.
    Inventors: Chih-Yuan Hsu, Chi-Ming Lee, Shih-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 10535954
    Abstract: A plug adapter configured for application with a system for automatically deducing the electrical cabling between electrical devices includes: a plug configured to plug into in a socket of an electrical device; a socket configured to plug into a plug of an electrical cable; a light receiver positioned to receive light emitted by an optical fiber ending in the plug of the electrical cable; and an electronic unit configured to control the light receiver and/or the light emitter and including an interface configured to communicate with a cabling management system of the system configured to automatically deduce the electrical cabling between electrical devices in order to receive control signals for the light emitter and to transmit detection signals from the light receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LIMITED
    Inventors: Emilien Kia, Aurelien Begou
  • Patent number: 10459104
    Abstract: A mobile or transportable ammunition pellet or foreign object detection device is provided which includes a metal or other ammunition detector which uses a metal detection strip of the device. In a related embodiment, an LED platform for displaying various types of information is also provided as part of the detection device. In a related embodiment, the detection device includes an integrated scale and cutting board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Inventors: Lynn D. Jurrens, William E. Lomax
  • Patent number: 10451658
    Abstract: A dead front connector including an electrical coupling, a voltage tap, a voltage testing circuit. The electrical coupling is configured to electrically connect a power cable to a device. The voltage tap is configured to allow testing for the presence of a voltage between the power cable and the device. The voltage testing circuit is placed within the voltage tap. The voltage testing circuit includes an indicator configured to provide an indication when the voltage is present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: Xingniu Huo, William Frederick Tyrrell, III, Bastiaan Hubertus Van Besouw, Jeffrey Joseph Kester, Peter James Swales
  • Patent number: 10444808
    Abstract: A USB control apparatus is connected between a power supply and an external interface, and the USB control apparatus includes a first connection port connected to the power supply; a second connection port connected to the external interface; a control unit connected to the first connection port; and a first conversion unit connected between the control unit and the second connection port. The control unit detects a power source outputted from the power supply and outputs first information to the first conversion unit. The first conversion unit detects the type of a connection port of the external interface. The first conversion unit converts the first information into second information corresponding to the connection port of the external interface to the second connection port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Shou-Chieh Lin, Chang-Tai Chen, Yu-Jen Chen, Tien-He Chen
  • Patent number: 10365304
    Abstract: A discrete input determining circuit is disclosed, which includes an input biasing network connected to a discrete input for providing a first input voltage, a voltage divider network for dividing the first input voltage into a second input voltage and a third input voltage, a first comparator, wherein a non-inverting input terminal of the first comparator receives the second input voltage, and a second comparator, wherein an inverting input terminal of the second comparator receives the third input voltage, wherein an inverting input terminal of the first comparator and a non-inverting input terminal of the second comparator receive a reference voltage, and an output terminal of the first comparator and an output terminal of the second comparator are configured to provide a logic output. A discrete input determining method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: GE Aviation Systems LLC
    Inventor: Douglas Clayton Smythe
  • Patent number: 10359494
    Abstract: Systems and methods provide a portable, verified voltage source that allows safe testing of separate non-contact voltage measurement systems. A proving unit of the present disclosure provides a known or specified alternating current (AC) voltage output across an insulated wire, which AC voltage may be fixed or may be user-selectable through a suitable user interface. The proving unit may include a visual indicator and/or an audible indicator that provides the user with an indication confirming that the proving unit is supplying an output voltage with the specifications of the proving unit, so the user will know that the proving unit is operating normally and is ready for testing a non-contact voltage measurement system. If the proving unit cannot provide the specified voltage output, the indicator(s) provides a signal to the user that the proving unit is currently non-functional.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: FLUKE CORPORATION
    Inventors: David L. Epperson, Ricardo Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 10330740
    Abstract: A system and method for testing a power supply. A selection of one or more power supplies to test is received. A tester is automatically configured to test the one or more power supplies utilizing test parameters associated with the selection. A power-end of each of the one or more power supplies is received in power ports of the tester. An adapter-end of each of the one or more power supplies is received in adapter ports of the tester. The one or more power supplies are automatically tested utilizing test parameters. Performance characteristics of the loop one or more power supplies are measured during testing. Indications are given whether each of the one or more power supplies past the testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: FEDEX SUPPLY CHAIN LOGISTICS & ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventor: Jimmie Paul Partee
  • Patent number: 10284632
    Abstract: Systems and methods for cabling verification may include one or more operations including, but not limited to: receiving floor plan data representing a floor plan of a premises; receiving at least one user input specifying a location of at least one cabling endpoint relative to the floor plan; receiving at least one user input selecting at least one cabling verification test for the at least one cabling endpoint; receiving one or more cabling verification test results for the at least one cabling endpoint obtained by at least one testing device; and updating at least one database element associated with the at least one cabling endpoint and maintained by the cloud-based server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: WOW INSITES LLC
    Inventors: Steven Kanne, Gordon Whitten, Jamie Bumgardner, Joshua Galley, Dixon Greenfield, Brian Kenkel, Steven Nichols, Chad Bokowski, Sam Miller
  • Patent number: 10249330
    Abstract: An audit device according to one embodiment includes a substrate; at least one test element coupled to the substrate; a connector adapted for coupling the at least one test element to leads of a cable; and a probe for detecting at least one of: voltage across and current through the at least one test element. One test element is coupled to a group of leads of the connector. All positive polarity leads of the group of leads are coupled together on the substrate, and all negative polarity leads of the group of leads are coupled together on the substrate, such that the test element is coupled across the positive and the negative coupled leads of the group of leads of the connector. The test element is coupled across pairs of leads of the cable when the cable is coupled to the connector. Additional systems and methods are also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Myron H. Gentrup, Icko E. T. Iben, John T. Kinnear, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10247688
    Abstract: A moisture detecting system has a power semiconductor module having a gate driver with the gate in which the gate driver has an on condition and an off condition, a power supply connected to the gate driver so as to supply voltage to the gate driver, a controller cooperative between the power supply and the gate driver so as to set the gate driver between the on condition and the off condition, and a sensor connected to the gate driver so as to detect a leakage of current across the gate driver. The controller is cooperative at the power supply so as to turn off the power supply when the signal is indicative of the leakage of current. The gate driver can an IGBT or a MOSFET.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Inventor: Kevin R. Williams
  • Patent number: 10209279
    Abstract: A monitor circuit for monitoring a level of a first and second regulated source may monitor a voltage level of regulated voltages or a current level of regulated currents. In an embodiment, the monitor circuit includes circuitry responsive to a first regulated voltage and to a second regulated voltage. A first circuit responsive to the first regulated voltage and to the second regulated voltage generates a first error signal indicative of at least one of an overvoltage condition of the first regulated voltage and an undervoltage condition of the second regulated voltage. A second circuit responsive to the first regulated voltage and to the second regulated voltage generates a second error signal indicative of at least one of an undervoltage condition of the first regulated voltage and an overvoltage condition of the second regulated voltage. A method for monitoring the levels of first and second regulated sources is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: ALLEGRO MICROSYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Sam Tran, Jay M. Towne, P. Karl Scheller
  • Patent number: 10197612
    Abstract: A continuity test system (100), includes a base unit (1) and a mobile unit (9). The base unit (1) is adapted to be connected to a first portion of a test item, and, the mobile unit (9) is both interconnected to said base unit (1), and adapted to be connected to a second portion of said test item. The continuity test system (100) includes a signal generator (2), adapted to generate a dual polarity measurement signal, a measurement unit (14), adapted to measure electrical parameters of said test item (16)as said dual polarity measurement signal is applied thereto, and, a processor (13, 4), to process said measured electrical parameters and provide a resultant continuity test signal output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: The Peak Group Pty Limited
    Inventors: Paul Griffiths, Darren Woodhouse
  • Patent number: 10199773
    Abstract: Systems and methods for automatic detection of misconnected cables are described herein. In one or more embodiments, a test circuit sends a signal through a first pin of a first connector that is coupled to a first cable of a plurality of cables. The test circuit monitors a second pin of a second connector that is coupled to a second cable of the plurality of cables to determine whether the signal is detected on the second pin of the second connector. Responsive to determining that the signal is not detected on the second pin, an alert signal is generated to indicate that at least one cable of the plurality of cables is misconnected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Oracle International Corporation
    Inventors: Craig A. Buhlman, Steven C. Fraioli, Adam W. Mehlberg
  • Patent number: 10151774
    Abstract: Disclosed are an electrical contact for contacting an electrical component, an apparatus for testing an electrical component and a method of assembling an apparatus comprising an electrical contact for testing an electrical component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: ASM TECHNOLOGY SINGAPORE PTE LTD
    Inventors: Yu Sze Cheung, Kai Fung Lau
  • Patent number: 10101364
    Abstract: A circuit tester is provided in which an edge lit display is incorporated into the handle of a circuit tester and the indicators lights are arranged in the handle, and the handle is formed in such a manner, that the indicator lights can also illuminate the work area of the circuit tester.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Inventor: Ben Schloss
  • Patent number: 10089859
    Abstract: A method for measuring a line resistance RL (7) and determining control line (16) faults in a hazard warning and control system. The control lines (16) connect a control device (20) to an actuator (10) using an actuation voltage UA in the case of an event and supplies the actuator (10) with a monitoring voltage UM in the case of a monitoring process using a monitoring module (21). Furthermore, the control device (20) has a constant current sink (6), which can be activated by a microcontroller (1), and a switchover device (5). In order to determine the line resistance RL (7), a constant voltage supply is provided in a measurement time interval ?tM by an energy store (9) integrated into the monitoring module (21) and is fed back to the control device (20), and the switchover device (5) deactivates the monitoring voltage UM supply from the control device (20) to the actuator (10) during the entire measurement time interval ?tM.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Minimax GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Arne Stamer
  • Patent number: 10073142
    Abstract: A voltage detector includes a cylindrical hollow body housing including an open end and a tool end. An internal circuit assembly includes a voltage sensing loop, a flashlight, and a microprocessor. The internal circuit assembly is disposed inside the cylindrical hollow body housing. The voltage sensing loop is configured to detect voltage without contacting a detected voltage, and the microprocessor is configured to control power to the flashlight via a flashlight power button independently from power to the voltage sensing loop via a voltage detector button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Klein Tools, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce Kuhn
  • Patent number: 10054634
    Abstract: A test device includes: a test control unit suitable for detecting a deterioration-expected unit circuit among a plurality of unit circuits included in a test-subject device according to operation histories of the plural unit circuits, and detecting a deterioration degree according to a test output value of the deterioration-expected unit circuit; and an interface unit suitable for routing control operation results and test results between the test control unit and the test-subject device during a test operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: SK Hynix Inc.
    Inventor: Sung-Soo Chi
  • Patent number: 10034501
    Abstract: A wearable metal detection system. The system includes a glove including a metal detection circuit disposed therein including a power supply, a first speaker, and a wireless transceiver each operably connected to a sensor configured to detect the presence of metal. The system further includes an earpiece including a power supply, a wireless transceiver, and a second speaker. A switch disposed on the glove allows a user to select between the first and second speakers. When the first speaker is selected, the first speaker emits an audible alert upon the sensor detecting metal. When the second speaker is selected, a detection signal is transmitted to the earpiece when the sensor detects a metallic object, and the second speaker then emits an audible alert. The glove may further include an inner lining, an outer layer, and a puncture-proof layer for protecting the wearer from puncture wounds while searching for metallic objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Inventor: Jesse Jensen
  • Patent number: 10018665
    Abstract: A power conversion apparatus includes a power conversion device connected to a 3-phase AC power source, a first fuse positioned on a first phase of the source between the conversion device and the source, a second fuse positioned on a second phase of the source between the conversion device and the source, a first voltage detection device which detects first voltage between a third phase and the first phase of the source on the conversion device side with respect to the first fuse, a second voltage detection device which detects second voltage between the third and second phases of the source on the conversion device side with respect to the second fuse, and a status detection device connected to the first and second voltage devices such that the status device detects status of the first and second fuses based on comparison between detection result of the first and second voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA YASKAWA DENKI
    Inventors: Kenji Mitsuda, Hiroshi Takagi
  • Patent number: 10014632
    Abstract: In an aspect, a kit of parts for an electrical connector, which includes a plurality of housing portions, a first male terminal and a second male terminal, and an output device. The plurality of housing portions are mateable together to form a housing. The printed circuit board positionable in the housing. The male terminals are connected to the printed circuit board and are positioned to connect to an electrical power source. The output device is connected to the printed circuit board. The printed circuit board is connectable to an electrical conduit and is configured to electrically connect the electrical conduit to the male terminals, and contains a microprocessor that is programmed to indicate via the output device at least one property of a circuit formed with the electrical connector and the electrical power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Inventor: Emery Tibor Soos
  • Patent number: 10003334
    Abstract: The invention relates to a capacitive sensor system, in particular for detecting the approach of objects and in particular also for gesture recognition. The problem of the present invention is to provide a capacitively operating sensor system, which can be implemented with low component complexity and thus low costs and space requirements and is also characterized by low power consumption, so as to operate with batteries having a low charge capacity and/or a long operating time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY GERMANY GMBH
    Inventor: Peter Fasshauer
  • Patent number: 9995784
    Abstract: A washing and/or drying appliance circuit system having an electric load, first and second power supply terminals, first and second switching elements operable for coupling/decoupling the power supply terminals to terminals of the electric load, a control unit for operating the switching elements, and a conditioning arrangement. The conditioning arrangement has a unidirectional signal flow element coupled between the first supply terminal for receiving a supply signal and the second load terminal, and an impedance arrangement coupled between the first load terminal and the control unit. With the first and second switching elements in the opened-states the first supply terminal, the unidirectional signal flow element, the electric load and the impedance arrangement define a conductive path providing a check signal to the control unit. The control unit is configured for determining a fault in the circuit system based on the check signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: ELECTROLUX APPLIANCES AKTIEBOLAG
    Inventors: Alessandro Cecco, Paolo Driussi