Patents Assigned to Smart Power Systems, Inc.
  • Patent number: 6560086
    Abstract: A transient voltage surge suppressor is provided to protect equipment with voltage sensitive electronics, such as office equipment, from surges or transients in the multi-phase power distribution network furnishing power. The surge suppressor senses the incoming voltage and electrically disconnects the neutral leads and hot leads of the power network from the neutral lead and hot lead of the office equipment if a voltage surge above an established level is sensed. The suppressor also disconnects its output when a ground connection in the multi-phase power network is disconnected to protect the equipment against excessive voltages. In this situation, the suppressor circuit protects its internal components from damage and possible fire hazard when its output is disabled, so that the suppressor can resume its function when conditions in the power distribution network return to a satisfactory state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Smart Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Bahram Mechanic
  • Patent number: 5873257
    Abstract: A method of preventing compressor surge in an air conditioning system comprises: 1) determining the refrigerant flow rate at the compressor; 2) determining the input pressure and output pressure at the compressor; 3) determining the pressure ratio (output pressure/input pressure) at the compressor; 4) defining a surge limit based upon the pressure ratio and the refrigerant flow rate; 5) processing system operational inputs including motor speeds and air conditioning pressures; and 6) sending control signals to the air conditioning system to control the refrigerant flow rate and the pressure ratio in a manner to prevent compressor operation at the defined surge limit and to maximize compressor efficiency during transitional periods. An air conditioning system is also provided, as well as an article of manufacture for use with the system for preventing compressor surge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Smart Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory E. Peterson
  • Patent number: 5694781
    Abstract: The present invention provides a vehicle air conditioning system including a condenser, condenser fan, a variable expansion device, an evaporator, evaporator fan, and a compressor. A processor is provided in cooperation with the compressor for temporarily interrupting compressor operation under certain predetermined operating conditions in order to prevent sticking of the variable expansion device. Various algorithms and initial algorithm engagement parameters are provided for temporarily interrupting compressor operation under certain predetermined operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Smart Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory E. Peterson
  • Patent number: 5682757
    Abstract: An air conditioning system includes a compressor, a motor adapted for driving the compressor, a condenser in communication with the compressor, an expansion device, an evaporator which precipitates a condensate, and an electronic system controller. A liquid management system for the air conditioning system includes a reservoir for accumulating condensate precipitated from the evaporator and means for distributing the condensate for cooling at least one selected system component. A method of cooling an air conditioning system is also provided. The method includes capturing the condensate precipitated from the evaporator; distributing the condensate to various system components for cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Smart Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory E. Peterson