By Inserting Series Impedance Patents (Class 361/10)
  • Patent number: 11735934
    Abstract: A system and method for hierarchical arc fault monitoring in an energy storage system, where the energy storage system includes a plurality of stacks that are electrically coupled together. Each stack includes a plurality of battery management system nodes that are electrically coupled together. The method includes (1) obtaining respective electrical measurement values for each stack; (2) determining, for each stack, that the stack is free of arc faults, using the respective electrical measurement values for the stack; (3) obtaining electrical measurement values for the energy storage system; and (4) determining that the energy storage system is free of arc faults outside of the plurality of stacks, using (a) the electrical measurement values for the energy storage system and (b) a subset of the respective electrical measurement values for each stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Element Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Seth Marshall Kahn, Anthony John Stratakos, Corrado Cammi, Anderson Rennie John
  • Patent number: 11563431
    Abstract: A reverse current suppression circuit for a PMOS transistor, which includes: a gate drive unit, when the source potential of the first PMOS transistor is lower than the drain potential, the gate drive unit making the gate potential of the first PMOS transistor equal to the drain potential, so that the first PMOS transistor comes into a reverse current suppression state; and a substrate switching unit, when the source potential of the first PMOS transistor is lower than the drain potential, the substrate switching unit short-circuiting the substrate of the first PMOS transistor with the drain of the first PMOS transistor. According to the present invention, when the source potential of the PMOS transistor is lower than the drain potential, the PMOS transistor can be controlled to operate in the reverse current suppression state, so that the PMOS transistor can be effectively protected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Inventor: Hua Shen
  • Patent number: 10663509
    Abstract: An arc fault detection unit for an electrical low-voltage circuit, includes at least one voltage sensor assigned to the circuit, for periodically determining electrical voltage values of the circuit, and at least one current sensor assigned to the circuit, for periodically determining electrical current magnitudes of the circuit, both of which are connected to an evaluation unit. The sensors being embodied such that value pairs, having a voltage value and a current magnitude are determined continuously, a value set including a plurality of value pairs. Further, an arc voltage, compared to a first threshold value, is calculated from three value sets and in response to the first threshold value being exceeded, an arc fault detection signal is output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Joerg Meyer, Peter Schegner, Karsten Wenzlaff
  • Patent number: 10048327
    Abstract: A sensor device includes a high voltage circuit, a sensor and a charge storage. The sensor utilizes a low voltage supply. The high voltage circuit includes a blocking device and a regulating device. The blocking device is configured to block negative voltages of the high voltage supply. The regulated device is configured to receive a high voltage supply and generate the low voltage supply from the high voltage supply. The high voltage supply is DC. The charge storage has a vertical capacitor and is configured to maintain the low voltage supply during a power break and to store and maintain charge during non-break periods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Mario Motz
  • Patent number: 9786454
    Abstract: A mechanical switch that works by commutation of the current to an energy absorbing path or sequence of paths through at least one blocking semiconductor to open the circuit, wherein the commutation is caused by a sliding motion of at least one shuttle electrode over at least one stationary electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Alevo International, S.A.
    Inventor: Roger W. Faulkner
  • Patent number: 9419387
    Abstract: A plug for a DC appliance includes an input unit including anode and cathode terminals, an output unit including anode and cathode terminals to allow a DC current input through the input unit to be output to an electric device, a connection unit to interconnect the input unit and the output unit, a rectifier unit coupled between anode and cathode terminals of the input unit to rectify the input DC current, an inductor unit connected in series to the rectifier unit so that an internal current of the plug is gradually increased in response to an increase of the input DC current, and a condenser unit connected in series to the inductor unit, which is charged with voltage in response to a current passing through the inductor unit, and discharges the charged voltage to the output unit when the input of the DC current from the input unit is interrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignees: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD., SUNGKYUNKWAN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Hyun Cheol Jin, Han Sol Seo, Hyun Soo Park, Byoung Kuk Lee, Joon Young Jeon
  • Patent number: 8987945
    Abstract: A control system has an instruction path of which an object section connects a microcomputer, a switch and a switch supervisory device with one another. The switch sets the path in conductive or non-conductive state on the low side of the microcomputer. An instruction signal is sent to the microcomputer through the conductive path to set the microcomputer in an operation state. When the device judges based on the operation state of the microcomputer that the switch has set the path in a conductive state, the device sends a first signal of first voltage, causing the signal to have current strength equal to or higher than predetermined value in the path, to the object section. When the device judges that the switch has set the path in a non-conductive state, the device sends a second signal of second voltage lower than first voltage to the object section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Mitsuhiro Kanayama
  • Publication number: 20150049402
    Abstract: Anti-arcing circuits are described herein that are configured to prevent or substantially mitigate arcing when a power adapter is connected/disconnected from a client device. The anti-arcing circuit restricts power supplied when a connection of a connector of a power adapter to the adapter interface is not fully established. The anti-arcing circuit is further configured to detect when a connection is made and remove the restriction to supply power for operations of the client device. In one approach, the anti-arcing circuit includes two different paths and components associated with a detection mode and operational mode respectively. In the detection mode, power supply is suppressed and a current pulse may be sent to determine if a connection is established. If current is detected, a switch is made to operational mode and power for normal device operations is supplied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Chee Kiong Fong, Suet Fong Tin, David Richard Perchilk, Edward C. Giaimo, III, Michael Donovan Rulien, Perry Samuel Stultz
  • Patent number: 8711538
    Abstract: An arrester for preventing an insulator supporting a power line from experiencing an electrical flashover comprises an electrode, a varistor, and a separating device. The electrode is spaced apart from the power line or a conductor that is electrically tied to the power line so as to define an external gap therebetween. The separating device, in turn, comprises two portions operative to separate from one another when the varistor experiences an electrical condition sufficient to cause the varistor to fail. The electrode, the external gap, the separating device, and the varistor are arranged in electrical series with one another and in electrical parallel with the insulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventors: Jonathan Jay Woodworth, Deborah Lynn Limburg
  • Patent number: 8576520
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting arcs in a direct-current path of a photovoltaic system, wherein values of a current (IDC) of the direct-current path are detected during a repeating time frame (7) and a mean value (8) is generated, and such a photovoltaic system. In order to reliably detect arcs by means of a component of the photovoltaic system, values of a voltage (UDC), of the direct-current path are detected during the time frame (7) and a mean value (8, 8?) is generated, and at least one detection signal (9) and at least one detection threshold (10) are continuously calculated based on the mean values (8, 8?) for the current (IDC) and the voltage (UDC) by means of a calculation method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Fronius International GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Pamer, Guenter Ritzberger, Friedrich Oberzaucher
  • Patent number: 8503137
    Abstract: An arc fault protection circuit and method, provides arc fault protection in a multiphase power system by actuating a plurality of disconnect switches to disconnect the source from the load in response to detecting arcing proximate the load. As well, in response to detecting the arc, a plurality of impedances are introduced into the current path between said source and said load, with each of the impedances increasing the impedance between the source and the load along one phase, prior to the plurality of disconnect switches disconnecting the source from the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: I-Gard Corporation
    Inventor: Sergio Panetta
  • Patent number: 8471507
    Abstract: According to the present invention, an electrical power conversion system includes: a motor; an inverter circuit that outputs three-phase (U-phase, V-phase, W-phase) alternating currents to the motor; a current sensor that detects each of the three-phase alternating currents; and a control circuit that controls the inverter circuit based on a torque command value and values detected by the current sensor, so that the three-phase alternating currents outputted from the inverter circuit are formed as sine waves; and wherein the control circuit includes: a current component extraction unit that, based on the values detected by the current sensor, for each phase, extracts current components superimposed upon each of three-phase alternating currents; and an AC current abnormality detection unit that detects abnormality of an AC current flowing to the motor, based on the phases of the current components for any two phases among the three-phase alternating currents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshio Akaishi, Yasuo Noto, Koichi Yahata, Hirokazu Matsui
  • Patent number: 8441764
    Abstract: A quench propagation arrangement for a superconducting magnet comprising a plurality of series-connected superconducting coils, the arrangement comprising: a positive supply line connected to cathodes of first diodes, of which respective anodes are connected to each respective node of the series connection of superconducting coils; a negative supply line connected to anodes of second diodes, of which respective cathodes are connected to each respective node of the series connection of superconducting coils; a number of heaters, respectively thermally connected to each of the superconducting coils and electrically connected between the positive supply line and the negative supply line; and a voltage limiter connected between the positive supply line and the negative supply line, in parallel with the heaters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Plc
    Inventor: Hugh Alexander Blakes
  • Patent number: 8180526
    Abstract: Equipment for vehicle in accordance with the present invention includes: a vehicle-mounted unit which runs with respect to a vehicle body ground on a side of a negative electrode of a battery; an impedance component having an end connected to the vehicle body ground, and another end connected to a circuit ground; a circuit to be controlled which runs with respect to the circuit ground; a control unit which runs with respect to the circuit ground, for controlling the circuit to be controlled and for outputting a communication signal in a digital form which is to be transmitted to the vehicle-mounted unit; and a communication interface circuit which runs with respect to both the vehicle body ground and the circuit ground, for cancelling a potential difference between the vehicle body ground and the circuit ground, and for carrying out bidirectional communications between the vehicle-mounted unit and the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Yasunori Ohtsuka, Takashi Ohsawa
  • Patent number: 7854832
    Abstract: An input terminal is electrically connected to a contact point. An anti-corrosion current supplying section is operable to supply an anti-corrosion current to the contact point through the input terminal so as to remove corrosion in the contact point. A series resistor is electrically interposed between the input terminal of the signal processing circuit and the contact point. The anti-corrosion current is supplied to the contact point through the series resistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Fujitsu Ten Limited
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Komatsu, Keisuke Kido, Kouji Oonishi
  • Publication number: 20080112097
    Abstract: An arc suppression circuit in a protection relay having trip contacts is used to turn off a battery-powered solenoid and trip an AC power circuit breaker. The arc suppression circuit uses a switch-control circuit to control the turning off of a semi-conductor switch so that the semi-conductor switch provides a current path around the trip contacts, and is carrying all, or substantially all, of the load current, before the trip contacts are opened. When the trip contacts begin to open, the switch-control circuit holds the semi-conductor switch on for a sufficient time to prevent an arc from becoming established before turning the semi-conductor switch off. In a second embodiment, the arc suppression circuit provides a second switch-control circuit. This second switch-control circuit is configured to accept control signals from a microprocessor within a protection relay.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: Mohamed Maharsi, Douglas A. Voda, Mark C. Glacobbe, Dela Salah-Eldin Sayoumi, Douglas A. Wood
  • Patent number: 7319574
    Abstract: A non-invasive underground arc fault detection apparatus is for an underground electrical conductor. The apparatus includes an electric circuit having an opening for admitting the electrical conductor therethrough. The electric circuit includes one or two transducers adapted to output a first signal representative of current flowing in the electrical conductor and a second signal. An arc fault detection circuit cooperates with the electric circuit to output a third signal derived from the first signal. The third signal is representative of an arc fault of the electrical conductor. An audible annunciator cooperates with the arc fault detection circuit to annunciate the third signal. A power supply cooperates with the electric circuit and is adapted to power the arc fault detection circuit and the annunciator from the second signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph C. Engel
  • Patent number: 7248450
    Abstract: An integrated circuit is described including internal circuitry and having at least one external connection. A pad cell is electrically interposed between the external connection and the internal circuitry, the pad cell comprising a first group of components adapted to protect the internal circuitry from transients at the external connection and providing, during normal operating conditions of the integrated circuit, a first signal path to the internal circuitry, and a second group of components providing a second signal path from the external connection to the internal circuitry. The second signal path is non-operable during the normal operating conditions but on application of a predefined voltage at the external connection becomes operable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis A. Dempsey
  • Patent number: 7145757
    Abstract: A shorting system, which eliminates persistent arcing faults in power distribution equipment, includes a first shorting switch having separable contacts, an actuation input and a fuse electrically connected in series with those contacts. A second shorting switch includes an actuation input and separable contacts, which are electrically connected in parallel with the series combination of the fuse and the first shorting switch contacts. A detection circuit includes one or more arcing light sensors and an actuation circuit. The light sensors detect arcing fault light and the actuation circuit responsively outputs a first trigger signal to the first shorting switch actuation input to close its contacts. For a persistent arcing fault, which is not eliminated by the first shorting switch, a predetermined time after the first trigger signal, the actuation circuit responsively outputs a second trigger signal to the second shorting switch actuation input to close its contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: John J. Shea, Robert N. Parry
  • Publication number: 20030137786
    Abstract: An arc preventing circuit 12 is disposed between a DC/DC converter 6 and a battery (of 36 volts or 12 volts). In the arc preventing circuit 12, when the DC/DC converter 6 and the battery are to be connected to each other, the connection is performed via a circuit having a resistor R1, and then switched to that in which the connection is performed via a circuit not having the resistor R1. When the DC/DC converter 6 and the battery are to be disconnected from each other, the charging voltage of a capacitor C1 of the DC/DC converter 6 is discharged. According to the configuration, arc generation can be prevented from occurring during works of mounting and dismounting the DC/DC converter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Applicant: YAZAKI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tetsuya Hasegawa, Yasuhiro Tamai
  • Patent number: 6535366
    Abstract: The current-limiting switch (S) has an arc-resistant contact arrangement (K1), which is intended to carry the rated current (IN), of a first switching point (S1), and two commutation paths (P1 and P2) connected in parallel with the first switching point (S1). The first commutation path (P1) contains, in series, a contact arrangement (KT) of a second switching point (ST) and an electronic power switching apparatus (T). The second commutation path (P2) contains, in series, a switching apparatus (SA) and a current-limiting element (RB). The contact arrangements (K1 and KT) are designed to be coaxially symmetrical and are arranged in a pressure-resistant housing (G). Both switching points have electrodynamic drives which open and close very quickly. Thanks to the extremely space-saving, coaxial arrangement of the contact arrangements, undesirable stray inductances can be avoided. This allows the current-limiting switch to be switched on and off very quickly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
    Inventors: Klaus Fröhlich, Walter Holaus, Kurt Kaltenegger, Michael Steurer
  • Publication number: 20020015270
    Abstract: A device for smoothing current and voltage transients and for preventing an electric arc being formed during a connection operation whereby a power supply battery is put into circuit with high-power electrical equipment that it is to power, and/or during the opposite, disconnection operation during which the circuit via which the battery powers the equipment is interrupted. It provides for inserting a circuit for smoothing current/voltage transients to compensate for any voltage unbalance that might appear between the two terminals between which the connection between the battery and the equipment is alternately made and broken, one of the terminals belonging to the battery and the other to the equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Applicant: ALCATEL
    Inventor: Laurent Bonnet
  • Patent number: 6128168
    Abstract: A fault current interrupter is provided by the parallel combination of a polymer current limiter and a voltage dependent resistor connected across a pair of separable contacts to permit the interruption of current without the occurrence of arcing between the contacts when the contacts first become separated. The polymer current limiter is selected to have a relatively low resistance at quiescent operating currents and a substantially higher resistance at short circuit overcurrents. This allows the current to transfer away from the contacts through the polymer current limiter until the voltage across the voltage dependent resistor causes the voltage dependent resistor to become conductive and thereby transfer the current away from the polymer current limiter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: David Arnold, Anil R. Duggal, Lionel M. Levinson, Harold Jay Patchen, Larry Neil Lewis
  • Patent number: 5864458
    Abstract: Electrical circuit protection arrangements with PTC devices and mechanical switches. The combinations of this invention permit the use of mechanical switches and PTC devices to switch voltages and currents in normal circuit operations, wherein the voltage and/or current ratings of the mechanical switches and PTC devices are much less than the normal operating voltages and currents of the circuits. This feature permits the use of smaller and less expensive mechanical switches and PTC device than would otherwise be required in such circuits. The arrangements of switches and PTC devices also permit the PTC devices to limit the magnitude of the fault current passed to the circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Raychem Corporation
    Inventors: Hugh Duffy, Justin Chiang, John Midgley
  • Patent number: 5761017
    Abstract: A high temperature superconductor fault current limiter and a method of using same. The fault current limiter comprises a high temperature superconductor material structure at least partially encapsulated in an epoxy having thermal conductivity properties that enable the superconductor to heat rapidly during a fault condition while preventing thermal runaway. The epoxy encapsulation decreases the critical current density of the superconductor material structure and increases the rate at which resistance increases with increasing current once the critical current density is exceeded. Preferably, the epoxy has thermal expansion properties approximately equal to the thermal expansion properties of the superconductor material structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Illinois Superconductor Corporation
    Inventors: James D. Hodge, Lori J. Klemptner, David S. Applegate
  • Patent number: 5694279
    Abstract: An inductive Superconductive Fault-Current Limiter (SCFCL) includes an iron core having a wound primary winding and a short-circuited superconductive secondary. The secondary remains superconductive up to a fault-current level in the primary, after which the superconductive secondary becomes resistive, the primary ampere-turns are not balanced, and the device becomes highly inductive, so limiting the fault-current. The fault-current threshold is increased without exceeding available critical superconductive current density levels and with a moderate superconductive coating thickness by using a stack of superconductive coated washers having a large radial extent compared to the coating thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: GEC Alsthom Limited
    Inventor: Francis James Mumford
  • Patent number: 5631794
    Abstract: A differential shunt-type detector circuit includes a voltage-regulator component series combined with one or more than one shunt components in a circuit connected in parallel with, for example, a thermostatic switch element, such that when the terminal voltage of the shunt components is within the voltage-regulator component work range, no shunt or distribution or shunting effect is generated by the voltage-regulator component, while when the terminal voltage exceeds the voltage-regulator component work range, a shunt or distribution effect is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Patent number: 5396393
    Abstract: A pumping station feeds hydraulic energy to a grid or raises water from a low level to a high level. It includes, in particular, a transformer connected between an alternator and a grid, with a circuit breaker between the transformer and the grid. It further includes resistance for limiting the surge current through the transformer. This resistance lies in the range of 500 ohms to 100,000 ohms and is inserted for a period lying in the range 15 milliseconds to 19 milliseconds when the circuit breaker is closed, and a controller for ensuring that the circuit breaker closes on the unloaded transformer only at an instant that is no more than 1.2 milliseconds from an extreme value in the grid voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignee: GEC Alsthom SA
    Inventors: Edmond Thuries, Martin Motz
  • Patent number: 5391930
    Abstract: A circuit breaker with a parallel resistor which fulfills with a simple structure incompatible requirements for a resistance circuit making contact with regard to maintenance of the dielectric strength and prearcing characteristic between electrodes. A resistance circuit making contact 2 and a resistance circuit breaking contact 3 are electrically connected in parallel, one end of the parallel circuit is connected to one end of a common resistor and the other end of the parallel circuit and the other end of the resistor are connected to the respective ends of a main contact 1. After the opening of the resistance circuit making contact 2 the resistance circuit breaking contact 3 is still closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Youichi Ohshita, Katuichi Kashimura, Akira Hashimoto, Osamu Koyanagi, Yukio Kurosawa, Isao Nishida
  • Patent number: 5339210
    Abstract: To avoid arcing when the breaker is opened, load current is diverted from a circuit breaker, before it opens, to a pulse forming circuit containing a precharged capacitor and a switch. Load current normally flows from a source of electric power to a load through a network comprising the breaker and a series connected controlled impedance. The pulse forming circuit is connected across the network. When load current is to be interrupted, the switch is closed to discharge a current pulse through the network, and the impedance of the controlled impedance is increased. These actions divert load current from the network to the pulse forming circuit. The breaker is then opened. The voltage across the capacitor first linearly increases from the precharge voltage to zero and then tends to increase in magnitude with an opposite polarity, i.e. that of the source of electric power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Edward K. Howell
  • Patent number: 5264988
    Abstract: A circuit to limit surges into dc-illuminated lamp, including a rectifier circuit having a smoothing means, an output terminal of the rectifier circuit being connected with a lamp; an inductor connected with an input terminal of the rectifier circuit: a surge-limiting means connected in series with its lamp: and a switching means having the main current path connected in parallel with the surge-limiting means, said switching means becoming conductive when the filament of the lamp is warmed up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Assignee: Ken Hayashibara
    Inventor: Kazumi Masaki
  • Patent number: 5247418
    Abstract: An arc suppressing switch having a plurality of discrete conductors operative to allow a flow of electricity between a pair of terminals along each of the plurality of discrete conductors when the switch is closed. The conductors are oriented to distribute the total current flowing through the switch among the discrete conductors; and so that the current in each of the discrete conductors is substantially simultaneously interrupted when the switch is opened to prevent the production of an arc across the gap created at the break. The switch preferably has an intermediate contact layer containing the plurality of discrete conductors positioned between internal contact plates so that when the switch is closed a first side of the intermediate layer contacts one of the contact plates and a second side of the intermediate layer contacts the other contact plate to allow a flow of electricity between the pair of contact plates along each of the plurality of discrete conductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Inventor: George C. Auge
  • Patent number: 5161082
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an overload-limiting method and circuit based on the PWM control technique. An overload-limiting induction coil is kept short circuited until a maximum value of a magnitude that is a function of the current flowing through the load is detected. The induction coil is put into circuit only after the maximum value of said magnitude has been detected and it is kept in circuit until a minimum value of said magnitude is detected. The magnitude may be constituted by the current flowing through the load or by the voltage across the terminals of the load. The means for short circuiting and inserting the induction coil comprise a transformer whose primary winding is constituted by the induction coil and whose secondary winding is in circuit with an electronic switch constituted by a full-wave electronic rectifier controlled by a comparator. The invention is applicable to the electronics industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Assignee: Agence Spatiale Europeenne
    Inventor: Manuel M. Alfonso
  • Patent number: 5101313
    Abstract: A system for preventing voltage drops when a load circuit is connected and preventing arcing when a load is disconnected from an energized bus includes a current limit device and low impedance shunt that bypasses the current limit device when activated. The system activates the low impedance shunt only after a load capacitance is charged when the load is connected and deactivates the low impedance shunt prior to disconnecting the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Assignee: Tandem Computers Incorporated
    Inventors: Joseph S. Neilson, Donald J. Tighe
  • Patent number: 5051859
    Abstract: A current-limiting load cutout includes at least one contact pair (1, 2) with one contact (3, 5) rigidly linked to electrodynamic current limiter (9, 10) that is electrically connected to controllable pulse current supply (17), and at least one emergency state sensor (12, 13, 14) kinematically linked to contact displacement and clamping assembly (11) which is kinematically linked to the other contact (4, 6) of contact pair (1, 2). The current-limiting load cutout is equipped with a pair of power terminals (20, 21, 22, 23) per each contact pair (1, 2) with one power terminal connected to the other contact (4, 6) of the contact pair (1, 2) and the other power terminal connected to contact (3, 5) which is rigidly linked to electrodynamic current limiter (9, 10) equipped with terminal (15, 16) to which a controllable pulse current supply (17) is connected via an emergency state sensor (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1991
    Inventor: Igor M. Kruglyansky
  • Patent number: 4979066
    Abstract: In a load controlling apparatus used in, for instance, an automobile, equipped with a mulfunction diagnostic circuit, there are employed:a power source V;a load 1 operated by power supplied from the power source V;a drive 3 for controlling supply of the power to the load 1;a control 4 for supplying a control signal "a" to the drive 3;a first and second detector 2, b for detecting the current flowing condition "b" to the load 1 based upon the control signal "a" derived from the control 4, and also the voltage condition "C" applied to the load 1;a judging device 11 to 18 for judging an extraordinary condition of the load 1 and the drive 3 based upon the signals from the first and second detector 2, b, and the control signal "a"; and,a display outputting a signal "d" representative of the respective extraordinary condition of the load 1 and the drive 3 based upon the judgement result obtained from the judging device 11 to 18.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1990
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiko Kawata, Ken Mizuta, Kazuaki Fukuda
  • Patent number: 4795921
    Abstract: In an "AND" logic operation-oscillation circuit in which an oscillating output is produced when a signal of a voltage higher than the voltage of a circuit power source is applied a diffused resistor is used for a resistor to which a voltage lower than the circuit power source is applied and a non-diffused resistor is used for a resistor to which a voltage higher than the voltage of the circuit power source is applied, whereby there is constructed a fail-safe circuit in which a short circuit trouble is not caused even if an input signal of a level higher than the voltage of the circuit power source is applied and a phenomenon that an oscillating output is produced even in the absence of an input signal is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1989
    Assignee: The Nippon Signal Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masakazu Kato, Koichi Futsuhara
  • Patent number: 4709294
    Abstract: A device for preventing contact defacing and arc prevention which comprises a triac bearing a momentary opening or shutting of a current, fixed terminals (A) and (B) bearing the continuous current, further in the terminals (A) and (B) no arc occurring at opening and closing, therefore a silver contact becomes unnecessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1987
    Inventor: In Suk Kim
  • Patent number: 4520416
    Abstract: A foldback power supply (12) is used in an automatic testing device for application of power to a device under test (17). Connection to the device under test is made by means of relay contacts (32, 34, 36, and 38). Arcing and unacceptable transients are avoided by means of a current sink (40) in parallel with the power supply (20). The current sink is operated to draw more than the rated current of the power supply so that the power-supply voltage drops to an acceptable level and the stored energy is simultaneously dissipated. The relay contacts (32, 34, 36, and 38) can then be opened or closed without unacceptably large transients and without the time delays that might otherwise be encountered in waiting for energy dissipation of the energy in the energy-storage elements of the power supply (12) and the device under test (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1985
    Assignee: GenRad, Inc.
    Inventor: Karl Karash
  • Patent number: 4490768
    Abstract: In an arc preventing apparatus of a transfer switch connected to an inductive load, the movable contact of the transfer switch is stopped temporarily while it is transferred from one stationary contact to the other by means of a rotary cam. The cam is provided with a high point, a low point and a peripheral portion intermediate the high and low points so that while the actuating lever of the movable contact is engaging the intermediate peripheral portion, the movable contact is held stationary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1984
    Assignee: Jeco Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiro Mori, Yoshifumi Imai, Masanori Matsui, Masao Masumura
  • Patent number: 4242004
    Abstract: A driver mechanism for a dot matrix printhead, including an electromagnet, an armature, and a print impact element connected to the armature by a cantilever spring, energization of the electromagnet and consequent movement of the armature to closed position driving the impact element to impact a record sheet supported on a platen; a concentrated mass load is mounted on the spring, sufficient to maintain the impact element essentially in its rest position during a substantial portion of the armature movement so that the force/travel characteristic of the spring governs movement of the impact element, with maximum force at the outset and near zero or zero force at impact. Energization of the electromagnet is interrupted when the armature closes, and a shunt circuit holds the armature closed until just before impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1980
    Assignee: Extel Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Adler
  • Patent number: 4184186
    Abstract: This current limiting device comprises a normally-closed source-side circuit interrupter, a normally-closed load-side circuit interrupter, an electrical conductor connected between the interrupters for connecting the interrupters in series, and a normally-open switch that can be closed to connect the conductor to ground via a low-impedance conductive path located electrically between the interrupters. A switch operator acts to rapidly close the switch in response to a fault on the power circuit extending through the series combination of interrupters, thereby connecting the conductor to ground through the switch. The switch operator closes the switch within 1/4 cycle of power frequency current after fault inception, thereby effecting current-limiting action with respect to current through the series combination of interrupters on the load side of the conductive path to ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1977
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1980
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Philip Barkan
  • Patent number: 4162521
    Abstract: A control circuit arrangement for a laser aiming system for aiming a weapon or firearm is characterized by a laser head operable to generate a coherent beam of light energy useful to assist in aiming a weapon. The laser head includes a high voltage power supply having positive and negative terminals thereon. A source of D.C. electrical potential is connected to the first and second terminals. Magnetically responsive reed switches are serially connected between the source and each of the positive and negative terminals. An inductor is connected in series intermediate each of the magnetically responsive switches and the terminals to magnetically decouple the switches from the high voltage power supply and limit the intensity of magnetic fields induced by switching transient signals from the high voltage power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1977
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1979
    Inventor: Wesley L. Snyder
  • Patent number: 4131927
    Abstract: The current surge, normally associated with the initial application of a nominal A.C. current to an inductive load, is prevented by preventing the magnetic core of the inductive load from being driven into saturation. Initially, the current is half wave rectified and amplitude limited. The amplitude limitation insures that the core will not be driven into saturation. A voltage detector connected across the inductive load senses only the counter E.M.F. of a polarity opposite to the polarity of the half wave current. When the sensed voltage reaches a predetermined value, a direct connection is provided between the A.C. supply and the inductive load, bypassing the half wave rectifier and the amplitude limiter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1977
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1978
    Assignee: Nippon Electric Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takuichi Tsuchiya, Shinichi Shinagawa
  • Patent number: 4093968
    Abstract: A resistor with a heat sink, particularly adapted for use as a current limiter in an electrical system, such as a power transmission system. The resistor comprises a hollow tube formed of metal which offers resistance to the passage of electrical current, the tube being of a length sufficient to provide the electrical resistance for a given application. The heat sink comprises a material having a high specific heat, the material being contained within the tube and adapted to absorb heat generated by the resistance of the tube to passage of electrical current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1976
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1978
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: Robert D. Shirey
  • Patent number: 4075673
    Abstract: The invention concerns a system of several circuit-breakers controlling separate circuits fed by the same generator and in which the circuit-breakers are provided with a main cut-out chamber (C.sub.1, C.sub.2) in parallel with a series connection of an auxiliary cut-out chamber (E.sub.1, E.sub.2) and of a resistor (R.sub.1, R.sub.2). An operating sequence opens firstly the main chambers (C.sub.2) of all the circuit-breakers of circuits not affected by a failure, then, successively, the main chamber (C.sub.1) and the auxiliary chamber (E.sub.1) of the circuit-breaker of the circuit affected by the failure, and, lastly, closes the main chambers (C.sub.2) of the circuit-breakers of the circuits not affected by the failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1976
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1978
    Assignee: Delle-Alsthom S.A.
    Inventor: Edmond Thuries
  • Patent number: 4062051
    Abstract: A battery spark suppression circuit uses an SCR controlled rectifier to control current flow from a direct current source. A circuit is provided for triggering the SCR a selected time after a load is applied to the current source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1976
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1977
    Inventor: Frederick L. Way
  • Patent number: 4027173
    Abstract: An input gate circuit of a semiconductor integrated circuit composed of insulated gate field-effect transistors, comprises a driving transistor and a load transistor which form an inverter, a transistor which prevents the input of the integrated circuit from being opened, and resistance means to protect the transistors. A first resistance is connected in series between an input terminal and the gate of the driving transistor, while another resistance is connected between the input terminal and one end of the input opening preventing transistor whose other end is connected to a power supply terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1975
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1977
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kosei Nomiya, Tadao Kikuchi