Patents Examined by Christopher Clark
  • Patent number: 8300382
    Abstract: A portable apparatus for voltage transformation is capable of temporarily augmenting a power transformer. A transformer with a first medium voltage primary winding, a second medium voltage primary winding and a low voltage secondary winding is selectably coupled to a plurality of medium voltage electrical power input couplings capable of temporarily coupling with medium voltage power on a plant. An interlocked switch selectably couples the medium voltage electrical power input couplings to the medium voltage primary windings of the transformer such that only one medium voltage primary winding of the transformer is coupled at a time to the medium voltage electrical power input couplings. The interlocked switch can use a captive key system to prevent more than one secondary winding from being simultaneously connected. Medium voltage circuit protection devices such as fuses are included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Jack Jumper, LLC
    Inventors: William R True, Richard R Todd, Sharon C Huber
  • Patent number: 8284532
    Abstract: An over-voltage protection system is connected between a power supply and two working circuits of an electronic device, and includes a first over-voltage protection circuit, a second over-voltage protection circuit, and a voltage load circuit. The over-voltage protection system detects voltage of the power supply, isolates the power supply from a first working circuit when the power supply exceeds a first predetermined voltage value, and isolates the power supply from a second working circuit when the voltage of the power supply exceeds a second predetermined voltage value and is lower than the first predetermined voltage value. The voltage load circuit bears partial voltage of the power supply to provide necessary power to the second working circuit when the voltage of the power supply exceeds a second predetermined voltage value and is lower than the first predetermined voltage value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Lei Yu, Ping-Hua Xu
  • Patent number: 8274775
    Abstract: An electrical protection component with a short-circuiting device includes a surge arrester including at least two electrodes. The electrical protection component has at least one fusible element having a geometrical form including at least one cavity. A short-circuiting link is arranged at the surge arrester, wherein the short-circuiting link presses onto the fusible element. The short-circuiting link is spaced apart from the electrodes by means of the fusible element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: EPCOS AG
    Inventor: Peter Bobert
  • Patent number: 8264806
    Abstract: An electronic device is provided that includes a protection circuit for a light-emitting device. The protection circuit comprises a first node adapted to be coupled to an anode of the light-emitting device and a second node adapted to be coupled to a cathode of the light-emitting device. A voltage detection stage is coupled between the first and second nodes. The voltage detection stage is adapted to detect an overvoltage condition between the first and second nodes. Furthermore, the protection circuit comprises a thyristor coupled with its anode to the first node, its cathode to the second node to the voltage detection stage. When the overvoltage condition is detected in normal operation the thyristor is controlled to open so that the current can flow through the thyristor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Dirk Gehrke
  • Patent number: 8248738
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a switching device, a high power supply system and methods for switching high power including a relay and a power semiconductor switch arranged in parallel to the relay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Werner Roessler
  • Patent number: 8248747
    Abstract: A bi-directional protection circuit employs a single comparator for detecting fault conditions. Diodes are coupled between a detection node and voltage dividers setting references for inverting and non-inverting comparator inputs, each diode forward biased during one of the positive and negative halves of the alternating current input signal cycle and coupling the detection node to a respective one of the inverting and non-inverting comparator inputs, and reverse biased during the other of the positive and negative halves and decoupling the detection node from the other of the inverting and non-inverting comparator inputs. Upon an overcurrent condition during the positive half, a voltage at the inverting comparator input is drawn above the reference voltage at the non-inverting input. Upon an overcurrent condition during the negative half, a voltage at the non-inverting comparator input is drawn below the reference voltage at the inverting input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Michael James Callahan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8248268
    Abstract: A system, method and device are provided for reducing consumption calculation errors caused due to time drift in an endpoint device. In one embodiment, the endpoint device transmits consumption data in response to a request for consumption data. The request generally includes a time period of the consumption data. The endpoint device adjusts the set of intervals based on the extent of the difference between the collection system time and the endpoint device time to obtain the most accurate intervals. The process for adjusting intervals can be implemented independently from time synchronization between the endpoint and collection systems. Further, the process for adjusting intervals does not result in updating the meter reading data that have been already logged and stored in the endpoint device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Itron, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Cornwall, Barry Cahill-O'Brien, Jack Tweedy
  • Patent number: 8243416
    Abstract: A gas lighting device including: a body formed by an electrically insulating material carrying a plurality of high-voltage outputs for the connection of spark generating means; a transformer accommodated in the body and including a primary winding wound around and carried by a ferromagnetic material core, a carrying element formed by an electrically insulating material and designed to contain the primary winding therein, and a secondary winding consisting of a plurality of coils externally carried by the carrying element, electrically insulated from the primary winding and essentially coaxial with the latter; the core is ring-shaped on a plane parallel to an axis (A) of the windings and consists of two half rings reciprocally coupled and arranged facing and closely adjacent to each other in the direction of the axis of the windings; a first circumferential portion of the ring-shaped core, formed by one or both of the half rings, is accommodated inside the carrying element so as to be surrounded by the winding
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: ITW Industrial Components S.R.I. Con Unico Socio
    Inventors: Daniele Pianezze, Massimo Aleardi
  • Patent number: 8233254
    Abstract: A coordinated arc fault protection scheme in a hierarchical power distribution system is disclosed. The methods according to embodiments of the present invention may be considered an “event and time graded” analysis. In event and time based analysis, the number of confirmed arc signature may be monitored with respect to time in the main feeder line as well as the branched feeders. The confirmed arc signature in the branched feeder, as well as in the main feeder, may be captured and time stamped. A trip command may be issued first in the intended branched feeder if the branched feeder experiences a minimum number of events within a given time. During the same time period, the main feeder also monitors similar arcing events. If the tripping of the branched feeder occurs and the main feeder still detects arcing events, the main feeder may be tripped after a certain period of time or a certain number of confirmed arc signature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Prashant Purushotham Prabhu K, Sanjay Kumar Chaudhary, Zhenning Liu
  • Patent number: 8233260
    Abstract: A gas lighting device including: a body formed by an electrically insulating material and carrying a plurality of high-voltage outputs for the connection to spark generating means; a transformer accommodated in the body and including a primary winding wound about and carried by a ferromagnetic material core, a carrying element formed by an electrically insulating material and designed to contain within a tubular drum thereof the primary winding, and a secondary winding consisting of a plurality of coils externally carried by the drum of the carrying element, electrically insulated from the primary winding and essentially coaxial with the latter; the core is bar-shaped and accommodated inside the carrying element and the drum directly supports also the high-voltage outputs, which are integrally obtained on the drum so as to form therewith the carrying element and laterally overhangingly protrude from the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: ITW Industrial Components S.R.L. Con Unico Socio
    Inventors: Daniele Pianezze, Massimo Aleardi
  • Patent number: 8233256
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling an over current protection trip point for a voltage regulator includes an input for receiving a monitored operating parameter of the voltage regulator. Control logic responsive to this input generates a digital current control signal. A digital to analog controller converts the digital current control signal to an analog current control signal and this analog current control signal is used for controlling a current source for generating a current that establishes the over current protection trip point of the voltage regulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Intersil Americas Inc
    Inventors: Gustavo James Mehas, Atul Wokhlu, Naveen Jain, Xiaole Chen
  • Patent number: 8213133
    Abstract: A load breaker arrangement includes first and second input terminals, respectively, and first and second output terminals. The arrangement also includes two relays connected in series with one another, wherein the two relays are coupled between the second input terminal and the second output terminal, a semiconductor switch connected in parallel with one of the two relays, and a third relay coupled between the first input terminal and the first output terminal. A control circuit, in a load breaker mode, turns on the semiconductor switch while the two relays and the third relay are closed, then opens the one of the two relays in parallel with the semiconductor switch, then opens the semiconductor switch to break a current between the second input and second output terminals, and then opens the other of the two relays not in parallel with the semiconductor switch and opens the third relay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: SMA Solar Technology AG
    Inventors: Stefan Buchhold, Sven Bremicker, Frank Greizer, Günther Cramer
  • Patent number: 8208237
    Abstract: Administering offset voltage error in a current sensing circuit including recording by a power supply management module a current sensing voltage for a power supply when no operating load is drawn from the power supply and dynamically calculating by the power supply management module output current of the power supply with an active load in dependence upon the recorded current sensing voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Nicholas Celenza, Ismael Orozco Biaggi
  • Patent number: 8199449
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignees: Leoni Bordnetz-Systeme GmbH, Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Kuschnarew, Volker Hartmann, Volker Albert, Matthias Ebert
  • Patent number: 8194384
    Abstract: An electrostatic chuck configured for high temperature reduced-pressure processing is described. The electrostatic chuck comprises a chuck body having an electrostatic clamp electrode and an optional heating element, and a heat sink body having a heat transfer surface spaced in close relationship with an inner surface of the chuck body, wherein the heat sink body is configured to remove heat from the chuck body due to the close proximity of the inner surface and the heat transfer surface. The electrostatic chuck further comprises a table assembly configured to support the chuck body and the heat sink body, and an expansion joint disposed between the chuck body and the table assembly, and configured to sealably join the chuck body to the table assembly while accommodating for differential thermal expansion of the chuck body and the table assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Ronald Nasman, Rodney L. Robison, Toshiaki Fujisato
  • Patent number: 8189312
    Abstract: A circuit arrangement (10) for detecting undervoltage in an energy source (12) includes a transistor switch (48) and at least one further switch element (30). The transistor switch (48) and the further switch element (30) are of low impedance in an operating state of the circuit arrangement (10). The transistor switch (48) blocks the further switch element (30) for interrupting the voltage supply if a supply voltage (U) of the energy source (12) is below a defined voltage value (Us).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Guenter Lohr, Andreas Kynast
  • Patent number: 8189313
    Abstract: A current source driving an LED is monitored for a fault condition such as an open circuit or a short circuit. The current source may be disabled and/or a common power source may be disabled in response to the type of fault condition. A test current may be applied to the current source to determine the type of fault.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan P Kraft
  • Patent number: 8174801
    Abstract: A high voltage direct current (HVDC) power distribution system comprises at least one power bus; at least one load conductor; and a hybrid contactor for interconnecting the at least one power bus and the at least one load conductor and through which inductive energy passes upon disconnection of the at least one load conductor from the at least one power bus. A first portion of the inductive energy passes through the hybrid contactor as an arc. A second portion of the inductive energy passes through the hybrid contactor as resistively dissipated heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhenning Liu, Randy Fuller, Parsa Mirmobin, Guangjun Liu
  • Patent number: 8159797
    Abstract: An input terminal is externally input with an input voltage. An output transistor of N-channel MOSFET is arranged between the input terminal and an output terminal. A charge pump circuit steps up the input voltage. An error amplifier receives a voltage stepped up by the charge pump circuit as a power supply, and outputs an error voltage of a feedback voltage corresponding to an output voltage of the output terminal and a predetermined reference voltage to a gate of the output transistor. A controller compares the input voltage with a predetermined threshold voltage, and forcibly turns OFF the output transistor when the input voltage is higher than the threshold voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoichi Tamegai
  • Patent number: 8154429
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a keyboard device. The keyboard device includes a base, a main circuit board, a base cover, a touching membrane switch, a touching thin plate, an upper cover and a plurality of keys. The touching membrane switch is activated to implement a predefined hot key function so as to reduce fabricating cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Primax Electronics Ltd.
    Inventors: Chien-Ming Su, Yuan-Lan Yang, Chih-Wen Su, Chun-Nan Su, Chin-Lung Lai