Voltage And Current Patents (Class 361/79)
  • Patent number: 8649140
    Abstract: A voltage activated 2nd level safety circuit for permanent isolation having a current activated fuse useful for class III medical devices, military applications, and any other passive loads. The battery system has a fuse current limiter and the current activated fuse maintain the fuse closed when a power cell, having a current sufficient to blow the fuse expeditiously, directs its current to the load. The power cell continues to direct its current to the load until the system detects an unacceptable battery or circuit condition. Once that unacceptable condition exists and is detected, a fuse blowing circuitry allows the power cell's current to expeditiously blow the current activated fuse. In response to the blown current activated fuse, the system's isolation switch(es) open as well to establish a permanent isolated battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Electrochem Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Robert Peterson, Jon James Carroll, Todd Sweetland, Gregory George Decker
  • Patent number: 8648572
    Abstract: A protection circuit having: a connecting terminal which is connected to an external circuit and which inputs and outputs a charging/discharging current of a secondary battery to and from the external circuit; a voltage detection unit for detecting an output voltage of the secondary battery; a current detection unit for detecting a discharging current of the secondary battery; a power consumption calculation unit for calculating power consumption of the external circuit by multiplying a value of the output voltage detected by the voltage detection unit by a value of the discharging current detected by the current detection unit; and an external protection unit for executing external protection processing of protecting the external circuit when the power consumption calculated by the power consumption calculation unit exceeds a power threshold set to a value that is not less than a maximum value of power consumption of the external circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Kiyohara, Toshiyuki Nakatsuji, Takahisa Otsu
  • Publication number: 20140022680
    Abstract: A current-limitation system for limiting a current through an DC connection in case of a fault occurring in a DC grid of which the DC connection forms a part is provided, as well as a method of operating a current-limitation system for limiting a current through an DC connection in case of a fault occurring in a DC grid of which the DC connection forms a part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: ABB TECHNOLOGY AG
    Inventors: Bertil Berggren, Jurgen Häfner, Lars-Erik Juhlin, Kerstin Linden, Lidong Zhang
  • Patent number: 8587911
    Abstract: A service line safety monitor which may be configured as a separate module or incorporated into an EVSE is adapted to monitor the connection with the service line to determine whether there is a defect in the connection. The module preferably employs a current transformer to determine a no-load and a load applied to the EVSE. Comparisons are made to determine whether there is a power loss. In the event of a power loss beyond a safe limit, the monitor disconnects the EVSE from the service line. A warning indicator is also employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Control Module, Inc.
    Inventor: James S. Bianco
  • Patent number: 8581608
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for easily detecting an abnormal status of power generation of a solar cell panel in a solar cell power generation system having the power generation of 1 MW or higher. The present invention provides an abnormality detecting apparatus for a solar cell power generation system including a plurality of solar cell strings each having a plurality of solar cell modules connected to each other in series and a backflow preventing diode connected to a power output terminal of each of the solar cell strings, characterized in that the abnormality detecting apparatus further includes measuring means for measuring a current flowing in the backflow preventing diode; and that the measuring means is supplied with electric power from both terminals of the backflow preventing diode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Onamba Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Shizuya, Jun Ishida, Hideki Furubayashi, Yukitaka Miyata
  • Publication number: 20130293994
    Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit breaker for protecting an electrical system. The circuit breaker comprises a semiconductor switching element (T1) with a first and a second electrical terminal connected to a mains supply line (LIN) and a control terminal. Such switching element (T1) is controlled by enabling/disabling a control signal (S) applied to the control terminal for switching between an open/closed status and a closed/open status for connecting/disconnecting at least one load (LD) to/from the supply line (LIN). Moreover, the circuit breaker comprises a drive (DV) adapted to enable/disable the control signal (S).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Giorgio Bellini, Ugo Claudani
  • Patent number: 8575879
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods, systems, a machine-readable medium operable in a controller, and apparatus for controlling a multi-phase inverter that drives a multi-phase electric machine. When a sensor fault is detected, a phase current angle is computed based on the feedback stator currents, and used to estimate an angular velocity and an angular position of a rotor of the multi-phase electric machine. When the estimated angular velocity of the multi-phase electric machine is less than a transition angular velocity threshold, an open-circuit response can be applied at the multi-phase inverter by controlling all switches in the multi-phase inverter drive to be open. By contrast, when the estimated angular velocity is greater than the transition angular velocity threshold, a short-circuit response can be applied at the multi-phase inverter by controlling selected switches in the multi-phase inverter drive to connect all phases of the multi-phase inverter to a single bus (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Brian A. Welchko, Min Dai
  • Publication number: 20130271885
    Abstract: A power supply device for plasma processing, wherein electric arcs may occur, comprises a power supply circuit for generating a voltage across output terminals, and a first switch connected between the power supply circuit and one of the output terminals. According to a first aspect the power supply device comprises a recovery energy circuit connected to the output terminals and to the power supply circuit. According to a second aspect the power supply device comprises an inductance circuit including an inductor and a second switch connected parallel to the inductor. According to a third aspect the power supply device comprises a controller for causing the power supply circuit and the first switch to be switched on and off. The controller is configured to determine a quenching time interval by means of a self-adaptive process. The quenching time interval defines the time interval during which, in an event of an arc, no voltage is generated across the output terminals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: SOLVIX SA
    Inventors: Albert BULLIARD, Benoit FRAGNIERE, Joel OEHEN
  • Publication number: 20130265682
    Abstract: An electrical protection circuitry for a docking station base of a hand held meter and method thereof are disclosed. In the event of a short circuit at a meter interface connector, the protection circuitry removes power at the meter interface connector. Similarly, in the event of an applied voltage outside a specified operating range of the base, the protection circuitry removes power to the meter interface connector. These conditions of the electrical system of the base are monitored regardless whether the meter or the meter's battery is electrically connected to the base. The protection circuitry also provides a visual indication in the event of either the over current and under/over voltage conditions. Additionally, the base is designed to prevent liquid from pooling inside a pocket used to cradle and hold the meter in the base through the use of a drain located at the lowest point in the pocket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: Blaine Edward Ramey, Clint Alan Ecoff, Scott Allen Edwards, Matthew Carlyle Sauers, James R. Kurtock, James Joseph Hartmann
  • Patent number: 8542471
    Abstract: A power supply device for plasma processing, wherein electric arcs may occur, comprises a power supply circuit for generating a voltage across output terminals, and a first switch connected between the power supply circuit and one of the output terminals. According to a first aspect the power supply device comprises a recovery energy circuit connected to the output terminals and to the power supply circuit. According to a second aspect the power supply device comprises an inductance circuit including an inductor and a second switch connected parallel to the inductor. According to a third aspect the power supply device comprises a controller for causing the power supply circuit and the first switch to be switched on and off. The controller is configured to determine a quenching time interval by means of a self-adaptive process. The quenching time interval defines the time interval during which, in an event of an arc, no voltage is generated across the output terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Solvix GmbH
    Inventors: Albert Bulliard, Benoit Fragnière, Joël Oehen, Olivier Cardou
  • Patent number: 8526155
    Abstract: A phase-control switchgear includes a circuit breaker, a phase difference detection unit, a storage unit, and a circuit breaker control unit. The phase difference detection unit detects a phase difference between voltages of a specific phase (U-phase) of buses to which three-phase generators are respectively connected, at a plurality of time points. The storage unit stores the detected phase differences. When the three-phase generators are out of synchronization, the circuit breaker control unit estimates a breaking time point at which the phase difference between the voltages of the U-phase of the buses will be in the range of not less than ?80° and not more than 80°, based on the phase differences at the plurality of time points stored in the storage unit. The circuit breaker control unit opens the circuit breaker to break a current at the estimated breaking time point. This makes it possible to suppress a transient voltage generated between electrodes of the circuit breaker after the current is broken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Sadayuki Kinoshita, Kenji Kamei, Tomohito Mori, Hiroki Ito
  • Publication number: 20130182361
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for monitoring an electrical flat wire. An appropriate safety device is utilized to monitor the electrical flat wire. The safety device includes a line side input configured to connect a line side power source and receive an electrical power signal from the line side power source. Additionally, the safety device includes a flat wire connection configured to connect to an electrical flat wire. The safety device further includes at least one relay configured to control the communication of the electrical power signal onto the electrical flat wire. The safety device also includes a control unit configured to test the electrical flat wire for at least one of miswires, wire faults, or abnormal conditions and, based at least in part on the results of the testing, to control the actuation of the at least one relay.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: NeWire, Inc.
    Inventor: NeWire, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130170084
    Abstract: A method and a device for safely switching a direct-voltage system, in particular a photovoltaic system, in the event of an arc occurring on a direct-current side. Wherein the generated direct current and the produced direct voltage are set with regard to power guidance. In the event of a sensor-detected arc, the power guidance is adjusted and a power change of the arc is detected. In the event of a power drop of the arc, a serial or parallel arc is detected according to the adjustment direction of the power guidance. In the event of a serial arc a direct-current interruption is produced, and in the event of a parallel arc a short-circuit current is produced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: ELLENBERGER & POESNGEN GMBH
    Inventor: Ellenberger & Poesngen GMBH
  • Patent number: 8472157
    Abstract: An overvoltage and overcurrent protection circuit includes a connection jack, an overvoltage protection switch connected to the connection jack, an overcurrent protection switch, a voltage reference module, an overvoltage and overcurrent detection module, a comparing module, and a current control module. The overcurrent protection switch is connected to the overvoltage protection switch in serials, and further connected to a load. The voltage reference module is to output a reference voltage. The overvoltage and overcurrent detection module is to detect the voltage of the load and the current of the path. The comparing module is to compare the voltage of the load with the reference voltage, when greater, turns off the overvoltage protection switch, when not greater, turns on the overvoltage protection switch. The current control module is to turn off the overcurrent protection switch if greater than the preset value, and turn on the overcurrent protection switch if not greater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ji-Xiang Yin, Yang Xin, Yin-Zhan Wang, Jun Zhang, Tsung-Jen Chuang, Shih-Fang Wong
  • Patent number: 8465859
    Abstract: A current sensor includes a magnetic balance sensor and a switching circuit. The magnetic balance sensor includes a feedback coil which is disposed near a magnetic sensor element varying in characteristics due to application of an induction field caused by measurement current and which produces a canceling magnetic field canceling the induction field. The switching circuit switches between magnetic proportional detection and magnetic balance detection. The magnetic proportional detection is configured to output a voltage difference as a sensor output. The magnetic balance detection is configured to output, as a sensor output, a value corresponding to current flowing through the feedback coil when a balanced state in which the induction field and the canceling magnetic field cancel each other out is reached after the feedback coil is energized by the voltage difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Alps Green Devices Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masatoshi Murata, Manabu Tamura, Shinji Mitsuya, Hiroyuki Hebiguchi
  • Publication number: 20130148246
    Abstract: A programmable protection circuit of a battery pack and a battery back are disclosed. The protection circuit includes programmable protection level specifications based on battery characteristics by incorporating a storage unit therein. Accordingly, the protection circuit can be use with various batteries in various battery packs, thereby saving design and manufacturing costs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Yeonri Jung, Sejin Ji
  • Patent number: 8456119
    Abstract: A driving device of a brushless DC motor for a fan includes a protection circuit, a storage circuit, a control circuit and a bridge circuit. The protection circuit is electrically connected with an auxiliary power. The storage circuit electrically connected with the protection circuit receives the auxiliary power. The control circuit is electrically connected with the protection circuit and the storage circuit. The bridge circuit electrically connected with the control circuit has a first switching unit, a second switching unit, a third switching unit and a fourth switching unit. The first and second switching units are coupled with one end of a motor coil. The third switching unit and the fourth switching unit are coupled with the other end of the motor coil. The first switching unit is electrically connected with the third switching unit, and the second switching unit is electrically connected with the fourth switching unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Yen-Hung Wu, Tsung-Jung Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20130107405
    Abstract: A method for detecting a short circuit on a multiphase electrical energy supply network line includes recording current and voltage sampled values and generating a fault signal upon a fault evaluation performed by an electrical protection device indicating a short circuit. Instantaneous reference voltage values are calculated from instantaneous current and voltage sampled values recorded before the short, and instantaneous comparative voltage values are calculated from instantaneous current and voltage sampled values recorded before the short and instantaneous current and voltage sampled values recorded during the short, to generate a fault signal quickly. Then a rectified reference voltage value is calculated from consecutive instantaneous reference voltage values, and a rectified comparative voltage value is calculated from consecutive instantaneous comparative voltage values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Joerg Blumschein, Cezary Dzienis, Matthias Kereit
  • Patent number: 8390975
    Abstract: A portable motorized racking tool for installing, removing, and testing electrical equipment is disclosed herein. The portable motorized racking tool can be used to operate upon electrical equipment from a remote location outside of an arc flash zone. Also disclosed is a method of use of the portable motorized racking tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventors: Ashley Sue Ledbetter, Finley Lee Ledbetter
  • Patent number: 8362789
    Abstract: Embodiments according to the present invention provide an Impedance-based Arc-Fault Determination Device (IADD) and method that, when attached to an electrical node on the power system and through observations on voltage, current and phase shift with a step load change, determine the effective Thevenin equivalent circuit or Norton equivalent circuit at the point of test. The device and method determine the expected bolted fault current at the test location of interest, which enables calculation of incident energy and the assignment of a flash-hazard risk category.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignees: Clemson University Research Foundation, Duke Energy Carolina, LLC
    Inventors: Edward Randolph Collins, Jr., Timothy Lee Smith, Randall J. Emanuel
  • Publication number: 20130021701
    Abstract: An overvoltage and overcurrent protection circuit includes a connection jack, an overvoltage protection switch connected to the connection jack, an overcurrent protection switch, a voltage reference module, an overvoltage and overcurrent detection module, a comparing module, and a current control module. The overcurrent protection switch is connected to the overvoltage protection switch in serials, and further connected to a load. The voltage reference module is to output a reference voltage. The overvoltage and overcurrent detection module is to detect the voltage of the load and the current of the path. The comparing module is to compare the voltage of the load with the reference voltage, when greater, turns off the overvoltage protection switch, when not greater, turns on the overvoltage protection switch. The current control module is to turn off the overcurrent protection switch if greater than the preset value, and turn on the overcurrent protection switch if not greater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., FU TAI HUA INDUSTRY (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: JI-XIANG YIN, YANG XIN, YIN-ZHAN WANG, JUN ZHANG, TSUNG-JEN CHUANG, SHIH-FANG WONG
  • Publication number: 20130003239
    Abstract: A switching mode power supply apparatus includes a conversion unit to convert input power into output power having a predetermined voltage by performing a switching operation, a light emitting unit to emit light if the voltage of the output power exceeds a predetermined threshold voltage, a light receiving unit to receive the light emitted from the light emitting unit and output a signal indicative of the voltage of the output power, a switching controller to control the switching operation of the conversion unit according to the voltage of the output power indicated by the signal output from the light receiving unit, and a disconnection unit to disconnect power applied to the light receiving unit if a voltage of the power applied to the light receiving unit exceeds a predetermined trigger voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tae-kwon NA
  • Publication number: 20120327542
    Abstract: A protection circuit includes a first input, an over-voltage protector, an over-current protector, and a first output connected in series in that order. The first input is configured for receiving a power source. The first output is configured for outputting a voltage of the power source to a load circuit. The over-voltage protector is configured to cut off an electrical connection between the first input and the first output under the condition that a voltage value of the power source is greater than a predetermined voltage value. The over-current protector is configured to cut off an electrical connection between the first input and the first output under the condition that a current value from the first output is greater than a predetermined current value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., FU TAI HUA INDUSTRY (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: YIN-ZHAN WANG
  • Publication number: 20120313788
    Abstract: An alternating current contactor (AC contactor) with an electronic short circuit self-locking function, includes an AC contactor body (a). The AC contactor body (a) includes a shell body. A short circuit self-locking portion is provided inside the shell body. The short circuit self-locking portion includes a current collecting unit (b) for collecting a current signal of phase lines (A, B, C); a short circuit detecting unit (c) for obtaining a voltage signal which characterizes a current signal, comparing with a reference signal, and outputting a short circuit detecting signal when short circuit occurs; a short circuit self-locking executing unit (d) for obtaining the short circuit detecting signal to trigger the AC contactor body (a) to generate and maintain a circuit-breaking action; and a self-locking releasing unit (e) for releasing self-locking of the AC contactor body (a) and resetting the alternating current contactor body (a).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventor: Jiasheng Wan
  • Patent number: 8305720
    Abstract: A latch-control protection circuit applied in a power converter is provided. The protection circuit has a comparing circuit unit and a logic gate. The comparing circuit unit is utilized to selectively output a default signal or a comparing signal according to a state signal from the logic gate, wherein the default signal is utilized for latching the state signal and the comparing signal is corresponded to the power condition of the power converter. The logic gate generates the state signal according to the output signal of the comparing circuit unit and a system judging signal. The output signal may be the default signal or the comparing signal. The system judging signal indicates the condition of the power converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Analog Vision Technology Inc.
    Inventor: Ming Chiang Ting
  • Patent number: 8300372
    Abstract: An electrical device protection apparatus, such as an overload relay, can include a microprocessor 102 that can receive a wide range of current signals from a current transformer or other current sensor. Also microprocessor 102 can employ a voltage sensor 112 to measure line voltage, for representing true power, and as a power supply 114 source for the microprocessor 102. The microprocessor can then generate annunciation signals 118, control signals 120, and/or communication signals 122 as necessary for the control and/or protection of an attached electrical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Cerus Industrial Corporation
    Inventors: Andre Pierre Perra, Kent Jeffrey Holce, Roger Steven Cota
  • Patent number: 8299767
    Abstract: In some implementations, a method of dynamically maintaining a device's operation within a safe operating area (SOA) may include sensing instantaneous voltage and current of the device; determining, based on the sensed instantaneous voltage and current, a value that represents a power dissipated in the device; using the determined dissipated power and a model of thermal behavior of the device to model a junction temperature of the device; and controlling operation of the device based on the modeled junction temperature. A programmable SOA circuit including sensing, scaling, filtering, and controlling functions may be packaged on a single die or in a package with a power transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Picor Corporation
    Inventors: Claudio Tuozzolo, Aiman Alhoussami, John P. Clarkin, Robert M. Lanoue, Andreas Gerasimos Ladas
  • Patent number: 8290710
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus associated with monitoring and controlling streetlights include monitoring light levels and voltage levels at corresponding streetlights and controlling the streetlights to set or maintain a particular light output at the respective streetlights or providing power consumption estimates for respective streetlights (streetlight specific metering) based on the voltage levels and light levels. A streetlight controller for a streetlight includes a microcontroller; a first sensor to sense a light level from a lamp within the streetlight; a second sensor operative to sense a voltage level on a power supply for the streetlight; and a switching network coupled with the microcontroller and operative to adjust the light level of the lamp. Methods includes monitoring a light level and voltage level and adjusting a light level, estimating power consumption, or facilitating maintenance in accordance with the light level and voltage level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: LED Roadway Lighting Ltd.
    Inventors: Donald A. Cleland, Pratibha Sharma, Simon H. Lightbody, Velvet Warrior
  • Patent number: 8286010
    Abstract: A system includes a high-current junction, a voltage sensor, and a controller. Power connectors of two components are electrically connected at the high-current junction, where a high current passes between the two components at the high-current junction. The voltage sensor detects a voltage at the high-current junction. The controller performs a predetermined action in response to the voltage sensor detecting the voltage at the high-current junction being greater than a predetermined threshold voltage. The system may be a data center rack. The high-current junction may be the junction at which an alternating current (AC) input receives AC power from AC mains. The high-current junction may alternatively be the junction at which a power supply receives the AC power from the AC input to generate direct current (DC) power to provide to data center rack components insertable within the data center rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Randhir S. Malik, Cecil C. Dishman, Thomas S. Mazzeo
  • Publication number: 20120224289
    Abstract: A voltage activated 2nd level safety circuit for permanent isolation having a current activated fuse useful for class III medical devices, military applications, and any other passive loads. The battery system has a fuse current limiter and the current activated fuse maintain the fuse closed when a power cell, having a current sufficient to blow the fuse expeditiously, directs its current to the load. The power cell continues to direct its current to the load until the system detects an unacceptable battery or circuit condition. Once that unacceptable condition exists and is detected, a fuse blowing circuitry allows the power cell's current to expeditiously blow the current activated fuse. In response to the blown current activated fuse, the system's isolation switch(es) open as well to establish a permanent isolated battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: Electrochem Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Robert Peterson, Jon James Carroll, Todd Sweetland, Gregory George Decker
  • Publication number: 20120224288
    Abstract: A power module includes a current sensing circuit in which a transistor includes an emitter connected to a sense emitter of a current sense element of an IGBT and a base connected to ground, a current sensing resistor including one end thereof connected to a collector of the transistor and the other end thereof connected to a common connection portion. The power module detects, as a current sensing voltage, a potential difference generated by the current sensing resistor based on the common connection portion as a reference, compares the current sensing voltage with a predetermined threshold voltage, and determines whether or not an overcurrent flows through the IGBT according to a magnitude relation therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shiori UOTA, Takahiro Inoue, Koji Tamaki, Shoichi Orita
  • Patent number: 8254074
    Abstract: A power control circuit includes a switch circuit, a current sampling circuit, a controller, and a standby power circuit. The switch circuit is connected to an alternating current (AC) power source and an electronic device. The sampling circuit is used to sample a current of a line of the AC power source. The controller is used to determine whether the sampled current is within a predetermined range, and turn off the switch circuit if the sampled current is within a predetermined range to disconnect the electronic device from the AC power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ting Ge
  • Patent number: 8248744
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a voltage detecting apparatus, which can downsize a circuit, reduce costs and detect a voltage with high accuracy, the voltage detecting apparatus to detect a voltage by using a flying capacitor. Furthermore, the voltage detecting apparatus does not halt whole functions. The first zener diode is connected to the first resistor R1, which divides a voltage stored with the capacitor as a flying capacitor into a detectable voltage at a microcomputer, in parallel. Furthermore, the voltage detecting apparatus prevents more than a zener voltage of the first zener diode from applying to the input of the microcomputer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignees: Yazaki Corporation, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Kawamura, Toshiaki Takeshita, Mitsuteru Yano
  • Patent number: 8248743
    Abstract: A device that has failure recovery capabilities and a method for power recovery. The method includes: detecting a potential power failure in response to a decrement rate of a supply voltage, and applying at least one failure recovery measure in response to a detected potential power failure. The device includes: a power source, an energy reservoir, at least one component, and a power failure circuit, adapted to detect a potential power failure in response to a decrement rate of a supply voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Priel, Dan Kuzmin, Cor Voorwinden
  • Publication number: 20120200967
    Abstract: In one general aspect, an apparatus can include an overcurrent protection device. The apparatus can include an overvoltage protection device coupled to the overcurrent protection device and configured to cause the overcurrent protection device to decrease a current through the overvoltage protection device after a breakdown voltage of the overvoltage protection device increases in response to heat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventor: Adrian Mikolajczak
  • Patent number: 8233255
    Abstract: The present invention describes methods and apparatus to convert and control power provided to a precipitator. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a precipitator power frequency converter system, which includes an insulated-gate bipolar transistor (“IGBT”) system and a converter control system comprising a microprocessor in communication with the IGBT system. In addition, the power frequency converter system provides a rectifier set in communication with the IGBT system. Furthermore, the input power received by the precipitator power frequency converter system is in a first frequency range of approximately 50 Hz to 60 Hz and the precipitator power frequency converter system can be enabled to provide an output power in a second frequency range between 400 Hz and 1000 Hz.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Redkoh Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Ford, John Jannone, Neil Flynn, Hank Del Gatto
  • Publication number: 20120176713
    Abstract: A limiting current circuit that has output short circuit protection is connected to an external voltage source and comprises an output terminal, an input current unit, a driving transistor, a voltage control resistor, a voltage control transistor and a delay unit. The output terminal is connected to a load and has an output current. The driving transistor has an internal resistance, a drain current and a gate voltage. The voltage control resistor has a resistor voltage. The voltage control transistor has an internal resistance and a parasitic capacitance. The delay unit makes the resistor voltage charging the parasitic capacitance to extend the period of lower internal resistance of the voltage control transistor and the period of higher internal resistance of the driving transistor, makes the internal resistance of the voltage control transistor is less than the internal resistance of the driving transistor when the load is shorted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: ADVANCED-CONNECTEK INC.
    Inventors: Ching chi CHENG, Wen Hsiang Chien
  • Publication number: 20120162841
    Abstract: The present invention provides a protection circuit. The protection circuit includes an output stage circuit and a feedback unit that generates a first current. Under a first condition that the first current is one of currents larger than and equal to a rated current and the first condition remains for a first period, the feedback unit controls the output stage circuit to restrict the first current. Under a second condition that the first current is one of currents larger than and equal to a restriction current and the second condition remains for a second period, the feedback unit controls the output stage circuit to terminate the first current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: HANERGY TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Xiao-Ming Duan, Ronald Chang
  • Publication number: 20120151225
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is described herein for providing a dynamic pulse scheme for a voltage supply. A load (current) demand event of a processor is either predicted and/or detected. In response to the current demand event, such as a change in the current demand; a temporary, transient voltage pulse is generated by a voltage supply to compensate for the current transient demand. As result, dynamic voltage supply pulses generated based on the load current or the prediction of the load current demand increases performance, decreases power consumption, and saves expensive addition of compensation components, such as capacitors to a processor package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventors: Lilly Huang, Krishnan Ravichandran
  • Publication number: 20120127619
    Abstract: In one general aspect, an apparatus can include an overvoltage protection portion, and an overcurrent protection portion operably coupled to the overvoltage protection portion such that heat produced by the overcurrent protection portion at a current below a rated current of the overcurrent protection portion causes the overvoltage protection portion to change from a voltage regulation state to a shorted state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventor: Adrian Mikolajczak
  • Patent number: 8183870
    Abstract: A battery system utilizes a plurality of transformers interconnected with the battery cells. The transformers each have at least one transformer core operable for magnetization in at least a first magnetic state with a magnetic flux in a first direction and a second magnetic state with a magnetic flux in a second direction. The transformer cores retain the first magnetic state and the second magnetic state without current flow through said plurality of transformers. Circuitry is utilized for switching a selected transformer core between the first and second magnetic states to sense voltage and/or balance particular cells or particular banks of cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Francis J. Davies
  • Patent number: 8184416
    Abstract: An inverter driver controls an inverter that supplies driving voltages to a plurality of discharge lamps. The inverter driver senses the abnormal operation of the plurality of discharge lamps based on a plurality of first feedback voltages corresponding to the plurality of driving voltages supplied to the discharge lamps and a plurality of second feedback voltages corresponding to the current flowing through the plurality of discharge lamps. The inverter driver is formed in a single integrated circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Fairchild Korea Semiconductor, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae-Soon Choi, Dong-Hun Lee
  • Patent number: 8164875
    Abstract: A portable motorized racking tool and a method for installing, removing and testing electrical equipment is described herein. A circuit breaker having a frame can be attached to a metal surface around the electrical equipment with magnets. The frame can support a solenoid with a plunger, a motor control for operating a motor with a gear assembly that rotates a tool first in one direction, then in a second direction, while the operator controls the framed tool by using a remote switch operator. The remote switch operator can supply power and signals to the framed tool, while the operator can maintain a position outside an arc flash hazard zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventors: Finley Lee Ledbetter, Ashley Sue Ledbetter
  • Patent number: 8136890
    Abstract: Devices and methods for preventing shock from a high voltage power source. In one embodiment, a device for preventing an electric shock, comprises output terminals for connecting to an external load, a low voltage circuit for carrying a first current (IL) to the output terminals, the low voltage circuit comprising a first coil disposed about a magnetic core, and a high voltage circuit for carrying a second current (IH) to the output terminals, the high voltage circuit comprising a second coil disposed about the magnetic core, and a control relay configured to electrically connect one of the high voltage circuit and the low voltage circuit to the output terminals based at least partly on the first current (IL).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: International Safety & Development, LLC
    Inventor: Paul Cruz
  • Patent number: 8098467
    Abstract: A method for avoiding undesired, measurement error-induced protective tripping within a protection system of an HVDC transmission system. State variables of components of the HVDC transmission system are detected by first measuring devices to obtain a first set of measured values and by further measuring devices, which are designed in redundant fashion with respect to the first measuring devices, to obtain further sets of measured values. The first and further sets of measured values are supplied to a closed-loop control unit and a protective unit. The protective unit checks the first set of measured values for the presence of a risk of protective tripping by way of internal logic, and the closed-loop control unit regulates the HVDC transmission system as a function of one of the further sets of measured values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Torsten Priebe, John-William Strauss
  • Patent number: 8093748
    Abstract: The Universal Power Inlet System, or UPIS, is a method of providing universal attachment of 3 different types of electrical power systems into the input circuitry of a Power Distribution Unit, or PDU. This method allows use of either fixed or detachable power cord options permitting the PDU to be powered by any of the following types of electrical power sources: 3-Phase Delta, 3-Phase Star (or Wye) and Single-Phase. This method also describes a way to uniquely identify the specific power system the mentioned PDU is currently attached to. The method also optionally allows derivation of supplementary information about the electrical power system such as current capacity, or ampacity, of the power cord being used. All this information can be used for capacity monitoring and reporting as well as protection of PDU circuitry and power cords.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Avocent Huntsville Corporation
    Inventor: Carlos E. Martins
  • Publication number: 20110317320
    Abstract: Disclosed is a controller for controlling short-circuit across positive and negative terminals of a dye sensitized solar cell for converting a light energy into an electrical energy. The controller includes: a voltage detecting section detecting a voltage developed across the positive and negative terminals of the cell; a current detecting section detecting a current caused to flow through the positive terminal of the cell; a judging section judging how a power generation state of the cell is, and whether or not a release state is provided across the positive and negative terminals of the cell in accordance with a value of the voltage detected by the voltage detecting section and a value of the current detected by the current detecting section; and a short-circuiting/releasing section short-circuiting or releasing across the positive and negative terminals of the cell in accordance with a result of the judgment made by the judging section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Atsushi Sato, Yoshiaki Inoue, Mikio Takenaka
  • Patent number: 8068937
    Abstract: The disclosed power distribution system regulates the transfer of energy from a source 1 to a load 3. Source Controller 5 on the source side closes Disconnect Device 7 and monitors the transfer of a pulse or “packet” of energy to the load side. A Load Controller 9 on the load side communicates the amount of energy received at the load back to the source controller via Communication Link 11. If it is confirmed that the energy received on the load side corresponds to that sent by the source side, another energy packet is sent. If the energy received does not correspond with that sent by the source side, energy transfer is stopped, indicating a system fault or safety hazard. The energy content of a single packet is kept small, such that if it is not properly delivered, it can not cause damage to equipment or harm personnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Inventor: Stephen Spencer Eaves
  • Publication number: 20110279937
    Abstract: A control circuit for a protection circuit device includes first and second voltage boosters, a comparator coupled thereto, and a MOSFET for bypassing a direct current (DC) source. The control circuit may include a control logic circuit having a first input coupled to an output of the comparator, a second input receiving a disable command signal, a first output coupled to an enable input of the first voltage booster, and a second output, and a four terminal path inversion switch. The control circuit may include a supply voltage line, a sensor coupled to the second input of the control logic circuit, to generate the disable command signal, and to force the MOSFET into a conduction mode, and an external command terminal coupled to the second input of the control logic circuit, to receive the disable command signal, and to force the MOSFET into the conduction mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: STMicroelectronics S.r.I.
    Inventors: Tiziana Teresa SIGNORELLI, Francesco PULVIRENTI, Natale AIELLO
  • Patent number: 8054599
    Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for detecting a power system component failure. The invention includes detecting an amount of input power provided on a power supply side of a connector, where the connector is configured to connect a switching power supply to a load such that power flows from the switching power supply to the load through the connector; detecting an amount of output power provided on a load side of the connector; determining if the amount of input power detected on the power supply side of the connector is more than a predefined threshold amount greater than the amount of output power detected on the load side of the connector; and shutting down the switching power supply the amount of detected input power is more than the predefined threshold amount greater than the amount of detected output power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Cecil C. Dishman, Randhir S. Malik