Comparison Patents (Class 340/661)
  • Patent number: 11900332
    Abstract: A server includes a management information DB that stores management information indicating whether or not each of a plurality of vehicles falls under a subject vehicle for which battery replacement timing is managed. An information processing apparatus of the server includes an estimator that estimates a degree of deterioration of a secondary battery mounted on the subject vehicle based on history information showing history of use of the secondary battery mounted on the subject vehicle and a notification unit that transmits a battery replacement alarm (a notification signal that gives a notification about battery replacement timing of the subject vehicle) when the estimated degree of deterioration of the secondary battery reaches a prescribed threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroshi Yamasaki, Juni Yasoshima
  • Patent number: 11901824
    Abstract: A variable DC-DC converter includes a no-load voltage clamp in which a rectified, filtered, and loaded control signal drives a switch. The switch switches in a load resistance across the output terminals of the converter when the output terminals are unloaded or lightly loaded. Due to a combined rectification, smoothing, and filtering operation of the control signal circuit, the control signal provides a steady voltage of the output voltage selected by a user of the converter based on predetermined output requirements. The control signal is therefore not subject to the voltage spikes that the main output is subject to. The circuit compares the control signal to the output voltage, and switches in the load resistance when the voltage at the output rises above the control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Frank Warnes
  • Patent number: 11811215
    Abstract: A compound control circuit comprises an input end, a light-load signal processing circuit, a slow response circuit and a fast response circuit. The compound control circuit is mainly used as an additional circuit of a work control chip, so that although the work control chip only has a single overcurrent protection level, a compound function control of fast and slow speed, high and low level current protection and light-load signal stabilization can be generated through the compound control circuit, so as to meet the complex application environment and compatible requirements of the current power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: SEA SONIC ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sheng-Chien Chou, Chih-Sheng Chang
  • Patent number: 11731599
    Abstract: A device for operating a braking system of a motor vehicle, including a first control unit for operating an ABS unit of the braking system and including a second control unit for operating a brake booster unit of the braking system. The control units are designed as application-specific integrated circuits and are connected to a microprocessor for their control, the microprocessor including a separate shut-off path for each of the circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Gotthilf Koerner, Oda Limbach, Ruben Obenland, Simon Riedel, Stefan Hoess
  • Patent number: 11731205
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a resistance soldering method for producing a plate assembly including at least two basic elements that are materially bonded together via a soldering device, e.g., for producing a winding of an electrical machine. The method includes applying an output voltage to a first electrode and a second electrode, between which the at least two basic elements are arranged, to solder a solder element interposed therebetween; detecting a correct or incorrect position of the solder element in the plate assembly via a control unit; determining via the control unit a voltage between the solder element and one or more points on the electric circuit. The control unit detects the correct or incorrect position of the solder element through an evaluation and/or a comparison with reference to the voltage or voltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Inventor: Matevz Tavcar
  • Patent number: 11728824
    Abstract: An analog circuit including a voltage regulator, at least one analog-to-digital convertor (ADC), at least one comparator and a multiplexer is provided. The voltage regulator generates an output voltage. The at least one ADC generates at least one digital signal. The multiplexer is configured to conduct the at least one comparator to either the voltage regulator or the at least one ADC. When the voltage regulator is triggered, the multiplexer conducts the at least one comparator to the voltage regulator, and the voltage regulator generates the output voltage according to an output of the at least one comparator. When the at least one ADC is triggered, the multiplexer conducts the at least one comparator to the at least one ADC, and the at least one ADC generates the at least one digital signal according to the output of the at least one comparator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Realtek Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Yen-Po Lai, Chih-Lung Chen
  • Patent number: 11682893
    Abstract: A squib driver circuit for deployment of a deployable restraint in a vehicle. The safety restraint may have a minimum firing voltage. The voltage regulator may regulate the input voltage to be the minimum firing voltage at the input terminal. The squib driver circuit may be formed on a single chip. The squib driver circuit may include a high side driver and a low side driver. An input terminal for receiving an input voltage used to fire the deployable restraint. The high side driver may supply current from the input terminal to the deployable restraint. The low side driver may supply current from deployable restraint to the electrical ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Veoneer US, LLC
    Inventors: Vincent Colarossi, Bankim Patel
  • Patent number: 11677230
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a magnetometer-based current sensor (e.g., a Hall-effect or fluxgate-based current sensor) configured to sense a magnetic field generated by a current in at least one conductor connecting a motor drive output to a motor and to responsively produce a first current sense signal and a magnetometer-based voltage sensor (e.g., a Hall-effect or fluxgate-based voltage sensor) configured to sense a magnetic field generated in response to a voltage of the at least one conductor and to responsively produce a first voltage sense signal. The apparatus further includes a signal conversion circuit configured to receive the first current sense signal and the first voltage sense signal and to generate a second current sense input and a second voltage sense input for provision to a current sense input and a voltage sense input, respectively, of a motor protection relay that protects the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Stan R. Simms, Thomas A. Farr, Hanning Tang
  • Patent number: 11577693
    Abstract: Systems and methods for remotely locking and unlocking vehicle accessory locks of vehicle accessories positioned on a vehicle are disclosed. The vehicle includes main doors with locks that are remotely lockable and unlockable using main door lock actuators. Vehicle includes a vehicle controller that receives a user signal from a user, first determines a main door actuation command based on the first signal, and first transmits, based on the main door actuation command, a first actuation command signal to the main door lock actuators. The system includes accessory lock actuator(s) operably coupled to the accessory lock(s), accessory lock controller(s) operably coupled to the accessory lock actuator(s), and a gateway controller operably coupled to the vehicle controller. Gateway controller second determines an accessory lock actuation command based on the first actuation command signal, and second transmits, based on the accessory lock actuation command, a gateway signal to the accessory lock controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: The Eastern Company
    Inventors: Matthew Schroll, James C. Fournier
  • Patent number: 11514771
    Abstract: A multimodal voltage test device and method of operating is provided. The device includes a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact. A circuit electrically is disposed between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact, the circuit being configured to measure a voltage between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact. A first light source is electrically coupled to the circuit. An audio device is electrically coupled to the circuit, wherein the circuit is configured to cause the first light source to illuminate and to emit a first sound from the audio device in response to the voltage measured by the circuit being equal to or greater than a first threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: CONSOLIDATED EDISON COMPANY OF NEWYORK, INC.
    Inventor: William B. Storms
  • Patent number: 11128934
    Abstract: A power monitoring device is configured to monitor the aspects of power being supplied to an RV at an RV park. The power monitoring device communicates wirelessly to a remote device of a user to provide information about the power supplied by the park. The user can set limits of various power aspects. If aspects of the power supplied are out of compliance with the limits a notification of such may be delivered to the user's remote device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Hughes Autoformers, LLC
    Inventor: Pat Thomas
  • Patent number: 11052764
    Abstract: An energy supply device for supplying electric power to a consumer of a vehicle has an input for establishing a connection to an on-board network of the vehicle in order to provide an input voltage for a transmission arrangement, an output for outputting a supply voltage to operate the consumer, a transmission arrangement for purposes of transmitting electric energy between the input and the output, whereby the transmission arrangement comprises a signaling adaptation means, so that, as a function of a deviation of the input voltage that is critical for the electric power supply, a signal is impressed upon the supply voltage, whereby the signal can be evaluated in the consumer on the basis of the supply voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: VOLKSWAGEN AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Mathias Müller, Eugen Nürnberg, Dennis Hoffmeister
  • Patent number: 10970387
    Abstract: Some embodiments described herein include a system that collects and learns reference side-channel normal activity, process it to reveal key features, compares subsequent collected data and processed data for anomalous behavior, and reports such behavior to a management center where this information is displayed and predefine actions can be executed when anomalous behavior is observed. In some instances, a physical side channel (e.g. and indirect measure of program execution such as power consumption or electromagnetic emissions and other physical signals) can be used to assess the execution status in a processor or digital circuit using an external monitor and detect, with extreme accuracy, when an unauthorized execution has managed to disrupt the normal operation of a target system (e.g., a computer system, etc.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Power Fingerprinting Inc.
    Inventors: Carlos R. Aguayo Gonzalez, Jeffrey H. Reed, Steven C. Chen
  • Patent number: 10928428
    Abstract: The present invention aims to reduce the leakage current that flows when measuring a high voltage and includes: a voltage detector that detects a voltage and outputs a detection voltage; a current supplier that supplies a measurement current across a pair of input terminals via a protective resistor; and a processor that executes a voltage measurement process, which measures the voltage based on data indicating the detection voltage, and a resistance measurement process, which measures a resistance connected between the input terminals based on the voltage and the current. A first switch is connected in parallel to the protective resistor and the processor executes the voltage measurement process in a state where the first switch has been set open to measure the terminal voltage, and executes the resistance measurement process by setting the first switch shorted when the voltage is equal to or below the reference voltage value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: HIOKI DENKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tetsuya Nakamura, Takashi Hirao, Yuta Akamatsu, Yuta Suzuki
  • Patent number: 10838016
    Abstract: In described examples, a circuit includes a first driver. The first driver is coupled to a first node, and the first node is coupled to an output pin. A second driver is coupled to a second node, and the second node is coupled to a first voltage terminal. A comparator is coupled to the first node and the second node. A sustaining driver is coupled to the comparator and provides a threshold current to each of the first node and the second node when a short is detected at the output pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Bhaskar Ramachandran, Kushal D. Murthy
  • Patent number: 10726341
    Abstract: A method comprises detecting a power quality event, determining if one or more power outages occurs in a defined time period extending from a beginning of the power quality event to an end of the power quality event, and if one or more power outages occurs in the defined time period, then performing an analysis, where performing the analysis comprises determining if the one or more power outages is associated with the power quality event. The method may also comprise outputting the information regarding the analysis to a display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC USA, INC.
    Inventors: Vanya Ignatova, Anthony R. Gray
  • Patent number: 10608467
    Abstract: According to an aspect of an embodiment, a method may include supplying electrical power to a plurality of sub-loads. The method may include obtaining a power demand of each sub-load of a plurality of sub-loads. The method may include obtaining an amount of available secondary power of a secondary power source. The method may further include connecting, the secondary power source instead of a primary power source to a subset of sub-loads based on an aggregate power demand of the subset of sub-loads being less than the amount of available secondary power. The method may further include connecting the primary power source instead of the secondary power source to a particular sub-load based on a sum of a particular demand of the particular sub-load and the aggregate power demand exceeding the amount of available secondary power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: KATERRA INC.
    Inventor: Bahman Sharifipour
  • Patent number: 10488466
    Abstract: A system for fault prediction in electrical systems. It includes a network of recording nodes that transmit data to multi-channel recorder. The nodes monitor power quality based on a number of system parameters. These data are assembled into data blocks and are analyzed to determine load factors for the system over time. Data blocks are collected over 22 cycle periods and are evaluated against a derived standard deviation factor for the given system. The standard deviation is used to determine alert and alarm levels. The constant monitoring allows the system to alert workers of a potential upcoming fault in one or more system components. In this way repairs can be made before the component fails and the system experiences a fault condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Inventor: Perry Parkin
  • Patent number: 10416206
    Abstract: A method of evaluating an optimization system is disclosed. The system is transitioned from an on state to an off state. Data is collected at time intervals for a time period before and after the system is transitioned from the on state to the off state. The transitioning occurs while a load of a particular type is active. In one embodiment, the optimization system is a Volt/VAR Optimization (VVO) system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignees: Battelle Memorial Institute, American Electric Power Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Tess L. Williams, Kevin P. Schneider, Michael T. Campbell, Derek S. Lewellen
  • Patent number: 10305465
    Abstract: A transformer device and a control method for the transformer device are provided. The transformer device includes a transformer, an uplink cascade connection port, a downlink cascade connection port, and a controller. The controller is enabled when the transformer receives an input electric power, and the controller determines whether the uplink cascade connection port is connected to an uplink transformer device. When the uplink cascade connection port is connected to the uplink transformer device, the controller detects a downlink external transformer device connected to the downlink cascade connection port, reports a detection result to the uplink transformer device, and obtains a control signal from the uplink cascade connection port. The controller converts the input electric power into an output electric power according to the control signal and the transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Yuan-Tai Chen, Chia-Hao Liang
  • Patent number: 9941880
    Abstract: A system includes an integrated circuit (IC) chip with connections to plurality of external pins. An integrated voltage regulator circuit is configured to provide an internal supply voltage to the IC chip. Isolation circuitry is configured to inhibit tampering of the internal supply voltage through the external pins. An analog to digital converter (ADC) circuit is configured to monitor parameters of the internal supply voltage. Security circuitry is configured to detect, using the monitored parameters, indications of tampering and to generate an error signal in response to detecting an indication of tampering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: XILINX, INC.
    Inventors: Austin H. Lesea, Stephen M. Trimberger
  • Patent number: 9852715
    Abstract: An electronic paper display apparatus comprises an electronic paper display unit, a control unit electrically connected to the electronic paper display unit and including a power-level detection circuit, a storage unit at least storing an identification/alert information and electrically connected to the control unit, a wireless communication module and a power unit. The wireless communication module is electrically connected to the control unit and includes a satellite positioning receiving unit, which receives a current satellite positioning signal of the electronic paper display apparatus. The power unit is at least electrically connected to the power-level detection circuit of the control unit. When a power of the power unit is greater than or equal to a first power threshold and less than or equal to a second power threshold, the control unit loads the identification/alert information and a satellite positioning information in the storage unit into the electronic paper display unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Triple Power Limited
    Inventor: Fu-Ming Wang
  • Patent number: 9825669
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward the use of broadcast transmissions to multiple endpoint devices. These broadcast transmissions can be particularly useful for reducing the communication bandwidth used during transmission of configuration data to the endpoint devices. In order to implement the broadcast communications, the present disclosure describes a mechanism for configuring targeted endpoint devices to be responsive to the broadcast communications. For instance, a configuration command can be sent to each of the targeted endpoint devices. The configuration command can include a virtual ID. The targeted endpoint devices can configure themselves to listen for subsequent broadcast messages addressed to the virtual ID. Configuration data can then be sent using the virtual ID and associated broadcast messages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Landis+Gyr Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John F. Duff, Rolf Flen, Scott H. Christiansen
  • Patent number: 9766318
    Abstract: An arrangement for measuring an internal clock within an electricity meter includes an optical communication circuit within the meter, an optical detector external to the meter, and a frequency counter. The optical communication circuit within the electricity meter is operably coupled to receive a pulse output of the meter's internal clock, and is further configured to generate a corresponding optical pulse representative of the pulse output. The optical detector is configured to detect the pulse output via an optical port of the electricity meter. The frequency counter is operably coupled to receive from the optical detector a signal that is representative of the detected pulse output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Landis+Gyr, Inc.
    Inventor: John T. Voisine
  • Patent number: 9645595
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for measuring the frequency of phasor of a power system, belonging to the technical field of power systems and automation thereof. A grid-connected photovoltaic generation system is provided with a control module, a data buffer module, an inverter, a sampling module and an analog-to-digital conversion module; a voltage transformer is connected to the grid side of the grid-connected photovoltaic generation system; the voltage transformer is electrically connected to the analog-to-digital conversion module; the analog-to-digital conversion module converts an analog signal sent by the voltage transformer into a digital signal; the sampling module samples the digital signal and transmits the digital signal into the data buffer module; the data buffer module is provided with a plurality of data windows; and the control module receives signals from the data windows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: GUANGDONG EAST POWER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ruikun Mai, Ling Fu, Haibo Xu, Simo He
  • Patent number: 9245432
    Abstract: An EAS tag comprises a microprocessor, motion sensor, magnetometer, communication elements, and audible alarm generator. Various means of attaching the tag to an object to be protected can be used. The magnetometer can measure the magnetic fields around it and digitally transmit the information to the microprocessor for storage. After a certain period of inactivity as measured by the motion sensor, the tag enters a state of reduced activity to conserve energy. When the motion sensor determines that the tag is being moved, the magnetometer takes a current snapshot which is compared to a previous snapshot. If the two images differ over certain percentage, the tag alarms. The tag can also monitor the ambient magnetic fields in real time and, when the fields change abruptly, the tag alarms. This prevents defeating the tag by placing it in a metallic foil bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Inventor: Xiao Hui Yang
  • Patent number: 9218519
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for selecting a subset of RFID tags are provided in some embodiments. These methods and apparatuses utilize the susceptibility to light by persistent nodes found in passive tags. Light can be used to intentionally reduce persistence times in a particular subset tags or even an individual tag. Then, persistent nodes can be used as a selection criterion to distinguish previously illuminated tags from non-illuminated tags. In other embodiments, a power circuit receives a RF input source and generates a direct current (DC) output voltage. The circuit includes a bias circuit to supply a gate to source bias, which is independent of the DC output voltage. The circuit further includes a voltage multiplier circuit that is coupled to the bias circuit. The voltage multiplier circuit has MOS transistors with one transistor to receive the gate to source bias.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: Alien Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Alfred Hadley, James Harold Atherton, Jay Tu, Edward John Boling, John Stephen Smith
  • Patent number: 9161418
    Abstract: A two-wire load control device (such as, a dimmer switch) for controlling the amount of power delivered from an AC power source to an electrical load (such as, a high-efficiency lighting load) includes a thyristor coupled between the source and the load, a gate coupling circuit coupled between a first main load terminal and the gate of the thyristor, and a control circuit coupled to a control input of the gate coupling circuit. The control circuit generates a drive voltage for causing the gate coupling circuit to conduct a gate current to thus render the thyristor conductive at a firing time during a half cycle of the AC power source, and to allow the gate coupling circuit to conduct the gate current at any time from the firing time through approximately the remainder of the half cycle, where the gate coupling circuit conducts approximately no net average current to render and maintain the thyristor conductive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: LUTRON ELECTRONICS CO., INC.
    Inventor: Robert C. Newman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9077263
    Abstract: A device for emulating at least one first actuator has at least one electric network connected to at least one control electronic circuit. The electric network is operatively connected to at least one second actuator by at least one first control and/or regulating unit. At least one first parameter of the electric network can be changed by the first control so that the technical characteristics of the emulation device match those of a device that is to be emulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Inventor: Benedikt Schemmer
  • Patent number: 9050981
    Abstract: A system and method for providing fault mitigation in a vehicle system having high side drivers (HSDs) and low side drivers (LSDs) are provided. The system includes a first HSD and a plurality of first LSDs. The system also includes a selected first plurality of actuators, with each actuator connected to the first HSD and connected to a respective one of the first LSDs to operate in a first operational mode. The system further includes a second HSD and a plurality of second LSDs. The system also includes a selected second plurality of actuators, with each actuator connected to the second HSD and connected to a respective one of the second LSDs to operate in a second operational mode. When a failed component sets a fault, the corresponding HSD is turned off and the other HSD is turned on, enabling the vehicle system to operate in the non-faulted operational mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Vernacchia, Jenna C. Pechauer
  • Patent number: 8988234
    Abstract: An alarm system for alarming whenever there is a power leakage from an electronic device, includes a voltage decreasing circuit, a switch circuit and an alarm circuit. The voltage decreasing circuit receives a first voltage from a live wire output terminal and outputs a second voltage. The switch circuit outputs a control signal when the power leakage is detected. The switch circuit is electrically connected to a connection port. The connection port is electrically connected to the live wire output terminal and a neutral wire output terminal. The alarm circuit receives the control signal and alarms. If there is power leakage from the electronic device, the first voltage from the live wire input terminal flows into the ground wire input terminal via the electronic device; the switch circuit turns on and the alarm circuit is closed to alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Zhongshan Innocloud Intellectual Property Services Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ke-You Hu
  • Patent number: 8976026
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic system for anti-theft protection of goods. The system comprises: a unit for detecting a metallic material in a first detection zone; a unit for detecting a magnetic or magnetizable material in a second detection zone; and a control unit. The control unit is capable of receiving information from the units for detecting metallic and magnetic material when the one or both of these units detect(s) a metallic or a magnetic material, respectively, in the respective detection zones. The control unit is further programmable to the effect that the control unit can be programmed to emit a signal which depends on whether it receives information about the detection of metallic and/or magnetic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Alert Metalguard ApS
    Inventor: Verner Falkenberg
  • Patent number: 8847777
    Abstract: A built-in self-test (BIST) circuit for detecting power supply droops is disclosed. In one embodiment, the BIST circuit includes a transition circuit configured to launch logical signals into a delay line. The BIST circuit also includes a comparator configured to compare a logic signal based on that input into the delay line with one output from the delay line. A mismatch resulting from the comparison is indicative of a power supply droop. The BIST circuit may also include circuitry for calibrating the delay line. The calibration may be performed by enabling a feedback path between the output of the delay line and its input. Enabling the feedback path may form a ring oscillator utilizing the delay line. A counter may count the number of transitions caused by the ring oscillator in a predetermined time. The resulting count may be used to determine if the delay is in a desired range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Ravi K. Ramaswami
  • Patent number: 8842017
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for displaying the lifecycle of a surge protection device, and more particularly to a device and method for displaying the lifecycle of a surge protection device, which detects an increase in leakage current according to a deterioration in performance of the surge protection device in order to provide notice of a replacement time for the surge protection device. According to the present invention, it is possible to for a user to provide notice of a replacement time by displaying the lifecycle of a surge protection device (SPD) to the outside. Additionally, as another effect of the present invention, it is possible to confirm an amount of leakage current flowing into the ground of the SPD and whether the SPD is properly installed on a ground line by using a current and ground state detecting sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Sungjin Techwin Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Myung Wook Lee, Young Jun Lee, Sei Hyun Lee
  • Patent number: 8816866
    Abstract: A method for audibly detecting a fluid flow state change in a flow meter pipeline. The flow state change may be identified as an upset in the normal flow state. The upset may be corrected to improve the accuracy of the flow meter. A system includes acoustic sensors mounted in the flow meter pipeline, and a computer to collect audible data from the acoustic sensors and compare the audible data to a baseline to detect an upset in the normal fluid flow state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Daniel Measurement & Control, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald Day
  • Patent number: 8816869
    Abstract: The circuit monitoring device is disclosed. The device is for monitoring circuit resistance. At configurable thresholds digital flags are triggered, the device can be used as a Security/Building management system. The device uses open technology is fully scaleable and allows programmable logic controllers to be used as security management systems. Using a soft logic option a PC could take the place of the PLC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Tessler Research Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Eric Bullmore
  • Patent number: 8791831
    Abstract: An indicator system for an alternating current power bus includes an electret operatively associated with the alternating current power bus. The electret includes an output having an alternating current voltage when the alternating current power bus is energized. A rectifier includes an input electrically interconnected with the output of the electret and an output having a direct current voltage responsive to the alternating current voltage of the output of the electret. An indicator includes an input electrically interconnected with the output of the rectifier and an indication output responsive to the direct current voltage of the output of the rectifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Kovacich, John Trublowski
  • Patent number: 8779931
    Abstract: A system, device, and method of providing information for a power distribution system is provided. In one embodiment, a method of using a device that receives power from the low voltage power of the power distribution system and experiences a power loss during a local power outage may perform the processes of monitoring a voltage of the low voltage power line, detecting a voltage reduction below a threshold voltage for a predetermined time period, storing information of the voltage reduction in a non-volatile memory prior to the power outage, and transmitting a notification to a remote computer system prior to the outage. The monitoring may comprise making a plurality of measurements of the voltage during a time interval and averaging the plurality of voltage measurements. In addition, the method may include transmitting an alert message upon power up after the outage to indicate a power restoration local to the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Current Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David S. Yaney, Robert D. Kehn
  • Patent number: 8738195
    Abstract: Methods and devices capable of measuring, analyzing, and monitoring electrical energy consumption of appliances and devices within a building are provided. Voltage sensors that are optionally connected to electrical socket outlets are employed within a building or section of a building to infer the identity of electricity-consuming devices and the amount of power the devices are consuming individually and collectively. Energy use inferencing devices according to embodiments of the invention provide ease of installation, simplicity, manageability, and ease-of-use that can engender deployment by electricity consumers, such as, home owners and businesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Tomm V. Aldridge, James Y. Song
  • Patent number: 8692680
    Abstract: A residual-current circuit breaker includes at least one summation current transformer through which a first lead and a second lead of a network to be protected are guided. At least one secondary winding is arranged on the summation current transformer and operatively connected, at least indirectly, with an energy storage element. A trip element is operatively connected with break contacts in the first and second leads. In order to reduce expected cut-offs of a network to be protected, an electric signaling device is operatively connected, at least indirectly, with the energy storage element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Moeller Geräudeautomation GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard Dobusch, Michael Bartonek
  • Patent number: 8624749
    Abstract: A controller suitable for identifying an abnormal operational condition in a bathing system is provided. The controller includes a memory unit adapted for storing measurements indicative of electrical currents drawn by the bathing system under normal operating conditions, each measurement being indicative of the electrical current being drawn by a respective bathing unit component in the bathing system. The controller also includes a processing unit for modifying the measurements stored in the memory unit and for detecting an abnormal operational condition associated with the bathing system at least in part on the basis of measurements stored on the memory unit. In specific implementations, sensing circuitry adapted for obtaining measurements associated to components, such as relays and fuses, is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Gecko Alliance Group Inc.
    Inventors: Christian Brochu, Benoit LaFlamme, Daniel Gaudreau, Martin Hardy, Louis Nollet, Florent Gougerot, Michel Authier
  • Patent number: 8614632
    Abstract: This device, by its organization and operation, processes sound, usually music. It provides output voltages, for driving lights, which is proportionally representative of input sound levels. Range of sound perception of the human ear exceeds the range of perception of the human eye. It is necessary to adjust the sound level by compression and Automatic Gain Control, particularly by compression, to accommodate the eyes. A requirement to have the output drive voltage drive the lights is to have a linear response to the compressed audio signal. This requirement is met with an output drive circuit which, has a linear response to the compressed signal. This is achieved with a linear firing circuit when providing output voltage using SCR's or Triacs. In a straightforward variation of the output circuit to improve the power factor, the linear response is maintained by modulating the output with transistors instead of using SCR's or Triacs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Inventors: Kenneth A Wells, Victor W Hatch
  • Patent number: 8599030
    Abstract: A communication apparatus includes a communication connector, a communication section, a connection section, a state detector, a controller and a warning section. The communication section controls communication performed through the communication connector, to which a communication plug is connected. The connection section connects the communication connector and the communication section. The state detector generates a state detection signal corresponding to a connection state of the communication plug relative to the communication connector. The controller determines which of a normal connection state, an improper connection state and a non-connection state the communication plug is in based on the state detection signal. The controller also controls an ON-OFF operation of the connection section. The warning section notifies a user of results determined by the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Oki Data Corporation
    Inventors: Minoru Kanno, Kazuo Nakazawa
  • Patent number: 8593295
    Abstract: A process for detecting an alarm in an operating machine (1), so that an operator (7) is able to interact with such a machine (1) determining a connection between the machine and the ground, comprising the steps of: determining a current value of a main parameter representative of an electric interaction between said operator (7) and said operating machine (1) under a condition of normal operation of said machine (1); comparing said determined current value with a main reference value; activating an alarm procedure as a function of said comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Grasselli, Giorgio
    Inventors: Giorgio Grasselli, Stefano Santini
  • Patent number: 8593270
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tester, its use and a method for testing signal lines of a flight control system for a trimmable horizontal stabilizer (THS) motor of an aircraft. The tester comprises at least one test-relay (52, 54) to be connected with a relay socket of the flight control system, when the signal lines of the flight control system are to be tested, and at least one indicator (60, 70, 80, 90) being electrically connected with the at least one test-relay (52, 54) for indicating whether a voltage being applied to the test-relay (52, 54) is equal to or larger than a predetermined voltage. The method according to the invention comprises the steps of connecting at least one test-relay (52, 54) of a tester (1), in place of the original relay, with the relay socket of the flight control system, applying a voltage to the at least one test-relay (52, 54) and determining whether a voltage being applied to the at least one test-relay (52, 54) is equal to or larger than a predetermined voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventor: Sven Knoop
  • Patent number: 8570182
    Abstract: A server includes a motherboard, a first test unit, and an indication device. The first test unit is connected to a first voltage terminal of the motherboard to receive a first voltage. The first test unit determines whether the received first voltage is within a range between a first predetermined voltage and a second predetermined voltage. If the first voltage is not within the range between the first predetermined voltage and the second predetermined voltage, the indication device indicates that the first voltage is abnormal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zuo-Lin Hou, Song Yu
  • Patent number: 8570181
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for a supervisory circuit for a ground fault detection device or ground fault circuit interrupt (GFCI) device is disclosed in which is a test stimulus signal for a self test of the GFCI device is generated on a second secondary winding on a toroid of a differential current transformer. The GFCI device includes line and neutral conductors configured to connect an AC power source and a load. A differential current transformer includes a toroid, through which the line and neutral conductors pass, a first secondary winding wound on the toroid to generate a current in response to an imbalance of magnetic flux in the toroid, and a second secondary winding wound on the toroid. A differential ground fault detector is electrically connected to the first secondary winding of the differential current transformer to compare current generated in the secondary winding to a trip threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Hugh T. Kinsel, Joselito Endozo
  • Patent number: 8547242
    Abstract: A detecting circuit includes an indicating light, a switch component, and a control component. The indicating light indicates whether a voltage rail output by a power supply is within a predetermined voltage range. The switch component has a first terminal connected to the voltage rail, a second terminal connected to the indicating light, and a control terminal. The control component is connected to the control terminal of the switch component. The control component switches on the switch component to power on the indicating light when the voltage rail is within the predetermined voltage range, or switches off the switch component to power off the indicating light when the voltage rail is out of the predetermined voltage range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ling-Yu Xie, Xing-Ping Xie
  • Patent number: 8519857
    Abstract: Systems and methods of controlling a fan in an electronic system are disclosed. One example method includes obtaining a control setting of the fan and current speed of the fan. The example method further includes determining a fan speed threshold associated with the obtained control setting. The example method further includes comparing the fan speed threshold to the current speed. The example method further includes generating an alert based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Steven S. Homer, Jeffrey A. Lev, Mark H. Ruch, Mark S. Tracy
  • Publication number: 20130207809
    Abstract: A server includes a motherboard, a first test unit, and an indication device. The first test unit is connected to a first voltage terminal of the motherboard to receive a first voltage. The first test unit determines whether the received first voltage is within a range between a first predetermined voltage and a second predetermined voltage. If the first voltage is not within the range between the first predetermined voltage and the second predetermined voltage, the indication device indicates that the first voltage is abnormal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD, HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO, LTD.
    Inventors: ZUO-LIN HOU, SONG YU