Abstract: An electrical contactor has an arc extinguishing component. The electrical contactor includes a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact that, when the contactor is open, define a gap therebetween. The arc extinguishing component includes a magnet adjacent a first side of the gap and an electrically non-conductive shutter adjacent an opposing second side of the gap. The electrically non-conductive shutter capable of reciprocating from a first position to a second position wherein the first position is outside of the gap and the second position is within the gap.

Abstract: Series arcing in wiring is a potentially catastrophic situation that has proven to be difficult to detect reliably with existing methods. This invention allows for the quick and accurate detection of series arcing in an electrical circuit. The method works with AC or DC power sources, and at any voltage or current level. This method will also detect high resistance in a circuit, which is another indicator of a potentially hazardous fault condition. The method compares the voltage at each end of a conductor, and will declare a fault when this voltage exceeds the minimum voltage required to sustain arcing.

Abstract: A planar transformer includes a magnetic core having an internal opening. A plurality of high current capacity windings are disposed within the internal opening. These high current capacity windings have a length, a width and a thickness. Each winding is formed as an open loop having adjacent first and second end portions. There is at least one primary winding and one secondary winding. The primary winding and/or secondary winding may be high current capacity windings. A first terminal lead is electrically interconnected to multiple adjacent first end portions and a second terminal lead is electrically interconnected to multiple second end portions. Both the first terminal lead and said second terminal lead have a length, a width and a thickness measured with the thickness being less than either the terminal lead length or the terminal lead width.

Abstract: A method which allows for the quick and accurate detection of faulty operating conditions and bad interconnections between and within devices in an electrical system. The method allows for the detection of arcing in wiring and components, high resistance connections, loose components, and the like. Voltage or current at each end of a conductor, or on each side of a system component, or the current through a component, may be detected and analyzed. A fault or abnormal condition is indicated when the voltage or current exceeds an expected level. Alternatively, resistance may be detected and analyzed, and a fault condition indicated when the resistance exceeds an expected level. Existing detection or computation equipment already associated with the system may be used for the detection and analysis.

Abstract: In an aircraft seat power system, a Smart Power Distribution Connector (PDC) connects a power supply to multiple power outlets. Power to each outlet is monitored and controlled directly by the PDC that is in turn monitored and controlled by the power source. The power source and the PDC share a communication bus through which instructions and responses are communicated. The PDC has the ability to communicate with the outlets by sending instructions and monitoring and acting on the responses from the outlets. The system allows for power management from a supply of limited power. The PDC can provide current limiting, allowing the use of lighter weight and smaller wire and other components.

Abstract: An integrated transformer device is provided with both inductive and transformer elements. The inductive and transformer elements are combined within the same device, sharing at least a part of the same magnetic and electrical paths. The integrated transformer device comprises a top core, a bottom core, and a shunt core. A high voltage winding is wound around the bottom core. A low voltage winding is wound around the bottom core and the shunt core. Power semiconductor devices, connected in parallel, form a portion of the low voltage winding and are disposed at a location proximate to the high voltage winding.

Abstract: Operation of an overhead storage bin sensor used to monitor the volume consumed within the bin including a VOC sensor to monitor for material that may become overheated within the bin such as lithium ion batteries in electronics products is provided. Currently, fire or smoke detectors are not integrated into the storage bins leaving this area vulnerable to developing fires and outgassing of electronic components often stored by passengers. Early detection of such events can prevent propagation of fire on board an aircraft by rapidly reporting the event and giving the location of the event. The system described leverages other patents applied for including a wireless sensor network and storage volume sensors. The sensor monitors for outgassing of materials or smoldering material by monitoring the air quality within the bin space.

Abstract: A current sourced control topology is provided for an AC motor controller that eliminates many of the problems associated with prior art motor controllers that use voltage source inverter (VSI) technologies. By controlling the output of AC current sources such as synchronously controlled down converters to directly drive each motor phase, significant efficiency gains and a reduction in electromagnetic interference is achievable.

Abstract: Series arcing in wiring is a potentially catastrophic situation that has proven to be difficult to detect reliably with existing methods. This invention allows for the quick and accurate detection of series arcing in an electrical circuit. The method works with AC or DC power sources, and at any voltage or current level. This method will also detect high resistance in a circuit, which is another indicator of a potentially hazardous fault condition. The method compares the voltage at each end of a conductor, and will declare a fault when this voltage exceeds the minimum voltage required to sustain arcing.

Abstract: A power relay is controlled by the presence of Volatile Organic Compounds that are often emitted by outgassing from electronic components during overheat and failure conditions. The relay housing contains a standard power relay of single pole single throw (SPST) or a multi-pole double throw relay depending on the application. A micro VOC integrated circuit is placed within the housing allowing access to ambient air through ports in the side of the relay. Air quality is sampled periodically or continuously as is required by the system to adequately monitor for fault events and, in the event of a fault, latch the relay mechanism OPEN breaking the flow of electrical energy the circuit downstream.

Abstract: A virtual electronic circuit breaker having an electrical relay and a control circuit, the control circuit including a load and wire protection (“OC”) detection unit, a microprocessor and a driver. The OC detection unit is configured to monitor a power flow and the electrical relay is effective to control it. The driver is effective to cause the relay to stop the power flow upon receipt of a deactivation command. The OC detection unit is effective to cause the driver to receive a deactivation command if the OC detection unit senses that a short circuit condition or an overload condition exists. The microprocessor of the control unit is configured so as to be capable of, at least, receiving input from the OC detection unit and sending output to the driver.

Abstract: A virtual electronic circuit breaker having an electrical relay and a control circuit, the control circuit including a load and wire protection (“OC”) detection unit, a microprocessor and a driver. The OC detection unit is configured to monitor a power flow and the electrical relay is effective to control it. The driver is effective to cause the relay to stop the power flow upon receipt of a deactivation command. The OC detection unit is effective to cause the driver to receive a deactivation command if the OC detection unit senses that a short circuit condition or an overload condition exists. The microprocessor of the control unit is configured so as to be capable of, at least, receiving input from the OC detection unit and sending output to the driver.

Abstract: A brushless starter-generator system is contained within a single housing. The housing has a first end with an opening to receive a drive spline from a motive source and an opposing second end. A brushless, rotating machine is located adjacent the first end and is kinetically connectable to the drive spline. A power control unit is adjacent the second end and electrically coupled to the brushless, rotating machine. The brushless, rotating machine is selected from the group consisting of a synchronous machine, a permanent magnet machine, and an induction machine. Electrical and mechanical interfaces are identical to a like-rated brushed version for a true “drop-in” replacement capability to facilitate replacements and up-grades.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for aiding in determining when a power-providing outlet is ending its usable service life and is due for service or replacement. A connection detection unit and counting unit respectively monitor connection of a device to a port and maintain a connection count of connection events. For USB type C connections a cable or device resistance detection circuit can be used to determine if a USB type C device or cable has been connected. USB Type A and AC connections can be detected by mechanical or electrical mechanisms. When a connection has been detected a counter can be incremented or decremented to record a connection. A limit value can be set and compared to the connection count and a sensory or electronic indication can be made when the limit value is exceeded.

Abstract: An integrated transformer device is provided with both inductive and transformer elements. The inductive and transformer elements are combined within the same device, sharing at least a part of the same magnetic and electrical paths. The integrated transformer device comprises a top core, a bottom core, and a shunt core. A high voltage winding is wound around the bottom core. A low voltage winding is wound around the bottom core and the shunt core. Power semiconductor devices, connected in parallel, form a portion of the low voltage winding and are disposed at a location proximate to the high voltage winding.

Abstract: A current sourced control topology is provided for an AC motor controller that eliminates many of the problems associated with prior art motor controllers that use voltage source inverter (VSI) technologies. By controlling the output of AC current sources such as synchronously controlled down converters to directly drive each motor phase, significant efficiency gains and a reduction in electromagnetic interference is achievable.

Abstract: A system to regulate the temperature of a Source Port that includes a Port Controller having a first source power capabilities list stored thereon in a non-transitory digital media, the source capabilities list identifying a plurality of first power delivery capabilities that, based on their power requirements, may be negotiated by the Port Controller, a temperature sensor that measures a temperature of the power system and communicates that measured temperature to a comparator. The comparator compares the measured temperature to predefined limit temperatures and when the measured temperature crosses a predefined limit temperature threshold, the first source capabilities list being replaced with a second source capabilities list identifying a plurality of second power capabilities that, based on their power requirements, may be connected to the Source Port.

Abstract: A power conversion system including power factor correction circuitry and power inversion circuitry. The power factor correction circuitry has a split-rail configuration and includes a bidirectional switch used to produce intermediate direct current power. The power inversion circuitry selectively operates switches to produce sinusoidal alternating current output power. The output power and the intermediate power are regulated together.

Abstract: Disclosed is a battery system having a battery package assembly including a battery cell and a battery control circuit, wherein the battery control circuit includes an internal volatile organic compound (VOC) sensor and a control circuit. The battery cell is connected to the battery control circuit, which is in turn connected to an external interface connection. The VOC sensor is configured to detect the presence of a VOC within the battery package assembly indicating a failure or impending failure the battery cell.

Abstract: A power distribution system including a high-voltage direct current unit (HVDCU) configured to receive an amount of high-frequency alternating current (AC) input power from a power source and convert the input power into DC power, a negative voltage distribution rail and a positive voltage distribution rail that are together configured to supply the high-voltage DC power to at least one control unit (CU) electrically disposed between the negative voltage distribution rail and the positive voltage distribution rail and the CU being configured to convert the DC power into output power compatible with at least one load and supply the output power to the loads associated with it.