With Specific Voltage Responsive Fault Sensor Patents (Class 361/88)
- With resistor sensor (Class 361/91.2)
- Including time delay (Class 361/91.3)
- Including photo-coupling (e.g., photo-receptors, photo-emitters, etc.) (Class 361/91.4)
- Including P-N junction (e.g., a diode, a zener diode, or transistor) (Class 361/91.5)
- Protection by snubber circuitry (Class 361/91.7)
- Protection for thyristor (Class 361/91.8)
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Publication number: 20140321017Abstract: A first power line configured to receive a first voltage, a second power line configured to receive a second voltage which is lower than the first voltage, a first clamping unit configured to be connected to the first power line, a second clamping unit configured to be connected between the first clamping unit and the second power line, and a discharging unit configured to, when an abnormal voltage introduced through the first power line or the second power line is applied, discharge the abnormal voltage by coupling with the first clamping unit or the second clamping unit are included.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2013Publication date: October 30, 2014Applicant: SK hynix Inc.Inventor: Jong Su KIM
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Patent number: 8848329Abstract: A high-side output transistor and a low-side output transistor of an output circuit control voltages of conductors, which connect a power supply terminal and ground, and outputs a voltage signal to an output terminal through an output conductor. A voltage output circuit detects a voltage applied to the high-side output transistor based on a potential difference of a first resistor provided closer to the output terminal side. A comparator circuit outputs a signal to turn off a first switch and a second switch provided in the conductors, when the output voltage of the voltage output circuit exceeds a reference voltage Vr.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2012Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Takamitsu Kubota, Yoshiyuki Kono, Toru Shimizu
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Patent number: 8848328Abstract: A load driving device according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention includes: an output transistor coupled between a first power supply line and an output terminal, the output terminal being configured to be coupled with a load; a protection transistor that is provided between a gate of the output transistor and a second power supply line, and brings the output transistor into a conduction state when a polarity of a power supply coupled between the first power supply line and the second power supply line is reversed; and a back gate control circuit that controls the second power supply line and a back gate of the protection transistor to be brought into a conduction state in a standby mode when the polarity of the power supply is normal.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2010Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Renesas Electronics CorporationInventor: Akihiro Nakahara
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Patent number: 8847439Abstract: Multiple-contact switches are disclosed. An example multiple-contact switch disclosed herein includes a double throw switch having a common terminal, a first throw terminal, and a second throw terminal, the common terminal being coupled to a reference; a first throw circuit coupled to the first throw terminal, the first throw circuit to output an open signal to a process control device when the common terminal is substantially in contact with one of the first throw terminal or the second throw terminal; and a second throw circuit coupled to the second throw terminal, the second throw circuit to cause the first throw circuit to output a close signal to the process control device when the common terminal is substantially in contact with the other one of the first throw terminal or the second throw contact terminal, wherein at least one of the open signal or the close signal corresponds to the reference.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2011Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Fisher Controls International, LLCInventors: Thomas Andrew Pesek, Brian Joseph Burlage, Carter Bill Cartwright, Clyde T. Eisenbeis
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Publication number: 20140285936Abstract: A battery management system for a vehicle having an electrically powered motor that is powered by a plurality of battery cells includes an electrical system for providing voltage and current from the battery cells to an electrical motor. A control is operable to at least one of (a) cause fuses of the electrical system to be the weakest link in the electrical system only during a failure event, (b) disconnect the battery cells from the battery management system only during a failure event, (c) separate the driving of balancing resistors into first and second stages, with the first stage comprising cell balancing control and the second stage comprising cell balancing with reverse voltage protection and (d) provide single stage reverse voltage protection to limit or effectively eliminate an electrical conduction path through a low impedance balancing circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2014Publication date: September 25, 2014Applicant: MAGNA E-CAR SYSTEMS OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Neil R. Garbacik, Stephen L. Pudvay, John R. Collier, Qi Tao, Oscar Flores
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Patent number: 8767364Abstract: When a short-circuited FET is identified as one of low-side FETs, maximum phase voltages of three phases are detected when a steering operation is performed by a driver, and the detected maximum phase voltages of the three phases are compared with one another to identify a short-circuit phase. On the other hand, when a short-circuited FET is identified as one of high-side FETs, minimum phase voltages of the three phases are detected when a steering operation is performed by the driver, and the detected minimum phase voltages of the three phases are compared with one another to identify a short-circuit phase.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2012Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: JTEKT CorporationInventor: Shigekazu Okumura
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Publication number: 20140168829Abstract: Gate drive circuits for use with semiconductor switching devices are provided. The gate drive circuits include a gate resistor of the semiconductor switching device; a resistance control module in series with the gate resistor of the semiconductor switching device, the resistance control module being configured to provide a first resistance that controls electromagnetic interference under normal operating conditions; and a second resistance during abnormal events; and an abnormal event detector coupled to the resistance control module, the abnormal event detector configured to detect an abnormal event and send an abnormal event signal to the resistance control module responsive to detection of the abnormal event. The resistance control module is configured to provide the second resistance by shorting the resistance provided by the resistance control module responsive to the abnormal event signal to provide increased gate drive and reduced switching losses during the abnormal event.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2012Publication date: June 19, 2014Applicant: Eaton CorporationInventor: Robert William Johnson, JR.
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Patent number: 8749935Abstract: A protection circuit for lithium-ion battery is provided. The protection circuit samples the voltage of the lithium-ion battery as a sample voltage and outputs the sample voltage. A switch circuit includes a first switch having two first connection terminals and a first control terminal. The first switch connects the two connection terminals when the control terminal receives a high logic level and disconnects the two connection terminals when the control terminal receives a low logic level. One of the first connection terminals is connected to the lithium-ion battery through a first current-limiting resistor to receive a battery voltage and is connected to an output terminal of the switch circuit, the other first connection terminal is grounded. The output terminal outputs a logic low level as a turn-on signal and a logic high level as a turn-off signal of the lithium-ion battery.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2012Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Huan Xia
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Patent number: 8743521Abstract: A photovoltaic system having a photovoltaic generator, whose strings with series-connected photovoltaic modules have a positive pole and a negative pole, and with an inverter whose DC input is connected to the two poles. The voltage of the positive pole and/or of the negative pole is measured with respect to ground, and a first switching element located between the positive pole and the DC input of the inverter and/or a second switching element located between the negative pole and the DC input of the inverter is opened, while a third switching element located between the positive pole and the negative pole is closed, when the voltage of the positive pole or of the negative pole exceeds a predefined first or second limit value.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2012Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Adensis GmbHInventor: Bernhard Beck
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Patent number: 8729444Abstract: A photovoltaic system comprises a plurality of photovoltaic modules which are electrically connected to a string or to multiple parallel-connected strings and form a PV generator. The first string end forms the negative pole of the photovoltaic generator, and the second string end forms the positive pole. A voltage reduction device is provided with the aid of which the potential of the negative pole is lowered to ground. Advantages with regard to the insulation class of the connecting cable used are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2011Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Adensis GmbHInventor: Bernhard Beck
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Patent number: 8729739Abstract: A circuit breaker comprising first and second JFETs, each comprising a gate, drain and source connection, the JFETs sources being operatively connected to each other to form a common-source connection and adapted to be connected to and operating to open an external circuit when the current flowing through the JFETs exceeds a predetermined threshold, the JFETs' gates, and common-source connection being operatively connected to a gate driver circuit which causes the JFETs to turn off when the predetermined threshold is exceeded; whereupon the current flows through the common-source connection into the second gate and into the gate driver circuit which causes the gate driver circuit to turn off the first and second JFETs and open the circuit breaker. Also claimed is a method of sensing an overloaded circuit comprising leading and trailing JFETs in a circuit that open the circuit and prevent current flow when a predetermined threshold is exceeded.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2011Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Vadim Lubomirsky, Damian Urciuoli
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Patent number: 8699193Abstract: A protection circuit that interrupts a supply of power to a driving circuit for a power conversion apparatus upon detection of an abnormality includes switches connected in series between the power supply and the driving circuit. An interruption signal enabling/disabling circuit controls the transmission of an interruption signal from the power conversion apparatus to one of the switches and turns the switch off. A monitoring circuit monitors a voltage output from the switches, and determines that the switch which is to be turned off is in a short-circuit state if the voltage is a normal value. A switch may also be determined to be in a short-circuit fault state if the interruption signal turns the switches off, and if a monitored voltage output from the switches decreases at a decay rate faster than a decay rate in a condition where the switch is not in a short-circuit state.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2011Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Osamu Mizuno
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Patent number: 8680843Abstract: Magnetic field current sensing devices, systems and methods are disclosed. In an embodiment, a current sensor includes a semiconductor die; an isolation layer disposed on the semiconductor die; at least one anchor pad disposed on the isolation layer; a current input and a current output galvanically isolated from the semiconductor die; at least one bond wire coupled to the current input and the current output, a longitudinal portion of the at least one bond wire disposed between the current input and the current output being stitched to the at least one anchor pad; and at least one sensor element arranged to sense a magnetic field induced by a current flowing in the at least one bond wire.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2010Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventor: Udo Ausserlechner
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Patent number: 8654502Abstract: An apparatus, a method, a planar insulating substrate and a chipset have been presented, comprising at least one module configured to establish a predefined pattern on a planar insulating substrate so that conductive particles can gather according to the predefined pattern. At least one another module is configured to transfer the conductive particles to the planar insulating substrate, wherein the conductive particles are arranged to gather according to the predefined pattern. A sintering module is configured to fuse the conductive particles on the planar insulating substrate, wherein the conductive particles are arranged to fuse according to the predefined pattern to establish a conductive plane on the planar insulating substrate. Embodiment of the invention relate to printable or printing electronics on a fibrous web.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2008Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Stora Enso OyjInventors: Juha Maijala, Petri Sirviö
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Publication number: 20140016237Abstract: A protective circuit compares at least two different signals and asserts a control node toward respective logic states accordingly. At least one of the signals is derived from a voltage on a power rail within a computer or other device. A switching element passes or isolates an enable signal based on the logic state of the control node, enabling or preventing operation of a power supply, accordingly. Central processing units (CPUs) or other elements are protected against electrically caused damage in the event that a fault is detected by the protective circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2012Publication date: January 16, 2014Inventors: Robert S. Wright, Nam Nguyen, Richard W. Clutter
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Publication number: 20140016238Abstract: The relay-welding detection circuit detects welding of relays (RYP, RYN) provided on a charging path from an external power supply (PW) to a first battery (14), and is provided with: a second battery (15) that can supply a welding-detection power supply independently of the external power supply (PW); a transistor switch (17) that is a circuit in which there is substantially zero current flowing in from the external power supply (PW) side of the relays, and that controls whether or not to supply the welding-detection power supply to the second battery (15) on the basis of the voltage at the external power supply (PW) side of the relays; and a control unit (18) that is electrically insulated from the transistor switch (17), and that to detects welding of the relays (RYP, RYN) on the basis of whether or not the transistor switch (17) has supplied the welding-detection power supply.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2012Publication date: January 16, 2014Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATIONInventor: Shintaro Tazaki
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Publication number: 20130321967Abstract: A fault detection circuit includes: a switching element, disposed between a first node and a second node, configured to perform a switching operation in accordance with a control signal; and a detection circuit configured to detect a temporal voltage change at the second node according to the switching operation of the switching element.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2013Publication date: December 5, 2013Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITEDInventors: Kazuki MUNEYASU, Susumu EDA
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Publication number: 20130301178Abstract: A control circuit, comprising a protection detection circuit, a protection synchronous output circuit, a protection synchronous input circuit and a protection circuit, is provided. The protection detection circuit is adapted to generate an error notice signal when detecting an error condition. The protection synchronous output circuit is coupled to the protection detection circuit far enabling a level of a protection synchronous pin to be a protection level when receiving the error notice signal. The protection synchronous input circuit is coupled to the protection synchronous pin for generating a synchronous protection signal when the level of the protection synchronous pin has been at the protection level for a predetermined time period. The protection circuit generates a protection signal to make the control circuit enter a protection mode when receiving one of the error notice signal and the synchronous protection signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2012Publication date: November 14, 2013Applicant: GREEN SOLUTION TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventors: Shian-Sung SHIU, Chih-Chun SUNG, Xi TU
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Patent number: 8581608Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 22, 2009Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Onamba Co., Ltd.Inventors: Osamu Shizuya, Jun Ishida, Hideki Furubayashi, Yukitaka Miyata
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Patent number: 8559147Abstract: A circuit board includes a controller, a first feedback pin, and a second feedback pin. The controller determines a first voltage measurement associated with the first feedback pin. The controller further determines whether the first feedback pin is disconnected from the controller based on the first voltage measurement. The controller determines a second voltage measurement associated with the second feedback pin when the first feedback pin is disconnected from the controller. The controller also adjusts an output voltage of the controller based on the second voltage measurement when the first feedback pin is disconnected from the controller.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2011Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: Juniper Networks, Inc.Inventor: Philip R. Quaife
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Patent number: 8547671Abstract: The electronic device for protecting against a polarity reversal of a DC power supply voltage comprises, produced within one and the same integrated circuit, an N-channel main transistor (TP) mounted on the line of expected positive polarity of the power supply voltage and command means (MCM) for the main transistor comprising a charging pump circuit (CP), associated with a dynamic biasing circuit (MCTRL) for the substrate regions of active components connected to the main transistor.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2010Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Rousset) SASInventor: Antoine Pavlin
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Publication number: 20130235500Abstract: A protection circuit for lithium-ion battery is provided. The protection circuit samples the voltage of the lithium-ion battery as a sample voltage and outputs the sample voltage. A switch circuit includes a first switch having two first connection terminals and a first control terminal. The first switch connects the two connection terminals when the control terminal receives a high logic level and disconnects the two connection terminals when the control terminal receives a low logic level. One of the first connection terminals is connected to the lithium-ion battery through a first current-limiting resistor to receive a battery voltage and is connected to an output terminal of the switch circuit, the other first connection terminal is grounded. The output terminal outputs a logic low level as a turn-on signal and a logic high level as a turn-off signal of the lithium-ion battery.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2012Publication date: September 12, 2013Applicants: HOH HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.Inventor: HUAN XIA
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Patent number: 8531862Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric component comprising at least one first MIM capacitor having a ferroelectric insulator with a dielectric constant of at least 100 between a first capacitor electrode of a first electrode material and a second capacitor electrode of a second electrode material. The first and second electrode materials are selected such that the first MIM capacitor exhibits, as a function of a DC voltage applicable between the first and second electrodes, an asymmetric capacitance hysteresis that lets the first MIM capacitor, in absence of the DC voltage, assume one of at least two possible distinct capacitance values, in dependence on a polarity of a switching voltage last applied to the capacitor, the switching voltage having an amount larger than a threshold-voltage amount. The invention is applicable for ESD sensors, memories and high-frequency devices.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2009Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: NXP B.V.Inventors: Aarnoud Laurens Roest, Mareike Klee, Rudiger Mauczok, Klaus Reimann, Michael Joehren
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Publication number: 20130202918Abstract: A disclosed battery protecting circuit for protecting a secondary battery including at least first and second cells connected in series includes a first terminal connected on a high potential side of the first cell; a second terminal connected on a low potential side of the first cell and a high potential side of the second cell; a third terminal connected on a low potential side of the second cell; a charge abnormality detecting circuit detecting abnormality of the charged state of the secondary battery; a shifting circuit shifting electric potential of the second terminal on a side of the first terminal or a third terminal when a disconnection occurs between the secondary battery and the second terminal; a disconnection detecting circuit detecting the disconnection based on the electric potential of the second terminal; and a latching circuit retaining a result detected by the disconnection detecting circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2012Publication date: August 8, 2013Applicant: MITSUMI ELECTRIC CO.,LTD.Inventor: Daisuke KIMURA
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Patent number: 8482277Abstract: A surge current detection device 30 is detachably attached to a conductor 11 and detects a surge current entering the conductor 11. The surge current detection device 30 includes: a holder 40 releasably holding the conductor 11 via first and second holder bodies 40-1 and 40-2 facing each other; a magnetic force concentrating member 60 having a substantially U-shaped cross-section, the magnetic force concentrating member 60 being secured inside the holder 40 and concentrating a magnetic flux included in a magnetic field generated by the surge current entering the magnetic flux conductor 11 to a high density at a predetermined detection region; and a magnetic material sheet 70 secured inside the holder 40 in such a manner that the magnetic material sheet 70 is positioned at the detection region, the magnetic material sheet 70 detecting the surge current.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2012Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Sankosha CorporationInventors: Takayuki Okawa, Hideyoshi Saeki, Takuya Ouchi
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Patent number: 8482885Abstract: A hybrid switch circuit includes a hybrid switch that couples an input conductor connected to an AC power supply to an output conductor connected to a load. The hybrid switch includes a power semiconductor in parallel with an electromagnetic relay. A control circuit turns on the hybrid switch by turning on the power semiconductor at a zero-voltage crossing of the AC voltage to provide a conductive path and then closing the relay to provide a conductive bypass path that bypasses the power semiconductor. The control circuit turns off the hybrid switch by opening the relay and subsequently turning off the power semiconductor at a zero crossing of the load current. The control circuit operates in response to a hybrid switch control signal that indicates whether an operating fault condition exists.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2009Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Electronic Systems Protection, Inc.Inventors: Richard J. Billingsley, Robert A. Dawley
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Publication number: 20130114177Abstract: A voltage suppression device for suppressing voltage surges in an electrical circuit having a voltage sensitive element within a tubular casing.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2011Publication date: May 9, 2013Inventors: Jerry L. Mosesian, Jean-Francois de Palma, Mark A. Radzim
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Patent number: 8436352Abstract: Whether there is a defect such as chipping of a die or separation of a resin in a wafer level package is electrically detected. A peripheral wiring is disposed along four peripheries of a semiconductor substrate outside a circuit region and pad electrodes P1-P8. The peripheral wiring is formed on the semiconductor substrate and is made of a metal layer that is the same layer as or an upper layer of a metal layer forming the pad electrodes P1-P8, or a polysilicon layer. A power supply electric potential Vcc is applied to a first end of the peripheral wiring, while a ground electric potential Vss is applied to a second end of the peripheral wiring through a resistor R2. A detection circuit is connected to a connecting node N1 between the peripheral wiring and the resistor R2, and is structured to generate an anomaly detection signal ERRFLG based on an electric potential at the connecting node N1.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2011Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: ON Semiconductor Trading, Ltd.Inventors: Yoshinobu Kaneda, Koji Ishida
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Patent number: 8410773Abstract: A protection element (e.g., an arrester) protects a piece of equipment to be protected, from surge currents line terminals and an earth terminal. Surge current detection devices are provided on respective conductors connected to the arrester. Each of the surge current detection devices is to detect the surge current penetrated into a conductor for a short period of time, and includes a magnetic flux concentration member by which a magnetic flux produced by the penetrated surge current is concentrated in a given detection area at a high density, and a ferromagnetic material sheet positioned on the given detection area. The ferromagnetic material sheet includes a recording layer which is able to record and erase the penetration state of the surge current. A plurality of microcapsules are arranged in the recording layer, and each of the microcapsules contains a suitable liquid, and a plurality of magnetic particles suspended in the suitable liquid.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2010Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Sankosha CorporationInventors: Takayuki Okawa, Yasuharu Yamada, Hideyoshi Saeki, Takuya Ouchi
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Patent number: 8396680Abstract: First and second reference voltages are applied to first and second terminals of a processor via voltage divider circuits. First and second signal conditioning circuits are coupled to third and fourth terminals of the processor, respectively, and voltage or current sensors are coupled to the first and second signal conditioning circuits. The processor measures the electrical characteristics at the third and fourth terminals and computes first and second ratiometric values of the electrical characteristics, wherein the first ratiometric value is based upon a measurement obtained from the third terminal and the first reference voltage and the second ratiometric value is based upon a measurement of obtained from the fourth terminal and the second reference voltage. The processor further identifies an issue if a ratio of the first ratiometric value to the second ratiometric value exceeds a ratio of the first reference value to the second reference value.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2008Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Kerfegar K. Katrak, Andrew H. Leutheuser
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Publication number: 20130057777Abstract: A remote control is powered by multiple batteries connected in series. The remote control includes a voltage comparison circuit configured to compare a midpoint voltage from a node connecting two of the batteries to a reference voltage. The remote control is able to determine if there is a non-uniform drain rate in the batteries based on the comparison.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2011Publication date: March 7, 2013Applicant: EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.Inventors: Nathan Hale, Paul Langer, Jeremy Mickelsen, Tom Monikowski, Adam Schafer
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Patent number: 8392199Abstract: A clipping detection device calculates an amplitude distribution of an input signal for each predetermined period, calculates a deflection degree of the distribution on the basis of the calculated amplitude distribution, and then detects clipping of a communication signal on the basis of the calculated deflection degree of the distribution.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2009Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventors: Takeshi Otani, Masakiyo Tanaka, Yasuji Ota, Shusaku Ito
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Patent number: 8378637Abstract: A self-discharge circuit for a secondary battery having a bare cell includes a self-discharge unit, both ends of which are connected to a positive electrode and a negative electrode of the bare cell. The self-discharge unit includes a switching device and a zener diode that are connected serially with respect to each other, and the zener diode is in an opposite direction to a discharge direction of the bare cell. A secondary battery including the self-discharge circuit is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2010Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventor: Woochoul Kim
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Patent number: 8373392Abstract: A battery system includes a battery and a battery protection apparatus. The battery protection apparatus protects the battery from over-discharge. The battery protection apparatus includes a voltage controlled switch, a start switch, and a voltage detecting unit. The voltage controlled switch establishes an electrical connection between the battery and the load. The start switch turns on the voltage controlled switch when actuated. The voltage detecting unit detects a battery voltage of the battery and generates a detecting voltage according to the battery voltage. The voltage controlled switch is turned off when the detecting voltage is lower than a predetermined value.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2009Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Lung Dai, Wang-Chang Duan, Bang-Sheng Zuo
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Publication number: 20120327545Abstract: A device for interrupting the flow of electrical power in an electrical distribution system is provided. The device includes a sensor operably coupled to the electrical distribution system. A switching mechanism is coupled to the electrical distribution system, the switching mechanism movable between an open position and a closed position. A controller operably coupled to the sensor and the switching mechanism, the controller having a processor that is responsive to executable computer instructions when executed on the processor incrementing a first counter in a first mode of operation and a second counter in a second mode of operation. Wherein the processor is further responsive to executable computer instructions for switching from the first mode to the second mode in response to a signal from the sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2012Publication date: December 27, 2012Applicant: CONSOLIDATED EDISON COMPANY OF NEW YORK, INC.Inventor: John Witte
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Patent number: 8339270Abstract: An apparatus and method for protecting against electrocution hazards that arise when an appliance is electrically connected to a miswired single-phase AC electrical source which includes an energized ground lead are described. The apparatus includes one or more sensors that detect electrical energy in the ground lead combined with a miswiring condition in the hot and common leads. A tester embodiment is also illustrated. The method includes the steps of detecting if the putative ground of the electrical source is energized and whether the hot and common leads are reversed.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2007Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: General Wire Spring CompanyInventors: Arthur A. Silverman, Anton D. Pfeiffer
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Publication number: 20120320480Abstract: An integrated circuit chip includes: a plurality of parallel wells of alternated conductivity types formed in the upper portion of a semiconductor substrate of a first conductivity type; in each well of the first type, a plurality of MOS transistors having a channel of the second conductivity type, and in each well of the second type, a plurality of MOS transistors having a channel of the first type, transistors of neighboring wells being inverted-connected; and a device of protection against attacks, including: a layer of the second type extending under said plurality of wells, from the lower surface of said wells; and regions of lateral insulation between the wells, said regions extending from the upper surface of the wells to said layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2012Publication date: December 20, 2012Applicant: STMICROELECTRONICS (ROUSSET) SASInventors: Mathieu Lisart, Alexandre Sarafianos, Olivier Gagliano, Marc Mantelli
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Publication number: 20120307410Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit includes a protected circuit connected to two power supply lines that provide a supply voltage, a detecting circuit that includes a resistive element and a capacitive element connected in series between two power supply lines and detects a surge generated in the power supply line based on potential variation of an inter-element connecting node, and a protection transistor that is connected between two power supply lines and has a control electrode connected to an output of the detecting circuit. The protection transistor has the control electrode formed from a different electrode material having a work function difference from a transistor of the same channel conductivity type in the protected circuit, to have a different threshold voltage from the transistor so that the amount of leakage current per unit channel width may be smaller compared with the transistor.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2012Publication date: December 6, 2012Applicant: SONY CORPORATIONInventors: Takashi Yamazaki, Shimpei Tsujikawa
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Patent number: 8305723Abstract: A motor drive ground fault detection device operates by computing the total RMS voltage of all the phases, and comparing the total RMS voltage to a threshold to determine if a ground fault has occurred.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2011Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventors: Sastry V. Vedula, James J. Wrobel, Neal D. Clements
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Patent number: 8285500Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for processing utility data of a power grid is provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a datamart comprised of a plurality of physical databases storing utility data, a plurality of applications comprising an automated meter application configured to process power usage data from a plurality of automated meters, a power outage application configured to identify a location of a power outage, and a power restoration application configured to identify a location of a power restoration. The system may include an analysis engine comprising a plurality of analysis objects with each analysis object configured to process data to provide a specific analysis, wherein said analysis engine is accessible via one or more of the plurality of applications, and the system may include a report module configured to receive an output from the analysis engine and to output a report.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2011Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Current Communications Services, LLCInventors: David G. Kreiss, Daniel S. Brancaccio
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Patent number: 8286010Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 9, 2009Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Randhir S. Malik, Cecil C. Dishman, Thomas S. Mazzeo
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Patent number: 8271819Abstract: An information handling system (IHS) is disclosed providing a power supply operable to provide an output current to the IHS during power initiation. The IHS may also include a first power component associated with a first power stage wherein the first power stage may have a first current threshold. Furthermore, the IHS may include a power control logic coupled to the power supply and the first power component. As such, the power control logic may be operable to communicate the first power stage to the power supply, and if the output current does not exceed the first current threshold during the first power stage, the power control logic may be operable to communicate a second power stage having a second current threshold to the power supply.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2009Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Dell Products L.P.Inventors: John J. Breen, III, Scott Michael Ramsey, Timothy Thompson, Shiguo Luo
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Patent number: 8259426Abstract: Variable frequency motor drives and control techniques are presented in which filter capacitor faults are detected by measuring filter neutral node current and/or voltages and detecting changes in the fundamental frequency component of the measured neutral condition at the fundamental frequency of the input power and/or based on input current unbalance.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2010Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Yuan Xiao, Navid Zargari, Manish Pande, Vijay Khatri
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Publication number: 20120162842Abstract: A shunt system for a stack of series connected electrochemical units. The system includes shunt circuits each connected between a positive pole and a negative pole of an electrochemical unit and a control circuit to send a control signal to at least one of the shunt circuits to cause it to shunt the electrochemical unit between the poles to which it is connected. The control system includes control modules each having its own voltage reference, each of the shunt circuits belonging to one of the modules. Each control circuit includes plural shunt circuits and the shunt circuits belonging to a control module are connected between the poles of contiguous electrochemical units, so that the control modules subdivide the stack into plural groups of electrochemical units. Each control module includes a mechanism to communicate with the control circuit, so that the control circuit can control the shunt circuits belonging to different control modules.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2010Publication date: June 28, 2012Applicant: BELENOS CLEAN POWER HOLDING AGInventor: Antoine Toth
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Patent number: 8208235Abstract: A load control device comprises a bidirectional semiconductor switch for controlling the amount of power delivered to an electrical load, and the bidirectional semiconductor switch further comprises two field effect transistors (FETs) in anti-series electrical connection. In the event that one of the FETs fails in a shorted state, and if the load control device is using a phase control dimming technique to control the load, the load control device may provide an asymmetric waveform to the electrical load. In order to determine whether this asymmetric waveform is present, a microprocessor of the load control device use voltage thresholds and/or offsets to monitor the voltage across the FETs. Thus, the microprocessor is operable to detect a fault condition of the load control device wherein the fault condition may comprise an asymmetry condition, or more particularly, a failure condition of one of the FETs.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2009Date of Patent: June 26, 2012Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventor: Neil Orchowski
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Patent number: 8199449Abstract: A monitoring device for protecting against contact or access to a hybrid vehicle having a plurality of high-voltage components and an electronic control unit connected to a low-voltage vehicle electrical system battery. Power actuators for actuating at least one electric machine are connected to a high-voltage battery by way of a power switch. The high-voltage components are monitored by way of a looped circuit and deactivated if the looped circuit is broken. A sensor that is sensitive to magnetic field changes is disposed in or at a removable contact connection of the electric machine or the electronic control unit. The sensor is connected to the looped circuit. A control component of the electronic control unit activates a discharge unit for discharging an energy storage device upon receiving a sensor signal generated by the sensor when the contact connection is broken.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2010Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignees: Leoni Bordnetz-Systeme GmbH, Continental Automotive GmbHInventors: Christian Kuschnarew, Volker Hartmann, Volker Albert, Matthias Ebert
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Patent number: 8184417Abstract: An input termination board for use with an industrial controller in a safety system is disclosed herein. The industrial controller may be populated with standard analog input modules according to the requirements of the application. The termination board may selectively receive a single analog input signal from a remote device and transmit the signal to corresponding channels on two analog input modules or, alternately, receive two analog input signals and transmit each signal to one of the two corresponding channels. In addition, a program executing on the controller of the safety module monitors and tests each of the analog input channels on the input modules, verifying proper operation of the modules. If the program detects a fault in either input module, the safety system may alternately shut down according to a fail-safe procedure or continue operating under a fault-tolerant mode of operation.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2009Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Arthur P. Pietrzyk, Peter M. Delic, William E. Waltz, Russell W. Brandes, Dennis G. Schneider, Louis L. Smet
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Patent number: 8183870Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 12, 2009Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventor: Francis J. Davies
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Patent number: 8179649Abstract: A protection circuit for a control board is provided. The protection circuit is suitable for being disposed on a light on tester that may output a test voltage to a display module. The protection circuit includes a control device and a voltage stabilizer. The control device includes a first switching element and a control element. The control element enables the first switching element to output an operating voltage. The voltage stabilizer includes a second switching element and an operation module. The operation module may control the second switching element according to the operating voltage, so as to switch on or switch off an input of the test voltage to the display module.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2009Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Chunghwa Picture Tubes, Ltd.Inventor: Chien-Ping Chen
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Patent number: 8174808Abstract: A load driving device according to an aspect of the present invention may includes an output transistor and a load connected in series between first and second power supply lines, a protection transistor connected between a gate of the output transistor and the second power supply line, the protection transistor turning on the output transistor when a polarity of a power supply connected between the first and second power supply lines is reversed, and a resistor arranged on a line, which supplies a voltage to a back gate of the protection transistor.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2008Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Renesas Electronics CorporationInventor: Akihiro Nakahara