Patents Assigned to Converting, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8451637
    Abstract: The present application discloses methods, circuits and systems for power conversion, using a universal multiport architecture. When a transient appears on the power input (which can be, for example, polyphase AC), the input and output switches are opened, and a crowbar switch shunts the inductance which is used for energy transfer. This prevents this inductance from creating an overvoltage when it is disconnected from outside lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Ideal Power Converters, Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Alexander
  • Patent number: 8446042
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for operating, monitoring and diagnosing photovoltaic arrays used for solar energy collection. The system preferably includes capabilities for monitoring or diagnosing an array by automatically disconnecting portions of the array during normal service (when load is not maximum, and observing the resulting change in electrical characteristics. More intensive diagnostic procedures can be launched if needed. One embodiment provides for performing monitoring or diagnostic operations on the array in daylight or at night. Another embodiment allows monitoring or diagnostic operations to be performed on a portion of the array while other parts of the array continue to collect energy. Yet another embodiment provides a safety mode for an array for maintenance or during emergencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Ideal Power Converters, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Bundschuh, William C. Alexander
  • Patent number: 8446043
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for operating, monitoring and diagnosing photovoltaic arrays used for solar energy collection. The system preferably includes capabilities for monitoring or diagnosing an array by automatically disconnecting portions of the array during normal service (when load is not maximum, and observing the resulting change in electrical characteristics. More intensive diagnostic procedures can be launched if needed. One embodiment provides for performing monitoring or diagnostic operations on the array in daylight or at night. Another embodiment allows monitoring or diagnostic operations to be performed on a portion of the array while other parts of the array continue to collect energy. Yet another embodiment provides a safety mode for an array for maintenance or during emergencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Ideal Power Converters, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Bundschuh, William C. Alexander
  • Patent number: 8446745
    Abstract: The present application discloses methods, circuits and systems for power conversion, using a universal multiport architecture. When a transient appears on the power input (which can be, for example, polyphase AC), the input and output switches are opened, and a crowbar switch shunts the inductance which is used for energy transfer. This prevents this inductance from creating an overvoltage when it is disconnected from outside lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Ideal Power Converters, Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Alexander
  • Patent number: 8441819
    Abstract: The present application discloses methods, circuits and systems for power conversion, using a universal multiport architecture. When a transient appears on the power input (which can be, for example, polyphase AC), the input and output switches are opened, and a crowbar switch shunts the inductance which is used for energy transfer. This prevents this inductance from creating an overvoltage when it is disconnected from outside lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Ideal Power Converters, Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Alexander
  • Publication number: 20130114311
    Abstract: The present application discloses methods, circuits and systems for power conversion, using a universal multiport architecture. When a transient appears on the power input (which can be, for example, polyphase AC), the input and output switches are opened, and a crowbar switch shunts the inductance which is used for energy transfer. This prevents this inductance from creating an overvoltage when it is disconnected from outside lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: Ideal Power Converters, Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Alexander
  • Publication number: 20130114315
    Abstract: The present application discloses methods, circuits and systems for power conversion, using a universal multiport architecture. When a transient appears on the power input (which can be, for example, polyphase AC), the input and output switches are opened, and a crowbar switch shunts the inductance which is used for energy transfer. This prevents this inductance from creating an overvoltage when it is disconnected from outside lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: Ideal Power Converters, Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Alexander
  • Publication number: 20130114316
    Abstract: The present application discloses methods, circuits and systems for power conversion, using a universal multiport architecture. When a transient appears on the power input (which can be, for example, polyphase AC), the input and output switches are opened, and a crowbar switch shunts the inductance which is used for energy transfer. This prevents this inductance from creating an overvoltage when it is disconnected from outside lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: Ideal Power Converters, Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Alexander
  • Patent number: 8432711
    Abstract: The present application discloses methods, circuits and systems for power conversion, using a universal multiport architecture. When a transient appears on the power input (which can be, for example, polyphase AC), the input and output switches are opened, and a crowbar switch shunts the inductance which is used for energy transfer. This prevents this inductance from creating an overvoltage when it is disconnected from outside lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Ideal Power Converters, Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Alexander
  • Patent number: 8406025
    Abstract: Methods and systems for power conversion. An energy storage capacitor is contained within an H-bridge subcircuit which allows the capacitor to be connected to the link inductor of a Universal Power Converter with reversible polarity. This provides a “pseudo-phase” drive capability which expands the capabilities of the converter to compensate for zero-crossings in a single-phase power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Ideal Power Converters, Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Alexander
  • Patent number: 8400800
    Abstract: Methods and systems for transforming electric power between two or more portals. Any or all portals can be DC, single phase AC, or multi-phase AC. Conversion is accomplished by a plurality of bi-directional conducting and blocking semiconductor switches which alternately connect an inductor and parallel capacitor between said portals, such that energy is transferred into the inductor from one or more input portals and/or phases, then the energy is transferred out of the inductor to one or more output portals and/or phases, with said parallel capacitor facilitating “soft” turn-off, and with any excess inductor energy being returned back to the input. Soft turn-on and reverse recovery is also facilitated. Said bi-directional switches allow for two power transfers per inductor/capacitor cycle, thereby maximizing inductor/capacitor utilization as well as providing for optimum converter operation with high input/output voltage ratios. Control means coordinate the switches to accomplish the desired power transfers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Ideal Power Converters, Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Alexander
  • Publication number: 20130063988
    Abstract: Methods and systems for power conversion. An energy storage capacitor is contained within an H-bridge subcircuit which allows the capacitor to be connected to the link inductor of a Universal Power Converter with reversible polarity. This provides a “pseudo-phase” drive capability which expands the capabilities of the converter to compensate for zero-crossings in a single-phase power supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: Ideal Power Converters, Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Alexander
  • Publication number: 20130063994
    Abstract: Methods and systems for power conversion. An energy storage capacitor is contained within an H-bridge subcircuit which allows the capacitor to be connected to the link inductor of a Universal Power Converter with reversible polarity. This provides a “pseudo-phase” drive capability which expands the capabilities of the converter to compensate for zero-crossings in a single-phase power supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: Ideal Power Converters, Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Alexander
  • Patent number: 8395910
    Abstract: Methods and systems for transforming electric power between two or more portals. Any or all portals can be DC, single phase AC, or multi-phase AC. Conversion is accomplished by a plurality of bi-directional conducting and blocking semiconductor switches which alternately connect an inductor and parallel capacitor between said portals, such that energy is transferred into the inductor from one or more input portals and/or phases, then the energy is transferred out of the inductor to one or more output portals and/or phases, with said parallel capacitor facilitating “soft” turn-off, and with any excess inductor energy being returned back to the input. Soft turn-on and reverse recovery is also facilitated. Said bi-directional switches allow for two power transfers per inductor/capacitor cycle, thereby maximizing inductor/capacitor utilization as well as providing for optimum converter operation with high input/output voltage ratios. Control means coordinate the switches to accomplish the desired power transfers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Ideal Power Converters, Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Alexander
  • Patent number: 8391033
    Abstract: The present application discloses methods, circuits and systems for power conversion, using a universal multiport architecture. When a transient appears on the power input (which can be, for example, polyphase AC), the input and output switches are opened, and a crowbar switch shunts the inductance which is used for energy transfer. This prevents this inductance from creating an overvoltage when it is disconnected from outside lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Ideal Power Converters, Inc.
    Inventor: William C Alexander
  • Patent number: 8371479
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present disclosure provides an integrated spray and wipe system and a method of using such a system. In one embodiment the system includes a fluid reservoir that extends through the center of a roll of cleaning material (e.g., paper towel roll). The tool houses cleaning fluid and cleaning wipes and, therefore, can be used to dispense liquid or cleaning wipes as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Green Bay Converting, Inc.
    Inventor: Lee Thomas Luft
  • Patent number: 8345452
    Abstract: Methods and systems for transforming electric power between two or more portals. Any or all portals can be DC, single phase AC, or multi-phase AC. Conversion is accomplished by a plurality of bi-directional conducting and blocking semiconductor switches which alternately connect an inductor and parallel capacitor between said portals, such that energy is transferred into the inductor from one or more input portals and/or phases, then the energy is transferred out of the inductor to one or more output portals and/or phases, with said parallel capacitor facilitating “soft” turn-off, and with any excess inductor energy being returned back to the input. Soft turn-on and reverse recovery is also facilitated. Said bi-directional switches allow for two power transfers per inductor/capacitor cycle, thereby maximizing inductor/capacitor utilization as well as providing for optimum converter operation with high input/output voltage ratios. Control means coordinate the switches to accomplish the desired power transfers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Ideal Power Converters, Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Alexander
  • Publication number: 20120279567
    Abstract: Methods and systems for photovoltaic power generation. Humidity control for the electronics in the power converter is provided by a dehumidifier which exploits the breathing of the electronics compartment due to the temperature rise caused when insolation increases at the start of a normal day.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: Ideal Power Converters Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Alexander
  • Patent number: 8300426
    Abstract: Methods and systems for transforming electric power between two or more portals. Any or all portals can he DC, single phase AC, or multi-phase AC. Conversion is accomplished by a plurality of bi-directional conducting and blocking semiconductor switches which alternately connect an inductor and parallel capacitor between said portals, such that energy is transferred into the inductor from one or more input portals and/or phases, then the energy is transferred out of the inductor to one or more output portals and/or phases, with said parallel capacitor facilitating “soft” turn-off, and with any excess inductor energy being returned back to the input. Soft turn-on and reverse recovery is also facilitated. Said hi-directional switches allow for two power transfers per inductor/capacitor cycle, thereby maximizing inductor/capacitor utilization as well as providing for optimum converter operation with high input/output voltage ratios. Control means coordinate the switches to accomplish the desired power transfers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Ideal Power Converters, Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Alexander
  • Patent number: 8295069
    Abstract: Methods and systems for power conversion. An energy storage capacitor is contained within an H-bridge subcircuit which allows the capacitor to be connected to the link inductor of a Universal Power Converter with reversible polarity. This provides a “pseudo-phase” drive capability which expands the capabilities of the converter to compensate for zero-crossings in a single-phase power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Ideal Power Converters, Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Alexander